cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of interleukin-1 receptor signaling in the behavioral effects of ethanol and benzodiazepines

Gene expression studies identified the interleukin-1 receptor type I (IL-1R1) as part of a pathway associated with a genetic predisposition to high alcohol consumption, and lack of the endogenous IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) strongly reduced ethanol intake in mice. Here, we compared ethanol-mediated behaviors in mice lacking Il1rn or Il1r1. Deletion of Il1rn (the gene encoding IL-1ra) increases sensitivity to the sedative/hypnotic effects of ethanol and flurazepam and reduces severity of acute ethanol withdrawal. Conversely, deletion of Il1r1 (the gene encoding the IL-1 receptor type I, IL-1R1) reduces sensitivity to the sedative effects of ethanol and flurazepam and increases the severity of acute ethanol withdrawal. The sedative effects of ketamine and pentobarbital were not altered in the knockout (KO) strains. Ethanol intake and preference were not changed in mice lacking Il1r1 in three different tests of ethanol consumption. Recovery from ethanol-induced motor incoordination was only altered in female mice lacking Il1r1. Mice lacking Il1rn (but not Il1r1) showed increased ethanol clearance and decreased ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion. The increased ethanol- and flurazepam-induced sedation in Il1rn KO mice was decreased by administration of IL-1ra (Kineret), and pre-treatment with Kineret also restored the severity of acute ethanol withdrawal. Ethanol-induced sedation and withdrawal severity were changed in opposite directions in the null mutants, indicating that these responses are likely regulated by IL-1R1 signaling, whereas ethanol intake and preference do not appear to be solely regulated by this pathway.
Minority carrier injection in Pt-Si/Si Schottky barrier diodes

Abstract Minority carrier injection was investigated as a function of current density in platinum silicide n- silicon Schottky barrier diodes. Results arein reasonable agreement with published theory. At low currents the minority carrier injection efficiency γ is approximately constant. With increasing current γ increases linearly over a range because of the current-induced electric field, reaches a maximum, and then decreases because of contact effects. Devices with and without buried layers are compared. In addition to reducing the series resistance, the presence of the buried layer decreases γ by two orders of magnitude and reduces current-crowding.
Predictors of concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, fine particulate matter, and particle constituents inside of lower socioeconomic status urban homes

Air pollution exposure patterns may contribute to known spatial patterning of asthma morbidity within urban areas. While studies have evaluated the relationship between traffic and outdoor concentrations, few have considered indoor exposure patterns within low socioeconomic status (SES) urban communities. In this study, part of a prospective birth cohort study assessing asthma etiology in urban Boston, we collected indoor and outdoor 3–4 day samples of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in 43 residences across multiple seasons from 2003 to 2005. Homes were chosen to represent low SES households, including both cohort and non-cohort residences in similar neighborhoods, and consisted almost entirely of multiunit residences. Reflectance analysis and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy were performed on the particle filters to determine elemental carbon (EC) and trace element concentrations, respectively. Additionally, information on home characteristics (e.g. type, age, stove fuel) and occupant behaviors (e.g. smoking, cooking, cleaning) were collected via a standardized questionnaire. The contributions of outdoor and indoor sources to indoor concentrations were quantified with regression analyses using mass balance principles. For NO2 and most particle constituents (except outdoor-dominated constituents like sulfur and vanadium), the addition of selected indoor source terms improved the model's predictive power. Cooking time, gas stove usage, occupant density, and humidifiers were identified as important contributors to indoor levels of various pollutants. A comparison between cohort and non-cohort participants provided another means to determine the influence of occupant activity patterns on indoor–outdoor ratios. Although the groups had similar housing characteristics and were located in similar neighborhoods, cohort members had significantly higher indoor concentrations of PM2.5 and NO2, associated with indoor activities. We conclude that the effect of indoor sources may be more pronounced in high-density multiunit dwellings, and that future epidemiological studies in these populations should explicitly consider these sources in assigning exposures.
American School Counselor Association Ethical Code Changes Relevant to Family Work.

Recent changes to the American School Counselor Association ethical codes relevant to working with families are outlined. Implications for school counselors, counselor educators, and other counselo...
Enabling efficient built-in-self-calibration for RFICs

Robustness and yield enhancement techniques for RF circuits and systems are gaining accelerating traction due to increased PVT variability in nanometer CMOS. One of the more viable approaches that make use of the increasingly heterogeneous systems is digitally-assisted RF, enabling circuit programmability and flexibility. With the inclusion of the more robust digital, RF circuits' impairments may be successfully overcome or significantly diminished. This is enabled by implementing self-calibration mechanisms on top of self-test routines. In this paper, we highlight the basic requirements for enabling the on-chip self-calibration loop and discuss the main design steps. We also show an LNA circuit example demonstrating self-healing capabilities.
Cytokine Profiles in a Rat Model of Otitis Media With Effusion Caused by Eustachian Tube Obstruction With and Without Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection

Objective Cytokine expression was studied in a rat model of otitis media with effusion. Methods The left eustachian tube was obstructed (eustachian tube obstruction [ETO]) in 84 rats. Forty-two ears were challenged with, and those rats were treated from day 2 to day 7 with ampicillin. Twelve rats (6 per group) were killed on days 1, 2, 7, 21, 35, 56, and 112; mucosa was harvested and assayed for interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene expression, and effusion was assayed for IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) protein. Results Most cytokines were detectable in the effusion from infected ears with ETO on days 1 and 2 only. MIP-2 exhibited a biphasic response. Only effusion MIP-2 was consistently detected in uninfected ears with ETO. Three patterns of mucosal cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA) upregulation were observed: isolated early (IL-1beta, IL-8), isolated late (TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma), and biphasic (MCP-1, IL-6, TGF-beta) responses. Early cytokine mRNA upregulations were observed only in the infected ears with ETO, whereas late upregulations were observed in both groups. Conclusions Early expression of the assayed cytokines occurred only in ears with active infection. For both groups, a late upregulation of cytokine message but not protein was documented. The profile of cytokine expression during otitis media episodes may be useful in defining etiology, disease stage, and prognosis.
A non-competitive martial arts exercise program for health and fitness in the general population

Although traditional martial arts training focuses on defensive and offensive systems of physical techniques for combat, martial arts can be practiced as a physical activity for health and fitness, and are recommended as such by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, limited information on non-competitive martial arts exercise programs is available in the open literature. Compared with other modalities of exercise, martial arts exercise offers advantages in safety, no equipment required, flexible space requirement, adjustable intensity, comprehensiveness, individuality, exercise when watching television, and higher motivation of adherence. This article introduces a structured, systematic, and comprehensive martial arts exercise program suitable for the general population of different age groups and physical conditions. The curriculum features a non-competitive, non-contact, safe and fun personal/group exercise based on traditional martial arts training, covering a wide spectrum of techniques of hand strikes, kicks, elbow strikes, knee strikes, blocks, their combinations, takedowns/throws, and self-defense, in addition to warm-up and cool-down. The purpose is to provide an easy, safe, cost-effective (virtually no-cost) and user-friendly alternative exercise program to help the general population increase quality daily exercise.
Hybrid ZVS BCM Current Controlled Three-Phase Microinverter

This paper presents a new zero-voltage switching (ZVS) control method that is suitable for low-power applications such as three-phase microinverters. The proposed hybrid control method increases the efficiency and power density of the microinverters and features both reduced number of components and easy digital implementation. ZVS is achieved by controlling the inductor current bidirectional in every switching cycle and results in lower switching losses, higher operating frequency, and reduced size and cost of passive components, especially magnetic cores. A 400 W prototype of a three-phase inverter and its hybrid control system have been designed and tested under different conditions to verify the effectiveness of the controller. Efficiency measurement and comparison of the three different current modulation schemes have been conducted, and the inverter exhibits peak efficiency of 98.4% with fixed reverse current boundary conduction mode modulation.
The influence of cutting cycle and stocking level on the structure and composition of managed old-growth northern hardwoods.

Abstract Forest management approaches are increasingly being focused on restoring or retaining structurally complex old forest conditions. Evaluations of the long-term impacts of different management regimes on the maintenance and restoration of these conditions are critical for informing and refining current management approaches. To this end, we examined the long-term effects of differing intensities of single-tree selection harvest on stand structural attributes within northern hardwood forests in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA. Stands in this study were classified as old growth at the onset of the experiment and were repeatedly treated and maintained at three residual stocking levels (11.5, 16.1, and 20.7 m2 ha−1 in trees greater than 24 cm DBH) with three different cutting cycle lengths (5, 10, and 15 years) over a 57-year period. Conditions within an adjacent, unmanaged old-growth system were used as a benchmark for comparing stand structural attributes, including abundance of downed woody debris (DWD), regeneration, and large diameter trees. Stand stocking level was the primary factor affecting the long-term trends in stand structure and composition observed among stands. In particular, stands maintained at a 11.5 m2 ha−1 stocking level had significantly lower amounts of DWD, snags, and large overstory trees compared to the 20.7 m2 ha−1 stocking level. Similarly, the highest stocking level treatment had the greatest abundance of Betula alleghaniensis relative to the other two stocking level treatments. In addition, long-term trends in diameter distribution forms indicated that the two highest stocking level treatments largely displayed increasing q and negative exponential curve forms over time, whereas the 11.5 m2 ha−1 stocking level was primarily characterized by concave distribution forms. Ordination analyses of stand structural attributes indicated that stands managed with the highest residual stocking levels contained stand structural characteristics approximating those found within the unmanaged, old-growth benchmark stand, whereas the lowest stocking level was much less complex. These results suggest that single-tree selection systems that maintain high stand residual basal areas, a portion of which is made up of large diameter, below-grade, defective trees, could serve as a potential means to integrate or retain old-growth forest elements in managed stands.
Glacigenic soils of the Taff Valley, South Wales: their geomorphology, geology and engineering properties

Abstract The paper identifies the relationships that exist between glacigenic soils at the limits of glaciation, their landforms and engineering properties, using as a type example the predominantly granular soils of the Taff Valley. Local and regional models of glacial and periglacial process Systems derived from engineering geomorphological mapping provide a means for optimizing site investigation design and practice. The models improve efficiency in delineating sample localities, aid the genetic Classification of the soils and assist with the specification of in situ and laboratory testing programmes to ensure maximum cost effectiveness. By the application of Standard geological and geotechnical methods and techniques the soils are shown to exhibit textures, fabrics and ranges of engineering properties developed due to specific modes of genesis and post-depositional history. Consideration is given to dominant modal fractions and to the likely effect these have on the mass behaviour the soils.
Bone marrow manifestations of Hodgkin's disease

Bone marrow trephine biopsies were performed on 107 previously untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD). Fifteen patients (14%) exhibited bone marrow involvement. These consisted of two of three patients (67%) with lymphocyte depletion, six of 27 patients (22%) with mixed cellularity, five of 64 patients (8%) with nodular sclerosis, and two who were unclassified. Twelve patients manifested a diffuse pattern of involvement; three, a focal pattern. In eight patients more than 70% of the marrow biopsy was replaced by Hodgkin's tissue, in one patient 50% of the marrow biopsy was replaced, and in six patients less than 30% of the marrow biopsy was replaced. Typical Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells were found in the trephine biopsies in 13 of the 15 patients and mononuclear RS variants in two. Bone marrow involvement was the only evidence of stage IV disease in 10 of the 15 patients. In addition to the 15 patients with initial involvement with HD, 11 patients without marrow involvement exhibited granulomas (six) and benign lymphocytic aggregates (five) in their trephine sections. Hematological parameters were studied in all pretreatment patients. Only in the nodular sclerosis group were these parameters useful in differentiating patients with and without Hodgkin's involvement of the marrow. Seventeen additional patients who had been previously treated at the time HD was demonstrated in their bone marrow were also studied. Large areas of necrosis were frequently seen in previously treated patients and one patient demonstrated cryptococcosis in the bone marrow.
Do Tantalum and Titanium Cups Show Similar Results in Revision Hip Arthroplasty

Porous surfaces are intended to enhance osteointegration of cementless implants. Tantalum has been introduced in an effort to enhance osseointegration potential of uncemented components. We therefore compared the clinical outcome of acetabular components with two different porous surfaces. We retrospectively reviewed 283 patients (295 hips) who underwent cementless revision hip arthroplasty with either an HA-coated titanium cup (207 patients, 214 hips) or porous tantalum cup (79 patients, 81 hips). The minimum followup was 24 months in both groups (titanium: average 51.8 months, range, 24–98 months; tantalum: average, 35.4 months, range, 24–63 months). The titanium and tantalum groups had a mechanical failure rate (clinical plus radiographic) of 8% and 6%, respectively. In hips with minor bone deficiency (type 1, 2A, 2B using the classification of Paprosky et al.), 6% of titanium cups and 4% of tantalum cups failed. In hips with major bone deficiency (type 2C, 3), 24% of titanium cups and 12% of tantalum cups developed failure. In the major bone deficiency group, the tantalum cups had fewer numbers of lucent zones around the cup. Eighty-two percent of titanium cups that failed did so at 6 months postoperatively or later, whereas 80% of tantalum cups that failed did so in less than 6 months. Radiographically in the major group, tantalum cups yielded better fixation. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization using a well‐defined ruthenium based metathesis catalyst

A series of α,ω-dienes have been exposed to Ru(Cl 2 )(CH=Ph)(PCy 3 ) 2 , [Ru] 3, metathesis catalyst under acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) conditions, and the products were compared with those obtained previously using Schrock's well defined Mo and W alkylidenes. High molecular weight polymers can be synthesized using [Ru] 3 if lower monomer to catalyst ratios (with respect to [Mo] 1 and [W] 2 are used. Monomer structure plays a role since 1,9-decadiene produces molecular weights typical of ADMET chemistry, whereas 1,5-hexadiene produces only oligomers. This decrease in reactivity is attributed to a manifestation of intramolecular π-complexation of the tethered olefin in 1,5-hexadiene polymerizations. Substituents at the 2-position of α,ω-dienes also affects polymerization in that only dimers can be produced from 2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene, a result similar to the same reaction performed with [W] 2. Diallyl ether oligomerizes effectively in the presence of [Ru] 3 with a ratio of cyclics to oligomers comparable to results obtained with [Mo] 1 and [W] 2.
High strain rate response of epoxy in tensile and shear loading

Epoxy type E-862 has been tested in tension and shear over a wide range of strain rates from 10 -4 to 700 s -1 . Experiments at strain rates of up to 2 s -1 have been conducted with a hydraulic testing machine, and tests at strain rates above 300 s -1 have been conducted using the split Hopkinson bar technique. The results show that the epoxy is very sensitive to the rate of deformation. A stiffer material response (increase in modulus) is observed with increasing strain rate in both tension and shear loadings. The maximum stress also increases with increasing strain rate. The maximum shear stress at a strain rate of 700 s -1 is roughly twice the maximum stress at a strain rate of 10 -4 s -1 . In the tensile tests a smaller increase in the maximum stress is observed. This, however, might be due to the existence of a hydrostatic stress component that causes a premature fracture of the specimens.
Leydig Cell Numbers, Daily Sperm Production, and Serum Gonadotropin Levels in Aging Men

Age-related changes in Leydig cell number, daily sperm production, and circulating hormone levels were studied in 15 men between 20 and 48 yr of age and 15 men between 50 and 76 yr of age. Testes and blood samples were obtained at autopsy less than 15 h after death due to trauma or heart attack. Leydig cell number was determined by quantitative histometric estimation of the proportion of glutaraldehyde-perfused, decapsulated testicular parenchyma occupied by Leydig cell nuclei of measured average volume in both testes of each subject. Daily sperm production was determined by phase contrast cytometry of round spermatid nuclei in homogenates of both fixed testes from each individual. LH, FSH, PRL, and testosterone in serum from the heart or large veins were quantified by RIA. No relationship was detected between any of the testicular or hormonal values and postmortem time. The average total number of Leydig cells was reduced by 44% in the older men and was negatively correlated with age (p = -0.62) in all men. Mean serum LH was elevated more than 2-fold in the older men and was positively correlated with age (p = +0.53) in all men. Neither serum testosterone nor serum PRL changed significantly with age. Daily sperm production was more than 50% lower in older men and was negatively correlated with age (p = -0.76) in all men. Serum FSH was more than 3-fold higher in the older men and was positively correlated with age (p = +0.72) in all men. The highest FSH levels were found in men with the lowest rates of sperm production, and FSH and daily sperm production were inversely correlated even after the effects of age were removed. These findings show that the response of the human testis to aging is variable and that the predictive value of age for most testicular characteristics is weak at the level of individual men. Nevertheless, age accounts for more than a third of the variation in Leydig cell number, and it explains more than half the variation in daily sperm production. Hence, age is the largest single contributing factor yet identified in the search for explanations underlying the variation in testicular structure and function found in groups of normal men.
Issue Alignment and the American Party System, 1956-1976

Recent commentaries on the American party system have developed conflicting interpretations of the ways in which it changed during the 1960s and 1970s. Studies based upon individual behavior conclude that because of the intense conflicts of the 1960s, voters became more issue-oriented in their evaluations of the parties. Thus, an emerging basis for a "responsible" party system is visible in the changes of this period. System-level studies, on the other hand, point in exactly the opposite direction—to the growing instability of party alignments. The present study attempts to assess these interpretations in terms of the concept of "issue alignment," which refers to the degree to which citizens prefer the same party across a range of issues. Using data from national election surveys taken between 1956 and 1976, it is shown that issue alignment declined after 1956 and certainly did not increase during the 1960s and 1970s. Thus it appears that party alignments across issues are less stable presently than they ...
The Elusive Effect of Fiscal Deficits on Interest Rates: Comment on Tanzi

ITO TANZI IN HIS RECENT ARTICLE on the effects of fiscal deficits on interest rates in the United States (Tanzi (1985)) concluded that the cyclically adjusted U.S. federal deficit had a significant effect in raising interest rates. Unfortunately, he appears to have misinterpreted the sign on the deficit variable. The government balance, when it is a deficit, has a negative value, and therefore it should have had a negative coefficient. Instead, Tanzi's empirical results, which have positive coefficients on the deficit variable, indicate that a higher government deficit causes lower interest rates.
Using anthropological interview strategies to enhance knowledge acquisition

Abstract Knowledge engineering is the “bottleneck” in expert systems (ES) development that has prevented widespread ES application. The bottleneck problem is exacerbated by a lack of specific information in published accounting research and accounting information texts describing specific knowledge elicitation activities. That lack of information adversely impacts the ability to develop cost effective ES. A review from the social sciences indicates that knowledge elicitation has been well developed by anthropologists and ethnologists. Application of anthropological interview strategies can overcome this “bottleneck.” Ford and Wood (1992) developed a strategy fof knowledge elicitation based on their research into anthropology and ethnology. Ford and Wood's (1992) four phase strategy addresses the issues of knowledge organization, problem representation, problem solving strategies, and tacit knowledge to improve the elicitation process. This four phase interviewing strategy was applied to an accounting and finance environment and a prototype ES was developed. Examples of the questions used to perform each knowledge elicitation task are presented along with a description of the controls used to assure accuracy in developing the related knowledge base. Using this elicitation strategy, allows one to overcome many of the problems previously identified with knowledge elicitation.
Webcam clip art: appearance and illuminant transfer from time-lapse sequences

Webcams placed all over the world observe and record the visual appearance of a variety of outdoor scenes over long periods of time. The recorded time-lapse image sequences cover a wide range of illumination and weather conditions -- a vast untapped resource for creating visual realism. In this work, we propose to use a large repository of webcams as a "clip art" library from which users may transfer scene appearance (objects, scene backdrops, outdoor illumination) into their own time-lapse sequences or even single photographs. The goal is to combine the recent ideas from data-driven appearance transfer techniques with a general and theoretically-grounded physically-based illumination model. To accomplish this, the paper presents three main research contributions: 1) a new, high-quality outdoor webcam database that has been calibrated radiometrically and geometrically; 2) a novel approach for matching illuminations across different scenes based on the estimation of the properties of natural illuminants (sun, sky, weather and clouds), the camera geometry, and illumination-dependent scene features; 3) a new algorithm for generating physically plausible high dynamic range environment maps for each frame in a webcam sequence.
Bonding Failure: `I don't Know this Baby, She's Nothing to do with me'

`Bonding failure' describes an extreme and persistent lack of emotional connection between a mother and her infant. Little is known about the prevalence, precipitants or nature of the interaction between `non-bonded' mothers and their babies. Two clinical examples of severe postnatal depression and `bonding failure' are presented. The therapeutic focus combines ideas from Video Interaction Guidance, Systems Theory and Art Therapy. A common theme is the power of the visual image to create a crucially important context for growth. The cases are discussed both with reference to the therapeutic `ingredients' that facilitated the development of maternal attachment as well as the struggle to find a balance between the need for individuality as a mother whilst living within a socially constructed world of motherhood.
Ultrasonic attenuation in cesium for oblique magnetic fields

The ultrasonic attenuation of longitudinal waves was measured in cesium single crystals in oblique and transverse magnetic fields. Ultrasonic frequencies between 10 and 90 MHz were employed and the attenuation was studied at 4.2 and 1.5 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. For an angle of 55 deg between the direction of propagation and the magnetic field direction, the change in the attenuation between zero-field value and the limiting high-field value is a direct measure of the zero-field electronic contribution to the ultrasonic attenuation. Ultrasonic absorption edges which occur in oblique magnetic fields were also studied. The results are compared with the free-electron theory.
Solution of elastic scattering problems in linear acoustics using h-p boundary element methods

Abstract A simplified model problem reduced from the general class of elastic scattering problems is analyzed. Both classical Helmholtz and hypersingular formulations are discussed and a general h-p boundary element method based on the Burton-Miller combination of both approaches is formulated. A simple L 2 -residual a posteriori error estimate is discussed as a basis of adaptive h - or p -refinements.
Social Presence and Student Satisfaction as Predictors of Online Enrollment Intent

This research examined the relations among social presence, satisfaction with learning experiences, and future online enrollment intent. The data for this cross-sectional study (N = 280) were collected via an online questionnaire at a large university in the midwestern United States. Students taking online courses because of convenience were more likely to enroll in a future course, whereas those taking the course because it was required for their major were less likely. The curiosity and enjoy interaction motives were indicated as the primary motive for taking the online course by almost 20% of the participants. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that both social presence and satisfaction with learning experiences were significant positive predictors of future online enrollment intent. Social presence explained the most variance in the regression equation.
Comparison between reduction in 24-hour pad weight, International Consultation on Incontinence-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) score, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Post-Operative Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score in patient evaluation after male perineal sling.

Aims We assessed the utility of three self-assessment instruments: the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), the post-operative Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score, and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) by correlating them with an objective outcome, the change in 24-hr pad weight, after a male perineal sling. Methods Twenty-six men with urodynamically confirmed stress incontinence underwent a male perineal sling. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively with a 24-hr pad test, IPSS and ICIQ-SF. Patients also completed the PGI-I post-operatively. Changes in study parameters were compared via the paired t-test, and correlations were performed using Spearman's rho. Results There were significant reductions in 24-hr pad weight (−274 g, P < 0.001), percentage 24-hr pad weight (54.2%), ICIQ-SF score (−6.3, P < 0.001), and the three ICIQ-SF subscores (−1.2, −1.7, −3.4 for Questions 3, 4, and 5, respectively, P < 0.001 for all). The change in total ICIQ-SF score and the post-operative PGI-I score correlated strongly with percentage reduction in 24-hr pad weight (r = −0.68, P < 0.001; r = −0.81, P < 0.001, respectively) and with each other (r = 0.79, P < 0.001). The change in all three ICIQ-SF subscores correlated significantly with percentage reduction in 24-hr pad weight and with post-operative PGI-I score. There was no significant change in the IPSS or the voiding or storage subscores, and none correlated with any other study parameter. Conclusions This study validates the construct validity of the ICIQ-SF and PGI-I in the assessment of treatment for male stress incontinence and should make clinicians confident in comparing studies of incontinence treatment utilizing the change ICIQ-SF score, the post-operative PGI-I score, and percentage reduction in 24-hr pad weight as outcome measures. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Subcellular Organization of Cortactin in Hippocampus

Spines may undergo rapid, activity-dependent changes in shape and size, reflecting reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. This remodeling is implicated in development and also in the late phase of long-term potentiation. However, the cellular mechanisms that convert activity into morphological change remain poorly understood, and little is known about the anatomical distribution of the actin-regulating proteins that mediate this remodeling. Using immunocytochemistry, we demonstrate here that cortactin (a protein implicated in actin filament nucleation, branching, and stabilization) is concentrated in hippocampal spines, where it colocalizes with F-actin. Cortactin has a Shank-binding domain; recent studies report that synaptic activity may trigger actin remodeling via this interaction with Shank. However, our immunogold electron microscopic data show that cortactin concentrates within the spine core, 100-150 nm away from the postsynaptic density (PSD); only a small fraction of the cortactin in spines lies adjacent to the PSD. These data suggest that the adult dendritic spine contains two functional pools of cortactin: a large pool in the spine core that may help to mediates changes in spine shape and a small synaptic pool that may modify the PSD in response to synaptic activity.
Characterization of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus-8 infection of human vascular endothelial cells: early events.

Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) is causally associated with Kaposi sarcoma (KS). The absence of a cell culture system that effectively reproduces the composite mechanisms governing initiation and maintenance of HHV-8 infection (lytic and latent) in KS endothelial cells, however, has left important questions unanswered. Here, we report a culture system in which the earliest events that accompany HHV-8 infection could be surveyed in primary endothelial cells. Binding of HHV-8 to microvascular dermal endothelial cells (MVDECs) was directly compared with other primary target cells implicated in HHV-8–associated diseases. Virus attachment, fusion, internalization and transport within MVDECs was monitored by electron microscopy. Studies of genome configuration revealed that rapid circularization of the viral DNA occurred on entry, though by 72 hours after infection linear DNAs accumulated and early as well as late lytic RNAs (T1.1, K8.1) could be detected. The latency transcripts (LT1/LT2) were first detected on day 8, demonstrating that both lytic and latent infection were initiated. Although most lytic transcripts accrued until passage, open-reading frame–74 RNAs fluctuated with a fixed periodicity, suggesting that early replication after infection of MVDECs was synchronous.
PREDICTING LONG‐TERM SUCCESS IN GRADUATE SCHOOL: A COLLABORATIVE VALIDITY STUDY

GRE verbal and quantitative scores and undergraduate grade point average were evaluated as predictors of multiple measures of long-term graduate school success. The measures of success were cumulative graduate grade point average and faculty ratings on three student characteristics: mastery of the discipline, professional productivity, and communication skill. Seven graduate institutions and 21 graduate departments in biology, chemistry, education, English, and psychology collaborated in order to identify measures of valued outcomes, develop reports useful to individual departments and graduate schools, and initiate a database for future studies. Results are reported for all departments combined and by discipline and, where sample sizes permitted, for master's and doctoral degree students, men and women, U.S. citizens and noncitizens, domestic ethnic groups, and test takers who took the GRE computer-based test and those who took the paper-and-pencil version of the test. The results indicate that the combination of GRE scores and undergraduate grade point average strongly predicts cumulative graduate grade point average and faculty ratings. These results hold in each discipline and appear to hold in the small subgroups.
Preventing clinically evident coronary heart disease in the postmenopausal woman.

Objective This review summarizes data on the prevalent coronary heart disease risk factors of postmenopausal women and the pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies available for preventing or treating them. Design Medline searches from 1966 on were used to identify manuscripts for coronary heart disease risk factor information, lipid levels as predictors of cardiovascular disease in women, non-pharmacologic therapies, side effects of statins, and lipid-lowering trials that included women and had myocardial infarction or coronary heart disease death as endpoints. Results Dyslipidemias that occur with menopause are particularly atherogenic and tend to cluster with other metabolic and nonmetabolic risk factors. Estrogen therapy, with or without progestogen, can no longer be recommended for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. Statins have been effective in reducing cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality and should be first-line therapy for lipid-lowering. Conclusions A considerable number of women look to obstetricians-gynecologists for primary care. For postmenopausal women especially, primary care must include management of risk factors for coronary heart disease. Estrogen or estrogen plus progestin should be used only for symptomatic hot flashes and at the lowest dose possible. Statins should be first-line therapy in preventive strategies for lipid-lowering.
Effects of peripheral sympathectomy on thermoregulatory vascular control in the rabbit ear

A rabbit ear model of the human digit was utilized to determine the vascular response to peripheral sympathectomy. Vascular responses were evaluated by subjecting chronically instrumented rabbits to a cold stress before and after sympathectomy surgery. The typical response to cold stress is for ear temperatures and auricular cutaneous perfusion to decrease during the cooling phase of the test and to increase toward baseline levels during the rewarming phase after cold exposure. Following peripheral sympathectomy, ear temperatures were significantly increased during both the cooling and rewarming phase of the cold stress test although overall ear perfusion and skin perfusion were not different from sham-operated rabbits. The responses observed in the rabbit ear following peripheral sympathectomy appear to mimic those noted in patients receiving digital peripheral sympathectomies for the treatment of refractory pain and ulceration. Peripheral sympathectomy may result in clinical improvements in patients because it improves both total digital and nutritional cutaneous blood flow. Peripheral sympathectomy in normal rabbit ears does not result in altered perfusion patterns with cold exposure although ear temperature is significantly higher. This pattern of changes suggests that the distribution of extremity perfusion is altered even though overall extremity perfusion and cutaneous perfusion per se are not significantly different from sham-operated controls. Complete sympathectomy was accompanied by a persistent increase in ear temperature and a dissociation between conductance and microvascular perfusion. Auricular conductance was transiently increased and then decreased to levels below preoperative control values. Microvascular perfusion is decreased immediately following amputation/replantation and thereafter increases.
Thermal stability of photosensitive Bragg gratings in sputter-deposited germanosilicate glass

The thermal stability of photo-imprinted Bragg gratings formed in reactive-atmosphere, RF-magnetron sputtered germanosilicate thin films was evaluated in terms of point defect modifications observed during isochronal annealing. Optical and magnetic spectroscopes were utilized to evaluate structural relaxation in these sputtered glasses on both a local and medium-range size scale. Depending upon the substrate temperature used during deposition, significant structural rearrangement was found to occur with increasing post-deposition anneal temperature to 600 C. This resulted in changes in the photobleaching response of the material itself as the identity of optically active structural defects evolved. Based on a color center model for photosensitivity in these materials and measured changes in optical absorption with annealing, the thermal stability of a photo-imprinted Bragg grating was modeled. Good qualitative agreement with experiment was observed.
Intrauterine position affects sex-accessory biochemistry in adult female mice.

Female mouse fetuses that develop in utero implanted between two male fetuses (2M females) are shown as adults to have significantly elevated (P<0.01) levels of (1-glucuronidase activity in their preputial glands compared to that of OM females, females that had not been contiguous to males in utero, and 1M females, females contiguous in utero to only one male (mean ± SEM, 2M females = 23,9 ± 2.1, 1M females 13.3 ± 5.2, and OM females - 7.8 ± 2.5 Modified Sigma Units/ mg frozen weight). It is hypothesized that the increased enzymatic activity in the preputial glands of 2M females could be important in releasing steroid metabolites from voided urine. These metabolites could then act as pheromones and thus explain some of the described differences in sexual behavior correlated with intrauterine position.
Phosphorus interdiffusivity inα-Fe binary and alloy systems

The isothermal segregation kinetics of phosphorus to Fe and Fe-based alloy surfaces have been monitored from 783 to 923 K using Auger electron spectroscopy. The P segregation kinetics are consistent with a model which assumes bulk diffusion of P to be the rate controlling mechanism in the segregation process. The activation energy and preexponential for P diffusion in Fe calculated from the diffusion data are 314 ± 30 kJ · mol−1 and 8 × 105 cm2s in the temperature range studied. Similar results are found for the carbon free Fe-based alloys studied. Phosphorus segregation kinetics for a carbon containing alloy are more rapid, with evidence of a dependence on carbon concentration. The activation energy and pre-exponential calculated in this study for carbon-free alloys are considerably higher than published values measured at higher temperatures by conventional techniques. It is pointed out that an increase in activation energy with decreasing temperature is consistent with observations in several studies of Fe and other ferromagnetic alloys of an increase in activation energy for diffusion below the ferromagnetic transition temperature.
Prenatal programming of hypernatremia and hypertension in neonatal lambs

Maternal water restriction and the accompanying dehydration-induced anorexia may induce long-term physiological changes in offspring. We determined the impact of prenatal hypertonicity (Pre-Dehy) o...
On the Origin of Ultraviolet Contrasts on Venus

Models for the origin of the contrasts in the ultraviolet images of Venus are examined in an attempt to determine the physical differences between light and dark regions fundamental to a clear understanding of the apparent cloud motions. To evaluate the meaning of the wavelength dependence of the contrasts, an improved determination of the spherical albedo curve for Venus in the 0.225-1.06 micron range is made by fitting appropriate theoretical models to the observations of monochromatic magnitudes as a function of phase angle. It is shown that, because of differences between the spectral dependences of spherical albedo and contrasts, at least one major absorber other than the one causing the contrasts is almost certainly required. Several classes of models are compatible with present observational evidence. The contrasts and the absorption associated with them may in fact be occurring below, within or above the main visible cloud layer, and thus an unambiguous interpretation of the apparent cloud motions is not possible.
Effect of heat on the serum Gm-a, Gm-b, Gm-x and Gm-like.

GRUBB1 reported that Rh-positive red blood cells coated with an incomplete anti-D serum could be caused to agglutinate by serum from some patients with rheumatoid arthritis. He showed also that serum from some healthy patients could inactivate the rheumatoid arthritis serum when mixed with it, so that sensitized red blood cells would not be caused to agglutinate.
Computational Framework for Determining Patient-Specific Total Knee Arthroplasty Loading

The purpose of this work is to describe a computational framework for predicting total knee arthroplasty loads which are necessary for accurate preclinical testing of implant designs. Inputs required include patient knee joint kinematics, and implant type, size, and physiological alignment. Computational models used in the framework include the calculation of knee joint kinematics and kinetics, prediction of the contact path, a model to determine muscle forces, and a force model to obtain parametric solutions for implant forces. The resulting knee implant forces have been validated in two studies, and in both the model accurately predicted differences in knee joint loading. To date, implant contact forces have been predicted for 35 patients with four different implant types. Forces have been calculated for walking, chair, and stair activities.
Precaution and Solar Radiation Management

Solar radiation management is a form of geoengineering that involves the intentional manipulation of solar radiation with the aim of reducing global average temperature. This paper explores what precaution implies about the status of solar radiation management. It is argued that any form of solar radiation management that poses threats of catastrophe cannot constitute an appropriate precautionary measure against another threat of catastrophe, namely climate change. Research of solar radiation management is appropriate on a precautionary view only insofar as such research aims to identify whether any forms of solar radiation management could be implemented without creating new or exacerbating existing threats of catastrophe.
Diffusion-controlled grain growth in two-phase solids

Abstract Microstructural evolution and the kinetics of grain growth in volume-conserved two-phase solids were investigated using two-dimensional (2-D) computer simulations based on a diffuse-interface field model. In this model, a two-phase microstructure is described by non-conserved field variables which represent crystallographic orientations of grains in each phase and by a conserved composition field variable which distinguishes the compositional difference between the two phases. The temporal and spatial evolution of these field variables were obtained through a numerical solution to the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) equations. The effect of the ratios of grain boundary energies to interfacial energy on the microstructure features was systematically studied. It was found that grain growth in a volume-conserved two-phase solid is controlled by long-range diffusion and follows the power growth law, Rm − Rmo = kt with m = 3 in the scaling regime for all cases studied, including the microstructures containing only quadrijunctions. The effects of volume fractions and initial microstructures are discussed.
Probing optical lattice states with double well atom interferometry

ABSTRACT Interferencepatternsproducedbybinomiallysplittingatomstatesinadoublewellopticallatticecanbeusedtoprobemanyimportant properties of this system, including double well tilt (and tilt inhomogeneities), the on-site interaction energy U,atom numberdistributionacross the lattice, vibrationalexcitation,and lattice state coherence,makingatom interferometrya powerfultool to analyzeand characterizethe structureand states of optical lattice systems, an essential task if theyare torealize their potential for quantuminformationand for a variety of other proposeduses. 1. INTRODUCTION Optical latticesformed by the superposition of counter-propagating laser beamsare spatially periodic light elds thatcanbeusedto holdandcontrolarraysofatomsin freespace. 13 A 3Dopticallattice is a crystal-likepotentialwhereoneormoreatomscanbeloadedintoeachunitcell. Theunitcellsofthesimplest3Dlatticesaresinglewellpotentials. Thelatticeof single wells is parameterizedby the ratio U/J, where U is the on-site energythetwo-bodyinteraction energyand J isthe nearest neighbortunneling energy. Recently, a double-well optical lattice has been implemented in which the unit cellcanbe dynamicallytransformedbetweensingle anddoublewell con gurations.