cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retention of contraceptive and AIDS information in the classroom

Two well‐cited studies (Fisher, 1980; Schwartz, 1973) have suggested that people with negative emotional orientations toward sexuality (i.e., “erotophobia” or “sex guilt”) have difficulty learning contraceptive information. However, a recent laboratory study (Goldfarb, Gerrard, Gibbons, & Plante, 1988) has raised doubts about this conclusion by demonstrating that erotophobic women can learn contraceptive information if they are exposed to it. The current study was designed to further clarify the relationship between emotional orientation toward sex and ability to learn sexually relevant material. Specifically, it compared pretest and post‐test knowledge of contraception and AIDS in erotophobic and erotophilic students in a university class on human reproduction. While the results indicated that male erotophobics initially knew less, there were no knowledge differences between males and females or erotophobics and erotophilics at the end of the course. Thus, these results support the conclusion that erotop...
Trends in ureteropelvic junction obstruction management among urologists in the United States

Abstract Objectives To determine current practice patterns in the surgical treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) among urologists in the United States. Methods Using the American Urological Association directory, an electronic mail survey regarding the surgical management of UPJO was sent to 1040 urologists in the United States with an electronic mail address listed in the roster. Results The response rate was 37.6%. Of the respondents, 67.4% were in community practice and 32.6% in academic practice. Nearly 53% of the respondents would perform a workup for a crossing vessel before definitive therapy; if no crossing vessel was found, 43.5% would consider Acucise endopyelotomy as the first-line procedure. However, if a crossing vessel was found, 57.4% would perform open pyeloplasty and 34.3% would choose laparoscopic pyeloplasty as their first-line procedure. If pyeloplasty was chosen, community urologists preferred open pyeloplasty (77.6%), and academic urologists preferred laparoscopic pyeloplasty (66.9%). The surgeon’s training and experience was the most influential factor in choosing between laparoscopic and open pyeloplasty. If the patient had a failed endopyelotomy in the past, most respondents (90.8%) would perform pyeloplasty for definitive treatment of the UPJO. Conclusions Demonstration of a crossing vessel remains an important factor in determining the course of management of a UPJO. During the past 5 years, a growing number of urologists in both academic and nonacademic practices have been performing laparoscopic pyeloplasty for the management of UPJO in adults. Several factors, especially the surgeon’s training, have an impact on the choice of procedure. Open pyeloplasty is still performed by a significant number of urologists. These data may be useful in designing physician education programs and/or future investigations to help define standard treatment practices for UPJO.
Complex systems and valuation

Abstract Ecological and economic systems are undeniably complex. Whereas a goal of delineating ‘ecosystem services’ is to make readily apparent some of the important ways in which ecosystems underpin human welfare, insights are also gained by appreciating the nonlinear dynamic properties of ecosystems. In this paper, we review some of the relevant characteristics of complex systems. Ecosystems and economic systems share many properties, but valuation has typically been driven by short-term human preferences. Here we argue that as the force of humanity increases on the planet, ecosystem service valuation will need to switch from choosing among resources to valuing the avoidance of catastrophic ecosystem change.
Effect of volume guarantee combined with assist/control vs synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation.

To compare the effect of combining assist/control with volume-guarantee (AC+VG) vs synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation with VG (SIMV+VG) on tidal volume (VT), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), mean airway pressure (MAP), respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and minute volume (MV) in preterm infants. A total of 12 infants were randomized to receive AC+VG, followed by SIMV+VG, or the opposite sequence for four alternating 2-hour periods. Airway pressure of machine breaths was higher during SIMV. MV and VTe were similar, but more variable during synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation. The VTe of unsupported breaths during SIMV was lower than machine breaths of SIMV and AC. There was more tachycardia and tachypnea with a lower and more variable SpO2 during SIMV. SIMV+VG is associated with higher work of breathing indicated by tachycardia, tachypnea and lower SpO2 compared to AC+VG. VG appears to be more effective when combined with AC than with SIMV.
XMM-Newton Observations of Two High-Redshift Quasars: RX J1028-0844 and BR 0351-1034*

We report the results of XMM-Newton observations of two high-redshift quasars, one radio-loud, RX J1028.6-0844 (z = 4.276) and one radio-quiet, BR 0351-1034 (z = 4.351). We find that the evidence for strong excess absorption toward RX J1028-0844 is marginal at best, contrary to previous claims. The superior sensitivity and broader, softer energy range of XMM-Newton (0.2–10 keV) allows better determination of spectral parameters than much deeper ASCA observations (0.8–7 keV). Our XMM-Newton observations call into question several other ASCA results of strong absorption toward high-redshift radio-loud quasars. RX J1028.6-0844 occupies the same parameter space in broadband spectral properties as the low-redshift BL Lac objects, showing no obvious evolution with redshift. The radio-quiet quasar BR 0351-1024 became fainter between ROSAT and XMM observations by a factor of at least 5, but with the present data we cannot determine whether there is an associated spectral change. These observations do not support previous claims of weaker X-ray emission from high-redshift, radio-quiet quasars. The soft X-ray spectral slope required to reconstruct the ROSAT PSPC hardness ratio of BR 0351-1034 is about αX = 3.5, the steepest X-ray slope ever observed in a high-redshift quasar and similar to that of low-redshift narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies.
The maximal eigenvalue of 0–1 matrices with prescribed number of ones

Abstract We determine the maximum spectral radius for 0–1 matrices with m 2 + l ones for l =2 m , 2 m − 3 for all m and for a fixed l and m > M ( l ). Similar results are obtained for symmetric 0–1 matrix with zero diagonal. In all cases, equality is characterized.
Examining the Influence of Jessica’s Law on Reported Forcible Rape A Time-Series Analysis

Since the 1990s, several measures intended to deter sexual offending have been instituted by state governments. A recent example is Jessica’s Law. First adopted in Florida, variations of Jessica’s Law have since been enacted by the majority of states. The impact of this legislation on forcible rape remains unexplored. Using a general deterrence framework, we apply Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) modeling to monthly Uniform Crime Report (UCR) aggregations of reported forcible rape from 2000 to 2011 in states requiring lifetime electronic monitoring of convicted sex offenders as a condition of Jessica’s Law. Results indicate a null relationship between Jessica’s Law and reported forcible rape. Policy implications related to the efficacy of sex offender legislation and alternatives for reducing sexual offending are discussed.
Developmentally dependent responses of detached cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruit to exogenous ethylene

Abstract Previous studies of the postharvest physiological and developmental behavior of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruit have examined fruit at a single developmental stage corresponding to commercial harvest maturity. The present study investigated the postharvest storage and ethylene responses of cucumber fruit at defined developmental stages based on growth and surface color parameters. Plants of a greenhouse cucumber (cv. Manar) were grown using current commercial practices. Fruit size and surface color were monitored during fruit development. Fruit were harvested at four stages of development: Immature (4–8 d after anthesis (DAA), commercial harvest maturity), Mature (10–14 DAA), Breaker (16–20 DAA) and Yellow (35–40 DAA). Fruit were stored in air or in either 10 μL L−1 ethylene or 1300 μL L−1 propylene for 12 d at 15 °C. The data indicate that cucumber fruit undergo marked changes in ethylene responses during development. Ethylene-treated Immature fruit exhibited mesocarp watersoaking and epidermal sloughing, slight degreening, and declines in mesocarp pH and firmness compared with air-stored fruit after 6 d of storage. Mature fruit behaved similarly to Immature fruit, but exhibited a lower incidence of watersoaking and greater fruit degreening. In sharp contrast, Breaker and Yellow fruit rapidly degreened and became orange due to chlorophyll degradation and β-carotene accumulation, softened, and produced ‘fruity’ aromatic compounds after 9 d of ethylene exposure. Ethylene increased respiration in fruit of all stages of development; however, ethylene production was detectable only in decaying fruit. The data indicate that the postharvest response of mini-cucumber fruit to ethylene is highly developmentally dependent, with older fruit exhibiting climacteric-like responses and younger fruit exhibiting tissue watersoaking and general fruit deterioration.
Wilms tumor gene protein 1 is associated with ovarian cancer metastasis and modulates cell invasion.

BACKGROUND Although metastatic disease is the primary cause of death from epithelial ovarian carcinoma, to the authors' knowledge the cellular mechanisms that regulate intraperitoneal metastasis are largely unknown. Metastasizing ovarian carcinoma cells encounter a collagen-rich microenvironment because the submesothelial matrix is comprised mainly of interstitial collagens Types I and III. METHODS Immunohistochemistry using primary and metastatic ovarian carcinoma samples was employed to detect expression of Wilms tumor gene protein 1 (WT1). Three-dimensional (3D) collagen culture, real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescent staining were used to evaluate changes in WT1 RNA and protein expression in response to 3D collagen culture. Boyden chamber invasion assay, scratch-wound motility assay, and Western blot analysis were used to establish the function of WT1 in ovarian carcinoma cells. RESULTS To model intraperitoneal invasion in vitro, ovarian cancer cells were cultured in a 3D collagen microenvironment. 3D collagen culture resulted in robust induction of WT1 at the mRNA and protein levels. WT1 expression was prevalent in primary ovarian tumors and was retained in paired peritoneal metastases. Functional studies supported a role for WT1 in intraperitoneal invasion, because siRNA knockdown of WT1 expression reduced the ability of ovarian cancer cells to invade 3D collagen gels. CONCLUSIONS The data from the current study identify a novel regulatory mechanism for the control of WT1 expression and provide evidence for a functional role of WT1 protein in the control of cellular invasive activity. Cancer 2008. ©2008 American Cancer Society.
Stressful Life Events and Child Anxiety: Examining Parent and Child Mediators.

While a number of factors have been linked with excessive anxiety (e.g., parenting, child temperament), the impact of stressful life events remains under-studied. Moreover, much of this literature has examined bivariate associations rather than testing more complex theoretical models. The current study extends the literature on life events and child anxiety by testing a theory-driven meditational model. Specifically, one child factor (child cognitions/locus of control), two parent factors (parent psychopathology and parenting stress), and two parent-child relationship factors (parent-child dysfunctional interaction and parenting style) were examined as mediators in the relationship between stressful life events and severity of child anxiety. One hundred and thirty anxious parents and their nonanxious, high-risk children (ages ranged from 7 to 13 years) participated in this study. Results indicated that levels of parenting stress, parental anxious rearing, and dysfunctional parent-child interaction mediated the association between stressful life events and severity of anxiety symptoms. Child cognition and parent psychopathology factors failed to emerge as mediators. Findings provide support for more complex theoretical models linking life events and child anxiety and suggest potential targets of intervention.
Kupier Prize Lecture: Sources of Solar-System Carbon

We have tried to deconvolve Solar-System carbon into its sources, on the basis of C-12/C-13 ratios (equivalent to R). Interstellar SiC in meteorites, representing greater than 4.6-Ga-old stardust from carbon stars, is isotopically heavier (bar R = 38 +/- 2) than Solar-System carbon (89), implying that the latter contains an additional, light component. A likely source are massive stars, mainly Type II supernovae and Wolf-Rayet stars, which, being O-rich, eject their C largely as CO rather than carbonaceous dust. The fraction of such light C in the Solar System depends on R(sub light) in the source. For R(sub light) = 180-1025 (as in 'Group 4' meteoritic graphite spherules, which apparently came from massive stars greater than 4.6 Ga ago), the fraction of light C is 0.79-0.61. Similar results are obtained for present-day data on red giants and interstellar gas. Although both have become enriched in C-13 due to galactic evolution (to bar-R = 20 and 57), the fraction of the light component in interstellar gas again is near 0.7. (Here bar R represents the mean of a mixture calculated via atom fractions; it is not identical to the arithmetic mean R). Interstellar graphite, unlike SiC, shows a large peak at R approximately equal 90, near the solar value. Although some of the grains may be of local origin, others show anomalies in other elements and hence are exotic. Microdiamonds, with R = 93, also are exotic on the basis of their Xe and N. Apparently R approximately 90 was a fairly common composition 4.6 Ga ago, of stars as well as the ISM.
Large Area Submicrometer Contact Printing Using a Contact Aligner

Submicrometer patterns were produced in a thin layer of gold over a 3 in. diameter substrate with an accuracy of ≥40 nm and a runout (feature to feature misalignment between the template and the st...
Assessing Safety and Outcomes in Outpatient versus Inpatient Thyroidectomy using the NSQIP: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis of 16,370 Patients

With increasing economic healthcare constraints and an evolving understanding of patient selection criteria and patient safety, outpatient thyroidectomy is now more frequently employed. However, robust statistical analyses evaluating outcomes and safety after outpatient thyroidectomy with matched comparisons to inpatient cohorts are lacking. The 2011-2012 NSQIP datasets were queried to identify all patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Inpatient and outpatient procedures cohorts were matched 1:1 using propensity score analysis to assess outcomes. Outcomes of interest included surgical and medical complications, reoperation, mortality, and readmission. Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized to identify predictors of these events. Relative risk ratios were calculated for adverse events between inpatient and outpatient cohorts. In total, 21,508 patients were identified to have undergone a thyroidectomy in 2011–2012. Inpatients and outpatients were matched 1:1 with respect to preoperative and operative characteristics, leaving 8,185 patients in each treatment arm. After matching, overall 30-day morbidity was rare with only 250 patients (1.53 %) experiencing any perioperative morbidity. 476 patients (2.91 %) were readmitted within 30-days of the operation. Both pre- and post-matching, inpatient thyroidectomy was associated with increased risks of readmission, reoperation, and any complication. Based on this comprehensive population-based study, outpatient thyroidectomy appears to be at least as safe as inpatient thyroidectomy. However, there are still differences in outcomes between inpatient and outpatient cohorts, despite statistical matching of preoperative and intraoperative variables. Future research needs to be spent identifying these as-of-yet unknown risk factors to resolve this discrepancy.
Pharmacological treatment of the fetus. Clinical pharmacokinetic considerations

During the 1960s, the teratogenic effects of thalidomide focused attention upon the fetus as the unintended recipient of various substances transferred from the maternal circulation. Con­ cerns persist about the numerous substances that reach the fetus during pregnancy. In contrast, the fetus has now become the object of intended drug treatment, usually delivered through the maternal circulation. I I ,2] Intentional fetal therapy has been devised for several fetal problems, including: arrhythmias,13.4] congestive heart failure,15] pulmonary immatu­ rity,l61 adrenal hyperplasia,17] bacterial infections l8] and maternal-fetal transmission ofHIY.19] A variety of drugs with diverse pharmacological properties and toxicity have been administered to (usually) healthy pregnant women to treat fetal disorders. This diametrical shift in attitude about fetal drug exposure has occurred with limited discussion of the ethical problems involved llO] and limited in­ vestigations upon which to design therapeutic re­ gimens.[ll] Many studies illustrate the complex changes in the matemal-placental-fetal-unit (MPFU) that affect pharmacokinetics throughout gestation. These changes are described in this review to help achieve successful fetal drug therapy and guide in­ vestigations in this expanding area of therapeutics. 1. Pharmacokinetic Changes During Pregnancy
Deoxycorticosterone Production and Regulation in Man

Secretory rates of deoxycorticosterone(DOC) and urinary excretion of tetrahydro-DOC (THDOC) were determined in normal subjects. Mean THDOC excretion (n = 15) was 24 ± 2.4 μg/24 hr and DOC secretion (n = 26) was 164 ± 22.3 μg/24 hr. The mean metabolic clearance rate by either the single injection or the constant infusion technique was 956 ± 69 1/24 hr in three normal subjects, with higher values noted in a patient with hyperthyroidism and one patient with primary aldosteronism. Plasma disappearance t1/2 (n = 2) averaged 70 min, and estimated plasma concentration (n = 3) was 26.0 ± 5.9 mμg/100 ml. Factors that control DOC production were examined in normal subjects and patients with panhypopituitarism. Urinary THDOC increased five-fold in response to ACTH infusion (n = 6) and decreased 50% when ACTH was suppressed by dexamethasone (n = 7), whereas aldosterone excretion responded to a lesser extent. THDOC also increased promptly after ACTH infusion in one patient with panhypopituitarism, compared to a delaye...
Asymmetric learning transfer between imagined viewer- and object-rotations: Evidence of a hierarchical organization of spatial reference frames

Neural resources subserving spatial processing in either egocentric or allocentric reference frames are, at least partly, dissociated. However, it is unclear whether these two types of representations are independent or whether they interact. We investigated this question using a learning transfer paradigm. The experiment and material were designed so that they could be used in a clinical setting. Here, we tested healthy subjects in an imagined viewer-rotation task and an imagined object-rotation task. The order of the tasks was counterbalanced across subjects. The results showed that subjects who did the viewer-rotation task first had fewer errors and shorter latencies of response in the object-rotation task, whereas subjects who did the object-rotation task first had little if any advantage in the viewer-rotation task. In other words, the results revealed an asymmetric learning transfer between tasks, which suggests that spatial representations are hierarchically organized. Specifically, the results indicate that the viewer-rotation task engaged allocentric representations and egocentric representations, whereas the object-rotation task engaged only egocentric representations.
Hydrothermal synthesis and crystal and molecular structure of a three-dimensional vanado-arsonate (NH4)3[(VO)(V2O3)(AsO4)2(HAsO4)], exhibiting both {VOV}∞ chains and isolated {V2O3} units

Abstract Brown hexagons of the mixed valence V(V)/V(IV) arsenate (NH4)3[(VO)(V2O3)(AsO4)2(HAsO4)] were isolated in low yield from the reaction of VCl4, AS2O5, NH4Cl, H2O and (CH3)2NH in the mole ratio 1:2.5:6:169:8 at 150 °C for 144 h. The structure consists of an octahedral-tetrahedral framework, exhibiting both infinite {VO···VO···}∞ chains and isolated binuclear units with the {V2O3} core. Crystal data: orthorhombic space group Pnma with a=7.204(3), b=13.741(4), c=14.831(3) A, V=1468(2) A3, Z=4, Dcalc=3.020 g cm−3, μ(Mo Kα) =82.57 cm−1; structure solution and refinement converged at an R value of 0.079.
The Measurement of International Military Commitments for Crisis Early Warning

International military commitment relationships can act as channels through which foreign area threats and conflicts are spread to other members of the international system. The identification and description of the direction, relative intensity, and changing status of these relationships can help decision-makers prepare contingency forecasts, especially after combined with global threat and national capability analyses. This article presents one approach for conceptualizing and measuring international military commitments. A composite indicator, already developed, is described; and ranked lists of military commitments of the United States and United Kingdom to 133 target nations are provided for the years 1968 to 1974.
Parent Attribution for Child Eating Scale (PACES). Psychometric characteristics and associations with child and parent variables.

Abstract Parent participation in interventions for their children's feeding problems may depend on parent attributions for the origins of these problems, but no measure is available to identify these parent perceptions. The purpose of the present paper was to develop a new Parent Attribution for Child Eating Scale (PACES), then to examine how parent perceptions measured by the PACES were associated with child variables and parent feeding practices. Participants included parents of 393 children from a hospital feeding clinic (68.2% boys; mean age = 55.4 months). Parents completed surveys to report children's demographic, medical, and feeding variables, three-point ratings for possible origins of these feeding problems, and their own use of nine child-feeding practices. Exploratory factor analysis of the parent ratings produced the 21-item PACES with four dimensions: Permissive Parenting, Medical Treatments, Oral Problems, and Vomiting Fear. The PACES showed acceptable goodness-of-fit, internal reliability, test-retest reliability, and support for its validity with expected correlations with child and parent variables. Multiple regression revealed that nine child variables (age, body mass index, gender, autism, gastrointestinal problems, neurological problems, oral motor problems, texture feeding problems, diet variety) explained 19–41% of the variance in the four PACES attributions, with oral motor problems significantly correlated with all of them (negatively with Permissive Parenting, positively with the other three), suggesting that its occurrence in combination with other child variables guides parent explanations for children's feeding problems. Multiple regression also found that Many Food Choices was the only parent feeding practice significantly correlated with all four PACES attributions (positively with Permissive Parenting, negatively with the other three), suggesting that it may be parents' primary response to attributions they develop for their children's feeding problems.
Spatial, cellular and temporal basis of vasopressin potentiation of norepinephrine-induced cAMP formation

This study investigated the spatial distribution of vasopressin V(1) and beta(1)-adrenoceptors within hippocampal subfields and lamina in an attempt to localize the site(s) of interaction between these two receptor systems. In addition, the cell types, neuronal and glial, in which the vasopressin-induced neuromodulation occurs, were identified. Lastly, the temporal constraints of the potentiation induced by vasopressin were investigated. Results of these analyses demonstrated multiple sites within the hippocampus where the interaction between vasopressin and norephinephrine could occur. Moreover, vasopressin-induced potentiation of adrenergic stimulated cyclase occurred in both hippocampal neurons and glia whereas it did not occur in undifferentiated neurons. Analysis of the temporal constraints of vasopressin-induced potentiation revealed that pre-activation of the vasopressin V(1) receptor for 1 min yielded greater potentiation than simultaneous exposure to vasopressin and norepinephrine. These data provide insights into the spatial and temporal characteristics for the interaction between the vasopressin receptor and adrenoceptor systems and provide a cellular and biochemical rationale for the behavioral findings of Kovacs and De Wied.
Bending bodies, borders and desires in Bapsi Sidhwa's Cracking India and Deepa Mehta's Earth

Deepa Mehta's Fire gained much attention, both in India and internationally, as the first film to document a queer relationship between two South Asian women. What has been underexplored in Mehta's feminist trilogy – Fire, Earth, and Water – is how each film is set upon representing one particular form of violence against women within South Asia. Fire deals with the suppression of female desire, Earth with the violence against women during the Partition and Water with the treatment of widows in Hinduism. Mehta is so firm in documenting these oppressions individually that she is ultimately unable to capture the complexities of what she seeks to represent. This is best illustrated when comparing her second film Earth to its original narrative form: Baspsi Sidhwa's semi-autobiographical account of her childhood in Lahore during the Partition, Cracking India. Given that Mehta's trilogy documents different forms of women's subjugation, it is no surprise that Sidhwa's novel and the Partition would be an ideal f...
Freeway traffic control using fuzzy logic controllers

Abstract A major cause of freeway congestion before the traffic density becomes critical is the shock wave due to the speed differences between consecutive vehicles. Such disturbance can be reduced if we can impose homogeneous speed control on the vehicles. In this paper, a two-level model-free control scheme using neural-network-based fuzzy logic controllers is proposed which regulates the speed of the freeway through speed advisory boards. Using information from both measurement data and expert knowledge (e.g., environmental information and psychological factors), it is expected that this controller will outperform the conventional ones.
Constraint Release in Entangled Binary Blends of Linear Polymers : A Molecular Dynamics Study

We present extensive molecular dynamics simulations of the dynamics of diluted long probe chains entangled with a matrix of shorter chains. The chain lengths of both components are above the entanglement strand length, and the ratio of their lengths is varied over a wide range to cover the crossover from the chain reptation regime to tube Rouse motion regime of the long probe chains. Reducing the matrix chain length results in a faster decay of the dynamic structure factor of the probe chains, in good agreement with recent neutron spin echo experiments. The diffusion of the long chains, measured by the mean square displacements of the monomers and the centers of mass of the chains, demonstrates a systematic speed-up relative to the pure reptation behavior expected for monodisperse melts of sufficiently long polymers. On the other hand, the diffusion of the matrix chains is only weakly perturbed by the diluted long probe chains. The simulation results are qualitatively consistent with the theoretical predictions based on constraint release Rouse model, but a detailed comparison reveals the existence of a broad distribution of the disentanglement rates, which is partly confirmed by an analysis of the packing and diffusion of the matrix chains in the tube region of the probe chains. A coarse-grained simulation model based on the tube Rouse motion model with incorporation of the probability distribution of the tube segment jump rates is developed and shows results qualitatively consistent with the fine scale molecular dynamics simulations. However, we observe a breakdown in the tube Rouse model when the short chain length is decreased to around N-S = 80, which is roughly 3.5 times the entanglement spacing N-e(P) = 23. The location of this transition may be sensitive to the chain bending potential used in our simulations.
Father-daughter incest families: A theoretical perspective from balance theory and GST

This paper focuses on a theoretical explanation of how marriages adjust and remain intact in father/daughter incest families. It uses concepts of Balance Theory and General Systems Theory to outline a vascillating balance that occurs between fathers-mother-daughters in incest families. Three groups of Incest, Oppositional, and Nonclinical family units were studied using the Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) circumplex model. The study found support for the use of Balance Theory and the systems principle of homeostasis as a way to understand the interactional dynamics in incest families. Therapeutic interventions are suggested.
Aqueous Aldol Catalysis by a Nicotine Metabolite

Nornicotine, an endogenous tobacco alkaloid and minor nicotine metabolite, can catalyze aldol reactions at physiological pH. Catalysis appears to be due to a covalent enamine mechanism, an unprecedented reaction with small organic molecule catalysts in aqueous buffer. Kinetic parameters for nornicotine as well as other related alkaloids were measured and demonstrate that both the pyrrolidine and pyridine rings are critical for optimal catalysis. Substrate compatibility of this catalyst and its implications in vivo are discussed.
POPART - Performance Optimized Algebraic Reconstruction Technique

A method for optimizing image-recovery algorithms is presented that is based on how well a specified visual task can be performed using the reconstructed images. Visual task performance is numerically assessed by a Monte Carlo simulation of the complete imaging process including the generation of scenes appropriate to the desired application, subsequent data taking, image recovery, and performance of the stated task based on the final image. This method is used to optimize the Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (ART), which reconstructs images from their projections, by varying the relaxation factor employed in the updating procedure. In some of the imaging situations studied, it is found that the optimization of constrained ART, in which a nonnegativity constraint is invoked, can vastly increase the detectability of objects. There is little improvement attained for unconstrained ART.
Distribution, down-conversion, and demodulation of high spectral efficiency digital modulation signals using photonic frequency converters

In this work we demonstrated photonic frequency conversion with little degradation as measured through EVM for a high modulation and highly spectrally efficient modulated signal. This frequency conversion technique is therefore suited for distribution systems where large amounts of information is needed at multiple receiver locations. Furthermore, the photonic techniques enable any RF to any IF conversion potentially enabling a more efficient use of the EM spectrum.
Accumulation of hydrogen and its influence on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Kh18N10T steel

By the methods of thermal-desorption spectrometry and nuclear reactions, we study the processes of trapping, thermal desorption, and evolution of the profiles of distribution of deuterium ionically implanted with an energy of 12 keV into Kh18N10T steel at room temperature. The evolution of the microstructure of steel under the conditions of irradiation of samples with D2 + ions up to doses of 1 ⋅ 10 18 D / m 2 ‐2 ⋅ 10 22 D / m 2 is studied by the method of electron microscopy. The regularities of changes in the mechanical properties of steel after irradiation are determined. At present, thermal reactors form the base of the world nuclear power industry. Austenitic stainless steels extensively used in these reactors are multicomponent solid solutions with complex structure. Each element of the structure (grain boundaries, precipitations of secondary phases, dislocations, etc.) and the products of transmutation of elements of the original material formed under the action of radiation in the reactors affect the development of radiation defects [1‐3]. In what follows, we present the results of investigation of the accumulation and distribution of deuterium implanted by ionic bombardment at room temperature into Kh18N10T steel with an energy of 12 keV up to doses varying within the range F = 1 ⋅ 10 18 ‐ 2 ⋅ 10 22 D / m 2 and its influence on the mechanical properties of steel. The microstructures of steel samples with different contents of hydrogen are investigated with the help of an electron microscope.
Decomposition of aquatic angiosperms. III. Zostera marina L. and a conceptual model of decomposition

Abstract The decomposition of particulate and dissolved organic matter of a marine angiosperm, Zostera marina L., was followed over 180 days in the laboratory under three conditions of oxygen (aerobic, anaerobic, aerobic-to-anaerobic) at each of two temperatures (10 and 25°C). Samples of detrital material were taken after 2, 4, 10, 24, 48, 90, and 180-day intervals for analysis of organic weight loss, ash content, particulate carbon and nitrogen, total non-structural carbohydrates, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, and for UV absorbance, fluorescence activity, and total dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the synthetic seawater media. The DOC analyses were performed on four molecular weight fractions separated by membrane ultrafiltration and on the whole fraction. In addition, the microbial biomass and activity associated with the detrital material was determined each sampling day by ATP content and dehydrogenase activity assays. Zostera tissue was found to be much more resistant to decomposition than were freshwater angiosperms examined concurrently under similar conditions. Significant weight loss over the study period occurred only under warm, aerobic conditions. Concentrations of fiber components of Zostera before decomposition were within the range of those of freshwater species studied. The concentrations of the fiber components (hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin) of the particulate detritus changed little. Likewise, particulate nitrogen was initially similar in value to that of freshwater plants, and changed in time depending on the physical conditions of decomposition, usually first increasing then declining. ATP content of the particulate detritus exhibited similar trends, namely increasing then declining values, over various time scales depending on decomposition conditions of temperature and oxygen availability. Production and utilization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) was greatest at the higher temperature, but more resistant DOM, as determined by increased UV absorbance and fluorescence activity of the material, persisted under these conditions. The increased resistance of Zostera marina to decomposition in comparison with several freshwater species cannot be explained by initial contents of nitrogen or fiber components, as was found for the latter plants. It is hypothesized that such resistance results from the ultrastructure of the tissue, and is due to adaptation of this species to a physically harsh environment. Based on data of this and previous studies, a conceptual model is described in which all forms of decomposition of naturally occurring plant detritus in aquatic ecosystems are proposed to advance, with respect to rates of decomposition, through three phases. Rates of decay are controlled primarily by temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrient availability, particle size, and tissue resistance, and these parameters interact directly with each other to determine the myriad of decay rates observed under natural and laboratory conditions.
Mechanism of the Highly Efficient Quenching of Tryptophan Fluorescence in Human γD-Crystallin†

Quenching of the fluorescence of buried tryptophans (Trps) is an important reporter of protein conformation. Human gammaD-crystallin (HgammaD-Crys) is a very stable eye lens protein that must remain soluble and folded throughout the human lifetime. Aggregation of non-native or covalently damaged HgammaD-Crys is associated with the prevalent eye disease mature-onset cataract. HgammaD-Crys has two homologous beta-sheet domains, each containing a pair of highly conserved buried tryptophans. The overall fluorescence of the Trps is quenched in the native state despite the absence of the metal ligands or cofactors. We report the results of detailed quantitative measurements of the fluorescence emission spectra and the quantum yields of numerous site-directed mutants of HgammaD-Crys. From fluorescence of triple Trp to Phe mutants, the homologous pair Trp68 and Trp156 were found to be extremely quenched, with quantum yields close to 0.01. The homologous pair Trp42 and Trp130 were moderately fluorescent, with quantum yields of 0.13 and 0.17, respectively. In an attempt to identify quenching and/or electrostatically perturbing residues, a set of 17 candidate amino acids around Trp68 and Trp156 were substituted with neutral or hydrophobic residues. None of these mutants showed significant changes in the fluorescence intensity compared to their own background. Hybrid quantum mechanical-molecular mechanical (QM-MM) simulations with the four different excited Trps as electron donors strongly indicate that electron transfer rates to the amide backbone of Trp68 and Trp156 are extremely fast relative to those for Trp42 and Trp130. This is in agreement with the quantum yields measured experimentally and consistent with the absence of a quenching side chain. Efficient electron transfer to the backbone is possible for Trp68 and Trp156 because of the net favorable location of several charged residues and the orientation of nearby waters, which collectively stabilize electron transfer electrostatically. The fluorescence emission spectra of single and double Trp to Phe mutants provide strong evidence for energy transfer from Trp42 to Trp68 in the N-terminal domain and from Trp130 to Trp156 in the C-terminal domain. The backbone conformation of tryptophans in HgammaD-Crys may have evolved in part to enable the lens to become a very effective UV filter, while the efficient quenching provides an in situ mechanism to protect the tryptophans of the crystallins from photochemical degradation.
Determination of the barrier height to CH3CO dissociation

Abstract The photodissociation of acetyl chloride at 248 nm has been investigated by the technique of photofragment translational spectroscopy. A comparison of the transitional energy distributions required to fit the chlorine atom and the acetyl radical indicates that a significant fraction (≈ 35%) of the CH 3 CO fragments undergo secondary decomposition to CH 3 and CO. From analysis of the center-of-mass translational energy distributions a value of 17 ± 1 kcal/mol for the barrier height to acetyl radical dissociation has been determined.
Silicon on insulating substrates&#8212;Recent advances

Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) technologies are becoming more important as CMOS becomes the preferred technology for VLSI. The progress of the three most actively researched SOI technologies, beam-recrystallized SOI, implanted buried oxide and Full Isolation by Porous Oxidized Silicon will be summarized in this paper.
Twins With Progressive Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Recurrent Dissection and ACTA2 Mutation

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a genetically mediated disease with variable age of onset. In the pediatric age range, nonsyndromic TAA frequently has a milder course than syndromic forms of TAA, such as Marfan syndrome or Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Herein, we describe 17-year-old identical twin brothers with severe progressive TAA due to a novel de novo ACTA2 mutation. Interestingly, both boys were diagnosed at age 11 with congenital mydriasis, a recently recognized manifestation of some ACTA2 mutations due to smooth muscle dysfunction. One of the brothers presented with acute-onset lower back pain that was identified as dissection of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Imaging of the chest at this time showed severe fusiform TAA. Cardiac imaging in his twin showed similar TAA, but no abdominal aortic aneurysm. Both brothers underwent valve-sparing aortic root replacement, but have had progressive aortic disease with recurrent dissection requiring multiple surgeries. This case emphasizes the importance of identifying physical stigmata of smooth muscle dysfunction, such as mydriasis, as potential markers for associated aortopathy and vascular diseases.
Protein differential display by 2D-LC and peptides/carbohydrate conformation analysis by CE-MS.

臨床の場における疾患マーカとして, もしくは医薬品開発におけるターゲットとして, 疾病状態に特異的に発現されるタンパク質を特定する作業が病態プロテオミクスとして注目されている. この比較研究用に, pH勾配によるイオン交換法と逆相法を組合わせた2D-LCによる蛋白質2次元展開法が開発され, その概要と分析事例を紹介した. 癌組織や血漿において, 発現に差の認められるタンパク質が検出された. 分画後のMALDI-MSによる同定も行われている.一方, ここで見出されたタンパク質の同定や, 付随する糖鎖の解析も重要な課題であり, この分野でのCE-MSの応用にも触れた. トリプシン消化物におけるタンパク質同定, 誘導体化された糖鎖の構造解析を行った. 糖鎖についてはCE-LIFとの組合わせにより, さらに詳細な構造解析が可能なことが示された.
Change in negative cognitions associated with PTSD predicts symptom reduction in prolonged exposure.

Objective The goal of the current study was to examine mechanisms of change in Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotional Processing Theory of PTSD proposes that disconfirmation of erroneous cognitions associated with PTSD is a central mechanism in PTSD symptom reduction; but to date, the causal relationship between change in pathological cognitions and change in PTSD severity has not been established.
Prevention and Management of Antineoplastic-Induced Hypersensitivity Reactions

Acute hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) are an unpredictable and potentially catastrophic complication of treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. Reactions may affect any organ system in the body and range widely in severity from mild pruritus to systemic anaphylaxis. Certain classes of chemotherapeutic agents, such as the taxanes, platinum compounds, asparaginases, and epipodophyllotoxins are commonly associated with HSRs. The clinical characteristics of these high risk agents with respect to HSRs are discussed in this review. Protocols to prevent or reduce the severity of these reactions have been developed, but despite these attempts, HSRs will still happen. Should a reaction occur, it is imperative that it be recognised quickly in order to minimise exposure to the inciting agent and implement appropriate therapeutic and supportive measures. When a patient becomes sensitised to a chemotherapeutic agent, avoidance of re-exposure is the mainstay of future prevention. For sensitised patients who have derived clinically meaningful benefit from a particular agent, however, continuation of treatment with the agent is desirable. Options may include attempting a trial of desensitisation or treatment with a related compound. Virtually all patients demonstrating HSRs to paclitaxel and docetaxel are able to successfully tolerate re-treatment following discontinuation and administration of diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone. Re-treatment has generally been less successful with platinum compounds. with recurrent HSRs occurring in up to 50% of patients following desensitisation protocols. Patients sensitised to asparaginase are often able to tolerate the alternative preparations, Erwinia carotovora asparaginase or polyethylene glycol-modified Escherichia coli asparaginase. There is very little experience with re-treatment following sensitisation to the epipodophyllotoxins. As re-treatment may have serious consequences, careful consideration of the risks and benefits of these strategies is imperative when deciding among these options.
Bevel-Down Superior to Bevel-Up in Intradermal Skin Testing

Background Intradermal skin testing is one of the most widely used procedures in the diagnosis of hypersensitivity diseases in vivo. It is critical to perform the test accurately and expediently. Yet, there are few articles describing its detailed technique or proficiency available. Objectives To identify the better method for intradermal testing between the bevel-up and bevel-down techniques. Methods Three inexperienced testers performed intradermal injections using both methods. Four sets of paired trials each consisting of 10 injections were applied randomly, alternating between the same volunteer subject's contralateral arms. Duration to complete 10 injections was measured. Numbers of injection sites that bled, that squirted into the air, and failed to from a bleb were counted. The overall comfort level was determined. Results The times to compete the injection by bevel-up and by bevel-down methods were 165.5 +/− 31.3 and 152.5 +/− 27.4 seconds, respectively (P .015). The number of injection sites that bled was higher in the bevel-up method, particularly on trial one (P .001). Completion rate of successful bleb formation in bevel-down was 27.3 as compared with 23.3 in bevel-up method ( P = .013). The comfort level was higher with the bevel-down than the bevel-up method ( P = .0001). Conclusion The bevel-down method of intradermal testing is superior to the bevel-up method.
BREAD MAKING PROPERTIES OF PEANUT FLOUR PRODUCED BY DIRECT SOLVENT EXTRACTION PROCEDURE

Bread making properties of four experimental peanut flours (PNF-1, PNF-2, PNF-3 and PNF-4) processed with direct solvent extraction technique were evaluated and compared with commercial defatted peanut and defatted soy flours. PNF-1, PNF-2 and PNF-3 (1.0, 6.0 and 19.2% fat, respectively) received no heat treatment; while PNF-4 (1.0% fat) received a mild heat treatment during processing. Commercial wheat flour (15% protein d.w.b.) was replaced with 10, 15 and 20% of each of the oilseed flour. There were no significant differences in bread making properties of PNF-1, PNF-2, PNF-3 and the commercial peanut flour. Bread with 15–20% level of PNF-4 had better baking properties than the ones containing the other peanut flours. Bread made with the commercial soy flour had highly acceptable baking properties, however it had unacceptable flavor, which was also noticed in fresh bread containing PNF-1, PNF-2 or PNF-3. Bread with PNF-4 had acceptable taste and aroma. Fat content of the experimental peanut flours did not affect their baking performance and a mild heat treatment was essential during the processing of the experimental peanut flour to produce a high protein and a better flavor bread.