cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Enduring Significance of Skin Tone: Linking Skin Tone, Attitudes Toward Marriage and Cohabitation, and Sexual Behavior.

Past evidence has documented that attitudes toward marriage and cohabitation are related to sexual behavior in adolescence and young adulthood. This study extends prior research by longitudinally testing these associations across racial/ethnic groups and investigating whether culturally relevant variations within racial/ethnic minority groups, such as skin tone (i.e., lightness/darkness of skin color), are linked to attitudes toward marriage and cohabitation and sex. Drawing on family and public health literatures and theories, as well as burgeoning skin tone literature, it was hypothesized that more positive attitudes toward marriage and negative attitudes toward cohabitation would be associated with less risky sex, and that links differed for lighter and darker skin individuals. The sample included 6872 respondents (49.6 % female; 70.0 % White; 15.8 % African American; 3.3 % Asian; 10.9 % Hispanic) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. The results revealed that marital attitudes had a significantly stronger dampening effect on risky sexual behavior of lighter skin African Americans and Asians compared with their darker skin counterparts. Skin tone also directly predicted number of partners and concurrent partners among African American males and Asian females. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of these findings for adolescence and young adulthood.
Physical Programming: Intra-criteria and Inter-criteria Preference in Design Optimization

This paper addresses a critical component of design optimization that is arguably at its infancy. The design optimization process may be viewed as comprising three generic phases. In the first, we model the physical system, and form a set of design metrics in terms of design variables. In the second, we quantify the overall design objective by forming an aggregate objective function in terms of the design metrics.. In the third, we optimize the aggregate objective function using an optimization code. While the implementation of phases one and three are blessed with the availability of mature analytical techniques and computational algorithms, that of phase two generally takes place in an ad hoc environment - guided by the designer's experience and intuition, and by dubious precepts. The physical programming method is intended to address the shortcomings of phase two. The current development stage of physical programming allows for the explicit prescription of intra-criteri a preference. This paper builds on previous developments to also address inter-criteria preference in design optimization. The general subject of designer preference is discussed. A numerical example is provided, within the framework of a graphical user interface that facilitates the designer's preference-setting decision-maki ng process.
Sanitary Condition of Rural Drinking Water in Xuchang City in 2010

[Objective]To understand the rural drinking water quality in Xuchang city,provide the basis for improving the quality of rural drinking water. [Methods]The water samples collected during the wet season and the dry season were tested according to the Standard examination methods for drinking water(GB/T 5750-2006),and the results were evaluated according to the Standard for drinking water quality(GB 5749-2006). [Results]A total of 160 water samples were tested,and the qualified rate of hardness was the lowest.The over standard rate of sense property and general chemistry indexes,toxicological indexes,and microbial indexes was 5.1%,4.1% and 11.9%,respectively. [Conclusion]The unqualified hardness and microbial indexes are the main factors impacting the rural drinking water quality in Xuchang city,and the government should take related measures to improve the water quality.
New Calculating Algorithm for Torsional Stiffness of Bundle Overhead Transmission Lines

Aiming at the existing analytic methods being lacking in reliable accuracy,a new algorithm for calculating torsional stiffness of bundle overhead transmission lines is presented.Taking the length variation of sub-conductors as a result of torsional deformation of bundle conductors,the actual sub-conductor tension is gained.Then the effects of the sag and a difference of level between the two anchoring points are considered,and a theoretical torsional stiffness formula is deduced in a general bundle conductor span.The parameters affecting the torsional stiffness are revealed by the formula,and the torsional stiffness of bundle conductors can be directly evaluated by means of these parameters.The effectiveness and adaptability for arbitrary span lengths and number of sub-conductors are verified by comparing with the actual measuring results.
Stereological techniques for synthesizing solid textures from images of aggregate materials

When creating photorealistic digital scenes, textures are commonly used to depict complex variation in surface appearance. For materials that have spatial variation in three dimensions, such as wood or marble, solid textures offer a natural representation. Unlike 2D textures, which can be easily captured with a photograph, it can be difficult to obtain a 3D material volume. This thesis addresses the challenge of extrapolating tileable 3D solid textures from images of aggregate materials, such as concrete, asphalt, terrazzo or granite. The approach introduced here is inspired by and builds on prior work in stereology—the study of 3D properties of a material based on 2D observations. Unlike ad hoc methods for texture synthesis, this approach has rigorous mathematical foundations that allow for reliable, accurate material synthesis with well-defined assumptions. The algorithm is also driven by psychophysical constraints to insure that slices through the synthesized volume have a perceptually similar appearance to the input image. The texture synthesis algorithm uses a variety of techniques to independently solve for the shape, distribution, and color of the embedded particles, as well as the residual noise. To approximate particle shape, I consider four methods—including two algorithms of my own contribution. I compare these methods under a variety of input conditions using automated, perceptually-motivated metrics as well as a carefully controlled psychophysical experiment. In addition to assessing the relative performance of the four algorithms, I also evaluate the reliability of the automated metrics in predicting the results of the user study. To solve for the particle distribution, I apply traditional stereological methods. I first illustrate this approach for aggregate materials of spherical particles and then extend the technique to apply to particles of arbitrary shapes. The particle shape and distribution are used in conjunction to create an explicit 3D material volume using simulated annealing. Particle colors are assigned using a stochastic method, and high-frequency noise is replicated with the assistance of existing algorithms. The data representation is suitable for high-fidelity rendering and physical simulation. I demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach with side-by-side comparisons of real materials and their synthetic counterparts derived from the application of these techniques. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Molekulare Mechanismen von Lernen und Gedächtnis

Kapitel 25 befasst sich mit den zellularen und molekularen Grundlagen von Lern- und Gedachtnisleistungen, wobei insbesondere auf die Anderungen der synaptischen Verbindungen eingegangen wird. Die letzten Jahrzehnte haben rasche Fortschritte in diesem Bereich gebracht. Hierzu haben Untersuchungen der neuronalen Aktivitat in Regionen des Saugetiergehirns beigetragen, die mit verschiedenen Formen des Gedachtnisses assoziiert sind. Erkenntnisse aus theoretischen Analysen neuronaler Netzwerke waren ebenfalls wichtig, um die synaptischen Modifikationen zu verstehen, die an der Speicherung von Informationen beteiligt sind. Zahlreiche neue Technologien haben es ermoglicht, infrage kommende physiologische und molekulare Mechanismen zu identifizieren. Zu den interessantesten Schlussfolgerungen aus diesen Forschungen gehort, dass die Mechanismen aktivitatsabhangiger synaptischer Plastizitat und Gedachtnisbildung im adulten Gehirn vieles mit den Mechanismen gemeinsam haben, die wahrend der Entwicklung der neuronalen Schaltkreise ablaufen. Unter Neurowissenschaftlern breitet sich zunehmend Optimismus aus, dass die physiologischen Grundlagen des Gedachtnisses schon bald entschlusselt sein werden.
Death and Public Policy: A Research Inquiry

ABSTRACT Death has been historically regarded as an event that happens to individuals. From a research perspective, death has been conceptualized and analyzed at an individual level. Most exceptions to this level of analysis have been made in the investigation and control of infectious diseases. Over the past 25 years a growing body of data has suggested that our increasingly man-made, carcinogen-containing environment may itself be a major factor in elevated rates of death in selected population groups, particularly among workers in certain industries, e.g., coal mining and asbestos. Further, these industries and other living environments are subject to certain degrees of environmental control through the development and exercise of public policy. This paper presents some considerations for public policy aimed at reducing death rates; policy that would be developed from a data-oriented research base.
Zinc status and sexual development in adolescent girls

Forty-eight black adolescent girls, aged 8 to 16, from the inner city of Baltimore were divided into five groups according to breast and pubic hair development. Blood and hair zinc concentrations as analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry were within ranges reported by other investigators. Hair zinc levels significantly increased (p
Timing of meals: when is as critical as what and how much

Over the past decade, a large body of literature has demonstrated that disruptions of the endogenous circadian clock, whether environmental or genetic, lead to metabolic dysfunctions that are associated with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. The phrase, “It is not only what you eat and how much you eat, but also when you eat” sends a simple message about circadian timing and body weight regulation. Communicating this message to clinicians and patients, while also elucidating the neuroendocrine, molecular, and genetic mechanisms underlying this phrase is essential to embrace the growing knowledge of the circadian impact on metabolism as a part of healthy life style as well as to incorporate it into clinical practice for improvement of overall human health. In this review, we discuss findings from animal models, as well as epidemiological and clinical studies in humans, which collectively promote the awareness of the role of circadian clock in metabolic functions and dysfunctions.
Representation Theory of the Symmetric Group

This chapter is on the representation theory of the symmetric group. We describe two constructions of irreducible S n -modules: Frobenius-Young construction and Specht module construction. For further details, we refer the reader to [17].
Systematic evaluation for bottleneck detection methods

This study will evaluate bottleneck detection techniques that have been identified in previous research by comparing the performance of each method on all case study models that can be replicated from the literature. The purpose of this analysis is to identify the most efficient and reliable bottleneck detection algorithm(s) which are capable of supporting constraint identification on a wide range of production system classes and configurations. The primary objective will be to identify a robust bottleneck detection algorithm, or a small set of algorithms, that can be broadly applied to various types of production or service provision environments. Discrete-event simulation will be used to support this algorithm evaluation task and will also play a key role in the application of bottleneck detection methods in real-world production scenarios.
Householders as water managers: A comparison of domestic-scale water management practices from two central maya lowland sites

Multiple studies conducted over the past few decades have recognized the necessity of rainwater collection and storage as a critical aspect in the evolution of Maya civilization. Few of these efforts, however, have emphasized the importance of managing water resources at the household level. Data are presented from two central lowland sites—the dispersed hinterland community of Medicinal Trail and the urban center of Yaxnohcah—that elucidate the function of small reservoirs and associated landscape modifications in residential water management. Despite differing physical geographies and trajectories of urban development, residents of both communities were clearly engaged in water management activities based, at least in part, on the creation and use of small reservoirs. Decentralized household water management practices appear to have been temporally and spatially widespread components of Maya civilization beginning in the Preclassic period.
THE PERFORMANCE EFFECTS OF TRANSITIONAL IT SERVICES IN CORPORATE SPIN -OFFS

In corporate spin-offs, spun-off units pursue two m ajor objectives: separating and restructuring their business for independent operation; and retai ning business continuity and minimizing operational disruptions. In trying to balance the c onflicting demands of these objectives, spun-off units often turn to “transitional IT services” prov ided by their parents. However, the business value of the transitional IT services is not unders tood well yet. In this study, we examine different impacts of transitional IT services at different stages of corporate spin-offs. Our study population covers corporate spin-offs in which spun-off units were set up as independent public firms during 1999-2009 timeframe. We find that longer transition al IT services prolong the time-to-close spinoff deals and negatively affect market valuation of the spun-off units at the first day of trading. But longer transitional IT services positively affect o perating performance of the spun-off units. They also help mitigate negative effects of business res tructuring on operating performance.
3D-Printing of a Functional Small-Scale Wind Turbine

Small wind turbine systems with nameplate capacities of 1.5 kW or less are undergoing a surge in popularity. As these systems become more commonplace, they are continually being utilized in applications such as making significant contributions to reducing residential energy consumption and powering onboard communications, navigation, and galley equipment on both ships and sailboats. The scope of this research is to design and 3d-print a functional small-scale wind turbine capable of electrical power generation. This research is intended to (1) design and create via additive manufacturing a functional small-scale wind turbine, (2) perform an analysis of the 3d-printed wind turbine and generate a power curve for the system, (3) assess potential applications for 3d-printed wind turbines, and (4) perform an economic analysis of 3d-printing wind turbines.
Complications of Transradial Catheterization and Cannulation

Transradial catheterization and cannulation are typically well-tolerated procedures, but they are associated with various vascular, infectious, and orthopedic complications. Potential complications include radial artery occlusion, hematoma formation, radial artery laceration, pseudoaneurysm, abscess formation, and compartment syndrome. Hand surgeons are commonly consulted to treat such complications. We review recent evidence available to guide decisions about nonsurgical and surgical interventions to treat and prevent the complications associated with transradial access procedures.
Towards an integrated political ecology of health and bodies

Political ecology of health (PEH) has become a robust subfield in geography. PEH scholarship deploys diverse theories and methods across analytical realms of political economy, social discourse, an...
Integrity monitoring of Graph‐SLAM using GPS and fish‐eye camera

We propose a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM)-based Integrity Monitoring (IM) algorithm using GPS and fish-eye camera to compute the protection levels while accounting for multiple faults in GPS and vision. We perform graph optimization using GPS pseudoranges, pixel intensities, vehicle dynamics, and satellite ephemeris to simultaneously localize the vehicle, GPS satellites, and key image pixels in the world frame. We estimate the fault mode vector by analyzing the temporal correlation across pseudorange residuals and spatial correlation across pixel intensity residuals. To isolate the vision faults, we develop a superpixel-based piecewise random sample consensus. For the estimated fault mode, we compute the protection levels by performing worst-case failure slope analysis on the batch realization of linearized Graph-SLAM formulation. We perform real-world experiments in an alleyway in Stanford, California and a semi-urban area in Champaign, Illinois. We demonstrate higher localization accuracy and tighter protection levels as compared to GPS-only SLAM-based IM.
Behavior, escapement, and mortality of adult Muskellunge in Midwestern reservoirs

Abstract Muskellunge Esox masquinongy is a popular species commonly introduced to warm-water reservoirs; however, little is known about seasonal habitat use and movement in these systems which may result in reservoir escapement and reduced Muskellunge abundance. Our objectives were to assess Muskellunge seasonal behaviors and quantify escapement and natural mortality to determine their effects on populations. Muskellunge captured from the lake and spillway were implanted with radio tags in Big Creek (n = 17) and Brushy Creek (n = 30) lakes, Iowa, USA beginning October 2016 and tracked through May 2019. Telemetry data were used to quantify depth at fish locations, movement rates, annual core and home ranges, and proportions of tagged Muskellunge using spillway approach areas. Telemetry encounter data were analyzed using a multi-state model with water temperature and reservoir water level covariates to estimate escapement and natural mortality. Muskellunge in Brushy Creek were located in deeper water than in Big Creek, but depth and movement were similar across seasons and behavior did not differ between fish captured in-lake and the spillway. Big Creek Muskellunge exhibited greater movements in spring, were located in shallow water and moved less in summer, and were found in deeper water during winter. Core and home ranges were similar between lakes and many tagged Muskellunge frequently used spillway approach areas during spring and summer. No escapement occurred from Big Creek (physical barrier on spillway) while weekly escapement probability from Brushy Creek (no barrier) was up to 0.13 and annual escapement ranged from 18 to 54 %. Escapement was greatest from May-August and increased with increasing weekly maximum reservoir level. Natural mortality was similar between systems, ranged from 15 to 18 % annually, and increased with water temperature. Our results suggest escapement can lead to greater loss of Muskellunge from reservoir populations than natural mortality and may be greater in spring and summer. However, escapement does not appear to be associated with fish behaviors.
A simple upper bound for Lebesgue constants associated with Leja points on the real line.

Let $K\subset \mathbb R$ be a regular compact set and let $g(z)=g_{\overline{\mathbb C}\setminus K}(z,\infty)$ be the Green function for $\overline{\mathbb C}\setminus K$ with pole at infinity. For $\delta>0$, define $$ G(\delta):=\max\{ g(z): z\in \mathbb C, \,\operatorname{dist}(z,K)\le 2\delta\}. $$ Let $\{ x_n\}_{n=0}^\infty$ be a Leja sequence of points of $K$. Then the uniform norm $\|T_n\|=\Lambda_n, n=1,2,\ldots$ of the associated interpolation operator $T_n$, i.e., the $n$-th Lebesgue constant, is bounded from above by $$ \min_{\delta>0}2n\left[\frac{\operatorname{diam}( K)}{\delta}e^{nG(\delta)}\right]^{9/8}. $$ In particular, when $K$ is a uniformly perfect subset of $\mathbb R$, the Lebesgue constants grow at most polynomially in $n$. To the best of our knowledge, the result is new even when $K$ is a finite union of intervals.
Ethnic differences in medicinal plant use among University students: a cross-sectional survey of self-reported medicinal plant use at two Midwest Universities.

Numerous surveys of medicinal plant use among college students abound, but none compare use between students enrolled in two different Universities with significantly different ethnic compositions. The objective of this study is to compare medicinal plant use between two different ethnic college populations and explore differences between student medicinal plant users and non-users for comparison with previous research. Students (n = 721) at a large research university (n = 498) and a Pan-Tribal University for Native Americans (n = 233) completed surveys in October 2011 to assess past year medicinal plant use. The Mann-Whitney U test, Chi Square test, and General Linear Model were used to compare demographics and self-reported use of medicinal plants among students at both Universities and between past year users and non-users. Over 23 % of university students surveyed reported past year medicinal plant use. Users were more likely to use commercial tobacco products and to report poorer health than non-users. While Native American student medicinal plant users reported significantly higher rates of commercial tobacco use, lower self-assessment of health, and less use of prescription medicine than non-Native users, no significant differences in prevalence of medicinal plant use were found between University student populations. Results are consistent with preexisting data showing higher rates of medicinal plant use among college students compared to the larger US population of adults and demonstrate previously documented health disparities in Native American populations compared to non-Native Americans.
Chapter 23 Regulatory aspects

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights regulatory aspects of stable isotope-labeled (SIL) drug utilization. These regulatory aspects can be divided into two areas: (1) the use of a SIL analog of a drug to perform one, or more, human research studies on the drug requires that the sponsor obtain an Investigational New Drug (IND) authorization for the SIL analog of the drug from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and (2) the requirements for approval by the FDA of a new SIL drug to be marketed for use as a diagnostic or therapeutic agent, or as part of a device. An IND application is a request for FDA authorization to administer an investigational drug to humans. Such authorization must be secured prior to interstate shipment, or administration of the SIL analog of a drug. The requirement holds whether or not the unlabeled analogue of the drug is approved by the FDA. The approval of new drugs and devices in the USA for marketing also falls under the authority of the FDA. The laws governing this authority are the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938, Revision of New Drug Application Regulations (1985), and Revision of Investigational New Drug Application Regulations (1987).
An evolutionary measure for image matching

We present an evolutionary measure for image matching that is based on the Ulam's distance. Given two strings, the Ulam's distance is the smallest number of mutations, insertions and deletions that can, be made within the strings such that the resulting substrings are identical. We reinterpret the Ulam's distance with respect to permutations that represent window intensities expressed on an ordinal scale. The motivation for using this measure is twofold: it not only gives a robust measure of correlation between windows but also helps in, identifying pixels that contribute to the agreement (or disagreement) between the windows. We investigate computational issues for efficient implementation of the measure. Experiments suggest the utility of the Ulam's distance in applications like stereo.
Design of perfect reconstruction multi-dimensional filter banks using cascaded Smith form matrices

The theory and design of multidimensional perfect reconstruction filter banks are discussed. A necessary and sufficient condition for perfect reconstruction in multidimensional filter banks is derived, and an approach to filter-bank design using cascaded polyphase matrices and a statistical filter design method is presented. The approach is applicable to arbitrary (not necessarily rectangular) decimation and interpolation schemes and any number of channels. The results of a preliminary numerical design example are presented. >
Seeing and believing: the emergent nature of extreme weather perceptions

Using data from the Communities and Environment in Rural America (CERA) surveys, I employ a mixed-effect modeling technique to investigate the influence of individual- and county-level characteristics on public perceptions of unusual or extreme weather. In addition to the survey data, I also utilize county-level weather events’ data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Storm Events Database (SED) in order to test whether the incidence and impact of severe weather influences public perceptions of unusual or extreme weather. The results suggest that individuals’ perceptions of extreme weather events are influenced by their political values and social position, but objectively measured impacts of weather events also exert some direct influence and moderate the relationship between values, social positions, and perceptions. Additionally, I find random county-level variation in the perceptions’ net of all individual- and county-level independent predictors. This study adds to a g...
B1 estimation using adiabatic refocusing: BEAR

Purpose Accurate measurement of the nonuniform transmit radiofrequency field is useful for many applications in magnetic resonance imaging, such as calibrating the scanner transmit system, evaluating coil performance, and improving image quality and quantitation. The radiofrequency field excitation amplitude (B1) is often obtained by acquiring a B1 map. In this study, a new B1 mapping method is proposed. Theory and Methods The use of two adiabatic full passage pulses with different magnitudes applied as successive refocusing pulses results in a linear relationship between phase and B1 field strength that is insensitive to the repetition time, off-resonance effects, T1, and T2. Using this method, B1 mapping can be localized to a slice or three-dimensional (3D) volume, with a spin-echo acquisition that is appropriate for fast projection measurements. Results This new method is shown to agree well with the Bloch-Siegert B1 mapping method for both phantom and in vivo B1 measurements at 1.5T, 3T, and 7T. The method's ability to acquire accurate projection B1 measurements is also demonstrated. Conclusion This method's high dynamic range, ability to make fast projection measurements, and linear quantitative relationship between phase and B1 make it an ideal candidate for use in robust transmitter gain calibration. Magn Reson Med 72:1302–1310, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORS ON DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY IN AMERICAN LOBSTERS: A CONTROLLED LABORATORY STUDY

Abstract The objective of this work is to determine whether increased (but environmentally realistic) temperature, hypoxia, sulfide and ammonium, alone or in combination, can increase susceptibility of lobsters to microbial infection. Lobsters from eastern Long Island Sound (LIS) were injected with Aerococcus viridans var homari, a pathogen that causes a disease known as gaffkemia. Injected animals (and controls) were placed in a flow-through seawater-system with mechanisms for control of temperature, dissolved oxygen, sulfide and ammonium levels as well as disinfection of effluent. Exposure variables included 0.1 mL injections of A. viridans at doses of 1 × 103 and 1 × 106; dissolved oxygen at 2.5–6.3 mg L−1; sulfide at 0–21 μM; ammonium at 0–80 μM and temperatures at 14.5 and 19.5°C. The criterion for stressor effect was the time at 50% survival in each set of 15 to 22 lobsters per treatment variable. Also, at regular time intervals, lobster hemolymph and hepatopancreas tissues were analyzed for bacteri...
Carbohydrate Metabolism During Morphogenesis of Coprinus lagopus (sensu Buller)

The occurrence and properties of enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism were studied during dikaryotic fruiting of the mushroom Coprinus lagopus. Enzymes of hexose monophosphate catabolism, sugar alcohol (polyol) dehydrogenases (DH), and trehalase occurred throughout development. The ratio of xylitol DH to sorbitol DH was greater than unity in both monokaryotic mycelium and dikaryotic fruit body caps, whereas this ratio decreased in the stipe (stalk) tissue. Xylitol DH and sorbitol DH were both dependent upon nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and showed maximal activity at pH 9. Two separate enzymes were suspected on the basis of preferential utilization of the NAD analogue, thionicotinamide-NAD, by xylitol DH, and this feature was consistent throughout development. An appraisal of the carbohydrate pool revealed trehalose and glucose, with the former predominant in the stipe and the latter in excess in the cap of dikaryotic fruit bodies. Trehalase activity in dialyzed enzyme extracts showed pH optima at acid and alkaline pH levels in monokaryotic mycelium, dikaryotic stipes, and cap tissues.
Calcitriol in cancer treatment: From the lab to the clinic

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol), the most active metabolite of vitamin D, has significant antineoplastic activity in preclinical models. Several mechanisms of activity have been proposed. These include inhibition of proliferation associated with cell cycle arrest and, in some models, differentiation, reduction in invasiveness and angiogenesis, and induction of apoptosis. Proposed mechanisms differ between tumor models and experimental conditions, and no unifying hypothesis about the mechanism of antineoplastic activity has emerged. Synergistic and/or additive effects with cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer drugs have been reported. Significantly supraphysiological concentrations of calcitriol are required for antineoplastic effects. Such concentrations are not achievable in patients when calcitriol is dosed daily due to predictable hypercalcemia and hypercalcuria; however, phase I trials have demonstrated that intermittent dosing allows substantial dose escalation and has produced potentially therapeutic peak calcitriol concentrations. Recently, a phase II study reported encouraging levels of activity for the combination of high-dose calcitriol and docetaxel administered on a weekly schedule in patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer. This regimen is now under study in a placebo-controlled randomized trial in androgen-independent prostate cancer and in phase II studies in several other tumor types. Further work is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of antineoplastic activity and optimal clinical applications of calcitriol in cancer.
A prospective randomized comparison of cefotaxime vs ampicillin and chloramphenicol for bacterial meningitis in children

Fifty children with bacterial meningitis were prospectively randomized to receive cefotaxime (50 mg/kg/dose every 6 hours) or ampicillin and chloramphenicol in standard doses. Twenty-three patients received cefotaxime and 27 received standard therapy. Bacterial isolates included: Haemophilus influenzae (29), Streptococcus pneumoniae (eight), Neisseria meningitidis (eight), group B streptococci (three), and Salmonella enteritidis (two). Ten (34%) of the H. influenzae isolates were resistant to ampicillin, nine on the basis of β-lactamase production. All strains were susceptible to cefotaxime. Clinical cure rates for the cefotaxime (100%) and standard therapy (96%) groups were similar; survival without detectable sequelae was similar, at 78% and 77%, respectively. The duration of therapy, 11.1±2.4 days (range 10 to 21 days) vs 11.9±3.9 days (range 10 to 21 days), and days to defervescence, 4.7±2.6 days (range 1 to 14 days) vs 5.6±2.9 days (range 2 to 17 days), were similar in the cefotaxime and standard therapy groups, respectively. No adverse drug reactions or side effects were noted in either group. Cefotaxime was found to be as safe and effective as standard therapy for the treatment of bacterial meningitis in children.
Effects of finasteride on chronic and acute ethanol withdrawal severity in the WSP and WSR selected lines.

Background: The neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) is a potent positive modulator of γ-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptors that can modulate ethanol (EtOH) withdrawal. The 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride blocks the formation of ALLO from progesterone and was recently found to reduce certain effects of EtOH. Using the Withdrawal Seizure-Prone (WSP) and Withdrawal Seizure-Resistant (WSR) selected lines, in the present studies we examined the effect of finasteride on acute and chronic EtOH withdrawal severity. Methods: In the first two studies, male WSP and WSR mice were exposed to 72-hr EtOH vapor or air and received four injections of finasteride (50 mg/kg intraperitoneal (IP) or vehicle 24 hr before and each day of the vapor exposure. After removal from the inhalation chamber, mice were scored for handling-induced convulsions (HICs) hourly for 12 hr and then again at 24 hr (study 1) or were tested on the elevated plus maze at 24 hr after removal from the inhalation chamber (study 2). In the third experiment, mice were pretreated with finasteride or vehicle 24 hr before an acute dose of EtOH (4 g/kg ip) or saline and then were tested for HICs as in the chronic study. Results: In both chronic EtOH studies, finasteride pretreatment reduced EtOH withdrawal severity, measured by HICs, and anxiety-related behavior, but only in the WSP selected line. However, finasteride pretreatment also significantly decreased blood EtOH concentration on the initiation of withdrawal in both chronic EtOH studies in WSP and WSR mice. In contrast, pretreatment with finasteride slightly enhanced acute EtOH withdrawal severity in WSP mice, whereas there was no effect of finasteride or EtOH injection on HICs in WSR mice. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings indicate that the WSP line is more sensitive than the WSR line to the modulatory effects of finasteride in terms of both chronic and acute EtOH withdrawal severity. The differential effect of finasteride on acute versus chronic EtOH withdrawal severity may result from an indirect effect of finasteride on EtOH pharmacokinetics in the chronic paradigm.
Studies of the dynamics and properties of clusters

Abstract Studies of the dynamics of formation and dissociation and of the change in properties of clusters at successively higher degrees of aggregation enable an investigation of the basic mechanisms of nucleation to be proved at the molecular level. Work on systems of increasingly higher degrees of aggregation also has a direct bearing on the development of surfaces, and ultimately solvation phenomena and the formation of the condensed state of both metallic and non-metallic systems. The progressive clustering of a molecule involves energy transfer and redistribution within the molecular system, and attendant processes of unimolecular dissociation take place between growth steps. Related processes of energy transfer and dissociation are operative as the molecules reorient about ions following the primary ionization event employed in detecting clusters via mass spectrometry. Recent advances in this field are discussed with attention to three areas: (1) studies of cluster dissociation following photoionization, (2) investigations of cluster formation and thermochemical properties through similarity profiles, and (3) determinations of the onset of condensed-phase properties.
Transcription inhibition by Rh(phi)2(phen)3

Rh(phi)2(phen)3+ (phi = 9,10-phenanthrenequinone diimine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) increases the melting temperature (ΔTm) of a 15-mer duplex DNA by 21 °C and it is able to inhibit transcription in vitro; the concentration ratio of Rh(phi)2(phen)3+ relative to DNA bases of the template required to inhibit the RNA transcribed by 50%, Rinh50, was found to be 0.13; in contrast, Rh(phen)2(phi)3+, which also possesses the intercalating phi ligand, exhibits only a +7 °C shift in Tm and Rinh50 = 4.5; Rh(phen)33+, RhCl3, and ethidium bromide result in negligible or small ΔTm and exhibit Rinh50 values that range from 4.8 to 12.5; these results suggest that the intercalation of the phi ligand between the DNA bases and electrostatic binding are not the only means of duplex stabilization by these complexes.
Some new and known species of the Lernanthropidae (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida) parasitic on the branchial lamellae of Japanese actinopterygian fishes, with revision of two known species of the family and discussion on the insemination mode in the Siphonostomatoida

Ten species of Lernanthropidae parasitic on the branchial lamellae of Japanese marine actinopterygian fishes are (re-)described herein. These are: Lernanthropinus carangoides sp. nov., recovered from Carangoides equula (Carangidae), Lernanthropinus labracoglossae sp. nov. from Labracoglossa argentiventris (Kyphosidae), Lernanthropsis mugilii (Shishido, 1898) from Mugil cephalus (Mugilidae), Lernanthropus atrox Heller, 1865 from Pagrus major (Sparidae), Lernanthropus erythrocles sp. nov. from Erythrocles schlegelii (Emmelichthyidae), Lernanthropus incilis Ho, Liu & Lin, 2011 from Evoxymetopon poeyi (Trichiuridae), Lernanthropus seriolae Shishido, 1898 from Seriola lalandi (Carangidae), Lernanthropus talipes Wilson, 1935 from Girella punctata and Kyphosus vaigiensis (Kyphosidae), Sagum paracaesionis sp. nov. from Paracaesio xanthurus (Lutjanidae), and a Lernanthropidae sp. (male) from Parapristopoma trilineatum (Haemulidae). Lernanthropus senegalensis Diebakate & Raibaut, 1996 is transferred to the genus Lernanthropinus. Lernanthropus pristipomoides Kirtisinghe, 1937 is relegated to a junior synonym of L. talipes. The possession of the naked first antennular segment is verified for all lernanthropids herein dealt with, in both sexes. The parabasal flagellum characteristic for the family is regarded as homologous with the postantennal process that is very common among siphonostomatoids parasitic on fishes. Two different modes of insemination exist in the Siphonostomatoida. The Lernanthropidae and Eudactylinidae differ from the Caligidae and Pandalidae in their mode of insemination.
Sensitivity and specificity of current methods for classifying morbid obesity

Abstract This study examined the sensitivity and specificity of current methods for classifying morbid obesity in females. Results suggest that current methods for classifying morbid obesity (≥ 45.5 kg over ideal weight or BMI ≥ 45) do not provide acceptable specificity and sensitivity, respectively. We suggest that additional measurements such as total body fatness determined by hydrodensitometry be used to classify morbid obesity and determine eligibility for aggressive therapeutic interventions for weight loss.
Estradiol stimulates an anti-translocation expression pattern of glucocorticoid co-regulators in a hippocampal cell model.

A consistent clinical finding in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) is hyperactivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, the system in the body that facilitates the response to stress. It has been suggested that alterations in glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated feedback prolong activation of the HPA axis, leading to the dysfunction observed in MDD. Additionally, the risk for developing MDD is heightened by several risk factors, namely gender, genetics and early life stress. Previous studies have demonstrated that GR translocation is sexually dimorphic and this difference may be facilitated by differential expression of GR co-regulators. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which ovarian hormones alter expression of GR and its co-regulators, Fkbp5 and Ppid, in HT-22 hippocampal neurons. The impact of corticosterone (cort), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) treatments on the expression of the genes Nr3c1, Ppid, and Fkbp5 was assessed in HT-22 hippocampal neurons. Treatment of cells with increasing doses of cort increased the expression of Fkbp5, an effect that was potentiated by E2. Exposure of HT-22 cells to E2 decreased the expression of Ppid and simultaneous exposure to E2 and P4 had combinatory effects on Ppid expression. The effects of E2 on Ppid extend previous work which demonstrated that serum E2 concentrations correlate with hippocampal Ppid expression in female rats. The results presented here illustrate that E2 generates an anti-translocation pattern of GR co-regulators in hippocampal cells.
Matrix-Isolated Luminescence of Primary Amines Derivatized with Naphthalenedialdehyde:

Recently a tagging reagent with superior qualities for LC analysis was developed for the derivatization of primary amines which yield adducts that are highly fluorescent. This reagent, naphthalenedialdehyde (NDA), reacts with primary amines in the presence of cyanide ion to yield highly fluorescent cyano-benz[f]-isoindole (CBI) products. High yields of isoindoles are formed in a relatively short period of time when the reaction is carried out at pH = 9.5. These isoindoles have also been shown to be stable for extended periods of time after the derivatization reaction has been initiated. Thus, the NDA/CN reagent is very useful for the trace analysis of primary amines. Indeed, attomole amounts of amino acids have been analyzed by HPLC with the NDA/CN reaction, with the use of laser-induced fluorescence detection. Another attractive feature of the NDA/CN derivatization scheme is that the excitation and emission fluorescence maxima are independent of the type of primary amine and the solvent. In addition, the long-term stability of CBI-amines permits pre-column derivatization for HPLC analysis rather than post-column derivatization when ortho-phthaldehyde (OPA) is used as the reagent.
Influence of aluminum in nutrient solutions on chemical composition in upland rice cultivars

Aluminum toxicity is an important growth limiting factor for upland rice production on oxisols of ‘cerrado’ region in Brazil. Data related to the effect of Al on uptake of nutrients for rice crop are limited. The effect of five Al concentrations (0, 10, 20, 40 and 60 ppm) in culture solution on the chemical composition of 30 upland rice cultivars was studied.
Adsorbed layers of oriented fibronectin: A strategy to control cell–surface interactions

Fibronectin (Fn) is a matrix protein known to induce cell attachment and spreading through its cell binding site and related synergy sites. Fn-coated surfaces are therefore useful in tissue engineering and other cell contacting applications, but a problem with many immobilization strategies is a random distribution of molecular orientations. We sought to control Fn orientation, and thus enhance the availability of its cell binding site, by immobilizing Fn via a carboxymethyl dextran layer onto which are chemically attached monoclonal antibodies specific to a region near to Fn's C terminus (and thus away from the cell binding site). Using optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy, we show the presence of chemically coupled antibodies to yield a considerably denser and thicker Fn layer, consistent with a more vertically aligned protein. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells spread significantly faster, and in a more spherically symmetric way, on an oriented Fn layer (i.e., in the presence of immobilized monoclonal antibodies) as compared with a control Fn layer (i.e., in the absence of bound antibodies). However, we observe human umbilical vein endothelial cell spreading on the oriented Fn layer to be similar to that on a Fn layer in the absence of a carboxymethyl dextran layer, suggesting that although orienting Fn is a promising strategy, coupling strategies using linkers other than dextran may be needed.
The future of IQ testing in education

Abstract Will IQ tests as we currently know them be used in schools in the year 2000? Will they be used as they are now or will they serve different functions? What new kinds of tests of aptitude and intelligence are likely to be developed in the next twenty years? In this article, the author attempts to answer the first two questions by considering the functions that IQ and aptitude tests now serve in schools and the trends that may modify the present pattern of test use. To answer the third question, she examines current research on intelligence and aptitude and discusses the kind of intelligence tests that might prove more useful in instructional planning.
The Impact of Secondary Mortgage Market Guidelines on Affordable and Fair Lending: A Reconnaissance from the Front Lines:

The U.S. mortageg finance system has made great strides, especially in the 1990s, to increase homeownership opportunities for all Americans. A combination of lower interrest rates and higher incomes have contributed to a record 1999 homeownership rate of 66.8 percentaeup from 64.0 percent in 1993. This increase is due, in part, to the large increase in the number of low- and moderate- income families that have become homeowners in the past ten years. And both Fannie Mae and Freddie mac, by changing their guidelines and introducing new technologies, have made it easier for many lower income and minority families to become homeowners. Yet, lower income and minority families still are much less likely to own homes than are higher-income and white families.
Aeroelastic Panel Optimization with Aerodynamic Damping

AFOSR TN-58-469, June 1958, Dept. of Aeronautics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. 5 Morkovin, M. V., "Effects of Compressibility on Turbulent Flows," in The Mechanics of Turbulence, Gordon and Breach, New York, 1964, pp. 367-380. 6 Klebanoff, P. S., "Characteristics of Turbulence in a Boundary Layer with Zero Pressure Gradient," Kept. 1247, 1955, NACA. 7 Zoric,D.L.," Approach of Turbulent Boundary Layer to Similarity," Ph.D. dissertation, 1968, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo. 8 Tieleman, H. W., "Viscous Region of Turbulent Boundary Layer," Ph.D. thesis, 1967, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo. 9 Kistler, A. L., "Fluctuation Measurements in a Supersonic Turbulent Boundary Layer," Physics of Fluids, Vol. 2, May-June 1959, pp. 290-296. 10 Sandborn, V. A., "A Review of Turbulence Measurements in Compressible Flow," TM X-62, 337, March 1974, NASA.