cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fischer–Tropsch synthesis: Water effects on Co supported on narrow and wide-pore silica

Abstract The effect of water on the performance of narrow and wide-pore silica-supported cobalt catalysts was investigated during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis in a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR). In these studies the added water replaced an equivalent amount of inert gas so that all other reaction conditions remained the same before, during and after water addition. A low cobalt loading of 12.4 wt.% on wide-pore silica exhibited a beneficial effect on CO conversion with the addition of water up to 25 vol.% of the total feed. In contrast, the addition of up to 20 vol.% water to a 20 wt.% Co on narrow- or wide-pore silica did not significantly alter the CO conversion. It appears that the CO conversion mainly increases when cobalt clusters are small enough to fit inside the silica pores.
Inhibition of Cell Growth and VEGF Expression in Ovarian Cancer Cells by Flavonoids

Dietary flavonoids have been shown to be protective against various types of cancers. Here we studied the effects of 12 different flavonoids and other substances on cell proliferation and VEGF expression in human ovarian cancer cells, OVCAR-3. Cell growth was determined to pinpoint the best time for drug treatment. By LDH assay, no cytotoxicity was observed for OVCAR-3 cells with all 12 chemicals except mevinolin. Six flavonoids, including apigenin, taxifolin, luteolin, quercetin, genistein, and kaempferol, were shown to inhibit the ovarian cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. From both RT-qPCR and ELISA results, all flavonoids have shown varied degrees of inhibition in VEGF expression. Taxifolin and naringin showed the least inhibition effect. They both lack a double bond in the second ring structure that may be important in inhibiting VEGF expression. The rank order of VEGF protein secretion inhibitory potency was genistein > kaempferol > apigenin > quercetin > tocopherol > luteolin > cisplatin > rutin > naringin > taxifolin. Genistein, quercetin, and luteolin have shown strong inhibition to cell proliferation and VEGF expression of human ovarian cancer cells, and they show promising in the prevention of ovarian cancers.
Treatment and prevention of mania in bipolar I disorder: focus on aripiprazole

Aripiprazole is a second-generation antipsychotic with a unique pharmacologic receptor profile that has efficacy in the treatment and prevention of mania in bipolar I disorder. This article reviews the evidence supporting treatment of adults with bipolar I disorder using aripiprazole as monotherapy or adjunctively during acute mania and its utility as an intramuscular agent for agitation in manic patients. Results from one of the longest bipolar maintenance trials which support aripiprazole as a prophylactic mood stabilizer, specifically against manic relapses, will be discussed as well as a post-hoc analysis that suggests efficacy for rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Safety and tolerability issues, patient-focused perspectives and aripiprazole’s place in therapy for bipolar mania will be covered.
Combined real-time PCR and rpoB gene pyrosequencing for rapid identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and determination of rifampin resistance directly in clinical specimens.

Our laboratory has developed a rapid, sensitive, and specific molecular approach for detection in clinical specimens, within 48 h of receipt, of both Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA and mutations within the 81-bp core region of the rpoB gene that are associated with rifampin (RIF) resistance. This approach, which combines an initial real-time PCR with internal inhibition assessment and a pyrosequencing assay, was validated for direct use with clinical specimens. To assess the suitability of real-time PCR for use with respiratory, nonrespiratory, acid-fast bacillus (AFB)-positive and AFB-negative specimens, we evaluated specimens received in our laboratory between 11 October 2007 and 30 June 2009. With culture used as the “gold standard,” the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were determined for 1,316 specimens to be as follows: for respiratory specimens, 94.7%, 99.9%, 99.6%, and 98.6%, respectively; for nonrespiratory specimens, 88.5%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 96.9%, respectively; for AFB-positive specimens, 99.6%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 97.7%, respectively; and for AFB-negative specimens, 75.4%, 99.9%, 98.0%, and 98.4%, respectively. PCR inhibition was determined to be minimal in this assay, occurring in 0.2% of tests. The rpoB gene pyrosequencing assay was evaluated in a similar prospective study, in which 148 clinical specimens positive for MTBC DNA by real-time PCR were tested. The final results revealed that the results of direct testing of clinical specimens by the pyrosequencing assay were 98.6% concordant with the results of conventional testing for susceptibility to RIF in liquid culture and that our assay displayed adequate sensitivity for 96.6% of the clinical specimens tested. Used together, these assays provide reliable results that aid with the initial management of patients with suspected tuberculosis prior to the availability of the results for cultured material, and they also provide the ability to predict RIF resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-positive specimens in as little as 48 h from the time of clinical specimen receipt.
Vertical integration in the post-IFQ halibut fishery

Abstract In some fisheries, claims have been made that quota programs have led to increased vertical integration, with processors controlling quota and fishermen. In the US halibut fishery a quota program was designed specifically to maintain the small-scale vessel nature of the fishery. This paper reports on what changes have been seen in the vertical structure of the halibut fishery and offers some explanation for these changes. Results indicate that the specific rights granted can have significantly different effects on the vertical structure of the industry. In the case of the halibut fishery vertical integration was avoided and market transactions actually increased.
TEM observations of a 30 million year old mountain leather nanofiber mineral composite

Abstract An unusual, massive mountain leather from a Llanitos mining district mine in Chihuahua, Mexico has been characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, and SAED analytical techniques and found to be a complex mineral composite composed of intermixed nanofibers of palygorskite ((Mg, Al) a (SiO x ) b (OH) c · n H 2 O) and birnessite (Ca a (MnO 2 ) b · n H 2 O) and intercalated with cleavage flakes of hematite (Fe 2 O 3 ). This complex nanofiber mass produced an extremely tough material which could not be crushed in the rock crusher. The material is of interest especially in light of the fact that this natural nanocomposite formed from a hydrothermal regime that dates to roughly 30 million years ago.
An empirical analysis of productivity growth and industrial concentration in us manufacturing

This manuscript focuses on the productivity-industrial concentration relationship in the US manufacturing industries, while accounting for external and internal sources of knowledge. It is found that there is a critical level of industrial concentration beyond which its relationship with productivity growth becomes negative. Results suggest that static welfare losses of increasing concentration in manufacturing industries can be offset by welfare gains from productivity growth.
Polariton model of linear optical absorption by quantum wells: Inadequacy of perturbation theory

A polariton theory of linear optical absorption nonperturbative in the Hamiltonian coupling the exciton-crystal-ground-state transition dipole moment and the electromagnetic field in quantum wells demonstrates the inadequacy of the standard perturbative result (Fermi's Golden Rule) at resonance. Due to the concurrent reradiation by photoexcited excitons, the absorption spectrum is renormalized such that it vanishes identically in the absence of nonradiative broadening mechanisms.
Physicochemical properties and fracture behavior of soy‐based resin

A soy-based resin was prepared by the process of transesterfication and epoxidation of regular food-grade soybean oil. The soy-based resin was used as a reactive diluent and also as a replacement of bisA epoxy resin in an anhydride-cured polymer. The curing efficiency of soy epoxy resin was studied using differential scanning calorimetry. Physicochemical properties and fracture behavior of soy-based resin polymers were studied using dynamic mechanical analysis and fracture toughness measurements, respectively. Toughness measurements were carried out using the compact tension geometry following the principles of linear elastic fracture mechanics. Tests showed that the addition of soy-based epoxy resin to the base epon resin improved the toughness of the blend. Morphology of the fractured specimens has been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The soy-based resins hold great potential for environmentally friendly, renewable resource based, and low cost materials for structural applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
The Pluto reconnaissance flyby mission

Although Pluto was discovered in 1930, our modern view of this distant world only began taking shape in 1976. Prior to that time, the technology for studying this faint, 14th magnitude object was simply too immature. Virtually all that was known before 1976 was that Pluto circles the Sun in an unusually eccentric 248-year orbit (ranging from 29.5 to 49.4 AU) that is tilted far (17°) from the ecliptic—the plane in which the other planets orbit, that Pluto's rotation period is 6.39 days, that its intrinsic surface color is reddish, and that its rotational lightcurve is the strangest and most variegated of the planets. Since 1976, however, the pace and diversity of discoveries have increased dramatically. First, methane ice was discovered on Pluto's surface, which gave a clear indication that Pluto was formed in the outer solar system rather than simply ejected to it from another region. Next came the discovery of Pluto's large satellite Charon (usually pronounced “Sharon”) in 1978. Lying just 19,400 km from Pluto (<1 arcsecond as seen from Earth), Charon orbits Pluto every 6.387 days—Pluto's rotation period. Thus, unlike any other satellite in the solar system, Charon orbits Pluto at its synchronous orbit.
Preschoolers Don't Practice What They Preach: Preschoolers' Planning Performances with Manual and Spoken Response Requirements.

Three-, 4-, and 5-year-olds performed Tower of London problems under spoken, manual, and combined (requiring both spoken and manual) response conditions. Preschoolers' solutions were most goal-focused when required to give only a spoken response, intermediately goal-focused when required to give both response types, and least goal-focused when required to give only a manual response. Preschoolers' depth of search was longer in the spoken response condition. Three-year-olds performed poorly in all conditions. Surprisingly, only the condition requiring a spoken response resulted in significant age differences between 4- and 5-year-olds in solution efficiency. In general, the results support theories of increased inhibitory ability and increased conscious cognitive control as mechanisms critical to executive-functioning development.
The nature of the effector cells mediating mitogen-induced cellular cytotoxicity (MICC) and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).

Abstract The nature of the cell types capable of mediating mitogen-induced cellular cytotoxicity (MICC) and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) was investigated utilizing effector cells from athymic nude and euthymic heterozygous control littermate mice as well as Sephadex anti-Fab immunoabsorbent column purified spleen cell populations from normal (CS7BL/6) mice. Chicken erythrocytes (CRBC) and the mouse lymphoma, EL-4, were used as target cells in both cytotoxicity assays. MICC utilizing CRBC targets was mediated by several effector cell types whereas MICC utilizing EL-4 lymphoma targets was T-cell dependent. ADCC against both CRBC and EL-4 lymphoma targets occurred independently of the presence of T-cells. In addition, effector cell populations incapable of mediating MICC against EL-4 lymphoma targets were capable of mediating ADCC against the same EL-4 targets. Thus, utilizing the appropriate target cells, EL-4 but not CRBC, a sharp distinction can be made between the effectors for ADCC and MICC: ADCC is T-cell independent while MICC is dependent on the presence of mature thymus-derived cells. Furthermore these studies demonstrate that the nature of the target cell employed in MICC and ADCC reactions plays a critical role in defining the types of effector cells capable of mediating these cytotoxicity reactions.
Near‐surface temperatures at proposed Mars Exploration Rover landing sites

Minimum nighttime temperature at the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) landing sites may limit power available for science activities and thus mission lifetime. Here, 1 m air temperature at the end of the nominal 90 sol primary mission are derived for the four primary and three previously considered MER landing sites based on Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emmision Spectrometer thermal inertia and albedo, estimated opacity, and predictions of air temperature from a one-dimensional atmospheric model.
Preparing for the Future of Radiation Oncology

The field of radiation oncology is currently attracting a high number of accomplished MD and PhD graduates who have aspirations of pursuing physician-scientist career paths. This good fortune comes at a time when radiation oncology is in need of professionals interested in contributing to the exciting advances in treatment technologies and molecular oncology and in helping translate advances in these areas into benefits for patients. Although the profession of radiation oncology has done an outstanding job of attracting excellent residents and providing appropriate environments for their continued academic development during residency training, the profession has not fully prepared an infrastructure for accepting these highly qualified individuals into physician-scientist faculty positions. It is very important that radiation oncology develop a more comprehensive strategy to address this need. Doing so will ensure the preservation and growth of the profession.
Time and Spatial Dependence of the Concentration of Less Than 105 Microelectrode-Generated Molecules

The time and spatial dependence of the concentration of as few as 40,000 electrogenerated, redox-active molecules has been determined. The distance between generator and detector microelectrodes in an array used in the study could be varied from 0.8 to 28 micrometers. Measurements of a sufficiently small ensemble of molecules allowed the experimental results to be compared with a quantitative simulation of the random movement of each member of the ensemble. The transit time of an electrogenerated species from the generator to a collector microelectrode was measured as a function of viscosity, diffusivity, and distance.
Evaluation of rebound tonometry in non-human primates.

Abstract To determine the accuracy and reproducibility of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained with the TonoVet® rebound tonometer in cynomolgus macaques and to determine the effects of corneal thickness on measurements obtained by the TonoVet®. The anterior chambers of both eyes of anesthetized monkeys were cannulated with branched 23-G needles; one branch was connected to a vertically adjustable reservoir and the other to a pressure transducer. IOP was increased by 5 mmHg increments and then decreased by 10 mmHg decrements. IOP was measured using the TonoVet® at each increment and decrement by 2 independent observers and at every other increment and every decrement by a single observer using ’minified’ Goldmann applanation tonometry. Central corneal thickness was measured with a PachPenTM ultrasonic pachymeter. TonoVet® readings correlated well with manometric IOP (slope = 0.972, r2 coefficient = 0.955). No significant differences were observed when comparing eyes or operators; however there was a non-significant trend for TonoVet® readings taken in right eyes to be closer to manometric IOP than those taken in left eyes. The TonoVet® had a non-significant tendency to underestimate manometric IOP. TonoVet® readings obtained during the decremental phase of the experiment were significantly closer (p
Effects of ryanodine on inotropic and arrhythmogenic actions of cardiotonic steroids.

Abstract In addition to its role in myocardial excitation-contraction coupling, the sarcoplasmic reticulum may be involved in arrhytmogenic actions of cardiotonic steroids. This study in isolated cardiac muscle demonstrates that ryanodine can prevent the arrhythmias and reduce the positive inotropic effect produced by cardiotonic steroids without affecting their specific binding to sites on Na,K-ATPase. These data suggest that the antagonism is mediated by ryanodine-induced alterations in Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Ischaemic heart disease mortality and years of work in trucking industry workers

Objectives Evidence from general population-based studies and occupational cohorts has identified air pollution from mobile sources as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In a cohort of US trucking industry workers, with regular exposure to vehicle exhaust, the authors previously observed elevated standardised mortality ratios for ischaemic heart disease (IHD) compared with members of the general US population. Therefore, the authors examined the association of increasing years of work in jobs with vehicle exhaust exposure and IHD mortality within the cohort. Methods The authors calculated years of work in eight job groups for 30 758 workers using work records from four nationwide companies. Proportional hazard regression was used to examine relationships between IHD mortality, 1985–2000, and employment duration in each job group. Results HRs for at least 1 year of work in each job were elevated for dockworkers, long haul drivers, pick-up and delivery drivers, combination workers, hostlers, and shop workers. There was a suggestion of an increased risk of IHD mortality with increasing years of work as a long haul driver, pick-up and delivery driver, combination worker, and dockworker. Conclusion These results suggest an elevated risk of IHD mortality in workers with a previous history of regular exposure to vehicle exhaust.
Learning to identify a foreign language

De recentes etudes ont montre que les auditeurs utilisent de multiples sources d'information (mots, inventaires de segments, rythme, patrons de hauteur, etc.) pour identifier ou discriminer des langues etrangeres. On peut supposer que ces caracteristiques sont egalement saillantes pour les auditeurs lorsqu'ils tentent d'affiner leur capacite a identifier des langues etrangeres. Dans cet article, les As. examinent l'utilite des ces sources d'information hypothetiques dans l'identification des langues. Pour cela, ils proposent plusieurs experiences destinees a evaluer les changements dans la capacite des auditeurs a identifier une langue apres de breves periodes d'exposition. Plus particulierement, ils tentent de determiner si l'exposition a des echantillons parles ameliorent l'identification de nouveaux echantillons et dans quelle mesure le materiel d'exposition affecte la performance des auditeurs
ACIDFORM: a review of the evidence.

Abstract Objective ACIDFORM is a candidate microbicide with spermicidal properties. A large Phase 3 trial is underway, and it is anticipated that this product will be approved for contraceptive use and marketed soon in the United States. The goal of this article is to critically review the evidence supporting the properties, safety profile and different uses of ACIDFORM gel. Study design We searched PubMed and Medline for any published literature on ACIDFORM. Results ACIDFORM is an acidifying agent that works by lowering the vaginal pH to enhance the normal vaginal defenses. In addition to strong acid-buffering properties, ACIDFORM has high bioadhesive and viscosity-retaining properties. Several Phase 1 clinical trials have demonstrated the vaginal safety of ACIDFORM used alone or in combination with a diaphragm, although dose-dependent side effects appear to be present. Studies investigating the efficacy of ACIDFORM against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are promising, but further trials are needed. Conclusions The properties of ACIDFORM offer many advantages for use, either alone or in combination with another active ingredient, such as Tenofovir. Potential applications for ACIDFORM include use as a personal lubricant, a vaginal contraceptive (alone or with a barrier method) and a microbicidal product or as a formulation vehicle for an active ingredient. Implications ACIDFORM is a candidate female-controlled vaginal preparation with microbicidal and spermicidal properties. A dual protection method could prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of STI acquisition.
17-Allyamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin and 17-NN-dimethyl ethylene diamine-geldanamycin have cytotoxic activity against multiple gynecologic cancer cell types.

Abstract Objective HSP90 is a cellular chaperone that is overexpressed in many cancers. HSP90 assists in proper folding of a variety of clients, many of which are oncoproteins. HSP90 has been shown to be elevated in endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancer. Furthermore, HSP90 is known to stabilize the oncoprotein Akt; disruptions of the Akt pathway are common in gynecologic malignancies. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of HSP90 inhibitors in gynecologic cancer. Methods We tested two HSP90 inhibitors, 17-AAG and 17-DMAG, against gynecologic cancer cell lines (four endometrial, one cervical, one ovarian, and one breast cancer line). We performed Western blots to determine effects of treatment on levels of HSP90 client proteins and PARP cleavage. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were used to assess cell viability, and flow cytometry to quantitate cell-cycle distribution and apoptosis. Results After treatment with 17-AAG or 17-DMAG, we detected no decrease in HSP90 levels. Levels of other oncoproteins did decrease with treatment: phosphorylated and total Akt, and Met. One cell line underwent G 1 arrest, and five showed G 2 arrest. All showed some level of apoptotic cell death, which was confirmed by detection of PARP cleavage. Sensitivity to the drugs varied among cell lines, ranging from 20% to 90% apoptosis after treatment. Our data suggest that 17-DMAG may be more potent than 17-AAG. Conclusions HSP90 inhibitors are effective cytotoxic agents in gynecologic cancer cells. Further testing in in vivo model systems is warranted, with the goal of eventual translation to clinical trials in gynecologic oncology patients.
The association of body mass index with serum angiogenic markers in normal and abnormal pregnancies.

Objective Because obesity is a risk factor for placental dysfunction, we hypothesized that maternal body mass index (BMI) would be associated with alterations in serum angiogenic markers. Study Design We included 2399 singleton pregnancies with and without placental dysfunction in a prospective longitudinal cohort study of angiogenic markers. We modeled the relationship between categorical and continuous BMI, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), and placental growth factor (PlGF) over gestation, stratified by pregnancy outcome. Results In women with normal pregnancies, a higher BMI was associated with lower sFlt-1 values across gestation ( P P P P P = .0005) in women with clinically evident placental dysfunction. Conclusion The sFlt-1 value is inversely associated with maternal BMI. The pattern of change in PlGF is also dependent on maternal BMI, indicating that obese women may have abnormalities in angiogenesis near term.
Pain behavior measures to quantitate joint pain and response to neurotoxin treatment in murine models of arthritis.

Objective. To evaluate the validity of newly developed pain behavior measures in two murine models of inflammatory arthritis and to determine the ability of these measures to evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of intra-articular (IA) botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) for treatment of arthritis pain. Design. Acute inflammatory arthritis was produced in adult female mice by IA injection of carrageenan and chronic inflammatory arthritis by IA injection of CFA. The presence of arthritis was confirmed by the presence of swelling and erythema. A menu of pain behavior measures was devised for quantitating pain in these models including tenderness, and spontaneous nocturnal wheel running. Toxicity due to neurotoxin was measured as gross limb weakness and impaired functional ability during wheel running. Results. Tenderness measures and spontaneous nocturnal wheel-running are valid measures of arthritis pain and are sensitive to the effects of analgesia. Narcotic analgesics are effective, but in fully analgesic doses impair wheel-running. IA BoNT/A is an effective analgesic for chronic arthritis pain, but not for acute arthritis pain. High doses can produce local limb muscle weakness, which impairs wheel-running function. Doses of botulinum toxin that are not toxic retain their analgesic function. Conclusions. Tenderness and spontaneous pain behavior measures are valid and sensitive for the measurement of pain and analgesia in murine models of inflammatory arthritis. Effective narcotic analgesia produces a decline in function in mice similar to that seen in humans. IA neurotoxin is a promising therapy for chronic inflammatory arthritis but may not be effective for acute arthritis pain.
Characterization of kinase suppressor of Ras-1 expression and anticancer drug sensitivity in human cancer cell lines

Previous studies have indicated that the ERK1/2 MAP kinase signaling pathway plays an important role not only in cell growth, cell cycle regulation, and differentiation, but also in determining the sensitivity of cells to anticancer agents as well. Furthermore, expression of kinase suppressor of Ras-1 (KSR1), a molecular scaffold that modulates signaling through the ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway, has been shown to influence the cellular sensitivity to the anticancer agent cisplatin. To further define the role of KSR1 expression on drug sensitivity, the expression of KSR1 was examined in the NCI60 anticancer drug screen, a panel of cancer cell lines representing nine tissue types, established by the Developmental Therapeutics Program (DTP) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The expression of thousands of molecular targets has been examined in the NCI60 panel as well as the cellular toxicity for greater than 400,000 compounds. KSR1 expression varied almost 30-fold difference between the highest and lowest expressing cell lines in the NCI60. Using the COMPARE analysis algorithm, KSR1 expression was correlated with sensitivity of the compounds screened by DTP and several novel agents were identified whose sensitivity correlated with KSR1 expression in the NCI60 panel. Cytotoxicity of two agents, cytochalasin H and tunicamycin, identified through the COMPARE analysis of KSR1 expression and drug sensitivity, was also examined in wild type (KSR(+/+)) mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) and MEFs deficient in KSR1 expression (KSR1(-/-)). These studies demonstrated enhanced sensitivity, as well as increased ERK activation, in KSR(-/-) MEFs following exposure to tunicamycin or cytochalasin H compared to KSR(+/+) MEFs. Furthermore, restoration of KSR1 expression in KSR(-/-) MEFs following stable transduction of cells with a KSR1 expression vector, enhanced sensitivity of cells to tunicamycin and cytochalasin H and decreased ERK1/2 activation following exposure to these drugs. In addition, the sensitivity to cytochalasin H and tunicamycin of breast cancer cell lines with low KSR1 expression, (HS578T and MDA-MB-231/ATCC), was increased relative to the sensitivity of breast cancer cells with higher levels of KSR1 (MCF7). These studies indicate that KSR1 may play an important role in the determination of cellular sensitivity to anticancer agents.
The Ascendancy of Employment Arbitrators in US Employment Relations: A New Actor in the American System?

In this paper, we survey the underpinnings of the trend towards employment arbitration in the United States, and its implications for the broader industrial relations system. Specifically, we address the question of whether or not employment arbitrators have been substituted for collective bargaining by the government to an extent that warrants their inclusion as an actor in the industrial relations system. We review developments in workplace dispute resolution in the United States, the literature that attempts to explain these developments and posit an assessment of the stability of employment arbitration, and employment arbitrators, as a central feature of the US industrial relations system.
Studying the Effects of Treatment in Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse

In an effort to provide suggestions about strategies for investigating the outcomes of psychosocial treatments in adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, two broad approaches to psychotherapy outcome research are discussed: clinical trials methodologies and “naturalistic,” descriptive methodologies. Regardless of one's approach, the heuristic importance of “modelbuilding” and the need to be guided by theory are emphasized. The strengths and weaknesses of the two approaches are contrasted, and an example of an ongoing, naturalistic study of individual psychotherapy relying on attachment and interpersonal theories for its conceptual basis is provided. General methodological considerations that apply to both approaches (e.g., the need for control or comparison groups in any design, the need for longer term investigations) are discussed in conclusion.
Temporal Requirement of the Alternative Splicing Factor Sfrs1 for the Survival of Retinal Neurons

Alternative splicing (AS) is the primary mechanism by which a limited number of protein coding genes can generate the proteome diversity. We have investigated the role of an alternative splicing factor (ASF), Sfrs1, an arginine/serine (SR) rich-protein family member, during retinal development. Here we report that loss of Sfrs1 function during embryonic retinal development had a profound effect such that it led to a small retina at birth. In addition, the retina underwent further degeneration in the postnatal period. Loss of Sfrs1 function resulted in the death of retinal neurons that were born during early and mid-embryonic development. Ganglion cells, cone photoreceptors, horizontal cells and amacrine cells were produced and initiated differentiation. However, these neurons subsequently underwent cell death through apoptosis. In contrast, Sfrs1 was not required for the survival of the neurons generated later, including later born amacrine cells, rod photoreceptors, bipolar cells and Muller glia. Our results highlight the requirement of Sfrs1-mediated AS for the survival of retinal neurons, with sensitivity defined by the window of time in which the neuron was generated. In all, this is the first description addressing the function of an ASF in vertebrate retinal development.
Design of new strategy for green algal photo-hydrogen production: Spectral-selective photosystem I activation and photosystem II deactivation

A new strategy in photosynthetic hydrogen (photo-H(2)) production from green algae was developed based on theory and successfully demonstrated. The new strategy applied a spectral-selective photosystem I (PSI) activating/photosystem II (PSII) deactivating radiation (or PSI light) that would drive a steady flow of electrons in the electron transport chain for delivery to hydrogenase for photo-H(2) production, but would reduce oxygen production through water photolysis below the respiratory oxygen consumption so that an anoxic condition would be maintained as required by hydrogenase. Implementing the strategy by using a PSI light (692 nm peak, 680-700 nm) on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells resulted in relatively sustained photo-H(2) production (total of 0.108 mL H(2)mg(-1)Chl, exceeding 0.066 mL H(2)mg(-1)Chl under white light). The strategy also proved successful and convenient in allowing cells to alternately switch between photo-H(2) production and a recovery period by simply turning on or off the PSI light.
Generalized Likelihood Ratio Tests and Uniformly Most Powerful Tests

Abstract For testing a one-sided hypothesis in a one-parameter family of distributions, it is shown that the generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) test coincides with the uniformly most powerful (UMP) test, assuming certain monotonicity properties for the likelihood function. In particular, the equivalence of GLR tests and UMP tests holds for one-parameter exponential families. In addition, the relationship between GLR and UMPU (UMP unbiased) tests is considered when testing two-sided hypotheses.
Brown continues crusade against earmarking

House Science Committee Chairman George Brown (D-Calif.), a crusader against earmarking of academic research and facilities, continues his efforts to raise the subject's visibility with a new report that was released on August 9. “Academic Earmarks: An Interim Report by the Chairman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology” includes preliminary results of a survey of about fifty institutions receiving recent earmarks and offers a trio of recommendations to help stem the flood of unauthorized projects.
Flexible software platform for fast-scan cyclic voltammetry data acquisition and analysis.

Over the last several decades, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) has proved to be a valuable analytical tool for the real-time measurement of neurotransmitter dynamics in vitro and in vivo. Indeed, FSCV has found application in a wide variety of disciplines including electrochemistry, neurobiology, and behavioral psychology. The maturation of FSCV as an in vivo technique led users to pose increasingly complex questions that require a more sophisticated experimental design. To accommodate recent and future advances in FSCV application, our lab has developed High Definition Cyclic Voltammetry (HDCV). HDCV is an electrochemical software suite that includes data acquisition and analysis programs. The data collection program delivers greater experimental flexibility and better user feedback through live displays. It supports experiments involving multiple electrodes with customized waveforms. It is compatible with transistor–transistor logic-based systems that are used for monitoring animal behavior, and it ...
Severity and duration of hyperalgesia in rat varies with type of nerve lesion.

OBJECTIVE To learn how lesions with differing capacity for nerve regeneration affect the severity and duration of hyperalgesia in an animal model of neuropathic pain. METHODS Three groups of rats were studied: 1). L5 nerve root crush (favorable for regeneration); 2). L5 root ligation and section; and 3). sham-operated group. An experimenter who did not know the rats' groups tested the animals for hyperalgesia to mechanical and cold stimuli. RESULTS Measures of adverseness of mechanical and cooling stimuli for the crush group and ligation/cut groups were significantly higher than for the sham-operated group (P < 0.001 for both) for the first 30 days after lesioning. By 40 days, the crush group recovered from mechanical hyperalgesia, whereas the ligation/cut group continued to have significant hyperalgesia. At this time, both lesion groups displayed hyperalgesia to the cooling stimulus (P < 0.001), but the hyperalgesia in the ligation/cut group was significantly greater (P < 0.01). No recovery from cooling hyperalgesia was evident during the 54-day period of observation. Histological studies of the sciatic nerve indicated higher numbers of regenerating fibers in the crush group compared with the ligation/cut group. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that axotomy, regardless of how it is induced, produces hyperalgesia to both mechanical and cold stimuli. However, the lesion that favors regeneration is associated with earlier signs of recovery from mechanical hyperalgesia and less severe signs of cooling hyperalgesia. The data support the hypothesis that inputs from the injured afferents play an ongoing role in neuropathic pain from nerve injury. Nerve ligation induces more severe and more sustained behavioral signs of pain than nerve crush.
Identifying and Defining the Structures That Guide the Implementation of Participant Direction Programs and Support Program Participants: A Document Analysis

Participant direction (PD) programs offer the individual with a disability or his or her surrogate decision maker varying degrees of choice and control over the individual’s supports and services. We conducted a document analysis using grounded theory methods to identify the design elements of participant direction programs in long-term care. We analyzed 53 documents across multiple disabilities and funding sources. We identified and defined two major components of participant direction programs: policy and aid and assistance. The component of policy was represented by three structures that guide implementation of participant direction programs: (a) option to participant-direct, (b) participation stipulations, and (c) provider qualifications. The component of aid and assistance was represented by 11 structures that support program participants: (a) financial management services, (b) employer of record, (c) emergency back-up, (d) worker registry, (e) advice/counseling, (f) managerial assistance, (g) inform...
Modulation of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and O6-ethylguanine formation in rainbow trout by indole-3-carbinol, β-naphthoflavone, and Aroclor 1254

Abstract Rainbow trout were fed a diet containg indole-3-carbinol (2000 ppm), β-naphthoflavone (500 ppm), or Aroclor 1254 (100 ppm) for 6 weeks before a single 24-hr exposure to an aqueous solution of 250 ppm diethylnitrosamine (DEN). The fish were killed 42 weeks later to determine the carcinogenic response. DEN exposure produced an 80.2% incidence of liver tumors and an average of 3.47 tumors per tumor-bearing fish, whereas no tumors were detected in the sham-treated control fish. Tumor induction was inhibited by indole-3-carbinol (27.5% incidence, 1.89 tumors per tumor-bearing fish) but enhanced by β-naphthoflavone (91.8% incidence, 3.60 tumors per tumor-bearing fish). Aroclor 1254 had no effect on DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis (80.0% incidence, 3.03 tumors per tumor-bearing fish). The effects of these modulators on O6-ethylguanine and 7-ethylguanine formation (measured by HPLC and fluorescence spectrophotometry) were examined. Liver DNA ethylguanine levels were reduced in indole-3-carbinol-pretreated fish and increased in β-naphthoflavone-pretreated fish compared to untreated controls after DEN exposure. Aroclor 1254 pretreatment had no significant effect on DNA ethylguanine formation. Similar O6-ethylguanine to 7-ethylguanine ratios were found among the control and treated groups. The results of this study indicate that modulation of DEN hepatocarcinogenesis by indole-3-carbinol and β-naphthoflavone may be mediated by their effects on O6-ethylguanine formation and, therefore, on the initiation phase of carcinogenesis.
Plasma immersion ion implantation using titanium and oxygen ions

Abstract A titanium vacuum arc burning in oxygen atmosphere was used as a source for titanium and oxygen ions, which were used for plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) into silicon at different voltages up to −5 kV and duty cycles up to 18%. Without high voltage pulses a deposition rate of 2.5×10 16 atoms/cm 2 s was reached at a distance of 39 cm from the cathode. Using high voltage pulses, the same rate was obtained as the increased sputter yield is offset by a larger plasma sheath collecting the ions. No interface mixing was observed as the maximum ion range is approximately 10 nm. Furthermore, due to the low duty cycle only a small number of highly energetic ions can reach the interface before the deposited layer is thicker than these 10 nm. However, the texture of the films observed without pulses is rapidly suppressed even at 1 kV pulse voltage and 9% duty cycle. A Ti/O oxygen ratio of 2:3 was measured with ion beam analyses, indicating a high oxygen uptake from the background gas.
Effects of bath relaxation on dissipative two-state dynamics

A formal solution to the two-state Liouville equations is used to derive quantum equations of motion for dissipative two-state systems without making the assumption of a harmonic bath. The first-order equation of motion thus obtained is equivalent to the noninteracting blip approximation and can be systematically improved by introducing high-order cumulants. The second-order equation of motion incorporates effects of bath relaxation on two-state dynamics and leads to an effective nonadiabatic rate expression, which in the classical limit reduces to the well-known electron transfer rate formula. Numerical results with an Ohmic bath show saturation at large coupling constants due to the rate-limiting effect of relatively slow bath relaxation, and a comparison with classical calculations demonstrates larger rate constants at low temperature when quantum coherence is taken into account.
Police reform in Northern Ireland

The issue of police reform has become especially salient in Northern Ireland since the announcement of a ceasefire in September 1994. This article examines several major policing problems in this society and the kinds of reforms necessary to normalize policing. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to relax a host of counterinsurgency practices and on changes in the larger political context.
Ultra-thin freestanding ceria membranes: layer transfer techniques and high temperature conductivity studies

Interrogation of conduction mechanisms in quasi two-dimensional (2D) brittle or highly resistive materials that are in a suspended form presents a formidable experimental challenge. We report high temperature conductivity studies on substrate-free self-supported nano-crystalline ceria membranes up to 800 K utilizing a layer transfer method that enables four-terminal carrier transport studies under extreme environments. Utilizing such structures we observe increasing conductivity with oxygen partial pressure directly opposing the behavior of thin film devices ‘clamped’ by the substrate. We illustrate that the relaxed nature of free standing membranes, and increased surface to volume ratio enable a more sensitive electrical response to oxygen adsorption on the surface which could have implications for their use in oxygen storage devices, solid oxide fuel cells, and chemical sensors.
Uric acid levels during last larval instar of Manduca sexta, an abrupt transition from excretion to storage in fat body

Abstract Levels of uric acid in the whole body of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta increased steadily for the 9 days of the fifth instar. However, concentrations in the haemolymph were lowest during the transition from the feeding stage to the wandering stage (days 3, 4), the time when there was a switch from uric acid excretion by the Malpighian tubule-hindgut system to storage in the fat body. Haemolymph volumes, determined for larvae between 2 and 6 days into the fifth instar by isotope dilution with [ 14 C]-inulin, were used to calculate rates of incorporation of uric acid into Malpighian tubules and fat body of larvae injected with [ 14 C]-uric acid. These labelling studies indicated that the Malpighian tubules ceased to remove uric acid from the haemolymph some time between the last 6 hr of day 3 of the fifth instar and the first 18 hr of day 4. At the same period, fat body removed significant quantities of uric acid from the haemolymph. The times of initial decreases and increases in levels of uric acid in haemolymph and fat body, respectively, indicated that storage in the fat body started before cessation of elimination via the Malpighian tubule-hindgut system.
Gene for glutathione S-transferase-1 (GST1) is on human chromosome 11.

The glutathione S-transferases (GST) are a group of related enzymes that can detoxify potentially carcinogenic electrophiles by conjugating them with reduced glutathione (GSH). The chromosomal location of one of the enzyme forms, GST1,reported recently to be polymorphic, was determined utilizing man-mouse somatic cell hybrids segregating human chromosomes. The expression of GST1by hybrid clones was compared with that of 34 enzyme markers representing 23 chromosomes, and karyotypes of selected cell hybrids were analyzed. The evidence indicated that GST1is assigned to chromosome 11 in humans. Utilizing an X/11 translocation segregating in hybrids, GST1was localized to the p13→ qter region of chromosome 11.
Pretreatment of Softwood by Acid-Catalyzed Steam Explosion Followed by Alkali Extraction

A process for converting lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol hydrolyzes the hemicellulosic fraction to soluble sugars (i.e., pretreatment), followed by acid- or enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of the cellulosic fraction. Enzymatic hydrolysis may be improved by using an alkali to extract a fraction of the lignin from the pretreated material. The removal of the lignin may increase the accessibility of the cellulose to enzymatic attack, and thus improve overall economics of the process, if the alkali-treated material can still be effectively converted to ethanol.
Finite Element Modal Analysis of the Engine Front End Accessory Drive Systems

The objectives of the study were to create finite element (FE) models for the engine front end accessory drive (FEAD) systems, to carry out normal mode analyses on the systems and to make a comparison of the predicted frequencies with those of measurement.The analytical results of three FEAD systems showed that more accurate frequencies were calculated using the complete accessory model than the concentrated mass model. Therefore the complete accessory model should be created for structural analysis of the FEAD systems. It was also pointed out that great care should be taken in the creation of FE models.
Artificial Chains Collateral to the Heavy Radioactive Families

A number of heavy alpha-particle emitting nuclides, members of decay chains which are "collateral" to the heavy radioactive series, have been observed and their radioactive properties characterized. Some of these undergo branching decay by orbital electron capture. The parent isotopes are produced in bombardments of thorium with high energy deuterons or helium ions in the 184-inch cyclotron. Chemical identification has been made in all cases where needed, and the alpha-particle energies have been measured through the use of an alpha-pulse analyzer apparatus. The following are the collateral series which have been studied: ${\mathrm{Pa}}^{226}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Ac}}^{222}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Fr}}^{218}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{At}}^{214} (4n+2 \mathrm{mass}\mathrm{type})$; ${\mathrm{Pa}}^{227}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Ac}}^{223}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Fr}}^{219}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{At}}^{215} (4n+3)$; ${\mathrm{Pa}}^{228}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Ac}}^{224}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Fr}}^{220}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{At}}^{216} (4n)$; ${\mathrm{U}}^{228}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Th}}^{224}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Ra}}^{220}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Em}}^{216} (4n)$; ${\mathrm{U}}^{229}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Th}}^{223}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Ra}}^{221}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Em}}^{217} (4n+1)$.