cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combined effects of Depo-Provera and fadrozole on the sexual behavior of intact male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

Our previous studies showed that treating castrated, testosterone-treated male cynomolgus monkeys with Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate, MPA) decreased ejaculatory performance and also measures of male sexual motivation by about 40%. Similarly, treating castrated, testosterone-treated males with the nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, Fadrozole, decreased ejaculatory performance and male sexual motivation again by about 40%. These behavioral decrements are, of course, mediated by totally different mechanisms. We have therefore hypothesized that both unchanged T and E2 might be important for the control of sexual behavior in this male primate, and the present study examined the consequences of administering Fadrozole at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg/day to intact male cynomolgus monkeys being treated with 40 mg/week MPA. Intact males were each tested with an ovariectomized, E2-treated female partner (i) before treatment, (ii) during treatment with MPA alone, and (iii) during treatment with MPA and either Fadrozole or water administered SC by osmotic minipumps. As in previous studies, MPA significantly decreased plasma T levels and sexual behavior. But additional treatment with Fadrozole resulted in a rapid increase in plasma T levels although causing a further decline in sexual behavior. Results supported the view that both unchanged T and its aromatized product are important for ejaculatory activity and sexual motivation in the primate. Fadrozole's effect on plasma T may have been due to the elimination of the negative feedback of E2 on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
The limited effects of antipsychotic medication on schizophrenia relapse and adjustment and the contributions of psychosocial treatment

Whether psychosocial treatment adds substantially to the prophylactic efficacy of maintenance antipsychotic monotherapy requires a more accurate estimate of relapse risks than those contained in recent reviews. A reappraisal of the literature suggests a 1-year, post-hospital, relapse rate of 40% on medication, and a substantially higher rate among patients who live in stressful environments, rather than earlier estimates of 16%. Relapse rates of 65% at 1 year and over 80% by 2 years among drug discontinued or placebo substituted outpatients are also more accurate than the 53% relapse rate previously estimated. When psychosocial treatment is added to maintenance chemotherapy, there is compelling evidence that relapse rates are reduced by as much as 50% compared with relapse associated with medication and standard care. However, psychosocial treatment without medication is as ineffective as placebo. The additive effects appear greater for recent, theoretically based psychosocial approaches than earlier atheoretical, altruistic forms of caring. However, effects vary according to the patient's clinical state, the nature and timing of the intervention, and the presence of environmental stressors. Regarding adjustment, very little definitive information regarding psychosocial treatment effects has existed until recently. A novel, disorder-relevant approach has now been shown to have broad and significant effects on social adjustment compared with medication and support. However, the magnitude of effects is not fully realized until a third year of treatment: a distinct challenge in the era of managed care. Atypical antipsychotics and more definitive psychosocial strategies that target social cognitive deficits hold promise for enhanced outcomes in the next generation of studies.
Greek Organization Membership and Collegiate Outcomes at an Elite, Private University.

In this study, we use detailed survey and institutional data from a prospective panel study of students attending a highly selective, private university to examine the effects of fraternity or sorority membership on a range of collegiate outcomes. Previous research has given insufficient attention to selection issues inherent in the study of vol- untary associations, and thus prior work likely overstates the impact of Greek membership. We use propensity score matching methods to isolate a more appropriate counterfactual or control group and to provide a more rigorous test of the effects of being a Greek member. Among our primary results, we find that fraternity and sorority members are more likely to be white, have more advantaged social origins, and arrive on campus placing greater emphasis on maintaining an active social life in comparison to students who do not join Greek organizations. Although Greeks assign greater importance to being a social person and report a more prominent role of alcohol and drugs in their enjoyment of campus life than do non-Greeks, these differences are attributable to pre-treatment characteristics. After accounting for selection effects, we find that Greek membership leads to higher levels of involvement in and satisfaction with campus social life, and predicts higher graduation rates and degree persistence.
Dynamic Response of Battery Tabs Under Ultrasonic Welding

Ultrasonic metal welding (USMW) for battery tabs must be performed with 100% reliability in battery pack manufacturing as the failure of a single weld essentially results in a battery that is inoperative or cannot deliver the required power due to the electrical short caused by the failed weld. In ultrasonic metal welding processes, high-frequency ultrasonic energy is used to generate an oscillating shear force (sonotrode force) at the interface between a sonotrode and few metal sheets to produce solid-state bonds between the sheets clamped under a normal force. These forces, which influence the power needed to produce the weld and the weld quality, strongly depend on the mechanical and structural properties of the weld parts and fixtures in addition to various welding process parameters, such as weld frequencies and amplitudes. In this work, the effect of structural vibration of the battery tab on the required sonotrode force during ultrasonic welding is studied by applying a longitudinal vibration model for the battery tab. It is found that the sonotrode force is greatly influenced by the kinetic properties, quantified by the equivalent mass, equivalent stiffness, and equivalent viscous damping, of the battery tab and cell pouch interface. This study provides a fundamental understanding of battery tab dynamics during ultrasonic welding and its effect on weld quality, and thus provides a guideline for design and welding of battery tabs from tab dynamics point of view.
Ray tracing of Jovian decametric radiation from southern and northern hemisphere sources: Comparison with Voyager observations

The Voyager 1 and 2 Planetary Radio Astronomy observations of Io-dependent decametric (DAM) radiation originating from the Southern Hemisphere of Jupiter were compared with the results of three-dimensional model ray tracing calculations of the DAM radiation. The ray trajectories for sources located at constant sub-Io longitudes of 260 and 300 deg were computed for both the Northern and the Southern Jovian Hemisphere sources. The model results of wave propagation agree with the Voyager observations obtained with Io located at 260 and 300 deg in Jovian system III longitude. The agreement between the Voyager observations and the model ray tracings allows identification of the origin of several of the emission components.
Use of social media and Internet to obtain health information by rural adolescent mothers

Abstract Background Adolescent mothers residing in rural areas need accurate health information to care for themselves and their babies. The purpose of this study was to determine the use of social media and Internet by adolescent mothers residing in rural areas, particularly in regard to obtaining health information. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of adolescent mothers living in a rural county in a state located in the southern U.S. (n = 15), completed the Pew Internet Survey during home visits with nurses from a community health agency. Results All adolescent mothers accessed Internet using cell phones (93%) or computers (100%). Many adolescent mothers sent or received over 50 text messages per day. Thirty-three percent of adolescent mothers searched for health information on the Internet every few weeks; 27% received health information from Facebook. Conclusions Communication of health information using the Internet and social media may be effective with adolescent mothers residing in rural areas.
Keck Interferometer autoaligner: algorithms and techniques

The Keck Interferometer includes an autoalignment system consisting of pop-up targets located at strategic locations along the beam trains of each arm of the instrument along with a sensor and control system. We briefly describe the hardware of the system and then proceed to a description of the two operational modes of the system.
Correlations in charged bosons

Abstract A new chain diagram formula is derived for many-body systems in such a way that an ideal gas term does not explicitly appear. This form is simpler and more convenient than the previously known expression. The result is applied to a charged boson gas under different conditions. It is found that exponential type decrease of the correlations for large distances changes into 1/ r 8 type decrease at the transition point.
A note concerning analysis of error scores from motor-memory research.

Exception is taken to the statistical analysis for motor memory research suggested by Roy (1976) in his paper on “Measuring change in motor memory. “ The hazardous effects of multicollinearity which result from using AE(or E), CE, and VE as multiple dependent variables in MANOVA are explained and an alternate strategy for statistical analysis is suggested. I would like to express my appreciation to Ken Brewer, Program of Evaluation and Research Design at Florida State University, for his assistance with the major points of this paragraph.
The origin of hemopoietic cells in ectopic implants of spleen and marrow

Spleen and marrow tissues were cross-transplanted between CBA and CBA/HT6 mice. The majority of karyotypes in the regenerated implants were of recipient origin indicating that these implants are chimeric structures with the stroma of donor origin providing a framework for the proliferation of the recipient's hemopoietic stem cell.
Introduction to session 12: advances in enzyme science and technology.

As this meeting has grown, several of the most popular topics have been spilt into two sessions in order so that more presenters could give talks and to allow the audience to hear more research angles from a variety of sources. These two sessions focused on the enzymatic deconstruction of biomass and how it works synergistically with pretreatment to promote sugar release for bioconversion. The sessions presented the multi-front efforts that are underway to improve economic production and discover new enzymes with the eventual goal of developing a biological process for complete biomass deconstruction. The first session was held on Monday and the second part of the session was held on Wednesday. Session 12 was chaired by David Wu of Rochester University and Colin Mitchinson of Genencor. Nazmul Karim, representing a research group from Texas Tech, gave a presentation on the “Screening for New Cellulase Enzymes to Enhance the Synergistic Effect by Codisplaying Cellulases on the Surface of E. coli, LY01.” The presenter gave a talk that described the use of a cDNA library from Clostridium cellulyticum expressed on the surface of Escherichia coli strain LY01. This method was employed to screen for new cellulases, which showed enhanced enzymatic synergistic effect. The surface-displayed enzymes were quantitatively measured using flow cytometric analysis. The research group from Novozymes North America, represented by Frank Haagensen, presented a talk titled “Performance Data of Novozymes New Cellulase Systems.” The presentation highlighted the fact that the company had taken up the US Department of Energy’s 2001 challenge to lower the enzyme cost of cellulose hydrolysis. They were able to reduce the cost 30-fold. The new enzymes were not only cheaper but also showed that the performance was improved if certain process conditions (e.g., pH and temperature) were optimized. David Wilson from Cornell University discussed how the five structures of the catalytic domain had been determined in a presentation titled “Family GH-6 Cellulases Do Not Seem to Possess a Catalytic Base.” Wilson said that his group’s work with site-directed mutagenesis of a specific residue and azide rescue experiments had shown that the acid Appl Biochem Biotechnol (2009) 156:555–556 DOI 10.1007/s12010-009-8616-x
Di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,2-monothiacrown-3 ligands in the cone conformation: synthesis and metal ion extraction

Abstract A series of di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,2-crown-3 compounds with a sulfur-containing unit bridging the proximate phenolic oxygens have been synthesized. The ionizable groups are oxyacetic acid and N-(X)sulfonyl oxyacetamide groups with X=methyl, phenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, and trifluoromethyl, which ‘tunes’ the acidity of the latter. The efficiency and selectivity of these novel ligands are assessed for competitive solvent extractions of alkali metal cations and of alkaline earth metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform. Also the efficiencies for single species extractions of Pb2+ and of Hg2+ are determined. The results are compared with those reported previously for related ligands in which only oxygen heteroatoms are present in the crown ether unit.
SU-FF-T-226: Evaluation of Radiation Therapy Treatment Plans Through Conventional IMRT and Inversely Planned Intensity Modulated ARC Therapy (IMAT), A Clinical Comparison

Purpose: The goals of this study were to evaluate the difference in target dose uniformity and dose distribution through mean DVH and OAR analysis for a given PTV. Dosimetric analysis were also extended to compare sparing of normal tissue and critical structures between two treatment planning techniques. Methods and Material: The ADAC Pinnacle inverse planning system was used to generate conventional IMRT inverse plans for a few head & neck patients. These plans were then compared with treatment plans generated using the IMAT software package manufactured by 3D line USA Medical System Corp. Using axial CT for the same patients, targets, and numerous critical structures were delineated and “best” plans were developed in each environment. In IMAT planning, continuous and dynamically shaped arcs were planned through aperture optimization and leaf sequencing. The dose delivery was accomplished through a specially designed MICRO DMLC with 3 mm leaf width and double focus focalization. Results: For IMRT plans, 5 or 7 co‐planar arcs were used and treatment plans were generally optimized using a predefined set of dose objectives, penalties, min and max dose and percentage of volume required. The IMAT plans were designed with typically two co‐planar arcs of 180 degrees around the patient with similar dosimetry objective parameters. The percentage coverage for V95 in targets 1&2 were 94.9 ± 2.8 and 95.1 ± 2.1 for IMRT and 98.4 ± 2.6 & 98.1 ± 2.8 for IMAT respectively. Sparing of critical structures was generally better in IMAT, a detail of which will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: In the IMAT technique with direct aperture optimization,dose distribution within the target was found to be better by 8%. Superior critical structure sparing was achieved as compared with similar plan using IMRT technique. The IMAT technique may be considered as an alternative to tomotherapy.
Partial reversal of guanethidine-induced adrenergic neuron blockade by acetaldehyde.

Abstract Acetaldehyde (5 m m ) partially restores responses to transmural stimulation in the isolated rat vas deferens blocked by 30-min exposure to guanethidine (4 × 10 −6 m ). Added after blockade and in the presence or absence of guanethidine, the sympathomimetics, dextroamphetamine (7.3 × 10 −6 m ), or tyramine (2.9 × 10 −5 m ), produce gradual and complete recovery of contractile responses to transmural stimulation. Acetaldehyde produced a 41% recovery at 20 min which was not maintained in the presence of guanethidine. When the Tyrode solution was replaced once after blockade by guanethidine, acetaldehyde produced a 49% recovery of responses at 1 hr. Guanethidine tissue content was assayed spectrofluorometrically under all experimental conditions and found to be unchanged. Neither reserpine pretreatment (5 mg/kg/day × 2) nor denervation of vas deferens altered guanethidine tissue content. These findings suggest that a small portion of guanethidine is accumulated and bound within nerve endings at a site important for norepinephrine release. Sympathomimetics appear to release guanethidine from this specific site in rat vas deferens and cause a shift to nonspecific tissue compartments.
Exchange rate uncertainty and US bilateral fresh fruit and fresh vegetable trade: an application of the gravity model

In order to analyse the effect of exchange rate uncertainty, we apply an empirical gravity equation to two sets of US bilateral trade data: fresh fruit over the period 1976–1999 for a panel of 26 countries; and fresh vegetables over the period 1976–2006 for a panel of nine countries. Based on panel estimation methods, and using both a moving SD measure and the Peree and Steinherr (1989) measure of exchange rate uncertainty, the results show that US bilateral fresh fruit trade has been negatively affected by exchange rate uncertainty. We also find some evidence that the exchange rate between the US dollar and the currencies of Latin American trading partners accounts for most of the negative impact of exchange rate uncertainty on bilateral trade flows in fresh fruit. In contrast, when using panel estimation methods and both measures of exchange rate uncertainty, we find no statistically significant evidence for any negative effect of exchange rate uncertainty on US bilateral fresh vegetable trade. However,...
Hybrid density functional study of oligothiophene/ZnO interface for photovoltaics

Organic-inorganic donor-acceptor interfaces are gaining growing attention in organic photovoltaic applications as each component of the interface offers unique attributes. Here we use hybrid density functional theory to examine the electronic structure of sexithiophene/ZnO interfaces. We find that interfacial molecular orientations strongly influence the adsorption energy, the energy level alignment, and the open-circuit voltage. We attribute the orientation dependence to the varied strength of electronic coupling between the molecule and the substrate. Our study suggests that photovoltaic performance can be optimized by controlling the interfacial design of molecular orientations.
Internal aortic annuloplasty: a novel technique.

ABSTRACTBackground: The purpose of this study was to define an experimental model and a reproducible surgical technique for the preclinical assessment of safety and biocompatibility of a novel intra-annular internal aortic annulus repair device. Methods: Adult sheep were implanted with HAART Inc's 19 mm aortic annulus repair device via a transverse aortotomy using standard anesthetic, surgical, and cardiopulmonary bypass techniques. Animals were closely monitored throughout the study period until the time of elective sacrifice at 30 or 60 days. Results: Six adult sheep, mean age 63.2 weeks, mean weight 68.8 kg, underwent aortic annuloplasty with a 19 mm annuloplasty frame. Five of the sheep remained stable until scheduled sacrifice. The primary outcome of this study was animal mortality. Early mortality was seen in only one animal (16.7%), due to a surgical complication. Mild-to-moderate aortic insufficiency was observed in all animals upon echocardiographic examination at the time of elective sacrifice. ...
International Relations theory and its problems

This brief article reflects on International Relations theory and its shortcomings. It points to three major areas of consideration that have been either omitted or too readily discounted. The first is the determining role of domestic politics in international affairs; the second, the importance of agency, of drawing lessons from history and giving due recognition to political leadership; and the third, the need to inform the study of the empirical world with a concern for ethics. Despite ‘globalization’, the article argues, we live in a world of increasing disintegration in which the imperatives to defuse violence, promote global justice, and empower international and regional institutions press upon us with ever greater urgency.
Surface Effects on the Dynamics of Liquid Crystalline Thin Films Confined in Nanoscale Cavities

The dynamics of 4-n-pentyl-4‘-cyanobiphenyl (5CB) nematic liquid crystalline thin films have been studied in real time using step-scan Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In these studies, the liquid crystal was confined in a nanocavity defined and bounded by an interdigitated gold electrode array. The gold microstructures were microfabricated on a zinc selenide (IR-transparent) window. The 5CB interactions with the ZnSe substrate result in surface-induced ordering of the ultrathin layers (on the order of 40 nm). As the films increase in thickness, the nanoscale organization induced by the surface layer becomes a less significant contributor to the overall bulk structure of the sample. Time-resolved FTIR studies have enabled the measurement of rate constants for the orientation and relaxation of the thin films under an applied electric field as a direct function of confinement dimensions. Cell thicknesses ranging from 40 to 300 nm were studied. The measured rate behaviors demonstrate the stron...
The natural history and clinical findings in undifferentiated abdominal pain

Study objective: This was a follow-up study of patients diagnosed in and discharged from the emergency department with undifferentiated abdominal pain to establish the natural history of this condition and to define clinical features of patients with undifferentiated abdominal pain. Setting: ED of a county teaching hospital. Design: Telephone survey of patients at two to three days (first contact) and again at two to three weeks (second contact) after discharge and retrospective chart review. Type of participants: All patients 18 years or older discharged with the primary diagnosis of undifferentiated abdominal pain from the ED. Excluded were pregnant patients and those presenting with trauma. Patients unavailable for follow-up contact were not included in further data analysis. Measurements and main results: Four hundred three patients were discharged from the ED with undifferentiated abdominal pain. Of these, 307 (76.1% were available for follow-up information. The female-to-male ratio was almost 3:1. At first contact, 26.8% of all patients were pain-free and another 30% improved. At second contact, 59.1% had no pain, and an additional 28.6% reported improvement. Ten patients were hospitalized during the follow-up period for continued abdominal pain, and no deaths were attributed to abdominal conditions. The largest subgroup of patients with undifferentiated abdominal pain was female patients less than 30 years old. Epigastric pain was the most common patient complaint, with nausea second. The abdomens of most patients were nontender on examination. Abnormal laboratory and radiologic findings in patients with undifferentiated abdominal pain were few. Conclusion: Patients with the diagnosis of undifferentiated abdominal pain have a benign short-term course. Almost 88% of patients were pain-free or improved by two to three weeks after their evaluation. No signs or symptoms clearly identified subgroups of patients with undifferentiated abdominal pain.
STIMULUS GENERALIZATION FROM FEEDER TO RESPONSE KEY IN THE ACQUISITION OF AUTOSHAPED PECKING

During autoshaping, a 6-second presentation of one stimulus and a variable time 30-second presentation of a second stimulus alternated in appearance on a pigeon key. Grain always was delivered for 3 seconds at the end of the first stimulus interval. In the first experiment, autoshaped pecking of the stimulus preceding grain delivery began much sooner when that stimulus was a black vertical line on a white background and the other stimulus was green than when the opposite stimulus arrangement was used. Because these two stimuli differed in form, hue, brightness, and similarity in hue and brightness to the illumination of the raised feeder, three subsequent experiments examined whether the differential speed of autoshaping in the two groups was due to a feature-positive, feature-negative effect, a preference for brighter over darker stimuli, a simple preference for white over green, or stimulus generalization from the brightness or hue of the illuminated, raised feeder to the stimulus on the key preceding grain delivery. The data from these experiments showed that the first autoshaped key peck was most likely to be made to the stimulus of the same hue as that illuminating the feeder, regardless of whether that stimulus was positively or negatively associated with grain delivery. At least under some conditions, therefore, stimulus-generalization mediated response transfer of pecking grain in the presence of the hue illuminating the feeder to pecking the key illuminated by a similar hue appears to account for the occurrence of autoshaped key pecking.
Developmental response to a seasonal time constraint: the effects of photoperiod on reproduction in the grasshopper Romalea microptera

Some organisms respond adaptively to seasonal time constraints by altering development time to life-history transitions (e.g. metamorphosis, oviposition). Such life- history changes may have costs (e.g. reduced fecundity, mass, offspring quality). 2. The hypothesis that a northern population of the grasshopper Romalea microptera (Beauvois) would show adaptive plasticity in oviposition timing in response to seasonal time constraints was tested by manipulating photoperiod to simulate the middle of the active season (Long photoperiod), the end of the active season (Short photoperiod), and seasonal change (photoperiod Declining from long to short). Females received either high or low food rations. Short or Declining photoperiod were predicted to induce early oviposition with costs of reduced egg number, post-oviposition mass, or egg size, par- ticularly in low-food females. 3. Effects of food ration and photoperiod, but not interaction, were significant in fail- ure time analysis of age at oviposition. mancova on age at oviposition, egg number, and post-oviposition mass yielded similar effects. The multivariate effect of photo- period resulted primarily from reduced time to oviposition in Short or Declining pho- toperiod. No costs in egg number or post-oviposition mass were associated with this photoperiod-induced reduction in time to oviposition. The multivariate effect of food ration resulted mainly from lower egg number with low food. Food ration affected egg size, but photoperiod and interaction did not. In all cases, Short and Declining photope- riod produced similar effects. 4. In its northern range, R. microptera accelerates reproduction in response to seasonal constraints, a response that may be adaptive. How R. microptera avoids costs associated with this reduced pre-oviposition period remains unknown.
Language and cognitive development in 47, XXX females followed since birth

In this report, data are presented on language and cognitive development in an unselected group of eleven 47, XXX females, followed since birth, who are now 6–14 years old. The results of the Yale Developmental Exam (at 2 years) and the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA) (at 4–6 years) show an early delay in language development. Those girls who presently have serious language and learning problems were significantly delayed in first walking or talking, whereas the relatively unaffected girls were not. Results of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) at 4 years of age and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC or WISC-R) at 8 years of age are similar and show a generalized depression of both verbal and nonverbal abilities. Thus, unlike 45, X females or 47, XXY males, triple-X females do not have a specifically nonverbal or verbal cognitive deficit.
Processing, structure and mechanics of fibres of heteroaromatic oxazole polymers

Abstract Fibres of the rod-like molecule poly-p-phenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) and the coil-like molecule poly-2,5-benzoxazole (ABPBO) were spun from polymerization dopes and then coagulated at various temperatures. Axial tension was applied in drying the coagulated wet filaments; heat treatment was applied to anneal the fibres. Wide-angle X-ray scattering on the fibres revealed that tension drying improved molecular alignment leading to increased tensile modulus. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) showed that the void content of the fibres was significantly reduced by low coagulation temperature, tension drying and thermal annealing. This reduction of voids also contributed to enhanced tensile properties. Thermal annealing also improved the crystallinity of the ABPBO fibres and seemed to induce a three-dimensional order, which was usually absent for fibres of the rod-like PBO polymer. Both annealed PBO and ABPBO fibres resulted in a unique off-axis radial four-point SAXS pattern. The tensile modulus for fibres of the rod-like polymer was higher than that of the coil-like polymer. However, as determined by the cantilever beam test, the critical compressive strain for fibres of the rod-like polymer was lower than that of the coil-like polymer.
Initial Postbuckling Behavior of Imperfect, Antisymmetric Cross-Ply Cylindrical Shells Under Torsion

This paper deals with the initial postbuckling of antisymmetric cross-ply closed cylindrical shells under torsion. Under the assumptions employed in Koiter’s theory of elastic stability, the structure is imperfection-sensitive in certain intermediate ranges of the reduced-Batdorf parameter (approx. 4 ≤ ZH ≤ 20.0). Due to different material bending-stretching coupling behavior, the (0 deg inside, 90 deg outside) two-layer clamped cylinder is less imperfection sensitive than the (90 deg inside, 0 deg outside) configuration. The increase in torsional buckling load due to a higher value of Young’s moduli ratio is not necessarily accompanied by a higher degree of imperfection-sensitivity. The paper is the first to consider imperfection shape to be identical to the torsional buckling mode and presents concise parameter variations involving the reduced-Batdorf paramter and Young’s moduli ratio.
Expression of the macrophage colony-stimulating factor and its receptor in gynecologic malignancies.

Recently, hematopoietic growth factors have been implicated in protean nonhematopoietic processes. In the current study, expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and its receptor (the c-fms proto-oncogene) was investigated in 42 samples of gynecologic tissues. There were 15 samples of normal ovarian and uterine tissue or benign conditions of these organs; 11 samples of primary ovarian cancer tissue; seven samples of metastatic ovarian cancer tissue; and nine samples of primary endometrial cancer tissue. Steady state transcript levels were assessed by Northern Blot analysis. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) expression was not observed in any of the specimens of benign abnormalities or of normal organs; c-fms expression was detected in two of 15 (13%) of these specimens, albeit at very low levels. In contrast, 14 (78%) of 18 ovarian tumor specimens, and five (55%) of nine endometrial tumor specimens expressed M-CSF. Similarly, 16 (89%) of 18 ovarian tumor specimens and six (67%) of nine endometrial tumor specimens expressed c-fms. Most positive malignant tissues (19 [86%] of 22) showed coexpression of M-CSF and c-fms. of interest, M-CSF and c-fms mRNA were detected in tumor, but not in adjacent normal tissue. Furthermore, M-CSF and c-fms transcripts were produced by all metastatic tumors, including two cases in which the corresponding primary tumor from the same patient was negative. Because M-CSF mediates its effects by binding to its receptor, the increased levels of both these gene products in gynecologic malignancies suggest that an interaction between M-CSF and c-fms may participate in the development of ovarian and endometrial carcinomas and especially in progression to the metastatic state.
Non-reciprocal cross-adaptation of spiking responses of individual olfactory receptor neurons of spiny lobsters: evidence for two excitatory transduction pathways.

Abstract Single-unit spiking responses of 72 olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in the olfactory organ of the spiny lobster Panulirus argus were recorded extracellularly during presentation of a set of seven odorant stimuli (adenosine-5′-monophosphate, ammonium chloride, betaine, l -cysteine, l -glutamate, d,l -succinate and taurine) and analyzed in order to evaluate the response specificities of single ORNs and the independence of receptor sites. Individual ORNs often had narrow excitatory response spectra, but the most excitatory compound was different from neuron to neuron. These results suggest that these compounds can exert most of their excitatory effects through relatively independent receptor site types. To determine the relative independence of excitatory transduction processes in single ORNs for these stimuli, single-unit spiking responses of these neurons under conditions of self- and cross-adaptation were analyzed. The results demonstrate extensive cross-adaptation between pairs of the seven stimuli. When averaged across all neurons and all cross-adaptation conditions, cross-adaptation resulted in a mean reduction of 81% of the unadapted response. However, there were differences in the degree and pattern of adaptation for different pairs of compounds and for different neuron types (defined by most excitatory or ‘best’ chemical). For a given neuron type, there were significant levels of non-reciprocal cross-adaptation: neurons cross-adapted more when adapted to their best chemical than when adapted to their non-best chemicals. These results suggest the existence of two excitatory transduction pathways within an olfactory receptor neuron: one pathway activated exclusively by the best chemical and a second pathway activated by a broader spectrum of chemicals.
Changes in galanin immunoreactivity in rat micturition reflex pathways after cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis

Alterations in the expression of the neuropeptide, galanin, were examined in micturition reflex pathways of rat after cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis of variable duration: acute (4 h), intermediate (48 h), or chronic (10 days). In control animals, galanin expression was present in specific regions of the gray matter in the rostral lumbar and caudal lumbosacral spinal cord, including: (1) the dorsal commissure (DCM); (2) superficial dorsal horn; (3) the regions of the intermediolateral cell column (L1–L2) and the sacral parasympathetic nucleus (SPN, L6–S1); and (4) the lateral collateral pathway (LCP) in lumbosacral spinal segments. Densitometry analysis demonstrated significant decreases (P≤0.01) in galanin immunoreactivity (IR) in these regions of the L1–S1 spinal cord after acute or intermediate CYP-induced cystitis. In contrast, increases (P≤0.01) in galanin–IR were observed in the DCM, SPN, or LCP regions in the L6–S1 spinal segments in rats with chronic cystitis. No changes in the number of galanin–immunoreactive cells were observed in the L1–S1 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) after CYP-induced cystitis of any duration. A small percentage of bladder afferent cells (Fast-blue-labeled) in the DRG expressed galanin–IR in control rats; this was not altered with cystitis. Galanin–IR was observed encircling DRG cells after chronic cystitis. These changes may contribute to urinary bladder dysfunction, altered sensation, and referred somatic hyperalgesia after cystitis.
Complete left main coronary artery occlusion: Angiographic evaluation of collateral vessel patterns and assessment of hemodynamic correlates

An angiographic study of eight patients with total occlusion of the left main coronary artery identified six patients with chronic occlusion and two with acute complete occlusion. In each of six patients, there were two to six different intercoronary collateral pathways. Altogether, a total of 13 specific collateral channels were recognized. One patient had evidence of unique homocollaterals represented by enlarged vasa vasorum, which created a vascular cuff that surrounded a totally obstructed left main artery. The ventricular function and hemodynamic parameters in these patients not only depend on the collateral vessels but may also be affected by the severity of coronary artery disease in the artery that supplies collaterals.
Are there differences between women with urge predominant and stress predominant mixed urinary incontinence

Objective We sought to determine if there are differences in clinical and urodynamic parameters between women with urge predominant and those with stress predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Methods Charts of 99 female patients with complaints of MUI were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the subjective predominance of either stress incontinence (MSUI) or urge incontinence (MUUI). All patients completed a subjective evaluation including an AUA Symptom Index, Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7). Objective non-invasive measures included physical exam, 48-hr voiding diary, and a 24-hr pad test. Videourodynamics studies (VUDS), performed in all patients, were reviewed and the presence and characteristics of detrusor overactivity (DO) and stress incontinence were noted. Results There were no significant differences between groups with respect to symptom scores. MUUI patients had significantly higher pad usage, and lower maximum and average voided volumes than MSUI patients. They were also more likely to have lower urodynamic bladder capacities and demonstrable DO (70% vs. 26%) on VUDS with contractions occurring at lower bladder volumes and with higher amplitude. MSUI patients were more likely to have demonstrable SUI on physical examination (63% vs. 16%) and on VUDS (100% vs. 61%). Conclusions There do appear to be differences in clinical and urodynamic parameters between patients with stress predominant and urge predominant MUI. These may help to determine which component of the mixed incontinence is more problematic. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:204–207, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The missing link between systems analysts' actions and skills

System analysts approach tasks with different orientations to their actions. Likewise, they exhibit a variety of skills. A study is conducted to explore the links, or similarities, between these orientations and skills. The findings indicate that analysts do indeed have orientations corresponding to their skills. This trait enables information systems management to select project teams appropriate to the development context. The variety of skills and orientations needed for success can be chosen based on one trait. Training of analysts can be targeted more effectively to consider missing skills based on current orientations.
Diet of five species of the family Myctophidae caught off the Mariana Islands

Myctophids are important components of marine food webs, but little is known about the diets of many species in large stretches of the ocean. To fill this knowledge gap, Myctophum lychnobium, Symbolophorus evermanni, Centrobranchus andreae, Myctophum aurolaternatum, and Myctophum nitidulum were collected off the previously unsampled Mariana Islands in 2007. Myctophum lychnobium predominately consumed pelagic molluscs (28 % by number), amphipods (26 %), and copepods (24 %). Symbolophorus evermanni consumed copepods (53 %) and larval fishes (22 %). Centrobranchus andreae consumed molluscs (90 %). Little dietary overlap occurred among these fishes, and the reliance on molluscs was unusual compared to results from previous studies.
METALLIZATION OF CERAMIC VACUUM CHAMBERS FOR SNS RING INJECTION KICKER MAGNETS.

Ceramic chambers will be used in the pulsed kicker magnets for the injection of H{sup -} into the US Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) accumulator ring. There are two reasons for using ceramic chambers in kickers: (1) to avoid shielding of a fast-changing external magnetic field by metallic chamber walls; and (2) to reduce heating due to eddy currents. The inner surfaces of the ceramic chambers will be coated with a conductive layer, possibly titanium (Ti) or copper with a titanium nitride (TiN) overlayer, to reduce the beam coupling impedance and provide passage for beam image current. This paper describes the development of sputtering method for the 0.83m long 16cm inner diameter ceramic chambers. Coatings of Ti, Cu and TiN with thicknesses up to 10 {micro}m were produced by means of DC magnetron sputtering. The difficulty of coating insulators was overcome with the introduction of an anode screen. Films with good adhesion, uniform longitudinal thickness, and conductivity were produced.
Increasing parent responsiveness positively influences communication of children with autism

Venter, C. E., McDuffie, A., Weismer, S. E., & Abbeduto, L. (2011). Increasing verbal responsiveness in parents of children with autism: A pilot study. Autism, 16, 568–585. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: No source of funding reported, and no conflicts of interest reported by the original authors of this research report.
Species-Specific Effects of Neurotensin on Gallbladder Contraction in Vitro

We have previously shown that an in vivoadministration of neurotensin (NT) stimulates contraction of dog gallbladder (GB), but produces dilatation of GB in humans. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of NT on human, dog, guinea pig, and rabbit GB in vitro,in order to delineate direct versus indirect actions of NT in different species and to evaluate the structure-activity relationships of NT. The effect of NT on the canine sphincter of Oddi (SOD) was also examined in vitro.Isolated longitudinal strips of GB from the four species given above and SOD from dogs were suspended in oxygenated Krebs buffer, and the isometric tension responses to various doses of NT, NT 8–13, NT 1–11, and xenopsin (XP) were determined. All the NT homologs, except NT 1–11, stimulated contraction of the dog GB and SOD in a dose-dependent manner. NT also caused dose-related stimulation of GB contraction from guinea pigs but did not stimulate or depress the contractile activity of human and rabbit GB strips. These results suggest that NT action on GB contraction is species-specific. Tetrodotoxin did not modify the contraction of dog GB and SOD in response to NT, indicating that NT mediates its contractile effects directly. The relaxing effect of NT on GB of humans in vivo,as previously reported by us, thus appears to be an indirect action. The fact that structural changes in the NT molecule resulted in marked changes in the biological activity of NT on GB activity in dogs indicates that the effects of NT on dog GB contraction are probably mediated through binding of NT to specific receptors that requires both the C-terminal amino group and the two C-terminal amino acids to produce a contractile response. Based on these results, we suggest that NT may participate in the regulation of GB and SOD contraction in dogs.
Electronic structure of c(2 x 2) Ba adsorbed on W(001).

We have used the ab initio full-potential linearized-plane-wave method to investigate the electronic properties of a c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2) overlayer of barium adsorbed onto a W(001) surface. We have determined the equilibrium height of the barium overlayer to be 2.48 \AA{} above the tungsten surface by minimizing the total energy of the Ba/W(001) film. We calculate that the work function of the tungsten substrate (4.66 eV) is lowered by approximately 1.9 eV by the adsorption of the barium overlayer, a result which is in excellent agreement with experiment. We find that the Ba atoms are not ionized but rather form a metallic-covalent layer. In contrast to earlier studies of cesium adsorption on W(001) and Mo(001) surfaces, we find a very strong covalent component to the bonding between the tungsten substrate and the barium adsorbates. We find that the dominant substrate-adsorbate interaction involves the d states of the Ba adsorbates and the d-like surface states of the tungsten substrate. The Ba s states play only a minor role in this interaction and the bonding appears to be much more covalent than polar metallic. The work-function lowering is explained by multiple surface dipoles resulting from the interaction of the valence electrons of the adsorbate and the localized d-like surface states near the Fermi level of the tungsten substrate, and from the interaction of the 5p semicore states of the adsorbate overlayer with the s-like states at the bottom of the tungsten conduction band. The strong covalent contribution to the Ba-W bond is suggested as a reason to explain why Ba adsorption is not as effective as Cs in lowering the work function of the tungsten substrate and why Ba films are more stable than their cesium counterparts.
Mechanical Stimulation Enhances the Production of BMP-2 in Ossifying Rat Bone Marrow Organ Cultures

Bone marrow is a reservoir of mesenchymal stem cells and osteoprogenitors. It was previously shown [1, 2] and we have recently verified that in vitro cultures of bone marrow undergo osteogenesis without addition of osteoinductive stimulants. We hypothesized that the in vitro ossifying bone marrow organ culture system can be used as a model to investigate the dynamics of the osteogenesis process and its mechanoresponsiveness in terms of expression of key osteoinductive factors. The outcomes of these studies can be used to develop more effective tissue engineered substitutes for bone regeneration by the utilization of multiple osteogenic factors with complex/sequential delivery mechanisms.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Pathway-driven discovery of epilepsy genes

Epilepsy genes deliver critical insights into the molecular control of brain synchronization and are revolutionizing our understanding and treatment of the disease. The epilepsy-associated genome is rapidly expanding, and two powerful complementary approaches, isolation of de novo exome variants in patients and targeted mutagenesis in model systems, account for the steep increase. In sheer number, the tally of genes linked to seizures will likely match that of cancer and exceed it in biological diversity. The proteins act within most intracellular compartments and span the molecular determinants of firing and wiring in the developing brain. Every facet of neurotransmission, from dendritic spine to exocytotic machinery, is in play, and defects of synaptic inhibition are over-represented. The contributions of somatic mutations and noncoding microRNAs are also being explored. The functional spectrum of established epilepsy genes and the arrival of rapid, precise technologies for genome editing now provide a robust scaffold to prioritize hypothesis-driven discovery and further populate this genetic proto-map. Although each gene identified offers translational potential to stratify patient care, the complexity of individual variation and covert actions of genetic modifiers may confound single-gene solutions for the clinical disorder. In vivo genetic deconstruction of epileptic networks, ex vivo validation of variant profiles in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, in silico variant modeling and modifier gene discovery, now in their earliest stages, will help clarify individual patterns. Because seizures stand at the crossroads of all neuronal synchronization disorders in the developing and aging brain, the neurobiological analysis of epilepsy-associated genes provides an extraordinary gateway to new insights into higher cortical function.