cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of count rates between two aerosol ventilation kits

2704 Objectives The Tc-99m DTPA ventilation portion of a lung scan can be performed using various brand named ventilation kits. The purpose of this study was to compare imaging count rates between two different aerosol ventilation kits in order to determine if one kit provided higher count rates over the other. Methods Fifty patients that had undergone a ventilation/perfusion lung scan were retrospectively evaluated. Of these patients, 15 were ventilated using Venti-Scan IV (Biodex Medical Systems) and 35 using AeroVent Max (Medi/Nuclear Corporation, Inc.). Patients were administered a dose of 20 mCi±20% of 99mTc-DTPA, vented according to the manufacturer’s suggested protocol, and imaged using a gamma camera. Anterior and posterior ventilation images from each patient were used to compare count rates between the two different aerosol ventilation kits. The Student t-test was used to determine the significance of difference between the mean count rate values. The null hypothesis used was H0 : m1 = m2. Results Mean count rates for anterior and posterior images acquired using Venti-Scan IV were 1017 and 1007 counts per minute (cpm) with standard deviations of 454 and 496 cpm, respectively. Mean count rates for anterior and posterior images acquired using AeroVent Max were 885 and 817 cpm with standard deviations of 446 and 321 cpm, respectively. A two-sided t-test comparing the anterior and posterior count rates from each ventilation kit yielded probability values of p=0.351 and p=0.189, respectively. Conclusions Assuming a normal distribution of the data the null hypothesis was failed to be rejected. Both P-values (p=0.351, p=0.189) were greater than 0.05 indicating no difference between each count rate set. Statistically, the AeroMax Vent and Venti-Scan IV ventilation kits showed no significant differences in the anterior and posterior counting rates, therefore, produced similar images.
Postseismic Mantle Relaxation in the Central Nevada Seismic Belt

Holocene acceleration of deformation and postseismic relaxation are two hypotheses to explain the present-day deformation in the Central Nevada Seismic Belt (CNSB). Discriminating between these two mechanisms is critical for understanding the dynamics and seismic potential of the Basin and Range province. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar detected a broad area of uplift (2 to 3 millimeters per year) that can be explained by postseismic mantle relaxation after a sequence of large crustal earthquakes from 1915 to 1954. The results lead to a broad agreement between geologic and geodetic strain indicators and support a model of a rigid Basin and Range between the CNSB and the Wasatch fault.
Design and Optimization of a Flow Switch for Optimized X-Ray Yield on Z

Summary form only given. In wire array Z-pinch applications it may be desirable to have a faster rising current pulse to decrease the wire array ablation period and wire array implosion time. A decrease in array implosion time will increase the implosion velocity and possibly increase the peak radiated X-ray power at stagnation. Faster rising current pulses may also permit high X-ray power from smaller diameter wire arrays that could enhance the X-ray drive temperature from more compact hohlraums. In this work, we present initial results from a design study for a plasma flow switch for the Z accelerator. We would like to compress the pulse by a factor of two with a flow switch that allows the current to be stored in the vacuum for up to 50 ns before it is delivered to a wire array load on the Z Accelerator. This would double the dI/dt of the Z accelerator from the current 2.4times1014 A/s, to about 5times1014 A/s, possibly allowing wire array implosions as short as 50 ns for a 20 mm diameter wire array, or perhaps permitting final implosion velocities of greater than 20 cm/mus from 10 mm diameter wire arrays. We use 2D r-z simulations of a flow switch with the ALEGRA MHD code. Different geometries, materials, flow switch mass, and wire array mass and other conditions were tested and compared in order to obtain an initial flow switch design
The ro-vibrational Raman spectrum of water vapour υ2 and 2υ2

Weak spectral features in the Raman spectrum of water vapour associated with the v 2 and 2v 2 vibrations have been observed. These features have been reproduced by computer simulation using the results of high resolution absorption spectral analyses. Relative intensity measurements allow the determination of the cross section, depolarization ratio and ratio of the two non-vanishing second-order irreducible spherical tensor components for v 2. From these quantities, the principal components of the v 2 derived polarizability tensor have been determined, and these results, as well as the mean derived polarizability tensor for the 2v 2 transition, are considered under the bond polarizability theory.
Fine structure of labelled axons in the cerebellar cortex and nuclei of rodents and primates after intraventricular infusions with tritiated serotonin.

The cerebellar cortex and deep cerebellar nuclei in rats and rhesus monkey were studied after treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitor and continuous intraventricular infusion with 10(-5) M serotonin-3H. Autoradiographs were prepared for light and electron microscopy. The cerebellum contained no labelled cells. Labelled unmyelinated axons arrive from the brain stem via the periventricular zones of the aqueduct and fourth ventricle. In the parafloccular cortex about 1 per cent of the mossy fibers are labelled, together with a small number of fine varicose axons in the molecular layer that run parallel to the folial axes (less than 0.1%). In the paravermal and vermal cortex there are few labelled fibers in the granular layer and a five-fold greater number of labelled axons in the molecular layer (about 0.5%). Apparently three systems of serotonin-containing axons are present in the cortex: mossy fibers, parallel fiber-like, and a diffuse system in granular and molecular layers. The fastigial (medial), interpositus, and dentate (lateral) nuclei, lateral vestibular and other vestibular nuclei all have numerous labelled axons. The dentate and interpositus nuclei receive labelled fibers which arrive through the superior cerebellar peduncle as well as from the periventricular area. Six morphologically different classes of labelled axon terminals have been differentiated. Class 1a, the mossy fiber rosettes, and class 1b, the CAT2 axons, have small, round, clear synaptic vesicles and large granular vesicles (lgv); class 2 axons have a distinctive collection of round granular vesicles; class 3 boutons have numerous tubular profiles, a few containing dense dots, packed in a dark axoplasmic matrix; class 4 axons have tiny 250 A granular vesicles, clear tubular profiles and occasional LGV; class 5 terminals have numerous LGV, both round and elongated, with clear round and tubular profiles; class 6 terminals have LGV, clear and granular synaptic vesicles and clear tubular profiles. All these axons have LGV 900 A in diameter with 500-600 A variably dense centers that do not fill the vesicle, and Gray's type 1 axodendritic or axasomatic synapses on postsynaptic locations in the cortex and nuclei. Labelled axons in the cortex end as mossy fibers upon granule cell dendrites in glomeruli (Class 1a) or upon dendrites of cortical interneurons, e.g. Golgi cells, basket and stellate cells, and not on Purkinje cells. ...
Monte Carlo based hyperspectral scene simulation

This paper will discuss recent improvements made to the Monte Carlo Scene (MCScene) code, a high fidelity model for full optical spectrum (UV through LWIR) hyperspectral image (HSI) simulation. MCScene provides an accurate, robust, and efficient means to generate HSI scenes for algorithm validation. MCScene utilizes a Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) approach for modeling 3D atmospheric radiative transfer (RT) including full treatment of molecular absorption and Rayleigh scattering, aerosol absorption and scattering, and multiple scattering and adjacency effects, as well as scattering from spatially inhomogeneous surfaces, including surface bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) effects. The model includes treatment of land and ocean surfaces, 3D terrain, 3D surface objects, and effects of finite clouds with surface shadowing. This paper will provide an overview of how RT elements are incorporated into the Monte Carlo engine and both spectral and spatial properties of simulations of 3-dimensional cloud fields will also be presented.
Comparison of outcomes of ureteroscopy for ureteral calculi located above and below the pelvic brim

Abstract Objectives. To compare the safety and efficacy of ureteroscopy performed for proximal and distal ureteral calculi in a contemporary cohort. Ureteroscopy has been used most often for distal ureteral calculi. However, advances in endoscopic equipment have facilitated access to the proximal urinary tract and have broadened the indications for ureteroscopy. Methods. One hundred ninety-one patients underwent rigid and/or flexible ureteroscopy for ureteral calculi at the University of Michigan between January 1, 1997 and September 30, 1999. Only 7 patients with either bilateral calculi or steinstrasse were excluded. The final cohort consisted of 184 patients who underwent ureteroscopy for distal stones (n = 103) or middle/upper ureteral stones (n = 81). Results. Bivariate analyses of pretreatment and perioperative characteristics were used to assess the sample population. The initial success rate for the distal and proximal ureteral calculi was 96% and 78%, respectively ( P = 0.0008). After a “second-look” procedure in 4 and 7 patients with distal and proximal calculi, respectively, the success rate improved to 99% and 88%, respectively ( P = 0.004). No differences were noted between groups regarding the intraoperative ( P = 0.51) or postoperative ( P = 0.85) complication rates. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that larger stone size (odds ratio 1.2, P = 0.0006) and proximal ureteral location (odds ratio 4.8, P = 0.01) are independent predictors of treatment failure. Conclusions. Ureteroscopic management of proximal and distal ureteral calculi is highly successful, and the difference in success rates has narrowed substantially. Currently, no greater risk is conferred to the patient for endoscopy of more proximal ureteral calculi.
Clinical application of time-dependent sensitization to antidepressant therapy.

Abstract 1. 1. A number of animal studies have shown that the actions of numerous drugs can grow or sensitize with the passage of time following even a single treatment, to achieve results equal to or greater than those seen after chronic administration. 2. 2. Our laboratory earlier proposed that this principle might be applied to the treatment of human disorders. It was suggested that the same results might be achieved by giving drugs once every one or two weeks rather than daily, or, even more likely, several-times-daily. 3. 3. Here the authors review the clinical literature relevant to that hypothesis, as it relates to antidepressant therapies. 4. 4. The evidence uniformly supports our earlier thesis that the therapeutic influence of antidepressants would grow with the passage of time, even as their pharmacokinetic actions are declining.
Trigeminal trophic syndrome: A report of two cases and review

[Editorial Comment: Trigeminal trophic syndrome is a rare condition occurring in patients with trigeminal anesthesia. The most common cause is trigeminal rhizotomy for neuralgia. The absence of protective sensory feedback allows trauma to proceed to severe ulceration without pain. It is important that the otolaryngologist be aware of this rare syndrome.) Trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS),‘-’ trigeminal neuropathy with nasal ulceration,8~g trigeminal neurotrophic ulceration,“*l’ trophic ulceration of the ala nasi,l’ and ulceration in arc13 are terms that describe a distinctive facial ulceration following sensory impairment of the trigeminal nerve. This uncommon clinical entity was first described by Loveman in 1933,14 and independently by McKenzie15 2 months later. Since then, numerous investigators have described similar cases of nasal erosion or chronic facial ulceration following sensory impairment in the trigeminal area. In 1982 Weintraub reviewed 63 cases of TTS and found that 46% occurred after trigeminal rhizotomy and 29% after alcohol injection of the gasserian ganglion. Less frequent causes included vertebrobasilar insufficiency (9%), acoustic neuroma (5%), postencephalitic parkinsonism (5%), syringobulbia (2%), and unknown (5%).’ Two women who demonstrated this lesion are described.
Effect of omeprazole on the bioavailability of unmodified and phospholipid-complexed aspirin in rats

Background: Treatment and prevention of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastropathy involve the concurrent use of antisecretory drugs. Recently, we have shown that the ability of these drugs to increase the intragastric pH to values pKa of NSAIDs compromises their therapeutic activity. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of omeprazole to interfere with the bioavailability of aspirin administered to rats either alone or complexed with the zwitterionic phospholipid, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Methods: Aspirin or aspirin/DPPC was administered intragastrically to rats pre-dosed with either saline or omeprazole. Concentrations of aspirin and salicylic acid in the blood and the gastric mucosa were assessed by HPLC and the 6-keto-PGF1α gastric mucosal concentration by radioimmunoassay. Results: Gastric absorption of aspirin and its relative bioavailability were reduced by an antisecretory dose of omeprazole; its inhibitory effect on gastric prostaglandin synthesis was consequently attenuated. However, these effects could be partly overcome if aspirin was administered as a complex with DPPC. Conclusions: These observations suggest that: (i) DPPC increases the lipid solubility and gastric permeability of NSAIDs; and (ii) neutralization of the gastric pH results in a shift of aspirin absorption toward the intestine where it could be degraded to salicylic acid.
Oxygen isotopic ratios in fine quartz silt from sediments and soils of southern Africa

Abstract Fine quartz silt (1–10μm dia, important in aerosol dust) isolated from a large number of soils, as well as Phanerozoic shales, sandstones and recent sands of the southern African stratigraphie column (Carboniferous, Permian and Triassic) exhibits a mean δ18O of 12.2 ± 2.1%0. These values are similar to those reported for South Pacific pelagic sediments and adjacent land areas of similar latitude but are lower than those reported for this size fraction of 30 Mesozoic and Paleozoic shales (20.7 ± 1.8%.) and soils from mid-continental U.S.A., for aerosol quartz in the North Pacific pelagic sediments, and for eolian caps in high-elevation soils of Hawaii. The lower oxygen isotopic ratios in fine quartz silt of southern Africa reinforces the earlier indication that Southern Hemisphere detritai sedimentary reservoirs contain a higher proportion of igneous and metamorphic quartz (lower δ18O) and less lowtemperature authigenic quartz (higherδ18O) than Northern Hemisphere detritai sediments. The difference reflects climates, as continents drifted in latitude.
Complete nucleotide sequence of a strain of cherry mottle leaf virus associated with peach wart disease in peach.

The complete nucleotide sequence and genome organization of a peach virus isolate from a naturally infected peach tree showing typical peach wart-like symptoms on the fruit surface was determined and com- pared to sequences of members of the family Betaflexi- viridae. The genome consists of 7,987 nucleotides, excluding the poly-A tail, and has four open reading frames (ORFs). Analysis of the whole genome and putative pro- teins encoded by each ORF revealed greatest sequence similarity to a cherry isolate of cherry mottle leaf virus (CMLV). The two isolates have similar genome organi- zations and share 88 and 93 % homology in their corre- sponding products of the replicase and coat protein genes, respectively. CMLV has been reported from several Prunus spp. and may be associated with peach wart-like disease symptoms on peach fruit.
Structural arrangements in large municipal police organizations: Revisiting Wilson's theory of local political culture

For the past 35 years, Wilson’s theory of local political culture has influenced many students of policing and has greatly contributed to the erudition of American police practices. Wilson, based on empirical study, found that variation in the structural arrangements of police organizations could be explained by examining the local political culture of the municipalities in which they are located. Police departments in cities with a professional form of government, for example, focused more on law enforcement activities and had a more bureaucratic structure than agencies residing in cities with a traditional form of government which focused more on order maintenance activities and, correspondingly, had a less bureaucratic structure. The purpose of this paper is to test the utility of Wilson’s theory in today’s police organizations. Data collected from a sample of large, municipal police departments were included in the analysis. The findings suggest that the relationship between local political culture and police organizational structure that Wilson identified many years ago has indeed attenuated. The sample of large municipal police agencies, finds no relationship between local political culture, as measured by Wilson, and four dimensions of organizational structure: formalization, vertical differentiation, functional differentiation, and centralization.
Antagonistic versus nonantagonistic models of balancing selection: characterizing the relative timescales and hitchhiking effects of partial selective sweeps.

Antagonistically selected alleles -- those with opposing fitness effects between sexes, environments, or fitness components -- represent an important component of additive genetic variance in fitness-related traits, with stably balanced polymorphisms often hypothesized to contribute to observed quantitative genetic variation. Balancing selection hypotheses imply that intermediate-frequency alleles disproportionately contribute to genetic variance of life history traits and fitness. Such alleles may also associate with population genetic footprints of recent selection, including reduced genetic diversity and inflated linkage disequilibrium at linked, neutral sites. Here, we compare the evolutionary dynamics of different balancing selection models, and characterize the evolutionary timescale and hitchhiking effects of partial selective sweeps generated under antagonistic versus non-antagonistic (e.g., overdominant and frequency-dependent selection) processes. We show that that the evolutionary timescales of partial sweeps tend to be much longer, and hitchhiking effects are drastically weaker, under scenarios of antagonistic selection. These results predict an interesting mismatch between molecular population genetic and quantitative genetic patterns of variation. Balanced, antagonistically selected alleles are expected to contribute more to additive genetic variance for fitness than alleles maintained by classic, non-antagonistic mechanisms. Nevertheless, classical mechanisms of balancing selection are much more likely to generate strong population genetic signatures of recent balancing selection.
Random Drug Testing and Religion

Research recently has begun to examine the link between religion and social control. It has been noted that religion, in particular Protestant conservatism, does play a role in shaping public opinion, and as a result, public policy on crime, crime control, and justice. The present research examines the issue of public support for random drug testing by focusing on the role of religion, specifically religious affiliation, in shaping public opinion. Analysis of survey data from a city in the Southwest identifies two separate dimensions of public support for random drug testing–a utilitarian dimension that is grounded in safety concerns, along with a normative dimension that reflects conservative moral beliefs, including a concern with the “evil” of drugs. Evidence from the data also indicates that conservative Protestants, compared to liberal-moderate Protestants, Catholics, and those with no affiliation, display higher levels of normative-based support for random drug testing. Researchers are encouraged to further explore the role of religion in shaping public support for the development of drug policies and other more general social control policies.
In vivo laser tissue welding in the rabbit maxillary sinus.

BackgroundOne of the challenges in the current expansion of endoscopic sinonasal surgery is the ability to adequately reconstruct the skull base. Laser tissue welding (LTW) uses laser energy coupled to a biological solder to produce tissue bonds with burst thresholds exceeding human intracranial pressure. This technology could be used to reduce the rate of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. We performed this study to determine whether LTW can create durable tissue bonds in sinonasal mucosa that support normal wound healing and produce minimal collateral thermal injury.MethodsBilateral maxillary sinus mucosal incisions were made in 20 New Zealand white rabbits and one side was repaired using LTW. Burst pressure thresholds were measured on postoperative days 0, 5, and 15 and were compared with control using a two- way ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey test. Welds were examined histologically for thermal injury, inflammation, and fibroplasia and graded on a 4-point scale by three blinded observers.Result...
Constituting Antebellum African American Identity: Resistance, Violence, And Masculinity In Henry Highland Garnet's (1843) 'address To The Slaves.'

In August 1843 Presbyterian minister Henry Highland Garnet delivered his “Address to the Slaves of the United States of America” to the National Convention of Colored Citizens in Buffalo, NY. While often read (and almost as often dismissed) as either an unqualified call for a violent slave rebellion or, at the least, a celebration of prior acts of militant resistance which suggested that such methods deserved further consideration than they were currently receiving, the “Address” might profitably be approached within the context of an identity–action dialectic. Garnet's discussion of resistance and violence is more complicated than many scholars have recognized; one way in which we might recuperate these contested ideas and recognize their implications for African American identity and agency is to examine the way Garnet engaged and negotiated some of the antebellum African American community's dominant discursive traditions. The image and the accompanying idiom of a frequently submissive, emasculated “su...
ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODIES IN HEALTHY PREGNANT WOMEN

In 1983, a new assay was described to detect antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). 29 The discovery of this assay, later modified, 32,33 led to the initiation of studies to explore the clinical implications of aPL in a diverse selection of clinical disorders. Although the initial focus of study was in subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 29,41,51 the spectrum of disease associated with aPL expanded, 37 eventually leading to the description of the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). 1,2,31,36 APS is now recognized as a distinct autoimmune condition characterized by the presence of characteristic clinical features and moderate to high levels of aPL. 1,4,31,36 The most specific clinical features include arterial and venous thrombosis, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, and fetal loss. 1,4,30,31,36 When patients with APS have another underlying connective disease, they are considered to have secondary APS. Primary APS occurs in patients with no other autoimmune disease. 4,36
The Assay of Digoxin Preparations

A method is proposed for the determination of digoxin, based upon the color developed with m-dinitrobenzene in weakly alkaline solution. Gitoxin does not interfere when present in concentrations lower than 8 per cent.
Clinical utility of technetium-99m methoxisobutylisonitrile imaging in differentiated thyroid carcinoma: comparison with thallium-201 and iodine-131 Na scintigraphy, and serum thyroglobulin quantitation

Recently, technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) has been used to image thyroid carcinoma. A prospective study was performed to compare the efficacy of99mTc-MIBI to thallium-201 (201T1) scintigraphy in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma. The clinical utility of all radionuclide imaging modalities, i.e.,99mTc-MIBI,201Tl, and iodine-131 Na (131I-Na), as well as serum thyroglobulin estimation, was evaluated. Thirty-four post-thyroidectomy patients (age range: 26–76 years) underwent 45 studies. Histopathologies studied included fourteen papillary, eight papillaryfollicular, ten follicular, one Hurthle cell, and one medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Following optimal stimulation of endogenous thyroid stimulating hormone (i.e, TSH >-50 mU/ml), the patients underwent201Tl and99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy. Concomitant131I-Na scintigraphy was performed and serum thyroglobulin levels were measured. Sixteen scan sets were performed prior to131I-Na ablation therapy. Twenty-nine scan sets were performed following131I-Na ablation therapy. The presence or absence of thyroid cancer was established by clinical, biochemical, radiologic, and/or biopsy findings. There was no significant difference in sensitivity and specificity of201Tl scintigraphy versus99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy in pre- and postablation studies.131I-Na scintigraphy with determination of thyroglobulin level was sufficient in preablation studies. Among postablation patients, the addition of99mTc-MIBI or201Tl offered a higher diagnostic yield. Between the201Tl and99mTc-MIBI studies, there was a concordance of 69% in preablation and 97% among postablation patients (P=0.027). It is concluded that99mTc-MIBI is a suitable alternative to201Tl scintigraphy in thyroid carcinoma, especially following thyroidectomy and131I-Na therapy.131I-Na scintigraphy with serum thyroglobulin is adequate in both pre- and postablation patients. Among the post-131I-Na ablation patients,99mTc-MIBI or201Tl is extremely valuable for tumor localization, especially when the131I-Na whole-body scan is negative. The combination of99mTc-MIBI or201Tl scintigraphy with131I-Na and serum thyroglobulin offers the highest diagnostic yield.
Secretion of collagen by corneal epithelium. II. Effect of the underlying substratum on secretion and polymerization of epithelial products.

Corneal epithelium isolated with EDTA from 5–11 day old chick embryos was grown on a variety of substrata in organ culture to judge the effect of the substratum on the ability of the epithelium to produce a corneal stroma. When grown on the capsule of either living or frozen-killed lens, the corneal epithelium synthesized and secreted a proline-rich product (as judged by autoradiography) which was shown by electron microscopy to accumulate under and within the epithelium in the form of striated collagen fibrils, many of which were 250 A in diameter and arranged at right angles to one another as in the normal corneal stroma. Basal lamina formed, but was not continuous under the epithelium. On EDTA-treated frozen-killed corneal stroma, new basal lamina formation was difficult to detect because of the persistence of the old basal lamina on the stroma. When this old basal lamina was digested by trypsin, the remaining corneal stroma failed to promote new basal lamina formation by the epithelium unless the stroma contained living fibroblasts. When grown on rat tendon collagen gels, epithelia produced a proline-rich product which seemed to polymerize in the gel instead of forming a cornea-like stroma. Millipore filter failed to elicit any basal lamina or collagen fibril formation. The data presented in this paper are consistent with the hypothesis that juxtaepithelial extracellular matrix may provide cell surface-stabilizing factors which promote corneal epithelial differentiation.
High temperature elasticity measurements on oxides by Brillouin spectroscopy with resistive and IR laser heating

Knowledge of single crystal and aggregate elastic moduli of materials at high temperature is important in the development of high-temperature structural ceramics as well as for other areas of material sciences. Sound velocities, and hence elastic moduli, can be readily measured on micro-crystals, polycrystalline aggregates and amorphous materials using Brillouin scattering. We have developed techniques for determining the elastic moduli at high temperatures, using both electric resistive heating (to 1800 K) and CO_2 laser heating (to T > 2500 K). The full set of elastic constants of transparent oxides at high temperatures can be measured on samples with dimensions of 100 × 100 × 20 μm or even smaller. Compact resistance heaters of our design were used to study the temperature dependence of the elastic moduli of a variety of crystalline oxides and glasses, and can be used to observe high-temperature phase transitions involving elastic softening. The combination of Brillouin scattering with CO_2 laser heating allows measurements of the elastic moduli of oxides at even higher temperatures, approaching the melting points of refractory materials. The acoustic velocities of single-crystal MgO were measured to a maximum temperature exceeding 2500 ± 100 K. Both Brillouin and Raman measurements were performed on CO_2 laser-heated samples of single-crystal α-Al_2O_3 to temperatures exceeding 2000 ± 100 K. Our results show that Brillouin scattering coupled with CO_2 laser heating is a viable means of performing sound velocity measurements at temperatures significantly higher than those readily made using resistance heating.
Beam characterization for the QUIET Q-Band instrument using polarized and unpolarized astronomical sources

Beam characterization is of critical importance when analyzing and interpreting data from Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) experiments. In this paper we present scanning strategies, data analysis methods and results of the 44 GHz (Q-Band) beam characterization for the Q/U Imaging ExperimenT (QUIET) Phase- I, using the Crab nebula (Tau A) and Jupiter as polarized and unpolarized point sources, respectively. The beams are modeled as a sum of gaussian terms multiplied by orthogonal polynomials after symmetrization using observations taken at different rotation angles about the optical axis. The l-space window function calculation procedure is explained and applied, along with the corresponding propagation of parameter uncertainty. These window functions encode the effect of the finite resolution of the instrument on its ability to measure the angular power spectrum, as a function of multipole . Additionally, the instrumental polarization is characterized in terms of two-dimensional Mueller fields which describe the coupling of the Stokes parameters. The data presented in this work were collected during the first season of QUIET observations that started in October 2008.
Strengths and Learning Needs of African American Fathers

The purpose of this study was to determine how African-American fathers of 10- to 14-year-olds viewed their strengths and learning needs as parents and to find out how children in this age group perceived the parent performance of their fathers. The Parent Success Indicator (PSI) was completed by 102 fathers and 104 adolescents. Significant differences were found between generations on 5 of 6 scales and 26 of 60 items. Independent variables with the greatest effect on how both generations viewed parent success were: amount of time father and child spent together, having an adult at home when the child returned from school, and gender of child. Recommendations were made for the content themes of a parent curriculum to address the learning needs of these fathers.
A novel fructoglucan from the thermal polymerization of sucrose

Abstract The heating of anhydrous, amorphous, acidified sucrose produces a novel fructoglucan in ≈30% yield; it contains d -fructose and d -glucose in a ≈1:2 ratio. It is highly branched and of relatively low molecular weight; gel-permeation chromatography indicates an average dp ≈25. Methylation analysis was complicated by acid degradation of the methylated fructose units under conditions for hydrolysis of glucopyranoside linkages. Parallel application of three different, hydrolytic regimes indicated linkages predominantly through O-6 of glucopyranoside and O-1 of fructofuranoside residues. Most of the nonreducing end groups are glucopyranose and both single and double branch-points are present. The fructoglucan is similar in molecular size and architecture to a commercial glucan, Polydextrose™, which finds extensive use as a noncalorific food-bulking agent.
A Controlled Trial of Working Memory Training for Children and Adolescents with ADHD

This study assessed the efficacy of a 5-week, intensive working memory training program for 52 children and adolescents (ages 7–17) who had Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other comorbid diagnoses. This study provided a treatment replication since the waitlist control group also completed training and was included in the follow-up data analyses. Parents and teachers completed paper-and-pencil measures of working memory, executive functioning, and ADHD symptoms at baseline, posttreatment, and 4-month follow-up. Parent ratings indicated that participants improved on inattention, overall number of ADHD symptoms, initiation, planning/organization, and working memory. Teacher ratings approached significance at posttreatment and at 4-month follow-up on and Initiate scale. Working memory training appears promising as an intervention in improving executive functioning and ADHD symptoms.
Parental Attachments and Psychological Distress Among African American College Students

African American college students attending predominately White institutions often encounter stressors that their Caucasian peers do not experience. Because of these unique stressors, African American students are more prone to experience psychological distress. Identifying factors that counteract psychological distress among these students is vital to increasing their sense of well being. This study examined parental attachments as a buffer against psychological distress among African American college students. Results demonstrated that maternal figures who were overprotective and controlling perpetuated psychological distress, whereas paternal figures who were warm and caring served as a buffer against psychological distress. Implications for mental health providers and college student personnel are discussed.
Enhancement of amniocyte growth on a precoated surface

This study investigates whether cell-free amniotic fluid facilitates cell attachment to the surface of culture plates and thereby promotes rapid amniocyte growth. Isolated or pooled cell-free amniotic fluid samples at different volumes were added to culture plates. Trypsinized subcultures, grown in Eagle's minimum essential alpha medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum (4–20 per cent), were monitored by cell counts. The results demonstrated growth stimulation on culture plates precoated with amniotic fluid. The minimal time for coating the culture plates was 6h. Maximal coating was observed after an overnight incubation with 2–3 ml of the fluid per culture vessel. No synergistic effect from addition of fetal bovine serum to amniotic fluid was observed. A freshly coated surface provided the best amniocyte growth. When primary cultures are grown on a precoated surface, there is an increase in colony counts in 80 per cent of the samples tested. This method may be used to improve amniocyte growth, especially in samples with relatively small numbers of cells.
Off-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy: Technique and outcome.

Introduction: Robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) is a technically challenging procedure. Advanced skills are needed to accomplish tumor resection, hemostasis, and renorrhaphy within short ischemia time in RPN. Off-clamp RPN with zero ischemia may decrease the risk of ischemic reperfusion injury to the kidney. However, the off-clamp technique has been associated with an increased risk of blood loss. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of our modified off-clamp technique utilized in certain RPN cases. Patients and Methods: A total of 81 patients underwent RPN between September 2009 and July 2013 for renal masses. We studied a subgroup of patients who underwent off-clamp RPN with zero ischemia time. The off-clamp technique was utilized for exophytic, nonhilar tumors that have a base of 2 cm or less. We developed a novel technique to avoid ischemia reperfusion renal injury while minimizing blood loss in certain cases of RPN. Results: Of the 81 cases of RPN, we reviewed and adopted the off-clamp technique in 34 patients (41.98%). Utilizing off-clamp RPN resulted in an average blood loss of 96.29 ml and 1.56 days (range: 1-3 days) of hospital stay and minimal change in serum creatinine. Conclusions: Off-clamp RPN is safe and feasible approach to excise certain kidney tumors. It carries the benefits of RPN and prevents ischemia reperfusion renal injury.
A chimeric IgG4 monoclonal antibody directed against CD18 reduces infarct size in a primate model of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion

Objectives. This study attempted to determine whether neutrophil sequestration in reperfused myocardium can be inhibited and infarct size reduced by treatment with a chimeric, monoclonal IgG4 antibody (CLB54) directed against CD18 in a primate model of acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. Background. Reperfusion injury, in part mediated by neutrophils, may limit the potential benefit of reestablishing infarctrelated artery patency in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods. Nineteen closed-chest baboons (10 control, 9 treated with CLB54) had the left anterior descending coronary artery occluded for 90 min, followed by 4 h of reflow. CLB54 (mean [±SD] 11 ± 2 mg/kg body weight) or saline solution was administered intravenously 20 min before reflow. Coronary flow was determined using radiolabeled microspheres, infarct size by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, global and regional ventricular function by contrast ventriculography and neutrophil accumulation by a myeloperoxidase assay. Results. Risk region size was the same in both groups. CLB54 treatment reduced infarct size expressed as a percent of the risk region from 41 ± 20% in the saline-treated group to 19 ± 17% in the CLB54-treated group (p Conclusions. Inhibition of neutrophil sequestration with CLB54 administered before reperfusion reduces infarct size, preserves ischemic zone microvascular perfusion and minimizes the decline of regional wall motion.
Effect of Occupational Prestige and Attitude Similarity on Attraction as a Function of Assumed Similarity of Attitude

Previous research has shown that the effect of attitudes on attraction is independent of the prestige or status of the stranger expressing the attitudes. It was hypothesized that in the absence of additional information, attraction toward a stranger is a positive function of his occupational prestige and that attraction is a positive function of assumed attitudinal similarity between stranger and S. Ss were 139 Stanford students who were given either occupational information, attitudinal information, or both types of information about a stranger. It was found that either occupational information alone (p < .02) or attitudinal information alone (p < .001) influences attraction. When the two types of information are combined, as in earlier research, Ss respond only to attitude similarity (p < .001). There was support for the proposed relationship between attraction and assumed similarity (p < .01), but variations across conditions suggest caution in interpreting this finding.
DIFFRACTION BY A RIGHT-ANGLED SECOND ORDER IMPEDANCE WEDGE

ABSTRACT By using a second order generalized impedance boundary condition to model the effect of a thin dielectric coating, the problem of a plane wave incident on a coated right-angled wedge is considered. The solution is derived using an extension of Maliuzhinets' method in which a key role is played by the particular solution of the difference equation for the spectral function. It is verified that the field satisfies the reciprocity and edge conditions, and the diffracted, geometrical optics and surface wave contributions are determined.
Repeated Games Played by Overlapping Generations of Players

The present paper tries to explain cooperative behaviour in an organization run by a sequence of long- but finitely-lived agents. We show that the Folk Theorem holds for infinitely repeated games with overlapping generations of finitely-lived players; any mutually beneficial outcome can approximately be sustained if the player's life span and the overlapping periods are long enough. The result is stronger than the usual Folk Theorems in that it employs no assumption on the stage game, such as the full dimensionality of payoff set or multiplicity of equilibria.
Cyclopean stimulation can influence sensations of self-motion in normal and stereoblind subjects.

Subjects experienced an illusion of self-motion when viewing the randomly patterned inner surface of a cylinder rotating about their main body axis. This sensation of rotation in a direction opposite to the direction of cylinder rotation is known as circular vection. An experiment was conducted to ascertain if the production of circular vection involved a binocular process in the visual system. Using dichoptic strobe illumination, stimuli were created that were identical monocularly but different binocularly. Groups of normal and stereoblind subjects were tested. The presence of purely binocular (cyclopean) stimulation increased the reported magnitude of vection for both groups. We conclude that a binocular process is involved in the production of circular vection and that this process retains its binocularity in stereoblind subjects.
College selectivity and young adult health behaviors

Abstract Large literatures have shown important links between the quantity of completed education and health outcomes on one hand and the quality or selectivity of schooling on a host of adult outcomes, such as wages, on the other hand. However, little research attempts to produce evidence of the link between school quality and health. The paper presents the first evidence in the literature on the potential short and intermediate term effects of attending a selective college on health behaviors during and following college attendance. Using a variety of empirical methods, this paper shows strong evidence that college selectivity reduces tobacco and marijuana use but has small and possibly positive effects on binge drinking. The effects on weight behaviors are suggestive of reduced weight, potentially through diet, but not exercise change.
THE CORRELATED-k METHOD FOR RADIATION CALCULATIONS IN NONHOMOGENEOUS ATMOSPHERES

The accuracy of the correlated-k method, which is a technique for radiation calculations with spectrally averaged data in nonhomogeneous atmospheres, is investigated. Comparisons are made for scattering and absorbing atmospheres containing CO2, H2O, and O3, and it is concluded that: (1) the errors in correlated-k are generally of order of magnitude 1 percent, (2) much larger errors occur only when a radiative quantity is very much smaller than its average value, (3) errors do not depend systematically on the gas molecule, the distributions of gases and aerosols, or on the aerosol optical properties, and (4) errors do not systematically increase with the order of differencing. It is shown that the multiplication property for transmission by overlapping bands can be incorporated into correlated-k, that temperature effects can be interpolated on a coarse grid, and that 10 quadrature points are often sufficient to average over complex spectral intervals containing thousands of lines.
A Systematic Screen to Discover and Analyze Apicoplast Proteins Identifies a Conserved and Essential Protein Import Factor

Parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa cause diseases that impact global health and economy. These unicellular eukaryotes possess a relict plastid, the apicoplast, which is an essential organelle and a validated drug target. However, much of its biology remains poorly understood, in particular its elaborate compartmentalization: four membranes defining four different spaces. Only a small number of organellar proteins have been identified in particular few proteins are known for non-luminal apicoplast compartments. We hypothesized that enlarging the catalogue of apicoplast proteins will contribute toward identifying new organellar functions and expand the realm of targets beyond a limited set of characterized pathways. We developed a bioinformatic screen based on mRNA abundance over the cell cycle and on phyletic distribution. We experimentally assessed 57 genes, and of 30 successful epitope tagged candidates eleven novel apicoplast proteins were identified. Of those, seven appear to target to the lumen of the organelle, and four localize to peripheral compartments. To address their function we then developed a robust system for the construction of conditional mutants via a promoter replacement strategy. We confirm the feasibility of this system by establishing conditional mutants for two selected genes – a luminal and a peripheral apicoplast protein. The latter is particularly intriguing as it encodes a hypothetical protein that is conserved in and unique to Apicomplexan parasites and other related organisms that maintain a red algal endosymbiont. Our studies suggest that this peripheral plastid protein, PPP1, is likely localized to the periplastid compartment. Conditional disruption of PPP1 demonstrated that it is essential for parasite survival. Phenotypic analysis of this mutant is consistent with a role of the PPP1 protein in apicoplast biogenesis, specifically in import of nuclear-encoded proteins into the organelle.
Dynamic Wind Uplift Performance of Thermoplastic Roofing System with New Seaming Technology

Wind dynamics, on a conventional roofing system, lift the membrane and cause fluttering, introducing stresses at the attachment locations. To identify the component of the system that has the weakest resistance against wind uplift forces, a dynamic method of evaluating roofing systems is beneficial. A recent industry survey predicts significant growth for thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membranes. Among others, hot-air-weld ability is an advantage of the TPO. In mechanically attached TPO roofs, seams are formed by welding one side of the bottom sheet with the top sheet using hot-air machines. Advancements in welding technology have led to double-side weld procedures or encapsulated seams for the TPO membranes. Wind uplift evaluations are being carried out on the TPO systems with one-side weld and double-side weld. Experiments have been conducted at the dynamic roofing facility (DRF) of the National Research Council of Canada, using the SIGDERS (special interest group on dynamic evaluation of roofing systems) wind test protocol. Systems with double-side weld performed better than the systems with one-side weld. Use of double-side weld minimizes asymmetrical stress concentration and improves the wind rating of the mechanically attached TPO roofing systems.