cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HRV Biofeedback for Pediatric Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Functional Abdominal Pain: A Clinical Replication Series

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Functional Abdominal Pain (FAP) are among the most commonly reported Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Both have been associated with varying autonomic dysregulation. Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) has recently begun to show efficacy in the treatment of both IBS and FAP. The purpose of this multiple clinical replication series was to analyze the clinical outcomes of utilizing HRVB in a clinical setting. Archival data of twenty-seven consecutive pediatric outpatients diagnosed with IBS or FAP who received HRVB were analyzed. Clinical outcomes were self-report and categorized as full or remission with patient satisfaction, or no improvement. Qualitative reports of patient experiences were also noted. Full remission was achieved by 69.2 % and partial remission was achieved by 30.8 % of IBS patients. Full remission was achieved by 63.6 % and partial remission was achieved by 36.4 % of FAP patients. No patients in either group did not improve to a level of patient satisfaction or >50 %. Patient’s commonly reported feeling validated in their discomfort as a result of psychophysiological education. Results suggest that HRVB is a promising intervention for pediatric outpatients with IBS or FAP. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to accurately determine clinical efficacy of HRVB in the treatment of IBS and FAP.
Correction of sagittal synostosis using a modified Π method

The authors' technique for the treatment of sagittal synostosis, which involves total cranial vault reconstruction and is termed the Pi procedure, is a safe, effective method for correcting the deformities associated with sagittal synostosis. It provides an immediate correction that does not require any further manipulations to the skull, such as a molding helmet. The technique addresses all the aspects of the deformity. It increases the width as well as the central height of the skull and decreases the length of the skull to produce a rounder cranial vault.
Pharmacological blockade of TGF-beta signaling in peripheral macrophages mitigates Alzheimer's-like pathology in preclinical rodent models

(EMG) data were recorded from bipolar electrodes in the region of the anterior frontal cortex in thirteen male lemurs. The EEG analysis was focused on the differences between active and passive state (no sleep) during daytime only and on the correlation between cortical EEG markers and EMG activity during nighttime. Results: Fig.1 (top-left) shows the grand-average (N1⁄411) of the normalized EEG power density obtained averaging data recorded during the daytime for the two conditions (active, passive). Fig.1 (top-right) reports the individual values of the normalized EEG power density for the two conditions in eight frequency bands of interest The distributions did not show remarkable outliers. Finally, Fig.1 (middle) shows the mean values (6standard error) of the normalized EEG power density illustrating a statistical ANOVA interaction effect (p<0.00005) between the factors Condition and Band. Duncan planned post-hoc test disclosed that the normalized EEG power density at 1-2 Hz and 2-4 Hz was higher during the active state than during the passive state. Furthermore, it was lower during the active than during the passive condition at 6-8 Hz, 8-10 Hz, and 10-12 Hz (p<0.00005).A statistically significant positive correlation (Fig.1 bottom) was found between the mean rectified EMG activity and the normalized EEG power density at 2-4 Hz. On the contrary, a statistically significant negative correlation (Fig.1 bottom) was found between the mean rectified EMG activity and the normalized EEG power density at 8-10 Hz and 10-12 Hz.Conclusions: In conclusions, this is the first study showing peculiar on-going EEG markers of motor activity in gray mouse lemurs. These results and further studies will improve our understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the motor activity and cortical arousal in this animal model and its use in drug discovery for Alzheimer’ disease.
Community-wide intervention to improve the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder assessment and treatment practices of community physicians.

OBJECTIVES. The goals were to implement and to test a quality-improvement intervention aimed at improving community-based primary care providers’ adherence to the American Academy of Pediatrics, evidence-based diagnostic and treatment guidelines for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. METHODS. Nineteen practices (with 84 primary care providers) from a large urban community were trained by using quality-improvement methods with some academic detailing. Pretraining and posttraining adherence to evidence-based practices was assessed through review of patient charts. RESULTS. Preintervention rates of guideline usage were uniformly low. After the intervention, primary care providers showed substantial improvement in their use of the guidelines for the assessment and treatment of elementary school-aged patients with newly diagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Use of parent and teacher assessment rating scales increased from levels of 52% to 55% to levels of nearly 100%. Systematic monitoring of responses to medication improved from a baseline level of 9% to 40%. CONCLUSIONS. Quality-improvement interventions such as the one used in this study seem quite effective in improving primary care providers’ practices at offices that express interest in improving the quality of care for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The design of the intervention, problems associated with improving and sustaining treatment monitoring, and issues related to generalizability of the intervention model are discussed.
Anticipatory Guidance: A Hospital-Based Intervention for Adolescents with Perinatal Loss

There are well documented complexities and challenges of pregnancy in the adolescent years. Social workers are usually the front line workers with the adolescent population and are often called to provide bereavement services in a hospital setting. This article describes a pathway for short term intervention in working with adolescents experiencing a perinatal loss and focuses on brief intense anticipatory guidance as the optimal way to provide care under these circumstances. This described approach includes: the developmental level of the adolescent, the receptive posture of the social worker, the adolescent’s stage of acceptance of the pregnancy; the meaning of the loss; her emotional strengths; environmental resources and risk factors.
Two Year Clinical Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty Are Not Dependent on Femoral Head Composition.

Background Assessment of clinical outcomes and patient quality of life after total hip arthroplasty continues to grow in importance with the focus on how bearing surfaces affect long-term survival, wear, and cost. Further, as quality measures have become incorporated into reimbursement, there is a need to quantify factors which may influence these outcomes. Currently, there is a paucity of literature regarding the effects of the femoral head composition on clinical outcomes or quality of life.
The Rank Sum Test in the Linear Logistic Model

Abstract A simple modification of the rank sum test that can be carried out quickly and easily with pencil and paper is shown to be competitive in terms of power with the much more laborious likelihood ratio test for testing the hypothesis of zero slope in the simple linear logistic model.
A Note On The Multiple Regression Technique For Deleting Variables In The Discriminant Function

IN AN EARLY PAPER on taxonomic problems, Fisher, [l, 184] showed that the linear discriminant function for two groups can be conveniently ob tained by constructing a certain multiple regression function. Fisher's formulation employed the dis criminant variables as the independent regression variables and introduced a dichotomous dummy var iable as the dependent variable identifying group membership. Since its introduction in the litera ture, use of the regression function as a device for computing the discriminant function has been made by many researchers and discussed by several wri ters (see [4]) The preference of the regression ap proach among psychologists and educators seems to be due to the existence of numerous computer pro grams for rapid computation and also to their fa miliarity with regression methods. The purpose of this paper is to consider a method presented in multiple regression for variable selec tion or deletion for the two group discrimination problem. The actual circumstances under which the method may be used in a strict sense seem to be relatively unknown to researchers in educational fields.
Separable Potential Approximation in Atomic Collision Theory

An energy dependent separable potential is used to approximate the energy dependent non-local potential which results from the partitioning technique in atomic collision theory. By extending the Heitler approximation and employing this separable potential, a new cross section formula is obtained. The formula is applied to a two-state square well problem and proves to be better than other existing formulas.
Current results of the US DOE high penetration solar deployment project

The SunShot Vision Study defines a scenario for solar energy technologies to significantly contribute to meeting U.S. electricity demand. To achieve this, work is in progress to identify, quantify, and address the impacts of high levels of distributed PV generation on electric distribution systems. The Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP) initiated a project to gain experience and to identify and quantify these potential impacts, develop and verify models of these systems, evaluate methods for mitigating any impacts, and develop potential solutions. This paper summarizes the current progress of the six competitively selected projects.
The Rational Adolescent: Discipline Policies, Lawsuits, and Skill Acquisition.

Abstract The paper estimates the response of student truancy and long-run labor market outcomes to discipline policies in middle and secondary school. Simultaneous determination of student behaviors and school policies motivates an instrumental variables strategy. Because judicial climate influences administrators’ fear of discipline-related lawsuits, measures of judicial–legal climate at the state-level court are used as instruments for local discipline policies. Results indicate that the state-level judicial–legal climate does appear to influence administrators’ discipline policies; that students appear to be truant less often when discipline is stricter; and that school and long-run labor participation outcomes appear higher for students from schools with stricter discipline policies.
The performance of preschool children on reversal and two types of extradimensional shifts

Abstract In three experiments, preschool children performed on one of three types of discrimination shifts. The shifts were Reversal (R) shifts, Extradimensional shifts in which the stimuli of the shift problem were different from those of the original discrimination (EDD shift), and Extradimensional shifts in which the stimuli of the shift problem were the same as those of the original problem (EDS shift). The R shift was easier than either of the two ED shifts, and the EDD shift was easier than the EDS shift. The results were interpreted as inconsistent with a developmental-change hypothesis and were related to earlier findings.
Yeast one-hybrid assays: A historical and technical perspective

Since its development about two decades ago, the yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay has become an important technique for detecting physical interactions between sequence-specific regulatory transcription factor proteins (TFs) and their DNA target sites. Multiple versions of the Y1H methodology have been developed, each with technical differences and unique advantages. We will discuss several of these technical variations in detail, and also provide some ideas for how Y1H assays can be further improved.
Linear models for control of cavity flow oscillations

Models for understanding and controlling oscillations in the flow past a rectangular cavity are developed. These models may be used to guide control designs, to understand performance limits of feedback, and to interpret experimental results. Traditionally, cavity oscillations are assumed to be self-sustained: no external disturbances are necessary to maintain the oscillations, and amplitudes are limited by nonlinearities. We present experimental data which suggests that in some regimes, the oscillations may not be self-sustained, but lightly damped: oscillations are sustained by external forcing, such as boundary-layer turbulence. In these regimes, linear models suffice to describe the behaviour, and the final amplitude of oscillations depends on the characteristics of the external disturbances. These linear models are particularly appropriate for describing cavities in which feedback has been used for noise suppression, as the oscillations are small and nonlinearities are less likely to be important. It is shown that increasing the gain too much in such feedback control experiments can lead to a peak-splitting phenomenon, which is explained by the linear models. Fundamental performance limits indicate that peak splitting is likely to occur for narrow-bandwidth actuators and controllers.
Materials-related design issues in the Solar Central Receiver pilot plant

The Solar Thermal Central Receiver program of the Department of Energy has for its objectives the harnessing of solar thermal energy for generation of electricity, (either monolithic or in combination with fossil power)and also the development of solar process heat for various applications. The aim is to develop solar thermal systems to the status of alternative energy sources for utilities by the mid 1980s, and to achieve economic competetiveness with fossil and nuclear plants by the 1990s1. The first electricity to be generated in the program will come from the ten MW pilot plant which is nearing the start of construction in Barstow, California. Funding for the project is being provided by the Department of Energy, Southern California Edison Company, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and the California Energy Commission. The Barstow pilot plant represents the first full scale U.S. application of solar central receiver technology and as such is a critical gate in the development program. The design is being developed by an industrial team lead by McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company. Sandia Laboratories provides technical program management and supporting research and development for the Department of Energy in central receiver technology. The final design for Barstow will be based upon tradeoff studies and experiments conducted in support of the program. This paper summarizes these studies in the area of materials-related issues and describes the emerging technology.
Compositional, cover, and diversity changes after prescribed fire in a mature eastern white pine forest

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) forests are considered fire dependent, but little is known about the role of low-intensity fires. We conducted four prescribed burns to examine understory effe...
A randomized controlled trial comparing intermittent with continuous dialysis in patients with ARF.

Background: Despite the widespread use of continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute renal failure (ARF), there are few data supporting its benefits over conventional intermittent hemodialysis (IHD). We sought to analyze differences in survival between modalities in a study that compared continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) with IHD. Methods: Eighty critically ill patients with ARF requiring dialysis were randomized after stratification by severity of illness to treatment with CVVHD or IHD. Results: There were no differences in survival or renal recovery between groups. In patients who died, mean survival time was 10.7 ± 11.2 days for the IHD group versus 14.3 ± 16.1 days for the CVVHD group (P = not significant). There was greater net volume removal in the CVVHD group during 72 hours. Declines in urine output during 72 hours were similar between groups. Mean arterial pressure off and on dialysis therapy was analyzed retrospectively. There was a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure for patients on IHD therapy not seen in those on CVVHD therapy, but this did not lead to a survival advantage. Conclusion: Despite greater volume control, CVVHD did not lead to an improvement in survival, preservation of urine output, or renal recovery compared with IHD in patients with ARF.
The bulbo-spinal indoleaminergic pathway in the frog.

Abstract The role of the bulbo-spinal indoleaminergic pathway of the frog was investigated. Using the isolated spinal cord preparation, responses of motoneurons of segments 9 and 10 to lateral column stimulation were recorded from ventral roots (LC-VRP) and by intracellularly placed microelectrodes. Control responses were compared to those obtained after addition of substances known to alter indoleaminergic synthesis or receptor activation. Responses from spinal cords of animals that were pretreated with indoleamine-depleting agents were compared to mean control Procedures that inhibited indoleamine synthesis or blocked indoleamine receptors reduced motoneuronal activity. This was manifested as an increase in mean latency and a decrease in amplitude of the monosynaptic LC-VRP, an increased duration of suppression following an LC conditioning stimulus, and a decrease in spontaneous activity. In contrast to intracellularly recorded responses from control cords, those recorded under these conditions typically showed single spikes with longer latencies. Additions of indoleamine precursors to normal cords or to cords depleted of monoamines by reserpine shortened mean latencies, increased amplitudes of LC-elicited responses and caused an increase in spontaneous activity. These observations were recorded both extracellularly and intracellularly. Our results suggest that the bulbo-spinal indoleaminergic pathway modulates the output of motoneurons of the frog spinal cord.
Effects of neonatal testosterone on the acquisition of an active avoidance response in genotypically female rats

Female rats received either testosterone or placebo injections at 3 days of age and placebo, ovariectomy plus placebo, ovariectomy plus estrogen, or ovariectomy plus testosterone treatments in adulthood. Females that received testosterone both in infancy and in adulthood exhibited the inferior avoidance performance typical of normal males; the other seven groups behaved like untreated females. Testosterone appears to organize neural mechanisms responsible for sex differences in avoidance behavior, but additional androgenic stimulation is required for the expression of masculine avoidance behavior.
Air pollution: mechanisms of neuroinflammation and CNS disease

Air pollution has been implicated as a chronic source of neuroinflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that produce neuropathology and central nervous system (CNS) disease. Stroke incidence and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease pathology are linked to air pollution. Recent reports reveal that air pollution components reach the brain; systemic effects that impact lung and cardiovascular disease also impinge upon CNS health. While mechanisms driving air pollution-induced CNS pathology are poorly understood, new evidence suggests that microglial activation and changes in the blood-brain barrier are key components. Here we summarize recent findings detailing the mechanisms through which air pollution reaches the brain and activates the resident innate immune response to become a chronic source of pro-inflammatory factors and ROS, culminating in CNS disease.
Electrophoretic Separation of Beet Pigments

SUMMARY Paper electrophoretic separation of pigments in beet extracts and in intact tissue was investigated. Pigments in an extract were separated into 9 distinct bands upon electrophoresis with 0.15M pyridine-citric acid buffer, pH 4.5. A technique is presented for the re-electrophoresis of pigments in paper section of an electrophoretogram. Using a Veronal buffer (pH 8.6) during re-electro-phoresis, heterogeneity of the pigments in major red and major yellow bands was displayed. Under specific conditions, beet pigments in a thin section of tissue could be resolved by electrophoresis.
Stability of Silver Nanoparticles Fabricated by Nanosphere Lithography and Atomic Layer Deposition to Femtosecond Laser Excitation

In this paper, we compare the stability of silver nanoparticles fabricated by nanosphere lithography (NSL) and those coated with atomic layers of Al2O3 to femtosecond laser pulses. Structural changes in the nanoparticles caused by the laser pulses were monitored by UV−vis extinction spectroscopy. It is demonstrated that 1.0 nm thick Al2O3 layers fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) provide a factor of 10 improvement in the stability of the silver nanoparticles against femtosecond laser exposure compared to that for bare nanoparticles. The enhanced stability caused by the Al2O3 layers is explained by the increased surface melting temperature resulting from the decreased mean square displacement of silver atoms located on the nanoparticle surface. This study demonstrates that Al2O3-coated nanoparticles can serve as a stable platform for both linear and nonlinear ultrafast surface-enhanced laser spectroscopy.
Preparing the Patient for Immunosuppressive Therapy

The decision to start immunosuppressive therapy comes with benefits and risks. Patient selection is as important as medication selection, because some patients are not appropriate for certain therapies. The decision is based on many factors, including diagnosis, level of disease activity, comorbidities, and sometimes socioeconomic status. Frank discussion about side effects, possible adverse events (different from side effects), and monitoring protocols needs to occur after the clinician has decided on a therapy. Some therapies require additional screening prior to initiation (eg, tuberculosis testing before initiating biologics). Steroids are aggressive treatment, but need to have an end point. Thiopurines need to be monitored routinely with blood tests, and are associated with short-term side effects that can lead to discontinuation in about 20% of patients. Methotrexate is perhaps underused by community practitioners despite an adequate evidence base for its use for active inflammatory disease. Methotrexate may also be helpful in patients with arthralgias, but must be monitored. Biologics now target two molecules (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α and TNF-α4 integrins). However, because anti-adhesion molecule therapy is associated with a lethal central nervous system infection estimated to occur in 1 of 1,000 patients, this approach tends to be used as a third- or fourth-line therapy. Anti-TNFs are used for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis with good results; however, immune reactions, infections, and neoplasms have resulted from their use.
Longitudinal association between toenail selenium levels and measures of subclinical atherosclerosis: The CARDIA trace element study

Abstract Objectives To examine the longitudinal association between toenail selenium levels and subclinical atherosclerosis over an 18-year period. Methods Toenail selenium concentrations were examined among 3112 Americans age 20–32 years in 1987 and measured by instrumental neutron-activation analysis. Subclinical atherosclerosis, including common, bulb and internal carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT), was measured in 2005 and coronary artery calcium (CAC) score in 2000 and 2005. General linear regression was developed examining the relation between toenail selenium levels and CIMTs, and logistic regression for repeated outcomes was employed estimating the risk of having CAC>0. Results After adjustment for potential confounders, no associations were observed between toenail selenium levels and CIMTs as well as CAC score. Comparing participants in the highest with the lowest quintile of selenium, the CIMT was 0.005mm (SE=0.008mm, P trend =0.39), 0.018mm (SE=0.019mm, P trend =0.49), and 0.017mm (SE=0.014mm, P trend =0.21) thicker measured in common, bulb and internal carotid, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio of having CAC>0 was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.67–1.35; P trend =0.999). Conclusions No associations were observed between toenail selenium and measures of subclinical atherosclerosis among American young adults. This study does not support an atherosclerotic mechanism of selenium for risk reduction of cardiovascular disease.
Time series electrical potential field measurements for early detection of groundwater contamination

Abstract The adequacy of groundwater monitoring systems that consist of up‐gradient and downgradient monitoring wells is often questioned by regulatory agencies. Groundwater contaminants frequently migrate along preferred pathways formed by lateral and vertical heterogeneities within definable stratigraphic units. Many monitoring wells must be completed correctly within individual heterogeneities to provide for early detection of contaminant migration along these preferred flowpaths. The adequacy of a specific groundwater monitoring system is usually directly dependent upon the number of monitoring wells. Time series electrical potential field measurements in combination with groundwater monitoring wells can greatly improve the capability of groundwater monitoring systems to detect the presence of contaminants. An electrical geophysical method known as the mise‐a‐la‐masse method involves the measurement of electrical current flow through earth materials under investigation. Changes in the electrical poten...
Closed-Form Solutions for Flexural Response of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Beams

A constitutive law for fiber-reinforced concrete materials consisting of an elastic perfectly plastic model for compression and an elastic-constant postpeak response for tension is presented. The material parameters are described by using Young's modulus and first cracking strain in addition to four nondimensional parameters to define postpeak tensile strength, compressive strength, and ultimate strain levels in tension and compression. The closed-form solutions for moment-curvature response are derived and normalized with respect to their values at the cracking moment. Further simplification of the moment-curvature response to a bilinear model, and the use of the moment-area method results in another set of closed-form solutions to calculate midspan deflection of a beam under three- and four-point bending tests. Model simulations are correlated with a variety of test results available in literature. The simulation of a three- and four-point bending test reveals that the direct use of uniaxial tensile response underpredicts the flexural response.
An overview of the SPHINX-II speech recognition system

In the past year at Carnegie Mellon steady progress has been made in the area of acoustic and language modeling. The result has been a dramatic reduction in speech recognition errors in the SPHINX-II system. In this paper, we review SPHINX-II and summarize our recent efforts on improved speech recognition. Recently SPHINX-II achieved the lowest error rate in the November 1992 DARPA evaluations. For 5000-word, speaker-independent, continuous, speech recognition, the error rate was reduced to 5%.
Structure development during the melt spinning of poly(oxymethylene) fiber

Abstract The structural and morphological development during the melt spinning of poly(oxymethylene) was investigated via synchrotron small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS, respectively) techniques. Various distances from the spinneret at selected take-up speeds were examined in situ by mounting a vertically translating extruder in the synchrotron beam. The results indicate that a microfibrillar morphology is present for all cases. It is likely that the fibrils are twisted together into bundles. SAXS and WAXS patterns develop simultaneously, indicating that the fibrils develop by nucleation and growth from the amorphous melt. SAXS analysis appears to show that the long period and lamellar stack length both increase with take-up speed. The magnitude of the lamellar stack length however is grossly underestimated due to a large number of incorporated defects in the lamellar structure. The orientation of the lamellar stacks is similar to the orientation of the crystallites, showing that the macroscopic strain is transferred to the microscopic dimensions efficiently. Only at the largest take-up speed studied (850 mpm) was the influence of strain-induced crystallization seen. This was indicated by an initial decrease of crystallinity index with take-up speed at a given distance from the spinneret, followed by an increase at 850 mpm.
Abnormal plasma sodium concentrations in patients treated with desmopressin for cranial diabetes insipidus: results of a long-term retrospective study

Context and objective Patients with cranial diabetes insipidus (CDI) are at risk of developing both hypernatraemia and hyponatraemia, due to the condition itself or secondary to treatment with vasopressin-analogues or during administration of i.v. fluids. We aimed to assess the frequency and impact of dysnatraemias in the inpatient (INPT) and outpatient (OPT) setting in desmopressin-treated CDI, comparing those with normal thirst with those with abnormal thirst. Design The study included 192 patients with cranial diabetes, who were identified from the Beaumont Pituitary Database, a tertiary referral centre. Retrospective case note audit was performed and the clinical and biochemical information of 147 patients with CDI were available for analysis. Results A total of 4142 plasma sodium measurements for 137 patients with normal thirst, and 385 plasma sodium measurements for ten patients with abnormal thirst were analysed. In those with normal thirst, the most common OPT abnormality was mild hyponatraemia (pNa(+) 131-134 mmol/l) in 27%, while 14.6% had more significant hyponatraemia (pNa(+) ≤130 mmol/l). Of those patients with normal thirst, 5.8% were admitted due to complications directly related to hyponatraemia. Compared with patients with normal thirst, those with abnormal thirst were more likely to develop significant OPT hypernatraemia (20% vs 1.4%, P=0.02) and significant INPT hyponatraemia (50% vs 11.1%, P 0.02). Conclusion OPT management of CDI is complicated by a significant incidence of hyponatraemia. In contrast, OPT hypernatraemia is almost exclusively a complication seen in adipsic CDI, who also had more frequent INPT hyponatraemia. CDI associated with thirst disorder requires increased physician attention and patient awareness of potential complications.
The transformation of phthalaldehydate by phthalate-grown Micrococcus strain 12B

Abstract Micrococcus strain 12B, grown with phthalate, transformed the phthalate analog, phthalaldehydate (2-formylbenzoate), to 3,4-dihydroxyphthalaldehydate which was isolated and identified as its lactol. An 18 O 2 incorporation experiment indicated that a dioxygenase mechanism was involved. It is proposed by analogy, that phthalate is metabolized through cis -3,4-dihydro-3,4-dihydroxyphthalate and 3,4-dihydroxyphthalate by this bacterium.
The Social Construction of Romantic Relationships in Adolescence: Examining the Role of Peer Networks, Gender, and Race*

Romantic activity is a social psychological phenomenon. Gender, race, and peer networks are key contexts for understanding the social construction of this behavior as gender- and race-based norms structure feelings and behaviors that define “appropriate” romantic activity and peer networks serve as incubators of this activity. With a nationally representative sample of adolescents (N= 8510) drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study explored the linkages among peer networks, conceptions of idealized romantic relationships and actual romantic relationships, and the ways in which gender and race moderate these associations. Several characteristics of peer networks predicted adolescent attitudes about romantic behaviors as well as actual romantic behavior. Moreover, the linkages among peer networks, romantic attitudes, and romantic behaviors varied by race.
Importance of intersheet scattering in the Hall resistivity of Cd

A sign change of the Hall resistivity rho/sub 21/(T) (Bparallel(0001)) occurs at low temperatures in Cd, Zn, and Mg. In Cd it has been attributed to intersheet scattering, but this explanation does not apply to Zn and Mg. Could an explanation be offered for Cd without invoking intersheet scattering This note examines relevant experimental and calculated results, and concludes that intersheet scattering is important in Cd.
Seeds of understanding of plant diversity

Forests, grasslands, and other plant communities often contain large numbers of plant species; in the extreme, over a thousand tree species may be present in a single square kilometer of tropical forest (1). Ecologists have long sought to understand what factors govern the array of plant species present in any particular area, and indeed, how so many species can coexist at all given that all plants require essentially the same resources: light, water, and nutrients (2, 3). The classical explanation is that species can coexist if they are sufficiently different in their “niches,” the particular habitats or conditions in which they thrive or in the resources they exploit, and have corresponding weaknesses in other areas, so that no one species is able to out-compete the others (4). In this view, species composition of a community essentially reflects which niches are available. Alternatively, some ecologists have argued that chance events of immigration, local extinction, and speciation play a dominant role in determining which species are present in a community, so that species composition essentially “drifts” (5, 6). Empirical studies have demonstrated the importance of both sets of processes: there are meaningful differences among plant species in competitive ability under varying conditions, and yet historical factors are also involved in determining whether a species that could thrive in an area is actually present. Traits important to competitive ability are variable and subject to evolutionary change.
Minication affects action-based distance judgments in oculus rift HMDs

Distance perception is a crucial component for many virtual reality applications, and numerous studies have shown that egocentric distances are judged to be compressed in head-mounted display (HMD) systems. Geometric minification, a technique where the graphics are rendered with a field of view that larger than the HMD's field of view, is one known method of eliminating the distance compression [Kuhl et al. 2009; Zhang et al. 2012]. This study uses direct blind walking to determine how minification might impact distance judgments in the Oculus Rift HMD which has a significantly larger FOV than previous minification studies. Our results show that people were able to make accurate distance judgments in a calibrated condition and that geometric minification causes people to overestimate distances. Since this study shows that minification can impact wide FOV displays such as the Oculus, we discuss how it may be necessary to use calibration techniques which are more thorough than those described in this paper.
Forecasting using partially known demands

Abstract Most forecasting models for building a master schedule do not use information from orders that have been received for future delivery. We propose two basic algorithms that forecast the total demand by making use of information on orders already received. We test these algorithms using actual demand data from a printing firm. The behavior of the algorithms under special conditions like price promotions and shocks is also illustrated. We conclude that the proposed algorithms perform relatively better than exponential smoothing when partially known demand data is available.
Evolutionary demographic models for mortality plateaus

Plateaus in the age pattern of hazard functions at extreme ages have been discovered in large populations of medflies, Drosophila, nematodes, and people. Mueller and Rose [(1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93, 15249–15253] have proposed several age-structured demographic models to represent effects of mutation accumulation and antagonistic pleiotropy on randomly evolving schedules of demographic rates. They assert that “evolutionary theory [as embodied in their models] predicts late-life mortality plateaus.” This paper defines a class of Markovian models that includes those of Mueller and Rose and obtains a characterization of the possible limiting states. For the basic model, the result implies that schedules with late-life mortality plateaus above a minimal threshold are not limiting states. The models fail, but not for reasons previously conjectured. Transient states, visited early by the process, do display mortality plateaus. Other models from this class may have a role to play in reconciling observed plateaus with evolutionary theory.
Hormonal effects on the brain

Changes in seizure frequency over the course of the menstrual cycle (i.e., catamenial epilepsy) have long been documented. Ovarian steroid hormones have a number of important short- and long-term effects on the brain that may contribute to this phenomenon. In particular, estrogen induces structural and functional changes in hippocampal neurons which may contribute significantly to increasing seizure susceptibility. This article reviews the mechanisms of action of steroid hormones on the basis of findings in animal models, with particular emphasis on the effects of estrogen on the hippocampus.
Spatial control of rhabdom shedding in the lateral eye of the American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus.

Membrane leaves the rhabdom of Limulus photoreceptors either by transient shedding at dawn or throughout the day by light-driven shedding. We examined whether the light trigger for transient shedding and the light drive for light-driven shedding are localized properties of the illuminated photoreceptors or whether they are an array property of the retina. Four experiments were conducted during which the lateral eye was exposed to one of a variety of different illumination patterns for a day, fixed, dissected and cut into serial frozen sections. Immunocytochemistry with different antibodies to Limulus opsin and arrestin revealed the results of the two processes in a distinguishable way. Eyes stimulated with whole-eye illumination had both types of shedding or just light-driven shedding when transient shedding was blocked by cutting the optic nerve. Eyes exposed to whole-eye darkness had neither type of shedding. However, when only half of an eye was exposed to light, the dark half had the same kinds of shedding as the lighted half. We conclude that the signals to trigger or drive shedding must be communicated laterally from illuminated ommatidia to unilluminated ommatidia. Rhabdom shedding is an array property.
Conformal Antennas on Singly-Curved Surfaces

Conformal antennas are being investigated or use in an ever increasing number of applications. Traditional conformal antennas operate as resonant structures that radiate efficiently over a fairly narrow range of frequencies. Many useful conformal designs have been developed using approximate formulae and integral equations that utilize surface currents. However, with emerging wide bandwidth antennas that incorporate a variety of materials in their construction, other means for calculating the performance of candidate designs are useful. One approach is a hybrid finite element-boundary integral (FE-BI) formulation. This has been presented in the literature previously; however, in this paper advances in implementation will be discussed along with a novel example. (6 pages)
An ultra-reliable board identification system

Abstract The need for a reliable automated board identification system for a new manufacturing line was identified. The manufacturing processes are highly acidic, highly basic, and high-temperature processes. Assessment of 14 sensing approaches showed that only the hole-coding option would survive the harsh environments. Based on this option, a voting map algorithm and a special sensor array were designed to minimize space while maximizing reading reliability. A method to measure reading reliability was developed. Design of experiments for the identification system was conducted to model the relationship among the design parameters. The model provides a means to determine the design parameters for generic hole-coded identification systems to achieve certain reliability levels. In an extensive testing period, the reader read more than 60,000 times without error. The reader also passed stress tests such as reading a warped or vibrating board.
Structure of the putative DNA‐binding protein SP_1288 from Streptococcus pyogenes

The crystal structure of the putative DNA-binding protein SP_1288 (gi/15675166, also listed as gi/28895954) from Streptococcus pyogenes has been determined by X-ray crystallography to a resolution of 2.3 A using anomalous diffraction data at the Se peak wavelength. SP_1288 belongs to a family of proteins whose cellular function is associated with the signal recognition particle; no structural information has been available until now about the members of the family. Crystallographic analysis revealed that the overall fold of SP_1288 consists exclusively of alpha-helices and that 75% of the structure has good similarity to domain 4 of the sigma subunit of RNA polymerase. This suggests its possible involvement in the biochemical function of transcription initiation, which includes interaction with DNA.
A marker for oligodendrocytes and its relation to myelinogenesis: an immunocytochemical study with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis serum and C.N.S. cultures.

To investigate a possible marker for oligodendrocytes and its relation to myelinogenesis, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) serum has been used to study C.N.S. cultures from the time of explantation to maturity at 26 daysin vitro (DIV). Cultures of foetal mouse spinal cord were exposed for 1 h to heated (complement-inactivated), rabbit anti-bovine white matter (WM-EAE) or control serum, fixed and processed by an immunoperoxidase technique for demonstrating bound immunoglobulin (Ig) by light and electron microscopy. From 5 to 26 DIV, cells morphologically identical to oligodendrocytes displayed binding of Ig to the plasmalemma of the cell body and its processes. At 5 DIV, immunoreactive oligodendrocytes had a large nucleus and nucleolus, prominent Golgi apparatus, and microtubules but no filaments. Occasionally a centriole was present, suggesting an early stage of differentiation. In myelinated cultures (from 11–12 DIV onwards), reaction product was present on the oligodendroglial outer plasmalemma apposed to myelin and along the outer loop. Sometimes it extended into the external mesaxon, outer layer of myelin, inner mesaxon and periaxonal space. No other structures were reactive, and oligodendroglia did not bind control Ig. These findings indicate that WM-EAE serum can be used as a marker for oligodendrocytes in cultures from 5 DIV onwards. The findings that oligodendrocytes acquire the antigen(s) prior to myelination and that the antigen(s) is localized on the plasmalemma of the inner and outer loops of actively myelinating oligodendroglial processes suggest that the antigen(s) may have a role in oligodendrocyte maturation and myelinogenesis. The antigen(s) involved is not yet established, but it is probably not myelin basic protein. This marker should prove useful in studies of C.N.S. development and the demyelinating diseases.
Identification of a cytotoxic form of dimeric interleukin-2 in murine tissues.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a multi-faceted cytokine, known for promoting proliferation, survival, and cell death depending on the cell type and state. For example, IL-2 facilitates cell death only in activated T cells when antigen and IL-2 are abundant. The availability of IL-2 clearly impacts this process. Our laboratory recently demonstrated that IL-2 is retained in blood vessels by heparan sulfate, and that biologically active IL-2 is released from vessel tissue by heparanase. We now demonstrate that heparanase digestion also releases a dimeric form of IL-2 that is highly cytotoxic to cells expressing the IL-2 receptor. These cells include “traditional” IL-2 receptor-bearing cells such as lymphocytes, as well as those less well known for IL-2 receptor expression, such as epithelial and smooth muscle cells. The morphologic changes and rapid cell death induced by dimeric IL-2 imply that cell death is mediated by disruption of membrane permeability and subsequent necrosis. These findings suggest that IL-2 has a direct and unexpectedly broad influence on cellular homeostatic mechanisms in both immune and non-immune systems.
An Algorithm for Identification and Analysis of Large Space Structures

The identification of the mass, damping and stiffness matrix for the finite-element formulation of a structure will be given. It will be shown that the quadrature integration procedure can be used to find the desired matrices when reasonable assumptions hold. The mass, damping and stiffness matrices of the matrix polynomial are identified by the algorithm.
Transiogram: A spatial relationship measure for categorical data

Categorical geographical variables are normally classified into multinomial classes which are mutually exclusive and visualized as area‐class maps. Typical categorical variables such as soil types ...
Two Types of Conditioned Reflex and a Pseudo Type

(1935). Two Types of Conditioned Reflex and a Pseudo Type. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 66-77.
Radiative Exciplexes of 1,2,4,5-Tetracyanobenzene with Sterically Hindered Alkylbenzenes †

The formation of radiative exciplexes of a series of electron donor-acceptor pairs from 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene (TCB) and sterically hindered substituted benzenes is reported for the first time. The dependence of radiative and nonradiative electron transfer on the driving force and separation distance in the exciplexes is explored in nonpolar solvents. It is found that exciplexes of donor-acceptor pairs of hindered and unhindered donors with similar structures and electron-transfer properties give almost the same fluorescence quantum yields. Isotope effects of solvents on return electron-transfer rate constants of the exciplexes described above are found to be undetectable. This implies that the exciplexes are approximately two-component systems without the structural involvement of a solvent. Linear relationships between nonradiative return electron-transfer rate constants, log(k - e t ) and the driving force, -ΔG - e t °, are observed for exciplexes from both sterically unhindered and hindered donors. On the basis of all of these results, we conclude that there is no sterically controlled changeover from an inner-sphere to an outer-sphere mechanism in the present systems.