cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Indomethacin lowers the threshold thermal exposure for hyperthermic radiosensitization and heat-shock inhibition of ionizing radiation-induced activation of NF-κB

Purpose : It is well established that salicylate and several other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAID), including indomethacin, can activate the heat-shock response, albeit at high concentrations. This is significant since heat shock significantly alters the cellular cytotoxic response to ionizing radiation (IR). It was previously shown that heat shock, as well as NSAIDs, inhibits IR-induced activation of NF- κB and that NF- κB protects against IR-induced cytotoxicity. Hence, it is hypothesized that pretreatment with indomethacin before heating will lower the temperature and heating times required to inhibit the activation of NF- κB and induce significant hyperthermic radiosensitization. Materials and methods : Experiments were performed in HeLa cell lines and the DNA-binding activity was determined by EMSA. Cellular radiosensitivity was determined by clonogenic assay. Results : HeLa cells pretreated with indomethacin showed a decrease in the temperature-time combination necessary to inhibit IR...
Characterization of the photoreaction between DNA and aminomethyl-trimethylpsoralen using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy.

–The use of absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy for following the progress of the photo-reaction between DNA and 4′-aminomethyl-4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen (AMT) has been investigated. Absorption at long wavelengths and fluorescence both decline upon intercalation of AMT into the DNA helix. The loss of fluorescence from AMT and the accompanying appearance of monoadduct fluorescence upon irradiation by UV light can be easily followed by using the excitation beam of a spectro-fluorometer as the source of irradiation and monitoring the changing emission spectrum. Where cross-link formation is possible, the subsequent decline of monoadduct fluorescence is seen as well. This suggests that the 4,5-tnonoadduct is a precursor of cross-links. Both monoaddition and cross-linking are more rapid with poly d(A·T) than with calf thymus DNA or poly d(A·T). Excitation spectra can be helpful in resolving the levels of AMT and 4′,5′-monoadduct when both are contributing to the emission spectrum. Some changes are observed in the emission spectrum of AMT–poly d(A·T) monoadducts after prolonged irradiation which indicate further photoreaction.
Behavior of vervet monkeys and other cercopithecines. New data show structural uniformities in the gestures of semiarboreal and terrestrial cercopithecines

A comparison of the communicative gestures of vervets with those of other cercopithecines reveals both similarities and differences. Examples have been given of gestures (i) exhibited by all cercopithecines, (ii) rare or absent in vervets and common in several other species, (iii) demonstrated by vervets and a few other cercopithecines, and (iv) common in vervets and rare or absent in other members of the subfamily. Vervets, baboons, and rhesus monkeys have approximately the same number of visual signals in their behavioral repertoires-46, 42, and 49, respectively. Patas monkeys seem to have a smaller repertoire. Fifty-nine percent of the vervet patterns have also been described for rhesus monkeys, 63 percent for baboons, and 54 percent for patas. In cercopithecines, visual communicative patterns seem to be evolutionarily one of the most stable forms of behavior, in structural terms. Some of the greatest differences in communicative gestures are differences in the temporal aspects. In species of this subfamily, vocal patterns seem to vary more than visual signals. Greater structural differences in communicative gestures may be found in the Cercopithecinae when systematic field studies are made of some of the forest-dwelling species, about which we know very little.
Simultaneous flow cytometric detection of cellular c-myc protein, incorporated bromodeoxyuridine, and DNA

We describe a multivariate flow cytometric technique for simultaneous analysis of specific nuclear protein, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) incorporated into DNA and DNA content in single cells in suspension. The procedure involves fixation of BrdUrd-exposed cells with paraformaldehyde, heat denaturation of cellular DNA, followed by sequential immunochemical reactions to label incorporated BrdUrd and nuclear protein, and finally staining of total DNA with propidium iodide. The cells are analyzed flow cytometrically and multivariate data acquired in list mode to facilitate analyses of heterogeneous subpopulations. We applied this technique to measure c-myc protein, incorporated BrdUrd, and DNA content in subpopulations present in a recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line carrying approximately 800 copies of murine c-myc sequences under control of an inducible heat shock promoter.
An Interim Assessment of Ukrainian Output Developments, 2000-01

After a long period of steep decline which followed the breakup of the Soviet Union, Ukraine`s economy rebounded in 2000, and the recovery accelerated in 2001. The paper examines the timing and the nature of the recovery from a number of different perspectives such as the presence of idle but productive capital, the stance of domestic policies, real wage developments, learning, and foreign factors. The final chapter presents tentative conclusions, which point to an eclectic explanation involving a range of factors rather then any single major cause of the recovery, as well as an agenda for further research.
Fatal pulmonary venoocclusive disease secondary to a generalized venulopathy: A new syndrome presenting with facial swelling and pericardial tamponade

We describe a patient who developed fatal pulmonary artery hypertension secondary to diffuse venulitis. This otherwise healthy young woman first presented with generalized venulopathy, with chemosis, facial swelling, pleural effusions, and pericardial tamponade. The symptoms partially responded to steroid therapy, but over a 2-year course, a rapidly progressive and fatal venoocclusive disease developed. No other primary condition was diagnosed, and at autopsy, the patient had striking venulitis throughout, including the pulmonary bed. We believe that this is a unique case of pulmonary hypertension resulting from a generalized venulopathy.
Practical experience with the maintenance and auditing of a large medical ontology

The Medical Entities Dictionary (MED) has served as a unified terminology at New York Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University for more than 20years. It was initially created to allow the clinical data from the disparate information systems (e.g., radiology, pharmacy, and multiple laboratories, etc.) to be uniquely codified for storage in a single data repository, and functions as a real time terminology server for clinical applications and decision support tools. Being conceived as a knowledge base, the MED incorporates relationships among local terms, between local terms and external standards, and additional knowledge about terms in a semantic network structure. Over the past two decades, we have sought to develop methods to maintain, audit and improve the content of the MED, such that it remains true to its original design goals. This has resulted in a complex, multi-faceted process, with both manual and automated components. In this paper, we describe this process, with examples of its effectiveness. We believe that our process provides lessons for others who seek to maintain complex, concept-oriented controlled terminologies.
Testing of Lagrange multiplier damped least-squares control algorithm for woofer-tweeter adaptive optics

A Lagrange multiplier-based damped least-squares control algorithm for woofer-tweeter (W-T) dual deformable-mirror (DM) adaptive optics (AO) is tested with a breadboard system. We show that the algorithm can complementarily command the two DMs to correct wavefront aberrations within a single optimization process: the woofer DM correcting the high-stroke, low-order aberrations, and the tweeter DM correcting the low-stroke, high-order aberrations. The optimal damping factor for a DM is found to be the median of the eigenvalue spectrum of the influence matrix of that DM. Wavefront control accuracy is maximized with the optimized control parameters. For the breadboard system, the residual wavefront error can be controlled to the precision of 0.03 μm in root mean square. The W-T dual-DM AO has applications in both ophthalmology and astronomy.
Deuterium retention in NSTX with lithium conditioning

High (approximate to 90%) deuterium retention was observed in NSTX gas balance measurements both with- and without lithiumization of the carbon plasma-facing components. The gas retained in ohmic discharges was measured by comparing the vessel pressure rise after a discharge to that of a gas-only pulse with the pumping valves closed. For neutral beam heated discharges the gas input and gas pumped by the NB cryopanels were tracked. The discharges were followed by outgassing of deuterium that reduced the retention. The relationship between retention and surface chemistry was explored with a new plasma-material interface probe connected to an in vacuo surface science station that exposed four material samples to the plasma. XPS and TDS analysis demonstrated that binding of D atoms in graphite is fundamentally changed by lithium - in particular atoms are weakly bonded in regions near lithium atoms bound to either oxygen or the carbon matrix. This is in contrast to the strong ionic bonding that occurs between D and pure Li. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Best Practices in Student Section Participation and Professional Development

ASME student sections have a strong tradition of serving the needs of undergraduate students at universities across the country and around the globe. Similar to senior sections, student sections can learn from one another by sharing best practices. This paper describes best practices in four areas of student section programming: 1) membership, 2) STEM outreach, 3) section leadership development, and 4) inclusion of graduate students. Through these and other best practices, student sections can remain effective in their role as a partner in workforce development.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Agency, human nature and character in Kantian theory

In order for the duty of friendship to be practically possible, and for gratitude and beneficence to be unencumbered virtues, Kant need not have held that human beings are basically good. He need only have understood that they are social beings, with desires for both independence and connection, autonomy and affiliation, and purposes that are not always merely their own. I have argued that because he did not, his moral theory is flawed in three important respects. In Kant's theory, morality is only possible because humans are rational, and necessary because (absent morality) they are self-interested individuals, egoistically motivated, distrustful and isolated. When this view is applied to particular questions of friendship and the virtues, it becomes a distorting medium. It is my contention that a more adequate theory of character would result from the application of Kantian moral principles to a sounder, more social conception of human nature. In conclusion, I wish to make it clear that I am not arguing that human beings are basically good, only that they are essentially social. In his political writings Kant has emphasized the social dimension of reason itself, and I believe he would agree with Thomas Nagel's recent claim about human nature and morality: To say that altruism and morality are possible in virtue of something basic to human nature is not to say that men are basically good. Men are basically complicated; how good they are depends on whether certain conceptions and ways of thinking have achieved dominance, a dominance which is precarious in any case. Thomas Nagel, (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1970), p. 146.
Direct Measurement of Surge Currents

Discussion and authors' closure of a paper by C. M. Foust and J. T. Henderson published in the April 1935 issue, pages 373–8, and presented for oral discussion at the instruments and measurements session of the summer convention, Ithaca, N. Y., June 25, 1935. W. W. Lewis (General Elec. Co., Schenectady, N. Y.): It may be of interest to list some applications of surge crest ammeter magnets which have been made in the past 2 or 3 years. The towers of the following lines have been completely equipped, in some cases with 4 brackets and in the remainder of the cases with one bracket per tower: The Pennsylvania Power and Light Company's 220 kv, 65 mile Wallenpaupack-Siegfried line, the Appalachian Electric Power Company's 132 kv, 65 mile Glenlyn-Roanoke line, the Pennsylvania Water and Power Company's 220 Kv, 70 mile Safe Harbor-Westport line, and the Philadelphia Electric Company's 66 kv, 14 mile Philadelphia-Chester line.
An evaluation of arsenic release from monolithic solids using a modified semi-dynamic leaching test.

Abstract Quicklime and quicklime–fly ash-based stabilization/solidification (S/S) effectiveness was evaluated by performing semi-dynamic leaching tests (American Nuclear Society 16.1). Artificial soil samples, contaminated with arsenic trioxide (As 2 O 3 ) as well as field soil samples contaminated with arsenic (As) were tested. The artificial soils were prepared by mixing amounts of kaolinite or montmorillonite with fine quartz sand. The S/S effectiveness was evaluated by measuring effective diffusion coefficients ( D e ) and leachability indices (LX). Treatment was most effective in kaolinite-based artificial soils treated with quicklime and in quicklime–fly ash treated field soils. The experimental results indicate that D e values were lowered as a result of S/S treatment. Upon treatment LX values were higher than 9, suggesting that S/S treated soils are acceptable for “controlled utilization”. Based on a model developed by de Groot and van der Sloot [G.J. de Groot, H.A. van der Sloot, in: T.M. Gilliam, C.C. Wiles (Eds.), Stabilization and Solidification of Hazardous, Radioactive, and Mixed Wastes, vol. 2, ASTM STP 1123, ASTM, PA, 1992, p. 149], the leaching mechanism for all of the treated soils was found to be controlled by diffusion. The effect of soluble silica (Si) on As leachability was also evaluated. When soluble Si concentration was less than 1 ppm, As leachability was the lowest. The controlling mechanism of As immobilization whether sorption, precipitation, or inclusion was also evaluated. It was determined that precipitation was the dominant mechanism.
Sex pheromone perception: Synergists and inhibitors for the red-banded leaf roller attractant

Abstract The sex pheromone of the red-banded leaf roller, Argyrotaenia velutinana , is cis -11-tetradecenyl acetate (RiBLuRe). Molecular modification of the attractant produced certain chemicals which apparently interact with the antennal receptor sites and modify the input to the central nervous system. Compounds possessing a primary acetate, a nucleophilic moiety in position 11 or 12, and terminating at position 12 or 14 are not attractive to males, but greatly increase male catches when combined with RiBLuRe. Compounds possessing a primary acetate, alcohol, formate, or propionate at one end, 14 or 16 carbons in the chain, and unsaturation at or near the 11-position greatly decrease male catches when added to RiBLuRe in field traps. The chemicals are probably affecting the rate of habituation of a male to the attractant signals since neither the synergists nor inhibitors affect laboratory bioassays when mixtures of RiBLuRe and these chemicals are presented to the males. The inhibitors can delay and reduce male responses to the attractant if presented for a period of time before testing with the attractant.
Exploring the Link Between Cognitive and Behavioral Factors and Dietary Fat Intakes

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To understand relationships between individuals' fat intakes and their dietary knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors. This study examined fat intakes in relation to knowledge and attitudes about fat, use of food labels, and dietary behaviors. The sample consisted of 1,879 adults age 20 or older who participated in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 1994 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals and the follow-up Diet and Health Knowledge Survey. Respondents provided 2 nonconsecutive days of dietary intake data (24-hour recalls) as well as data on their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to dietary guidance and health. Data were weighted to provide nationally representative results. Adults in the U.S. consumed an average of 33% of kilocalories from fat in 1994, well above the recommendation for no more than 30%. Eighty-eight percent of adults were aware of health problems associated with eating too much fat. Sixty-one percent considered it very important to choose a diet low in fat and 43% said their diets were "about right" in fat. However, about two-thirds failed to meet the dietary fat recommendation. Many adults used food label information, with information on fat the type most frequently sought (73% looked for it often or sometimes). Knowledge about fat information on labels was quite high too; 20 g of fat and 10 g of saturated fat were recognized as high values by 76% and 67% of adults, respectively. However, use of label information and knowledge did not always translate into behavior. Fifty-one percent of adults said they always or sometimes drank 2% or whole milk instead of skim or 1% milk; 51% always or sometimes ate fried chicken when they ate chicken; and 82% always or sometimes added fat to baked or boiled potatoes. These data suggest that the message about lower dietary fat, from it's importance in health outcomes to the information provided on food labels, is getting through to people. Results also suggest that nutrition educators may best focus their efforts in providing guidance in how to evaluate diets for fat content, and in turn, modify behavior.
Human DNA Polymerase ε: Enzymologic Mechanism and Gap-Filling Synthesis†

DNA polymerase e (pol e) was purified to apparent homogeneity from human placentas. The purified enzyme contains a single polypeptide of approximately 170 kDa (apparent mass) and has both DNA polymerase and 3‘−5‘-exonuclease activities. Competitive inhibition studies indicate that like DNA polymerases α and δ (pol α and pol δ, respectively), free pol e binds single-stranded but not double-stranded DNA. This conclusion was confirmed by sedimentation binding analysis. Also like pol α and pol δ, pol e exhibits induced dNTP inhibition in the presence of template annealed to complementary primer containing a 2‘,3‘-H (dideoxy)-terminus. Together, these data suggest that pol e follows an ordered sequential ter-reactant mechanism of substrate recognition and binding; it binds template first followed by annealed primer and then template-specified dNTP. Enzymologic studies suggest that in contrast to both pol α and pol δ, pol e functions more efficiently as gap size decreases. This observation is consistent with a ...
Transition in isospin behavior between light and heavy fragments emitted from excited nuclear systems

The isospin dependence of light and heavy fragments emitted from excited nuclear systems and the change in isospin behavior between light and heavy fragments are studied in this report. The $〈N/Z〉$ is calculated using data reported in the literature and from the results of the simulation code SMM. A transition in the isospin behavior between light and heavy fragments may support the recently reported two-phase bifurcation of excited nuclear matter into a neutron-rich gas phase and a more symmetric liquid phase.
Gaga for Google in the Twenty-First Century Advanced Placement Language Classroom

The migration of online educational needs to tools like Google applications, coupled with the realization that today's twenty-first-century students are digital natives who have lived their entire lives exposed to current technology, forces educators to find ways to use technology to enhance traditional curriculum. In this article, the author examines how one program, Advanced Placement Language and Composition, incorporates Web 2.0 tools including several Google Applications (Gmail, Docs, notebook, personalized homepage, Web pages, calendar, blogger, and talk) into its high school curriculum. Furthermore, the author addresses the gap between students and teachers that occurs cross-generationally in a discussion of successful technology best practices in teaching and learning as seen by a baby boomer teacher, a Gen X teacher, and the N-Gen students taught daily.
Randomized Trial of the Canalith Repositioning Procedure

Thirty-six subjects with confirmed, unilateral benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo of at least 2 months' duration were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. After complete informational counseling and explanation of the posttreatment instructions, subjects were randomly assigned to receive either Epley's canalith repositioning procedure or a placebo maneuver. All subjects completed a daily diary for 1 month to document any dizzy spells and their adherence to the posttreatment instructions. Follow-up Dix-Hallpike testing was performed after 1 month by an audiologist who was blinded to the patient's treatment group status. Analysis of Dix-Hallpike results confirmed that those who received the canalith repositioning procedure had significantly more negative responses (88.9%) than did those in the placebo group (26.7%).
Automated sample preparation for the TRUGENE HIV-1 genotyping kit using the MagNA pure LC instrument

Abstract Use of the MagNA Pure LC Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit—Large Volume in conjunction with the TRUGENE HIV-1 Genotyping Kit yielded consistent, interpretable sequence data from 1-mL plasma preparations containing HIV-1 RNA concentrations of ≥400 copies/mL. This finding was confirmed in 18 of 24 low-titer clinical specimens.
Merger strategies and stockholder value

Acquisition literature suggests a relationship between stockholder gains and the relatedness of merging firms. This notion is tested by classifying mergers into four relatedness categories and by using measures of stockholder value as developed in the literature on capital markets. In all, stock returns of 439 acquiring firms in 1031 large mergers are examined, as are stock returns of 340 large acquired firms. The findings show that mergers lead to permanent gains in stockholder value for both acquiring and acquired firms' stockholders, but they do not support the popular prescription: ‘All things being equal, some product and market relatedness is better than none.’
Zirconium — niobium binary alloys for boiling water reactor service part I — corrosion resistance

Abstract The effects of heat treatment, corrosion temperature, and corrosion environment on the corrosion performance of sponge base Zr-Nb binary alloys containing up to 4.2 wt % Nb were studied. Beta treatments were found detrimental to corrosion resistance. Maximum corrosion resistance was found in samples heat treated to produce the equilibrium niobium content in the matrix at the test temperature. Two-phase alloys given the optimum heat treatment showed higher corrosion rates than Zircaloy-2 at 288° C, 360° C, and 400° C in static water and steam. At 482° C the niobium binaries performed better than Zircaloy-2. The alloys were very sensitive to nitrogen contamination in a simulated boiling water reactor environment at 288 C. At higher test temperatures nitrogen contents as high as 170 ppm did not adversely affect corrosion resistance. The sensitivity to heat treatment and to nitrogen contamination make application in boiling water reactor environments doubtful. Ternary additions to the binary alloys for improving this situation have been given preliminary attention.
FSR: formal analysis and implementation toolkit for safe inter-domain routing

We present the demonstration of a comprehensive toolkit for analyzing and implementing routing policies, ranging from high-level guidelines to specific router configurations. Our Formally Safe Routing (FSR) toolkit performs all of these functions from the same algebraic representation of routing policy. We show that routing algebra has a very natural translation to both integer constraints (to perform safety analysis using SMT solvers) and declarative programs (to generate distributed implementations). Our demonstration with realistic topologies and policies shows how FSR can detect problems in an AS's iBGP configuration, prove sufficient conditions for BGP safety, and empirically evaluate convergence time.
Dexamethasone stimulates osteogenic differentiation in vertebral and femoral bone marrow cell cultures: Comparison of IGF‐I gene expression

Osteoblast-like cell cultures have been established from the marrow of adult rat vertebrae. We have simultaneously examined the response to dexamethasone (dex) treatment in cultures of young adult female vertebral and femoral marrow cells. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity was analyzed as well as the expression of mRNAs for osteocalcin (OC) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). The vertebral and femoral marrow cells were maintained for 7 days in primary culture with or without 10−8 M dex and then 6 days in secondary culture without dex or with 10−8 M or 10−7 M dex. All cells were examined on day 6 of secondary culture. Vertebral and femoral cultures each expressed the highest AP enzyme levels when grown with dex in primary culture (10−8 M) and secondary culture (10−7 M). Under all experimental conditions, vertebral cultures had lower AP enzyme activity than femoral cultures. When dex was omitted from secondary culture, OC gene expression was not detected in either vertebral or femoral passaged cells even if dex was present in primary culture. For dex conditions where OC was expressed, vertebral cultures had higher OC mRNA steady-state levels than femoral cultures. IGF-I gene expression was detected by Northern analysis in both vertebral and femoral secondary cultures. However, vertebral marrow cultures had much higher IGF-I mRNA levels compared to femoral cultures whether or not dex was present in primary culture. These findings demonstrate that dex supports the differentiation of both vertebral and femoral adult marrow osteogenic cells into osteoblasts. Our results support the hypothesis that osteoblastic marrow cultures differ depending upon which location in the skeleton they are from and that there are skeletal site–dependent differences in the insulin-like growth factor system components. J. Cell. Biochem. 71:382–391, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Update: M&A in Latin America

There was a dramatic recent slowdown in Latin America M&A activity, due to global recession and concern about financial crises in Argentina and Brazil. Nevertheless, the authors are bullish about long-term prospects in this area. They explain why, and take a close look at four key countries: Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. Which industries have been the most active? © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wave-equation migration velocity analysis. I. Theory

We present a migration velocity analysis (MVA) method based on wavefield extrapolation. Similarly to conventional MVA, our method aims at iteratively improving the quality of the migrated image, as measured by the flatness of angle-domain common-image gathers (ADCIGs) over the aperture-angle axis. However, instead of inverting the depth errors measured in ADCIGs using ray-based tomography, we invert ‘image perturbations’ using a linearized wave-equation operator. This operator relates perturbations of the migrated image to perturbations of the migration velocity. We use prestack Stolt residual migration to define the image perturbations that maximize the focusing and flatness of ADCIGs. Our linearized operator relates slowness perturbations to image perturbations, based on a truncation of the Born scattering series to the first-order term. To avoid divergence of the inversion procedure when the velocity perturbations are too large for Born linearization of the wave equation, we do not invert directly the image perturbations obtained by residual migration, but a linearized version of the image perturbations. The linearized image perturbations are computed by a linearized prestack residual migration operator applied to the background image. We use numerical examples to illustrate how the backprojection of the linearized image perturbations, i.e. the gradient of our objective function, is well behaved, even in cases when backprojection of the original image perturbations would mislead the inversion and take it in the wrong direction. We demonstrate with simple synthetic examples that our method converges even when the initial velocity model is far from correct. In a companion paper, we illustrate the full potential of our method for estimating velocity anomalies under complex salt bodies.
Inherent cellular differences may explain the dissimilar survival of RIF-1 and KHT tumour cells under aerobic and hypoxic conditions.

Although previous work has shown striking differences in radiobiological hypoxic fraction between KHT and RIF-1 murine sarcomas, intravascular oxyhaemoglobin (HbO2 saturations have revealed less substantial variations. Using quantitative histological techniques, we have also found minor differences in the distributions of distances between tumour cells and the nearest bloods vessel for KHT versus RIF-1 sarcomas. We report here, the results of an investigation of the inherent ability of these tumour cells to withstand conditions of hypoxia by in vitro culturing under aerobic and anoxic conditions. Tumours were dissociated, seeded into culture dishes, and placed in air-tight aluminium chambers. These chambers were repeatedly evacuated and refilled with a mixture of 95% N2 and 5% CO2 over a 2·5-h period. Following anoxic exposure, cells were removed and replated, and the in vitro plating efficiency (PE) was determined using a colony survival assay. After normalizing to aerobic controls, KHT tumour cells had ...
Stress processes in HIV-positive African American mothers: Moderating effects of drug abuse history

This study examined the mechanism by which stressors, dissatisfaction with family, perceived control, social support, and coping were related to psychological distress in a sample of HIV-positive African American mothers. Additional analyses explored whether women who had a history of a drug abuse or dependence diagnosis differed either on levels of the study variables or the model pathways. The results indicated that HIV-positive African American mothers who had higher levels of stressors perceived their stressors as a whole to be less controllable. Coping resources, available social support and perceived control, were positively associated with active coping and negatively associated with psychological distress. Avoidant coping was the most important predictor of psychological distress. Furthermore, the effect of avoidant coping on psychological distress was stronger for mothers with a history of drug diagnosis. The implications of these findings for targeting interventions are discussed.
Clinical impact of radiograph misinterpretation in a pediatric ED and the effect of physician training level.

Radiograph interpretation in the pediatric emergency department (ED) is commonly performed by pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) attendings or physicians-in-training. This study examines the effect of physician training level on radiograph interpretation and the clinical impact of false-negative radiograph interpretations. Data were collected on 1,471 radiographs of the chest, abdomen, extremity, lateral neck, and cervical spine interpreted by PEM attendings, one PEM fellow, one physician assistant, and emergency medicine, pediatric and family practice residents. Two hundred radiographs (14%) were misinterpreted, including 141 chest (16%), 24 extremity (8%), 20 abdomen (12%), 14 lateral neck (18%), and 1 cervical spine radiograph (2%). Physicians-in-training misinterpreted 16% of their radiographs versus 11% for PEM attendings (P = .01). Twenty (1.4%) radiographs had clinically significant (false-negative) misinterpretations, including 1.7% of physician-in-training and 0.8% of attending interpretations (P = 0.15). No morbidity resulted from the delay in correct interpretation. Radiograph misinterpretation by ED physicians occurs but is unlikely to result in significant morbidity.
Hypothesis testing of meiotic recombination rates from population genetic data

Meiotic recombination, one of the central biological processes studied in population genetics, comes in two known forms: crossovers and gene conversions. A number of previous studies have shown that when one of these two events is nonexistent in the genealogical model, the point estimation of the corresponding recombination rate by population genetic methods tends to be inflated. Therefore, it has become necessary to obtain statistical evidence from population genetic data about whether one of the two recombination events is absent. In this paper, we formulate this problem in a hypothesis testing framework and devise a testing procedure based on the likelihood ratio test (LRT). However, because the null value (i.e., zero) lies on the boundary of the parameter space, the regularity conditions for the large-sample approximation to the distribution of the LRT statistic do not apply. In turn, the standard chi-squared approximation is inaccurate. To address this critical issue, we propose a parametric bootstrap procedure to obtain an approximate p-value for the observed test statistic. Coalescent simulations are conducted to show that our approach yields accurate null p-values that closely follow the theoretical prediction while the estimated alternative p-values tend to concentrate closer to zero. Finally, the method is demonstrated on a real biological data set from the telomere of the X chromosome of African Drosophila melanogaster. Our methodology provides a necessary complement to the existing procedures of estimating meiotic recombination rates from population genetic data.
A meta-analysis of perioperative beta blockade: what is the actual risk reduction?

Background The use of beta blockers in surgical patients has been suggested to decrease perioperative cardiac events. However, the overall risk reduction, on the basis of solely aggregate data from randomized studies, is unknown. The objective is to evaluate the effect of perioperative beta blockade in noncardiac surgery for protection against mortality or cardiac events. Methods We performed a formal meta-analysis. The Medline database was searched for articles published from 1966-2004 by using the terms perioperative, beta blocker, surgery, and noncardiac. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials evaluating perioperative beta blockade in noncardiac surgery. Studies were evaluated independently by 2 researchers. Cochrane Collaboration Software (Review Manager 4.2) was used to calculate relative risk (RR), risk difference (RD), and 95% confidence interval (CI). Six distinct postoperative adverse events were analyzed. Results Eligible studies included 6 randomized controlled trials evaluating perioperative beta blockade in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. These studies evaluated a total of 632 patients: 354 received perioperative beta blockade and 278 did not. Results for the 6 postoperative outcomes are shown. Postoperative outcome RR (95% CI) RD (95% CI) Perioperative overall mortality 0.52 (0.20, 1.35) −0.04 (−0.09, 0.01) Perioperative cardiac mortality 0.25 (0.07, 0.87) −0.05 (−0.10, −0.01) Long-term overall mortality 0.33 (0.14, 0.74) −0.09 (−0.16, −0.03) Long-term cardiac mortality 0.16 (0.05, 0.53) −0.10 (−0.15, −0.04) Myocardial infarction 0.14 (0.04, 0.47) −0.07 (−0.11, −0.03) Myocardial ischemia 0.47 (0.34, 0.65) −0.18 (−0.25, −0.10) The 2 largest effects were a decrease in long-term cardiac mortality from 12% to 2% and a decrease in myocardial ischemia from 33% to 15%. All outcomes except perioperative overall mortality had improvements (P Conclusions This report highlights for the first time the aggregated risk reduction from all published randomized controlled trials, and shows the protection of perioperative beta blockade against both short-term complications and mortality.
Effect of electro- and stress migration forces on the 1fα noise of patterned thin metal films

Abstract Patterned metal interconnections were subjected to a non-destructive noise measurement procedure involving a constant rate temperature cycle (heating followed by cooling) at relatively low test current densities. Evidence is presented which suggests that the effects of stress and electromigration on the films caused distinctly different signatures to appear in their excess noise waveforms. When current densities and temperatures were low, electromigration was minimized and the excess noise (in excess of the noise predicted by fundamental effects) was due to the presence of grain boundaries and stresses present in the film. As the temperature of the films was increased, material flow changes the time domain waveforms towards a stationary fluctuation which departed from fundamental 1 f behaviour (with α ⪢ 1). On cooling, the films also exhibited fluctuations with steep frequency dependences. Here, however, the films exhibited non-stationary time domain behavior in the form of abrupt changes in resistance as the tensile stress was increased during the cooling cycle. The cycle was then repeated to yield nearly identical results suggesting that little damage to the interconnections occured during the measured procedure.
Binge eating increases with increasing adiposity

Self-report and interview data were obtained from 81 obese patients to evaluate the distribution of binge eating, defined by DSM-III criteria for bulimia, across a range of adiposity. Binge eating was found to be significantly more prevalent as the degree of obesity increased.
The neurobehavioral effects of phytoestrogens in male Syrian hamsters.

We used a phytoestrogen (PE) and a phytoestrogen-free (PE-Free) diet to determine whether or not diet can have neurobehavioral effects on intermale aggression in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). In Experiment 1, 20 adult male hamsters were pre-tested for aggression and then placed on a PE (n=10) or a PE-Free diet (n=10) for 4 weeks in isolation. During week 5, experimental hamsters were exposed to a group-housed, nonaggressive opponent (NAO) for 5 min in a neutral cage arena. PE-fed hamsters exhibited more attacks (33.4±6.1) toward the NAO compared to the PE-Free-fed hamsters (18.1±4) (p<0.05). Interestingly, testosterone in the blood serum was higher in the PE-fed group (11.01±1.48 ng/ml) compared to the PE-Free group (6.5±0.87 ng/ml). In Experiment 2, 16 juvenile hamsters were weaned onto a PE (n=8) or a PE-Free diet (n=8). After 7 weeks on the diet, experimental hamsters were exposed to a NAO for 5 min in a neutral cage arena. Although the PE group exhibited higher levels of aggressive behavior, there were no statistically significant differences between groups. However, the PE group had higher levels of testosterone (9.0±0.95 ng/ml) compared to the PE-Free group (4.6±0.98 ng/ml) (p<0.05). In addition, analysis of the brains from both experiments revealed differences in binding for vasopressin 1A (V1A) receptors. Optical densities were converted to disintegrating units per min/mg. The PE-Free group had higher levels of V1A receptor binding (2689.93±254.8 dpm/mg) compared to the PE group (1907.32±136.3 dpm/mg) in the lateral septum (p<0.05). In addition, there were differences in the lateral hypothalamus, but the PE group had higher receptor binding (2550.9±63.59 dpm/mg) when compared to the PE-Free group (2011.9±174.14 dpm/mg) (p<0.05). In sum, these data present the first evidence that phytoestrogens can affect aggressive behavior and, concurrently, alter hormonal status and stimulate changes in the brain of male hamsters.
The Inadequacy of Monobacterially‐fed Paramecium aurelia as Food for Didinium nasutum

SYNOPSIS. Sterile Didinium nasutum were fed Paramecium Aurelia which had been grown on monofloral cultures of five different species of bacteria and on a wild mixed culture of bacteria. Didinia grown on monoflorally-fed paramenia or starved paramecia maintained a low daily division rate (0.88-2.06), and after 3 or 4 days died, frequently showing structural abnormalities before death. Didinia fed paramecia grown on a wild mixture of bacteria showed a higher division rate (4.96), did not die after 3 or 4 days, and encysted, when the food was exhausted. It is suggested that a diet consisting of monoflorally-fed or starved paramecia is inadequate for Didinium. This may be due to the lack of some substance or substances related to the enzyme system of the predator, possibly proteolytic enzymes elaborated by paramecia. In the experiments of Gause on the destruction of one species by another, his failure to establish population oscillations between Didinium and Paramecium might have been due to an inadequate diet for the didinia which resulted in their lack, of encystment and death.
Sentence context modifies compound word recognition: Evidence from eye movements

Two eye movement experiments are reported that examine the influence of sentence context on morphological processing. English compound words which vary in beginning lexeme frequency (Experiment 1) and ending lexeme frequency (Experiment 2) were embedded into sentence contexts that were either predictive of the compound word or were neutral with respect to the compound. A predictable sentence context reduced the effect of beginning lexeme frequency on first fixation and single fixation durations. However, sentence context did not modify effects of beginning and ending lexeme frequency in later fixation measures. These results further support the theoretical position that morphology plays a role at multiple levels within readers' mental lexicons. In addition, these results suggest that access to early morpho-orthographic processes can be influenced by sentence context, a finding that suggests an interactive relationship between sentence context and word recognition.
Calcium binding to biliary mucins is dependent on sodium ion concentration: relevance to cystic fibrosis

Because hypersecretion of gallbladder (GB) mucus occurs in gallstone formation and because binding of Ca(2+) to biliary lipids only accounts for 50% of the total Ca(2+) in GB bile, we investigated the binding of Ca(2+) to human biliary mucin. Biliary mucin was purified from GB bile and binding to Ca(2+) studied. Scatchard plot analysis suggested two binding sites. Removal of sialic acid by neuraminidase resulted in 10% reduction of Ca(2+) binding, whereas, sulfatase treatment reduced Ca(2+) binding by 30%. Using a hypotonic NaCl solution, Ca(2+) binding to mucin increased curvilinearly with mucin concentration. However, binding decreased with increasing ionic strength of the NaCl solution. We conclude that binding of Ca(2+) to mucin is effected mainly through sulfate. Binding to Ca(2+) can be displaced by Na(+). Ca(2+) binding to mucins is enhanced in the setting of low Na(+) concentrations. This phenomenon has pathophysiologic implications for the formation of thick mucus in cystic fibrosis epithelia.
Computer simulation of engine systems

The use of computerized simulations of the steady state and transient performance of jet engines throughout the flight regime is discussed. In addition, installation effects on thrust and specific fuel consumption is accounted for as well as engine weight, dimensions and cost. The availability throughout the government and industry of analytical methods for calculating these quantities are pointed out.
Predictive modeling of space structures for SHM with PWAS transducers

This paper presents an investigation of predictive modeling of space structures for structural health monitoring (SHM) with piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) transducers. The development of a suitable SHM system for complex space structure is not trivial; creating a robust SHM capability requires at least: (a) flexible accommodation of numerous configurations; (b) detection of damage in complex multifunctional structures; (c) identification if mechanical interfaces are properly connected. To realize this, we propose a predictive modeling approach using both analytical tools and finite element method (FEM) to study the health status of the structure, the power and energy transduction between the structure and the PWAS. After a review of PWAS principles, the paper discusses the modeling and the power and energy transduction between structurally guided waves and PWAS. The use of guided wave (GW) and the capability of embedded PWAS to perform in situ nondestructive evaluation (NDE) are explored. FEM codes are used to simulate GW of 2D and 3D space structure using the commercials software ABAQUS. PWAS transducers placement at different location on a flat plate and on an isogrid panel was simulated. The signal scattered by a crack emerging from the hole is simulated. Predictive modeling of power and energy transduction is discussed using an analytical approach. This model of 2-D power and energy transduction of PWAS attached to structure allows examination of power and energy flow for a circular crested wave pattern. Wave propagation method for an infinite boundary plate, electromechanical energy transformation of PWAS and structure, and wave propagation energy spread out in 2-D plate are considered. The parametric study of PWAS size, impedance match gives the PWAS design guideline for PWAS sensing and power harvesting applications.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Use of eluent containing surfactant for the liquid chromatographic analysis of porphyrins by direct serum injection.

Abstract A gradient elution reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the direct serum injection analysis of porphyrins based on the use of eluent containing an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate) at a concentration below the critical micelle concentration to elute the serum proteins at the column void volume. Separation and detection performances were tested with a mixture of porphyrin standards containing uro-, heptacarboxylic-, hexacarboxylic-, pentacarboxylic-, copro-, zinc proto- and mesoporphyrin in a model serum consisting of 50 mg/ml bovine serum albumin. Average limit of detection is 0.06 pmol with a 10-μl injection volume using fluorimetric excitation at the Soret band of porphyrins. The utility of this method for the direct serum injection analysis of porphyrins in human serum was evaluated by investigating serum samples from individuals suffering from iron-deficiency anemia and breast cancer.
Mechanical and microstructural properties of notched E-glass/vinyl ester composite materials subjected to the environment and a sustained load

Flaws may be created in composite materials during manufacturing, machining, or use. Composites with such flaws, when subjected to adverse environmental conditions in the presence of a sustained load, may have reduced mechanical properties and changes in their microstructural properties up to failure. E-glass/vinyl ester composite coupons with a single edge flaw have been conditioned for periods up to 7900 h at room temperature and at an elevated temperature, with and without a sustained load, to determine the changes in the tensile properties and damage mechanisms which occur with the introduction of the flaw. The early damage mechanisms have been found to change from transverse matrix cracking, fiber cracking, and occasional edge delaminations for unnotched specimens to the growth of a significant matrix crack from the notch tip and well-defined longitudinal tow debonding for notched specimens.
Trading Strategies Around Earnings Announcements

This article examines how investors exploit differences in the speed of execution, market depth, and level of anonymity offered by various trading venues and order types to devise trading strategies around an earnings announcement. The author finds that large orders for 1,000 shares or more are submitted to an electronic communication network (ECN) as a regular order. Small orders for fewer than 1,000 shares are submitted as intermarket sweep orders (ISOs) to the Nasdaq. Collectively, the evidence underscores the importance of the trade-off between anonymity and liquidity that underlies investors’ choice of venue and order type.