cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Vitamin D3 Derivatives in the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Preliminary Report

The efficacy of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] and the new analogue calcipotriene (MC 903) in the treatment of psoriasis was investigated. Eight patients with psoriasis were enrolled in a pilot study with systemically administered vitamin D3 and were given 1,25(OH)2D3 (Rocaltrol; Hoffmann-La Roche) in dosages from 0.5 μg to 2 μg/day for a 6-month trial. In One patient, the psoriatic plaques resolved within 2 months after treatment (0.5 μg/day) was initiated. Moderate improvement was noted in one other patient (1 μg/day). The serum level of 1,25(OH)2D before treatment was not less than the normal range of the adult population. Side effects of systemically administered 1,25(OH)2D3 included a dose-dependent increase in the 24-hour urinary calcium excretion and a decrease in the total number of platelets. Seven patients with symmetric plaque-type psoriasis were treated topically with 2 μg/g of 1,25(OH)2D3 in petrolatum. During 3 months of follow-up, mild improvement was noted in three patients. Five patients in the calcipotriene study were part of a nationwide double-blind placebo-controlled trial by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Moderate to marked improvement was noted in the two patients who received 50 μg/g of calcipotriene topically. The three patients who received placebo showed no response. We conclude that a subset of patients with psoriasis responds well to 1,25(OH)2D3. Calcipotriene is efficacious and an excellent alternative to topically applied corticosteroids.
Mean preserving algorithm for smoothly interpolating averaged data

Hourly mean or monthly mean values of measured solar radiation are typical vehicles for summarized solar radiation and meteorological data. Often, solar-based renewable energy system designers, researchers, and engineers prefer to work with more highly time resolved data, such as detailed diurnal profiles, or mean daily values. The object of this paper is to present a simple method for smoothly interpolating averaged (coarsely resolved) data into data with a finer resolution, while preserving the deterministic mean of the data. The technique preserves the proper component relationship between direct, diffuse, and global solar radiation (when values for at least two of the components are available), as well as the deterministic mean of the coarsely resolved data. Examples based on measured data from several sources and examples of the applicability of this mean preserving smooth interpolator to other averaged data, such as weather data, are presented.
LONG-TERM COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN ON HOME TOTAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION (HTPN) FOR 42 TO 96 MONTHS

The relationship of long-term parenteral nutrition to brain growth and development as reflected in cognitive and motor development has not been established. Cognitive and perceptual-motor development was assessed in 8 children (5 M, 3F) between the ages of 4-7 yrs. who had received 75% or more of their nutrition parenterally since infancy. Tests included the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence (WPPSI) or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Revised (CISC-R). Perceptual motor development was measured using the Beery-Buktenica Development Test of Visual Motor Integration (VMI). Children in the sample averaged 5 yrs. on TPN (SD=9 mo.) Overall mean Full Scale IQ was 98.63 (SD=10.04). A score of 10 (±3) represents average performance. All children functioned in either the normal or borderline range of intellectual functioning. Children showed strength in verbal conceptual skill (Similarities) but were weak in visual-spatial planning ability (Mazes). Perceptual-motor coordination problems were present as reflected in a mean delay of 9.87 months (SDS=12.79) on the Beery Test. HTPN on a long term basis allows for normal cognitive development and self image.
Ignition of aluminum-rich Al–Ti mechanical alloys in air

Abstract Ignition of metastable Al–Ti mechanical alloys with titanium concentrations from 10 to 25 at% was investigated experimentally. A thin layer of powder was coated on an electrically heated filament. The ignition instant was identified from the powder's radiation measured in real time. Simultaneously, filament temperatures were measured using a high-speed infrared pyrometer to determine the ignition temperature. The experiments were conducted at different filament heating rates in the range of 3 × 10 3 – 2 × 10 4 K / s to determine the ignition kinetics. The ignition temperatures and kinetics were compared to the respective characteristics of the phase changes and oxidation steps observed for the same mechanical alloys using thermal analysis. It was shown that at the heating rates exceeding 10 3 K / s , the exothermic formation of a metastable L12 phase of Al3Ti occurring during heating of the Al–Ti mechanical alloys triggers their ignition. This conclusion was confirmed by additional ignition experiments in which annealed mechanical alloys already containing this transition Al3Ti phase did not ignite in the same temperature range as fresh mechanical alloys. The ignition kinetics identified for Al–Ti mechanical alloys based on thermal analysis and on ignition experiments enables one to predict ignition temperatures as a function of both composition and heating rate. Specifically, extrapolation is possible to higher heating rates typical for aerosol flames.
Patterns of Deficits in Daily Functioning and Cognitive Performance of Patients With Alzheimer Disease

Previous research has identified patterns of cognitive deficits in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD), but little is known about their pattern of daily functional impairment. A total of 49 patients with AD and 52 healthy elderly controls were administered neuropsychological tests as well as the Direct Assessment of Functional Status (DAFS) test, an observation-based test of activities of daily living (ADLs). In this project, we assessed 14 separate tasks assessed by the DAFS. To analyze the data, 4 cognitive domains were created using neuropsychological composite z scores (means and standard deviation obtained from control data) for patients with AD. Results revealed that patients with AD performed worse on the memory, language, and visual-spatial relative to the executive domain. Additionally, patients with AD performed poorer than the controls on nearly all 14 DAFS tasks, with their worse performance being on the shopping-related tasks which, in part, requires memory skills. Logistic regression revealed better specificity than sensitivity classifications based on the DAFS tasks, and stepwise regression analyses indicated that cognitive domains predicted specific aspects of functional abilities. These findings suggest that patients with AD display a distinct pattern of ADLs performance, that traditional neuropsychological tests are useful in predicting daily functioning, and the DAFS has some strengths and weaknesses in classifying AD and controls.
Wear of partially stabilized zirconia: sliding vs. rolling contact

Etude comparative de tests d'usure menes sur la zircone partiellement stabilisee soit par glissement, soit par roulement. Explication de l'observation de meilleures qualites d'usure des ceramiques lorsque les tests de glissement avec contact roulant sont utilises. L'abrasion reste constante dans les tests de glissement, tandis que le champ des contraintes varie dans les tests de roulement
Approximate dynamic programming based optimal control applied to an integrated plant with a reactor and a distillation column with recycle

An approximate dynamic programming (ADP) method has shown good performance in solving optimal control problems in many small-scale process control applications. The offline computational procedure of ADP constructs an approximation of the optimal “cost-to-go” function, which parameterizes the optimal control policy with respect to the state variable. With the approximate “cost-to-go” function computed, a multistage optimization problem that needs to be solved online at every sample time can be reduced to a single-stage optimization, thereby significantly lessening the real-time computational load. Moreover, stochastic uncertainties can be addressed relatively easily within this framework. Nonetheless, the existing ADP method requires excessive offline computation when applied to a high-dimensional system. A case study of a reactor and a distillation column with recycle was used to illustrate this issue. Then, several ways were proposed to reduce the computational load so that the ADP method can be applied to high-dimensional integrated plants. The results showed that the approach is much more superior to NMPC in both deterministic and stochastic cases. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Mycotic pulmonary artery aneurysm due to Aspergillus infection in a patient with leukemia: Case report and review of the literature

We present a case of a patient with hairy cell leukemia and pulmonary aspergillosis who developed a cycotic pulmonary artery aneurysm despite prolonged antifungal therapy. A review of the literature in regards to incidence, etiology, clinical manifestations and treatment options is included.
Challenges and opportunities of internet of things

To date, most Internet applications focus on providing information, interaction, and entertainment for humans. However, with the widespread deployment of networked, intelligent sensor technologies, an Internet of Things (IoT) is steadily evolving, much like the Internet decades ago. In the future, hundreds of billions of smart sensors and devices will interact with one another without human intervention, on a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) basis. They will generate an enormous amount of data at an unprecedented scale and resolution, providing humans with information and control of events and objects even in remote physical environments. The scale of the M2M Internet will be several orders of magnitude larger than the existing Internet, posing serious research challenges. This paper will provide an overview of challenges and opportunities presented by this new paradigm.
Comparative sensitivity of human fetal and adult erythrocytes to hemolysis by pulsed 1 MHz ultrasound.

Abstract Human fetal and adult erythrocytes differ significantly in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), the fetal cells being larger than adult cells and diminishing in MCV as gestational age (GA) increases. Previous studies have shown that the sensitivity of erythrocytes from different species to lysis by mechanically applied shear stress increases as MCV increases. The tested hypotheses in the present project were: 1. fetal erythrocytes would be more sensitive to sonolysis than adult erythrocytes because of the former’s larger size, and 2. erythrocyte sonolytic sensitivity would scale with MCV. Fetal and adult erythrocytes were resuspended to 40% hematocrit in oxygenated isotonic saline solution and 500 μL aliquots were exposed for 60 s to 200 μs bursts of 1-MHz ultrasound (US) (peak pressures: ∼4.8 MPa positive, ∼2.7 MPa negative; duty factor = 0.01), either with or without 3.6 volume % Albunex® (ALX) present. Background-corrected hemolysis was indistinguishable from zero in sham-exposed fetal or adult erythrocyte suspensions. Without ALX, mean background-corrected US-induced hemolysis was significantly greater than zero for fetal and adult cells (0.42 ± 0.15% vs. 0.62 ± 0.15), but fetal cell lysis was not significantly greater than adult cell lysis. With ALX, US-induced hemolytic yields increased ∼80-fold (fetal: 50.53 ± 2.14; adult: 46.40 ± 1.85%), and were significantly higher for fetal than for adult cells. There was also a statistically significant correlation between MCV and US-induced background-corrected hemolysis. Thus, the two hypotheses were supported. (E-mail: morton_miller@urmc.rochester.edu)
Additivity of electron bremsstrahlung in H2S, SO2 and SF6 molecules

The hypothesis that molecular bremsstrahlung can be predicted by the simple addition of atomic-field bremsstrahlung cross sections from the atoms in the molecule is found to be valid for electron bombarding energies of 10 and 15 keV for the sulfur bearing gases H2S, SO2 and SF6.
Growing a K-12 Community of Practice

In this experience report, we share our experiences in growing a community of practice for middle and high school teachers focused on teaching introductory computing with Alice. We have offered professional development for over four hundred teachers, teachers who each year provide nearly 2,000 students with an introductory computing experience in courses during the school day. We report on several lessons learned in creating, growing, and supporting a community of practice.
Microelectrodes-Assisted Micropatterning on Nanofiber

This paper reports a novel and cost-effective approach which enables the integration of nanostructures and micropatterns. In this work nanofibers are selectively patterned in defined micropatterns via a collector chip. The driving momentum of the micropattern formation, namely the non-uniform electrical field, is studied by finite element method. Micropatterned nanofiber mats are successfully fabricated. The SEM characterization demonstrates that the microstructures are manifested by distinct porosities and thicknesses. This work opens a door for a broad array of applications such as nanoelectronics and tissue engineering, where the fibrous materials with the characteristic features sizes over several order of magnitudes are required.
How Alcohol Chain-Length and Concentration Modulate Hydrogen Bond Formation in a Lipid Bilayer

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to measure the change in properties of a hydrated dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer when solvated with ethanol, propanol, and butanol solutions. There are eight oxygen atoms in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine that serve as hydrogen bond acceptors, and two of the oxygen atoms participate in hydrogen bonds that exist for significantly longer time spans than the hydrogen bonds at the other six oxygen atoms for the ethanol and propanol simulations. We conclude that this is caused by the lipid head group conformation, where the two favored hydrogen-bonding sites are partially protected between the head group choline and the sn-2 carbonyl oxygen. We find that the concentration of the alcohol in the ethanol and propanol simulations does not have a significant influence on the locations of the alcohol/lipid hydrogen bonds, whereas the concentration does impact the locations of the butanol/lipid hydrogen bonds. The concentration is important for all three alcohol types when the lipid chain order is examined, where, with the exception of the high-concentration butanol simulation, the alcohol molecules having the longest hydrogen-bonding relaxation times at the favored carbonyl oxygen acceptor sites also have the largest order in the upper chain region. The lipid behavior in the high-concentration butanol simulation differs significantly from that of the other alcohol concentrations in the order parameter, head group rotational relaxation time, and alcohol/lipid hydrogen-bonding location and relaxation time. This appears to be the result of the system being very near to a phase transition, and one occurrence of lipid flip-flop is seen at this concentration.
Boiling on microconfigured surfaces in liquid nitrogen

Abstract Measurementsare given for pool boiling on 1.27 by 1.27cm vertical silicon surfaces in liquid nitrogen. The microfeatures on the test surfaces were 10μm base length, 7.1μm deep. The center to center spacing of the inverted pyramids was 20, 40, and 60μm for the three different site densities tested. The site density of the 20, 40, and 60μm surfaces was 2.5 × 105, 0.625 × 105, and 0.278 × 105 per cm2, respectively. The heat transfer performance, at a given wall-superheat, was closely proportional to the site density. No temperature hysteresis or overshoot arose at the onset of nucleation.
Review of True Competition: A Guide to Pursuing Excellence in Sport and Society

The topic of competition prompts a variety of responses. Some argue that society benefits from increased competition in the educational system (i.e. the school voucher system where parents may appl...
Sexuality education in an abstinence-only era: A comparative case study of two U.S. states

This article examines the effects of U.S. federal funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage (AOUM) education on the educational policies and practices of pupils, teachers, districts, and private organizations in 2 states: Florida and Wyoming. It briefly reviews the political environment within which AOUM funding has expanded and employs a social justice framework to examine the intended and unintended effects—physical, social, economic, and gendered—of AOUM funding on schools and students in the study sites. The article concludes with an examination of the school- and district-level possibilities and exigencies for transforming current sexuality education paradigms.
Carbon-13 NMR Study of the Stereochemistry of Steranes from Oil Shale of the Green River Formation (Eocene)

THE presence of steranes and triterpanes in oils and sediments is especially significant as they possess the appropriate chemical stability for preservation throughout terrestrial diagenesis. They also contain a high degree of molecular order in their carbon skeleton and so the probability of their being synthesized by abiological processes is minimized. The high level of latent information in the structure and stereochemistry of these compounds renders them ideal biological markers1–6.
Modelling and analysis of powertrain hybridization on all-wheel-drive sport utility vehicles

AbstractFour concepts of strong hybridization powertrains on all-wheel-drive sport utility vehicles are presented. These concepts enable conversion of conventional powertrains into strong hybrid powertrains with minimal tear-up to the existing architecture. The first concept incorporates an electric machine attached to the output side of a conventional transmission. The second concept is a strong input power-assist system, where the motor is packaged between the torque converter and the transmission. The third concept is similar to the second one, but the torque converter is replaced by a starting clutch. The fourth concept is a compound-input, power-split, electric-variable transmission (EVT). These concepts provide extensive hybrid functionality, such as motor-only drive, launch assist, and energy recuperation. Simulation results indicate that proposed strong hybrid concepts can result in fuel economy gains of 19-26 per cent over conventional powertrains.
The dynamics and dissolution of gas bubbles in a viscoelastic fluid

Abstract This paper reports an experimental study of the motion of dissolving and non-dissolving gas bubbles in a quiescent viscoelastic fluid. The objective of the investigation was to determine the influence of the abrupt transition in bubble velocity, which had been observed at a critical radius of approx. on the rate of mass transfer. Thus, a range of bubble sizes from an equivalent (spherical) radius of 0.2–0.4 cm was employed using CO 2 gas, and five different fluids, including one Newtonion glycerine/water solution and four viscoelastic solutions of Separan AP30 in water (0.1, 0.5, 1% by weight) and in a water/glycerine mixture. The experimental data on bubble velocity shows that the discontinuous increase with bubble volume observed previously for air bubbles in viscoelastic fluids, does not occur for dissolving CO 2 bubbles—presumably due to the continuous decrease in bubble volume. Instead, a very steep but definitely continuous transition is found. Mass transfer rates are found to be significantly enhanced by viscoelasticity, and comparison with available theoretical results shows that the increase is greater than expected for purely viscous, power-law fluids. We conclude that a fully viscoelastic constitutive model would be necessary for a successful analysis of the dissolution of a gas bubble which is translating through a (high molecular weight) polymer solution.
Outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias: An update.

During the last 20 years, the molecular etiology for many ventricular tachyarrhythmias once referred to as “idiopathic,” has been elucidated. These arrhythmias are due to mutations in ion channels or structural proteins and include ventricular tachyarrhythmias due to long and short QT syndromes, Brugada syndrome, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, the basis for the most common form of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmia, which originates from right or left ventricular outflow tracts, has remained elusive. Although traditionally considered a benign ventricular arrhythmia, it is now appreciated that some outflow tract arrhythmias also trigger polymorphic VT or sudden cardiac death or result in cardiomyopathy. The current understanding of outflow tract arrhythmias will be examined.
The effects of clonidine of food consumption and food competition in male stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides)

Abstract The effects of clonidine on noncompetitive and competitive feeding were examined in thress adult male stumptail macaques ( Macaca arctoides ). Noncompetitive feeding was examined when the subjecs were individually-caged or group-caged. Clonidine (1.0 mg/kg) administered IM substantially increased food consumption over control values in all subjects in both housing situations. The effects of clonidine on competitive feeding behavior were evaluated in the group-caged environment. Food competition was assessed by recording the number of chows retrieved from a common food box by each subject. Food retrieval was increased in the lowest-ranking subject when clonidine was administered to all subjects. Retrieval decreased in the middle-ranking subject and was unchanged in the highest-ranking subject. Administration of clonidine to individual subjects did not increase food retrieval. It is concluded that since the hyperphagic property of clonidine was only apparent during noncompetitive food-getting, that other drug-behavioral interactions prevented an increase in food retrieval during competitive situations.
Don't Be a Blockhead: ACORN, Protest Tactics, and Refund Anticipation Loans

The recent proliferation of community-based responses to urban problems has been characterized by a shift away from protest tactics to more moderate approaches of building community and consensus, developing social capital, and identifying and improving local assets. This case study examines the persistence and effectiveness of protest tactics in a campaign by the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now against H&R Block around predatory tax preparation practices. It reveals the potential of direct action, especially when local protests are coordinated nationally. This combination helps to transcend the inherent limits of both community-based activism and national-oriented advocacy efforts.
The relationship between the activity of chloroplast photosystem II and the midpoint oxidation-reduction potential of cytochrome b-559.

Abstract The role of cytochrome b -559 in Photosystem II reactions has been investigated using hydroxylamine treatment of chloroplast membranes. Incubation of chloroplasts with hydroxylamine in darkness resulted in inhibition of water oxidation and a decrease in the amplitude of cytochrome b -559 reducible by hydroquinone. The loss of water oxidizing activity perfectly correlated with the decrease in amplitude of cytochrome b -559 reduction. Potentiometric titration of cytochrome b -559 after hydroxylamine treatment revealed a component with E m 7.8 at +240 mV in addition to a lower potential species at +90 mV. This compared to control chloroplasts in which cytochrome b -559 exists in the typical high potential state, E m 7.8 = +383 mV, in addition to some of the low potential ( E m 7.8 = +77 mV) form. Photosystem II activity could be further inhibited by incubation with hydroxylamine in the light. In these chloroplasts only low rates of photooxidation of artificial electron donors were observed compared to ‘dark’ chloroplasts. In addition, the hydroxylamine light treatment caused a further change in cytochrome b -559 redox properties; a single component, E m 7.8 = 90 mV is seen in titration curves. The role of cytochrome b -559 in Photosystem II functioning is discussed on the basis of these observations which suggest a dependence of photooxidizing ability of Photosystem II on the redox properties of this cytochrome.
Characterization of Local Elastic Modulus in Confined Polymer Films via AFM Indentation

The properties of polymers near an interface are altered relative to their bulk value due both to chemical interaction and geometric confinement effects. For the past two decades, the dynamics of polymers in confined geometries (thin polymer film or nanocomposites with high-surface area particles) has been studied in detail, allowing progress to be made toward understanding the origin of the dynamic effects near interfaces. Observations of mechanical property enhancements in polymer nanocomposites have been attributed to similar origins. However, the existing measurement methods of these local mechanical properties have resulted in a variety of conflicting results on the change of mechanical properties of confined polymers. Here, an atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based method is demonstrated that directly measures the mechanical properties of polymers adjacent to a substrate with nanometer resolution. This method allows us to consistently observe the gradient in mechanical properties away from a substrate in various materials systems, and paves the way for a unified understanding of thermodynamic and mechanical response of polymers. This gradient is both longer (up to 170 nm) and of higher magnitude (50% increase) than expected from prior results. Through the use of this technique, we will be better able to understand how to design polymer nanocomposites and polymeric structures at the smallest length scale, which affects the fields of structures, electronics, and healthcare.
Sperm differentiation in the sea urchins Arbacia punctulata and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

The morphology of the testes and the development of sperm cells in the sea urchins Arbacia punctulata and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus have been investigated with techniques of light and electron microscopy. Developing spermatids are connected by intercellular bridges which persist until the sperm cells are nearly mature. Formation of the acrosomal vesicle is associated with the Golgi complex. During differentiation the chromatin of the spermatid nucleus condenses. Concomitantly, the spermatid nucleus becomes morphologically specialized, i.e., its apex becomes indented (subacrosomal region) and its base invaginated (centriolar fossa). The single large mitochondrion which constitutes the middle-piece of the spermatozoon presumably develops by a fusion of the randomly dispersed mitochondria. During early stages of development spoke-like satellites are associated with the proximal and the distal centrioles. The distal centriole, unlike the proximal one, is associated with a bundle of fibers. In the spermatozoon, the proximal centriole is situated in the centriolar fossa; the distal centriole is found between the base of the nucleus and the mitochondrion.
Electrical discontinuity of tissue substitute models at 27.12 MHz

Tissue-substitute models consisting of layers of synthetic, electrically equivalent subcutaneous fat, muscle, and bone shaped in conformation with the normal anatomy are used for rapid determination of distribution of temperature and specific absorption rate throughout the tissues when exposed to electromagnetic radiation. The surfaces of the bisected models are approximated during a short exposure period, then separated and scanned with a thermograph. A method was developed to eliminate the electrical discontinuity at the bisected surfaces while allowing separation and subsequent thermographic scanning. A thin layer of silk screen wetted with propylene glycol saturated with sodium chloride was used at the fat interface and a 0.9% sodium chloride solution was used to wet the screen at the muscle interface to eliminate electrical discontinuity during exposure to 27.12-MHz diathermy. Tests showed that in the presence of an electrical discontinuity the heating pattern was grossly distorted. With the method used, the electrical discontinuity is minimized and the subsequent thermographic scanning reveals that the heating pattern is equivalent to that of an intact model.
Oxidation-reduction reactions in the photosynthetic bacterium Chromatium. II. Dependence of light reactions on intensity of irradiation and quantum efficiency of cytochrome oxidation.

Abstract The intensity dependences of light-induced reactions in Chromatium have been determined spectrophotometrically. The intensities of near-infrared irradiation required for half-maximum oxidation of the various cytochrome species are in the proportion 1:500:~4000 for C 423.5, C 426 , and the combination of C 422 and C 430 . The quantum requirement for intracellular cytochrome 423.5 oxidation has been determined by measuring the initial rate of absorbancy change (423 mμ) in anaerobic bacteria upon irradiation with monochromatic yellow light (589 mμ) of known quantum intensity. This requirement is 2 quanta per electron at both 11 and 29 °C. A hypothetical structure for the cytochrome system in Chromatium consists of three distinct electron-transfer pathways. The pathway including C 423.5 is of primary importance in photosynthesis.
Comparison of mammography use by older black and white women.

OBJECTIVES: To identify differences in the prevalence of ever having had a mammogram and having had a recent mammogram between older black and white women and to compare factors associated with mammography use in older black and white women. DESIGN: Data analysis and comparative study using nationally representative multistage sampling survey. SETTING: Data were obtained from the 1998 National Health Interview Survey. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred forty-nine black and 3,328 white older women were examined. MEASUREMENTS: The outcome variables included never having had a mammogram (yes/no) and not having had a mammogram in the past 3 years (yes/no). RESULTS: The results of chi-square tests showed that older blacks were less likely to have ever had a mammogram than older whites, but there was no difference in having had a recent mammogram between older blacks and whites. After adjusting for other related factors, race was not related to mammography use in older blacks and whites. Health insurance was related to mammography use in older whites but not in older blacks. Family income was associated with never having had a mammogram in older whites but not in older blacks. Older blacks with less than 12 years of education were less likely to have had a mammogram (recently or ever) than older whites with less than 12 years of education. CONCLUSIONS: Even though race, per se, was not associated with mammography use in older black and white women, many barriers to mammography use between older black and white women were different or did not have similar effects. To promote mammography use in older black and white women, barriers need to be specifically targeted for each group to enhance the effectiveness of breast cancer screening programs.
Review and critique of models of psychological adjustment to athletic injury

Abstract Empirical support for stage and cognitive appraisal models of psychological adjustment to athletic injury is reviewed. Both emotional and behavioral adjustment to athletic injury are considered. Stage models are shown to lack consistent empirical support. It is argued that based on extant research findings, cognitive appraisal models provide a more viable conceptualization of the process of coping with athletic injury. Methodological issues in research addressing psychological adjustment to athletic injury are discussed.
Biomimetic synthesis of inorganic materials and their applications

Mimicking the evolution processes of Nature, the combinatorial approach to bio- molecular recognition properties attracts much attention due to the potential as a generic scheme to achieving complex material structures and hierarchical assemblies with molecular precision from the bottom up. In this paper, some recent efforts in the biomimetic synthesis of inorganic materials are reviewed, with emphasis placed on in vitro material formation with the use of protein/peptide molecules found in natural organisms as well as those with specific affinities to inorganic materials selected through the molecular evolution process. The appli- cations of material-specific peptides and proteins in sensing and guiding hierarchical mate- rial assembly are also briefly discussed at the end.
An Exploration of Factors Related to Deviant Sexual Arousal Among Juvenile Sex Offenders

To date, there has been limited literature on the measurement of sexual arousal in adolescent sex offenders. The data that exist have been somewhat mixed in terms of factors related to deviant sexual arousal in this group. The present study, with 71 adolescent sex offenders, investigates the relationship between offender and offense characteristics, including gender of victim, history of sexual abuse, history of physical abuse, race, and interactions between these factors in the prediction of physiologically measured sexual arousal to deviant and nondeviant stimulus categories. A number of variables significantly predicted sexual arousal. The most consistent predictors were gender of victim, race, the interaction of race and gender of victim, and to some extent the interaction of offender abuse history and gender of victim. Caucasian subjects tended to respond more than African American subjects did, and this has not been reported previously in the literature. The data are discussed in terms of consistency with other literature, suggesting that those juvenile offenders who target male victims and have been abused themselves may be a high risk group. Limitations of this study are also addressed.
Visible Fists, Clandestine Kicks, and Invisible Elbows: Three Forms of Regulating Neoliberal Poverty

Argentina In a preliminary attempt to understand the daily production of poor people’s subordination in contemporary Argentina, this paper explores the workings of overt and covert forms of state violence against the urban destitute and of more subtle modes of domination. Attention to the simultaneous operation of what this paper calls visible fists, clandestine kicks, and invisible elbows in the daily life of the dispossessed serves to a) better integrate violence into the study of popular politics, and b) cast light on the productive (and not merely repressive) nature of state power. Resumen: Punos visibles, patadas clandestinas y codos invisibles: tres formas de regulacion de la pobreza neoliberal En un acercamiento preliminar a la produccion cotidiana de la subordinacion de los pobres urbanos en la Argentina contemporanea, este articulo explora las formas abiertas y encubiertas de violencia estatal contra los mas destituidos y las modalidades mas sutiles de dominacion. Una atencion simultanea a lo que el articulo denomina punos visibles, patadas clandestinas, y codos invisibles en la vida cotidiana de los desposeidos es util a los efectos de: a) integrar la violencia en el estudio de la politica popular, y b) iluminar la naturaleza productiva (y no meramente represiva) del poder estatal.
A New Species of the Genus Eurytoma (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) Phytophagous in the Buds of Jack Pine ( Pinus banksiana )

In the spring of 1959, Dr. O. Peck of the Entomology Research Institute, Department of Agriculture, Ottawa, Canada, sent to me a long series of Eurytoma specimens for determination. Dr. J. B. Thomas reared the series from buds of jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and is ready to publish on the biology of the species. This new species has been included in a projected revision of the genus Eurytoma in North America, north of Mexico, but due to the uncertainty as to just when it will be ready for publication, it seems best to publish the description concurrently with the paper by Dr. Thomas, so as not to hold up 'his valuable contribution to the biology of the species.
An Empirical Analysis of Factors Associated with Changes in Pension-Plan Interest-Rate Assumptions

This study examines factors motivating managers to adjust pension-expense and pension-plan contributions by altering actuarial-interest-rate assumptions. These changes have implications for firm cash flows, tax costs, and reported accounting numbers. The empirical analysis focuses on identifying the impact these factors have on decisions to change interest-rate assumptions. In addition, the role basic contracting factors play in this decision are examined. The results indicate that managers are likely to increase interest-rate assumptions in response to declines in earnings, increasingly restrictive dividend constraints, and tightening debt covenants. These findings suggest that the motivations for changing rate assumptions differ from managers' motivations for making other discretionary pension adjustments such as terminations, settlements, or other changes in either actuarial assumptions or benefit allocation methods.
Evolutionary medicine: Bottle feeding, birth spacing, and autism

To compensate for the high metabolic costs of lactation, the likelihood of re-impregnation shortly after childbirth is normally reduced due to hormonal changes triggered by breast feeding during the postpartum period. Nowadays, however, bottle feeding as a substitute for breast feeding precludes such changes and leads to early postpartum reinstatement of fertility. We suggest that recent data showing the risk of autism goes up dramatically as the time between pregnancies goes down [1] may be a byproduct of bottle feeding. The decision to bottle feed your last child may unwittingly put your next child at risk of being autistic.
Embryonic expression of EphA receptor genes in mice supports their candidacy for involvement in cleft lip and palate.

Background: Eph receptors, comprising the A- and B-subfamilies, are the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases in the mammalian genome, and their function is critical for morphogenesis in a variety of contexts. Whereas signaling through B-type Ephs has been demonstrated to play a role in cleft lip and palate (CL/P), the involvement of A-type Ephs has not been examined in this context notwithstanding a recent genome-wide association study that identified the EPHA3 locus as a candidate for non-syndromic CL/P. Results: Here, we present a systematic analysis of the gene expression patterns for the nine EphA receptors at progressive stages of mouse development and find that EphA3, EphA4, and EphA7 exhibit restricted overlapping patterns of expression during palate development. We find that homozygous mutation of EphA3 or compound homozygous mutation of EphA3 and EphA4 in mice does not result in defective midfacial development, supporting the possibility of redundant function with EphA7. We also document previously undescribed expression patterns in other tissues of the craniofacial complex including the lacrimal duct and salivary glands. Conclusions: Together, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that mutations in EPHA family genes may cause CL/P and also suggest that functional redundancy between family members may be at play. Developmental Dynamics 243:1470–1476, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stiffness of the crystal-liquid interface in a hard-sphere colloidal system measured from capillary fluctuations.

Face-centered cubic single crystals of =1.55 m diameter hard-sphere silica colloidal particles were prepared by sedimentation onto 100 and 110 oriented templates. The crystals had a wide interface with the overlaying liquid that was parallel to the template. The location of the interface was determined by confocal microscopic location of the particles, followed by identification of the crystalline and liquid phases by a bond-orientation order parameter. Fluctuations in the height of the interface about its average position were
Determining flexor-tendon repair techniques via soft computing

This article describes a multi-objective techniques, of identifying the best options among a suite of factors that influence the successful outcome of flexor-tendon repair. Our article begins with fuzzy-set development and relevant fuzzy-logic operations. Next, we consider multi-objective decision making with fuzzy logic, followed by the inclusion of core suture technique complexity and preference variations as decision considerations. Results are presented followed by a comparison and contrast of the soft-computing-based multi-objective decision making and Taguchi methods.
LATE COMPLICATIONS OF PELVIC IRRADIATION IN 16 DOGS

When external beam radiation therapy is administered to the pelvis, normal tissues irradiated may include the colon, small intestine, urethra, bladder, bone, and spinal cord. The objectives of this retrospective study were to determine the incidence and severity of late radiation effects following pelvic irradiation in dogs and to identify factors that increase the risk of these effects. Medical records of all dogs treated with curative intent external beam radiation therapy to the pelvic region between 1993 and 1999 were reviewed. Patients with follow-up longer than 9 months or any patient that developed late complications earlier than 9 months were evaluated. Sixteen dogs met criteria for inclusion in this study. All dogs were treated with a 6-MV linear accelerator with bilaterally opposed beams. Diseases treated included transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate, and anal sac apocrine gland adenocarcinoma. Four dose/fractionation schemes were used: 49.5 Gy in 3.3 Gy fractions, 54 Gy in 3.0 Gy fractions, 54 Gy in 2.7 Gy fractions, and 18 Gy intraoperative radiation therapy followed by 43 Gy external beam radiation therapy in 2.9 Gy fractions. Implantable chemotherapy in the form of an OPLA-Pt sponge was used in six dogs as a radiation potentiator. Colitis was the major late effect following pelvic irradiation, occurring in nine dogs (56%). Colitis was characterized as mild in three dogs, moderate in one dog, and severe in five dogs. Three of the dogs with severe effects suffered gastrointestinal perforation. All dogs with severe late effects received 3 or 3.3 Gy per fraction, and 80% received radiation potentiators. In the seven dogs that received 2.7 Gy or 2.9 Gy per fraction, late effects were classified as none (n = 5), mild colitis (n = 1), and moderate colitis (n = 1). Radiation therapy can be administered to the pelvic region with a minimal risk of late effects to the colon by giving smaller doses per fraction and avoiding systemic radiation potentiators.
The mechanisms by which macrophages phagocyte encapsulated bacteria in the absence of antibody.

Evidence has been presented: (1) that macrophages from experimentally produced inflammatory exudates are capable of phagocyting fully encapsulated Type I pneumococci and group A Friedlander's bacilli in the absence of antibody, (2) that the principal mechanisms involved are those of surface phagocytosis, and (3) that the majority of pneumococci ingested by macrophages in antibody-free preparations are ultimately destroyed. The relationship of these phenomena to the mechanism of recovery in pneumococcal and Friedlander's bacillus infections has been briefly discussed.
SILENCING OF NICOTINAMIDE NUCLEOTIDE TRANSHYDROGENASE IMPAIRS CELLULAR REDOX HOMEOSTASIS AND ENERGY METABOLISM IN PC12 CELLS

Mitochondrial NADPH generation is largely dependent on the inner-membrane nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT), which catalyzes the reduction of NADP(+) to NADPH utilizing the proton gradient as the driving force and NADH as the electron donor. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing of NNT in PC12 cells results in decreased cellular NADPH levels, altered redox status of the cell in terms of decreased GSH/GSSG ratios and increased H(2)O(2) levels, thus leading to an increased redox potential (a more oxidized redox state). NNT knockdown results in a decrease of oxidative phosphorylation while anaerobic glycolysis levels remain unchanged. Decreased oxidative phosphorylation was associated with a) inhibition of mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and succinyl-CoA:3-oxoacid CoA transferase (SCOT) activity; b) reduction of NADH availability, c) decline of mitochondrial membrane potential, and d) decrease of ATP levels. Moreover, the alteration of redox status actually precedes the impairment of mitochondrial bioenergetics. A possible mechanism could be that the activation of the redox-sensitive c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and its translocation to the mitochondrion leads to the inhibition of PDH (upon phosphorylation) and induction of intrinsic apoptosis, resulting in decreased cell viability. This study supports the notion that oxidized cellular redox state and decline in cellular bioenergetics - as a consequence of NNT knockdown - cannot be viewed as independent events, but rather as an interdependent relationship coordinated by the mitochondrial energy-redox axis. Disruption of electron flux from fuel substrates to redox components due to NNT suppression induces not only mitochondrial dysfunction but also cellular disorders through redox-sensitive signaling.
On the Logical Analysis of Power-Attribution Procedures

S OME TEN YEARS AGO, Floyd Hunter' proposed a set of research techniques for charting and measuring the distribution of power in American communities, and we have not yet heard the end of it. 'In Community Power Structure (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1953). Hunter subsequently employed a variant of his original technique to depict the distribution of political power in the United States. See Top Leadership, U. S. A. (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1959).
Transition of Stratus into Fog along the California Coast: Observations and Modeling

A case of fog formation along the California coast is examined with the aid of a one-dimensional, higherorder, turbulence-closure model in conjunction with a set of myriad observations. The event is characterized by persistent along-coast winds in the marine layer, and this pattern justifies a Lagrangian approach to the study. A slab of marine layer air is tracked from the waters near the California‐Oregon border to the California bight over a 2-day period. Observations indicate that the marine layer is covered by stratus cloud and comes under the influence of large-scale subsidence and progressively increasing sea surface temperature along the southbound trajectory. It is hypothesized that cloud-top cooling and large-scale subsidence are paramount to the fog formation process. The one-dimensional model, evaluated with various observations along the Lagrangian path, is used to test the hypothesis. The principal findings of the study are 1) fog forms in response to relatively long preconditioning of the marine layer, 2) radiative cooling at the cloud top is the primary mechanism for cooling and mixing the cloud-topped marine layer, and 3) subsidence acts to strengthen the inversion above the cloud top and forces lowering of the cloud. Although the positive fluxes of sensible and latent heat at the air‐sea interface are the factors that govern the onset of fog, sensitivity studies with the one-dimensional model indicate that these sensible and latent heat fluxes are of secondary importance as compared to subsidence and cloud-top cooling. Sensitivity tests also suggest that there is an optimal inversion strength favorable to fog formation and that the moisture conditions above the inversion influence fog evolution.