cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The burden of oral health problems in children with mental health disorders in the United States

OBJECTIVES Mental health disorders (MHDs) are major public health concerns with increasing risk of morbidity and mortality among children. Oral health problems (OHPs) are receiving attention as associated comorbidities. This study assessed the burden of oral health problems in children aged 3-17 years with MHD in the United States. METHODS Cross sectional analyses was performed using the National Survey of Children's Health database 2016-2017 containing information of 60,655,439 children. Weighted survey binomial logistic regression generating odds ratio for association between MHD and OHP were calculated. Weighted dose-response models captured incremental effects of MHD severity on oral health conditions. Population attributable risk (PAR) to quantify proportions of potentially avertable OHP as a result of intervention targeted at different levels of MHD severity were estimated. RESULTS Prevalence of OHP among those with any MHD was 22.5 percent. Children with MHD were more likely to be non-Hispanic White, living in poorer households, and having private health insurance P < 0.001. Dose-response analyses showed children with mild MHD were 85 percent more likely [OR = 1.85 (95% CI: 1.47-2.32)], and those with moderate/severe MHD 93 percent more likely (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.50-2.49) to experience OHP, compared to children without MHD. Population attributable risk (PAR) revealed that if mild and moderate/severe MHD were improved by 75 percent, OHP would be averted in 152,206 children with mild and 255,851 with moderate/severe MHD, respectively. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that disparities persist among the pediatric population with MHD who suffer OHP in the United States.
The Constitution of Belarus: A Good First Step Towards the Rule of Law

After the fall of the Soviet Union, Belarussian leaders agreed that the former Soviet Constitution lacked political and moral legitimacy. This led to the drafting of a new proposed Belarussian Constitution. The drafters of the proposed Constitution aspired to create a democratic state ruled by law. The purpose of this article is to determine how well the Constitution achieves this goal. To measure how closely the drafters have succeeded in this goal, the author examines two aspects of the Constitution. The first aspect deals with protection of basic civil liberties for citizens. The second deals with how effectively the Constitution creates Separation of Powers and guarantees the rule of law in the Republic.The observations in this article are the product of the author's work with the Constitutional Commission in drafting the Constitution.
AFSIM’s pseudo-realtime hybrid simulation software design:

Simulation approaches generally fall into two categories: discrete time or discrete event. For military modeling and simulation needs, the two approaches typically align with virtual simulation, wh...
Active learning method for risk assessment of distributed infrastructure systems

Abstract Event‐based methods are commonly used to assess the risk to distributed infrastructure systems. Stochastic event‐based methods consider all hazard scenarios that could adversely impact the...
Longitudinal participation in delivery and payment reform programs among US Primary Care Organizations

Objective To assess longitudinal primary care organization participation patterns in large-scale reform programs and identify organizational characteristics associated with multiprogram participation. Data sources Secondary data analysis of national program participation data over an eight-year period (2009-2016). Study design We conducted a retrospective, observational study by creating a unique set of data linkages (including Medicare and Medicaid Meaningful Use and Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organization (MSSP ACO) participation from CMS, Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) participation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance, and organizational characteristics) to measure longitudinal participation and identify what types of organizations participate in one or more of these reform programs. We used multivariate models to identify organizational characteristics that differentiate those that participate in none, one, or two-to-three programs. Data extraction methods We used Medicare claims to identify organizations that delivered primary care services (n = 56 ,287) and then linked organizations to program participation data and characteristics. Principal findings No program achieved more than 50% participation across the 56,287 organizations in a given year, and participation levels flattened or decreased in later years. 36% of organizations did not participate in any program over the eight-year study period; 50% participated in one; 13% in two; and 1% in all three. 14.31% of organizations participated in five or more years of Meaningful Use while 3.84% of organizations participated in five years of the MSSP ACO Program and 0.64% participated in at least five years of PCMH. Larger organizations, those with younger providers, those with more primary care providers, and those with larger Medicare patient panels were more likely to participate in more programs. Conclusions and relevance Primary care transformation via use of voluntary programs, each with their own participation requirements and approach to incentives, has failed to broadly engage primary care organizations. Those that have chosen to participate in multiple programs are likely those already providing high-quality care.
Recipe Modification as a Means of Learning and Applying the Scientific Method

While scientists place high value on the scientific method, its relevance to everyday life is often opaque to nonscientists. In undergraduate teaching, its implementation is primarily apportioned to upper-level, laboratory science classes for majors. Herein we describe the modification of a recipe as a real-world project for learning the scientific method in a non-laboratory science course for nonscience majors. Implementation of the scientific method project was conducted in two course formats—one-month and full-semester—and with varied student populations. Student learning was assessed through both presentation and exam formats for application and comprehension, respectively. Evaluation of student proficiency was measured by a series of assessment administrators including instructors, peers, self, and an external panel consisting of chemistry faculty. Across course formats and student populations, all evaluators indicate that nonscience majors achieve proficiency in applying the scientific method.
Biomechanical Properties of the Sclera

The sclera comprises approximately 80% of the human globe and is its principal load-bearing tissue. It provides the biomechanical support needed to resist internal and external loading upon the eye and to maintain the shape and size necessary for visual acuity. The healthy sclera is a dynamic structure, whose biomechanical properties stem from its fiber-reinforced microstructure, consisting primarily of type I collagen fibers. Scleral fibroblasts continuously remodel existing collagen and extracellular matrix molecules, synthesizing and organizing new scleral tissue. Current evidence suggests that scleral biomechanics changes with age and is altered in a number of sight-threatening pathologies such as glaucoma, myopia, and ocular trauma. This research relies on investigative methods including computational modeling, animal studies, clinical imaging, and testing of postmortem human eyes. Here, we review the current state of the field of scleral biomechanics and our understanding of the biomechanics of the healthy, aging, and diseased sclera.
Carbon and oxygen isotope variations in shell beds from the Upper Ordovician (mid-Cincinnatian: Maysvillian to early Richmondian) of Ontario: Evaluation of the Warm Saline Deep Ocean hypothesis, paleoceanographic changes, and Milankovitch orbital cycles in the transition to the Hirnantian glaciation

Abstract Carbon and oxygen isotopes of both well-preserved articulate brachiopod Paucicrura rogata and cement in mid-Cincinnatian samples (Maysvillian to early Richmondian) on the eastern North American passive margin shelf in SW Ontario show no simple relationships. The δ13C trends of the brachiopods, organic matter and cements are little altered and vary little up section. The brachiopod δ13Cbrach pattern is very close to the American mid-continent whole rock δ13CWRcarb pattern across the Fairview excursions. The δ18Obrach variations, if primary, indicate fluctuating but generally slightly cooling temperatures upwards, though the actual temperatures depend on inferred salinities of the seawater. The temperature/ salinity relationships variations are compatible with the warm deep saline water hypothesis. The paleoceanography shows a change from a warm open passive carbonate margin to a fluctuating warmer/cooler enclosed clastic marginal basin with freshwater input, heralding the cold conditions of the Hirnantian ice age. The Milankovitch cyclicity determined from δ13Ccarb patterns, is practically identical to that from determined from magnetic intensities on the contemporary Yangtse Shelf.
State of the art in recycling waste thermoplastics and thermosets and their applications in construction

Abstract Polymeric products such as plastics and rubbers are in widespread use, and the recycling of these polymeric materials has not kept pace with the increased production. There are serious environmental consequences to disposing of waste polymeric materials in landfills or incinerating them. Their low biodegradability makes it unpopular for both large and small industries to recycle them. This study reviews recycling strategies for waste thermoplastic and thermoset materials undertaken by industries and researchers. The primary objective is to review these techniques and identify those that can be applicable to the construction industry. There are three conclusions from this review: (1) Recycling of polymeric waste materials can be helpful to limit landfilled or incinerated waste plastic. (2) Proper selection of a recycling method for waste plastics and rubbers can effectively address the recycling problem without compromising the mechanical properties of the construction material. (3) The majority of the published articles in construction materials research have overlooked the importance of pre-treatment of waste polymeric materials to ensure compatibility with construction materials. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for understanding the science of functionalization of polymers to be able to tune surface properties of the recycled granules for targeted applications. This paper highlights critical research needs to facilitate the recycling of thermosets and thermoplastics to promote resource conservation and sustainability.
Critical evaluation of empirical gas condensate correlations

Abstract Compositionally sensitive retrograde fluids or gas condensates are particularly challenging from the standpoint of phase behavior and fluid property measurement as well as modeling. The problem is even more pronounced when dealing with the two extreme types of fluids, i.e., lean (insignificant amount of retrograde liquid) and rich (significant amount of liquid drop out, few psi below the saturation pressure). Given these complications, many researchers have proposed empirical correlations that make use of either the field data such as gas to condensate ratio (GCR) or laboratory data such as compositions, plus fraction characteristics to obtain PVT properties. In this work, using the reported experimental data of 81 gas condensate fluids in the open literature, we have critically evaluated four such empirical correlations. The evaluation focuses on the relationship between C7+ (heptanes plus) mole% and initial producing GCR; dew point prediction; molecular weight prediction; and maximum retrograde condensate (MRC). The C7+ mole% predicted from GCR showed deviations as high as 45% or the differences between the predicted GCR's from the two evaluated correlations were as high as 5000 scf/STB; dew point predictions were over and under estimated by as much as 2000 psia; overall fluid molecular weight differences were as high as 7 units; and MRC overestimated by as much as 115%. Based on this critical evaluation we demonstrate that such type of simplistic empirical approach lacks the accuracy and reliability of obtaining PVT properties that is crucial in the efficient management of gas condensate reservoirs.
Some aspects of the comparative anatomy of the mammalian placenta

A s o u R knowledge of reproductive processes in animals has advanced the connotation of the word “placenta” has changed. In its original meaning the word denoted a functional union between fetal membranes and the uterus, and in this anatomically restricted sense a placenta was long thought to be peculiar to mammals. When homologous organs were later recognized in certain viviparous species of lower vertebrates it was only natural that the term be extended to these as well. Today, however, zoologists use the term in respect to the union between any fetal structure and any part of a parental organism (male or female) which mediates physiologic exchange; clearly the original anatomical implications of the term have become generalized, and its physiologic connotations predominate. We shall consider here, however, only the placenta of higher mammals (Eutheria), in which the original anatomical implications of the term are still apropos. Because of space limitations the treatment cannot be comprehensive. Rather, it will be selective, the general aim being to illustrate the nature of some significant variables in placental organization which provide bases for differences in functional pattern between
Drosophila Lis1 is required for neuroblast proliferation, dendritic elaboration and axonal transport

Haplo-insufficiency of human Lis1 causes lissencephaly. Reduced Lis1 activity in both humans and mice results in a neuronal migration defect. Here we show that Drosophila Lis1 is highly expressed in the nervous system. Lis1 is essential for neuroblast proliferation and axonal transport, as shown by a mosaic analysis using a Lis1 null mutation. Moreover, it is cell-autonomously required for dendritic growth, branching and maturation. Analogous mosaic analysis shows that neurons containing a mutated cytoplasmic-dynein heavy chain (Dhc64C) exhibit phenotypes similar to Lis1 mutants. These results implicate Lis1 as a regulator of the microtubule cytoskeleton and show that it is important for diverse physiological functions in the nervous system.
The mechanism of tamoxifen in breast cancer prevention

Tamoxifen (TAM) is known to have a dual mechanism of action: (1) to compete with 17β-estradiol (E2) at the receptor site and to block the promotional role of E2 in breast cancer; and (2) to bind DNA after metabolic activation and to initiate carcinogenesis. Recent large clinical trials indicate that TAM is also an effective chemopreventive agent against breast cancer. The mechanism is unknown. Because E2 requires activation by epoxidation to bind DNA forming DNA adducts [1], and the same is true for TAM [2], the question is whether this preventive effect of TAM against breast cancer is contributory to the possibility that TAM, as an effective competitor for epoxidation, prevents the formation of E2 epoxide and consequently breast cancer. Evidence will be presented to show that, indeed, when incubated together with E2 for epoxidation, TAM was able to dramatically reduce the formation of E2 epoxide as measured by both the loss of the ability of E2 to inhibit nuclear RNA synthesis, and the reduced binding of [3H]labeled E2 to nuclear DNA. Identical results were obtained when TAM and estrone (E1) were used. These results suggest that the breast cancer preventive effect of TAM is through a competitive epoxidation mechanism with E1/E2.
Second Derivative Approximation for Origin-Based Algorithm

Origin-based algorithm(OBA) for traffic assignment problem has been demonstrated preferable to the widely accepted and used Frank-Wolfe algorithm and path-based algorithms. Note that OBA can not avoid path enumeration of concerned network, which will lead to two disadvantages. One is the intensive memory requirements and the other is the difficulties in manipulating and storing paths. In order to solve these problems, we first propose the lower and upper bounds of the Hessian matrix, which can be calculated without path enumeration. Then use the lower bound of Hessian matrix to approximate the direction of the origin-based algorithm. According to our computational results, the modified origin-based algorithm(MOBA) improves the convergence performance greatly. The results indicate that MOBA can deliver better and more reliable convergence than OBA and saves much more CPU time especially when large-scale networks are being considered.
Mr. Dooley and Mr. Gallup: Public Opinion and Constitutional Change in the 1930s

Scholars interested in the development of political and constitutional culture during the 1930s sometimes draw inferences about popular preferences on various issues of social and economic policy from the results of presidential and congressional elections. A review of contemporary public opinion polls taken by George Gallup for the American Institute of Public Opinion and by Elmo Roper for the Fortune Magazine survey offers a more granular understanding of popular views on the public policy issues of the day. This article canvasses all of the public opinion polls taken by Gallup and Roper between 1935, when they began publishing their results, and 1940, on five major areas of public concern: labor; federal regulatory power; redistribution; fiscal policy; and relief and social security. The poll results reveal public preferences that are far more politically moderate than some have inferred from the election returns. The results also show that comparatively little change in constitutional doctrine was necessary in order to accommodate those popular preferences. This in turn helps to rationalize, if it does not explain, the consistent popular aversion to proposals to limit the power of the Supreme Court, as well as the persistent public opposition to President Roosevelt's ill-fated Court-packing plan.
The Seduction of Eve and Feminist Readings of the Garden of Eden

This reading of the Eve and Adam story focuses on the consequential role of the woman and her linkage to the serpent. The rapidity of the switch from defender to transgressor of the divine command indicates that the disobedience was not instigated exclusively by the serpent; indeed, the serpent does not get Eve to act out of character, but only to extend previous inklings. This function of the serprent is based on the differences between the original divine command and Eve's rendering of it. It is supported by her name, Havva, which evokes the cognates "hivyah" (serpent) and "hivvah" (spoke). Once it is seen that a talking serpent represents the inner Eve, the story becomes a parable of the human condition, not one of humanity coming of age. Eve is Every(wo)man. By highlighting the significance of the woman, this reading makes for the remarkable combination of authoritarian theology and egalitarian anthrolpology.
On the relations between the direction of two-dimensional arm movements and cell discharge in primate motor cortex

The activity of single cells in the motor cortex was recorded while monkeys made arm movements in eight directions (at 45 degrees intervals) in a two-dimensional apparatus. These movements started from the same point and were of the same amplitude. The activity of 606 cells related to proximal arm movements was examined in the task; 323 of the 606 cells were active in that task and were studied in detail. The frequency of discharge of 241 of the 323 cells (74.6%) varied in an orderly fashion with the direction of movement. Discharge was most intense with movements in a preferred direction and was reduced gradually when movements were made in directions farther and farther away from the preferred one. This resulted in a bell-shaped directional tuning curve. These relations were observed for cell discharge during the reaction time, the movement time, and the period that preceded the earliest changes in the electromyographic activity (approximately 80 msec before movement onset). In about 75% of the 241 directionally tuned cells, the frequency of discharge, D, was a sinusoidal function of the direction of movement, theta: D = b0 + b1 sin theta + b2cos theta, or, in terms of the preferred direction, theta 0: D = b0 + c1cos (theta - theta0), where b0, b1, b2, and c1 are regression coefficients. Preferred directions differed for different cells so that the tuning curves partially overlapped. The orderly variation of cell discharge with the direction of movement and the fact that cells related to only one of the eight directions of movement tested were rarely observed indicate that movements in a particular direction are not subserved by motor cortical cells uniquely related to that movement. It is suggested, instead, that a movement trajectory in a desired direction might be generated by the cooperation of cells with overlapping tuning curves. The nature of this hypothetical population code for movement direction remains to be elucidated.
Connecting stressors, ocean ecosystem services, and human health

Ocean and coastal ecosystems provide many critical ecosystem services that support human health and well-being including providing food, storm protection, and carbon sequestration. Environmental stressors acting individually or concurrently and synergistically are reducing the ability of coastal ecosystems to provide key ecosystem services that may result in decreases in human health and well-being. We outline some impacts to human health and well-being that may result from the effects on coastal and ocean ecosystem services of five example stressors: rising temperatures, nutrient enrichment, ocean acidification, habitat destruction and the concomitant loss of biodiversity, and extreme weather events. We conclude with suggestions for research and related actions to improve our understanding and management of coastal ecosystems. These include the need for natural and biomedical/public health scientists, and their respective professional organizations, to work together to increase understanding of the connections between healthy and degraded coastal and marine ecosystems and human health, and for policy and decision-makers to account for these impacts when considering trade-offs among management alternatives.
Comparison of climate change vulnerability assessments for wildlife

The need for wildlife climate change vulnerability and sensitivity assessments has increased over the past decade. Use of these assessments by wildlife and land managers has increased due to concern for potential effects of climate change on species and landscapes. Although many approaches exist for assessing sensitivity and vulnerability to climate change, little is known about the similarity of results between methods. We compared outputs of 3 widely available assessments for the western United States: the NatureServe Climate Change Vulnerability Index, the U.S. Forest Service System for Assessing the Vulnerability of Species, and the Climate Change Sensitivity Database. We performed a broad categorical comparison and examined correlations across rankings to compare assessment outputs. We found little agreement in species rankings between pairs of assessments. There is no apparent pattern within, or between, taxa or habitat associations that could explain this poor correlation. Disparities likely result from differences in question format, choice of data input, or how vulnerability or sensitivity is calculated. Consideration of vulnerability quantification is needed, particularly regarding species sensitivity and adaptive capacity, because of limited understanding of species and community responses to climate exposure. Our results indicate it is extremely important to be aware of the specific goal and the quality, quantity, and variety of data used in each individual assessment in order to adequately use these assessments as tools for management planning. With the increasing need to include climate change scenarios in management actions and decisions, we suggest that increased cooperation among assessment developers could greatly aid in eliminating this discrepancy. © 2014 The Wildlife Society
Characterization and reliability of CMOS microstructures

This paper provides an overview of high-aspect-ratio CMOS micromachining, focusing on materials characterization, reliability, and fault analysis. Composite microstrutural beam widths and gaps down to 1.2 micrometers are etched out of conventional CMOS dielectric, aluminum, and gate-polysilicon thin films using post-CMOS dry etching for both structural sidewall definition and for release from the substrate. Differences in stress between the multiple metal and dielectric layers cause vertical stress gradients and curl, while misalignment between layers causes lateral stress gradients and curl. Cracking is induced in a resonant fatigue structures at 620 MPa of repetitive stress after over 50 million cycles. Beams have withstood over 1.3 billion cycles at 124 MPa stress levels induced by electrostatic actuation. Failures due to process defects are classified according to the geometrical features of the defective structures. Relative probability of occurrence of each defect type is extracted from the process simulation results.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Creating coherent animations from video

In this paper, different techniques for the creation of time coherent figurative animations from a video input are presented. The animations are generated using an analysis-synthesis approach. Information of the scene is extracted using only a 2D RGB image. No markers or depth planes are needed. After the analysis, the image is drawn again using the extracted information. To guarantee temporal coherence when redrawing the image, different alternatives have been explored: matching and interpolation on the parameters domain and gradient descent parameter update. All methods and variations are described and illustrated with images.
The existence of a priori distinctions between learning algorithms

This is the second of two papers that use off-training set (OTS) error to investigate the assumption-free relationship between learning algorithms. The first paper discusses a particular set of ways to compare learning algorithms, according to which there are no distinctions between learning algorithms. This second paper concentrates on different ways of comparing learning algorithms from those used in the first paper. In particular this second paper discusses the associated a priori distinctions that do exist between learning algorithms. In this second paper it is shown, loosely speaking, that for loss functions other than zero-one (e.g., quadratic loss), there are a priori distinctions between algorithms. However, even for such loss functions, it is shown here that any algorithm is equivalent on average to its “randomized” version, and in this still has no first principles justification in terms of average error. Nonetheless, as this paper discusses, it may be that (for example) cross-validation has better head-to-head minimax properties than “anti-cross-validation” (choose the learning algorithm with the largest cross-validation error). This may be true even for zero-one loss, a loss function for which the notion of “randomization” would not be relevant. This paper also analyzes averages over hypotheses rather than targets. Such analyses hold for all possible priors over targets. Accordingly they prove, as a particular example, that cross-validation cannot be justified as a Bayesian procedure. In fact, for a very natural restriction of the class of learning algorithms, one should use anti-cross-validation rather than cross-validation (!).
Lysophosphatidic acid induces migration of human lung-resident mesenchymal stem cells through the β-catenin pathway

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated to reside in human adult organs. However, mechanisms of migration of these endogenous MSCs within their tissue of origin are not well understood. Here, we investigate migration of human adult lung-resident (LR) mesenchymal progenitor cells. We demonstrate that bioactive lipid lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) plays a principal role in the migration of human LR-MSCs through a signaling pathway involving LPA1-induced b-catenin activation. LRMSCs isolated from human lung allografts and lungs of patients with scleroderma demonstrated a robust migratory response to LPA in vitro. Furthermore, LPA levels correlated with LR-MSC numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), providing demonstration of the in vivo activity of LPA in human adult lungs. Migration of LR-MSCs was mediated via LPA1 receptor ligation and LPA1 silencing significantly abrogated the migratory response of LRMSCs to LPA as well as human BAL. LPA treatment of LR-MSCs induced protein kinase C-mediated glycogen synthase kinase-3b phosphorylation, with resulting cytoplasmic accumulation and nuclear translocation of b-catenin. TCF/LEF dual luciferase gene reporter assay demonstrated a significant increase in transcriptional activity after LPA treatment. LR-MSC migration and increase in reporter gene activity in the presence of LPA were abolished by transfection with b-catenin small interfering RNA demonstrating that b-catenin is critical in mediating LPA-induced LR-MSC migration. These data delineate a novel signaling pathway through which ligation of a G protein-coupled receptor by a biologically relevant lipid mediator induces migration of human tissue-resident mesenchymal progenitors. STEM CELLS 2012;30:2010–2019
Third-Order Nonlinearities of CdSe Quantum Dots

An extensive study of the nonlinear optical properties of various quantum dot samples is performed. The results will be used in the development of applications for quantum dots, including the generation of quantum entangled photons.
Financing a Steam-Navigation Company in China, 1861–621

Russell & Co., the Boston partnership which had long been prominent in the China trade, found its business as commission agent in a state of serious decline by 1861. Therefore Edward Cunningham, a junior partner resident in Shanghai, conceived the idea of founding a steamship line to operate up the Yangtze River. This venture would require a capital far exceeding that used by Russell & Co. in its commission business. The head of the firm, Paul Sieman Forbes, who lived in New York and Newport, spurned the project in favor of more lucrative and secure investments in the United States. Cunningham then showed his promotional abilities by raising the necessary capital in China. Not only was the resultant Shanghai Steam Navigation Company profitable in itself, it also brought much commission business to Russell & Co. This article, based mainly on the manuscript records of the Forbes family, contributes to a more realistic estimate of the amount of American capital in the Far Eastern trade and to a greater appreciation of the administrative problems and methods involved.
Percutaneous intravesical retrieval of a misplaced urethral stent: new laparoscopic instrumentation.

Indwelling urethral stents are used after distal hypospadias repair, and various stents and methods for securing stents exist. Proponents maintain that stents decrease the incidence of fistula, stenosis and urinary retention. Drawbacks to stenting include discomfort due mostly to bladder spasms despite the use of anticholinergic medications.1 We report a case of a rare complication of complete recession of the stent into the bladder and a novel method of removal. CASE REPORT A 2-year-old white boy underwent uneventful Mathieu hypospadias repair. He was discharged home with a 7F fenestrated silicone stent sutured to the glans with braided synthetic suture. Five days later the glans stitch had untied and the stent was not visible. X-ray showed the urethral stent in the bladder (fig. 1). The stent was seen with an 8F infant cystoscope but it could not be retrieved with a 14F pediatric cystoscope without injuring the neourethra. After filling the bladder we percutaneously accessed the bladder with a 2 mrn. trwar sheath and advanced a 14 gauge pediatric rat toothed grasping forceps through the port to retrieve the stent (fig. 2). The patient has a minimal suprapubic scar and excellent cosmetic result.
Synthesis and characterization of a polyisoprene-b-polystyrene-b-poly(3-hexylthiophene) triblock copolymer

A polyisoprene-b-polystyrene-b-poly(3-hexylthiophene) triblock copolymer was synthesized by anionic coupling of living polyisoprene-b-polystyryl lithium with allyl-terminated poly(3-hexylthiophene). The triblock copolymer retained the opto-electronic properties and morphology found in the poly(3-hexylthiophene) homopolymer despite the insulating polyisoprene and polystyrene blocks, making it potentially useful as an elastomeric semiconducting material.
Patterned zinc-diffused structures for improved avalanche probabilities in InGaAs/InP single photon detectors

Optimal fabrication of the p-i-n junction in a high performance InGaAs/InP single photon avalanche photodiode is challenging. We present a novel design with patterned Zn-diffusion to greatly improve the detection efficiency and reduce dark count.
Magma storage prior to the 1912 eruption at Novarupta, Alaska

New analytical and experimental data constrain the storage and equilibration conditions of the magmas erupted in 1912 from Novarupta in the 20th century's largest volcanic event. Phase relations at H2O+CO2 fluid saturation were determined for an andesite (58.7 wt% SiO2) and a dacite (67.7 wt%) from the compositional extremes of intermediate magmas erupted. The phase assemblages, matrix melt composition and modes of natural andesite were reproduced experimentally under H2O-saturated conditions (i.e., PH2O=PTOT) in a negatively sloping region in T–P space from 930 °C/100 MPa to 960 °C/75 MPa with fO2~NNO+1. The H2O-saturated equilibration conditions of the dacite are constrained to a T–P region from 850 °C/50 MPa to 880 °C/25 MPa. If H2O-saturated, these magmas equilibrated at (and above) the level where co-erupted rhyolite equilibrated (~100 MPa), suggesting that the andesite-dacite magma reservoir was displaced laterally rather than vertically from the rhyolite magma body. Natural mineral and melt compositions of intermediate magmas were also reproduced experimentally under saturation conditions with a mixed (H2O + CO2) fluid for the same range in PH2O. Thus, a storage model in which vertically stratified mafic to silicic intermediate magmas underlay H2O-saturated rhyolite is consistent with experimental findings only if the intermediates have XH2O fl=0.7 and 0.9 for the extreme compositions, respectively. Disequilibrium features in natural pumice and scoria include pristine minerals existing outside their stability fields, and compositional zoning of titanomagnetite in contact with ilmenite. Variable rates of chemical equilibration which would eliminate these features constrain the apparent thermal excursion and re-distribution of minerals to the time scale of days.
The obligatory involvement of the electron transport system in the catabolic metabolism of Haemophilus parainfluenzae.

The catabolic metabolism ofHaemophilus parainfluenzae involves the activity of enzymes of the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway, the hexose monophosphate pathway, and the tricarboxylic acid cycles. The enzymes of these pathways are very likely localized in the cytoplasm of the bacteria and generate the catabolites which have an obligatory reaction with the membrane-bound electron transport system. The catabolites formed interact to reduce or in some cases to reoxidize six distinct primary membrane-bound dehydrogenases of the electron transport system. The obligatory interaction of the catabolic enzyme systems and the membrane-bound electron transport system involves the generation of DPN as beef heart lactic dehydrogenase can substitute for the membrane-bound electron transport system.
Women and Philanthropy

The upsurge of research on the voluntary sector during the past decade has been extraordinary. We now have databases and detailed studies of nonprofit activities of a quantity and quality that few would have predicted when the Independent Sector hosted its first Spring Research Forum in 1983. To date, the majority of this work has focused on the nonprofits themselves: their numbers, their activities, their managerial concerns, and the effect of government cutbacks. However, far less attention has been devoted to what might be termed the human equation: the social, political, and economic impact of giving and voluntarism.
Superantigens related to B cell hyperplasia

In both mouse and humans, B cell hyperplasia is seen in many situations that involve T cell stimulation. In the mouse, some of these conditions appear to involve a SAg-induced T cell response, which can result in chronic B cell hyperplasia and development of B cell lymphomas. From our investigation of the B cell lymphomas that characteristically arise in a majority (≃90%) of SJL/J mice, it is clear that a vSAg which is encoded by a unique endogenous mammary tumor provirus is involved in the neoplastic process. The tumor-associated vSAg (mtv-29-LTR) stimulates a TCR Vβ-restricted subset of T cells (Vβ16+) to produce cytokines which the lymphoma cells use as paracrine growth factors for progressive growth. We speculate that themtv-29-encoded vSAg may be expressed on germinal center B cells, even in young SJL mice, and that the characteristic chronic B cell hyperplasia seen in this strain is driven by the cytokines produced by responding Vβ16+ T cells. Moreover, the cytokine dependence of the SJL B cell lymphomas on IL-5 and IL-4 suggests that preferential stimulation of Th2 cells is involved. This scenario of B cell hyperplasia associated with SAg-induced Th2 cell stimulation may also be a major element in other murine models, such as chronic parent → F1 GvHD and MAIDS.
Effects of Some Staining Agents on Dentin Apposition in Young Rabbits

Alizarin red S, trypan blue, chlortetracycline, and 45Ca were administered to young rabbits that received multiple injections of lead acetate as marker. Inhibiting effects of these agents on dentin apposition were studied. No evidence of toxicity of chlortetracycline or 45Ca was detected. Alizarin at 100 mg/kg reduced the rate of dentin apposition, and 150 mg/kg caused severe retardation. Trypan blue at 50 to 100 mglkg showed no adverse effects, but 350 mglkg arrested dentinogenesis completely.
Attenuation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ) mediates gastrin-stimulated colorectal cancer cell proliferation

Peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) has been shown to suppress cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, whereas the gastrointestinal regulatory peptide gastrin stimulates the growth of neoplastic cells. The present studies were directed to determine whether changes in PPARγ expression might mediate the effects of gastrin on the proliferation of colorectal cancer (CRC). Initially, using growth assays, we determined that the human CRC cell line DLD-1 expressed both functional PPARγ and gastrin receptors. Amidated gastrin (G-17) attenuated the growth suppressing effects of PPARγ by decreasing PPARγ activity and total protein expression, in part through an increase in the rate of proteasomal degradation. G-17-induced degradation of PPARγ appeared to be mediated through phosphorylation of PPARγ at serine 84 by a process involving the biphasic phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). These results were confirmed through the use of EGFR antagonist AG1478 and MEK1 inhibitor PD98059. Furthermore, mutation of PPARγ at serine 84 reduced the effects of G-17, as evident by inability of G-17 to attenuate PPARγ promoter activity, degrade PPARγ, or inhibit the growth suppressing effects of PPARγ. The results of these studies demonstrate that the trophic properties of gastrin in CRC may be mediated in part by transactivation of the EGFR and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, leading to degradation of PPARγ protein and a decrease in PPARγ activation.
Evaluating the transient response of a network function

A simple procedure to calculate the transient response given a network function as a ratio of polynomials in the complex frequency is presented. The numerical solution is obtained by a recursive transformation of a vector and does not depend on the computation of the state transition matrix or any other matrix.
Novel type of red-shifted chlorophyll a antenna complex from Chromera velia. I. Physiological relevance and functional connection to photosystems

Chromera velia is an alveolate alga associated with scleractinian corals. Here we present detailed work on chromatic adaptation in C. velia cultured under either blue or red light. Growth of C. velia under red light induced the accumulation of a light harvesting antenna complex exhibiting unusual spectroscopic properties with red-shifted absorption and atypical 710nm fluorescence emission at room temperature. Due to these characteristic features the complex was designated "Red-shifted Chromera light harvesting complex" (Red-CLH complex). Its detailed biochemical survey is described in the accompanying paper (Bina et al. 2013, this issue). Here, we show that the accumulation of Red-CLH complex under red light represents a slow acclimation process (days) that is reversible with much faster kinetics (hours) under blue light. This chromatic adaptation allows C. velia to maintain all important parameters of photosynthesis constant under both light colors. We further demonstrated that the C. velia Red-CLH complex is assembled from a 17kDa antenna protein and is functionally connected to photosystem II as it shows variability of chlorophyll fluorescence. Red-CLH also serves as an additional locus for non-photochemical quenching. Although overall rates of oxygen evolution and carbon fixation were similar for both blue and red light conditions, the presence of Red-CLH in C. velia cells increases the light harvesting potential of photosystem II, which manifested as a doubled oxygen evolution rate at illumination above 695nm. This data demonstrates a remarkable long-term remodeling of C. velia light-harvesting system according to light quality and suggests physiological significance of 'red' antenna complexes.
A Strategy for Teaching the History and Systems of Psychology.

A strategy for teaching the history and systems of psychology is described. The approach uses Kuhn's framework of paradigm. A summary o f evaluations of this approach by students is included.
Mast Cells in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis: Function Not Numbers Is What Makes All the Difference

Data obtained from animal and human studies support the existence of mast cells (MC) in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where they are considered important for the control of luminal parasites and possibly other microorganisms. MC are also implicated in food allergies, GI inflammation, and functional GI diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [1]. MC density may be increased in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBS, although such studies have yielded variable and sometimes contradictory results, likely due to methodological problems such as sampling issues, poorly characterized MC identification methodology, and lack of adequate documentation of disease correlates. There is no question that MC numbers are likely to be easier to identify and count in lesional areas as they may be present in IBD. MC density in the terminal ileum had previously been reported to be significantly increased in patients with IBS, even though MC abundance only correlated weakly with IBS symptoms, and, in some cases, a decreased density of colonic c-kit-positive in IgEor IgG-stained MC, was reported [2], even though IgEor IgG-staining is not an index of MC activation. In the paper by Choi et al. [3] published in this issue of Digestive Diseases and Sciences, the authors analyzed intestinal MC density in: (a) diverse patient cohorts, including diarrhea predominant-IBS (D-IBS), ulcerative colitis (UC) in remission, mild UC, and in healthy controls; (b) random colonic biopsies; (c) different colonic segments; and (d) mucosal MC and lamina propria/intra-epithelial T lymphocytes. The results are important because MC number was significantly increased in 97.6 % of D-IBS patients, intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IEL) were increased in 92.8 %, and lamina propria lymphocytes (LPL) were increased in 81.9 %. Moreover, even though the numbers of immune cells were even higher in some post-infectious (PI)-IBS patients, the remaining D-IBS patients had a significantly higher number of these cells compared with controls. Immunochemically identified were tryptase-positive MC and CD3-positive T cells (and not for all lymphocytes, as the authors stated). All publications to date, including the one by Choi et al. [3], did not report MC activation, which, according to some, is more important than actual numbers [4]. For instance, tryptase staining underestimates the number of degranulated MC, since released secretory granule tryptase does not stain. One way to identify degranulated MC is to stain for c-kit (CD117), the surface MC receptor for stem cell factor. Nevertheless, since mediator secretion can also occur without degranulation [5], MC activation can best be identified either by ultrastructural appearance T. C. Theoharides (&) Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA e-mail: theoharis.theoharides@tufts.edu
Scale-space pattern processors: are they robust to noise and occlusion?

An emerging interest in the field of computer vision and pattern recognition has been that of a 'scale-space' in which an image is progressively simplified in a manner that does not introduce artefacts. The idea is useful as it allows the input pattern space to be sampled at an appropriate scale and hence reduce data rates without losing important features. But how are such systems affected by noise or occlusion? In this paper we discuss the performance of the conventional linear diffusion processor and compare it to a class of morphological systems. We show, by using very stylised targets in both synthetic and real images, that diffusion-based systems are sensitive to noise and occlusion. The morphological systems we study have performance that is as good as, or better than, the benchmark diffusion system.
Measles virus: induced transfer of biological properties.

Neurotropic mouse measles virus (MMV), lethal for suckling mice, infects HeLa cultures with cytopathic effect but no cell-free virus is released. Edmonston strain (Edm), non-pathogenic for suckling mice, infects HeLa cultures with cytopathic effect and release of cell-free virus.
Gene therapy: a new approach for the treatment of genetic disorders.

Apres une rapide definition de la therapie genetique basee sur un transfert d'ADN recombinant, les auteurs font le point sur les tissus cibles et sur les modeles de pathologie tels que la deficience en adenosine deaminase. Des travaux experimentaux ont ete effectues chez la souris et chez l'homme sur le transfert de l'adenosine deaminase, retrovirale. Cette revue se termine par des considerations ethiques, dont il faut tenir compte pour le traitement des maladies hereditaires de l'homme