cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What do Youth Report as a Traumatic Event? Toward a Developmentally Informed Classification of Traumatic Stressors.

The aim of this study was to explore youth reports of traumatic events by 1) identifying the types of events that children and adolescents report as traumatic in their lives, 2) investigating the association between self reported traumatic events and self and parent reported emotional problems and 3) by examining developmental differences in the types and severity of the events reported as traumatic. Information regarding traumas and symptoms was collected from a sample of youth aged 6–17 using The Child PTSD Checklist. A coding system was developed for classifying the events reported. Findings suggest that youth reported a wide variety of experiences as traumatic that could be reliably coded and classified, and that youth reporting traumatic events and symptoms consistent with PTSD evidence higher levels of emotional, and behavioral problems (via parent and child report) than youth not reporting traumatic events. Youth aged 13–17 tended to report traumas that were rated by independent coders as more severe than youth aged 6–12. While the types of events reported did not differ in PTSD symptoms and other emotional, and behavioral problems there were differences in objective ratings of physical severity and psychological intensity. Implications of the findings are discussed in terms of the creation of developmentally informed classification of traumatic stressors.
In search of geminites: The synthesis and structural characterization of [Pd{(C 6 H 5 ) 2 P(CH 2 ) n P(C 6 H 5 ) 2 }(SeCN) 2 ] ( n = 1,2,3)and [Pd{(C 6 H 5 ) 2 PCH 2 o C 6 H 4 CH 2 P(C 6 H 5 ) 2 }(SeCN) 2 ]

Abstract Unlike its thiocyanate analogues, which involve the formation of the geminite [Pd{(C 6H 5) 2P(CH 2) 2-P(C 6H 5) 2}(SCN)(NCS)] and the di-N-bound complex [Pd{(C 6H 5) 2P(CH 2) 3P(C 6H 5) 2}(NCS) 2], the corresponding selenocyanate complexes contain only Sebound groups, as determined by the results of single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Se-bonding is also maintained in the [Pd{(C 6H 5) 2PCH 2 o C 6H 4-CH 2P-(C 6H 5) 2}(SeCN) 2] complex, based on the results of IR studies. Only in the case of the (C 6H 5) 2PCH 2P(C 6H 5) 2 palladium(II) complexes, do both pseudohalides exhibit analogous bonding via their chalcogen atoms. The selenocyanate's bonding pattern is thus dominated by the soft/soft interaction afforded by Pd-SeCN bonding, remaining impervious to increasing steric demands of the diphosphine ligands.
Use of matrices to facilitate qualitative analysis in poetry therapy

Qualitative research methods are appropriate for researching the features and outcomes of poetry therapy. This study examines the use of qualitative research methods in poetry therapy. It was found that matrices (Miles & Huberman, 1994) could be used effectively to identify emerging themes across both existing and participant-produced poems, to note similarities and differences and to evaluate outcomes. The present article is based upon the author's use of matrices in her dissertation study (Blake, 1998).
Dual-energy electronic cleansing for non-cathartic CT colonography: a phantom study

Partial volume effect and inhomogeneity are two major causes of artifacts in electronic cleansing (EC) for non-cathartic CT colonography (CTC). Our purpose was to develop a novel method of EC for non-cathartic dual-energy CTC (DECTC) using a subvoxel multi-spectral material classifier and a regional material decomposition method for differentiation of residual fecal materials from colonic soft-tissue structures. In this study, an anthropomorphic colon phantom, which was filled with a mixture of aqueous fiber (psyllium), ground foodstuff (cereal), and non-ionic iodinated agent (Omnipaque iohexol, GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI), was scanned by a dual-energy CT scanner (SOMATON, Siemens) with two photon energies: 80 kVp and 140 kVp. The DE-CTC images were subjected to a dual-energy EC (DE-EC) scheme, in which a multi-spectral material classifier was used to compute the fraction of each material within one voxel by an expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. This was followed by a regional material segmentation method for identifying of homogeneous sub-regions (tiles) as fecal materials from other tissue types. The results were compared with the structural-analysis cleansing (SA-EC) method based upon the CTC images of native phantom without fillings. The mean cleansing ratio of the DE-EC scheme was 96.57±1.21% compared to 76.3±5.56% of the SA-EC scheme. The soft-tissue preservation ratio of the DE-EC scheme was 97.05%±0.64% compared to 99.25±0.77% of the SA-EC scheme.
Chemoradiation in conservation therapy for esophageal cancer.

Cancer of the esophagus is managed with concurrently administered systemic chemotherapy and irradiation (chemoradiation). This treatment offers a 5-year cure rate of approximately 25% when virtually none existed before. Patients with clinically localized cancer and patients who have extensive disease with or without comorbid illnesses have been selected for this approach. The success of chemoradiation when compared with external beam irradiation alone has led to more toxic chemoradiation programs. Ongoing single-institution and cooperative group trials continue to test high-dose chemoradiation without surgery in an attempt to achieve higher cure rates while preserving esophageal function.
Prognostic Health Monitoring of Damage Progression in Leadfree Electronics Under Sequential Exposure to Thermal Aging and Thermal Cycling

Deployed electronic systems may be subjected to cyclic thermo-mechanical loads during storage and subsequent to deployment. Aging has been previously shown to affect the reliability and constitutive behavior of second-level leadfree interconnects. Prognostication of accrued damage and assessment of residual life is extremely critical for ultra-high reliability systems in which the cost of failure is too high. The presented methodology uses leading indicators of failure based on micro-structural evolution of damage to identify impending failure in electronic systems subjected to sequential stresses of thermal aging and thermal cycling. The methodology has been demonstrated on area-array ball-grid array test assemblies with Sn3Ag0.5Cu interconnects subjected to thermal aging at 125°C and thermal cycling from −55 to 125°C for various lengths of time and cycles. Damage equivalency methodologies have been developed to map damage accrued in thermal aging to the reduction in thermo-mechanical cyclic life based on damage proxies. Prognostic metrics including α-λ metric, sample standard deviation, mean square error, mean absolute percentage error, average bias, relative accuracy, and cumulative relative accuracy have been used to compare the performance of the damage proxies.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Effects of chloramphenicol and fusidic acid on polyribosome metabolism in escherichia coli.

A functional cycle for ribosomes was first suggested by Mangiarotti and Schlessinger [ 11, and has been elaborated and supported by various studies [2-41. In this cycle, a 30s and a 50s ribosomal subunit periodically are coupled to mRNA, move along it directing the synthesis of a protein chain, and dissociate on the release of the completed chain. While the addition of ribosomal subunits at initiation of protein synthesis and their release at termination have been studied in some detail (see reviews, refs. [5,6]), information has remained fragmentary about other major features of polyribosome metabolism, such as mRNA formation and destruction, and movement of ribosomes along mRNA. Here we report relevant results on the effects of chloramphenicol and fusidic acid on polyribosome metabolism. When chloramphenicol is added to cells, peptide bond formation stops, but newly-formed mRNA continues to enter polyribosomes at rates comparable to control cells for several hours; i.e., polyribosome formation is uncoupled from protein synthesis. In contrast, when fusidic acid is added to cultures, most of the polyribosomes are “frozen”, and the rate of entry of new messenger RNA into polyribosomes is decreased 5 to lO-fold. Since fusidic acid specifically blocks the GTPase action of the G factor required for amino acid polymerization we conclude that GTPase action, but not peptide bond formation, is specifically required in uivo for movement of ribosomes on mRNA. 2. Methods and results
Muscle relaxant choices for rapid sequence induction

Abstract Rapid sequence induction (RSI) for intubation using neuromuscular blockade (NMB) is the most common method of achieving emergent tracheal intubation. 1 The ideal muscle relaxant for RSI would have four characteristics: a rapid onset to minimize the risk of aspiration and hypoxia, a rapid recovery to facilitate the return of ventilation if intubation proves difficult, minimal hemodynamic effects, and minimal systemic effects. 2 However, the ideal drug has yet to be found or created, so succinylcholine has been widely used for more than 40 years as a muscle relaxant in patients with full stomachs or who require emergent intubation. 3,4 Recently, rocuronium has received consideration as an alternative. 1,4 This article discusses both agents.
First Isolation and Structural Characterization of Bis(Anthracene)Metal Complexes: [Ti(η6‐C14H10)(η4‐C14H10)(η2‐dmpe)] and [Ti(η4‐C14H10)(η2‐C14H10)(η5‐C5Me5)]−

Two anthracene ligands, each coordinated differently are contained in the first two structurally characterized bis(anthracene) complexes of a Group 4 metal. Crystal structure analyses of [Ti(η6-C14H10)(η4-C14H10)(η2-dmpe)] (dmpe=1,2 - bis ( dimethylphosphino ) ethane) and [Ti(η4-C14H10)(η2-C14H10)(η5-C5Me5)]− (see picture) show that they have unusual and completely different structures in the solid state.
Impulse Noise: Can Hitting a Softball Harm Your Hearing?

The purpose of this study is to identify whether or not different materials of softball bats (wooden, aluminum, and composite) are a potential risk harm to hearing when batting players strike a 12'' core .40 softball during slow, underhand pitch typical of recreational games. Peak sound pressure level measurements and spectral analyses were conducted for three controlled softball pitches to a batting participant using each of the different bat materials in an unused outdoor playing field with regulation distances between the pitcher's mound and batter's box. The results revealed that highest recorded peak sound pressure level was recorded from the aluminum (124.6 dBC) bat followed by the composite (121.2 dBC) and wooden (120.0 dBC) bats. Spectral analysis revealed composite and wooden bats with similar broadly distributed amplitude-frequency response. The aluminum bat also produced a broadly distributed amplitude-frequency response, but there were also two very distinct peaks at around 1700 Hz and 2260 Hz above the noise floor that produced its ringing (or ping) sound after being struck. Impulse (transient) sounds less than 140 dBC may permit multiple exposures, and softball bats used in a recreational slow pitch may pose little to no risk to hearing.
DISTRIBUTION OF SYNAPSES IN THE LATERAL GENICULATE NUCLEUS OF THE CAT : DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LAMINAE A AND A1 AND BETWEEN RELAY CELLS AND INTERNEURONS

Laminae A and A1 of the lateral geniculate nucleus in the cat are generally considered to be a structurally and functionally matched pair of inputs from two eyes, although there are subtle light microscopic and physiological differences. The present study aims to display ultrastructural differences between these two laminae based on electron microscopic observances on the connectivity patterns of their afferents onto two main cell types: relay cells, and interneurons present in this nucleus. In a design of population measurement from randomized sample areas in laminae A and A1 from six brains, all synaptic contacts made by three terminal types of the geniculate nucleus were identified, and a number of relative distribution properties were analyzed. When the A-laminae were considered as a homogeneous structure, the distribution of the three terminal types on geniculate cells was similar to previously reported results, confirming the validity of the sampling strategies used; RLP (retinal) terminals provided one-fifth of all synapses, whereas RD (from cortex and brainstem) and F (inhibitory) types constituted one-half and one-third, respectively. The relay cells alone received a similar composition of afferents. However, interneurons alone received approximately equal amounts of synapses from the three sources. Similar analyses comparing the distributions in lamina A and A1 revealed that RD and F terminals, but not RLP terminals, innervate these two laminae differently; more RD and fewer F terminals were found in lamina A1. This difference was also present in the distribution of terminals on relay cells alone, but not on interneurons. These results suggest that (1) retinal terminals form a significantly larger fraction of the input to interneurons than to relay cells; correspondingly, cortex and brainstem provide a smaller fraction of all inputs to interneurons than to relay cells; and (2) laminae A and A1 are not strictly equivalent projection sites of the two retinae. The results are discussed in relation to the Y-cell subpopulation in lamina A1 that is involved in corticotectal, as well as corticogeniculate circuits, as opposed to Y-cells of lamina A that are involved in only
On the use of internal rate of return in linear and integer programming

Internal rate of return (IRR) is used as a criterion many investment decisions. For example many issuers of new municipal debt evaluate competitive bids on the basis of IRR. We incorporate IRR into mathematical programming formulations in such a way that the resulting problem becomes linear. This linearization permits linear programming and integer linear programming algorithms to be brought to bear on problems which had heretofore been solved in an iterative, time consuming fashion.
Synthesis of biomass-derived methylcyclopentane as a gasoline additive via aldol condensation/hydrodeoxygenation of 2,5-hexanedione

A novel approach to produce biomass-derived gasoline is the hydrolysis of 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) to produce 2,5-hexanedione followed by base-catalyzed intramolecular aldol condensation of this product to form 3-methylcyclopent-2-enone (MCP). By proper choice of catalysts and conditions, MCP yields of 98% can be achieved. We further show that hydrogenation of MCP over Pt/NbOPO4 gives methylcyclopentane with virtually quantitative yields. Methylcyclopentane is an attractive gasoline substitute for ethanol, since its octane number is similar to ethanol and its gravimetric energy density is 58% higher.
Brilliant total reflection from a liquid-liquid interface.

Abstract In this paper I describe total reflection of great brilliancy that seems to indicate that an interface can be very thin.
Ultralow Power 80 Gb/s Arrayed CMOS Silicon Photonic Transceivers for WDM Optical Links

Silicon photonic interconnects offer a promising solution to meeting the ever growing demand for more efficient I/O bandwidth density. We report an ultralow power 80 Gb/s arrayed silicon photonic transceiver for dense, large bandwidth inter/intrachip interconnects. Low parasitic microsolder-based hybrid bonding enables close integration of silicon photonic array devices optimized on a 130 nm silicon-on-insulator CMOS platform with CMOS very large scale integration circuits optimized on a 40 nm silicon CMOS platform to achieve unprecedented energy efficiency. The hybrid CMOS transceiver consists of eight 10 Gb/s channels with a total consumed power below 6 mW/channel. The eight-channel wavelength division multiplexing transmitter array using cascaded tunable ring modulators demonstrated better than 100 fJ/bit energy efficiency for 10 Gb/s operation excluding the laser power and tuning power, while the eight-channel receiver array using broadband Ge p-i-n waveguide detectors show sensitivity of better than -15 dBm for a bit error rate of 10-12 at a data rate of 10 Gb/s with energy efficiency of better than 500 fJ/bit.
Utilization of "used" vials: cost-effective technique for MR arthrography.

Because full vials of commercially available MR arthrographic contrast are expensive, we hypothesized that the small residual contrast in a "used" vial would be adequate for MR arthrography. After sterility testing and quantity analysis of the residual contrast in 28 vials, this method was successfully used in 10 patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2000;12:953-955.
"Whatever feels good in my soul": body ethics and aesthetics among African American and Latina women.

Ethnicity-specific differences in body aesthetic ideals and body satisfaction have been cited as a potential explanation for interethnic differences in the prevalence and presentation of eating disorders. It has been widely hypothesized that such ethnically based differences in aesthetic body ideals mitigate cultural pressures that contribute to body disparagement and disordered eating among white women. However, mechanisms by which a cultural milieu may be protective against the development of disordered eating remain poorly understood. This study investigated relationships among ethnicity, self-representation, and body aesthetic ideals among 18 college-educated black and Latina women through analysis of focus group discussion data. Rather than confirming body aesthetic ideals different from those of white culture, study respondents reframed the discussion about body aesthetics to one of body ethics. That is, study subjects both contested ideologies defining thinness and whiteness as inherently beautiful and espoused a body ethic of self-acceptance and nurturance that rejects mainstream cultural pressures to reshape bodies to approximate aesthetic ideals promulgated in the media. We conclude that understanding body image concerns from the standpoint of body ethics, rather than body aesthetics, may be a more productive and inclusive approach to the study of ethnically diverse women's embodied experience. Ultimately it is anticipated that this will better illuminate the complex relationships among ethnicity, culture, and risk for body image and eating disorders.
Freezing of the intact rat stomach: an indication of the biologic potential of the technic.

This study indicates that the instrument of cold can, under appropriate conditions, markedly alter the ability of the intact stomach to secrete acid. In general, the degree of reduction in acid production is directly related to the degree of hypothermia employed and is accompanied by a marked decrease in parietal- and chief-cell mass. The effectiveness of a single episode of hypothermia in the rat stomach is a consequence of the fact that a uniform freeze of precise duration is easily attained. Thus, the work presented here confirms and extends the observations of Buchanet al. 9, 10 and gives an indication of the biologic potential of gastric hypothermia.
On-line mass separator investigation of the new isotope 2.9-sec $sup 116$I

Using on-line mass separation $sup 116$I has been identified and its half-life determined to be 2.91 +- 0.15 sec. The activity was produced by the $sup 103$Rh($sup 16$O, 3n)$sup 116$I reaction and by the decay of 57-sec $sup 116$Xe. The $sup 116$I decays primarily to the ground state of $sup 116$Te and also to excited states at 678.9 and 1219.1 keV. From positron measurements, a decay energy of Q/sub E//sub C/ = 7.71 +- 0.20 MeV is assigned to $sup 116$I. $gamma$ rays of 540.2 and 678.9 keV are observed in this decay and are assigned to depopulate levels in $sup 116$Te at 1219.1 and 678.9 keV, respectively. The former is a new level with a probable spin-parity of either 2$sup +$ of 0$sup +$. From the logft values, a spin-parity assignment of 1$sup +$ is deduced for the ground state of $sup 116$I, which is interpreted to have a configuration of $pi$ (d$sub 5$/$sub 2$) $nu$ (d$sub 3$/$sub 2$). A decay energy of Q/sub E//sub C/ =4.34 +- 0.20 MeV observed from activity produced by the $sup 104$Pd + $sup 16$O reaction is assigned to $sup 116$Xe. (AIP)
Repellency of Selected Compounds to Tribolium castaneum

Ninety compounds structurally related to those compounds found in previous tests to be highly repellent to stored-product insects were evaluated as potential repellents of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Thirty-three of the 90 compounds were as repellent or more so than the pyrethrins-piperonyl butoxide combination used as a standard for comparison. Eight of 12 peroxycarbamic acid and 9 of 11 benzotriazin compounds tested were highly repellent to the test insect. N -Butylsulfenyl N, N -dimethyldithiocarbamate (peroxycarbamic acid, dimethyltrithio-, butyl ester) produced the highest average repellency recorded in standard repellency tests at this laboratory.
A re-examination of the non-linear interaction between an acoustic fluid and a flat plate undergoing harmonic excitation

In a recent study Nayfeh and Kelly [1] employed a direct renormalization procedure to evaluate the structural and acoustic response resulting from resonant harmonic excitation of a flat plate. Such a problem had been solved earlier by a method that employs two co-ordinate strainings. The present investigation begins by showing that the finite amplitude acoustic waves are described by the same relations in the cases of resonant and non-resonant excitation. An explicit criterion for the location of a shock is obtained, and it is proven that shocks form along a series of straight lines. A quantitative example depicts various spatial and temporal responses; some of these responses have not been evaluated previously. The distortion effects are explained in terms of self-refraction phenomena, and the results of the dual renormalization method employed earlier are shown to be incorrect in the vicinity of the shock. †
Toxicity studies on subtilin.

ConclusionsThe feeding to rats of diets containing as high as 0.1% of subtilin for 220 days was not detrimental as judged by growth, activity, organ weights and macroscopic and microscopic appearance of the tissues. The previously reported evidence for precipitation of parenterally-administered subtilin has been substantiated by microscopic examination.
A new professional role in early childhood education

The traditional method of education—one teacher in a classroom—is ineffective with children from low-income families. Six sequential studies presented in this article provide the basis for a new role model in early education—the Paraprofessional Educator Manager (PEM). The model uses one professionally trained individual to direct the activities of two teams, each composed of three paraprofessional teachers and one paraprofessional home visitor, who use a structured approach for educating young children that involves both the classroom and home setting. Implications for recruiting and training individuals to implement the model are discussed.
Use of different precursors for lipogenesis in ruminant mammary tissue

Abstract Fatty acid and CO 2 production from several different substrates by mammary tissue slices from four lactating dairy cows and three lactating goats were determined to evaluate the role of the citrate cleavage pathway in lipogenesis in mammary tissue of ruminants. Rates of conversion of nonglucose substrates (acetate, pyruvate, lactate, alanine, and propionate) to fatty acids exceeded that of glucose. Rate of acetate use was similar to that of pyruvate; rates for acetate and pyruvate were several-fold greater than those for glucose, lactate, or alanine. Propionate was used for lipogenesis at a rate greater than that of glucose but less than that for acetate and lactate. Rates of oxidationof the different substrates to CO 2 closely paralleled their rates of conversion to fatty acids. Substantial use of the several substrates that are converted to mitochondrial acetyl-CoA, an intermediate of de novo fatty acid synthesis, indicates that low activity of the citrate cleavage pathway does not limit use of glucose for fatty acid synthesis in ruminant mammary tissue.
Using dialog and human observations to dictate tasks to a learning robot assistant

Robot assistants need to interact with people in a natural way in order to be accepted into people’s day-to-day lives. We have been researching robot assistants with capabilities that include visually tracking humans in the environment, identifying the context in which humans carry out their activities, understanding spoken language (with a fixed vocabulary), participating in spoken dialogs to resolve ambiguities, and learning task procedures. In this paper, we describe a robot task learning algorithm in which the human explicitly and interactively instructs a series of steps to the robot through spoken language. The training algorithm fuses the robot’s perception of the human with the understood speech data, maps the spoken language to robotic actions, and follows the human to gather the action applicability state information. The robot represents the acquired task as a conditional procedure and engages the human in a spoken-language dialog to fill in information that the human may have omitted.
Discovery of chicken microRNAs associated with lipogenesis and cell proliferation

The primary function of microRNA (miRNA, a class of small regulatory RNA) is to regulate gene expression. Studies of miRNA in mammals suggest that many liver-associated miRNAs are expressed, with a wide range of functions. To characterize miRNA expressed in the avian liver, we created two small RNA libraries from embryonic chick livers at embryonic day (E)15 and E20, a time at which the embryo begins to grow rapidly and so its energy demands increase. It is of interest to examine miRNAs expressed at these developmental stages because miRNAs involved in regulating metabolic pathways and cell proliferation are likely to be identified. The small RNA libraries were sequenced with 454 Life Sciences deep sequencing. Of the 49,937 sequences obtained, 29,390 represented known chicken miRNAs and 1,233 reads represented homologous miRNAs that have not been previously identified in chickens. Additionally, 1,032 reads represented 17 potential novel miRNAs not previously identified in any species. To further investigate the possible functions of avian liver miRNAs we identified the potential targets of two differentially expressed novel miRNAs, nc-miR-5 and nc-miR-33. These two miRNAs were predicted to target metabolic genes, including the lipid metabolism-associated gene fatty acid synthase (FAS), and genes involved in the control of cell proliferation, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated binding protein (Pparbp) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4). Our findings demonstrate that a diverse group of miRNAs are expressed in developing avian livers. In addition, some of the identified miRNAs have been suggested to play a key role(s) in regulating metabolic pathways.
Relation of counting methods to taphonomic gradients and biofacies zonation of foraminiferal sediment assemblages

Abstract The routine procedure for most distributional studies of foraminifera has been to count approximately 300 specimens of all sizes greater than some specified minimum (usually between 63 and 125 μm), and determine percent abundance of each species using total counts. This method fails to take into account that foraminiferal species may be found predominantly within certain size fractions, either because of species-specific size ranges or taphonomic processes (e.g., sorting, transport, abrasion, dissolution). Use of an alternative counting procedure (“sieve method”) takes into account foraminiferal size distributions. The sieve method utilizes counts of up to 300 specimens in each sand size fraction (0.125–0.25, 0.25–0.5, 0.5–1.0, 1–2 mm) of each sample. Counts are then totaled for each sample (up to 1200 specimens per site) and used in determination of species abundances for each site. The sieve method has been of considerable utility in recognition of foraminiferal bathymetric zonation preserved in sediment assemblages of fringing reef environments at Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Well-documented reef zones (originally based on corals and physiography) are relatively well-defined in Q-mode cluster analysis (UPGMA) of species abundances determined using the sieve method. In contrast, reef zones are not recognized in cluster analysis of foraminiferal species abundances based on the standard method, nor by cluster analysis of species abundances within individual size fractions. The sieve counting procedure compensates for operator bias in specimen counts introduced by large and unusually abundant species (e.g.,Amphistegina gibbosa) and by small but colorful forms (e.g.,Discorbis rosea), which mask the zonation using the standard procedure. The sieve method does not alter overall depth-related trends in species abundance, distribution, or diversity as determined by the standard method. Thus, foraminiferal sediment assemblages contain more paleoenvironmental information than had previously been thought.
A Deficit in preprodynorphin mRNA expression in hippocampus of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abstract A significantly lower level of preprodynorphin mRNA hybridization signal was found in hippocampal dentate granule cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats at 4 and 16 weeks old, before and after hypertension development respectively, when compared with preprodynorphin (PPD) mRNA level in the hippocampus of age-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats. The possible implications of disturbed PPD mRNA and dynorphin expression in the hippocampus are discussed with regard to pathphysiology of hypertension and central control of cardiovascular function.
The influence of finite extensibility on the eigenspectrum of dilute polymeric solutions

Abstract Linear stability of plane Couette flow of dilute polymeric solutions modeled using the FENE-P constitutive equation has been examined. Specifically, the spurious, discrete and continuous spectra are identified as a function of the ratio of the solvent to the total viscosity β , maximum chain length L , disturbance wavenumber α and the Weissenberg number ( We ). It is observed that reducing L shifts the entire spectrum to the left (in the eigenspectrum plane) by a factor directly related to the steady-state value of the Peterlin function f . Additionally, decreasing the value of L causes the splitting of the regular continuous spectrum, initially located at −1/ We , into two branches. Overall, the plane Couette flow of a FENE-P model is found to be unconditionally stable. Specifically, decreasing L increases the decay rate of the most dangerous disturbance while increasing the number of discrete and spurious modes. However, increasing both β and α decreases the number of discrete and spurious modes whereas increasing We has no influence on the number of spurious modes but results in an increase in the number of discrete modes.
Further characterization of the suppressor cells, activated by goat anti-Th-B antibody reagent and responsible for enhanced growth of sarcoma 180 in AKR mice.

Abstract In our previous study, thymus cells were shown to be responsible for enhancing the growth of the allogeneic sarcoma 180 (S180) in AKR mice that had been injected with goat anti-Th-B antibody reagent (antiserum raised in goats against Balb/c myeloma MOPC 104E cells and purified). We suggested that the cells producing enhancement are suppressor T cells. We now show that the cells responsible for tumor enhancement are indeed T cells, since they carry the Thy-1 antigen on their surface. Treatment of the cells in vitro with anti-Thy-1 plus complement completely eliminates their ability to enhance tumor growth. The thymocytes responsible for tumor enhancement do not carry the Th-B determinant. Treating thymocytes in vitro with goat anti-Th-B antibody reagent plus complement does not abrogate their tumor-enhancing activity. This suggests that the suppressor T cells involved in tumor enhancement are generated by the interaction of anti-Th-B antibodies with precursor suppressor cells which do carry Th-B. Once generated, the active suppressor cells lose the Th-B antigen. This suggestion is supported by our finding that the thymic precursors of Con A-inducible suppressor cells bear Th-B, since they are killed by anti-Th-B plus complement, whereas active suppressor cells induced by Con A do not carry Th-B, since they are not killed by anti-Th-B plus complement. Neither splenic precursors of Con A-inducible suppressor cells nor the active suppressor cells thus induced carry Th-B since neither is killed by anti-Th-B plus complement. We have also found that there are apparently nonthymic suppressor cell precursors which can also be activated by anti-Th-B, since spleen cells from thymectomized mice bearing S180 and treated with anti-Th-B can transfer the tumor-enhancing effect. We conclude that precursors of suppressor cells carry the Th-B determinant. These precursors differentiate to active suppressor cells when stimulated by anti-Th-B antibodies. This process can take place either outside the thymus or in the thymus. Once differentiated, the mature suppressor cells no longer bear the Th-B marker and migrate from their sites of induction. Such cells can suppress immune mechanisms responsible for allogeneic tumor graft rejection and thus cause tumor enhancement.
External Beam Irradiation for Inhibition of Intimal Hyperplasia following Prosthetic Bypass: Preliminary Results

To determine whether external beam irradiation delivered immediately after graft implantation can inhibit anastomotic intimal hyperplasia (IH) 1 month following polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bypass in a sheep carotid artery model, 23 sheep underwent bilateral bypass of the ligated common carotid artery with 8-mm PTFE immediately followed by a single dose of irradiation (15, 21, or 30 Gy) to one side. The 15 animals with bilaterally patent grafts were euthanized at 1 month and graft-arterial anastomoses harvested. Using computer-aided image analysis, IH areas and thicknesses were measured. Graft patency in this model was 83% at 1 month and did not differ according to treatment administered. In the control animals, IH was greatest at mid-anastomosis, but minimal within the native vessel. All three radiation doses markedly inhibited mid-anastomotic IH area and thickness. At the proximal anastomosis, 30 Gy reduced the IH area 20-fold, from 2.06 to 0.14 mm2 (p <0.0001 by ANOVA), and IH thickness 70-fold, from 29.0 to 0.4 mm (p <0.0002); similar effects were seen at the distal anastomosis. No adverse effects of radiation treatment were observed. External beam irradiation in doses of 15 to 30 Gy delivered in a single fraction immediately after operation markedly inhibits development of intimal hyperplasia 1 month following end-to-side anastomosis with PTFE in sheep.
Electronic states of Ga2P2

Abstract Geometries and energy separations of sixteen electronic states of the Ga 2 P 2 cluster are computed using the complete active space multi-configuration self-consistent field followed by multi-reference singles + doubles configuration interaction (MRSDCI) computations that included over a million configurations. The ground state of Ga 2 P 2 was found to be a 1 A g state with an equilibrium structure of a rhombus. Low-lying 3 A u , 1 A u , and 3 B 2g excited states are also found with the same geometries. In addition, several other excited states are obtained.
Desiccation shrinkage of cementitious materials as an aging, poroviscoelastic response

This paper describes and evaluates a new model that utilizes aging poroviscoelasticity for predicting the shrinkage of cementitious materials induced by loss of moisture from the pore structure (i.e. desiccation). The new model incorporates well-accepted mechanisms for desiccation shrinkage and accounts for the effect of changing concentrations of dissolved species in the pore fluid. Additionally, the model is used to interpret viscoelastic behavior during the drying process via comparisons of model predictions with measured shrinkage of hardened portland cement paste. It was found that while a poroelastic model under predicts the measured shrinkage, the poroviscoelastic model significantly over predicts the shrinkage unless intrinsic aging of the C-S-H gel is included in the model.
Pump-Probe Imaging Differentiates Melanoma from Melanocytic Nevi

Melanoma diagnosis is clinically challenging: the accuracy of visual inspection by dermatologists is highly variable and heavily weighted toward false positives. Even the current gold standard of biopsy results in varying diagnoses among pathologists. We have developed a multiphoton technique (based on pump-probe spectroscopy) that directly determines the microscopic distribution of eumelanin and pheomelanin in pigmented lesions of human skin. Our initial results showed a marked difference in the chemical variety of melanin between nonmalignant nevi and melanoma, as well as a number of substantial architectural differences. We examined slices from 42 pigmented lesions and found that melanomas had an increased eumelanin content compared to nonmalignant nevi. When used as a diagnostic criterion, the ratio of eumelanin to pheomelanin captured all investigated melanomas but excluded three-quarters of dysplastic nevi and all benign dermal nevi. Additional evaluation of architectural and cytological features revealed by multiphoton imaging, including the maturation of melanocytes, presence of pigmented melanocytes in the dermis, number and location of melanocytic nests, and confluency of pigmented cells in the epidermis, further increased specificity, allowing rejection of more than half of the remaining false-positive results. We then adapted this multiphoton imaging technique to hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides. By adding melanin chemical contrast to H&E-stained slides, pathologists will gain complementary information to increase the ease and accuracy of melanoma diagnosis.
Adjoint acceleration of Monte Carlo simulations using SCALE: A radiation shielding evaluation of the neutron generator room at Missouri S&T

Abstract A deuterium‐deuterium accelerator-type neutron generator was installed in the Nuclear Engineering Department at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). This generator is shielded by different hydrogenated and non-hydrogenated materials to reduce the dose rates in the vicinity of the facility. In the work presented in this paper, both SCALE6 and MCNP5 radiation transport codes were used to conduct two independent simulations. The new shielding analysis tool of SCALE6—MAVRIC, with the automatic variance reduction technique of SCALE6, was utilized to estimate and compare the dose rates from the unbiased MCNP simulation. The ultimate goal of this study was to compare the computational effectiveness offered by employing the MAVRIC sequence in the modeling of the neutron generator facility at Missouri S&T.
Statistical injury incidence rate comparisons

Abstract Statistical methods for comparing two or more injury incidence rates are presented as an aid in selecting operations for ergonomic intervention to reduce work place injuries. The methods assume that injuries occur according to a Poisson process and the analysis is conditional on the total number of injuries. Methods presented include hypothesis tests to compare the ratio of two injury incidence rates and hypothesis tests to compare more than two rates. The power of these comparisons increases with the total number of injuries observed, the Type I error probability, and as the ratio of the injury exposure periods approaches one. Expressions for simultaneous confidence intervals for two or more rates and for the ratios of two or more rates are also given. These general statistical methods can be implemented easily on a personal computer.
Adaptation of a novel operant orofacial testing system to characterize both mechanical and thermal pain

Mechanical pain sensitivity is characteristic of many orofacial pain conditions; however, few models exist to quantify this pain. Here we evaluated a novel adaptation of our existing operant system to characterize orofacial pain following mechanical and thermal stimuli. We demonstrate that the operant system is able to detect painful and analgesic responses to mechanical stimuli. These findings allow comparison of both mechanical and thermal stimuli using the same outcome measures.
Elderly patients with systemic disease.

Summary: Although the healthy elderly seizure patient can often be treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) similarly to a younger counterpart, the elderly with systemic disease require a more complex approach. The interplay of multiple organ dysfunctions and multiple non-AED medications greatly increases the challenges of managing the majority of older epilepsy patients. In addition, age-related physiologic changes in hepatic and renal function, volume of distribution, and exaggerated sensitivity to side effects alter the usual “rules” for administering AEDs. Thorough knowledge of the general principles of geriatric physiology and pharmacology may predict optimal selection of initial or subsequent AED therapy in this population.
Concurrent error detection in VLSI processor arrays

This paper describes a novel technique using residue codes to detect errors (caused by either permanent or transient faults) in numerical systolic arrays concurrently with the normal operation of the system. A careful analysis of errors is used to drastically reduce the number of residue generators and checkers necessary. Undetectable errors are avoided by suitably choosing the modulo size of the residue code and by slightly modifying the implementation of the multipliers in the truncating circuits or applying few residue code checkers to the array. Error propagation in the array is analyzed in detail to ensure that an erroneous result gen-erated by any adder or multiplier will always be detected at the outputs of the arrays. VLSI implementations of dif-ferent kinds of adders and multipliers are analyzed to show that errors due to faults inside a single bit slice will always produce a detectable error at the output of the arrays. The procedure can be applied to all the processor arrays which can be derived from signal flow graphs.
Functional Response of a Predator (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) to Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Eggs on Smoothleaf, Hirsute, and Pilose Cottons

Greenhouse and laboratory studies were conducted to determine effect of cotton trichome density on predation of bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), eggs by green lacewing, Chrysopa rufilabris (Burmeister), larvae. A no-choice greenhouse test showed that fewer eggs were destroyed on a pilose cotton than on smoothleaf and hirsute cottons. Further, egg predation was greater on the smoothleaf cotton than on the hirsute cotton. Laboratory studies demonstrated that cotton-leaf trichomes inhibited movement of C. rufilabris larvae over leaf surfaces. Thus, cotton trichomes are mechanical barriers, which reduce mobility and, consequently, predatory ability of C. rufilabris (measured as a functional response of larvae to H. zea eggs). This phenomenon appears to be related to the predator’s body size, because larger third instars were less affected by trichomes than were smaller first and second instars.
A GENERALIZED VIEW OF NONMONOTONIC KNOWLEDGE: A SET OF THEORETIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract We provide a set theoretic framework for looking at the classical logical inference problem. We then introduce within this framework a new class of propositions, called second order propositions, which provide a prototypical characterization of nonmonotonic type default knowledge. We study the properties of this new class of propositions.
Imaging Management of Palpable Breast Abnormalities

OBJECTIVE. Women commonly present to imaging departments with a palpable breast abnormality. However, widespread confusion remains regarding the most appropriate sequence and extent of imaging required. The purpose of this article is to discuss the evidence informing current management guidelines for the care of patients with palpable breast abnormalities. CONCLUSION. Ultrasound is a highly effective imaging tool for guiding effective evaluation of women with palpable breast abnormalities and should be used for all women with suspicious findings at clinical breast examination. The exception is cases in which mammography shows a clearly benign correlate or a normal, fatty area of breast tissue in the location of the palpable finding. Breast ultrasound should be the primary imaging tool for women with palpable lumps who are pregnant, lactating, or younger than 30 years. For women 40 years old and older, mammography, followed in most cases by ultrasound, is recommended. For women 30–39 years old, ultrasound ...
Biochemical and Immunologic Characterization of Serum Biotinidase in Partial Biotinidase

ABSTRACT: Newborn screening for biotinidase deficiency has identified children with profound biotinidase deficiency (less than 10% of mean normal activity) and about an equal number of children with partial biotinidase deficiency (10 to 30% of mean normal activity). Partial biotinidase deficiency was initially considered a variant without clinical consequences until one child, during an episode of gastroenteritis, developed symptoms of biotinidase deficiency that resolved with biotin therapy. Biochemical and immunologic characterization of biotinidase was performed in sera from 23 children with partial biotinidase deficiency from 19 families and 18 of their parents. As expected, all patients had cross-reacting material in their serum. Patients with partial biotinidase deficiency can be classified into six distinct biochemical phenotypes on the basis of the number of isoforms and the distribution frequency of the isoforms. Kinetic studies were performed on samples from 17 of the patients and were found to be normal in all cases. The patient with partial deficiency who became symptomatic has an isoform profile that is not different from 10 other asymptomatic, partially deficient children. The parents had normal isoform patterns. The isoform patterns observed in the patients with partial biotinidase deficiency were not different from those of the profoundly deficient patients who had cross-reacting material.
Electron contamination in 60Co gamma-ray beams.

All radiotherapyphoton beams are accompanied to some extent by secondary electrons which originate in interactions with source hardware, collimator, shadow tray, and/or the air through which the beam passes. Skin sparing, the shape of the dose buildup curve, and the depth of the dose maximum are all influenced by this electron ‘‘contamination.’’ The present study of a 6 0Co source employs a flat ion chamber to measure dose buildup curves in polystyrene at source distances of 72 to 200 cm, with an open beam or a filter of Lucite, Cu, Pb‐loaded acrylic, or Ba‐ or Pb‐loaded nonbrowning glass placed 57 cm from the source, using 5×5, 20×20, and 35×35‐cm2 beams as defined at 80 cm SSD. The effect of electron generation in the air was studied by placing a He‐gas‐filled plastic bag in the beam. A value of about 12% is estimated for the lowest relative dose obtainable with a polystyrene phantom in a ‘‘clear’’ 6 0Co γ‐ray beam of 1‐cm diameter.
Optimal advertising in exponentially decaying markets

An optimal advertising singular control problem with unbounded control is formulated in a generalized fashion by introducing a reparametrization of time. This reparametrization is a new control. The method of dynamic programming is then used to determine the optimal synthesis. Afterward, it is easy to drop the reparametrization of time. In this interpretation, the synthesis shows an impulsive control at the initial time.