cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Superacid polymers: Paraffin isomerization and cracking in the presence of AlCl3-sulfonic acid resin complexes

Abstract Polymers were prepared by the reaction of anhydrous AlCl 3 vapors with macroporous sulfonic acid resin. HCl was evolved, and a bound complex was formed which incorporated S, Al, and Cl in the ratio 2:1:2. The resin was similar to HSO 4 AlCl 2 , initially converting n -butane into isobutane and n -hexane into isomerization and cracking products at temperatures near 100 °C. Like HSO 4 AlCl 2 , the polymer was unstable, rapidly losing Cl during operation. Olefin addition to the paraffin reactants did not significantly affect rates of cracking and isomerization, and this result stands in contrast to those of Pines and Wackher, who used n -butane and AlCl 3 HCl mixtures. It is suggested that the polymer was capable of protonating paraffins and had a proton-donor strength comparable to that of a superacid solution like SbF 5 + HF.
A case study in evaluating the usefulness of the run-time structure during coding tasks

Diagrams can help with program understanding and code modification tasks. Today, many tools extract diagrams of packages, classes, associations and dependencies. However, during coding activities, developers often ask questions about objects and relations between objects, i.e., the runtime structure. Most tools that display the run-time structure show only partial views based on running the system. In previous work, we proposed extracting diagrams of the run-time structure using static analysis. In this paper, we investigate whether developers who have access to such diagrams of the run-time structure can perform a code modification task more effectively than developers who have access to diagrams of only the code structure.
An Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming With Java

From the Publisher: This is an introductory text for beginners with no background in programming. The text teaches students how to write object-oriented programs. The book covers both Java applets and applications. Students will learn the fundamentals of object-oriented programming through the use of predefined objects supplied with the book. By using these predefined objects, the students will learn both the concepts of object-oriented programming and also how to later design their own objects by example. Students will learn how to define their own objects and how to develop programs using object-oriented design methodology. In addition, students will learn modern programming topics such as event-driven and GUI (Graphic User Interface) programming.
The use of play in the nutritional support of hospitalized children.

This paper describes how the diet of hospitalized children can be improved by using play that is geared to the developmental level of the child. How the child responds to the stress of hospitalization and ways to alleviate this stress are addressed. Play activities involving food preparation improve the quality of the child's intake and his sense of control. Deterrants to an adequate intake during hospitalization are discussed. Suggestions for improvement of the dietary intake emphasize a team approach. In addition, food items to have available in the unit kitchen and suggestions for simple, but nutritious foods, which the children can prepare are included.
Media Review: Making Good on the Promise: Student Affairs Professionals with Disabilities

(2010). Media Review: Making Good on the Promise: Student Affairs Professionals with Disabilities. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice: Vol. 47, No. 4, pp. 513-516.
Increased cyclooxygenase-2 levels in carcinogen-induced rat colonic tumors.

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Multiple studies show that continuous use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) lowers the risk of colon cancer in humans and carcinogen-treated rodents. One target for NSAIDs is cyclooxygenase (COX), and two isoforms of this enzyme have been identified: COX-1 and COX-2. The present study was undertaken to determine if there is differential expression of COX in colonic tumors in azoxymethane-treated rats. METHODS: COX-1 and COX-2 messenger RNA levels were determined by Northern blot analysis of total RNA isolated from colonic tumors and normal adjacent mucosa. COX-2 protein levels were determined by Western blotting analysis. Quantitation of relative band densities was performed using standard densitometry scanning techniques. RESULTS: There was a marked increase in COX-2 RNA levels in six of six colonic tumors compared with paired normal mucosa. In contrast, there was equivalent intensity of the COX-1 RNA transcript between the normal mucosa and tumor in all of the specimens examined. Western blotting analysis showed an increase in the level of the COX-2 protein in four of five of the colonic tumor samples. CONCLUSIONS: COX- 2 but not COX-1 gene expression is markedly elevated in most colonic tumors examined in azoxymethane-treated rodents. COX-2 may provide a target for chemopreventive strategies for colorectal cancer. (Gastroenterology 1996 Apr;110(4):1259-62)
Developments, complications and limitations of catheter-mediated electrical ablation of posterior accessory atrioventricular pathways

Abstract Nineteen patients with posterior accessory pathways nd disabling, refractory arrhythmias, underwent catheter ablation using standard defibrillator pulses at energy settings of 150 to 400 J. Accessory pathway ablation was successful in 13 of 19 (68%). Effective catheter ablation correlated with local ventriculoatrial (VA) intervals determined from the coronary sinus catheter at the site of earliest retrograde atrial activation during orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia. In 12 of the 13 successfully ablated patients, the local VA interval was 0.5. All 16 patients without rupture had ratios
The journey of the organelle: Teamwork and regulation in intracellular transport

Specific subsets of biochemical reactions in eukaryotic cells are restricted to individual membrane compartments, or organelles. Cells, therefore, face the monumental task of moving the products of those reactions between individual organelles. Because of the high density of the cytoplasm and the large size of membrane organelles, simple diffusion is grossly insufficient for this task. Proper trafficking between membrane organelles thus relies on cytoskeletal elements and the activity of motor proteins, that act both in transport of membrane compartments and as tethering agents to ensure their proper distribution and to facilitate organelle interactions.
Victim's Provocativeness and Victim's Attractiveness as Determinants of Blame in Rape

Recent studies of rape have emphasized the attractiveness of the victim as a determinant in people's judgments of the victim's blameworthiness. The present study provided 120 undergraduates with fo...
X-Ray Study of Interactions between Montmorillonite Platelets

Small angle X-ray scattering curves have been obtained for a series of Na Wyoming Bentonite clay samples containing 10% clay by weight and NaPO3 in concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 meq/1. From the scattering data, the relative probability of spacings between parallel clay platelets was computed. For the sample containing no NaPO3, the probability distribution showed a relatively broad maximum at an interparticle spacing of about 180A. As the concentration of NaPO3 increased, the maximum became sharper and occurred for smaller interparticle distances. At NaPO3 concentrations between 25 and 100 meq/1, the position d of the maximum was given approximately by the equation d = 21 + 18.4c-1/2, where d is in angstroms, and c is the NaPOs concentration in eq/1. The similarity of this relation to the dependence of d on the concentration of NaCl (Norrish and Rausell-Colom, 1963; Norrish, 1954) suggests that the interparticle spacing depends primarily on the sodium ion concentration and not on the concentration of the anion. The value of d appears to be independent of whether the gel was prepared by the method of Norrish and Rausell-Colom, in which a dried flake was allowed to come to equilibrium with an electrolyte solution, or whether, as in this investigation, the gel was obtained by centrifuging a dilute suspension. Since the Na ions act to reduce the double-layer repulsion between platelets, while the anions tend to be adsorbed on the platelet edges and thus reduce the edge-to-face linkages (H. van Olphen, 1962), the value of the most probable interparticle distance appears to be determined primarily by the magnitude of the double-layer repulsion, even though other properties of the clay gels, such as the rheological behavior, are governed mainly by edge-to-face attractions.
Activin receptor mRNA expression by neurons of the avian ciliary ganglion.

Previous studies have suggested that activin may serve as a neurodifferentiation factor regulating somatostatin expression in neurons of the avian ciliary ganglion (CG). As one aspect of examining the role of activin in CG development, we inquired whether any of the known activin receptors are expressed by developing CG neurons in vivo. In addition, we examined whether activin A mRNA is expressed in the choroid layer and iris of the chicken eye. Oligonucleotide primers were designed for the chicken activin receptor type IIA (cActR-IIA), type IIB (cActR-IIB), and activin A. In reverse-transcription—polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR), an appropriately sized product was amplified from CG cDNA using primers to the cActR-IIA but not the cActR-IIB. Sequencing confirmed the identity of the PCR product as a fragment of the cActR-IIA. It thus appears that mRNA for the type IIA but not the type IIB activin receptor is expressed in the chicken CG. An antisense strand digoxigenin-labeled riboprobe complimentary to a 358-bp portion of the cActR-IIA kinase region hybridized to cells within cryostat sections of embryonic CG. From E6.5-E18, hybridization of this probe appears to be specific for cells with a neuronal morphology. Using rtPCR with activin A-specific primers we detected activin mRNA in the choroid layer of E14 and E19 eyes, and from the iris at E14. Our results are consistent with a role for activin as a neurodifferentiation factor in vivo, and imply that within the CG, the cActR-IIA is specifically expressed by neurons, and that activin A is expressed in the targets of these neurons. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 32: 33–44, 1997.
Adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate: inhibition of complement-mediated cell lysis.

An increase in adenosine 39,59-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in rat mast cells, achieved by stimulating the cells with prostaglandin E 1 , by preventing cyclic AMP breakdown with aminophylline, or by adding exogenous dibutyryl cyclic AMP, prevented complement-mediated cytolysis as assessed by both histamine release and vital dye exclusion. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP also suppressed water-induced osmotic lysis.
A new species of penstemon (Scrophulariaceae) from southwestern Utah

Penstemon ammophilus, an endemic to Canaan Moutain in Washington Co., Utah, is described and illustrated. On the basis of anther characteristics it is placed in sectionGlabri, seriesVirgati, where it nearly links the group to sectionCristati. It is distinct from all the species of both sections with its peculiar papillose-glandular pubescence.
Electrical Breakdown and Recovery of Water and Propylene Carbonate

Polar liquids, especially water, offer the advantages of high permittivity, a high dielectric strength and a fast dielectric recovery. These benefits make them appealing dielectrics for use in high-energy storage systems and as high-power switching media. In certain applications, however, the use of water is limited by its relatively high freezing point of 0degC and low boiling point 100degC. In comparison, propylene carbonate (C4H6O3) has a freezing temperature of -55degC and boiling point of 243degC in addition to its high permittivity of 65. The dielectric strength was found to be 2.3 MV/cm, slightly higher than that of water tested under the same conditions. As an alternative to water in high repetition rate systems we studied the dielectric recovery of propylene carbonate after breakdown. We found the recovery time to be more than one order of magnitude longer than for water. Moreover, the breakdown in propylene carbonate gives rise to a polymer formation in the liquid.
All-solid-state optical pulse shaper for theOMEGA laser fusion facility

An integral part of the contemporary high-power laser system for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research is a flexible pulse-shaping system that is able to produce a laser pulse temporal profile specified in advance and controlled to a high degree of accuracy.
The effect of salt on selectivity in water soluble hydroformylation catalysts

Abstract The hydroformylation of octene-1 under two-phase reaction conditions with rhodium catalysts derived from TPPTS (trisulfonated triphenylphosphine) or the new water soluble phosphines, P[C6H4-p-(CH2)xC6H4-p-SO3Na]3, x = 3, 6, is salt concentration dependent. Both reaction rate and reaction selectivity are affected by the ionic strength of the aqueous reaction medium. Reaction selectivity increases with increased ionic strength while activity is dependent on whether the phosphine is capable of forming micelles. Reaction rate increases with increased ionic strength with the new surface active phosphines. The concentration of all components, free ligand, rhodium complex and salt affect the activation barrier to ligand exchange in HRh(CO)(TPPTS)3 as determined by dynamic 31P NMR spectroscopy. At low concentration with no added salt the barrier to exchange is estimated to be 22.4 kcal mol−1 whereas at high ligand and complex concentration the barrier is estimated to be 30.6 kcal mol−1. It is proposed that high ionic strength stabilizes the complex, HRh(CO)(TPPTS)3, in aqueous solution.
Cortisone extends life span in the rotifer Asplanchna brightwelli

Abstract Cortisone at 100 and 200 μM concentrations produced a significant increase in both life span and reproduction in the rotifer Asplanchna brightwelli. Two possible mechanisms are discussed to explain these results: (1) cortisone stabilization of lysosomal membranes, or (2) recognition of cortisone as a hormone capable of altering resource allocation by the rotifers.
Calculating heavy quark distributions

A systematic calculation of the evolution of parton distribution functions including the effects of heavy-quark masses is presented. The method involves the use of a special renormalization scheme which ensures ordinary massless evolution with the correct number of active quark flavors at all stages, and specifies appropriate matching conditions at thresholds. This method is applicable to all orders of the perturbation expansion in principle, and it is simple to implement in practice. Results of this calculation using known distributions at low energies as input are examined and compared with published results. The heavy-quark distribution functions are found to be about a factor of two larger than the well-known EHLQ results.
3H-clonidine and 3H-yohimbine binding to glass fiber filters: implications for studies with platelet membranes

3H-Clonidine and 3H-yohimbine were observed to bind to glass fiber filters. The binding was displaced by co-filtration with the corresponding non-radioactive ligand. Phentolamine and (−)-norepinephrine were ineffective in displacing either 3H-clonidine or 3H-yohimbine bound to filters. Failure to correct for filter binding resulted in an over-estimation of specific binding to platelet membranes. Certain published methodologies may have consequently misidentified up to 20% of the specific binding to platelets, that was actually due to displaced filter binding. Experimental conditions are described which eliminate filter binding. These results are significant for the interpretation of data from studies of platelet binding in depressed patients.
Neighborhood Sociodemographic Predictors of Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) in Schools: Demonstrating a Small Area Estimation Method in the National Comorbidity Survey (NCS-A) Adolescent Supplement

We evaluate the precision of a model estimating school prevalence of SED using a small area estimation method based on readily-available predictors from area-level census block data and school principal questionnaires. Adolescents at 314 schools participated in the National Comorbidity Supplement, a national survey of DSM-IV disorders among adolescents. A multilevel model indicated that predictors accounted for under half of the variance in school-level SED and even less when considering block-group predictors or principal report alone. While Census measures and principal questionnaires are significant predictors of individual-level SED, associations are too weak to generate precise school-level predictions of SED prevalence.
Anxiety outcomes after physical activity interventions: meta-analysis findings.

Background Although the mental health benefits of physical activity (PA) have been documented in numerous primary studies, anxiety outcomes of interventions to increase PA have not been examined through quantitative synthesis. Objectives The objective of the study was to integrate extant research about anxiety outcomes from interventions to increase PA among healthy adults. Method Through an extensive literature search, published and unpublished PA intervention studies with anxiety outcomes were located. In eligible studies, findings were reported from interventions designed to increase PA delivered to healthy adults without anxiety disorders. Data were coded from primary studies. Random-effects meta-analytic procedures were completed. Exploratory moderator analyses using meta-analysis analysis of variance and regression analogues were conducted to determine if report, methods, sample, or intervention characteristics were associated with differences in anxiety outcomes. Results Data were synthesized across 3,289 participants from 19 eligible reports. The overall mean anxiety effect size (d index) for two-group comparisons was .22 with significant heterogeneity (Q = 32.15). With exploratory moderator analyses, larger anxiety improvement effect sizes were found among studies that included larger samples, used random allocation of participants to treatment and control conditions, targeted only PA behavior instead of multiple health behaviors, included supervised exercise (vs. home-based PA), used moderate- or high-intensity instead of low-intensity PA, and suggested participants exercise at a fitness facility (vs. home) following interventions. Discussion Some interventions can decrease anxiety symptoms among healthy adults. Exploratory moderator analyses suggest possible directions for future primary research to compare interventions in randomized trials to confirm causal relationships.
USC-ABC ATMnet for radiation treatment planning

Three dimensional visualization of tumor and normal tissues are often valuable in precision treatment planning for radiation therapy of cancer. This is often not possible in many remote treatment facilities because of the high cost of imaging and computer equipment. At the University of Southern California, School of Medicine we are developing and testing a high speed, wide area, computer communications network to provide access to such resources from remote locations. In this paper, we present our concept of a Virtual Academic Medical Center, our network design and report on initial evaluations of effectiveness and clinical acceptability of 3D, CT simulation and treatment planning from a distance.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Identification of 17- α-Ethynylestradiol Modified Active Site Peptides and Glutathione Conjugates Formed During Metabolism and Inactivation of P450s 2B1 and 2B6

The oral contraceptive 17-α-ethynylestradiol (17EE) is a mechanism-based inactivator of cytochrome P450s (P450s) 2B1 and 2B6. Inactivation of P450s 2B1 and 2B6 in the reconstituted system by [3H]17EE resulted in labeling of the P450 apoprotein. Mass spectral analysis of 17EE-inactivated P450 2B1 showed an increase in the mass of the apoprotein by 313 Da, consistent with the mass of 17EE plus one oxygen atom. P450s 2B1 and 2B6 were inactivated with [3H]17EE and digested with CNBr. Separation of these peptides resulted in the identification of one major labeled peptide for each enzyme. N-Terminal sequencing of these peptides yielded the amino acid sequences PYTDAVIHEI (for P450 2B1) and PYTEAV (for P450 2B6) that corresponded to amino acids P347−M376 and P347−M365 in P450s 2B1 and 2B6, respectively. Electrospray ionization (ESI)−liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)-MS analysis of the P450 2B1-derived peptide resulted in a mass of 3654 Da con...
Computable bounds on parametric solutions of convex problems

We present a new method for computing bounds on parametric solutions of convex problems. The approach is based on a uniform quadratic underestimation of the objective function and a simple technique for the calculation of bounds on the optimal value function.
World Bank Support for Public Financial Management and Procurement: From Theory to Practice

The advice provided by the World Bank on improving public financial management and procurement is influenced by debates on theory and practice in developed and developing countries. This article touches on some of the highlights of these debates, drawing from the indicative literature mainly since 1990 from scholars and practitioners. It goes on to examine the Bank's diagnostic work, design, and implementation of project and policy support in this area. It also assesses evidence of outcomes and attribution, and ends with questions for further research.
Representations of higher-dimensional Poincaré maps with applications to spacecraft trajectory design

Abstract The Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem (CR3BP) offers a useful framework for preliminary trajectory design in multi-body regimes. While the CR3BP offers a simplified model with useful symmetries, trajectory design in this dynamical regime is often nontrivial. It is essential to gain insight into the available solution space to generate trajectories that meet a variety of constraints. The Poincare map is a powerful tool that, in combination with a constraint on the energy level, allows a reduction in dimension such that, for the planar problem, the system is reduced to two-dimensions and the phase space is fully represented by the projection onto a plane. In the spatial problem, however, Poincare maps must represent at least four states and are therefore challenging to visualize. In this investigation, a method to represent the information contained in higher-dimensional Poincare maps using a two-dimensional image for visualization is explored and is applied for trajectory design. Four-dimensional map representations are demonstrated to compute transfers, including heteroclinic and homoclinic connections, between periodic and quasi-periodic orbits in the spatial problem. Alternative maps, such as the periapse Poincare map, require that at least five Cartesian states be represented. Map representations are generated to visualize the full state associated with crossings of the periapse map, and are employed to locate families of periodic orbits about the Moon, as well as transfers to these orbits via transit trajectories.
Daily variations in somatic cell count, composition, and production of Alpine goat milk

Twelve milking Alpine does were randomly selected from the Langston University herd to determine the daily variations of milk somatic cell counts (SW), composition and production. Composite milk samples were collected daily at evening milking from mid-March (2-3 weeks in lactation) to mid-August (drying-off) in 1995. Milk samples were analyzed for SCC using a Fossomatic cell counter and for chemical composition using a Dairylab II milk analyzer. Both instruments were calibrated with goat milk standards. Concentrations of all milk composition variables (fat, protein, solids-non-fat and total solids), with the exception of lactose, were high (2.91 f 0.16%, 3.27 f O.lO%, 8.30 * 0.11% and 11.20 f 0.23%, respectively) in the first month after parturition, declined slightly and then remained constant until drying-off. Daily milk production increased steadily for the first 4 weeks following parturition and then decreased gradually. SCC in milk were high (887 f 400 X lo3 ml-‘) during the first 2 weeks of lactation. The lowest SCC were found in milk during the second month after parturition and then the SCC value increased as lactation advanced. Marked daily variations of SCC in goat milk were observed. These observations indicate that consecutive monthly SCC data collected from the once-a-month sampling plan of the Dairy Herd Improvement Association testing program must be used if the SCC is to be a direct estimator of mastitic conditions in Alpine goats. 0 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROTEIN AND PROTEOLYTIC ACTIVITY IN THE MIDGUT OF MOSQUITOES

In female mosquitoes anal injections (enemas) of nutrient solutions were administered in measured amounts to allow direct comparison of protease activities. The amount of protein ingested had a pronounced effect upon the rate of protein digestion, but had little influence upon the rate of protease secretion. Maximal protease activity increased only slightly with increasing meal size and always coincided with the digestion of about 80 per cent of the protein ingested. The use of the enema technique provided an experimental means to reject clearly a neural stimulus for protease secretion. Proof is given for a secretagogue stimulus: the presence of globular proteins with a minimal molecular weight is required for protease secretion. Despite antitryptic factors which are known to occur in different titres in vertebrate bloods, no inhibition was observed in vivo when proteases were recorded after enemas of blood or plasma from several hosts into Aedes aegypti, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus. Mosquito trypsin was shown to account for about 75 per cent of the proteolytic activity in midgut homogenates. Chymotrypsin was present although with very low activity. Calcium did not stimulate mosquito trypsin as it does mammalian trypsin. Between 22 and 32°C a Q10 of 2·0 was observed for proteases as well as for protein digestion.
Diuretic‐Related Side Effects: Development and Treatment

Diuretics are important therapeutic tools. First, they effectively reduce blood pressure and have been shown in numerous hypertension clinical trials to reduce both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. In addition, their use has been equally effective in controlling cardiovascular events as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or calcium channel blockers. Diuretics are currently recommended by the Seventh Report of the Joint National Commission on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure report as first-line therapy for the treatment of hypertension. In addition, they remain an important aspect of congestive heart failure treatment in that they improve the congestive symptomatology, which typifies the more advanced stages of congestive heart failure. This article reviews the commonly encountered side effects with the various diuretic classes. Where indicated, the mechanistic basis and treatment of such side effects is further discussed.
Impact of timing of device removal on mortality in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic device infections

Background Cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infections are associated with increased mortality. However, detailed analyses of the impact of device removal on mortality have been limited. Objective This study sought to evaluate the impact of timing device removal on mortality in patients with CIED infections. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all cases of CIED infections seen at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 1991 and 2008. The impact of device removal on 30-day and 1-year mortality was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. Results Of 416 patients with CIED infection, 23 (5.5%) died by 30 days and 61 (14.6%) died by 1 year. Forty-four (12.0%) developed complications related to device removal, and 3 (0.8%) died. Complete procedural success was achieved in 341 (81.9%) and clinical success in 391 (93.9%) cases. In multivariate analysis, antimicrobial therapy without device removal was associated with a 7-fold increase in 30-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 6.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36 to 35.60). Although device removal complications were associated with increased mortality at 30 days (HR 4.33, 95% CI 1.47 to 12.70) and at 1 year (HR 3.77, 95% CI 1.88 to 7.55), immediate device removal, when compared to delay in device removal in favor of initial conservative therapy with antimicrobials alone, and no device removal, was associated with a 3-fold decrease in 1-year mortality (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.75). Conclusion Although device removal resulted in fatal complications in a few patients, the mortality associated with a delay in device removal was significantly higher. Therefore, early and complete device removal was associated with improved outcomes.
Measurement of Desire for Control of the Physical Environment

A central theme of Western man's relationship to nature has been the effort to control it. In fact recent efforts to deal with environmental problems have often yielded solutions which would maintain or even increase this control. For this reason an attempt was made to develop a scale to measure the desire to control the physical environment. The resultant 14-item scale yielded a Cronbach's alpha of .83 and a test-retest correlation of .88, as well as evidence of convergent and discriminant validity.
Determinants of cervical ectopia and of cervicitis: Age, oral contraception, specific cervical infection, smoking, and douching

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess determinants of cervical ectopia and cervicitis, specifically after adjustment for cervical infection. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted with colposcopic, cytologic, and microbiologic examination of 764 randomly selected women attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic and 819 consecutive college students undergoing routine annual examination. RESULTS: After we controlled for potential confounders, cervical ectopia was positively associated with oral contraception and Chlamydia trachomatis infection and negatively associated with aging in both populations, with recent vaginal doughing in patients with sexually transmitted diseases, and with current smoking in college students. Oral contraception was also associated with the radius of ectopia, and among users of oral contraception ectopia was associated with duration of oral contraception. Cervicitis (evaluated by Gram stain, Papanicolaou smear, and colposcopy) was associated with cervical infection by C. trachomatis and cytomegalovirus (both populations) and with gonorrhea and cervical herpes simplex virus infection (patients with sexually transmitted diseases). Cervicitis was independently associated with ectopia but not with oral contraception after we adjusted for these four cervical infections. However, oral contraception was associated with edema and erythema of the zone of ectopia among women without cervical infection. CONCLUSIONS: Oral contraception, aging, cervical infection, smoking, and douching have effects on cervical ectopia that may influence the acquisition, transmission, or effects of sexually transmitted agents. Ectopia is associated with young age, oral contraception, and cervical infection; cervicitis is associated with ectopia and cervical infection by C. trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, cervicitis is associated with ectopia and cervical infection by C. trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus. In women without cervical infection, edema and erythema of the zone of ectopia are associated with oral contraception.
Planarization of Metal Substrates for Solar Mirrors

The planarizing ability of sol-gel films was investigated on several as-rolled stainless steel substrates. The smoothing effect afforded by the films was evaluated, using optical techniques, following deposition of silver over the planarized substrates. The specular reflectance of various substrates, initially ranging from 0.36 to 0.90, could be improved to final reflectance values of /approximately/0.93 with sol-gel processing. This process is being used to prepare prototype foil mirrors for evaluation in the next generation of solar concentrators.
Parathyroid Hormone Induces Mitogen-Activated Kinase Phosphatase 1 in Murine Osteoblasts Primarily Through cAMP-Protein Kinase A Signaling

Background: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates osteoblast function by binding to the PTH receptor 1 (PTHR1) to activate downstream signaling to induce expression of primary response genes (PRGs), which affect various aspects of the osteoblast phenotype. We previously identified PTH-induced PRGs in MC3T3-E1 cells, including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase 1 (mkp1), which dephosphorylates members of the MAPK family. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms of PTH's induction of mkp1 in primary mouse osteoblasts.Methods: Northern and Western analyses were used to determine mkp1 mRNA and protein expression. In vivo experiments were also performed to determine PTH's effect on mkp1 in mouse calvariae and long bones.Results: A total of 10 nM PTH and PTH-related protein (PTHrP) maximally induced mkp1 mRNA levels after 1 hour in osteoblasts. PTH also increased mkp1 protein expression, and induced mkp1 mRNA independent of new protein synthesis. PTHR1 triggers protein kinase...
Fulminant liver failure model with hepatic encephalopathy in the mouse.

Background : To develop a reliable murine model for fulminant liver failure (FLF). Material and Methods: We treated three groups of male C57BL/6 mice—as controls, with azoxymethane (AOM), and with galactosamine (Gal) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα). Effects of body temperature (BT) control on survival, in all three groups were investigated. Using BT control, survival, histopathological findings and biochemical/coagulation profiles were compared between the experimental groups. Effects of hydration on international normalized ratios of prothrombin time (PT-INR) were also checked. Dose-dependent survival curves were made for both experimental groups. Neurological behaviors were assessed using a coma scale. Results: No unexpected BT effects were seen in the control group. The AOM group, but not the Gal+TNFα group, showed significant differences in survival curves between those with and without BT care. Histopathological assessment showed consistent FLF findings in both experimental groups with BT care. Between the experimental groups, there were significant differences in aspartate aminotransferase levels and PT-INR; and significant differences in PT-INRs between sufficiently- and insufficiently-hydrated groups. There were significant differences between FLF models, in the duration of each coma stage, with significant differences in stages 1 and 3 as percentages of the diseased state (stages 1–4). The two FLF models with BT care showed different survival curves in the dose-dependent survival study. Conclusion: Azoxymethane can provide a good FLF model, but requires a specialized environment and careful BT control. Other FLF models may also be useful, depending on research purpose. Thoughtful attention to caregiving and close observation are indispensable for successful FLF models.
Kernels as features: On kernels, margins, and low-dimensional mappings

Kernel functions are typically viewed as providing an implicit mapping of points into a high-dimensional space, with the ability to gain much of the power of that space without incurring a high cost if the result is linearly-separable by a large margin ?. However, the Johnson-Lindenstrauss lemma suggests that in the presence of a large margin, a kernel function can also be viewed as a mapping to a low-dimensional space, one of dimension only $$\tilde{O}(1/\gamma^2)$$ . In this paper, we explore the question of whether one can efficiently produce such low-dimensional mappings, using only black-box access to a kernel function. That is, given just a program that computes K(x,y) on inputs x,y of our choosing, can we efficiently construct an explicit (small) set of features that effectively capture the power of the implicit high-dimensional space? We answer this question in the affirmative if our method is also allowed black-box access to the underlying data distribution (i.e., unlabeled examples). We also give a lower bound, showing that if we do not have access to the distribution, then this is not possible for an arbitrary black-box kernel function; we leave as an open problem, however, whether this can be done for standard kernel functions such as the polynomial kernel. Our positive result can be viewed as saying that designing a good kernel function is much like designing a good feature space. Given a kernel, by running it in a black-box manner on random unlabeled examples, we can efficiently generate an explicit set of $$\tilde{O}(1/\gamma^2)$$ features, such that if the data was linearly separable with margin ? under the kernel, then it is approximately separable in this new feature space.
Transoral gastric volume reduction as intervention for weight management: 12-month follow-up of TRIM trial.

Abstract Background The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate the safety and weight loss efficacy of endoscopic transoral gastric volume reduction using an endoscopic suturing system. Methods Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30–45 kg/m 2 were enrolled in the present institutional review board-approved study. Anterior to posterior gastric plications were placed in the gastric fundus and body using the suturing device. The endpoints were procedure time, adverse events, weight loss, and endoscopic findings at 1, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. The nominal P values are presented. Results A total of 18 patients underwent the procedure (9 at each site). The mean age and BMI was 40 years and 38 kg/m 2 , respectively. The average number of plications placed per patient was 6, and the mean procedure time was 2.1 hours (range 1.5–2.8). At 12 months of follow-up (n = 14), decreases in the mean weight (−11.0 ± 10.0 kg, P = .0006), mean BMI (−4.0 ± 3.5 kg/m 2 , P = .0006), and mean waist circumference (−12.6 ± 9.5 cm, P = .0004) were observed. The mean excess weight loss at 12 months was 27.7% ± 21.9%. The proportion of patients with an EWL of ≥20% or ≥30% was 57% and 50%, respectively. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 15.2 mm Hg ( P = .0012) and 9.7 mm Hg ( P = .0051), respectively. No device- or procedure-related serious adverse events. Endoscopy at 12 months of follow-up showed partial or complete release of plications in 13 patients. Conclusion Transoral gastric volume reduction procedure using the RESTORe Suturing System device proved to be safe and well tolerated. Procedural technical success was achieved for all subjects. Modest decreases in weight, BMI, and waist circumference were observed, as was a decline in the frequency of hypertension. Despite some overall positive clinical findings, the plications were not durable, and the effects of the procedure varied widely among the study participants. Additional research is needed to provide a more reproducible and durable effect.
The institutional library committee, part I: a tool for garnering support

Purpose – This article's purpose is to explain the usefulness of the institutional library committee in supporting the library director's vision for the library.Design/methodology/approach – The article describes the function and makeup of an institutional library committee and then discusses how the director can use his/her influence on the committee to garner support for library initiatives.Findings – The article finds that the library director has influence on such a committee regardless of his/her position on the committee.Practical implications – This committee provides a unique channel of influence for educating on and advancing library issues.Social implications – This committee can be a great source of support for the library and its staff.Originality/value – The value of the article is in showing how to get the most out of this committee.
Solvent–amino acid interaction energies in three‐dimensional‐lattice Monte Carlo simulations of a model 27‐mer protein: Folding thermodynamics and kinetics

Amino acid residue–solvent interactions are required for lattice Monte Carlo simulations of model proteins in water. In this study, we propose an interaction-energy scale that is based on the interaction scale by Miyazawa and Jernigan. It permits systematic variation of the amino acid–solvent interactions by introducing a contrast parameter for the hydrophobicity, Cs, and a mean attraction parameter for the amino acids, ω. Changes in the interaction energies strongly affect many protein properties. We present an optimized energy parameter set for best representing realistic behavior typical for many proteins (fast folding and high cooperativity for single chains). Our optimal parameters feature a much weaker hydrophobicity contrast and mean attraction than does the original interaction scale. The proposed interaction scale is designed for calculating the behavior of proteins in bulk and at interfaces as a function of solvent characteristics, as well as protein size and sequence.
Effect of Lyophilization in Sucrose Plus Dextran and Rehydration in Thioglycollate Broth on Performance of Competitive Exclusion Cultures in Broiler Chicks

Cecal bacteria grown under continuous-flow anaerobic conditions were lyophilized in skim milk (SM), Reagent 20 (R-20; sucrose and bovine serum albumin fraction V), or sucrose plus dextran (SDx), rehydrated in drinking water or thioglycollate-beef broth (TGB), and compared with fresh broth culture for control of Salmonella typhimurium enteric colonization in broiler chicks. All groups were challenged on Day 3 with 10(4) cfu of S. typhimurium per chick. Mean Salmonella colony-forming units in cecal contents of groups provided lyophilized cultures rehydrated in TGB were not different from those in groups provided fresh broth culture and were reduced (P < .05) compared with controls at 10 d of age. Likewise, groups treated with the cultured lyophilized in R-20 and SDx and rehydrated in TGB had fewer Salmonella than similar groups treated with culture rehydrated in water. The results of this study indicated that the culture was as effective when lyophilized in SDx as it was when lyophilized in SM or R-20; culture lyophilized in SDx, SM, or R-20 and rehydrated in TGB was more effective than when it was rehydrated in water for the reduction of Salmonella colonization in broiler chicks.
Doing Good Deeds An Examination of Adolescent Prosocial Behavior in the Context of Parent-Adolescent Relationships

In this study, adolescents' prosocial behavior toward parents was explored as an embedded aspect of parent-adolescent relationships. Gender, grade, attachment, and interdependency were examined as characteristics contributing to variation in adolescent prosocial behavior Adolescents (n = 129) in the 6th, 8th, and 10th grades; their mothers (n = 126); and their fathers (n = 104) completed questionnaires during two l-hour, in-home visits that were 1 week apart. For this study, the Adolescent Prosocial Behavior Inventory was developed, from which emerged two dimensions: affection and helpfulness. Additional analyses showed that mothers received more prosocial behavior than didfathers, and daughters acted more prosocially than did sons. Attachment had a direct and an indirect effect through interdependency on adolescent prosocial behavior From parents' viewpoints, interdependency related directly to helpfulness; whereas for sons'reports, attachment linked with helpfulness. Results supported a relationalperspe...
Ratios as a size adjustment in morphometrics.

Simple ratios in which a measurement variable is divided by a size variable are commonly used but known to be inadequate for eliminating size correlations from morphometric data. Deficiencies in the simple ratio can be alleviated by incorporating regression coefficients describing the bivariate relationship between the measurement and size variables. Recommendations have included: 1) subtracting the regression intercept to force the bivariate relationship through the origin (intercept-adjusted ratios); 2) exponentiating either the measurement or the size variable using an allometry coefficient to achieve linearity (allometrically adjusted ratios); or 3) both subtracting the intercept and exponentiating (fully adjusted ratios). These three strategies for deriving size-adjusted ratios imply different data models for describing the bivariate relationship between the measurement and size variables (i.e., the linear, simple allometric, and full allometric models, respectively). Algebraic rearrangement of the equation associated with each data model leads to a correctly formulated adjusted ratio whose expected value is constant (i.e., size correlation is eliminated). Alternatively, simple algebra can be used to derive an expected value function for assessing whether any proposed ratio formula is effective in eliminating size correlations. Some published ratio adjustments were incorrectly formulated as indicated by expected values that remain a function of size after ratio transformation. Regression coefficients incorporated into adjusted ratios must be estimated using least-squares regression of the measurement variable on the size variable. Use of parameters estimated by any other regression technique (e.g., major axis or reduced major axis) results in residual correlations between size and the adjusted measurement variable. Correctly formulated adjusted ratios, whose parameters are estimated by least-squares methods, do control for size correlations. The size-adjusted results are similar to those based on analysis of least-squares residuals from the regression of the measurement on the size variable. However, adjusted ratios introduce size-related changes in distributional characteristics (variances) that differentially alter relationships among animals in different size classes. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Replication, Recombination, and Repair in the Chloroplast Genetic System of Chlamydomonas

Chloroplast DNA replicates throughout the Chlamydomonas cell cycle, with individual DNA molecules being randomly chosen for replication. Mosaic labeling of the cpDNA in 15N- 14N density transfer experiments may indicate that replication is dispersive, rather than semi- conservative, but it also may result from multiple rounds of recombination between the highly polyploid cpDNA molecules. Repair of spontaneous DNA damage may also contribute to dispersive labeling, and cpDNA turnover and nucleotide recycling may comprise a further contributing factor. Two origins of replication have been identified on the cpDNA molecule, and their activity has been studied in vitro. Exposure of cells to a gyrase inhibitor initially inhibits replication, and then stimulates a cryptic origin, near a site identified as a recombination hot spot in other studies. Transformation experiments point to the possible existence of at least one additional origin.