cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inconsistent Sexual Behavior Reporting Among Youth Affected by Perinatal HIV Exposure in the United States

We examined reporting agreement of oral, vaginal, and anal sex in adolescents and young adults living with perinatally-acquired HIV and those perinatally HIV-exposed and uninfected in the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study Adolescent Master Protocol (AMP) and AMP Up studies. Agreement between fixed constructs (e.g., age at first sex) and prevalence of logical inconsistencies (e.g., reclaimed virginity status) over time were assessed. Internal consistency was also examined using an attention check question and questions regarding condom use in the prior three months. Those who reported having anal sex in adolescence had a higher proportion of inconsistent responses compared to vaginal and oral sex measures. At their most recent survey, 84% of young adults correctly answered an attention check question and 74% agreed within the survey on condom use in the prior three months. In bivariate analyses, HIV status was not associated with responding inconsistently. Increased time between surveys, male sex, and younger age at first survey were associated with multiple measures of inconsistency over time, while lower cognitive scores, having less than a high school diploma, and negatively answering post-survey acceptability questions were associated with incorrectly answering an attention check question.
Effects of Shake-Actuation Delay on Delivered Dose and Aerosol Characteristics of an Albuterol Suspension From a Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhaler.

BACKGROUND: Suspensions delivered via a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) require shaking the canister before actuation to prevent drug sedimentation. We hypothesized that a shake-actuation delay of an albuterol hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) pMDI will increase and decrease delivered dose (DOSE) at the beginning and end of the canister’s life, respectively, and that aerosol characteristics will remain unchanged with the delay. METHODS: Albuterol HFA pMDIs (90 µg/actuation, 200 doses) operated with and without a 30-s shake-actuation delay, and with and without a valved holding chamber (VHC), were studied. Ten puffs, with a 30-s interval between puffs and 5s of shaking, were actuated into a drug-recovery apparatus. Inhalers were studied throughout their entire life (from 200 doses to 0 remaining doses). Particle size analysis was performed with cascade impaction at the beginning, middle, and end of the canister’s life. Albuterol mass was determined via spectrophotometry (276 nm). RESULTS: Mean (99% CI) delivered dose without shake-actuation delay was 100.4% (98.1–102.9%) of the nominal dose. Mean (99% CI) delivered dose with a VHC without a shake-actuation delay was 48.6% (46.2–50.9%) of the nominal dose. The shake-actuation delay increased and decreased delivered dose at the beginning and end of the canister’s life, respectively, irrespective of VHC use. Decline in delivered dose began when 110–120 doses remained in the canister. Aerosol characteristics remained constant throughout the canister’s life except for the amount of drug captured by the impactor for the pMDI with delay and the pMDI/VHC with delay. Adding a VHC to a pMDI operated with a delay increased fine-particle fraction and decreased the amount of drug captured by the impactor at the middle and at the end of the canister’s life. CONCLUSIONS: A 30-s shake-actuation delay of an albuterol HFA pMDI increased and decreased delivered dose at the beginning and end of canister’s life, respectively. Particle size characteristics at the end of the canister’s life changed when the pMDI and pMDI/VHC were operated with a shake-actuation delay. Patients should re-shake the pMDI if it is not actuated immediately after shaking the canister.
Section Editor's Introduction

Science is supposed to be about the search for truth. Journal editors, as guardians of the publication process, are often thought to be concerned about publishing the truth. Indeed, editors are responsible for publishing research upon which others can rely. In this regard, one might even go so far as to assert that journal editors have an affirmative responsibility to correct mistakes in their journals. Isn’t that what the scientific method is supposed to be about? One would be wrong to think so, at least insofar as the economics profession is concerned. Yet it is not difficult to imagine that journal editors do not like to admit that they have published erroneous results. Consequently, when a researcher finds an error in a published article, writes it up, and sends it to an editor, the researcher should not be surprised if his work is quickly dismissed. Journal editors form a club, whether explictly or implicitly. If no editor likes it known that he has published erroneous results, it should not be too difficult to believe that any single editor will treat other editors as he would like to be treated: I don’t want it known that I have published erroneous results, so I will not make it known that some other editor has published erroneous results. Consequently, not only will editors not correct mistakes in their own journals, neither will they correct mistakes in other journals. I know of an author who meticulously documented gross errors in an important article in a top journal; these errors essentially destroyed the original article. Needless to say, this piece of replciation work was rejected by the top journal, and by several other journals that had published articles citing the original article in the top journal. There is no doubt in my mind that the original article is incorrect and not worthy of being in the literature, but there is no self-correcting mechanism at work in the economics literature whereby incorrect results are removed from the literature. The implicit protection that journal editors provide for each other can easily be dismissed on the grounds that such stories are merely hearsay. I am especially pleased, therefore, to publish such a story. This issues offers two articles, both by Professor Graham Davis. The first documents clearly and unequivocally that a piece of work published in Economics Letters is not replicable. The second documents the tribulations he endured as he sought to have his correction entered into the (allegedly) scientific literature of the economics profession.
17GHz and 24GHz LNA designs based on extended-S-parameter with microstrip-on-die in 0.18/spl mu/m logic CMOS technology

In a marked departure from traditional microwave design approaches, we present S-parameter based designs for 17GHz and 24GHz LNAs where the size of active devices is a design's degree of freedom and passives on the CMOS die are significant noise contributors, due to their low Q. Because of the low Q passives, design method includes (a) backing off from transistor's NFmin, and (b) proper choice of transistor size to minimize length (i.e. losses) of the microstrips-on-die. High performance logic 0.18/spl mu/m CMOS technology is used, digital layout design rules are enforced and sharp turns are used in all microstrip-on-die passives. The distributed on-die passives have been used to realize robust, low inductance values (as low as 25pH) in a "correct-by-construction" approach. Both LNAs reach NF of 5-6dB, only 2-3dB above the active devices minimum noise figure, the best results known to the authors at these frequency of operation using 0.18/spl mu/m CMOS technology. IP3 is as high as -3dBm. Both LNAs operate at frequencies around 1/3 of the CMOS transistor's f/sub t/ (60GHz).
What are the Radio Filaments near the Galactic Center

A population of nonthermally-emitting radio filaments tens of parsecs in length has been observed within a projected distance of -130 pc of the Galactic center. More or less perpendicular to the Galactic plane, they appear to define the flux lines of a milligauss magnetic field. The characteristics of the known filaments are summarized. Three fundamental questions raised by these structures are discussed: 1) Do they represent magnetic flux tubes embedded within an ubiquitous, dipole magnetic field permeating the inner Galaxy, but which have been illuminated by some local source of relativistic particles, or are they instead isolated, self-sustaining current paths with an approximately force-free magnetic configuration in pressure equilibrium with the interstellar medium? 2) What is the source of either the magnetic field or the current? and 3) What is the source of the relativistic particles which provide the illuminating synchrotron radiation? We are nearer an answer to the the last of these questions than to the others, although several interesting models have been proposed.
Laparoscopic anterior gastroplasty : A preliminary report of a new technique

Background: The treatment of the morbidly obese patient is difficult because compliance with dietary regimens is poor. As a result, most weight reduction programs fail very quickly. Surgical treatment, on the other hand, provides a reliable method for sustained weight reduction. The most frequently performed procedure has been the vertical banded gastroplasty. Adaptation of the standard open procedure to laparoscopic techniques has been technically difficult and imprecise. We have developed, in the laboratory, an anterior wall banded gastroplasty that can be performed precisely and reproducibly using laparoscopic techniques. Methods: Five Yorkshire pigs were used in attempt to laparoscopically perform the standard vertical banded gastroplasty. The procedure was difficult and was associated with a risk of staple line leak and with bleeding along the lesser curvature of the stomach. Furthermore, a reproducible pouch of proper dimension could not be created reliably. Fifteen animals were then used to develop a new technique using a small gastric pouch based on the anterior gastric wall. Results: A reproducible pouch, 4 cm in length, was created over an 18-Fr nasogastric tube. A standard polyproylene band of 5.2 cm in length was utilized at the gastric pouch outlet. Conclusions: This operation can be reproduced accurately and has not demonstrated any leaks on postmortem examination.
Challenges and opportunities for developing and implementing incentives to improve health-related behaviors in older adults

There is growing interest in using patient-directed incentives to change health-related behaviors. Advocates of incentive programs have proposed an ambitious research agenda for moving patient incentive programs forward. The unique cognitive and psychological features of older adults, however, present a challenge to this agenda. In particular, age-related changes in emotional regulation, executive function, and cognitive capacities, and a preference for collaborative decision-making raise questions about the suitability of these programs, particularly the structure of current financial incentives, for older adults. Differences in decision-making in older adults need to be accounted for in the design and implementation of financial incentive programs. Financial incentive programs adjusted to characteristics of older adult populations may be more likely to improve the lives of older persons and the economic success of programs that serve them.
A Review of Solar Irradiance Measurements Between 270 and 480 Nanometers

Recent measurements which have dramatically reduced the uncertainty in the solar irradiance are reviewed: Whereas discrepancies between 10 and 30 % were common ten years ago, these have been reduced to 5 to 10% today. Present methods of calibrating solar measurements often depend on a black body as the primary standard. New instruments which can utilize other primary standards are described: These include the electrical substitution radiometer and the self-calibrating photodiode. A new calibration technique using an amplitude-stabilized tunable dye laser is also described. It is shown how these new developments can lead to future improvements in accuracy.
Muscular Fitness and Health

(1953). Muscular Fitness and Health. Journal of the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation: Vol. 24, No. 10, pp. 17-19.
Protomagalhaensia richardsoni n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinida: Blabericolidae): A New Gregarine Parasitizing the Giant Lobster Cockroach, Henschoutedenia flexivitta (Dictyoptera: Blaberidae)

Protomagalhaensia richardsoni n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinida: Blabericolidae) is described from the giant lobster cockroach, Henschoutedenia flexivitta (Dictyoptera: Blattaria: Blaberidae: Oxyhaloinae: Nauphoetini). Oocysts within the genus are dolioform with polar plates. Those of Protomagalhaensia granulosae, Protomagalhaensia wolfi, and Protomagalhaensia blaberae possess distinct apical spines and a sagittal depression that are absent or reduced in P. richardsoni and Protomagalhaensia cerastes. Oocysts of P. richardsoni are significantly longer with larger sporozoite-bearing cavities than those of P. blaberae, P. cerastes, P. granulosae, and P. wolfi (external oocyst length 8.07 μm vs. 7.42 μm, 7.50 μm, 6.87 μm, 7.56 μm, respectively; internal oocyst length 6.94 μm vs. 6.44 μm, 6.77 μm, 6.09 μm, 6.72 μm, respectively). All 5 species are also distinguished by unique oocyst length/width ratios. No unique morphological structure distinguishes among the gametocysts of Protomagalhaensia species, but gametocysts of P. richardsoni are significantly shorter than those of P. blaberae, P. cerastes, P. granulosae, and P. wolfi (gametocyst length 184.3 μm vs. 325.15 μm, 253.27 μm, 273.63 μm, 218.3 μm, respectively). No structurally unique morphological gamont feature distinguishes among species of Protomagalhaensia. Rather, species distinctions are morphometric in nature. In general, gamonts of P. richardsoni are readily distinguished from those of P. cerastes and P. wolfi based on size alone: the latter species being roughly half the size of P. richardsoni. Gamonts of P. richardsoni are most similar to those of P. granulosae and P. blaberae but with relatively smaller primites and more slender satellites.
Dietary and Behavioral Adjustments to Manage Bowel Dysfunction After Surgery in Long-Term Colorectal Cancer Survivors

Bowel dysfunction is a known complication of colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. Poor bowel control has a detrimental impact on survivors’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This analysis describes the dietary and behavioral adjustments used by CRC survivors to manage bowel dysfunction and compares adjustments used by survivors with permanent ostomy to those with anastomosis. This mixed-methods analysis included pooled data from several studies that assessed HRQOL in CRC survivors. In all studies, CRC survivors with or without permanent ostomies (N = 856) were surveyed using the City of Hope Quality of Life Colorectal Cancer tool. Dietary adjustments were compared by ostomy status and by overall HRQOL score (high vs. low). Qualitative data from 13 focus groups and 30 interviews were analyzed to explore specific strategies used by survivors to manage bowel dysfunction. CRC survivors made substantial, permanent dietary, and behavioral adjustments after surgery, regardless of ostomy status. Survivors who took longer after surgery to become comfortable with their diet or regain their appetite were more likely to report worse HRQOL. Adjustments to control bowel function were divided into four major strategies: dietary adjustments, behavioral adjustments, exercise, and medication use. CRC survivors struggled with unpredictable bowel function and may fail to find a set of management strategies to achieve regularity. Understanding the myriad adjustments used by CRC survivors may lead to evidence-based interventions to foster positive adjustments after surgery and through long-term survivorship.
Update on U.S. federal scientific integrity policies

[1] U.S. federal science and technology departments and agencies need to provide draft scientific integrity plans to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) by 29 June, OSTP director John Holdren announced at the American Association for the Advancement of Science Forum on Science and Technology Policy on 5 May. In April, more than 30 executive branch departments, agencies, and offices submitted progress reports on the development of their scientific integrity policies, with a handful by that time providing draft or complete policies for review, according to a 5 May OSTP blog posting.
Phase‐locked shallow mesa graded barrier quantum well laser arrays

Graded barrier quantum well heterostructures have been grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition and processed into real index‐guided shallow mesa laser arrays. Single‐stripe devices have threshold currents as low as 14 mA (533 μm length) and ten‐element arrays have threshold currents as low as 9 mA per stripe with 52% differential quantum efficiency. These arrays operate phase locked with sharp double‐lobed far‐field patterns up to 1.75 times threshold current.
An institutional approach: organizational performance, norms and values

Purpose – This case study was undertaken as a process consultation in a non‐profit Christian church which has experienced a general decline in attendance in addition to a particular problem characterized as a habit of late arrival at the primary Sunday worship service. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach – This case study was designed as an action research project using appreciative inquiry and institutional theory in the structuralist tradition. This combined methodological approach was effectively used to identify core values and norms inherent in the organization and functioning of the church.Findings – Results confirmed the premise of a habit of late arrival and indicated that there was little focus or support by congregants on the traditions and practices that occur early in the church service. Great value was placed on the overall environment, teaching and messaging that occurred from the sermons which begin approximately 45 minutes after the start of the service. Vali...
Rate of RNA turnover in rat liver in relation to intake of protein.

Abstract The effect of dietary intake of protein on the turnover of liver RNA has been measured in rats by observing the rate of loss of label from liver ribosomal RNA over a period of several days after injection of 3 H-labeled orotic acid. Rats receiving a normal intake of protein showed fractional rates of RNA synthesis and degradation of about 20–25% daily. When rats were fed a diet free of protein, RNA breakdown was at first accelerated to over 40% per day. However, after 2 days on the protein-free diet the fractional rate of degradation fell to about 15% daily, and the rate of RNA synthesis to an even lower level, so that animals on this diet showed a continuous reduction in the RNA content of their livers. On the basis of the present and earlier studies, it is suggested that RNA turnover is regulated through changes in the population of free ribosomal subunits in the liver cytoplasm, the abundance of subunits being affected by amino acid supply.
Some high-complexity hamiltonians with purely singular continuous spectrum

We give examples of discrete one-dimensional Schrodinger operators with potential having high combinatorial complexity that have purely singular continuous spectrum. This is accomplished by constructing minimal, palindromic subshifts with entropy arbitrarily close to maximal entropy. For a dense \( G_\delta \) set of elements in such a subshift, purely singular continuous spectrum can then be established using a criterion of Hof, Knill, and Simon.
An exploratory study of environmental and medical factors potentially related to childhood cancer

To determine whether a general-purpose epidemiologic questionnaire can be used in childhood cancer hospitals to identify associations between environmental factors and the major types of childhood cancer, we report the results of the analysis of the data obtained from such a questionnaire. On admission to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, between 1979 and 1986 a questionnaire was administered to 1,270 mothers of patients diagnosed with childhood cancer. Approximately one-half of the children had acute leukemias (n = 629); the remainder had lymphomas (n = 237) or solid tumors (n = 404). Responses to questions regarding the patients' and parents' environmental and medical histories were compared across nine diagnostic categories. Only 5 of 232 variables remained nominally statistically significant (P less than 0.05) after adjusting for confounding by patient or maternal age, year of birth or diagnosis, patient's race, and social class. The variables identified were length of time the patient was breast-fed (chi 2 = 16.1, P = 0.04); having a garden with fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides (chi 2 = 17.2, P = 0.03); maternal use of sex hormones during the year before the patient's birth (chi 2 = 18.2, P = 0.02); maternal cigarette consumption (chi 2 = 18.0, P = 0.02); and patient contact with persons with cancer (chi 2 = 20.7, P = 0.01). Despite the large number of patients studied, we identified fewer significant variables than would be expected, on the average, under the null hypothesis. We conclude that the data obtained from a general-purpose epidemiologic questionnaire do not provide a useful overview of the association between exposure to environmental factors and several types of childhood cancer.
Statistical model for estimating measurement error in the congener-specific analysis of PCBs by gas chromatography

Abstract In this study, we use repeated measurement to estimate the measurement error of congener-specific analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by gas chromatography according to a proportional measurement error model. The estimator of measurement error performs extremely well when the measurement is made without systematic error. The estimator also smoothes the distribution of measurement error. The Q-Q plots illustrate that the error term, according to the model, follows a stable law of distribution which is approximately log-normal and has light tails at both ends due to larger deviation. The parameters of the distribution and tails vary with different GC devices and different kinds of samples as well. Given the shape of the Q-Q plot of measurement errors, the tolerance interval of the PCB measurement can be found without the normally distributed assumption which is necessary in calculating the traditional confidence intervals.
Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of Tc-99m-labeled cyclic CisoDGRC peptide conjugates for targeting αvβ3 integrin expression

Abstract Two α v β 3 integrin-binding peptide conjugates containing the cyclic C iso DGRC motif, a linker, and a chelator to enable Tc-99m labeling via the fac -[ 99m Tc(CO) 3 ]+ core were synthesized. In vivo biodistribution studies in U87MG tumor-bear nude mice at 1 h post-injection revealed a profound effect of the linker on the clearance of the radiotracer from the blood stream. In vivo blocking studies demonstrated the selective binding to the tumors expressing α v β 3 -integrin and other tissues. The HPLC analysis of urine samples collected upon necropsy showed no degradation indicating their metabolic stability. These results suggest that cyclic C iso DGRC motif could be exploited as a new α v β 3 -targeting vector by an appropriate selection of a linker between the peptide and the payload to obtain optimum pharmacokinetic properties.
Monogamous or Not: Understanding and Counseling Gay Male Couples:

Mental health practitioners might be surprised to learn that many gay men establish and maintain relationships that allow outside sexual activity. However, for both monogamous and non-monogamous gay male couples, difficulties can arise which indicate that a couple needs to revisit, revise, or reaffirm their original agreements regarding extrarelational sex. This article reviews the existing literature on monogamous and open gay male unions and offers clinical case examples that suggest how to assess and assist coupled gay men, incorporating an understanding of this aspect of gay male relationships.
Quipu: High-performance simulation of quantum circuits using stabilizer frames

As quantum information processing gains traction, its simulation becomes increasingly significant for engineering purposes - evaluation, testing and optimization - as well as for theoretical research. Generic quantum-circuit simulation appears intractable for conventional computers. However, Gottesman and Knill identified an important subclass, called stabilizer circuits, which can be simulated efficiently using group-theory techniques. Practical circuits enriched with quantum error-correcting codes and fault-tolerant procedures are dominated by stabilizer subcircuits and contain a relatively small number of non-stabilizer components. Therefore, we develop new group-theory data structures and algorithms to simulate such circuits. Stabilizer frames offer more compact storage than previous approaches but requires more sophisticated bookkeeping. Our implementation, called Quipu, simulates certain quantum arithmetic circuits (e.g., ripple-carry adders) in polynomial time and space for equal superpositions of n-qubits. On such instances, known linear-algebraic simulation techniques, such as the (state-of-the-art) BDD-based simulator QuIDDPro, take exponential time. We simulate various quantum Fourier transform and quantum fault-tolerant circuits with Quipu, and the results demonstrate that our stabilizer-based technique outperforms QuIDDPro in all cases.
ZnO crystal orientation change by bias voltage application to substrate or target in ion beam sputtering

Abstract The effects of charged sputtered particles on the crystal orientation during ion beam sputtering deposition of zinc oxide films are presented. The formation of the necessary c -axis orientation was tried by controlling the kinetic energies of the sputtered charged particles in two different methods. In one method, a bias voltage is applied to three substrate materials: Corning 7059 glass, Si(100), and ZnS thin film, while in the other method, it is applied to a ZnO target. It is found that the existence of positively charged sputtered particles and the absence of negatively charged particles on the substrate are effective in forming c -axis orientation.
Chromatin-like organization of the adenovirus chromosome.

Abstract Staphylococcal nuclease (nucleate 3'-oligonucleotidohydrolase; EC 3.1.4.7) cleaved DNA within disrupted adenovirus particles into a regular series of fragments with a repeat unit of 200 base pairs. Since this pattern did not eppear when DNA alone was digested, we postulate that the orderly arrangement of core polypeptides protects discrete regions of DNA from nuclease attack. The 23 X 10(6) dalton adenovirus DNA molecule can accommodate 180 units of roughly 200 base pairs. Based on the stoichiometry of core polypeptides, we calculate that each repeat unit contains six copies of polypeptide VII and a single copy of polypeptide V. This model is bases on proposals for the structure of eukaryotic chromatin. Very brief nuclease digestion generated 1800 base pair fragments (1/20 of the adenovirus chromosome). This result is discussed in terms of a higher order folding of viral DNA within the virus particle.
Epidural hematoma in children: Do cranial sutures act as a barrier?

Summary Objectives Epidural hematoma (EDH) is secondary to laceration of meningeal vessels (arteries or veins), diploic veins or dural sinuses in head injuries. It is widely believed that EDH does not cross cranial sutures, allowing its differentiation from subdural hematoma (SDH). The goal of this study was to determine the percentage of EDH that crosses cranial sutures. Methods Fifty-seven children with at least one EDH lesion were included in the study. CT examination was performed in all patients using a spiral CT scanner and a dedicated children's protocol. The number, location and size of EDH and their anatomical relationship to cranial sutures were analyzed by consensus between two radiologists. Results Retrospective data analysis showed that, in 11% of children, EDH crossed cranial sutures. Factors that may explain suture crossing are fractures traversing cranial sutures and posttraumatic cranial suture diastasis. Conclusion Our study showed that hematoma extending across a suture may not always allow differentiation between EDH and SDH.
Glut1 glucose transporter in the primate choroid plexus endothelium

The objective of the present study was to define the cellular location of the Glut1 glucose transporter in the primate choroid plexus. Immunogold electron microscopy indicated that Glut1 epitopes were associated primarily with choroid plexus endothelial cells. Digitized analyses of electron microscopic images provided quantitative estimates of the relative number of Glut1 glucose transporter epitopes on luminal and abluminal endothelial cell membranes within the choroid plexuses. We recorded a high density of Glut1 in the microvascular endothelium of primate choroid plexus, which was consistent in vervet monkeys (5-10 Glut1 gold particles per micrometer of endothelial cell plasma membrane), as well as in baboons (5-20 Glut1 gold particles per micrometer of capillary plasma membrane). In the baboon choroid plexus, we observed that perivascular cells (presumed to be pericytes) were also Glut1-positive, but with substantially reduced activity compared with endothelial cells. Occasional Glut1-immunogold particles were also seen in the basolateral membranes of the choroid plexus cuboidal cells. Light microscopic immunocytochemistry confirmed the abundance of Glut1 immunoreactivity in choroid plexus endothelial cells of vervet monkeys and baboons. A similar pattern was observed in surgically resected human choroid plexus, suggesting differences between primates, including humans and laboratory animals. The only difference was that erythrocytes within the human choroid plexus exhibited a florid Glut1-positive response, but were weakly immunoreactive in nonhuman primates. The observation of high glucose transporter densities in choroid plexus endothelial cells is consistent with the suggestion that choroidal epithelia and capillaries provide a metabolic work capability for maintaining ionic gradients and secretory functions across the blood-CSF barriers.
Presynaptic proteins in the prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia and rats with abnormal prefrontal development

Dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia may be associated with abnormalities in synaptic structure and/or function and reflected in altered concentrations of proteins in presynaptic terminals and involved in synaptic plasticity (synaptobrevin/ vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP), synaptosomal-associated protein-25 (SNAP-25), syntaxin, synaptophysin and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43)). We examined the immunoreactivity of these synapse-associated proteins via quantitative immunoblotting in the prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia (n=18) and in normal controls (n=23). We also tested the stability of these proteins across successive post-mortem intervals in rat brains (at 0, 3, 12, 24, 48, and 70 h). To investigate whether experimental manipulation of prefrontal cortical development in the rat alters prefrontal synaptic protein levels, we lesioned the ventral hippocampus of rats on postnatal day 7 and measured immunoreactivity of presynaptic proteins in the prefrontal cortex on postnatal day 70. VAMP immunoreactivity was lower in the schizophrenic patients by 22% (P<0.03). There were no differences in the immunoreactivity of any other proteins measured in schizophrenic patients as compared to the matched controls. Proteins were fairly stable up to 24 h and thereafter the abundance of most proteins examined was significantly reduced (falling to as low as 20% of baseline levels at 48-70 h). VAMP immunoreactivity was higher in the lesioned rats as compared to sham controls by 22% (P&<0.03). There were no significant differences between the lesioned rats and sham animals in any other presynaptic protein. These data suggest that apparently profound prefrontal cortical dysfunction in schizophrenia, as well as in an animal model of schizophrenia, may exist without gross changes in the abundance of many synaptic proteins but discrete changes in selected presynaptic molecules may be present.
Compressed Sensing for Wideband Cognitive Radios

In the emerging paradigm of open spectrum access, cognitive radios dynamically sense the radio-spectrum environment and must rapidly tune their transmitter parameters to efficiently utilize the available spectrum. The unprecedented radio agility envisioned, calls for fast and accurate spectrum sensing over a wide bandwidth, which challenges traditional spectral estimation methods typically operating at or above Nyquist rates. Capitalizing on the sparseness of the signal spectrum in open-access networks, this paper develops compressed sensing techniques tailored for the coarse sensing task of spectrum hole identification. Sub-Nyquist rate samples are utilized to detect and classify frequency bands via a wavelet-based edge detector. Because spectrum location estimation takes priority over fine-scale signal reconstruction, the proposed novel sensing algorithms are robust to noise and can afford reduced sampling rates.
Electronic holographic Moiré in the micron range

The basic theory behind microscopic electronic holographic moire is presented. Conditions of observation are discussed, and optimal parameters are established. An application is presented as an example where experimental result are statistically analyzed and successfully correlated with an independent method of measurement of the same quantity.
Urethral Erosion of Transobturator Male Sling

The transobturator male sling has been introduced as an alternative to other surgical methods for the treatment of mild to moderate postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence. We report the first published case of mesh erosion into the urethra observed 5 months after placement. The patient was treated with suprapubic tube urinary diversion, suburethral sling explantation, and buccal mucosal grafting of the urethral defect.
Breast and Chest Size Satisfaction: Relation to Overall Body Image and Self-Esteem

Abstract Multiple ratings of breast and chest size preferences were assessed in 68 male and 120 female undergraduates and related to overall levels of appearance satisfaction, body image anxiety, and general self-esteem. Discrepancies between personal ideals, perceived ideals of the opposite sex, and current size ratings were differentially related, by gender, to other disturbance measures. For all analyses, the direction of associations was clear, indicating that among men chest discrepancies (indicative of dissatisfaction) were positively associated with body image disturbance and low self-esteem: among women, breast discrepancies were not related to these measures. The findings strongly support emerging research suggesting that the chest area is a site of dissatisfaction for men. The results are discussed in relation to possible cultural reasons for the gender differences found in this investigation as well as potential links between dissatisfaction with upper torso and unhealthy eating behaviors.
Within-Tree Distribution and a Fixed-Precision-Level Sampling Plan for the Orange striped Oakworm (Lepidoptera: Satumiidae)

Within-tree distribution and dispersion of orange striped oakworm, Anisota Senatoria (J. E. Smith), was studied, and a sampling plan was developed. Significantly more A. senatoria eggs and early instars (first-second) were found in the low stratum of the canopy (1.7–3.6 m above ground) compared with middle (3.7–5.5 m) and high strata (5.6–7.6 m). Significantly more third instars were found in low and middle strata compared with the high stratum. Distribution of late instars (fourth-fifth) was not significantly different among strata. Dispersion indices demonstrated that Taylor’s power law provided a better fit to A. senatoria count data compared with Iwao’s patchiness regression. Taylor’s power law indicated that aggregation decreased from early to late instars. A fixed-precision-level sampling plan was developed that determined the minimum number of samples within a tree necessary to estimate the number of eggs and early ins tars present in the low stratum.
PrPc Glycoform Heterogeneity as a Function of Brain Region: Implications for Selective Targeting of Neurons by Prion Strains

We recently found that deletion of the Asn-linked carbohydrate (CHO) at residue 197 of Syrian hamster (SHa) PrP(C) while retaining the CHO at Asn 181 has a profound effect on which population of neurons are targeted for conversion of SHaPrP(C) to SHaPrP(Sc) in transgenic (Tg) mice inoculated with scrapie prions. We hypothesized that selective targeting of neuronal populations is determined by cell-specific differences in the affinity of an infecting PrP(Sc) (prion) for PrP(C) and that the affinity might be modulated by nerve cell-specific differences in PrP(C) glycosylation. Here we tested this hypothesis by assessing whether or not each brain region in Syrian hamsters synthesizes different PrP(C) glycoforms, as inferred from 2D-gel electrophoresis. Reproducible differences in the number and isoelectric point of PrP(C) charge isomers were found as a function of brain region. The results of this study support the hypothesis that the PrP(Sc) accumulation and the vacuolation pattern phenotypes in the brain are governed by neuron-specific differences in PrP(C) glycoforms.
No antidepressant effect of biperiden compared with placebo in depression: A double-blind 6-week clinical trial

Abstract Depression may result from an increased ratio of cholinergic to aminergic central neurotransmission. The effect of centrally active anticholinergic agents on depressive ratings in depressed patients, however, has not been well studied. In a previous open label 4-week clinical trial, Kasper et al. (1981) reported that biperiden (Akineton) had antidepressant effects in depressed patients. We compared the effects of placebo and biperiden in a randomized, double-blind, parallel-design 6-week study. All patients received placebo for the first week and then received either biperiden (≤ 12 mg/day) or a peripherally acting anticholinergic agent, glycopyrrolate (Robinul, 1 mg/day) for 4 weeks. All patients received placebo during week 6. Both groups significantly improved, but biperiden did not demonstrate any significant benefit compared with glycopyrrolate. In a subgroup of patients receiving biperiden, the percentage of rapid eye movement sleep was significantly decreased only in the first week of biperiden compared with the initial placebo week, suggesting that tolerance to the central effects of biperiden developed. Further studies would be needed to determine whether anticholinergic agents possess antidepressant properties.
Neutron Scattering Studies of n(p) at Reactor Sources

What follows is an account of neutron scattering studies on liquid helium done at Oak Ridge over the last 15 or so years. As time progressed, the measurement techniques improved considerably, but more important was our improved understanding of the measurements. In particular, a better understanding was gained of the difficulty of obtaining a condensate fraction from measurements of S(Q,ω) of liquid 4He.
Effect of sodium metaborate on the boiling point rise of slash pine black liquor

Borate can be used as either a total or partial autocausticizing agent for conversion of Na2CO3 to NaOH. For every mole of Na2CO3 converted, a mole of NaBO2 is generated and remains in the black liquor. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of this additional NaBO2 on the boiling point rise of the resulting black liquor. Commercial black liquor was obtained, and borate was added at levels equivalent to 30, 60, and 120% autocausticizing. With borate present, the boiling point rise observed during evaporation was greater than that observed during dilution. This phenomenon was not seen for black liquor without borate added nor for black liquor with only Na2CO3 added. It is proposed that this difference is due to the formation of a complex between kraft lignin and borate. Borate was also found to be totally soluble in black liquor and to increase the solubility of the other components. The addition of borate had little effect on the boiling point rise of the black liquor. The largest effect o...
Effects of pentobarbital on inotropic state of isolated canine left ventricle.

Although pentobarbital has been found to depress myocardial function, the magnitude of its direct effects on ventricular contraction at anesthetic concentrations has not been well quantified. The direct effects of pentobarbital on left ventricular function were measured by employing an isolated canine heart preparation with a blood oxygenator. Seven hearts were perfused with blood, dextran, and perfluorochemical artificial blood. Ventricular function was evaluated using the slope of the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (Ees) and the maximal rate of pressure development (dP/dtmax) in ventricles contracting isovolumically in control, after a low dose (13 µg/ml), and after a high dose (48 µg/ml) of pentobarbital. These concentrations represent one-half and two times the typical value (25 µg/ml) found to produce anesthesia in canines (assessed by tail clamp or blink reflex). The low dose of pentobarbital did not produce clear-cut depression in contractile function. The high dose of pentobarbital produced significant reductions of Ees, and dP/dtmax:Ees decreased 29%, from a control of 4.30 ± 0.84 to 3.05 ± 0.49 mmHg/ml and dP/dtmax decreased 24%, from a control of 909 ± 148 to 695 ± 173 mmHg/s. Thus, the threshold for the direct depressant effect of pentobarbital on ventricular function falls within the range of half to double the typically-reported anesthetic concentrations.
Effect of fenfluramine and nicotine upon a stimulant-depressant continuum.

Abstract Rats were rapidly trained to discriminate between 0.8 mg/kg d -amphetamine and 6 mg/kg pentobarbital in a two-lever food-motivated operant task by imposing the drug states from the earliest stage of training. Once trained, rats were administered lower doses of each of the training drugs and both d -amphetamine and pentobarbital were observed to produce dose-responsive effects upon discriminative performance. When graphically represented, the dose-response curves were shown to be parallel suggesting a common site and/or mechanism of action. Administration of fenfluramine (1.5 and 2.25 mg/kg) produced pentobarbital-appropriate responding, whereas the injection of three doses of nicotine (0.1–0.4 mg/kg) resulted in amphetamine-like discriminative responding. Inspection of dose-response curves suggested that fenfluramine produces its pentobarbital-like effects by acting differently than does pentobarbital and, although nicotine produces amphetamine-like effects, it acts by a different mechanism than does amphetamine.
A Review of Vapor Intrusion Models

A complete vapor intrusion (VI) model, describing vapor entry of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) into buildings located on contaminated sites, generally consists of two main parts: one part describing vapor transport in the soil and the other describing its entry into the building. Modeling the soil vapor transport part involves either analytically or numerically solving the equations of vapor advection and diffusion in the subsurface. Contaminant biodegradation must often also be included in this simulation, and can increase the difficulty of obtaining a solution, especially when explicitly considering coupled oxygen transport and consumption. The models of contaminant building entry pathway are often coupled to calculations of indoor air contaminant concentration, and both are influenced by building construction and operational features. The description of entry pathway involves consideration of building foundation characteristics, while calculation of indoor air contaminant levels requires characteri...
Transposable genetic elements and plasmid evolution

Transposable elements of DNA that are structurally defined and genetically discrete units seem to have an important role in the evolution of bacterial plasmids. Recombination occurring at the termini of such elements can result in the joining together of unrelated DNA segments that lack extensive nucleotide sequence homology. In addition, transposable elements serve as novel biological switches capable of turning on and off the expression of nearby genes as a consequence of their insertion into or excision from plasmid genomes.
Synthesis and use of an internal amino acid sequencing standard peptide.

Abstract A sequenceable internal standard has been made that can be added to samples destined for automated amino acid sequencing and that provides a means for continuously monitoring instrument performance. The 41-residue standard peptide is composed of two unnatural amino acids, norleucine and succinyl-lysine, and has the structure [norleucine-(succinyl-lysine) 4 ] 8 -norleucine. The phenyithiohydantoin derivatives of the latter two amino acids are well separated via reversed-phase HPLC from the phenyithiohydantoin derivatives of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids. In addition, the standard peptide can be readily synthesized and it has excellent solubility, stability, and sequencing characteristics. The placement of norleucine at every fifth residue in this peptide permits accurate repetitive yield and carryover calculations following runs that are as short as six cycles. Use of this internal standard permits the early detection of suboptimal instrument performance and is especially helpful in differentiating between two common reasons (blocked NH 2 -terminus versus an instrument problem) for the failure of an automated protein sequencer to provide an NH 2 -terminal sequence.
Dynamic footprint measurement collection technique and intrarater reliability: ink mat, paper pedography, and electronic pedography.

Background: Identifying the variability of footprint measurement collection techniques and the reliability of footprint measurements would assist with appropriate clinical foot posture appraisal. We sought to identify relationships between these measures in a healthy population. Methods: On 30 healthy participants, midgait dynamic footprint measurements were collected using an ink mat, paper pedography, and electronic pedography. The footprints were then digitized, and the following footprint indices were calculated with photo digital planimetry software: footprint index, arch index, truncated arch index, Chippaux-Smirak Index, and Staheli Index. Differences between techniques were identified with repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc test of Scheffe. In addition, to assess practical similarities between the different methods, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. To assess intrarater reliability, footprint indices were calculated twice on 10 randomly selected ink mat ...
Transient analysis of plain and tilt pad journal bearings including fluid film temperature effects

The paper considers vibration response of spinning shafts supported by flexible fluid film bearings to sudden mass imbalance (blade loss). A time transient study of the plain journal bearing with thermal effects is performed. A comparison between three transient analyses is performed. The three transient analyses studied are, the full nonlinear analysis, linear analysis using dynamic coefficients, and pseudo transient analysis using static application of dynamic loads. The validity of the nonlinear transient analysis is checked by matching the lower unbalance results with the linear analysis and the static equilibrium position results with Newton-Raphson iterative scheme. A nonlinear transient analysis of the tilt pad journal bearing is also performed, and a comparison is drawn between the three approaches.
Giving in to the blues.

The molecular players that direct the development of mammalian photoreceptors are slowly coming into focus. A study that elucidates the cause of enhanced S-cone syndrome, a disorder that may be caused by a distortion of retinal cell fate, reveals one such factor—although questions about its effects remain.