cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of psychosocial adjustment in systemic sclerosis : the influence of formal education level, functional ability, hardiness, uncertainty, and social support

Objective. To determine predictors of psychosocial adjustment in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods. We surveyed 94 patients with SSc. Age, sex, education level, marital status, work status, income, support group attendance, length of time since diagnosis, functional status, social support, illness-related uncertainty, and hardiness were examined as potential predictors of psychosocial adjustment. The reliability and validity of the instruments used to measure these variables have been established. Results. Only education level, functional ability, illness-related uncertainty, hardiness, and social support were predictive of psychosocial adjustment. Education level and functional ability explained 14% of the variance in psychosocial adjustment, while illness-related uncertainty, hardiness, and social support increased the explained variance to 38%. Conclusion. Although patients with relatively poorer psychosocial adjustment to illness have lower formal education levels and more functional disability, the majority of the explained variance in psychosocial adjustment is ascribable to illness-related uncertainty, low level of hardiness, and less satisfaction with social support.
Standing microwaves on the overhead projector

Standing waves are produced by putting a metallic reflector in front of a microwave generator, and the nodes and antinodes detected with a microwave diode. The system is placed on an overhead projector so that data can be taken for class analysis.
Chemical Linkage of Pine Polysaccharides to Lignin

Abstract Methylation analysis was used to investigate the bonds to lignin of the carbohydrates remaining after enzymatic hydrolysis and alkaline reduction of ball-milled loblolly pine wood and red pine compression wood. The carbohydrates exist as oligomeric chains with degrees of polymerization of 7–14. Approximately one sugar unit per oligomer chain is bonded to lignin. Bonding at C-6 of the hexose units is favored, and the arabinose is bonded exclusively at C-5. Galactan and arabinan are structurally of the 1–4 and 1–5 linked types respectively, characteristic of the so-called “pectic group substances.”
The Demand for Insurance and Protection: The Case of Irreplaceable Commodities

Insurance and protection against various kinds of losses are both valuable activities provided to a large and perhaps increasing extent by the public sector.
Do Not Define Urban Design too Narrowly

Matthew Carmona's thoughtful essay defining Urban Design as a place-making continuum seeks to create a more consistent basis of theory to guide both future urban designs and evaluations of built en...
Preferential Localization of Human Origins of DNA Replication at the 5′-Ends of Expressed Genes and at Evolutionarily Conserved DNA Sequences

Background: Replication of mammalian genomes requires the activation of thousands of origins which are both spatially and temporally regulated by as yet unknown mechanisms. At the most fundamental level, our knowledge about the distribution pattern of origins in each of the chromosomes, among different cell types, and whether the physiological state of the cells alters this distribution is at present very limited. Methodology/Principal Findings: We have used standard l-exonuclease resistant nascent DNA preparations in the size range of 0.7–1.5 kb obtained from the breast cancer cell line MCF–7 hybridized to a custom tiling array containing 50–60 nt probes evenly distributed among genic and non-genic regions covering about 1% of the human genome. A similar DNA preparation was used for high-throughput DNA sequencing. Array experiments were also performed with DNA obtained from BT-474 and H520 cell lines. By determining the sites showing nascent DNA enrichment, we have localized several thousand origins of DNA replication. Our major findings are: (a) both array and DNA sequencing assay methods produced essentially the same origin distribution profile; (b) origin distribution is largely conserved (.70%) in all cell lines tested; (c) origins are enriched at the 59ends of expressed genes and at evolutionarily conserved intergenic sequences; and (d) ChIP on chip experiments in MCF-7 showed an enrichment of H3K4Me3 and RNA Polymerase II chromatin binding sites at origins of DNA replication. Conclusions/Significance: Our results suggest that the program for origin activation is largely conserved among different cell types. Also, our work supports recent studies connecting transcription initiation with replication, and in addition suggests that evolutionarily conserved intergenic sequences have the potential to participate in origin selection. Overall, our observations suggest that replication origin selection is a stochastic process significantly dependent upon local accessibility to replication factors.
Obesity, White Blood Cell Counts, and Platelet Counts among Police Officers

CHARLES, LUENDA E., DESTA FEKEDULEGN, TERIKA MCCALL, CECIL M. BURCHFIEL, MICHAEL E. ANDREW, AND JOHN M. VIOLANTI. Obesity, white blood cell counts, and platelet counts among police officers. Obesity. 2007;15:2846–2854. Objective: To determine the association between several obesity indices (BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip and waist-to-height ratios, and abdominal height) and hematologic parameters [white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts] among police officers. Research Methods and Procedures: The authors conducted this cross-sectional study among 104 randomly selected officers (41 women and 63 men) from the Buffalo, NY, Police Department. Anthropometric measures were performed by clinic staff, and fasting blood samples were drawn for complete blood counts. Pearson’s correlation, Student’s t tests, ANOVA, analysis of covariance, and linear regression were used to assess the associations. Results: Officers ranged in age from 26 to 61 years old and were predominantly white. Among women, current smokers had significantly higher WBC counts (7.4 10 3 cells/L 1.4) than former (5.2 10 3 cells/L 1.4) or never smokers (5.6 10 3 cells/L 1.5) (p 0.002). Women had similar WBC counts but higher mean platelet counts than men (p 0.005). Among women, abdominal height was positively associated with platelet count after adjustment for depression (p for trend 0.039). Among women and men, a non-significant step-wise trend was observed between abdominal height and mean WBC counts before and after adjustment for smoking, race, and physical activity. No association was observed between obesity and platelet count among men. Discussion: Abdominal height was significantly associated with increased platelet counts among female officers. No significant associations were observed between obesity and WBC or platelet counts among male officers.
Geographic and temporal trends in peritoneal dialysis services in the United States between 1995 and 2003.

Background Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the preferred dialysis modality for many patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States. However, in sharp contrast to the high rates of PD use in other industrialized countries, PD use in the United States is low and decreasing. PD availability is a necessary condition for PD use; however, little is known about the availability and geographic distribution of PD services. This study describes trends in the regional supply of PD services in dialysis facilities between 1995 and 2003. Study Design Longitudinal cohort study. Setting & Participants Nonfederal outpatient dialysis facilities treating patients with ESRD in the United States using data from the US Renal Data System. Predictors Annual ESRD patient and dialysis facility composition in hospital referral regions. Outcome Annual proportion of dialysis facilities offering PD treatment services in hospital referral regions. Results The average proportion of facilities offering PD services in hospital referral regions was 56% in 1996, which decreased to 47% in 2003. There was geographic variation in PD services, with greater PD availability in metropolitan cities (compared with rural regions) and the Northeast (relative to the South and Midwest). Variation in PD availability was not explained by disease trends or patient characteristics believed to be important for PD use. An increasing regional presence of chain-affiliated facilities was associated with less PD supply. Limitations Accuracy of patient registry data, inability to account for consolidation of PD services among chain providers, sensitivity of results to definition of regional markets. Conclusions The small and decreasing availability of PD therapy seems counterintuitive given its demonstrated appeal to patients and payers. Further research is needed to investigate dialysis facilities' role in the underuse of a potentially useful therapy.
Implosion in a Coronal Eruption

We present the observations of the contraction of the extreme-ultraviolet coronal loops overlying the flaring region during the preheating as well as the early impulsive phase of a GOES class C8.9 flare. During the relatively long, 6 minutes, preheating phase, hard X-ray (HXR) count rates at lower energies (below 25 keV) as well as soft X-ray fluxes increase gradually and the flare emission is dominated by a thermal looptop source with the temperature of 20-30 MK. After the onset of impulsive HXR bursts, the flare spectrum is composed of a thermal component of 17-20 MK, corresponding to the looptop emission, and a nonthermal component with the spectral index {gamma} = 3.5-4.5, corresponding to a pair of conjugate footpoints. The contraction of the overlying coronal loops is associated with the converging motion of the conjugate footpoints and the downward motion of the looptop source. The expansion of the coronal loops following the contraction is associated with the enhancement in H{alpha} emission in the flaring region, and the heating of an eruptive filament whose northern end is located close to the flaring region. The expansion eventually leads to the eruption of the whole magnetic structure and a fast coronal mass ejection. It more » is the first time that such a large scale contraction of the coronal loops overlying the flaring region has been documented, which is sustained for about 10 minutes at an average speed of {approx}5 km s{sup -1}. Assuming that explosive chromospheric evaporation plays a significant role in compensating for the reduction of the magnetic pressure in the flaring region, we suggest that a prolonged preheating phase dominated by coronal thermal emission is a necessary condition for the observation of coronal implosion. The dense plasma accumulated in the corona during the preheating phase may effectively suppress explosive chromospheric evaporation, which explains the continuation of the observed implosion up to {approx}7 minutes into the impulsive phase. « less
Action-angle variables and fluctuation-dissipation relations for a driven quantum oscillator

For a classical oscillator subject to a time-dependent perturbation, the average change in the action variable = is related to its fluctuation by = (1/2)partial /partialJ/sub 0/, where J/sub 0/ is the initial value of J and the average is over the initial value theta/sub 0/ of the angle variable. In this paper, the quantum-mechanical generalization of this relation is derived, and we discuss the correspondence between our work and the usual treatment of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem for a system which initially is described by a canonical distribution.
Aging and the experience of ‘remembered’ time: A biopsychosocial exploration

Though considerable research has been conducted on the subjective experience of time periods of short duration, little has been written about acceleration of long intervals of remembered time with age. The author reviews and assesses psychosocial, biological, and mathematical considerations contributing toward a comprehensive understanding of why the years seem to ‘fly by’ increasingly more rapidly. In particular, it is suggested that the powerful impact of social acceleration on our subjective sense of the passage of time may affect us differently at various stages in the life cycle.
Dissemination of organism-bearing droplets by high-speed dental drills

Abstract The results of this study demonstrated that large numbers of living microorganisms found in the oral cavity were propelled into the face of both the patient and dentist during routine operative procedures when high-speed drills with an airwater spray were used. A protective device worn by the patient and dentist acted as a mechanical barrier to the propelled organism-bearing droplets during these procedures. At present, a disposable paper face mask with a plastic eye shield 13 provided a practical form of protection to both the patient and dentist.
Dispersion phenomena in flow-injection systems

Abstract Reproducible dispersion is the basis for analysis by flow-injection (FI) methods and is also utilized in several other sample handling and analysis systems (e.g., liquid chromatographic connecting tubing, injectors, detectors and post-column reactors). However, a uniformly acceptable understanding or description of dispersion is currently not available. Theoretical treatments (mathematical models) of dispersion have been developed for both non-reactive (sample does not react with carrier) and kinetic (sample and carrier react) systems. Historically, chemical engineering hydraulic models were used as predictive estimators for FI response curves. These predictive models typically describe only the dispersion in the FI manifold and do not incorporate the influence of the injection, detection or connecting components of the system. Recently, descriptive models which utilize deconvolution of the response curve to describe the dispersion produced by the analysis system have been reported. This review details the various approaches that have been utilized to describe dispersion in FI systems and includes both predictive and descriptive models.
Capsule Commentary on Newman et al., Yelp for Prescribers: A Quasi-Experimental Study of Providing Antibiotic Cost Data and Prescription of High-Cost Antibiotics in an Academic and Tertiary Care Hospital.

The trial by Newman et al.1 integrated into the EHR antibiotic cost data with antibiotic susceptibility results related to cultures from bacteremia or urinary tract infections. The study showed a significant decrease in overall unit antibiotic cost per patient. As shown in a recent analysis by Goetz et al.,2 evidence exists for integrating cost data into the EHR in reducing overall costs. This study by Newman et al. has shown a benefit in reducing costs in antibiotic treatment utilizing two interesting innovations: a cost scale and a quality scale. Much like Yelp, which shows information about a business using a scale for cost and quality (determined by $ signs and stars, respectively) this study showed a benefit using $ signs and susceptibility testing. This has great implications for health care, as providers function much like users on Yelp; they are busy and need quick comparisons in a language that is easy to understand. Further studies are needed to determine whether these scales can be translated to other areas of EHR, as the comparisons can get challenging. For example, utilizing it in a small subset of beta-blockers may be easier than comparing all radiologic tests, as the number of tests and the variation in cost and indications can be high. Health care has a long history of borrowing designs from other fields to effect quality or value improvement (i.e. lean manufacturing from Toyota, or Ishikawa diagrams from Kawasaki). This may be another transferrable standard for improvement. More research is needed in utilizing cost data within EHRs. This study’s intervention is simple, cost-effective, and seamlessly integrated into the EHR. It is non-obstructive to daily workflow and does not create a hard stop or pop-up, which can lead to alarm fatigue. It is easily transferable to other institutions and EHRs. However, the study design could benefit from a control and was sensitive to unmeasured bias. The mean length of stay is very high (16.3 and 15.8), is not reflective of most hospitalizations, and begs the question, is this beneficial for shorter length of stays? Additionally, can this help with other infections?
Comparison of Different Methods for Measuring Organic Carbon Concentrations in Pond Bottom Soils

There is considerable interest in measur- ing organic matter concentrations in pond bottom soils. Recent work by Avnimelech and Zohar (1986) showed that the devel- opment of anaerobic micro-environments in pond bottom soils resulted in growth re- tardation in fish. Because the accumulation of organic matter in pond soils favors an- aerobic conditions, many commercial aquaculturists, and especially shrimp farm- ers, are beginning to monitor organic matter concentrations in pond soils and trying to manage ponds in a manner that minimizes organic matter accumulation (Peterson and Daniels 1992). Contacts with researchers and commer- cial aquaculturists suggest that four meth- ods are being used to determine organic matter concentrations in pond soils: the Walkley-Black method of sulfuric acid-po- tassium dichromate oxidation without ex- ternal heating; the Mebius modification of the Walkley-Black method with heating; dry combustion in an induction furnace-type carbon analyzer; and dry ashing in a muffle furnace. According to Nelson and Sommers (1 982), the carbon analyzer technique em- ploys high temperature and converts all soil carbon to carbon dioxide for detection. The carbon analyzer does not distinguish inor- ganic C from organic C. The Walkley-Black method does not completely oxidize all of the organic matter, and the percentage ox- idation may vary considerably among sam- ples. The modified Mebius method pro-
Electronic shearography for bridge inspection

Electronic shearography (ES) is a laser based non-destructive testing method that has the potential to be developed into a commercial bridge monitoring technique. The primary advantage of ES over other similar techniques like electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) is its decreased sensitivity to in-plane rigid body movement and vibrations. Bridge inspection with ES has proven to be a daunting task so far. The main problem has been the inability of the method to handle the large deflections and vibrations that might be expected in a typical bridge subjected to normal service loads. Earlier research has shown that the extent of in-plane movement that can be tolerated by the system is dependent on the speckle size. The speckle size also affects the fringe quality by imposing resolution requirements on the imaging device. This article shall undertake the study of speckle size as a function of the focal length of the imaging lens, object distance and illumination wavelength using high resolution holographic film and a high magnification optical microscope.
Insect feeding-induced differential expression of Beta vulgaris root genes and their regulation by defense-associated signals

Root responses to insect pests are an area of plant defense research that lacks much information. We have identified more than 150 sugar beet root ESTs enriched for genes responding to sugar beet root maggot feeding from both moderately resistant, F1016, and susceptible, F1010, genotypes using suppressive subtractive hybridization. The largest number of identified F1016 genes grouped into the defense/stress response (28%) and secondary metabolism (10%) categories with a polyphenol oxidase gene, from F1016, identified most often from the subtractive libraries. The differential expression of the root ESTs was confirmed with RT-PCR. The ESTs were further characterized using macroarray-generated expression profiles from F1016 sugar beet roots following mechanical wounding and treatment of roots with the signaling molecules methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid and ethylene. Of the examined root ESTs, 20, 17 and 11% were regulated by methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid and ethylene, respectively, suggesting these signaling pathways are involved in sugar beet root defense responses to insects. Identification of these sugar beet root ESTs provides knowledge in the field of plant root defense and will lead to the development of novel control strategies for control of the sugar beet root maggot.
Comparison of Surface Chemical Kinetic Models for Ablative Reentry of Graphite

A general formulation for surface chemical reactions is used with a finite element heat conduction code to compare computations of the ablated mass flux from carbon bodies experiencing conditions representative of Earth reentry. Several credible models for the surface chemical kinetics are exercised with the formulation and are compared both to each other and to test data obtained by the Passive Nosetip Technology program in the mid-1970s. Sublimation of C 5 and C 7 is shown to be a concern for surface temperatures greater than about 3900 K. The best match between measurements and the calculations is obtained with surface chemical models that use the usual CO formation reactions and the sublimation of C 1 -C 3 but that also include CN formation and the sublimation of C 5 and C 7 . For surface temperatures above 3500 K and for similar assumptions for the equilibrium vapor pressure and evaporation coefficients of the sublimated species, the net reaction rate approach and the surface site occupation approach give similar ablated mass fluxes.
Mesonephric carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the cervix in children

Five new cases of mesonephric carcinoma of the cervix are presented, and the four cases in the literature are reviewed. The reported cases of cervical adenocarcinoma in children are critically examined and many, but not all, appear to be of mesonephric type. The patients commonly present with painless vaginal bleeding, and this neoplasm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of this symptom. Early vaginal examination is a necessary prerequisite for effective treatment of these neoplasms. Surgical therapy appears to offer the best chance for survival.
Hemispheric specialization for speech in language-disordered children

Abstract The present experiment addressed the hypothesis that children with language disorders may have atypical patterns of hemispheric asymmetry of function. Ten children with various language disorders and 10 normal controls were given a 480 trial consonant-vowel dichotic listening test to obtain a measure of speech laterization. The data were analyzed in terms of performance as a function of whether the two dichotic inputs shared a phonetic feature (voice or place), in addition to percent correct for each ear. Group analysis of the data revealed no significant differences between the experimental children and the controls with respect to the magnitude of the right ear advantage or the effect of shared phonetic features, although the experimental children reported significantly fewer syllables overall. An analysis of the performance of individual children, however, showed that the size of the ear asymmetry was inversely related to severity of linguistic impairment.
Characterization of copper-diamond (100), (111), and (110) interfaces: Electron affinity and Schottky barrier

In this study ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy was employed to correlate the electron affinity and Schottky barrier height of Cu films on type-IIb ($p$-type) diamond (100), (111), and (110) surfaces. Furthermore, field emission measurements were correlated with the effective electron affinity of the samples. Prior to deposition the diamond samples were cleaned by various annealings and plasma treatments in ultrahigh vacuum. Annealing the diamond substrates to 1150 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C resulted in adsorbate-free surfaces with a positive electron affinity. A negative electron affinity (NEA) was induced after depositing 1 \AA{} of Cu on the clean surface. The Schottky barrier heights for the clean surfaces ranged from 0.30 eV for the (111) surface to 0.70 eV for the (100) surface. Depositing Cu onto H-terminated surfaces exhibiting a NEA still resulted in a NEA on all surfaces. However, the Schottky barrier heights were larger, ranging from 0.50 eV for the (111) surface to 0.90 eV for the (100) and (110) surfaces. The metal-induced NEA has been found to be stable to exposure to air. Following a 500 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C annealing an oxygen-terminated (100) surface with a positive electron affinity was obtained. Cu deposition resulted in a positive electron affinity and the largest Schottky barrier height with 1.60 eV. A field emission threshold field of 79 V/\ensuremath{\mu}m was obtained for an oxygen-terminated diamond (100) surface. Values of 20, 25, and 53 V/\ensuremath{\mu}m were measured for Cu on clean, H- and O-terminated surfaces, respectively. Based on these experiments, it is suggested that chemisorbed species such as H or O on diamond surfaces cause an increase in the Schottky barrier as well as in the field emission threshold field after Cu deposition.
The Uses and Abuses of Criticism in the Study of Islam: A Response to Aaron Hughes

Abstract Aaron Hughes offers a challenging critique of contemporary Islamic Studies scholarship, particularly among members of the Study of Islam Section (SIS) of the American Academy of Religion (AAR). A call for a more rigorous scholarship based on historical and textual criticism is issued as ‘provocation’ to the group. In my reply, I suggest that his essay is indeed a provocation, although not always helpfully or accurately, despite an attempt to end on a non-polemical, constructive note in the last couple of pages, where there is not enough substance on which to build a useful dialogue. Hughes argues that contemporary Islamicists have tended to become defensive of Islam in the face of growing Islamophobia in the public sphere. This essay in reply accepts some of Hughes’s critique, disagrees with some of the substance of it, including the pugnacious tone, and suggests ways to improve the chances of a meaningful dialogue
Equity and electric power generation facility location in California

Abstract An alternative to cost/benefit analysis for analyzing the equity of electric power generation facility location, utilizing the potential for air quality degradation, is developed and applied to California. Siting issues motivating disagreement on facility location are reviewed. Equity concepts are introduced, and their implementation is discussed. Several measures for assessing the equity of facility location are proposed, and the equities of existing facility locations in California are analyzed for each measure. Equity considerations for future siting decisions are examined.
Sucrose Synthase Activity as a Potential Indicator of High Rice Grain Yield

The Chinese rice cultivar Guichao2 is a potentially valuable resource for breeding rice (Oryza saliva L.) with many valuable characteristics including upright leaves, prolific tillering ability, and high yields. The objectives of this study were to compare grain yields and yield components between Guichao2 and U.S. rice lines and to determine if the enzyme sucrose synthase was associated with the observed differences in grain yield and yield components. Grain yield, grain dry matter accumulation, yield components, and endosperm sucrose synthase activity were measured in field and greenhouse experiments with Guichao2 and 'Lemont' rice, as a U.S. standard, and various other lines. In three of four field tests, Guichao2 had higher grain yields than Lemont and other U.S. rice cultivars. Guichao2 also usually had higher sucrose synthase activity per grain and per unit of protein, in three of four field tests. The cultivar Qiguizao, derived from a cross of Guichao2 and Qiyouzhan, also had higher sucrose synthase activity on a protein basis. Since the grains of Qiguizao weigh less by approximately one half of the other cultivars, the sucrose synthase activity per grain was somewhat lower. Greenhouse tests supported these findings. In one test, the F 1 hybrids of Guichao and Lemont had higher sucrose synthase activity than either Guichao2 or IR36. From this research, we conclude that sucrose synthase activity, and perhaps the genes coding for sucrose synthase, will be a valuable resource in transferring the yield characteristics of Guichao2 and Qiguizao into U.S. rice cultivars.
MORPHINE DEPRESSION AND TOLERANCE OF NERVE-INDUCED PAROTID SECRETION

1 The nerve-induced secretion produced by the rat parotid gland is proportional to the frequency of stimulation. Morphine decreased the flow rate during stimulation at 2.5 and 5 Hz, but not at 20 Hz. This frequency-dependent action of morphine and was partially reversed by naloxone. 2 The secretion produced by the rat parotid gland during an intravenous infusion of acetylcholine was not diminished by morphine. Therefore, the action of morphine on nerve-induced secretion is most probably on the motor nerve terminals, which release acetylcholine. 3 Animals that had been implanted with morphine base pellets tolerated 4 times as much morphine as controls; after 6 days the minute ventilation was less depressed by graded doses of morphine than non-implanted controls. 4 Nerve-induced secretion in morphine-implanted animals was less depressed by morphine than control animals 6 and 24 h after the pellets were removed. The flow rates in the 6 h group treated with morphine were greater after naloxone than control (precipitated withdrawal) but at 24 h when withdrawal symptoms were no longer evident, naloxone produced only a slight reversal.
The development of metalinguistic awareness and its relation to reading achievement

Abstract The relation between certain aspects of metalinguistic ability and reading, e.g., morpho-phonological ability and reading, has been well documented in the literature. What has not been fully discussed is the relation between structural-relational (semantic-syntactic) linguistic knowledge and reading development. This study examined two types of questions about this relation: (a) which aspects of structural-relational metalinguistic awareness in what forms and during which age periods are significantly related to reading achievement? and (b) what is the relation between metalinguistic awareness in oral language processing and written language processing? Sixty-four subjects, from fourth graders to adults, participated in the study. Each subject was asked to judge and produce corrections of nongrammatical, anomalous, and ambiguous stimulus items in sentences and passages. These items were presented in both oral and written modes. Results indicated that reading achievement and age were positively related to metalinguistic ability. Subjects were better able to judge than produce correct forms. While ambiguity was the most difficult task, nongrammaticality was the most discriminating task. Good readers' performance on oral tasks equalled their performance on written tasks by adulthood.
Hydrodynamic analysis of dilute gas—solids flow in a vertical pipe

Abstract Dilute gas-solids systems are widely used as a proper reactor in many chemical, gas, food processing and waste treatment industries. The optimal utilization of this technology requires a good understanding of gas and particle flow patterns and the capability to predict such behavior. To respond to this need, the Two-Dimensional Steady State Two-Phase Hydrodynamic Model is developed to describe gas—solids flow behavior in dilute gas—solids flow systems. The model considers particles of same size and their boundary layers as a separate continuum phase. Furthermore, viscous dissipation forces and phase interaction forces are incorporated in the model. Numerical solution was obtained using the Method of Lines which is incorporated in FORSIM computer code. The predicted system variables agreed with the observed behavior of the experiments reported in the literature. The predicted average of the pressure drop profile using this model agreed well with the available experimental data in the literature.
Prognostic importance of immunophenotyping in adults with acute myelocytic leukaemia: the significance of the stem‐cell glycoprotein CD34 (My 10)

A series of 23 monoclonal antibodies reactive with normal lymphoid and myeloid cells at various stages of differentiation were used to characterize 96 adult patients with acute myelocytic leukaemia (AML), concentrating on the possible role the expression of these antigens may have in predicting response to intensive chemotherapy. Only the expression of CD34 (P = 0.008) and HLA-DR (P = 0.035) was significant in predicting response to therapy; patients with leukaemic cells expressing CD34 (My10) had a complete remission (CR) rate of 59% compared to 87% for those with blasts not expressing the antigen. In a multivariate analysis predicting for CR, the expression of CD34, the disease category (de novo AML versus secondary AML [SAML] or a history of antecedent haematological disorder [AHD]), and WBC were significant covariates. Adjusting for disease category and WBC, patients with CD34-positive AML were one-third as likely to enter CR as with those with disease not expressing the antigen (P = 0.066). Comparison of clinical characteristics between the 58 patients whose leukaemia expressed CD34 and the 33 which were CD34-negative found that patients with CD34-positive AML had a higher incidence of SAML and AHD, a lower WBC at diagnosis, and a more frequent incidence of chromosomal abnormalities involving chromosomes 5 and/or 7. Twenty-eight of these patients also had immunophenotyping performed at relapse. Patients who presented with CD34-positive AML, and entered remission, and then relapsed all recurred with CD34-positive leukaemia; there was no case of CD34-positive AML at diagnosis relapsing with CD34-negative disease. In addition, there were patients presenting with CD34-negative AML and then relapsing with CD34-positive AML. These results suggest that intensive cytoreductive therapy is ineffective against CD34-positive AML. Patients who present with CD34-positive AML may require different therapeutic approaches to completely eradicate their disease.
Effects of a Long-Duration, Professional Development Academy on Technology Skills, Computer Self-Efficacy, and Technology Integration Beliefs and Practices

AbstractA variety of barriers relating to resources, institutional and administrative policies, skills development and attitudes can hinder the effectiveness of technology professional development resulting in underutilized technology resources and lack of integration of those resources within instruction. Multiple methods were used to evaluate the effectiveness of a long-term professional development academy intended to address those barriers and promote increased use of technology in the academy participants’ instruction. Results revealed significant gains in participants’ self assessed technology skills and computer self efficacy, with little or no change to self assessed technology integration beliefs and practices despite interview data indicating participants felt their teaching had changed as a result of their academy participation. This article suggests the design of the academy was successful in addressing some but not all of its intended objectives. Suggestions for the design of long-term techno...
Improved Estimation of a Patterned Covariance Matrix

Suppose a random vector X has a multinormal distribution with covariance matrix Σ of the form Σ = Σi=1k θiMi, where Mi's form a known complete orthogonal set and θi's are the distinct unknown eigenvalues of Σ. The problem of estimation of Σ is considered under several plausible loss functions. The approach is to establish a duality relationship: estimation of the patterned covariance matrix Σ is dual to simulataneous estimation of scale parameters of independent χ2 distributions. This duality allows simple estimators which, for example, improve upon the MLE of Σ. It also allows improved estimation of tr Σ. Examples are given in the case when Σ has equicorrelated structure.
Effect of chemical treatments on methane emission by the hindgut microbiota in the termite Zootermopsis angusticollis

Selective removal of symbiotic hindgut microorganisms by chemical treatments reduced methane emission by the termiteZootermopsis angusticollis. Methane emission from untreated termites incubated in 25% H2 increased 123%, from 10.3 nmol/termite/hour (U) to 22.9 U. Though linear with time, methane emission was not correlated with termite mass. Hyperbaric oxygen treatments reduced methane emission to unquantifiable levels and eliminated all but the protozoaTricercomitus andHexamastix. Exogenous H2 restored 5% of methane emission to 1.3 U. 2-bromoethanesulfonic acid, fed on filter papers to termites, eliminated methane production. Epifluorescence microscopy showed that this treatment selectively removed methanogens from symbioses withTricercomitus, Hexamastix, andTrichomitopsis, but the protozoa did not appear to be affected. The insect molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone reduced methane production 86% to 1.6 U from an initial level of 11.4 U. Hydrogen incubation increased this rate to 77% of the initial rate, 8.8 U. Hormone treatment reduced the number ofTrichonympha in the hindgut and induced sexuality in these protozoa. A model suggests thatTrichonympha evolve most of the hydrogen and that methanogenic bacteria symbiotic withTrichomitopsis produce most of the methane in this hindgut ecosystem.
Linguistic acculturation associated with higher marijuana and polydrug use among Hispanic adolescents.

Hispanic sixth and seventh graders in 22 New York City middle schools (mean age: 12.66 years) completed self-report questionnaires with items related to drug use (cigarette smoking, alcohol use, an...
Consumer Responses to Electronic Article Surveillance Alarms

Abstract Electronic article surveillance (EAS) is a primary weapon in retailers' arsenal for abating shoplifting. Although the evidence does suggest that EAS decreases shoplifting, no research has been conducted to assess the unintended effects from errant EAS alarms. Based on a survey administered to 250 individuals selected from a systematic random sample, the results of this study reveal that nearly half of all consumers have experienced an accidental EAS alarm. Most importantly, 16 percent of consumers may never shop again at a store that subjects them to an errant EAS alarm.
Influence of geometry and equilibrium chemistry on relative recovery during enhanced microdialysis

Abstract Cyclodextrin-mediated enhanced relative recovery (RR) during microdialysis sampling was studied by varying probe membrane length and material. Different analyte/cyclodextrin complexes that had formation constants ranging between log K f of 0.92 and 2.6 were studied. Enhanced RR was significantly greater when log K f was >2.0. As membrane length increased, the enhanced RR for all compounds increased. Enhanced RR values reached a plateau level at low perfusion fluid flow rates with 10 mm microdialysis membranes. Polycarbonate/polyether membranes exhibited significantly higher enhanced RR than polyethersulfone membranes. These studies suggest that a combination of chemical and membrane properties must be considered in order to achieve significant enhanced RR during microdialysis sampling.
Poliovirus type II produced from cloned cDNA is infectious in mice

Abstract A cDNA clone representing the entire genome of mouse adapted poliovirus type II, strain Lansing, was prepared in plasmid pBR322. After transfection of HeLa cells with this plasmid, infectious poliovirus was recovered and identified as type II by neutralization with homotypic antiserum. Transfection-derived type II virus caused paralysis and death in mice, while transfection-derived type I virus did not cause disease in mice.
Spectrophotometric methods for the determination of osmium-I: Extraction and ultraviolet spectrophotometric determination of osmium tetroxide

Abstract An ultraviolet spectrophotometric method is presented for the determination of milligram quantities of osmium in solutions of uranyl sulphate. Osmium is first oxidised to the octovalent state and the osmium tetroxide which is formed, is selectively extracted with chloroform. The ultraviolet absorption spectrum'of osmium tetroxide in chloroform has a series of absorption bands with peak absorbancies at 282, 289, 297, 304 and 312 mμ and molar absorbancy indexes of 1870, 1760,1640, 1400 and 1000, respectively. For each wavelength, the optimum concentration range for the determination of osmium was evaluated. From 0.4 to 3.3 mg of osmium can be determined with a coefficient of variation of 3%. Of the elements tested only chloride and octovalent ruthenium interfere; however, both of these interferences can be eliminated.
“They Are Happier and Having Better Lives than I Am”: The Impact of Using Facebook on Perceptions of Others' Lives

Abstract Facebook, as one of the most popular social networking sites among college students, provides a platform for people to manage others' impressions of them. People tend to present themselves in a favorable way on their Facebook profile. This research examines the impact of using Facebook on people's perceptions of others' lives. It is argued that those with deeper involvement with Facebook will have different perceptions of others than those less involved due to two reasons. First, Facebook users tend to base judgment on examples easily recalled (the availability heuristic). Second, Facebook users tend to attribute the positive content presented on Facebook to others' personality, rather than situational factors (correspondence bias), especially for those they do not know personally. Questionnaires, including items measuring years of using Facebook, time spent on Facebook each week, number of people listed as their Facebook “friends,” and perceptions about others' lives, were completed by 425 under...
The sleep-dream cycle and brain serotonin

This report presents data from three experiments investigating the effects of agents which change brain serotonin levels upon the length of the sleep-dream cycle in the rat.
Delay of incentive cues in paired-associate learning and its effect on organizing responses

Studies of probability learning, incidental learning, short-term memory, and PA learning have shown that incentive to learn influences recall. In general, the effect is one of negative contrast: The recall of unrewarded materials suffers with no contrasting facilitation in the recall of rewarded materials. It was hypothesized that this incentive effect was due to S 's differential use of organizing responses while learning. The validity of the hypothesis was tested by determining the influence of incentive on recall with various degrees of delay in incentive cuing. Delay in cuing was expected to reduce differential use of organizing responses which, according to the hypothesis, would in turn reduce the incentive effect on recall. Measures of organizing responses conformed to the expectation that cuing delay would reduce differential responding. As predicted, the influence of incentive on recall decreased with degree of cue delay.
Cisterna Chyli Ablation with Thoracic Duct Ligation for Chylothorax: Results in Eight Dogs

Objective— To report use of combined cisterna chyli ablation (CCA) and thoracic duct ligation (TDL) for treatment of spontaneously occurring chylothorax in dogs. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Eight dogs with chylothorax. Methods— TDL was performed through a right caudal intercostal thoracotomy and CCA through a left flank paracostal approach or ventral median celiotomy. Long-term outcome (range, 2–48 months; median, 11.5 months) was evaluated by telephone communication with owners. Results— Seven dogs were free of clinical signs related to chylothorax at last follow-up (range, 4–48 months; median, 15.5 months). One dog was euthanatized 2 months after surgery because of lack of improvement. No major complications occurred from CCA. Conclusion— CCA and TDL resolved chylothorax in most dogs (88%). Clinical Relevance— CCA combined with TDL may improve the outcome of chylothorax in dogs.
Influence of parathyroid hormone and calcitonin on tissue zinc homeostasis in the rat.

Abstract Tissue zinc accumulation kinetics and compartmental analysis models were evaluated in thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) rats treated with parathyroid extract or calcitonin. The animals were injected with 65 Zn and studied at multiple time intervals. SAAM-25 was utilized to generate models from the plasma specific activity decay curves. Calcitonin had a marked effect to decrease the fractional influx and efflux transfer coefficients in the model and inhibit tissue zinc accumulation in several, but not all, tissues. Parathyroid extract increased accumulation in all tissuesstudied, but had minimal effects on the model. It is concluded that parathyroid hormone acts nonspecifically and that calcitonin appears to have specific influences on zinc homeostasis.
Purification and Properties of an Altered Form of Elongation Factor 2 from Mutant Cells Resistant to Intoxication by Diphtheria Toxin

Elongation factor 2 (EF-2) was isolated from wild-type and mutant-polyoma-virus-transformed baby hamster kidney cells resistant to intoxication by diphtheria toxin. Cells were grown as tumors in hamsters and EF-2 was purified from tissue homogenates by column chromatography. Both forms of EF-2 chromatograph identically in Whatman DE-52 DEAE-cellulose, Sephadex DEAE-A50 and Sephacryl S-200 resins. However, wild-type and the mutant form of EF-2 elute from phosphocellulose at 0.16 M and 0.24 M KCl respectively. Both forms of EF-2 migrate in sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gels as a single band with an Mr of 93000 and produce identical 125I-labeled tryptic peptide maps. However, additional labeled tryptic peptides are seen when wild-type EF-2 is ADP-ribosylated by fragment A diphtheria toxin. The purified mutant protein is totally resistant to ADP-ribosylation and cannot be transformed into an ADP-ribosylatable form in a posttranslational modification system in vitro, indicating that resistance to ADP-ribosylation results from a mutation in the structural gene for EF-2.
Squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa: a 40-year review.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of surgical therapy for buccal squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) at a single tertiary care institution during a 40-year period. Materials and methods A retrospective review was performed by examining the records and pathology of 48 patients with buccal SCCA treated at a single tertiary care institution from 1970 to 2009. Results Treatment entailed surgery alone in 18 patients (37.5%) and surgery followed by radiation therapy in 30 patients (62.5%). Composite resection was performed in 17 patients (35.4%), and ipsilateral neck dissections were performed in 37patients (77.1%). One-year observed actuarial disease-free survival rates were 60%, 46%, 0%, and 40% for T1 through T4, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed increased age as a risk factor for disease recurrence (P = .062), with skin taken and neck dissection not achieving significance (P = .24 and .20, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated age as increasing risk and neck dissection as decreasing risk of recurrence (P = .029 and .023, respectively). Conclusions We report relatively high disease-free survival rates in patients who underwent aggressive resection and neck dissection. Performance of neck dissection and younger age were associated with a favorable prognosis. Performance of neck dissection may decrease the risk of recurrence in primary SCCA of the buccal mucosa. Although through-and-through resection of skin decreased risk of disease recurrence, this difference is not statistically significant (P = .24).