cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional associations between alcohol use and intimate partner violence and sexual assault victimization among college women

Whereas some prior studies have explored whether alcohol increases the risk for victimization and/or whether distress resulting from victimization increases the risk for alcohol use, few studies have simultaneously tested these bidirectional hypotheses among a high-risk sample (i.e., undergraduate women), while including both sexual assault (SA) and intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, and exploring potential moderating effects of PTSD symptoms on these paths. Among 631 college women, the present study tested these bidirectional associations using cross-lagged panel models across two measurement periods (i.e., Time 1 [T1] and Time 2 [T2], six months later). Results suggested that T1 alcohol use increased risk for T2 SA (but not T2 IPV victimization), and PTSD symptoms moderated this association; at lower levels of PTSD symptoms, there were no significant associations between alcohol use and subsequent SA victimization, whereas at higher levels of PTSD symptoms, alcohol use predicted subsequent SA victimization. By contrast, the opposite directional hypothesis was not supported; neither T1 lifetime SA nor IPV were associated with T2 drinking, regardless of the level of their PTSD symptoms. Prevention and intervention efforts should simultaneously address risk factors for alcohol use and victimization using trauma-informed practices.
A Novel Factor Graph-Based Optimization Technique for Stereo Correspondence Estimation.

Dense disparities among multiple views is essential for estimating the 3D architecture of a scene based on the geometrical relationship among the scene and the views or cameras. Scenes with larger extents of heterogeneous textures, differing scene illumination among the multiple views and with occluding objects affect the accuracy of the estimated disparities. Markov random fields (MRF) based methods for disparity estimation address these limitations using spatial dependencies among the observations and among the disparity estimates. These methods, however, are limited by spatially fixed and smaller neighborhood systems or cliques. In this work, we present a new factor graph-based probabilistic graphical model for disparity estimation that allows a larger and a spatially variable neighborhood structure determined based on the local scene characteristics. We evaluated our method using the Middlebury benchmark stereo datasets and the Middlebury evaluation dataset version 3.0 and compared its performance with recent state-of-the-art disparity estimation algorithms. The new factor graph-based method provided disparity estimates with higher accuracy when compared to the recent non-learning- and learning-based disparity estimation algorithms. In addition to disparity estimation, our factor graph formulation can be useful for obtaining maximum a posteriori solution to optimization problems with complex and variable dependency structures as well as for other dense estimation problems such as optical flow estimation.
Product price alignment with seller service rating and consumer satisfaction

Empirical studies have shown strong evidence that a seller with a better customer feedback score is able to charge a higher price for his/her product or service. We study the problem faced by the seller of setting the price with the objective of maximizing expected revenue over a finite number of periods. Modeling the problem requires building a system of processes that includes: (1) the customer arrival and formation of customer reservation price; (2) the customer feedback collection and aggregation into a Seller Service Rating (SSR); and (3) determining how much to charge customers. Because of the technical difficulty in finding analytical solutions that fully reflect the closed-loop interconnections between these processes, we develop a simulation–optimization approach to solve the problem. We present a computational study and report on results of numerical experiments providing interesting insights on how the retailer could startegically align the price he charges with his service quality performance.
Parameter estimation in the age of degeneracy and unidentifiability

Parameter estimation from observable or experimental data is a crucial stage in any modeling study. Identifiability refers to ones ability to uniquely estimate the model parameters from the available data. Structural unidentifiability in dynamic models, the opposite of identifiability, is associated with the notion of degeneracy where multiple parameter sets produce the same pattern. Therefore, the inverse function of determining the model parameters from the data is not well defined. Degeneracy is not only a mathematical property of models, but it has also been reported in biological experiments. Classical studies on structural unidentifiability focused on the notion that one can at most identify combinations of unidentifiable model parameters. We have identified a different type of structural degeneracy/unidentifiability present in a family of models, which we refer to as the Lambda-Omega ({Lambda}-{Omega}) models. These are an extension of the classical lambda-omega ({lambda}-{omega}) models that have been used to model biological systems, and display a richer dynamic behavior and waveforms that range from sinusoidal to square-wave to spike-like. We show that the {Lambda}-{Omega} models feature infinitely many parameter sets that produce identical stable oscillations, except possible for a phase-shift (reflecting the initial phase). These degenerate parameters are not identifiable combinations of unidentifiable parameters as is the case in structural degeneracy. In fact, reducing the number of model parameters in the {Lambda}-{Omega} models is minimal in the sense that each one controls a different aspect of the model dynamics and the dynamic complexity of the system would be reduced by reducing the number of parameters. We argue that the family of {Lambda}-{Omega} models serves as a framework for the systematic investigation of degeneracy and identifiability in dynamic models and for the investigation of the interplay between structural and other forms of unidentifiability resulting on the lack of information from the experimental/observational data.
Anyone Can Fall Down a Manhole: The Contingency Fee and Its Discontents

The contingency fee was an established feature of the American legal scene by the mid-nineteenth century.! In his study of personal injury litigation in New York City, Randolph Bergstrom found the contingency fee little used in 1870, but much in use by 1890, and pervasive by 1910.2 From its inception, the contingency fee has been accompanied by accusations of illegitimacy. Attacks on the contingency fee have recurred with regularity, often in conjunction with campaigns against plaintiffs' lawyers for degrading professional standards by fomenting meritless litigation, ambulance chasing, and accident faking.3 Denigration of the contingency fee has figured prominently in the contemporary assault on the civil justice system that started in the late 1970s. Critics who behold a litigation explosion, excessive litigiousness, runaway juries, too many lawyers and other evils, identify the contingency fee as an important ingredient of the mess. The Wall Street Journal urges us that the contingency fee is "the engine driving much of the liability explosion of recent decades."4 Earlier opposition
ANALYSIS OF MULTISTOREY BUILDINGS CONSIDERING SHEAR WALL AND FLOOR DEFORMATIONS

Publisher Summary The classical formulation of the wind stress problem of plane frames is the system of slope-deflection equations and practical methods of solution have been available. These equations have been generalized to include column axial strains, and matrix and computer techniques have been devised to handle larger and more complex problems of this general type. This approach appears adequate for many buildings, and no difficulties are encountered under ordinary circumstances when applying this approach to buildings with setbacks and arcades, to unsymmetrical buildings, to the recently recognized problem of temperature differences between interior and exterior columns, and to building vibrations. In the application to the basic problem and to special problems, several assumptions must be made. One is that the load or some assigned fraction of the load is carried by the frame and that the frame consists of the actual beams and columns. Thus, if shear walls, vertical trusses or shafts capable of carrying lateral load exist, some prescribed portion of the total load is assigned to them. The stiffnesses and slope-deflection coefficients of the girders might be modified to include some effective width of the floor slabs. The second significant assumption made is that the floor slabs undergo no appreciable deformation in their own planes and the horizontal displacements of the plane frames and of the shear walls have a fixed relation to each other.
Subrings of Finite-Dimensional Rings

In the category of commutative unitary rings most rings are subrings of a zero-dimensional ring, but not all rings have this property. For each positive integer n there exist rings R of dimension n having the property that every extension ring of R has dimension at least n. Also, there exist rings which are not subrings of a finite-dimensional ring. We ask about the ideal-theoretic structure of rings with these properties. We consider these questions for infinite products of zero-dimensional rings, and for homomorphic images of such infinite products.
Antidepressant Drug Interactions and the Cytochrome P450 System: A Critical Appraisal

Evaluation of the inhibitory effects of antidepressant drugs on hepatic cytochrome P450 isoenzymes can allow clinicians to predict drug interactions occurring via this mechanism a priori. The magnitude and clinical relevance of these drug interactions are dependent on many factors including concentration of the isoenzyme inhibitor, contribution of active metabolites with isoenzyme inhibitory activity, and toxicity of the concomitant medication. This review summarizes information to date regarding the inhibitory potency of fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, nefazodone, and venlafaxine on five isoenzyme systems: CYP2D6, CYP3A3/4, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. Both in vitro and in vivo isoenzyme inhibition data are presented and correlated to drug interactions of clinical relevance.
Which Interest Rate Seems Most Related to Business Investment? A Few Preliminary Findings from an Ongoing Study

This paper examines (econometrically) which interest rates seem most systematically related to investment and the GDP and how long the lag time is before changes in these interest rates affect the GDP. We conclude that the Prime interest rate has the most important and systematic influence on these variables and that it affects investment and the GDP after a two year lag due to the lengthy periods required to design, bid and build new factories, commercial facilities and some machinery. Other rates examined, but not found related to investment - triggered GDP growth, include the Aaa and Baa corporate bond rates, the Mortgage interest rate and the 10 year Treasury bond rate. Our results also suggest the magnitude of the effect of interest rate changes on the economy is relatively modest, and that therefore the Federal Reserve's ability to influence the economy by changing rates may also be somewhat constrained.
Classer les Récits: Théories et Pratiques

Reviewed Medium: book Year: 2007 Pages: 459 Publisher: L'Harmattan ISBN: 978-2-296-04290-2 (soft cover).
Lymphoscintigraphic anatomy of sentinel lymphatic channels after subareolar injection of Technetium 99m sulfur colloid.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Injection of Technetium 99m sulfur colloid (Tc-99m-SC) into the subareolar lymphatic plexus provides a rapid and reliable method of identifying breast sentinel lymph nodes and their lymphatic connections to the areola, termed sentinel lymphatic channels (SLCs). The objective of this study was to define the anatomic origin, number, and direction of the SLC in relation to the areola after subareolar injection of Tc-99m-SC. STUDY DESIGN: Using a hand-held goniometer, the exit angle (θ e ) and direction from the vertical (to the patient's right or left) of SLCs were determined in 87 successful preoperative lymphoscintigrams (46 left breast and 41 right breast). RESULTS: One major lymphatic trunk was identified in 91% of cases (n = 79), and two lymphatic trunks were identified in 9% of cases (n = 8). Overall, 24% (n = 21) of major lymphatic trunks exited the areola vertically (θ e = 0 degrees), 33% (n = 29) exited the areola with θ e = right or left 1 to 30 degrees, and 32% (n = 28) exited with a θ e = right or left 31 to 60 degrees. In total, 90% (n = 78) of SLCs exited the areola with a θ e = right or left 0 to 60 degrees, equivalent to 10 to 12 o'clock in the right breast, and 12 to 2 o'clock in the left breast. CONCLUSIONS: Radial angular measurements of SLCs from preoperative lymphoscintigrams performed by SA injection confirm that the origin of the majority of SLCs is within the upper, outer edge of the areola, and that all SLCs ultimately traverse the upper, outer quadrant of the breast and terminate on axillary sentinel nodes.
The ongoing failure of imagination

When the Twin Towers fell on September 11, 2001, so too did America's confidence that it was secure from calamitous acts of terrorism. Mindful that terrorists might next seek to use nuclear weapons, the United States has undertaken concerted efforts to secure loose nukes and bombmaking materials. But, five years later, are we any safer? For an assessment, the Bulletin sought the views of GRAHAM ALLISON (P. 36), author of Nuclear Terrorism: The Ultimate Preventable Catastrophe, and WILLIAM M. ARKIN (P. 42), a security analyst and online columnist for the Washington Post.
Initial Vegetation Response to Fuel Mastication Treatments in Rare Butterfly Habitat of the Spring Mountains, Nevada

Abstract Current dense forests in the Spring Mountains, Nevada, attributed to land management practices including fire exclusion, are considered to provide sub-optimal habitat for the rare endemic Mount Charleston blue butterfly (Plebejus shasta charlestonenesis). To reduce fuel loads in these forests, managers have used various treatments, including tree thinning and mechanical mastication. This study analyzed potential negative and positive effects of deposition of masticated slash (post-tree thinning material such as branches and logs) on host plants within Mount Charleston blue habitat. We manipulated depth of woodchip beds in 1-m2 quadrats at a Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine) site and monitored understory vegetation and butterfly host-plant response to the treatments. We also performed a germination experiment on seeds of the butterfly larval host plant Astragalus calycosus var. calycosus (Torrey's milkvetch) by applying various treatments combinations which included shading, liquid smoke, cold stra...
Recruitment of β-Arrestin into Neuronal Cilia Modulates Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 3 Ciliary Localization

Primary cilia are essential sensory and signaling organelles present on nearly every mammalian cell type. Defects in primary cilia underlie a class of human diseases collectively termed ciliopathies. Primary cilia are restricted subcellular compartments, and specialized mechanisms coordinate the localization of proteins to cilia. Moreover, trafficking of proteins into and out of cilia is required for proper ciliary function, and this process is disrupted in ciliopathies. The somatostatin receptor subtype 3 (Sstr3) is selectively targeted to primary cilia on neurons in the mammalian brain and is implicated in learning and memory. Here, we show that Sstr3 localization to cilia is dynamic and decreases in response to somatostatin treatment. We further show that somatostatin treatment stimulates β-arrestin recruitment into Sstr3-positive cilia and this recruitment can be blocked by mutations in Sstr3 that impact agonist binding or phosphorylation. Importantly, somatostatin treatment fails to decrease Sstr3 ciliary localization in neurons lacking β-arrestin 2. Together, our results implicate β-arrestin in the modulation of Sstr3 ciliary localization and further suggest a role for β-arrestin in the mediation of Sstr3 ciliary signaling.
Causes and consequences of adult laryngotracheal stenosis.

Objectives/Hypothesis Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is largely considered a structural entity, defined on anatomic terms (i.e., percent stenosis, distance from vocal folds, overall length). This has significant implications for identifying at-risk populations, devising systems-based preventive strategies, and promoting patient-centered treatment. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that LTS is heterogeneous with regard to etiology, natural history, and clinical outcome. Study Design Retrospective cohort study of consecutive adult tracheal stenosis patients from 1998 to 2013. Methods Subjects diagnosed with laryngotracheal stenosis (ICD-9: 478.74, 519.19) between January 1, 1998, and January 1, 2013, were identified. Patient characteristics (age, gender, race, follow-up duration) and comorbidities were extracted. Records were reviewed for etiology of stenosis, treatment approach, and surgical dates. Stenosis morphology was derived from intraoperative measurements. The presence of tracheostomy at last follow-up was recorded. Results One hundred and fifty patients met inclusion criteria. A total of 54.7% had an iatrogenic etiology, followed by idiopathic (18.5%), autoimmune (18.5%), and traumatic (8%). Tracheostomy dependence differed based on etiology (P < 0.001). Significantly more patients with iatrogenic (66%) and autoimmune (54%) etiologies remained tracheostomy-dependent compared to traumatic (33%) or idiopathic (0%) groups. On multivariate regression analysis, each additional point on Charlson Comorbidity Index was associated with a 67% increased odds of tracheostomy dependence (odds ratio 1.67; 95% confidence interval 1.04–2.69; P = 0.04). Conclusions Laryngotracheal stenosis is not a homogeneous clinical entity. It has multiple distinct etiologies that demonstrate disparate rates of long-term tracheostomy dependence. Understanding the mechanism of injury and contribution of comorbid illnesses is critical to systems-based preventive strategies and patient-centered treatment. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 125:1137–1143, 2015
Inhibition of biliary phospholipid and cholesterol secretion by bilirubin in the Sprague-Dawley and Gunn rat

Abstract Bilirubin is one of several organic anions that selectively inhibit the biliary secretion of phospholipid and cholesterol without affecting bile salt secretion. To determine the site of this inhibition and gain insight into its mechanism, normal, Sprague-Dawley and homozygous Gunn rats were infumsed with unconjugated bilirubin and a water-soluble model conjugate, bilirubin ditaurate. Either unconjugated bilirubin or bilirubin ditaurate infused into Sprague-Dawley rats caused an increase in biliary bilirubin secretion from 2.1 ± 0.3 to 315 ± 15 nmol/min, whereas phospholipid and cholesterol secretion fell significantly, in parallel, to 25% of control. Bilirubin ditaurate infused into homozygous Gunn rats caused changes in biliary lipid and bilirubin secretion similar to those seen in Sprague-Dawley rats. Biliary bilirubin secretion rose from 0.9 ± 0.6 to 303 ± 9 nmol/min, whereas biliary phospholipid and cholesterol secretion fell to 28% of controls. In contrast, unconjugated bilirubin infumsed into Gunn rats caused only a slight increase in biliary bilirubin secretion, from 0.9 ± 0.3 to 6.0 ± 2.1 nmol/min, whereas biliary lipid secretion remained within 90% of control. These results indicate that the inhibition of biliary phospholipid and cholesterol secretion by bilirubin occurs after microsomal conjugation. It is possible that the more hydrophilic conjugates of bilirubin aggregate with intracellular phospholipid and cholesterol destined for bile. Consequently, micelle-forming bile salts could be prevented from recognizing or aggregating with these lipids and fail to promote their secretion into bile.
Soft-tissue balance and alignment in medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

We reviewed two similar groups of patients with medial osteoarthritis of the knee treated by unicompartmental arthroplasty. The group receiving an Oxford meniscal-bearing implant, with no medial release, showed significantly better mechanical alignment than that receiving a fixed-bearing implant. Under-correction, with its ominous mechanical implications, was much more common with the fixed-bearing design. Over-correction was rare and was seen in both designs about equally. Degenerative stenosis of the intercondylar notch was common and appeared to put the anterior cruciate ligament at risk of rupture, especially after correction of the varus deformity. We consider that postoperative leg alignment and soft-tissue balance after unicompartmental knee replacement are determined more by the implant design and the surgical technique than by any variation in soft-tissue contracture. Release of the medial collateral ligament is not necessary for realignment, but a generous notchplasty is often needed to allow normal anterior cruciate ligament function.
A super MHV vertex expansion for = 4 SYM theory

We present a supersymmetric generalization of the MHV vertex expansion for all tree amplitudes in = 4 SYM theory. In addition to the choice of a reference spinor, this super MHV vertex expansion also depends on four reference Grassmann parameters. We demonstrate that a significant fraction of diagrams in the expansion vanishes for a judicious choice of these Grassmann parameters, which simplifies the computation of amplitudes. Even pure-gluon amplitudes require fewer diagrams than in the ordinary MHV vertex expansion. We show that the super MHV vertex expansion arises from the recursion relation associated with a holomorphic all-line supershift. This is a supersymmetric generalization of the holomorphic all-line shift recently introduced in arXiv:0811.3624. We study the large-z behavior of generating functions under these all-line supershifts, and find that they generically provide 1/zk falloff at (Next-to)kMHV level. In the case of anti-MHV generating functions, we find that a careful choice of shift parameters guarantees a stronger 1/zk+4 falloff. These particular all-line supershifts may therefore play an important role in extending the super MHV vertex expansion to = 8 supergravity.
A perspective on the evolution of live programming

Liveness in programming environments generally refers to the ability to modify a running program. Liveness is one form of a more general class of behaviors by a programming environment that provide information to programmers about what they are constructing. This paper gives a brief historical perspective on liveness and proposes an extension of a hierarchy given in 1990, to now account for even more powerful execution-oriented tools for programmers. In addition, while liveness concerns the timeliness of execution feedback, considering a broader array of forms of feedback is helpful both in better understanding liveness and in designing ever more powerful development tools.
Treatment of experimental renal hypertension with vitamin A concentrates.

Conclusions1. One lot of a vitamin A concentrate dissolved in sesame oil produced striking reductions in the blood pressures of renal hypertensive dogs when administered by mouth in a dosage of 200,000 units daily for 3 months followed by 400,000 units daily for 3 months.2. Second and third lots of the concentrate dissolved in sesame oil and fish liver oil respectively, a purified vitamin A alcohol in sesame oil, and a fourth lot of the concentrate dissolved in fish liver oil and subjected to heat inactivation of the vitamin A, as well as sesame oil, were all without antihypertensive effect. Likewise the second lot of the concentrate showed no prophylactic effect in experimental renal hypertension.3. No toxic effects were observed in the dogs.4. Obviously the antihypertensive effect of the first lot of the concentrate was not due to vitamin A but to some unknown constituent not present in the second and third lots.5. Since this antihypertensive substance was effective by mouth and apparently in small amou...
Indoor smoke and prenatal and childhood growth: The role of (gestational) age

Growth at birth and during infancy predicts several outcomes in the immediate future as well as in the long term. Weight and height are commonly used surrogates of growth, however, infants and young children are constantly growing unlike adults. Hence, weight and height alone are insufficient measures of growth if the time component is not associated with them. Recent studies have investigated the relationship between indoor air pollution and growth using height and weight. In this commentary, I have argued using a directed acyclic graph, that a causal association between indoor pollution exposure and growth at birth cannot be established unless birth weight is adjusted for gestational age. Furthermore, to make any causal inference between growth during the first few years of life and indoor exposure, in addition to age standardization, studies must also account for fetal growth to discount any continuation of prenatal effects, which may be in the causal pathway. A careful consideration is warranted from future studies investigating these relationships.
Working conditions and masked hypertension.

Masked hypertension, i.e., normal clinic blood pressure but elevated blood pressure during normal daily activities as measured by ambulatory monitoring, is a common problem and a serious cardiovascular risk factor. Given previously reported associations between work stressors and ambulatory blood pressure, an inquiry into the relationship between work stressors and masked hypertension is warranted. To assess the relationship between working conditions and masked hypertension. Cross-sectional study. Hospital and home care employers in New York City. Forty-five male and 119 female hospital and home care employee volunteers wore an ambulatory blood pressure monitor during working hours. Masked hypertension was defined as work systolic ambulatory blood pressure ≥135 mmHg or diastolic ambulatory blood pressure ≥85 mmHg, and casual blood pressure <140/90 mmHg with no use of antihypertensive medications. Associations between work stressors and masked hypertension were tested by multiple logistic regression. Masked hypertension, observed in 24.0 % of males and 17.6 % of females with normal casual office obtained blood pressure, was associated with evening, night or rotating shiftwork (odds ratio (OR) 8.25, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.11–40.31) and with the combination of job strain and effort-reward imbalance (OR 2.97, 95 % CI 1.02–8.60) after controlling for age. Associations remained substantial, and statistically significant for shiftwork, after individual adjustment for each of 10 potential confounders. Masked hypertension was not associated with total weekly work hours. Masked hypertension is a significant individual and public health concern. Additional research is needed to clarify the role of work-related risk factors in the development of masked hypertension, and to develop an appropriate clinical and public health strategy for diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
A combined experimental and numerical approach to study ballistic impact response of S2-glass fiber/toughened epoxy composite beams

Abstract A combined experimental and 3D dynamic nonlinear finite element (FE) approach was adopted to study damage in composite beams subject to ballistic impact using a high-speed gas gun. The time-histories of dynamic strains induced during impact were recorded using strain gages mounted on the front of the composite beam specimen. During ballistic impact tests, the impact velocity was also measured. The commercially available 3D dynamic nonlinear FE code, LS-DYNA, modified with a proposed user-defined nonlinear-orthotropic damage model, was then used to simulate the experimental results. In addition, LS-DYNA with the Chang–Chang linear-orthotropic damage model was also used for comparison. Good agreement between experimental and FE results was found from the comparisons of dynamic strain and damage patterns. Once the proposed nonlinear-orthotropic damage model was verified by experimental results, further FE simulations were conducted to predict the ballistic limit velocity (V50) using either the number of damaged layer approach or a numerically established relation between the projectile impact velocity versus residual velocity or energy similar to the classical Lambert–Jonas equation for metals.
Weight control behaviors in overweight/obese U.S. adults with diagnosed hypertension and diabetes

Background Obesity is a major risk factor for development and progression of hypertension and diabetes, which often coexist in obese patients. Losing weight by means of energy restriction and physical activity has been effective in preventing and managing these diseases. However, weight control behaviors among overweight/obese adults with these conditions are poorly understood.
Synthesis of ZrO2 and Y2O3‐Doped ZrO2 Thin Films Using Self‐Assembled Monolayers

Undoped or Y2O3-doped ZrO2 thin films were deposited on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with either sulfonate or methyl terminal functionalities on single-crystal silicon substrates. The undoped films were formed by enhanced hydrolysis of zirconium sulfate (Zr(SO4)·4H4O) solutions in the presence of HCl at 70°C. Typically, these films were a mixture of two phases: nanocrystalline tetragonal- (t-) ZrO2 and an amorphous basic zirconium sulfate. However, films with little or no amorphous material could be produced. The mechanism of film formation and the growth kinetics have been explained through a coagulation model involving homogeneous nucleation, particle adhesion, and aggregation onto the substrate. Annealing of these films at 500°C led to complete crystallization to t-ZrO2. Amorphous Y2O3-containing ZrO2 films were prepared from a precursor solution containing zirconium sulfate, yttrium sulfate (Y2(SO4)38·H2O), and urea (NH2CONH2) at pH 2.2–3.0 at 80°C. These films also were fully crystalline after annealing at 500°C.
Successful management of sudden, massive immune hemolysis following ABO-incompatible allogeneic PBSCT despite methotrexate GvHD prophylaxis

Successful management of sudden, massive immune hemolysis following ABO-incompatible allogeneic PBSCT despite methotrexate GvHD prophylaxis
Plicatamide: A lead to the biosynthetic origins of the tunichromes?

Plicatamide is a modified octapeptide from the ascidian Styela plicata having the structure Phe-Phe-His-Leu-His-Phe-His-decarboxyDeltaDOPA (where decarboxyDeltaDOPA = decarboxy-(E)-alpha,beta-dehydro-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine). Edman sequencing, tandem mass spectrometry, and proton NMR have been used to characterize 100 microg of the compound. Plicatamide represents an important link between two classes of biomolecules: the tunichromes which share an oxidatively decarboxylated C-terminus and higher molecular weight DOPA-polypeptides. The 8-residue sequence provides the first opportunity to investigate the biosynthetic origins of the tunichrome family by molecular biological techniques.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole activity and pharmacodynamics against glycopeptide-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus.

Study Objective. To determine the activity of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) against glycopeptide-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (GISA). Design. In vitro study. Setting. University laboratory. Measurements and Main Results. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of TMP-SMX were determined for three GISA strains. Time-kill assays were conducted at 1 x MIC and at simulated peak serum concentrations (Cmax). Two dosing regimens of TMP-SMX were investigated: TMP-SMX 8 mg (TMP)/kg/day and TMP-SMX 15 mg/kg/day, each divided into two doses/day. Both dosages were studied against each strain in a two-compartment in vitro model to determine concentration-related activity. All isolates were susceptible to TMP-SMX. In time-kill studies at 1 x MIC, TMP-SMX was bacteriostatic against all isolates and bactericidal against two of three strains at simulated Cmax. The 15–mg/kg/day (divided-dose) regimen provided the best overall reduction in colony-forming units/ml. Conclusion. All GISA strains were susceptible to TMP-SMX. In addition, it appears that TMP-SMX may have concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against these organisms. As an option in the management of GISA infection, TMP-SMX merits further study.
276 Prenatal Exposure to Dexamethasone Permanently Alters the Expression of 11Beta HSD1, Mineralcorticoid and 5HT1B Receptor in Rat Hippocampus

Changes in gene expression in the brain, pituitary, and adrenal have been reported in a number of prenatal stress studies. However, it is not clear whether the high maternal glucocorticoid (GC) level is directly responsible for these perturbations. We exposed rat dams to DEX during gestation days 14–19 and found a significant decrease in birth weight and adult weight of the male offspring. In addition, this treatment elicited a significant increase in serum ACTH and CORT. In contrast, circulating levels of serotonin were significantly lower in the DEX-exposed adult males. Using real time RT-PCR we measured a significant decrease in the hippocampal mineralcorticoid receptor (MR) and serotonin receptor, 5-HT1B. In contrast, the mRNA levels measured for hippocampal 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were not significantly different from the control animals. Interestingly, males exposed to DEX in utero exhibited a significant increase in hippocampal 11 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11beta HSDI). Unlike the placental 11beta HSD2 isozyme which inactivates endogenous CORT, hippocampal 11beta HSD1 regenerates active corticosterone from inert 11dehydrocorticosterone. It is becoming increasingly apparent that glucocorticoid actions are not only mediated via intracellular GR and MR, but by the presence of 11beta HSDI and its capacity for regulating intracellular concentration of active GC. HPA axis hyperactivity may result, in part, from a reduced hippocampal tonic inhibition. It is possible that the significant changes in hippocampal corticosteroid receptor and 11beta HSD I gene expression contribute to this loss of inhibition. Moreover, since 5HT receptors in the rat hippocampus are normally under tonic inhibition by corticosteroid, the elevation of both circulating and intracellular CORT would suppress the serotonergic system in this region. These data demonstrate that exposure to DEX in utero has persistent effects on the adult brain thus supporting the prenatal origin of adult dysfunction hypothesis.
Micrometer-scaled Gradient Surfaces Generated Using Contact Printing of Octadecyltrichlorosilane

Gradient surfaces are widely employed in biological studies for protein adsorption and cell attachment and growth. They also offer great potential in the areas of fluid flow and combinatorial experimental design for obtaining material properties and behaviors. Gradient surfaces are created with organosilanes by using the diffusion techniques proposed by Ewling and modified by Chaudhury. However, these techniques have limitations. They either generate a significant amount of organic waste or require well-controlled deposition conditions. In this paper, we propose a fast, convenient, reproducible, and inexpensive method that generates gradient surfaces with minimum waste generation. Particularly, we have adopted Whitesides's contact-printing technique to achieve a gradient by gradually varying the contact time over the contacted area using octadecyltrichlorosilane. Elastomeric stamps with different geometries and various radii of curvature are used to generate gradient surfaces at both millimeter and microm...
A method of evaluating enteric coatings using the white rat.

A method of testing enteric coatings based on enzymatic disintegration in the gastrointestinal tract of the white rat has been devised. Fills containing a dye were given to a group of rats, and the time between ingestion and detection of the dye in the urine was noted. After a waiting period, enteric coated pills containing the dye were administered and the time between ingestion and detection of the dye in the urine again noted. If either the dye was not detected or the elapsed time was comparable to the blank, the coating was considered unsatisfactory. The coating was Considered satisfactory if the dye was noted after a reasonably increased lapsed time. The coatings used were. cellulose acetate hydrogen phthalate and cellulose acetate stearate. The dye used was Pyridium®.
Implementation of a large scale water quality data management system

Abstract This paper looks at the application of the Generalized Planning System (GPLAN) to a large scale water pollution problem. A discussion of the GPLAN system is presented along with a discussion of its application to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. A discussion is then presented describing what extensions were required to make the GPLAN system more adaptable to the planning process. This included extending the network query language so that it would be “relatively complete”.
Stacked solar cells of amorphous silicon

Abstract Multiple-junction (stacked) solar cells of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) have been made, consisting of two and three p+in+ cells. Three kinds of tunnel junction cell interconnections have been tested including n+p+ (a-Si:H), n+/cermet/p+, and n+/metal/cermet/p+ layers. The quality of the tunnel junctions improved in that order. The open circuit voltage (Voc) for a single cell was 0.76 V, for a two-cell stack 1.57 V, and for a three-cell stack 1.92 V. The stacked cell has the potential of increasing the efficiency of a-Si:H solar cells in at least two ways. One is by means of bandgap matching to the solar spectrum. The other is by means of a more complete utilization of a given range of wavelengths which cannot be fully absorbed within the limited depletion width of a single cell. In the present device the a-Si:H materials had the same optical bandgap throughout, thereby precluding bandgap matching, but allowing greater light absorption. Thus far, a modest 2% efficiency has been realized in the two-cell stack and 2.5% in a three-cell stack.
Absolute intensities for the Q-branch of the 3ν2〈-〉ν1 (465.161 cm-1) band of nitrous oxide

Abstract The absolute intensities of four lines, Q15–Q18 in the 0310–1000 band, of N2O have been measured using a tunable diode laser spectrometer at temperatures between 380 and 420 K and pressures between 4 and 15 torr. Even though these transitions are weak and produced only about 2% of absorption at the line center for a pathlength of 52m, they were measured with a signal to noise ratio of about 20 due to the high sensitivity of the instrument. The band strength derived is 1.03 × 10-24cm molec-1 at 296 K.
Observer agreement, credibility, and judgment: some considerations in presenting observer agreement data

Graphical and statistical indices employed to represent observer agreement in interval recording are described as “judgmental aids”, stimuli to which the researcher and scientific community must respond when viewing observer agreement data. The advantages and limitations of plotting calibrating observer agreement data and reporting conventional statistical aids are discussed in the context of their utility for researchers and research consumers of applied behavior analysis. It is argued that plotting calibrating observer data is a useful supplement to statistical aids for researchers but is of only limited utility for research consumers. Alternatives to conventional per cent agreement statistics for research consumers include reporting special agreement estimates (e.g., per cent occurrence agreement and nonoccurrence agreement) and correlational statistics (e.g., Kappa and Phi).
Grouped Locations and Object-Based Attention: Comment on Egly, Driver, and Rafal (1994)

Recently, R. Egly, J. Driver, and R. D. Rafal (1994) provided evidence for an object-based component of visual orienting in a simple cued reaction time task. However, the effects of objects on visual attention can be due to selection from either of two very different types of representations: (a) a truly object-based representation that codes for object structure or (b) a grouped array representation that codes for groups of spatial locations. Are Egly et al.'s results due to selection from an object-based representation or from a grouped array representation? This question was addressed by using a variant of Egly et al.'s task. The findings replicated those of Egly et al. and demonstrated that the selection in this task is mediated through a grouped array representation. The implications of these results for studies of attentional selection are discussed. In the past, the study of attentional selection has primarily focused on how visual attention selects stimuli on the basis of spatial location in the visual field. However, in recent years there has been an increase in the study of how visual attention selects stimuli on the basis of shape or structure. The former approaches have come to be known as spatial or location-based models of attention, and the latter have come to be known as object-based models of attention. (The literature concerning these two types of selection is quite large and continually growing, so it will not be reviewed here. The reader is referred to the following for reviews and characteristic positions: Duncan, 1984; Egly, Driver, & Rafal, 1994; Eriksen & Eriksen, 1974; Kramer & Jacobson, 1991; Posner, 1980; Posner, Snyder, & Davidson, 1980; Vecera & Farah, 1994) Egly, Driver, and Rafal (1994) used a clever procedure that was reported to show both location-based and objectbased components of visual selection in normal subjects as well as differential impairments in these attentional components in parietal-dama ged patients. The results from the normal subjects are of primary interest here. Subjects were shown two rectangles that appeared either above and below fixation or to the left and right of fixation. One of the corners was cued by brightening, and a target followed. Subjects made a simple reaction time (RT) response to the onset of the target, a procedure similar to Posner's classic spatial cuing paradigm (see Posner
Interactions of a small RNA with antibiotic and RNA ligands of the 30S subunit

IT is now generally accepted that 16S and 23S ribosomal RNA play important roles in the decoding and peptidyl transferase activities of ribosomes1,2. Despite their complex structures and numerous associated proteins it is possible that small domains of these rRNAs can fold and function autonomously, particularly those that appear devoid of protein interactions3. One candidate for such a domain is the decoding region, located near the 3′ end of 16S rRNA (Fig. la, b). Consistent with this hypothesis, aminoglycoside antibiotics that interact with the decoding region in 30S subunits interact with other RNAs in the absence of proteins4–7. In addition, certain activities of self-splicing introns, at least superficially, resemble translational decoding8,9. We report here that an oligo-ribonucleotide analogue of the decoding region interacts with both antibiotic and RNA ligands of the 30S subunit in a manner that correlates with normal subunit function. The activities of the decoding region analogue suggest that the intimidating structural complexity of the ribosome can be, to some degree, circumvented.
Transform techniques for error control codes

By using the theory of finite field Fourier transforms, the subject of error control codes is described in a language familiar to the field of signal processing. The many important uses of spectral techniques in error control are summarized. Many classes of linear codes are given a spectral interpretation and some new codes are describe. Several alternative encoder/ decoder schemes are described by frequency domain reasoning. In particular, an errors-and-erasures decoder for a BCH code is exhibited which has virtually no additional computations over an errors-only decoder. Techniques for decoding BCH, RS, and alternant codes (Goppa codes) a short distance beyond the designed distance are discussed. Also, a modification to the definition of a BCH code is described which reduces the decoder complexity without changing the code's rate or minimum distance.
Teaching Civil Engineering Design: Observations and Experiences

Civil engineering design is an inspired activity. It offers the engineer a high degree of autonomy to conceive or create a unique, state-of-the-art, functional, cost-effective facility. Civil engineering design calls on the talent of the engineer to balance the client's end-use requirements and financial resources, with the safety of the occupants. Because the process of engineering design has such a vast degree of freedom, teaching the concepts inherent in design is a very challenging, and at times frustrating, endeavor. The present paper discusses the many facets of the senior design course developed at the University of Missouri–Rolla to include a course that employs an effective team teaching approach with two faculty members who have both extensive teaching and industry/consulting experience. Their real-world experiences are assets when teaching design.
Preparation of model membranes for skin permeability studies using stratum corneum lipids.

Liposomes were prepared from stratum corneum lipids consisting of epidermal ceramides (55% by weight), cholesterol (25%), free fatty acids (15% by weight), cholesterol (25%), free fatty acids (15%), and cholesteryl sulfate (5%). Multiple lemallae were formed by air-drying the liposomal suspensions on hydrophilic filter disks, and water permeabilities through these filter-supported lamellae were measured using a diffusion cell. Ultrastructure of the lipid lamellae was characterized by scanning and thin-section electron microscopy. Water flux data and ultrastructure of the model membranes are discussed in relation to stratum corneum, the horny layer of the epidermis that constitutes the epidermal barrier.
Rate-dependent right precordial Q waves: "septal focal block".

Rate-dependent pathologic Q waves in leads V 1 to V 3 were seen in two patients with myocardial infarction. Months later this conduction defect could be recalled with atrial premature beats, or as a continuing rate-dependent phenomenon. It is suggested that these cases represent a focal block in the septal fibers of the left bundle branch system and that this defect could underlie the transient right precordial Q waves seen in myocardial infarction or ischemia, as well as the fixed Q waves of many patients without septal infarction at autopsy.
Ascorbate Concentrations and Osmolalities in Orange and Apple Juices

Ascorbate (vitamin C) concentrations and osmolalities (solute concentrations) were measured across orange and apple juice varieties available at a local grocer. Ascorbate concentrations ranged from 0.00 to 0.55 mg mL-1 in apple juice and from 0.22 to 0.54 mg mL-1 in orange juice. Mean ascorbate concentrations were significantly higher in orange juices compared to apple juices. In contrast, the mean osmolality of apple juices was significantly greater than in orange juices. Osmolality ranged from 339 to 696 mOsm kg-1 in apple juice and from 482 to 612 mOsm kg-1 in orange juice. In all but one case, ascorbate concentrations and osmolalities agreed with label information.