cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Pilot Study of Cerebral Blood Flow Patterns Employing SPECT Imaging in Dental Postsurgical Pain Patients With and Without Pain Relief

Background: Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has been employed in the study of altered regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) in experimental and chronic pain. CBF patterns have not been evaluated in patients with acute postoperative pain. Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to employ SPECT to measure CBF distribution associated with postoperative dental pain and to compare these
Fiber-Optic Raman Detection of Trace Levels of Phosphonate Vapors Chemisorbed onto an Alumina Substrate

Detection of ppm(v) levels of the nerve agent simulants dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) and diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP) by chemisorption to an alumina surface followed by fiber-optic Raman spectroscopic determination is described. Real-time measurements of the increase in the Raman line intensities with respect to time for DMMP and DIMP chemisorption to alumina are presented. A detection limit at the 95% confidence interval of 6 ppm(v) is calculated for DMMP vapors at a vapor flow rate of I00 mL/min. Factors which limit lower detection limits are identified and possible solutions presented.
Do Pedestrian Countdown Signals Influence Vehicle Speeds

The effects of pedestrian countdown signals on speeds of approaching vehicles as a function of the distance of the vehicle upstream of the intersection and the signal display are reported here. The analyses used mean speeds of vehicles on two segments immediately upstream of the stop bar and also during different indications of the pedestrian signal head (pedestrian "Walk" and pedestrian flashing "Don't Walk" signal with the time remaining in seconds to cross the street for the following intervals: greater than 15 s, 15 s to 10 s, 10 s to 5 s, and less than 5 s). Appropriate tests were performed to determine the statistical significance of the differences in observed mean speeds for each of these scenarios. Vehicle speeds were greater on the segment closer to the intersection than on the segment farther away. The speeds were also greater during the pedestrian countdown timer and flashing "Don't Walk" displays on the pedestrian signal head than when the pedestrian "Walk" signal and the countdown timer were...
Expression of a myelin basic protein gene in transgenic shiverer mice: Correction of the dysmyelinating phenotype

Mice homozygous for the autosomal recessive mutation shiverer (shi) lack myelin basic protein (MBP) and exhibit a distinct behavioral pattern including tremors (shivering), convulsions, and early death. We have previously demonstrated that shiverer mice have a partial deletion in the gene encoding MBP. We now have introduced the wild-type MBP gene into the germ line of shiverer mice by microinjection into fertilized eggs. Transgenic shiverer mice homozygous for the introduced gene have MBP mRNA and protein levels that are approximately 25% of normal, and produce compacted myelin with major dense lines. Correct temporal and spatial expression of the MBP gene is achieved with a genomic MBP cosmid clone containing 4 kb of 5' flanking sequence and 1 kb of 3' flanking sequence. Moreover, the four different forms of MBP produced by alternative patterns of RNA splicing are present. These homozygous transgenic shiverer mice no longer shiver nor die prematurely.
Purification of Minute Virus of Mice using high performance tangential flow filtration

Abstract Membrane technology has proven to be a mainstay separation technology over the past two decades. Some major advantages of membrane technology are application without the addition of chemicals and a comparatively low energy use. With its current applications, membrane technology has been widely used in biotechnology processes. Cell harvesting and virus purification/removal are important processes in many downstream purifications of biopharmaceutical products. For this project, ultrafiltration (UF) for virus purification from cell culture broth was used. Recently, it has been demonstrated that UF is a powerful tool for purification of other viruses such as Aedes aegypti and virus-like particles. More precisely, high performance tangential flow filtration (HPTFF) will be used, which was first introduced by Robert van Reis in 1997. To date HPTFF has been used in other projects, as for protein concentration, purification, and buffer exchange as a single unit operation. The virus used in this study was the parvovirus Minute Virus of Mice (MVM); characterized by an average diameter of 22–26 nm and icosahedral symmetry. Experiments were conducted with 300, 100 and 50 kDa Sartorius membranes. Results obtained indicate that using the 50 or 100 kDa membrane, viral particles get excluded, whereas the 300 kDa membrane allows the passage of the virus particles into the permeate. In HPTFF mode the permeate flux decline of the 300 kDa ultrafiltration membrane is much greater than for the other membranes used. One possible explanation for this decay could have to do with the virus particles' access to the membrane pores (gradual pore narrowing). Additionally the permeate flux and level of protein rejection as well, are strongly affected by the cell culture medium.
Plant intron sequences: evidence for distinct groups of introns

In vivo and in vitro RNA splicing experiments have demonstrated that the intron splicing machineries are not interchangeable in all organisms. These differences have prevented the efficient in vivo expression of monocot genes containing introns in dicot plants and the in vitro excision of some plant introns in HeLa cell in vitro splicing extracts. We have analyzed plant introns for sequence differences which potentially account for the functional splicing differences. Three classes of plant introns can be differentiated by the purine or pyrimidine-richness of sequences upstream from the 3' splice site. The frequency of these three types of introns in monocots and dicots varies significantly. The degree of variability in the 5' and 3' intron boundaries is evaluated for each of these classes in monocots and dicots. The 5' splice site consensus sequences developed for the monocot and dicot introns differ in their ability to base pair with conserved nucleotides present at the 5' end of many U1 snRNAs.
A new lifelong learning system for the world

This paper begins with the paradigm for the current learning system in the world, a paradigm probably unsuited for learning in the future. Then, it suggests an alternate paradigm, distance tutorial learning with computers. Learning for everyone everywhere is individualised; student paces differ. We outline a method for producing computer-based highly interactive tutorial units. After an extensive experiment, full development follows, producing the new tutorial units for everyone from birth to old age, used everywhere by both the rich and poor.
TRAIN TIME: Railroads and the Imminent Reshaping of the United States Landscape. By John R. Stilgoe.

(2011). Train Time: Railroads and the Imminent Reshaping of the United States Landscape. By John R. Stilgoe. Geographical Review: Vol. 101, No. 1, pp. 130-132.
Sub-barrier fusion and elastic scattering in S+Ni systems

The elastic scattering of {sup 32}S on {sup 58,64}Ni and fusion excitation functions for {sup 32}S+{sup 58,64}Ni and {sup 34}S+{sup 64}Ni have been measured at energies near the Coulomb barrier. Our results differ in several important respects from previous measurements on these systems. Coupled-channels calculations which explicitly allow for collective inelastic excitations and single-nucleon transfer reactions simultaneously reproduce the main features of the new elastic-scattering and fusion data.
Marrow Visualization on Renal Scintigraphy: An Often-Overlooked Finding in Azotemic Patients

Delayed perfusion and enhanced hepatobiliary uptake are recognized findings on 99mTc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (99mTc-MAG3) scintigraphy in patients with renal insufficiency. Less well appreciated is the finding of bone marrow visualization. This study was performed to determine the frequency of this sign and to try to determine its association with laboratory parameters. Methods: We retrospectively studied medical records and the results of renal scans performed on 170 patients from June to December 2009 at the Montefiore Medical Center. Among them we identified 167 patients who fulfilled our inclusion criteria for participation in this study. Prominent individual vertebrae and sacroiliac joints were categorized as bone marrow visualization. A lack of radiotracer activity in individual vertebrae or in the sacroiliac joints was categorized as bone marrow nonvisualization. The studies were interpreted by 2 nuclear medicine physicians who were unaware of the laboratory and clinical data. Results: The 167 patients fulfilling our inclusion criteria were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 20), with visualization, and group 2 (n = 147), without visualization. The mean creatinine level in group 1 was higher than that in group 2 (3.2 vs. 1.1, P = 0.001). There was no difference in mean hematocrit and hemoglobin between the 2 groups. None of the patients with a creatinine level less than 1.5 mg/dL had bone marrow visualization, whereas bone marrow was visualized in 44% of patients with a creatinine level greater than 1.5 mg/dL. There was no definite correlation between the intensity of marrow activity and the level of creatinine. Conclusion: Bone marrow often may be visualized on early images of 99mTc-MAG3 renal scans of azotemic patients. The etiology needs further clarification. Enhanced marrow perfusion, an increased blood concentration of 99mTc-MAG3, and marrow hyperplasia secondary to associated anemia or hemolysis are possible causes.
The ratio of stored to expended energy during the deformation of copper and aluminum single crystals at 78°K☆

Abstract A deformation calorimeter has been used to measure both the energy stored and the ratio of stored to expended energy at 78°K in copper and aluminum single crystals as functions of tensile strain and orientation Both metals yielded much higher values of the ratio than have been obtained previously in room-temperature deformation studies The data have been discussed in terms of current theories of work hardening'
Sparse shape registration for occluded facial feature localization

This paper proposes a sparsity driven shape registration method for occluded facial feature localization. Most current shape registration methods search landmark locations which comply both shape model and local image appearances. However, if the shape is partially occluded, the above goal is inappropriate and often leads to distorted shape results. In this paper, we introduce an error term to rectify the locations of the occluded landmarks. Under the assumption that occlusion takes a small proportion of the shape, we propose a sparse optimization algorithm that iteratively approaches the optimal shape. The experiments in our synthesized face occlusion database prove the advantage of our method.
Small-volume U–Pb zircon geochronology by laser ablation-multicollector-ICP-MS

Abstract U–Pb zircon geochronology is hampered by problems acquiring meaningful geologic ages on zoned grains that retain isotope signatures from multiple growth or thermal events. We present a new method using laser ablation-multicollector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to overcome complications associated with intricately zoned zircon crystals through in situ sampling of zircon volumes as small as 12–14 µm in diameter by 4–5 µm in depth (
Adjective Definitions and the Influence of Word Frequency.

The present investigation is a study of the development of adjective definitions given by participants in Grades 6 and 10 and by young adults, as well as the influence of word frequency on those definitions. A total of 150 participants (50 per age group) wrote definitions for 6 high-frequency and 6 low-frequency adjectives. Adjective definitions were analyzed for use of semantic content and also grammatical form. Findings indicated that content of adjective definitions generally followed a developmental course from concrete and functional to more abstract. Response patterns of certain categories, such as superordinate, have implications for organization of the mental lexicon and suggest that adjective definitions may be less predictable than definitions of other grammatical categories, such as noun. Although conventional syntactic form was highly used in definitions (i.e., adjectival form for a definition of an adjective), verb form was also highly used. Conventional form may be less useful to characteriz...
The plasma membrane redox system in aging

Oxidative stress over time leads to the accumulation of damaged macromolecules and to profound physiological changes that are associated with several age-related diseases. The plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) appears to attenuate oxidative stress acting as a compensatory mechanism during the aging process. The PMRS appears to play a protective role during mitochondrial dysfunction to provide cells with a survival mechanism by lowering oxidative stress. The PMRS accomplishes this by producing more NAD(+) for glycolytic ATP production via transfer of electrons from intracellular reducing equivalents to extracelluar acceptors. Ubiquinone and alpha-tocopherol are key antioxidant molecules in the plasma membrane that are affected by aging and can be up-regulated by dietary interventions such as calorie restriction (CR). Up-regulation of PMRS activity leads to cell survival and membrane homeostasis under stress conditions and during calorie restriction. Further studies of the PMRS may provide not only additional information on the mechanisms involved in aging and CR, but may provide therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases.
Training Your Brain: Do Mental and Physical (MAP) Training Enhance Cognition Through the Process of Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus?

New neurons are produced each day in the hippocampus through the process of neurogenesis. Both mental and physical training can modify this process by increasing the number of new cells that mature into functional neurons in the adult brain. However, the mechanisms whereby these increases occur are not necessarily the same. Physical activity, especially aerobic exercise greatly increases the number of new neurons that are produced in the hippocampal formation. In contrast, mental training via skill learning increases the numbers that survive, particularly when the training goals are challenging. Both manipulations can increase cognitive performance in the future, some of which are reportedly mediated by the presence of new neurons in the adult hippocampus. Based on these data, we suggest that a combination of mental and physical training, referred to here as MAP training, is more beneficial for neuronal recruitment and overall mental health than either activity alone. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Cognitive Enhancers'.
Immunological complications of obesity

Current approaches for the treatment of obesity, including diet and lifestyle changes, have not been successful in curtailing the obesity epidemic. The higher incidence of inflammation-associated chronic disease and greater susceptibility to infection in obese people represents a growing health threat. Improved understanding of the immunological processes that regulate obesity may yield new treatments for obesity-associated disorders.
The interaction between noble gases and the basal plane surface of graphite

Abstract Calculations are presented of the laterally averaged interaction between a noble gas atom and the basal plane surface of graphite. The proposed model is seiempirical, based in part on a previous successful treatment of the He/graphite case. The calculated potentials have minima which are 5–10% closer to the surface than earlier values. The results are consistent with LEED and SEXAFS data.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy by head and neck surgeons

The endoscopic placement of percutaneous gastrostomy tubes has been an accepted technique for several years but has traditionally been performed by gastroenterologists and general surgeons. Fluoroscopically guided tube placement is now performed by radiologists. Head and neck surgeons have been slow to adopt the responsibility for placing percutaneous gastrostomy tubes despite the fact that most are proficient in both rigid and flexible esophagoscopy and trained in the Seldinger technique. We report on 41 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies performed in 39 patients by the Head and Neck Service at Stanford Medical Center between July 1, 1992, and August 30, 1995. There were 28 (71.8%) male and 11 (28.2%) female patients. Eleven (28.2%) procedures were performed in patients at the time of major head and neck resections. Another seven (17.9%) patients underwent percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement at the time of their initial staging panendoscopy before receiving chemotherapy and radiation. Fifteen (38.5%) procedures were performed for severe postsurgical dysphagia. Six (15.4%) patients had neurologic dysfunction, and this procedure was often performed in conjunction with tracheostomy. There were no major complications. Two patients had to undergo intraoperative tube replacement at 7 months and 18 months for chronic infection and tube damage, respectively. The only other complication was local irritation at the surgical site, which occurred in 2 (5.1%) patients. Our experience with percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement confirms that this is a procedure that can be safely performed by head and neck surgeons and should be part of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery training. The ability to provide comprehensive care of head and neck cancer patients as well as a means of supplemental feeding in conjunction with performing tracheostomy in neurologically impaired patients will no doubt improve the service that our specialty can provide.
EFFECT OF OVEN HOLDING ON QUALITIES OF FRIED CHICKEN PARTS

Eight-piece-cut broiler parts from 907-1134g carcasses were obtained from a processing plant. Parts were flour predusted, battered, and floured again before being fried in a deep-fat fryer. Fried chicken parts were immediately held in an electric oven at 65.6°C. Warner-Bratzler shear values, ultrastructural changes, coating-skin moisture contents, and organoleptic evaluations of the fried parts were measured after 0.25, 1, 2, and 3 hr of holding. Both breast and thigh meat had a change in ultrastructure at different times; however, dark meat became tougher sooner than white meat. Oven holding had a drying effect on the coating-skin portions. Organoleptic scores of coating-skin parts of fried chicken were not affected by holding time within 3 hr, while those for meat parts were affected.
Regional Trade Reforms and Western Hemisphere Economic Integration: Implications for Agriculture and Economic Growth: Discussion

The topic of the implications of Western Hemisphere economic integration for agriculture is both timely and important. It is topical because negotiations are under way for Chile's accession into NAFTA; the Mexican economy seems to be pulling out of its tailspin, and investment is cautiously returning; and the Denver meeting of trade ministers in July reaffirmed the Miami Declaration on the establishment of a Free
Abstract 1548: Ultraviolet B-induced platelet-activating factor receptor agonists mediate augmentation of melanoma tumor growth via regulatory T cells: Implication of systemic immunosuppression

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiation to human or mouse skin generates Platelet-activating factor (PAF) and novel oxidatively-modified glycerophosphocholines (Ox-GPCs) with PAF-receptor (PAF-R) agonistic activity. These lipids mediate systemic immunosuppression in a process involving IL-10. The current studies sought to determine the functional significance of UVB-mediated systemic immunosuppression in an established model of murine melanoma progression. As our studies demonstrated that B16F10 tumors do not express functional PAF-Rs, retroviral-mediated transduction of the PAF-R was used to create PAF-R-positive B16F10 melanoma tumor cells. We show that UVB irradiation augments B16F10 tumor growth and is dependent on host, but not melanoma cell, PAF-R-expression as UVB or the PAF-R agonist, carbamoyl- PAF (CPAF), both promote B16F10 tumor growth in wild-type mice, independent of whether B16F10 cells express PAF-Rs, but do not augment tumor growth in PAF-R deficient (Pafr -/-) mice. Systemic antioxidant treatment ameliorated UVB-mediated augmentation of tumor growth, indicating involvement of Ox-GPC PAF-R agonists produced non-enzymatically. Host immune cells are required as CPAF-induced augmentation of tumor growth is not seen in immunodeficient NOD SCID mice. Finally, depleting antibodies against IL-10 in WT mice, or depletion of CD25-positive cells (suggestive of FoxP3 directed regulatory T cells) in FoxP3EGFP transgenic mice block UVB/CPAF-induced tumor growth, supporting a requirement for IL-10 and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in this process. These findings indicate that UVB-generated Ox-GPCs with PAF-R agonistic activity enhance experimental murine melanoma tumor growth through targeting host immune cells, most notably Tregs, to mediate systemic immunosuppression. These studies describe a previously unrecognized mechanism by which melanoma tumor cells can escape antitumor immunity. Inasmuch as other pro-oxidative stressors could potentially generate PAF-R agonists, this pathway could have clinical relevance in terms of devising better strategy for melanoma immunotherapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1548. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1548
A direct main olfactory bulb projection to the 'vomeronasal' amygdala in female mice selectively responds to volatile pheromones from males.

The main olfactory system, like the accessory olfactory system, responds to pheromones involved in social communication. Whereas pheromones detected by the accessory system are transmitted to the hypothalamus via the medial (‘vomeronasal’) amygdala, the pathway by which pheromones are detected and transmitted by the main system is not well understood. We examined in female mice whether a direct projection from mitral/tufted (M/T) cells in the main olfactory bulb (MOB) to the medial amygdala exists, and whether medial amygdala-projecting M/T cells are activated by volatile urinary odors from conspecifics or a predator (cat). Simultaneous anterograde tracing using Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin and Fluoro-Ruby placed in the MOB and accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), respectively, revealed that axons of MOB M/T cells projected to superficial laminae of layer Ia in anterior and posterodorsal subdivisions of the medial amygdala, whereas projection neurons from the AOB sent axons to non-overlapping, deeper layer Ia laminae of the same subdivisions. Placement of the retrograde tracer cholera toxin B into the medial amygdala labeled M/T cells that were concentrated in the ventral MOB. Urinary volatiles from male mice, but not from female conspecifics or cat, induced Fos in medial amygdala-projecting MOB M/T cells of female subjects, suggesting that information about male odors is transmitted directly from the MOB to the ‘vomeronasal’ amygdala. The presence of a direct MOB-to-medial amygdala pathway in mice and other mammals could enable volatile, opposite-sex pheromones to gain privileged access to diencephalic structures that control mate recognition and reproduction.
Direct observations of UV extraordinary optical transmission and localized field enhancement through nanoslits

The UV extraordinary optical transmission through nanoslit structures in the far-field and localized field enhancement in the near-field are both directly observed. Numerical modeling results are also presented, showing good agreement with the experiment results.
Basonuclin-Null Mutation Impairs Homeostasis and Wound Repair in Mouse Corneal Epithelium

At least two cellular processes are required for corneal epithelium homeostasis and wound repair: cell proliferation and cell-cell adhesion. These processes are delicately balanced to ensure the maintenance of normal epithelial function. During wound healing, these processes must be reprogrammed in coordination to achieve a rapid re-epithelialization. Basonuclin (Bnc1) is a cell-type-specific transcription factor expressed mainly in the proliferative keratinocytes of stratified epithelium (e.g., corneal epithelium, epidermis and esophageal epithelium) and the gametogenic cells in testis and ovary. Our previous work suggested that basonuclin could regulate transcription of ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) and genes involved in chromatin structure, transcription regulation, cell-cell junction/communication, ion-channels and intracelllular transportation. However, basonuclin's role in keratinocytes has not been demonstrated in vivo. Here we show that basonuclin-null mutation disrupts corneal epithelium homeostasis and delays wound healing by impairing cell proliferation. In basonuclin-null cornea epithelium, RNA polymerase I (Pol I) transcription is perturbed. This perturbation is unique because it affects transcripts from a subset of rDNA. Basonuclin-null mutation also perturbs RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcripts from genes encoding chromatin structure proteins histone 3 and HMG2, transcription factor Gli2, gap-junction protein connexin 43 and adheren E-cadherin. In most cases, a concerted change in mRNA and protein level is observed. However, for E-cadherin, despite a notable increase in its mRNA level, its protein level was reduced. In conclusion, our study establishes basonuclin as a regulator of corneal epithelium homeostasis and maintenance. Basonuclin likely coordinates functions of a subset of ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) and a group of protein coding genes in cellular processes critical for the regulation of cell proliferation.
Growth of AIN on Etched 6H-SiC(0001) Substrates via MOCVD

The effects of H 2 etching on 6H-SiC(0001) substrate morphology and the crystal quality of subsequently grown AlN films have been studied. Etching removes polishing damage and produces step structures on the substrate surface. The properties of these steps subsequently influence the quality of epitaxial AIN layers.
Statistical significance tests for autoradiographic data

The purpose of this paper is to develop statistical methods that take radiation spread into account in analyzing data from different autoradiographic experiments. The method uses the probability circle analysis of Salpeter and McHenry (1973) to obtain the probable source of each radioactive emission and the circle and point counting method of Williams (1969) to estimate the relative area occupied by each cellular site. Two levels of analysis are presented. The first level of analysis is concerned with estimating relative activities and standard errors for cellular items that are larger than the probability circle. The second level of analysis involves estimating relative activities and standard errors for cellular sites that are smaller than the probability circle and are therefore observed in circles containing another item such as cytoplasmic matrix. Two different tests of hypotheses are discussed. The first null hypothesis is that the radioactivity is randomly distributed among the cellular sites. The second null hypothesis is that there is no difference between two different treatments in the relative activities for a given site.
Frequency of parvovirus B19 infection in nonimmune hydrops fetalis and utility of three diagnostic methods

Abstract The rate of parvovirus B19 (PV) infection in cases of "idiopathic" nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) is reported to be approximately 16% with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. Antibodies for use in paraffin-embedded tissue have not been systematically compared with PCR or with the presence of inclusions at varying gestational ages. All autopsy cases of NIHF and those with effusions of multiple serous membranes examined between 1991 and 1996 ( n = 29) were evaluated for the presence of PV DNA by PCR analysis of paraffin-embedded liver tissue. PCR-positive cases and "idiopathic" cases were examined for the presence of inclusions in routine histological sections and for PV protein using a monoclonal antibody (NovoCastra R92F6). Among the four clinically idiopathic cases, one (25%) was positive for PV using PCR. The three negative idiopathic cases had no inclusions and were negative for PV by PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC); all were third-trimester gestations (28, 31, and 32 weeks). Identifiable risk factors for NIHF other than PV in the remaining 25 cases included cystic hygroma, seven (three 45,X; two 46,XX; two no growth); complex cardiac anomaly, six; infection, three (two CMV, one chlamydia); twin-twin transfusion, two; lymphangiectasia, two; diaphragmatic hernia, tracheal atresia, trisomy 21, congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, one each. One of these nonidiopathic cases, a fetus with cystic hygroma and a 45,X karyotype, was positive for PV DNA only on the blot, consistent with a low titer, no inclusions were present, and PRC was negative in multiple organs in this instance. One of four (25%) cases of idiopathic NIHF cases contained PV DNA by PCR analysis; there were abundant inclusions in multiple organs, and IHC was strongly positive as well. Of 25 cases of nonidiopathic NIHF, one (4%) was also positive for PV DNA by PCR. PV protein was detected by IHC only in the presence of inclusions; IHC thus may be useful for highlighting sparse inclusions. No second-trimester case of NIHF was unexplained. Late (third-trimester) cases of "idiopathic" NIHF are likely to be negative by all methods, either because they are not attributable to PV infection or because PV protein and DNA are below detectable levels or are no longer present. Maternal serology for PV and TORCH agents may be the best method for investigating third-trimester losses to otherwise unexplained NIHF.
Numerical Model to Characterize the Size Increase of Combination Drug and Hygroscopic Excipient Nanoparticle Aerosols

Enhanced excipient growth is a newly proposed respiratory delivery strategy in which submicrometer or nanometer particles composed of a drug and hygroscopic excipient are delivered to the airways in order to minimize extrathoracic depositional losses and maximize lung retention. The objective of this study was to develop a validated mathematical model of aerosol size increase for hygroscopic excipients and combination excipient-drug particles and to apply this model to characterize growth under typical respiratory conditions. Compared with in vitro experiments, the droplet growth model accurately predicted the size increase of single component and combination drug and excipient particles. For typical respiratory drug delivery conditions, the model showed that droplet size increase could be effectively correlated with the product of a newly defined hygroscopic parameter and initial volume fractions of the drug and excipient in the particle. A series of growth correlations was then developed that successively included the effects of initial drug and excipient mass loadings, initial aerosol size, and aerosol number concentration. Considering EEG delivery, large diameter growth ratios (2.1-4.6) were observed for a range of hygroscopic excipients combined with both hygroscopic and non-hygroscopic drugs. These diameter growth ratios were achieved at excipient mass loadings of 50% and below and at realistic aerosol number concentrations. The developed correlations were then used for specifying the appropriate initial mass loadings of engineered insulin nanoparticles in order to achieve a predetermined size increase while maximizing drug payload and minimizing the amount of hygroscopic excipient.
Travelling salesman problem solved with simulation techniques

Abstract The mathematical travelling salesman problem consists of rinding the shortest route that a salesman can take while calling on n - 1 clients and returning to his office. This consists of a complete tour through n points in a minimum distance. The standard mathematical approaches of having a zero-one variable for each possible route from every city to every other has led to difficulty in developing solution techniques that converge in a reasonable amount of computer time. A new transformation is presented, which allows one to consider the problem as a function of just n variables and then use multi-stage Monte Carlo optimization to solve it. An example for n = 20 is also presented.
A theorem on the adjoint system for vector bundles

In this paper, we study the classification theory of uniruled varieties by means of the adjoint system for vector bundles on the varieties. We prove that ifE is an ample vector bundle on a smooth projective varietyX with rank(E)=dimX-2, thenKX+C1(E) is numerically effective except in a few cases. In all of the exceptional cases,X is a uniruled variety. As consequences, we generalized a result of Fujita [Fu3] and Ionescu [Io] and improve upon a theorem of Wiśniewski [Wi1].
Complement-mediated opsonization of invasive group A Streptococcus pyogenes strain AP53 is regulated by the bacterial two-component cluster of virulence responder/sensor (CovRS) system.

Group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) strain AP53 is a primary isolate from a patient with necrotizing fasciitis. These AP53 cells contain an inactivating mutation in the sensor component of the cluster of virulence (cov) responder (R)/sensor (S) two-component gene regulatory system (covRS), which enhances the virulence of the primary strain, AP53/covR+S−. However, specific mechanisms by which the covRS system regulates the survival of GAS in humans are incomplete. Here, we show a key role for covRS in the regulation of opsonophagocytosis of AP53 by human neutrophils. AP53/covR+S− cells displayed potent binding of host complement inhibitors of C3 convertase, viz. Factor H (FH) and C4-binding protein (C4BP), which concomitantly led to minimal C3b deposition on AP53 cells, further showing that these plasma protein inhibitors are active on GAS cells. This resulted in weak killing of the bacteria by human neutrophils and a corresponding high death rate of mice after injection of these cells. After targeted allelic alteration of covS− to wild-type covS (covS+), a dramatic loss of FH and C4BP binding to the AP53/covR+S+ cells was observed. This resulted in elevated C3b deposition on AP53/covR+S+ cells, a high level of opsonophagocytosis by human neutrophils, and a very low death rate of mice infected with AP53/covR+S+. We show that covRS is a critical transcriptional regulator of genes directing AP53 killing by neutrophils and regulates the levels of the receptors for FH and C4BP, which we identify as the products of the fba and enn genes, respectively. Background: Host complement-mediated opsonophagocytosis is an innate immune response to GAS. Results: Inactivation of the covS component of the covRS system allows GAS to avoid opsonization. Conclusion: Bacterial genes that subvert opsonization of GAS are regulated by the covRS system. Significance: The covRS system regulates complement inhibitor binding to GAS via the products of the fba and enn genes.
Radioimmunoassay of Plasma Cortisol

Abstract A radioimmunoassay method for the direct measurement of cortisol in plasma after precipitation of the proteins with ethanol is described. Utilizing a specific antiserum against cortisol, with minimal or no cross reaction with other steroids, cortisol was meas-red accurately in a volume of 0.001 ml of plasma. The range of levels that could be measured per ml of plasma varied from 10 to 500 ng. The mean value of plasma cortisol at 8 a. m. obtained in twelve subjects by this method was about half the mean levels reported by another competitive protein binding assay.
Urolithiasis in children with spinal cord injury.

In the literature there is a paucity of references on urolithiasis in children with spinal cord injury. In this paper 28 cases of urolithiasis in 97 children with spinal cord injury are analysed. An attempt is made to evaluate the role of hypercalcemia, hyper-calciuria and urinary tract infection in the genesis of these calculi.
The High-Voltage Wattmeter

A complete laboratory set-up for measuring losses at low power factors from high-voltage circuits is assembled around a moving water column resistance multiplier which permits the direct use of standard low-voltage instruments. A shielding system is used to eliminate capacitance effects in the loading and voltage circuits. The paper contains structural details of the wattmeter aggregation and the loss loading equipment, and the operating procedure for conducting atmospheric and insulator loss measurements.
The Role of Mental Health Factors and Program Engagement in the Effectiveness of a Preventive Parenting Program for Head Start Mothers

Head Start centers were randomly assigned to intervention (parent training) or control conditions, and the role of maternal mental health risk factors on participation in and benefit from parent training was examined. Parenting was measured by parent report and independent observation in 3 domains: harsh/negative, supportive/positive, inconsistent/ineffective parenting. Structural equation modeling showed that parent engagement training was associated with improved parenting in a dose-response fashion. Mothers with mental health risk factors (i.e., depression, anger, history of abuse as a child, and substance abuse) exhibited poorer parenting than mothers without these risk factors. However, mothers with risk factors were engaged in and benefited from the parenting training program at levels that were comparable to mothers without these risk factors.
Selenium:Mercury Molar Ratios in Bullfrog and Leopard Frog Tadpoles from the Northeastern United States

Vertebrates experience adverse effects from methylmercury, largely obtained through their food. Selenium has the potential to reduce the toxic effects of methylmercury (and vice versa). In this paper, we examine the selenium:mercury molar ratios in tadpoles (Lithobates sphenocephalus, Lithobates catesbeianus (formerly Rana), and a newly documented leopard frog species currently referred to as R. sp. nov.) and fully formed leopard frog metamorphs. There were no significant differences in metal levels between the two leopard frog species, and data were therefore combined. Selenium:mercury molar ratios varied from 19 to 38 for bullfrog tadpoles, from 16 to 330 for leopard frog tadpoles, and from 7 to 17 for leopard frog metamorphs. Leopard frog tadpoles with less than 45 days exposure to field conditions had significantly higher molar ratios than other tadpoles and leopard frog metamorphs. There were significant locational differences for the molar ratios of bullfrogs, and leopard frog tadpoles with more than 45 days of field exposure. At the sites where we were able to sample both leopard frog tadpoles and leopard frog metamorphs, there were significant differences between the two distinct life stages. Most of the variation in the ratio was accounted for by selenium levels, field sites, and exposure period.
Effects of Gender and Motivations on Perceptions of Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants

AbstractObjective: This study examined the impact on college students’ perceptions of nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NMUPS) of motivation for use and gender. Participants: Participants were college students (N = 695) from 2 universities in different regions of the United States. Methods: Participants read a vignette describing a college student who used a prescription stimulant for a nonmedical purpose and rated their perception of that individual using a semantic differential. A 2 (participant gender) by 2 (gender of the individual described in the vignette) by 3 (motive for use: get high, study, lose weight) design was used. Results: The male who used a stimulant to study was rated significantly less negatively than if he used the stimulant to get high. NMUPS as a study aid was viewed the least negatively overall. Conclusions: Findings suggest that gender does not, whereas motivation for use does, impact students’ perceptions of NMUPS.
Free flexural vibration behavior of laminated angle-ply elliptical cylindrical shells

This paper deals with the free flexural vibration characteristics of anisotropic laminated angle-ply elliptical cylindrical shells using finite element approach. The formulation is based on first-order shear deformation theory. The present model accounts for in-plane and rotary inertia effects. A detailed study is carried out to highlight the effects of shell geometry, cross-sectional properties, lap-up and ply-angle on the natural frequencies pertaining to different types of modes of vibrations of non-circular shell structures.
Studies of heteropoly acid/polyvinylidenedifluoride–hexafluoroproylene composite membranes and implication for the use of heteropoly acids as the proton conducting component in a fuel cell membrane

Abstract Complete polarization curves for a number of heteropoly acids (HPAs), H3PW12O40, α-H3P2W18O62, H6P2W21O71, and H6As2W21O69 as the only proton conducting component are presented for the first time. Both thin pellets of HPA and composite membranes of 1:1 (w/w) of HPA and polyvinylidenedifluoride–hexafluoropropylene (PVDF–HFP) are investigated. Although the pellets are somewhat variable, the HPA phase changes can be observed by electrochemistry and these materials show promise for solid acid fuel cell performance at >200 °C. The high proton conductivities reported for HPAs at RT are demonstrated in fuel cells using HPA/PVDF–HFP composites with limiting current densities as high as 1.6 A cm−2 using dry O2 and H2. Moderate fuel cell activity is demonstrated for α-H3PW18O62 at 120 °C and 25%RH. Unfortunately all of the materials studied were somewhat porous and the open circuit potentials observed were somewhat low. We were also able to show that an HPA fuel cell could be shorted by reduction of the HPA to a heteropoly blue under exceptional circumstances.
Transplantation of CD34+ enriched allografts in children with nonmalignant diseases: does graft manipulation necessarily result in high incidence of graft failure?

Transplantation of CD34+ enriched allografts in children with nonmalignant diseases: does graft manipulation necessarily result in high incidence of graft failure?
Religion and the Secularization of Spirituality: A Catholic Perspective on Spirituality in the Care of the Elderly

This article contrasts the views of twenty Catholic parishioners who see spiritual provision for the elderly as indissolubly bound to their faith tradition and a commonly-held view, represented by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2006 (amended in March 2010), that sets spirituality over and against religion in order to appear inclusive. The article argues that for spirituality to have any meaning in health care beyond appealing to holistic care it must be rooted in a faith tradition. Rather than being noninclusive, a spirituality that is so rooted can provide insights for all, since it offers a new perspective on the process of aging. In this case, the faith tradition of the 20 respondents focuses on the value of “being” as well as the value of “doing,” the role of the elderly, who by allowing others to care for them, aid those others to grow as persons, and the need for a spirituality that does not depend solely on inner resources.
Kinetics of Lipid Oxidation and Degradation of Flaxseed Oil Containing Crawfish ( Procambarus clarkii ) Astaxanthin

Flaxseed oil (FO) containing crawfish (Procambarus clarkii) astaxanthin (FOA) was evaluated for lipid oxidation and astaxanthin degradation. The FOA was analyzed for astaxanthin content, free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) profile, and color. The amount of extractable astaxanthin in the crawfish byproducts was 3.02 mg/100 g of crawfish byproducts. FOA and FO had a similar alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content (on a weight% basis). The FO was lighter and more yellow in color than FOA. The oxidation rate of FOA was lower than that of FO. When FO and FOA were heated to 30 °C, both oils exhibited minimal lipid oxidation with increasing heating time, whereas FO, when heated to 40, 50, 60 °C, had a higher lipid oxidation rate than FOA with increasing the heating time from 0 to 4 h. Astaxanthin was an effective antioxidant agent in FO when it was heated from 30 to 60 °C. The degradation of astaxanthin in FOA could be described by first order reaction kinetics. Astaxanthin was stable in flaxseed oil at 30 and 40 °C, while its stability decreased significantly at 50 and 60 °C. The rate of astaxanthin degradation in FOA was significantly influenced by temperature.
X-Ray scattering study of the deconstruction and thermal roughening of the Au(110) 1×3 reconstructed surface

Abstract We present the results of a synchrotron x-ray scattering study of the thermal evolution of a Au(110) 1×3 reconstructed surface. At Tc = 485°C, the 1×3 surface undergoes a reversible deconstruction transition. Observing the temperature dependence of the superlattice and integral order bulk-forbidden (anti-Bragg) surface peaks, we find that at Tc the 1×3 reconstructed surface becomes incommensurate with the bulk crystalline lattice. During this commensurate-incommensurate transition, the data suggest that the surface both roughens and deconstructs.
Introduction to the Special Section: Measurement Equivalence in Child Development Research

Debates among developmental scientists regarding the meaning of a set of empirical findings often revolve around the idea that the basic nature of the under- lying construct may be different across developmental states or demographic groups. These debates demand greater consideration of the operational definition of underlying constructs at different developmental states or among subsets of the population. Furthermore, the analyt- ical techniques used in the research involved in these debates generally presuppose the equivalence of measures across developmental states or groups. The purpose of this article is to describe why developmental researchers should be concerned with measurement issues, including item equivalence, functional and scalar equivalence, and equivalence of translated assessments. This article and the four subsequent articles that make up the Special Section of this issue of Child Development Perspectives provide ''best practice'' guidance for examining invariance and equivalence of measures across developmental changes, across age groups, and across groups who differ in partici- pant characteristics. KEYWORDS—measurement equivalence; measurement invariance; factorial invariance
Symmetric Tests of the Hypothesis that the Mean of One Normal Population Exceeds That of Another

One of the most commonly recurring statistical problems is to determine, on the basis of statistical evidence, which of two samples, drawn from different universes, came from the universe with the larger mean value of a particular variate. Let M y be the mean value which would be obtained with universe (Y) and M x be the mean value which would be obtained with universe (X). Then a test may be constructed [1] for the hypothesis M y ≥ M X.