cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 19 – Obesity, Aging and Immunity in Prostate Cancer*

The incidence and progression of prostate cancer, as well as many other cancers, depend on many inter-related factors such as obesity, diet, genetics, environment, age, and immune system. Diet and obesity are inseparably intertwined with socioeconomic status, genetic susceptibility, and environmental factors, all of which individually or in consort can affect tumor biology. Numerous publications have demonstrated that a high dietary intake of fat increases prostate cancer risk, although the mechanisms are not clear. Obesity, recurrent urinary tract infections, increased intake of protein and fried foods as well as female sex appear to increase the risk of renal cancer. Environmental toxins seem to predominate as the major factors affecting the incidence of bladder cancers. Another mechanism that may be responsible for the initiation and/or progression of cancer may be related to the increase of oxidation products in the immune system during aging. Mitochondria in cells from older patients are less efficient at metabolizing lipids and are thus more likely to accumulate oxidative damaging agents. Thus, the interactions between adipose tissue, aging, malnutrition, impaired immune defense, and simply prolonged exposure over time, which increases the risk of mutations and free radical formation, may all contribute to promote cancer.
Big Data for Speech and Language Processing

Amongst all creatures the human species stands unique in Darwin’s natural selection process. It is no exaggeration that speech and language helped to differentiate human intelligence from animal intelligence in the evolution process. The impact of big data and cloud to speech and language evolution is foundational to realize the society’s AI vision. This talk will review how Microsoft achieved human parity on both conversational speech recognition and news machine translation research tasks and highlight significant challenges remaining to make speech and language production services mainstream in our AI journey.
Folk Schools as Inspiration for Contemporary Democratic Peacebuilding

Cultivation of democratic culture is a potential antidote to radical disagreement, contradiction, and polarisation. Folk high schools (folkehojskoles) emerged in Denmark following a nonviolent revo...
Ancillary Pulmonary Treatments for Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Treatments for pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) targeting the pulmonary system, other than mechanical ventilation, will be reviewed in this chapter. Many approaches have been used, but unfortunately, there is little medical evidence to guide clinicians in the appropriate use of them. The prone position, inhaled nitric oxide, and surfactant have been studied but have failed to consistently show improved outcomes in children with PARDS. Corticosteroids and the appropriate application of respiratory care, such as pulmonary hygiene, are less well studied. Clinicians are forced to apply limited pediatric research and studies on adult patients to guide the care of children with PARDS. Several therapies may be considered on a case-by-case basis after weighing potential benefits against the risks and costs of the therapy, but no ancillary pulmonary treatment would be considered standard of care in PARDS.
Anesthesia and Wetting Solutions

Liposuction procedures, particularly the high-volume cases, present some notable challenges for the anesthesiologist. The surgery is associated with significant potential for serious anesthesia-related complications. The large surface areas exposed, the infusion of wetting solutions and the thermoregulatory changes from the anesthesia can all lead to hypothermia. The significant fluid shifts with third spacing can lead to hypovolemia and in contrast, the large volumes of wetting solution can result in fluid overload. The addition of epinephrine and lidocaine to the wetting solution creates the potential for toxicity at high doses. Of particular concern is the fact that peak plasma lidocaine levels can take 10–12 hours after infiltration, so toxicity may not manifest itself until hours after the patient has been discharged from the outpatient surgery facility. Position changes on the operating table can lead to potential postoperative sequelae from pressure-related injuries.
Stereoselective Formation of Multiple Reaction Products by the Phosphotriesterase from Sphingobium sp. TCM1.

Organophosphate flame retardants are used to inhibit combustion and increase plasticity in plastics and durable foams. While not neurotoxic, these compounds are potential carcinogens, endocrine dis...
Physical activity, pain interference and comorbidities relate to PROMIS physical function in younger adults following total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: To determine if preoperative physical and psychological health risk factors are influential on physical function and satisfaction scores in a cohort of relatively younger adults one year p...
Release rate determination from in situ gel forming PLGA implant: a novel 'shape-controlled basket in tube' method.

Objectives This study aimed to examine the impact of syringe-needle assembly differences in making implants of different shapes as well as its influence on the release kinetics and investigate the release kinetics of the in situ forming implant under various release arrangements. Methods PLGA in situ forming implant was prepared in different shape and then subjected to in vitro release testing. Mathematical modelling was used to investigate drug release mechanisms. Key findings The in situ forming implant was investigated for the first time how implant shapes can affect release results. It was demonstrated that implant shape differences could lead to significant variation in the release data. Here, we addressed this issue by developing a shape-controlled method to provide a consistent surface to volume ratio and, therefore, a reliable release result. Injectability in the in vitro release was discussed for the first time. Comparisons between various release methods were also evaluated. The release arrangement was found to be of great importance in release kinetics. Conclusions The developed 'shape-controlled basket in tube' method can provide the most reproducible release profiles by minimizing implant adhesion to the release vessels or movement without sacrificing full contact between the release medium and the implant surface.
Electroconvulsive therapy during a highly contagious respiratory pandemic - A framework during COVID-19

Necessary procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Providing ECT has been considered an essential service during COVID-19 in the Singapore healthcare system, not least to contribute to disease control within a society in part due to the nature of the ECT patient population. There is limited evidence-based scientific information available regarding a procedural framework for ECT during a respiratory pandemic, when much attention in the healthcare system is focused on different areas of clinical care. This article attempts to describe such a framework for ECT procedures acknowledging limited solid scientific evidence at this time and being mindful of future changes to these suggestions as testing, immunization, and treatment options develop. This approach can be adopted in whole or in part to assist practitioners to protect the patient and themselves during the procedure.
Bone Mass and Density in Youth With Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, and Healthy Weight.

OBJECTIVE Youth-onset type 2 diabetes is an aggressive condition with increasing incidence. Adults with type 2 diabetes have increased fracture risk despite normal areal bone mineral density (aBMD), but the influence of diabetes on the growing skeleton is unknown. We compared bone health in youth with type 2 diabetes to control patients with obesity or healthy weight. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional study of youth (56% African American, 67% female) ages 10–23 years with type 2 diabetes (n = 180), obesity (BMI >95th; n = 226), or healthy weight (BMI RESULTS We observed age-dependent differences in aBMD and LBMI z scores between the healthy weight, obese, and type 2 diabetes groups. In children, aBMD and LBMI z scores were greater in the type 2 diabetes group versus the obese group, but in adolescents and young adults, aBMD and LBMI z scores were lower in the type 2 diabetes group versus the obese group (age interactions P CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that type 2 diabetes may be detrimental to bone density around the age of peak bone mass. Given the increased fracture risk in adults with type 2 diabetes, there is a pressing need for longitudinal studies aimed at understanding the influence of diabetes on the growing skeleton.
An Examination of COVID-19 Outbreaks in African Prisons and Jails

This article examines country-level variations in the extent of COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons and jails across the African region. Differences in the use of front-end, in-prison, and back-end mitig...
DUAL-TASK ASSESSMENT IMPLICATIONS FOR ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

Background Several systematic reviews have evaluated the role of dual-task assessment in individuals with concussion. However, no systematic reviews to date have investigated dual-task protocols with implications for individuals with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury or ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Purpose To systematically review the evidence on dual-task assessment practices applicable to those with ACL deficiency/ACLR, specifically with the aim to identify motor-cognitive performance costs. Study Design Systematic review. Methods A systematic literature review was undertaken on those with ACL-deficient or ACL-reconstructed knees performing dual-task activities. The following databases were searched from inception to June 8, 2018 including CINAHL, PsychInfo, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and gray literature. Three primary search categories (knee, cognition, and motor task) were included. Only one reviewer independently performed the database search, data extraction, and scored each article for quality. All studies were assessed for quality and pertinent data were extracted, examined and synthesized. Results Ten studies were included for analysis, all of which were published within the prior ten years. Performance deficits were identified in those with either ACL deficiency or ACLR while dual-tasking, such as prioritization of postural control at the expense of cognitive performance, impaired postural control in single limb stance, greater number of cognitive errors, and increased step width coefficient of variation while walking. No studies examined those with prior ACL injury or ACLR during tasks that mimicked ACL injury mechanisms such as jump-landing or single-leg cutting. Conclusion The results of the current systematic review suggests that postural control, gait, and/or cognitive deficits exist when evaluated under a dual-task paradigm in those with ACL deficiency or ACLR. This systematic review highlights the need for future research on dual-task assessment for individuals who have sustained an ACL injury or undergone ACLR, specifically utilizing more difficult athletic movements. Level of Evidence Level 3a.
Venturing outside the Bounds of IDEIA in Search of Inclusive Christian Education: An Autoethnographic Account

While US federal law, Individual with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (1975–2004), IDEIA, guarantees education to all children with disabilities attending public schools, private schools can...
Developing a M 6 C-Reinforced High-Cr White Iron for Abrasive Wear Application

Fast removal of soft phases (e.g., pearlite and ferrite) in the iron matrix limits the wear life of high-Cr white irons. To address this shortcoming, the authors successfully produced fine networks of M6C carbide in a high-Cr white iron through extensive thermodynamic calculations. Fishbone-like networks of M6C carbides were observed with an optical microscope. It was experimentally determined that such carbide networks protected the soft matrix and increased the overall hardness. Additionally, electron backscattered diffraction was conducted, which showed that the alloy contained phases of M7C3, M6C, ferrite, and retained austenite. Solidification sequence was determined by correlating the thermodynamic equilibrium calculation results with the size and distribution of each phase. A dry sand/rubber wheel apparatus following ASTM standard G65 Procedure A was utilized to assess the abrasive wear performance of the developed alloy. Results showed that the volume loss of the developed material was 25 pct less than that of conventional high-Cr white irons. Wear scars were investigated using a scanning electron microscope, and the improved wear resistance was attributed to the “buffer” effect and plastic deformation of the introduced M6C carbide networks.
Tissue plasminogen activator is a ligand of cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor and consists of glycoforms that contain mannose 6-phosphate

Plasmin is the key enzyme in fibrinolysis. Upon interaction with plasminogen activators, the zymogen plasminogen is converted to active plasmin. Some studies indicate plasminogen activation is regulated by cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR), a protein that facilitates lysosomal enzyme trafficking and insulin-like growth factor 2 downregulation. Plasminogen regulation may be accomplished by CI-MPR binding to plasminogen or urokinase plasminogen activator receptor. We asked whether other members of the plasminogen activation system, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), also interact with CI-MPR. Because tPA is a glycoprotein with three N-linked glycosylation sites, we hypothesized that tPA contains mannose 6-phosphate (M6P) and binds CI-MPR in a M6P-dependent manner. Using surface plasmon resonance, we found that two sources of tPA bound the extracellular region of human and bovine CI-MPR with low-mid nanomolar affinities. Binding was partially inhibited with phosphatase treatment or M6P. Subsequent studies revealed that the five N-terminal domains of CI-MPR were sufficient for tPA binding, and this interaction was also partially mediated by M6P. The three glycosylation sites of tPA were analyzed by mass spectrometry, and glycoforms containing M6P and M6P-N-acetylglucosamine were identified at position N448 of tPA. In summary, we found that tPA contains M6P and is a CI-MPR ligand.
Long-Term Weight Loss with Body Contour Surgery After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Bariatric surgery is accepted as an evidence-based treatment for morbid obesity. Many patients seek out body contour surgery afterwards to correct acquired deformities. This study seeks to better define the impact of body contour surgery on long-term weight loss. This study is a single-center retrospective review of 78 patients who underwent body contouring surgery post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass compared with 221 matched control patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass only. Data was collected for patients at least 7 years post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Patients who underwent both bariatric surgery and body contour surgery maintained mean long-term weight loss of 58 kg. The matched control group mean weight loss over the same time interval was 42 kg. The difference was statistically and clinically significant (p = 0.005). Change in body mass index, percent total weight loss, and percent excess body mass index loss were all statistically significant between the 2 groups. Patients who underwent body contour surgery better maintained long-term weight reduction in comparison to those who only had gastric bypass. Further understanding of the etiology of this association is important for patients contemplating body contouring surgery.
A Psychometric Normative Database for Pre-Lung Transplantation Evaluations

This study describes the quality of life and psychological characteristics of a large sample (N = 201) of adult patients evaluated for lung transplantation. In light of the interdisciplinary nature of pre-lung transplant evaluations, establishing norms for measures commonly used in the assessment of transplant candidates has been a priority for the University of Florida transplant programs. Forty-eight percent of the patients reported symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Although quality of life indices were associated with disease severity and exercise tolerance, psychosocial measures generally were not. These data contribute uniquely to the transplant literature and provide valuable normative information on the largest lung transplant cohort reported to date.
The current state of pediatric transplant hepatology fellowships: A survey of recent graduates.

BACKGROUND The number of programs offering a PTH fellowship has grown rapidly over the last 10 years. This study aimed to describe the clinical, didactic, procedural, and research experiences of recent PTH fellowship graduates. In addition, we sought to understand graduates' post-fellowship professional responsibilities and their perception about the utility of the PTH fellowship. METHODS An anonymous survey was distributed from February to October 2020 through REDCap to all recent graduates (2015-2019) of an ACGME-approved PTH fellowship program. The survey consisted of 49 questions focused on the PTH fellowship experience. Results were summarized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Thirty-eight of 43 graduates (88%) responded to the survey representing 12 PTH fellowship programs. The didactic experience varied; 97% received pathology lectures, 81% radiology lectures, 54% organ allocation lectures, 54% procedural lectures, 57% immunology lectures, and 43% live donation lectures. During the PTH fellowship, the majority of fellows performed >10 liver biopsies (82%) and >5 variceal bandings (58%); however, 63%, 32%, 8%, and 8% never performed paracentesis, variceal sclerotherapy, variceal banding, and liver biopsies, respectively. The majority of fellows (95%) completed a research project during PTH fellowship. Currently, 84% of graduates are employed at a transplant academic institution. All graduates recommended the fellowship. CONCLUSIONS There is variability in the didactic, clinical, and procedural training among PTH fellowship programs. Although uniformly viewed as a beneficial fellowship year, there is an opportunity to collaborate to create a more standardized training experience.
Facing Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia in Children and Adolescents

Advocacy for legitimating physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia in the United States has largely ignored children and adolescents. Instead, advocates have concentrated on competent adults. Support for assisted suicide and euthanasia thus rests on the assertion of competent patients’ rights and physicians’ duties of beneficence. By limiting proposals to competent adults, advocates brandish the sword of patient self-determination, while using voluntary choice as a shield against charges of abuse. Relegating pediatric assisted suicide and euthanasia to the margins is reassuring. The intentional killing of children and adolescents, or assistance in their suicides, is surely more disquieting than the same practices among competent adult patients. But conducting the debate over assisted suicide and euthanasia without examining the consequences for minors ignores too much. It ignores reported cases of pediatric euthanasia in this country. It also ignores the Dutch experience of initially permitting only adult euthanasia but then discovering pediatric cases. The Dutch pediatric and medical associations now actually advocate pediatric euthanasia and assisted suicide, and courts are excusing it. Avoiding the pediatric issues ignores, too, the fact that minors may be more vulnerable to euthanasia and more apt to request assisted suicide than many others in the United States because of inferior pain relief, the large numbers who are poor, the substantial number who are uninsured, the complex dynamics of parental decision making for ill or disabled minors, and psychological differences between adults and those who are younger. Finally, it ignores the difficulty of confining any right to these practices to adults, as rights to termination of life-sustaining treatment and abortion - the roots, many argue, of rights to assisted suicide and euthanasia - have already been extended to minors.This chapter argues that avoiding the pediatric issues is a mistake. It risks having the practices occur among children and adolescents with no applicable justification, no consideration of the special dangers, and no specific safeguards. This minimizes the rights and interests of minors and fails to reach the question of how far legitimation of assisted suicide and euthanasia should go. The chapter explores the current neglect of pediatric issues in the United States and then the cautionary tale of the Dutch experience. Building on the empirical data and normative arguments, the author argues that pediatric application of euthanasia and assisted suicide should be rejected.
Lipid A precursors protect against endotoxin challenge.

Gram-negative bacteremia, when accompanied by shock, carried a 20–75 percent mortality (4, 23, 26). The advent of more active antibiotics and improved supportive therapy such as fluids, respirators and pressors have benefitted many patients, but the mortality rate remains high in spite of the best therapy (4, 23, 26). This has led to the search for further therapies such as high dose glucocorticoids (19, 20, 42, 43), narcotic antagonists (18, 21) and prostacycline infusion (11, 14). Although these approaches proved exciting in animal models, they have not come into widespread clinical use (13, 42, 43).
Abstract 192: Defibrillation Strategy with Postshock Synchronized Pacing in Excitable Gaps

Introduction: It was previously demonstrated that ventricular fibrillation (VF) can be synchronized with a novel spatiotemporal excitable gap pacing (SyncP) technique using low-energy pacing pulses that causes pace termination of VF. Therefore, we hypothesize that a spatiotemporally controlled (STCD) defibrillation strategy using defibrillation shocks followed by SyncP may be effective in defibrillation efficacy improvement. Methods and Results: We explored the STCD effects in 10 isolated rabbit hearts (n=10) with optical mapping of the anterior wall in LV. Optical recording guided real-time detection and stimulation of spatiotemporal excitable gaps was performed. SyncP was shown to cause wavefront synchronization as indicated by a decreased number of phase singularity points (p Conclusion: We implemented the concept of post-shock synchronized pacing in excitable gaps by a real-time feedback mechanism. Further optimization of this technique may prove effective in improving the defibrillation efficacy by synchronized VF activation.
THE SOCIAL CONTEXT OF RELIGIOUS INTEGRATION AND SUICIDE

Recent research suggests that Durkheimian ideas on the impact of religious affiliation on suicide need to be updated and tailored to the modern cultural landscape of the United States. Following up...
Vibrio cholerae in recreational beach waters and tributaries of Southern California

Vibrio cholerae is the causative agent of the severe dehydrating diarrheal disease cholera. This bacterium has been detected in many estuaries around the world and the United States. In this study we examine the abundance and distribution of V cholerae in recreational beach waters and tributaries of Southern California. Water samples were taken from 11 beach locations adjacent to freshwater runoff sources between February 8th and March Ist, 1999. Water samples were also taken from rivers, creeks and coastal wetlands along the Southern California coast between May 19th and June 28th, 1999. In addition to the detection of V cholerae, environmental parameters including temperature, salinity, coliphage counts, viable heterotrophic plate counts and total bacterial direct counts were also determined to understand the relationships between the presence of V. cholerae and environmental conditions. A direct colony hybridization method using an oligonucleotide probe specific for the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region of V. cholerae,detected V. cholerae in 3 of the 11 beach samples with the highest concentration (60.9 per liter) at the mouth of Malibu Lagoon. V. cholerae and coliphage were not correlated for beach samples, indicating that the presence of V cholerae is independent of sewage pollution. V cholerae were detected in all samples taken from rivers, creeks and wetlands of coastal Southern California where salinities were between l to 34 parts per thousand (ppt), but was not found at a freshwater sampling site in upper San Juan Creek. The highest density of V cholerae was found in San Diego Creek with a concentration of 4.25 x 105 CFU/L. The geographical distribution of V. cholerae was inversely correlated with salinity. High concentrations of V cholerae were more frequently detected in waters with lower (but above 0) salinity. The results of this study provide insight into the ecology of this aquatic species and are potentially important to the understanding of the epidemiology of cholera on a global scale.
Fried Food Consumption and Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Current Evidence

Fried food consumption and its effects on cardiovascular disease are still subjects of debate. The objective of this review was to summarize current evidence on the association between fried food consumption and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension and obesity and to recommend directions for future research. We used PubMed, Google Scholar and Medline searches to retrieve pertinent publications. Most available data were based on questionnaires as a tool to capture fried food intakes, and study design was limited to case-control and cohort studies. While few studies have reported a positive association between frequencies of fried food intake and risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes or hypertension, other investigators have failed to confirm such an association. There is strong evidence suggesting a higher risk of developing chronic disease when fried foods are consumed more frequently (i.e., four or more times per week). Major gaps in the current literature include a lack of detailed information on the type of oils used for frying foods, stratification of the different types of fried food, frying procedure (deep and pan frying), temperature and duration of frying, how often oils were reused and a lack of consideration of overall dietary patterns. Besides addressing these gaps, future research should also develop tools to better define fried food consumption at home versus away from home and to assess their effects on chronic diseases. In summary, the current review provides enough evidence to suggest adverse health effects with higher frequency of fried food consumption. While awaiting confirmation from future studies, it may be advisable to the public to consume fried foods in moderation while emphasizing an overall healthy diet.
Methyl β‐Thiodipropionate

Methyl β-thiodipropionate product: Methyl β-thiodipropionate reactant: commercial methyl acrylate Keywords: addition, to CC–CO and CC–C;N; hydrogen sulfide, toxicity; gas dispersion tube
Escherichia coli produces a cytoplasmic alpha-amylase, AmyA.

Abstract In the gap between two closely linked flagellar gene clusters on the Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium chromosomes (at about 42 to 43 min on the E. coli map), we found an open reading frame whose sequence suggested that it encoded an alpha-amylase; the deduced amino acid sequences in the two species were 87% identical. The strongest similarities to other alpha-amylases were to the excreted liquefying alpha-amylases of bacilli, with > 40% amino acid identity; the N-terminal sequence of the mature bacillar protein (after signal peptide cleavage) aligned with the N-terminal sequence of the E. coli or S. typhimurium protein (without assuming signal peptide cleavage). Minicell experiments identified the product of the E. coli gene as a 56-kDa protein, in agreement with the size predicted from the sequence. The protein was retained by spheroplasts rather than being released with the periplasmic fraction; cells transformed with plasmids containing the gene did not digest extracellular starch unless they were lysed; and the protein, when overproduced, was found in the soluble fraction. We conclude that the protein is cytoplasmic, as predicted by its sequence. The purified protein rapidly digested amylose, starch, amylopectin, and maltodextrins of size G6 or larger; it also digested glycogen, but much more slowly. It was specific for the alpha-anomeric linkage, being unable to digest cellulose. The principal products of starch digestion included maltotriose and maltotetraose as well as maltose, verifying that the protein was an alpha-amylase rather than a beta-amylase. The newly discovered gene has been named amyA. The natural physiological role of the AmyA protein is not yet evident.
Feeding complications in a six-week-old infant secondary to distraction osteogenesis for airway obstruction: A case report

Abnormal breathing during sleep may frequently occur in early childhood, but it is usually unnoticed because of unperceived medical or physiologic seque1a.l Infants and children with neuromuscular disease exhibit a higher incidence of obstructive sleep apnea secondary to hypotonicity of the pharyngeal musculature that allows collapse of the airway.z~3 In addition, the potential for airway obstruction is further increased by supine positioning, neck flexion, and increased secretions during sleep.* Initial management of obstructive sleep apnea in children has traditionally included pharmacologic treatment, the use of nasopharyngeal airway devices, oxygen supplementation, and positive airway pressure.*,* When these fail, surgical procedures such as tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, uvulopalatopharyngyoplasty, or tracheostomy may be required to correct or bypass the abnormal anatomic features contributing to obstruction of the airway. Recent literature has suggested that facial skeletal advancement using distraction osteogenesis might be beneficial in those
Computing at Dartmouth: A Survey of Faculty and Students:

The present study assessed faculty and student use of, and attitudes toward instructional computing at Dartmouth College. Telephone interviews were conducted with 108 faculty members who used computing in their courses, and 416 students (81%) of a randomly selected sample returned completed questionnaires. Although all members of the academic community have free access to the use of computing, the frequency of use varies widely, particularly among courses and among students within a given course. In general, though, Dartmouth has a very literate computing community. About half the faculty and over 80 percent of the students have written a computer program. Both faculty and students have very positive attitudes toward computing.
Country-of-origin image: measurement and cross-national testing

Abstract The importance of country-of-origin as a cue in consumer choice behavior is well established in the international business literature. However, little research has been done in conceptualizing and measuring the specific construct of country-of-origin. This research attempts to show that country-of-origin is rooted in the construct of “country-image” and makes a case for the measurement of the broad construct of country-of-origin image (COI). We test and revise an existing scale of COI and attempt to validate it with data from China, Taiwan, and India.
Neuroimaging Abnormalities in the Amygdala in Mood Disorders

Abstract Neuroimaging technology has been applied to investigate the pathophysiology of mood disorders in studies aimed at characterizing the anatomical correlates of depressive symptoms, the neurophysiological effects of antidepressant treatments, and the trait-like abnormalities that persist despite symptom remission. These studies have identified cerebral blood flow and metabolic differences between depressives and controls in the amygdala and anatomically related areas of the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and thalamus. Taken together with converging evidence from neuroendocrine, lesion analysis, and postmortem studies of clinically depressed subjects, these data suggest that emotional/stress-response systems that include the amygdala are pathologically activated in major depression and that this activity is associated with dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex and monoamine neurotransmitter systems that normally modulate such responses.
Psychosocial factors in premenstrual dysphoria: Stressors, appraisal, and coping processes

Relationships between event content of daily stressors, appraisal of daily stressors, coping processes, and menstrual cycle phase were examined in women with premenstrual dysphoria (PMD) and controls. Seventy-eight women completed the Daily Rating Form, the Daily Coping Scale and the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist-Revised on a daily basis during the premenstrual and postmenstrual phases. No premenstrual-postmenstrual differences in frequency of occurrence of stressors were reported. Academic and interpersonal stressors were the most frequently reported stressors during both cycle phases. PMD women appraised daily stressors as being more stressful, undesirable, and changeable premenstrually than postmenstrually as compared to controls. Catharsis was used more frequently premenstrually as compared to postmenstrually by PMD women. Premenstrually, women with PMD sought social support more frequently than controls. Interactive relationships between appraisal and coping style varied as a function of cycle phase for PMD women. A state-dependent model of menstrual-related mood changes is supported.
Two isoforms of otubain 1 regulate T cell anergy via GRAIL

The active ubiquitin E3 ligase GRAIL is crucial in the induction of CD4 T cell anergy. Here we show that GRAIL is associated with and regulated by two isoforms of the ubiquitin-specific protease otubain 1. In lethally irradiated mice reconstituted with bone marrow cells from T cell receptor–transgenic mice retrovirally transduced to express the genes encoding these proteases, otubain 1–expressing cells contained negligible amounts of endogenous GRAIL, proliferated well and produced large amounts of interleukin 2 after antigenic stimulation. In contrast, cells expressing the alternatively spliced isoform, otubain 1 alternative reading frame 1, contained large amounts of endogenous GRAIL and were functionally anergic, and they proliferated poorly and produced undetectable interleukin 2 when stimulated in a similar way. Thus, these two proteins have opposing epistatic functions in controlling the stability of GRAIL expression and the resultant anergy phenotype in T cells.
Debye screening and the Meissner effect in a three-flavor color superconductor

I compute the gluon self-energy in a color superconductor with three flavors of massless quarks, where condensation of Cooper pairs breaks the color and flavor SU(3){sub c}xU(3){sub V}xU(3){sub A} symmetry of QCD to the diagonal subgroup SU(3){sub c+V}. At zero temperature, all eight electric gluons obtain a Debye screening mass, and all eight magnetic gluons a Meissner mass. The Debye as well as the Meissner masses are found to be equal for the different gluon colors. These masses determine the coefficients of the kinetic terms in the effective theory for the low-energy degrees of freedom. Their values agree with those obtained by Son and Stephanov. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Long-term outcomes of conventional therapy for infantile spasms

Infantile spasms (IS) is an age-specific epilepsy which responds to anticonvulsant therapy but has a generally poor prognosis for normal psychomotor development. The subgroup of infants with a cryptogenic aetiology or whose therapy is initiated promptly is thought to have a more favourable prognosis. We retrospectively reviewed 28 infants with IS treated between 1990 and 1996 with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), valproic acid (VPA), or both, in order to correlate therapeutic response with long-term outcome. Mean age at onset of treatment was 6.4 months, with 57% of patients started within 1 month of IS appearance. IS was considered cryptogenic in 39%. The majority of infants responded to ACTH or VPA with a reduction in spasms of 75% or more. Total remission of seizures occurred in 52%. Death occurred in eight patients; mean duration of follow-up for survivors was 55 months. All subgroups based on age, aetiology, or treatment had poor outcomes, commonly with residual epilepsy, cerebral palsy or mental retardation. Conventional treatment for IS, even when initially successful in reducing spasms, is inadequate when viewed from a long-term developmental perspective, suggesting the need for novel innovative approaches for treating IS.
Improved sensitivity and mass range in time-of-flight bioaerosol mass spectrometry using an electrostatic ion guide.

Bioearosol mass spectrometry (BAMS) analyzes single particles in real time from ambient air, placing strict demands on instrument sensitivity. Modeling of the BAMS reflectron time of flight (TOF) with SIMION revealed design limitations associated with ion transmission and instrument sensitivity at higher masses. Design and implementation of a BAMS linear TOF with electrostatic ion guide and delayed extraction capabilities has greatly increased the sensitivity and mass range relative to the reflectron design. Initial experimental assessment of the new instrument design revealed improved sensitivity at high masses as illustrated when using standard particles of cytochrome C (m/z ∼ 12,000), from which the compound’s monomer, dimer (m/z ∼ 24,000) and trimer (m/z ∼ 36,000) were readily detected.
SUPERCRITICAL FLUID EXTRACTION of QUERCETIN FROM ONION SKINS

Supercritical fluid extraction, with ethanol-modified carbon dioxide, of free quercetin from onion skins (red and yellow varieties) was studied. Static mode was investigated as an extraction method, which generated a total of 0.024 g of free quercetin per kg of onion skin for the red variety, and 0.020 g per kg for the yellow variety, at 5700 psi, 40C, an average of 7.6% (molar concentration) of ethanol, and in an extraction period of 2.5 h. The modifier was found to have an important influence on free quercetin recovery. the greater the amount of ethanol collected in the trap, the greater the amount of free quercetin recovered. Identification and quantification analysis were conducted in a High Performance Liquid Chromatography system.
Electrocrystallization of copper on single crystal spheres—I. Morphology of the deposit☆

Abstract The electrodeposition of copper from an acid copper bath on single crystal copper spheres in the current density range of 1 to 20 mA/cm 2 results in characteristic growth structures which depend on the underlying base crystal. These growth structures are dominantly determined by a nearby principal pole representing one of the densest planes of copper, {100}, {110} and {111}. In the region of a {100} pole, the structure is one of layers with faces parallel to the {100} plane. The {110} poles are surrounded by a ridged structure and the {111} poles by triangular pyramids. Between these are transition regions of little distinguishable structure. The areas of the sphere occupied by the various structures depend upon the current density.
The effects of ionization and epoxy reaction on the surface and mechanical properties of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibres

The effects of ionization and epoxy reactions on the bulk and surface properties of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA), namely Kevlar 149, fibres were studied. When the ionized Kevlar 149 fibres were quenched in water, their tensile properties were significantly lowered with increasing ionization time. The lowered tensile strengths were attributed to the reactions between the residual sodium ions in the fibres and water, and possibly the subsequent hydrolytic chain scissions of the PPTA molecules. The tensile properties of the fibres were only slightly lowered with increasing Nail concentrations. With increasing ionization time, the epoxy reaction first significantly lowered and then began to compensate for the tensile properties of the fibres. The interfacial shear strength of the Kevlar 149 fibres with the epoxy was slightly higher and was associated with better wetting property of Kevlar 149 fibres and surface compositional differences between the two PPTA fibres. The ionization and epoxy reaction conditions employed for Kevlar 49 fibres did not affect the interfacial shear strengths with the epoxy resin. The interfacial shear strength for Kevlar 149 fibres was increased from 4.35 × 10- 3 g #m- 2 for the untreated to 5.29 x t0- 3 g #m- 2 for the ionized and epoxy-reacted fibres, a 22% increase. (Keywords: poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide); fibres;
Synthesis of coenzyme a esters of some bile acids

Abstract Coenzyme A esters of cholic and trihydroxycoprostanic acids were synthesized in yields of 60 to 70% by the mixed anhydride procedure. These thioesters showed U.V. absorption maxima of the thioester bond at 232 mμ. They remain stable for several months when stored at −20°C (at pH less than 5).
Histone-Produced Magnesium Extrusion from Mitochondria and Magnesium Binding to Histone

AbstractHistone (60 μg/mg mit. protein) extrudes Mg2+ from mitochondria by 30 % with the utilization of endogenous substrates; in the presence of rotenone extrusion drops to about 18 %. Dinitrophenol and ADP prevent this effect of histone. Mg2+ extrusion produced by histone depends on histone concentration being at a maximum (100 % extrusion) at 107 μg histone/mg mit. protein. It was found also that histone alone binds Mg2+ (1.6 nmol Mg2+/μg histone).
Synthesis of Torsional Vibration Systems

Abstract Methods of synthesizing discrete torsional vibration systems are developed in this paper. Both minimum weight design (with eigenvalue constraint) and maximum eigenvalue design (with total weight constraint) problems are addressed. Based on the optimality conditions for an optimum design and the equation for the eigenproblem, simple iterative design algorithms are derived. Two numerical examples are included to illustrate the proposed methods.
Special Education Practices with Young Handicapped Children

A questionnaire was distributed to a representative sample of teachers of birth to six-year-old handicapped children from Connecticut. The questionnaire asked teachers to describe their current instructional practices, their attitudes related to these practices, and their perceptions of the factors that impeded their services. Teachers reported using a variety of curricula including test protocols, specially designed curricula for handicapped children, and traditional preschool curricula. Almost all teachers used IEPs, and the majority taught children in groups using structured didactic methods. Teachers felt that they were highly successful at achieving their instructional goals. They had very positive attitudes about their in. structional procedures which they felt did not impede their effectiveness as teachers. The implications of these findings for teacher training are discussed.
FORSKOLIN LOWERS INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE IN RABBITS, MONKEYS, AND MAN

Topical ocular application of forskolin, a diterpene that increases intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate by stimulating adenylate cyclase directly without cell surface mediation, lowered intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits, monkeys, and volunteers who were free from eye disease. In man 50 microliters of a topical suspension of 1% forskolin significantly lowered IOP in 1 h, the effect reaching a peak at 2 h but remaining significant for at least 5 h. Outflow pressure fell by 70% on average. Forskolin and its analogues represent a new class of drugs active against glaucoma which differ in their molecular actions from any previously used drug.
Developmental immunotoxicity of dexamethasone: comparison of fetal versus adult exposures.

Abstract Dexamethasone-21 phosphate was administered (s.c.) to pregnant CD rats at days 6–21 of gestation (0, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg/day) with identical exposure of non-pregnant adult females. Some reproductive (anogenital distance) and growth (body weight) measures of pups were altered. In the juvenile (5 weeks), the delayed type hypersensitivity response to KLH was significantly reduced at all doses examined and this pattern continued into adulthood (13 weeks). In contrast, the DTH response of adults exposed to DEX was unaltered even at the highest dose. Few DEX-induced changes were seen in offspring or adult blood parameters or in splenocytes analyzed for cell surface makers (by flow cytometry). The thymus of both exposed pups (both ages) and adults showed a marked reduction in the medulla/lobe area beginning with the 0.125 mg/kg/day DEX exposure level. Macrophage production of TNF and NO was only marginally affected as was splenocyte production of IL-4 and IFN-gamma. In contrast, pups assessed as juveniles were significantly depressed in splenic IL-2 and IL-10 production. DEX exposure altered serum antibody levels across age groups with an increase of KLH-specific IgG (beginning with the 0.0125 mg/kg/day dose) while total IgE was reduced. These results suggest that while DEX exposure produces some common alterations following in utero versus adult exposure, fetal exposure (even at the lowest doses tested) produces marked and persistent functional loss (DTH) not evident in exposed adults. Furthermore, there was no apparent advantage in delaying immune assessment until the offspring reached adulthood.
Note---On Evaluating Market Segmentation Studies and the Properties of R2

In a recent paper Management Science, Vol. 19, No. 11, pp. 1213--1221 Morrison presents an interesting and useful explanation relating to empirical studies in market segmentation and their marked failure in explaining much of the variance in individual purchasing behavior. The explanation centers around the fact that, while a model may be very effective in predicting the average number of purchases for a particular individual, it may be very poor in predicting the exact number of purchases for that individual during a specified time period. He proceeds to show that, under a given set of assumptions, the upper limit of the population R2 statistic for the models used in most empirical studies in this area is considerably less than 1.0. He further states that, in cases where the model explains less than 50% of the variance of the expected number of purchases for individuals, R2 true population value becomes negative. This conclusion is one which lacks intuitive appeal and deserves further consideration.
Cascaded holographic polymer reflection grating filters for optical-code-division multiple-access applications

We evaluate the use of edge-illuminated holographic Bragg filters formed in phenanthrenequinone-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) for optical-code-division multiple-access (OCDMA) coding and decoding applications. Experimental cascaded Bragg filters are formed to select two different wavelengths with a fixed distance between the gratings and are directly coupled to a fiber-measurement system. The configuration and tolerances of the cascaded gratings are shown to be practical for time–wavelength OCDMA applications.
Induced-value tests of the referendum voting mechanism

Abstract An induced-value laboratory experiment is conducted testing the incentive compatibility of the referendum voting mechanism for eliciting willingness to pay for public goods. Although errors were observed at the individual level, aggregate results suggest incentive compatibility in both hypothetical and real referenda.