cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hormonal control of melanin pigmentation in scrotal skin of the rat

Abstract Investigations were undertaken to determine the response of the epidermal melanocytes of black rat scrotal skin to castration and to subcutaneous administration of various steroid and peptide hormones. The resulting changes in cell numbers were determined by direct cell count in unstained whole-skin preparations. A 14-day period of castration resulted in a highly significant decrease in the number of scrotal melanocytes. Extending this period to 28, 42, and 70 days failed to reduce further the cell numbers. Treatment of castrated rats with testosterone propionate increased cell numbers approximately to normal levels while treatment with MSH, ACTH, prolactin, progesterone, and estradiol failed to influence castrate levels. The testosterone effect on scrotal skin melanocytes was not significantly altered by concurrent cortisol administration or by adrenalectomy; hypophysectomy resulted in a significant decrease in cell numbers which could be reversed by testosterone treatment. The number of scrotal melanocytes in intact, untreated animals was found to increase progressively with age. It is concluded that the melanocyte population of the scrotum of the black rat is controlled directly and perhaps exclusively by androgenic hormones. The results are discussed in relation to published studies on hormonally-controlled pigment changes in other mammalian systems.
Analysis of a two unit redundant system with optimum interchangement time

Abstract By considering a two unit cold standby system with single repair facility, we in the present paper give an analytical approach for finding optimum interchangement time of units for giving rest to the operative unit. In this paper, for attaining increased reliability of the system, the operative and the standby units are interchanged after the optimum interchangement time.
Diameter evolution of proton tracks in CR-39 detector

Abstract We report here first detailed measurements on detection of low energy protons in the new type of solid state track detector, CR-39 (Allyl Diglycol Carbonate). Several samples of CR-39 were exposed to protons of energies 1.5 MeV, 2.2 MeV, 3.2 MeV and 4.3 MeV at Brookhaven National Laboratory. After irradiation the detectors were chemically etched to produce optically visible tracks. The detection efficiency at these energies is close to 100%. The track diameter evolution of etch pits due to protons is described. The diameter distributions clearly show an excellent energy resolution for protons of different energies. The etch pit diameter as a function of amount of bulk material removed from one surface for various etch times and for all incident energies has been obtained.
Hemispheric sensitivity to grammatical cues: evidence for bilateral processing of number agreement in noun phrases.

The present experiment employed a grammatical priming task to explore the possible contributions of the left and right cerebral hemispheres to the processing of grammatical agreement. Stimuli were three-word noun phrases, with the prime centered above the fixation point and the target presented laterally to one visual field after a 600-ms stimulus onset asynchrony. Number agreement between primes and targets was varied such that the article of the prime could be consistent (i.e., each narrow shoe or all narrow shoes), inconsistent (i.e., all narrow shoe or each narrow shoes) or neutral (i.e., the narrow shoe(s)) with respect to the inflection of the target. Half of the subjects provided lexical decision responses and the other half pronunciation. The bilateral priming effect, obtained only in lexical decision, suggests that both the left and the right hemispheres are sensitive to certain grammatical cues. In addition to the task difference in priming, the inclusion of a neutral condition and of pseudo-inflected nonwords allowed these effects to be attributed to postlexical mechanisms.
Autonomic reaction to vestibular damage

The vestibular system provides inputs to many neurons in the brain stem that participate in autonomic control. This multiplicity of vestibular-autonomic connections plays a variety of roles. Whereas it has been known for decades that unilateral vestibular lesions can result in motion sickness, recent data suggest that the vestibular system participates in making adjustments in blood pressure and respiration that are necessary to maintain homeostasis during movement and changes in posture. Animals with bilateral vestibular lesions are more susceptible to posturally related hypotension than vestibularly intact animals, and it is also possible that orthostatic hypotension after space flight is caused in part by microgravity-related changes in otolith function. Patients with vestibular lesions could also be more vulnerable to respiratory disturbances related to posture, such as obstructive apnea. Vestibular dysfunction has additionally been linked with anxiety disorders, such as agoraphobia, which may result from alteration of vestibular inputs to brain stem monoaminergic neurons (which are known to process these signals). Even sleep disturbances might be connected with vestibular disorders because neurons in the pontine reticular formation that are critical in switching between sleep states may be influenced by labyrinthine inputs. Thus it is likely that vestibular damage will result in a number of parallel disturbances in autonomic function.
Neutralization and Equilibration of Highly Charged Argon Ions at Grazing Incidence on a Graphite Surface

Final-charge-state distributions of argon ions, scattered grazingly from a smooth highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surface, have been measured as a function of initial charge state ({ital q}=4{endash}17) and impact velocity ({ital v}=0.15{endash}0.62 a.u.) The final-charge-state distribution changes strongly with the impact velocity, but is almost independent of the initial charge state. The neutralization during grazing-angle scattering is compared to the charge-state equilibration experienced by ions passing through a solid (carbon foil), and these two processes seem to have common properties. A {ital K} x-ray spectrum from the {ital K}-shell vacancy decay of 51-KeV Ar{sup 17+} projectiles was obtained as a function of the angle between the ion beam and the surface. Measurements of x-ray spectra in coincidence with grazingly scattered ions are reported. A simple model for argon neutralization near and below the surface is proposed. The model assumes a direct side feeding into the Ar {ital M} shell followed by Auger and radiative {ital L}- and {ital K}-shell filling. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Electric field induced domain-wall dynamics: Depinning and chirality switching

We theoretically study the equilibrium and dynamic properties of nanoscale magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) and magnetic wires, in which an electric field controls the magnetic anisotropy through spin-orbit coupling. By performing micromagnetic simulations, we construct a rich phase diagram and find that, in particular, the equilibrium magnetic textures can be tuned between N\'eel and Bloch domain walls in an elliptical MTJ. Furthermore, we develop a phenomenological model of a quasi-one-dimensional domain wall confined by a parabolic potential and show that, near the N\'eel-to-Bloch-wall transition, a pulsed electric field induces precessional domain-wall motion which can be used to reverse the chirality of a N\'eel wall and even depin it. This domain-wall motion controlled by electric fields, in lieu of applied current, may provide a model for ultralow-power domain-wall memory and logic devices.
Dose estimates in a lunar shelter with regolith shielding

Abstract Beyond the Earth's atmosphere, galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) and solar energetic particles (SEPs) are a significant hazard to both manned and robotic missions. For long human missions on the lunar surface (months to a year) a radiation shelter is needed for dose mitigation and emergency protection in case of solar events. This paper investigates the interaction of source protons of solar events like those of February 1956 that emitted many fewer particles with energies up to 1000 MeV and of the October 1989 event of lower protons energy but higher fluence, with the lunar regolith and aluminum shielding of a lunar shelter. The shelter is 5 m in diameter and has a footprint of 5×8 m and a 10 cm thick aluminum support structure, however, actual thickness could be much smaller (∼1–2 cm) depending on the weight of the regolith shielding piled on top. The regolith is shown to be slightly more effective than aluminum. Thus, the current results are still applicable for a thinner aluminum structure and increased equivalent (or same mass) thickness of the regolith. The shielding thicknesses to reduce the dose solely due to solar protons in the lunar shelter below those recommended by NASA to astronauts for 30 day-operation in space (250 mSv) and for radiation workers (50 mSv) are determined and compared. The relative attenuation of incident solar protons with regolith shielding and the dose estimates inside the shelter are calculated for center seeking, planar, and isotropic incidence of the source protons. With the center seeking incidence, the dose estimates are the highest, followed by those with isotropic incidence, and the lowest are those with the planar incidence.
The effect of hydrogen sulfide on the metabolism of Solemya velum and enzymes of sulfide oxidation in gill tissue

1. 1. The addition of sulfide to sea-water in respirometer flasks stimulated oxygen uptake by intact Solemya velum; at concentrations of 0.5 and 0.8 mM, the experimental rates were 1.8 and 2.5 times control rates. 2. 2. Extracts of gill tissue catalyzed the conversion of thiosulfate to sulfite, the production of adenosine phosphosulfate (APS) from AMP and sulfite and the formation of ATP from APS. The enzymes, thiosulfate sulfurtransferase (EC 2.8.1.1), adenylsulfate reductase (EC 1.8.99.2) and sulfate adenylyl transferase (EC 2.7.7.4) have Km and Vmax in the same range as similar enzymes in other species. 3. 3. Calculations based on these experiments suggest that adenylylsulfate reduction is ordinarily catalyzed at no more than 8% of maximum velocity.
Vitamin D: a clinical perspective.

Summary Vitamin D has been the focus of considerable recent scientific study and media attention because of a growing appreciation of its potential importance in extra-skeletal health. This ‘Perspective’ presents data supporting the viewpoint that physicians should not routinely test vitamin D levels in the general population but should routinely endorse vitamin D supplementation at levels recommended by the Institute of Medicine. It further reasons that it is unadvisable to recommend intentional limited sun exposure as a source of vitamin D.
Financial Clarity: Education, Literacy, Capability, Counseling, Planning, and Coaching

This conceptual paper discusses the definitions of financial education, financial literacy, financial capability, financial counseling, financial planning, and financial coaching. Financial therapy is mentioned briefly but it will be addressed in a subsequent paper. Because the definitions of these concepts are not universally accepted, the terms are often used interchangeably. Therefore, the goal of the paper is to initiate dialogue about the meaning of the terms and their usage among educators, practitioners, and researchers. To relieve the lack of clarity, implications are presented for research, training, and intervention programs.
Role of Fimbriae and Flagella in the Attachment of Salmonella typhimurium to Poultry Skin

The role of fimbriae and flagella in the mechanism of attachment of S. typhimurium to poultry skin was examined by using cells with (1) type 1 fimbriae (flagella present), (2) cells from which fimbriae and flagella were removed by physical means, (3) cells grown at 18°C which produced relatively thick, mannose-sensitive type 1 fimbriae only, and (4) cells grown in the presence of D-mannose which produced thin, mannose-resistent fimbriae. When broiler skin was immersed in the above cell suspensions, S. typhimurium cells adhered firmly and equally well in all instances except that fewer cells attached when grown in the presence of D-mannose. When fimbriated and nonfimbriated cells were spread on broiler skin, thus avoiding effects of water uptake, cells attached, but in lower numbers than when skin was immersed in a cell suspension. It was concluded that bacterial attachment to poultry skin is a complex phenomenon which involves mechanisms other than fimbriae, flagella or water uptake, though a combination of these and other factors may be involved.
Intracellular Electrical Potentials in Frog Skin

The influence of changes in ionic composition of the bathing solutions on intracellular electrical potentials in frog skin has been examined. When the skin bathed in SO4 Ringer's solution is penetrated with a microelectrode two approximately equal potential jumps were frequently observed and most experiments were carried out with the electrode located between these steps. Substitution of Cl for SO4 in the bathing solutions caused a decrease in PD across both the "outer" and "inner" barriers. When the skin was short-circuited an average intracellular potential of -18 mv was found with both Cl and SO4 Ringer's. With the skin in SO4 Ringer's, decrease in Na concentration of the outside solution caused a decrease in PD between the microelectrode and the outside solution which was approximately the same as the decrease in total skin PD. With SO4 Ringer's, an increase in K concentration in the inside solution caused a marked decrease in total skin PD. However, only 50 per cent of this change occurred at the inner barrier, between the microelectrode and the inside solution. The remainder of the change occurred at the outer barrier. This observation does not appear to be consistent with the model of the skin proposed by Koefoed-Johnson and Ussing (Acta Physiol. Scand., 1958, 42, 298).
Physicochemical properties of soy protein adhesives modified by 2-octen-1-ylsuccinic anhydride

Abstract Soy protein adhesives (SPA) with high solid content display great potential as alternatives to petroleum-based adhesives. This study investigated the adhesive properties of SPA as modified by 2-octen-1-ylsuccinic anhydride (OSA) at different concentrations. Physicochemical properties including electrophoresis profile and turbidity and thermal and rheological properties also were characterized in detail. OSA was grafted to some soy protein molecules through a reaction between amine, hydroxyl groups of protein, and anhydride groups as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The conformation of OSA-modified SPA was unfolded as indicated by the absence of high molecular weight protein bands in reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and by the decrease in thermal stability detected by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The turbidity of OSA-modified SPA decreased at pH basic to isoelectrical point (IP) but increased at pH acidic to IP. The wet strength of SPA applied on two ply plywood increased to 3.2 MPa at 3.5% OSA concentration compared to 1.8 MPa for the control; then the strength leveled off as OSA concentration increased further. SPA modified with 3.5% OSA worked better on maple wood veneer than yellow poplar wood veneer when three ply plywood was made. Wood cohesive failure (WCF) was observed for both soaked maple and yellow poplar plywood specimens: 60% WCF for the former and 5% WCF for the latter. The oily nature and hydrophobic long alkyl chains are the main reasons to improve the adhesion performance of SPA.
Application of laser radar to autonomous spacecraft landing

This paper discusses the scenario of an autonomous landing like that required for the Mars Rover Sample Return Mission. An application of laser radar for conducting autonomous hazard detection and avoidance is discussed. A trade-study is performed to identify operational and implementation constraints as well as the state of the art in component technology.
Synthesis and characterization of 1-13C-DLeu12,14 gramicidin A

The 13C-D-Leu12, 14 gramicidin A was synthesized by the solid phase method incorporating 13C-D-leucine in positions 12 and 14 with about 25 and 50% enrichment, respectively. The pentadecapeptide was removed from the resin by ethanolamine treatment, with the N-protecting group (Boc) still on. After removal of the protecting group, the peptide was formylated and purified by preparative t.l.c. to obtain 13C-D-Leu12, 14 gramicidin A in a very pure state in an overall yield of about 12.5%. The peptide was then thoroughly characterized by HPLC which gave one single peak with the same retention time as that of Val1-gramicidin A of the natural gramicidin mixture. The CD spectra of the synthetic and the HPLC purified natural Val1-GA were obtained and found to be identical, indicating the optical purity of the sample. The synthetic GA was characterized by 13C n.m.r. spectrum and compared with that of natural GA. Single channel conductance parameters of the synthetic GA were determined and found to be indistinguishable from those of natural Val1-GA in lipid bilayer membranes and the mean channel lifetime was found to be as reported earlier by others.
Site-specific and regional on-farm rice water conservation analyzer (RiceWCA): Development and evaluation of the water balance model

Abstract Rice farming in the Lower Colorado River basin of Texas, US, is a major economic engine and a major water consumer. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) sponsored a joint project from 2004 through 2009 to study the feasibility of developing and conserving water to provide sufficient water to farmers in the Lower Colorado River basin, while allowing transfer of water to the city of San Antonio. A major focus of the project was the development of a web-based rice water conservation analyzer (RiceWCA) to evaluate field- and regional-level costs, water savings, and yield benefit associated with implementing on-farm conservation measures, including precision leveling, multiple inlets, conservation tillage, lateral improvement, tailwater recovery, and a production system based on growing high-yielding water efficient cultivars. This paper describes the development and evaluation of the crop development and water balance components of RiceWCA. RiceWCA uses a phenology model to time water management events, including flushing and flush drainage for the main crop, and permanent flood, flood maintenance, and drainage before harvest for the main and ratoon crops. RiceWCA simulates daily water balance for each rice field within the Lower Colorado River basin, as affected by the degree of implementing different conservation measures. The water balance model includes site-specific estimation of soil saturation deficit, evapotranspiration, percolation, seepage, rainfall, irrigation, and tailwater. The water balance model was calibrated and verified using 2000 and 2002 weekly irrigation records for the Lakeside and Gulf Coast irrigation districts, and validated using 2001, 2003, and 2004 weekly irrigation records. Tailwater recovery offers the largest water saving, followed by adoption of high-yielding cultivars, multiple inlet systems, precision leveling, and conservation tillage. Water saving from lateral improvement varies depending on the extent of existing laterals.
The Treatment of Factor VIII Inhibitors - A General Overview

The management of patients with classic hemophilia who develop inhibitory antibodies against transfused factor VIII has been the frequent subject of international and national conferences. While treatment of such patients cannot be considered as standardized, several therapeutic approaches are currently available. These include the induction of immune tolerance, removal or eradication of inhibitory antibodies by immune adsorption and/or immune suppression, neutralization of the inhibitor by porcine factor VIII or high doses of human factor VIII, and bypassing of the inhibitor using recombinant factor VIIa or other bypassing agents. In addition to currently available therapeutic strategies, other approaches are under investigation, including the use of selected factor VIII peptides that block the inhibitor; the use of immunologically mute factor VIII products, for example a human-porcine factor VIII chimera not recognized by factor VIII inhibitors, and the use of anti-idiotypic antibodies. The ability to recognize those patients destined to develop inhibitors is also under active investigation.
Initiating moderate to heavy alcohol use predicts changes in neuropsychological functioning for adolescent girls and boys.

This study prospectively examines the influence of alcohol on neuropsychological functioning in a sample of boys and girls who were characterized prior to initiating drinking (N=76, ages 12–14). Adolescents who transitioned into heavy (n= 25; 11 female, 14 male) or moderate (n=11; 2 female, 9 male) drinking were compared to demographically-matched controls who remained non-users throughout the approximately 3-year follow-up period (n=40; 16 female, 24 male). For girls, more drinking days in the past year predicted a greater reduction in performance on visuospatial tasks from baseline to follow-up, above and beyond performance on equivalent measures at baseline (R2Δ = 10%, p <. 05), particularly on tests of visuospatial memory (R2Δ = 8%, p < .05). For boys, a tendency was seen for more hangover symptoms in the year before follow-up testing to predict a relative worsening of sustained attention (R2Δ = 7%, p < .05). These preliminary longitudinal findings suggest that initiating moderately heavy alcohol use and incurring hangover during adolescence may adversely influence neurocognitive functioning. Neurocognitive deficits linked to heavy drinking during this critical developmental period may lead to direct and indirect changes in neuromaturational course, with effects that would extend into adulthood.
Comparison of Preoperative Prostate Specific Antigen Density and Prostate Specific Antigen for Predicting Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy: Results from the Search Data Base

ABSTRACTPurpose: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) density based on the surgical weight of the radical prostatectomy specimen has previously been shown to be an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. We determined whether preoperative PSA density calculated using transrectal ultrasound prostate volume was a better predictor of advanced pathological findings or biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy relative to PSA.Materials and Methods: We examined 552 men from the newly established Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital data base of men treated with radical prostatectomy at equal access medical centers to determine whether preoperative PSA density was a significant predictor of an adverse pathological condition or PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Models using PSA density were compared with models using PSA to determine whether PSA density improved risk stratification relative to PSA. PSA density was examined as a continuous and a categorica...
Measuring rapid recovery program outcomes: are all patients candidates for rapid recovery

Total joint arthroplasty procedures have been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of end stage hip and knee arthritis. The purpose of this paper is to outline various processes utilized to assess the outcomes of rapid recovery programs and to outline areas where future research and metrics will be beneficial in demonstrating the effectiveness of these programs. We have highlighted the use of large databases [NIS (National Inpatient Sample) and NSQIP (National Surgical Quality Improvement Program)] to help identify patients who are candidates for the rapid recovery approach. Continued thorough investigation should not only justify rapid recovery, but also move traditional joint arthroplasty programs to more efficient cost effective care once appropriate metrics are identified that support the need for resources for rapid recovery programs.
The use of covariate information in the sequential analysis of dichotomous response experiments

A method is presented for the sequential analysis of experiments involving two treatments to which response is dichotomous. Composite hypotheses about the difference in success probabilities are tested, and covariate information is utilized in the analysis. The method is based upon a generalization of Bartlett’s (1946) procedure for using the maximum likelihood estimate of a nuisance parameter in a Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT). Treatment assignment rules studied include pure randomization, randomized blocks, and an adaptive rule which tends to assign the superior treatment to the majority of subjects. It is shown that the use of covariate information can result in important reductions in the expected sample size for specified error probabilities, and that the use of covariate information is essential for the elimination of bias when adaptive assignment rules are employed. Designs of the type presented are easily generated, as the termination criterion is the same as for a Wald SPRT of simple h...
The Influence of Parenthood on the Work Effort of Married Men and Women

While the effect ofparenthood on women's work has been well documented, little attention has been given to the potentially important link between work and parenthoodfor men. Two competing models offatherhood suggest opposite effects of having children on work activities. The "good-provider" model predicts that fathers will work more than nonfathers, while the involved-father model predicts thatfatherhood might encourage men to work less. We use data from the 1992-93 National Survey of Families and Households to examine the effect of parenthood on married men and women's employment and work hours. Findings indicate evidence for both models. No one doubts that women with young children tend to have work patterns that differ from those of their childless counterparts. Despite large increases in the labor-force participation of women with children since 1960, mothers are still less likely to work than nonmothers. And, among those who are employed, mothers average fewer work hours than nonmothers. There is a generally accepted explanation for these findings. Many mothers respond to the competing
High oil‐ and polyphenol‐producing species of the northwest

The examination of plant species for their potential as renewable sources of industrial raw materials, conducted at the Northern Regional Research Center, has been extended to include 110 species from North Dakota (ND), Colorado (CO), and Oregon (OR), U.S.A. Plant samples were collected and analyzed for yields of “oil,” “polyphenol,” “hydrocarbon” and crude protein as well as for botanical characteristics. Data are presented only for the relatively high-yielding species. Oil and hydrocarbon extracts of plants that yielded at least 3.0% oil (dry, ash-free, plant sample basis) and/or at least 0.4% hydrocarbon were analyzed for classes of constituents. Oils of such species were saponified to determine yields of fatty acids and unsaponifiable matter. Hydrocarbon was examined for the presence of rubber, gutta and/or waxes. Polyisoprenes were analyzed for average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. Even when compared to about 1000 species previously analyzed in this program, seven of the species yielded high amounts of oil (7.1–11.1%) plus substantial amounts of polyphenol (10.0–19.7%). Of these, six are evergreen trees or shrubs and one is a nonwoody perennial. Another seven species yielded substantial amounts of oil (5.4–6.6%), of which five gave 17.1–24.7% polyphenol. The most notable oil-producing species wereJuniperus scopulorum (11.1%),Pinus albicaulis (10.1%),Pinus flexilis (9.3%),Pinus mugo (8.4%),Liatris punctata (8.0%) andJuniperus communis (7.8%). Crude protein contents for all 22 species were low (4.2%) to moderate (10.4%). Maximum hydrocarbon content for the 22 selected species reported was only 0.5%. The highest total amount of oil, polyphenol, hydrocarbon and crude protein was 38.9% forAcer ginnala. Data obtained in this study are discussed with respect to those from species previously analyzed in this program.
Combination of compressed sensing and parallel imaging with respiratory motion correction for highly-accelerated cardiac perfusion MRI

Cardiac perfusion MRI requires fast data acquisition to achieve an appropriate combination of temporal resolution, spatial resolution and spatial coverage for clinical studies [1]. We have recently presented a combination of compressed sensing and parallel imaging (k-t SPARSE-SENSE) to highly accelerate perfusion studies [2]. However, this method is sensitive to respiratory motion, which decreases temporal sparsity and produces temporal blurring in the reconstructed images. In this work, we present a rigid respiratory motion correction method which allows highly-accelerated first-pass cardiac perfusion MRI to be performed without strict breath-holding.
Response bias cannot explain action-specific effects: evidence from compliant and non-compliant participants.

According to the action-specific account of perception, the perceiver's ability to act influences perception of the target. For example, targets that are easier to acquire are reported to look closer, bigger, and slower. However, an alternative explanation for these effects is that they are due to response bias, rather than to changes in perception. To test the role of response bias, we employed two separate manipulations. We manipulated people's abilities to block a ball and measured the corresponding effects on estimated ball speed. We also created an explicit task demand by giving participants instructions that emphasized responding either slow or fast. Participants were grouped, based on whether they were compliant or non-compliant with the instructions. Regardless of their compliance, we found an action-specific effect of blocking ability on estimated speed. Given that non-compliant participants still showed the effect, the results provide strong evidence against a response-bias explanation of this action-specific effect. Paired with earlier research, we conclude that blocking ability influences perceived speed. Perception expresses the relationship between the environment and the perceiver, and this view is consistent with emerging neural and behavioral evidence for an interconnected perceptual-motor system. Language: en
Partial Volume Summation: A Simple Approach to Ventricular Volume Determination from CT

The accurate determination of ventricular volume from computed tomography (CT) is not a trivial problem. The direct approach of measuring the area within a visually determined boundary or contour level and multiplying by the nominal slice thickness may be subject to large errors because such boundaries are not, in general, well defined. When the ventricles are filled with a high-contrast material such as metrizamide, we may use the technique of ‘partial volume summation,’ a simple but accurate, clinically applicable method which may be performed on a standard DeltaScan-50 or similar system.
Nanomechanical Characterization of One-Step Combustion-Synthesized Al4B2O9 and Al18B4O33 Nanowires

Two kinds of aluminum borate nanowires, Al4B2O9 and Al18B4O33, were successfully synthesized by a one-step combustion method through control of the Al:B atomic ratio and synthesis temperature. Both nanowires are single crystalline but have distinguishing growth habits. Nanoindentation tests were performed directly on individual nanowires to reveal their mechanical properties. A 70% reduction in elastic modulus was found in Al18B4O33 nanowires compared with their bulk counterpart. Al18B4O33 nanowires exhibited higher hardness and elastic modulus than Al4B2O9 nanowires.
Physical Health of Today's School Children

The health habits of today's children will largely determine their subsequent health as adults of the twenty-first century. Smoking, inactivity, poor dietary practices, drug and alcohol abuse, and other deleterious habits may develop early, yet exert lifelong influences. This paper contains a review of (a) statistics and research on major health status indicators in school-aged children, (b) behaviors that contribute to disease risk, and (c) school-based interventions designed to change risk behaviors and enhance wellness. Activities that can be initiated by classroom teachers are emphasized in the concluding section of the paper. Through early intervention, enhanced longevity and quality of life may be accomplished.
Pollen mitosis and pollen tube growth inhibition by SO2 in cultured pollen tubes of Tradescantia.

Abstract Mature pollen of Tradescantia paludosa Anders. Sax clone-3 was collected from greenhouse grown plants and desiccated in the dark for 4–5 hours. The pollen was sown on microslides coated with lactose agar medium (supplemented with 0.02% colchicine). Five minutes after sowing, pollen cultures were treated with various concentrations (0.075–2000 ppm) of SO2 obtained from the chemical reaction between K2S2O5 and HCl. Treatments were carried out in an airtight Plexiglas chamber throughout the full incubation period of 19 hours. Treated and control pollen cultures were fixed and stained in aceto-carmine or Feulgen reaction to determine the tube lengths and mitotic indices. Results of repeated experiments indicated that the values of mitotic indices dropped from the normal 38.7% in the control to the range of 24.3-3.8% when treated with 0.075–50.00 ppm of SO2. Pollen tube growth was inhibited from the normal length of 1.5 mm in the control to the range of 800-100 μm when treated with 10–2000 ppm of SO2. The inhibitory effect of SO2 rpresumably resulted from physiological disturbance of the cell and severe damage to chromosomes of both generative and tube nuclei of the pollen tubes.
National software infrastructure for lattice quantum chromodynamics

Quantum chromodynamics (QCD) is the widely accepted theory of the strong interactions of quarks and gluons. Only through large scale numerical simulation has it been possible to work out the predictions of this theory for a vast range of phenomena relevant to the US Department of Energy experimental program. Such simulations are essential to support the discovery of new phenomena and more fundamental interactions. With support from SciDAC the USQCD collaboration has developed software and prototyped custom computer hardware to carry out the required numerical simulations. We have developed a robust, portable data-parallel code suite. It provides a user-friendly basis for writing physics application codes for carrying out the calculations needed to predict the phenomenology of QCD. We are using this efficient and optimized code base to develop new physics application code, to improve the performance of legacy code, and to construct higher level tools, such as QCD-specific sparse matrix solvers. We give a brief overview of the design of the data parallel API and its various components. We describe performance gains achieved in the past year. Finally, we present plans for further improvements under SciDAC-2.
Separation of Drugs by Packed Column Supercritical Fluid Chromatography 2. Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be rapidly and efficiently separated by packed-column supercritical fluid chromatography with a tertiary mobile phase. Ten antidepressants were nearly baseline resolved in < 6 min without programming. Calculated detection limits with a 5-microL injection volume were as low as 88 ppb. The effects of temperature, pressure, and modifier concentration on retention and selectivity were studied. Changing modifier concentration caused significant changes in selectivity. Several relationships between solute structure and selectivity changes were noted.
Chronic pre-exposure to methamphetamine following 31 days of withdrawal impairs sexual performance but not sexual conditioning in male Japanese quail

In the current study, male quail were administered methamphetamine (3.0 or 5.6 mg/kg IP) or saline once daily for 10 days and locomotor activity was assessed. Following a 31-day withdrawal period, sexual conditioning trials were conducted such that a conditioned stimulus (CS) was presented prior to a copulatory opportunity with a female quail. Male quail treated with methamphetamine (5.6 mg/kg) showed a decrease in locomotor activity from Trial 1 to Trial 10 suggesting a potential tolerance effect. Following the 31-day withdrawal period, all male quail that received the CS paired with a copulatory opportunity showed enhanced approach to the CS, regardless of treatment history. Thus, chronic pre-exposure to methamphetamine did not alter sexual conditioning. In contrast, chronic pre-exposure to methamphetamine (3.0 mg/kg) decreased the frequency of successful copulations suggesting that it impaired sexual performance. The findings suggest that methamphetamine may differentially affect the neural circuitry involved in motivational systems compared with those involved in consummatory aspects of sexual behavior. These effects may last long after drug cessation.
Assessment and DSM-IV Diagnosis of Personality Disorders: A Primer for Counselors

The DSM-IV categorizes 10 personality disorders, long-term patterns of personality traits that result in impairment of social and occupational functioning. The author details steps in the recognition and diagnosis of personality disorders, with emphasis on using the DSM-IV diagnostic framework.
Effect of Web Caching on Load Time

This paper explores the effect of web caching on load times in terms of browser choice and website type. By comparing the load time of web pages using different browsers and website types it was possible to determine the relationship between the variables. Load time differs between browsers based on how the browsers parse different kinds of data. It terms of website type, the traffic volume as well as frequency of updates by administrators and website users is responsible for the varying load times.
Electroweak Boson-Tagged Jet Event Asymmetries at the Large Hadron Collider

Abstract Tagged jet measurements provide a promising experimental channel to quantify the similarities and differences in the mechanisms of jet production in proton–proton and nucleus–nucleus collisions. We present the first calculation of the transverse momentum asymmetry of Z 0 / γ ⁎ -tagged jet events and the momentum imbalance of γ -tagged jet events in s = 2.76 TeV reactions at the LHC. Our results combine the O ( G F α s 2 ) , O ( G F α s 2 ) perturbative cross sections with the radiative and collisional processes that modify parton showers in the presence of dense QCD matter. We find that strong asymmetry momentum and imbalance, respectively, are generated in central Pb + Pb reactions that have little sensitivity to the fluctuations of the underlying soft hadronic background. We present theoretical model predictions for their shape and magnitude.
Preschoolers' Informal Mathematical Skills: Research and Diagnosis

Recent research shows that young children, even before they enter school, develop a surprisingly sophisticated "informal knowledge" of mathematics. 1 This informal knowledge is composed of particular concepts and skills, some of which are described in this communication. If a child is severely deficient in such informal knowledge, he or she may be at a disadvantage in dealing with mathematics taught in school. Consequently, it is useful for the pediatrician to identify intellectual deficiencies of this type, just as attempts are made to identify severe language disorders or gross mental retardation. INFORMAL SKILLS What are informal skills and how do they develop? Many informal mathematical skills are basic to everyday functioning. For example, a physician glances at two bacterial cultures and perceives immediately, without counting or using written numbers or symbolism, that one culture has more growth spots than the other. The physician then carefully checks his conclusion. As he
Controlled drug release by polymer dissolution. II: Enzyme-mediated delivery device.

A novel, closed-loop drug delivery system was developed where the presence or absence of an external compound controls drug delivery from a bioerodible polymer. In the described delivery system, hydrocortisone was incorporated into a n-hexyl half-ester of a methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer, and the polymer-drug mixture was fabricated into disks. These disks were then coated with a hydrogel containing immobilized urease. In a medium of constant pH and in the absence of external urea, the hydrocortisone release was that normally expected for that polymer at the given pH. With external urea, ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium hydroxide were generated within the hydrogel, which accelerated polymer erosion and drug release. The drug delivery rate increase was proportional to the amount of external urea and was reversible; that is, when external urea was removed, the drug release rate gradually returned to its original value.
System Level Estimation of Interconnect Length in the Presence of IP Blocks

With the increasing size and sophistication of circuits and specifically in the presence of IP blocks, new wirelength estimation methods are needed in the design flow of large-scale circuits. Up to now, the proposed techniques for wirelength estimation in the presence of IP blocks approached this problem either in a flat framework based on the geometrical structure of the circuit or in a hierarchical framework based on uniform distribution property for standard cells. In this paper, the authors propose a technique for hierarchical derivation of wirelength estimation in the presence of single and multiple blockages using Rent's parameter of the circuit by assuming non-uniform probability distribution for standard cells. To measure the accuracy of the estimation, the authors compared the results with the results of placement and routing using a commercial CAD tool. The results illustrate that in the presence of multiple IP blocks, the average error of our technique is less than 8%, as compared to its counterparts with the average error of 35% and 150%
Hidden mortality attributable to Rocky Mountain spotted fever: immunohistochemical detection of fatal, serologically unconfirmed disease.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is the most severe tickborne infection in the United States and is a nationally notifiable disease. Since 1981, the annual case-fatality ratio for RMSF has been determined from laboratory-confirmed cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Herein, a description is given of patients with fatal, serologically unconfirmed RMSF for whom a diagnosis of RMSF was established by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of tissues obtained at autopsy. During 1996-1997, acute-phase serum and tissue samples from patients with fatal disease compatible with RMSF were tested at the CDC. As determined by indirect immunofluorescence assay, no patient serum demonstrated IgG or IgM antibodies reactive with Rickettsia rickettsii at a diagnostic titer (i.e., >/=64); however, IHC staining confirmed diagnosis of RMSF in all patients. Polymerase chain reaction validated the IHC findings for 2 patients for whom appropriate samples were available for testing. These findings suggest that dependence on serologic assays and limited use of IHC staining for confirmation of fatal RMSF results in underestimates of mortality and of case-fatality ratios for this disease.
Results on input-to-output and input-output-to-state stability for hybrid systems and their interconnections

We present results for the analysis of input/output properties of interconnections of a general class of hybrid systems. Input-to-output and input-output-to-state stability for hybrid systems are considered. Definitions of these notions and sufficient conditions are introduced for hybrid systems given by a flow set, a flow map, a jump set, a jump map, and an output function. An interconnection result in terms of a small gain theorem for the said notions is also presented.
Optoelectronic integrated systems based on free-space interconnects with an arbitrary degree of space variance

It is appealing to contemplate how VLSI or wafer-scale integrated systems incorporating free-space optical interconnection might outperform purely electrically interconnected systems. This paper first provides a uniform treatment of a general class of optical interconnects based on a Fourier-plane imaging system with an array of sources in the object plane and an array of receptors in the image plane. Sources correspond to data outputs of processing "cells," and receptors to their data inputs. A general abstract optical imaging model, capable of representing a large class of real systems, is analyzed to yield constructive upper bounds on system volume that are comparable to those arising from "3-D VLSI" computational models. These bounds, coupled with technologically derived constraints, form the heart of a design methodology for optoelectronic systems that uses electronic and optical elements each to their greatest advantage, and exploits the available spatial volume and power in the most efficient way. Many of these concepts are embodied in a demonstration project that seeks to implement a bit-serial, multiprocessing system with a radix-2 butterfly topology, and incorporates various new technology developments. >
Regulatory circuit based on autogenous activation-repression: roles of C-boxes and spacer sequences in control of the PvuII restriction-modification system

Type II restriction-modification (R-M) systems comprise a restriction endonuclease (REase) and a protective methyltransferase (MTase). After R-M genes enter a new cell, MTase must appear before REase or the chromosome will be cleaved. PvuII and some other R-M systems achieve this delay by cotranscribing the REase gene with the gene for an autogenous transcription activator (the controlling or 'C' protein C.PvuII). This study reveals, through in vivo titration, that C.PvuII is not only an activator but also a repressor for its own gene. In other systems, this type of circuit can result in oscillatory behavior. Despite the use of identical, symmetrical C protein-binding sequences (C-boxes) in the left and right operators, C.PvuII showed higher in vitro affinity for O(L) than for O(R), implicating the spacer sequences in this difference. Mutational analysis associated the repression with O(R), which overlaps the promoter -35 hexamer but is otherwise dispensable for activation. A nonrepressing mutant exhibited poor establishment in new cells. Comparing promoter-operator regions from PvuII and 29 R-M systems controlled by C proteins revealed that the most-highly conserved sequence is the tetranucleotide spacer separating O(L) from O(R). Any changes in that spacer reduced the stability of C.PvuII-operator complexes and abolished activation.