cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinician support and psychosocial risk factors associated with breastfeeding discontinuation.

Objective. Breastfeeding rates fall short of goals set in Healthy People 2010 and other national recommendations. The current, national breastfeeding continuation rate of 29% at 6 months lags behind the Healthy People 2010 goal of 50%. The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between breastfeeding discontinuation at 2 and 12 weeks postpartum and clinician support, maternal physical and mental health status, workplace issues, and other factors amenable to intervention. Methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted of low-risk mothers and infants who were in a health maintenance organization and enrolled in a randomized, controlled trial of home visits. Mothers were interviewed in person at 1 to 2 days postpartum and by telephone at 2 and 12 weeks. Logistic regression modeling was performed to assess the independent effects of the predictors of interest, adjusting for sociodemographic and other confounding variables. Results. Of the 1163 mother-newborn pairs in the cohort, 1007 (87%) initiated breastfeeding, 872 (75%) were breastfeeding at the 2-week interview, and 646 (55%) were breastfeeding at the 12-week interview. In the final multivariate models, breastfeeding discontinuation at 2 weeks was associated with lack of confidence in ability to breastfeed at the 1- to 2-day interview (odds ratio [OR]: 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–7.6), early breastfeeding problems (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1–1.97), Asian race/ethnicity (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.1–5.7), and lower maternal education (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2–1.9). Mothers were much less likely to discontinue breastfeeding at 12 weeks postpartum if they reported (during the 12-week interview) having received encouragement from their clinician to breastfeed (OR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4–0.8). Breastfeeding discontinuation at 12 weeks was also associated with demographic factors and maternal depressive symptoms (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.01–1.37) and returning to work or school by 12 weeks postpartum (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.8–3.3). Conclusions. Our results indicate that support from clinicians and maternal depressive symptoms are associated with breastfeeding duration. Attention to these issues may help to promote breastfeeding continuation among mothers who initiate. Policies to enhance scheduling flexibility and privacy for breastfeeding mothers at work or school may also be important, given the elevated risk of discontinuation associated with return to work or school.
Adsorption behavior of polymer-modified interfaces

We report on the vapor phase adsorption behavior of selected organic molecules onto/into polymer-modified interfaces. We use maleimide−vinyl ether alternating copolymers in conjunction with layer growth chemistry to modify gold-coated substrates with mono- and multilayer polymer structures. The identities of the polymer side groups determine the properties of the polymer interface. We measure the mass uptake of the interface using a quartz crystal microbalance mounted in a chamber where the partial pressure of the organic solvent vapor can be controlled. We interpret the adsorption data in the context of the BET adsorption isotherm. Our results point to the adsorption process depending on both polymer identity and thickness, implying chemical control over the adsorption and desorption kinetics of the process.
Two instability criteria for the stratified flow in horizontal pipe at cocurrent flow conditions

Abstract This paper presents a theoretical approach of two instability criteria from the stratified to nonstratified flow in horizontal pipes at cocurrent flow conditions. The new theoretical instability criteria for the stratified and nonstratified flow transition in horizontal pipe have been developed by hyperbolic equations in two-phase flow. These criteria, onset of slugging criterion and critical flow condition criterion, at cocurrent flow condition correspond to imaginary and zero characteristics which occur when the hyperbolicity of a stratified two-phase flow are broken, respectively. Through comparison between results predicted by the present theory and the Kukita et al.'s experimental data, it is shown that they are in good agreement with experimental data.
Immediate contextual influences on maternal behavior : Environmental affordances and demands

Although it is commonly recognized that parenting is multiply determined, mechanisms by which the context influences parental behavior have rarely been examined. In this paper, the role of environmental affordances and demands are described and tested in two observational studies. In Study 1, mothers and their 3-year-old children were observed in three settings where affordances and demands differed: the home, park, and laboratory. In Study 2, mothers and their children engaged in three laboratory conditions in which the amount of demands on the mother was manipulated. Several child-rearing variables showed systematic relations with the presence of affordances and demands. It is concluded that affordances and demands play an important role in influencing maternal behavior by acting as environmental cues for place-related behavior. Further, it is proposed that parental perceptions of the immediate context and the recognition of appropriate environmental cues are paramount in understanding the variability of parental behavior across situational contexts.
Phosphate-calcium induced fusion of chicken erythrocytes.

Abstract Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and calcium chloride in Hepes-buffered saline (HBS) have been used prior to incubation at 50 °C to induce fusion of fresh chicken erythrocytes. Prior treatment with PBS was found to be essential for the combined phosphate and calcium induced fusion to occur. Cells did not fuse if (i) calcium was introduced prior to the phosphate ion, or (ii) the chicken erythrocytes were suspended and incubated in a pre-mixed combination of phosphate and calcium. It was observed that the optimum incubation temperature was around 50 °C. At this temperature maximum fusion took place in 1 h without marked cell destruction. The calcium concentration for maximum fusion using 44 mM phosphate was 25 mM at pH 7. The work demonstrates that the polykaryocyte size may be decreased by vesiculation and therefore is not necessarily proportional to the number of fusing cells. Also, the number of nuclei seen in a polykaryocyte did not serve as an accurate indicator of the number of fusing cells. Membrane-associated protein aggregation was demonstrated by freeze-fracture of cells undergoing fusion.
Log-normal distribution of pulse amplitudes due to Raman cross talk in wavelength division multiplexing soliton transmission

The effect of delayed Raman response on soliton collisions in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) transmission systems is investigated. Taking into account the stochastic nature of pulse sequences in different frequency channels and the Raman-induced cross talk, it is shown that the soliton amplitude is a random variable with a log-normal distribution. Moreover, the Raman-induced self-frequency shift and cross-frequency shift are also random variables with log-normal-like distributions. These results imply that fluctuations in soliton amplitude and frequency induced by soliton collisions in the presence of delayed Raman response play an important role in massive WDM transmission.
Fracture of hybrid laminates containing a pair of collinear cracks in the central layer

Fracture of a hybrid laminate containing a pair of collinear cracks in the central layer is studied. The surfaces of the cracks are opened by an arbitrary opening pressure. The problem is reduced to the solution of the Fredholm integral equation of the second kind by using the techniques of the Fourier transforms and the finite Hilbert transform. In the case of an uniform opening pressure, the exact expressions for the stress intensity factors in the inner tip and the outer tip of the cracks and the shape of the deformed crack are obtained. Numerical calculations are carried out to study the interaction between the cracks and the effects of the hybrid lamination on the fracture of the hybrid laminate.
Buprenorphine assay and plasma concentration monitoring in HIV-infected substance users

The availability of buprenorphine (BUP) provides an alternative approach to the treatment of opioid addiction with methadone, an agent that has many drug-drug interactions when combined with antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, due to limited long-term pharmacokinetic studies in HIV-infected patients, the clinical use of BUP, a CYP450-3A4 substrate, will require that studies be conducted to examine safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics when these drugs are taken for chronic treatment. One clinical approach could include plasma concentration monitoring to avoid under- or overdosing BUP secondary to drug interactions with ART. The measurement of BUP and its active metabolite, norbuprenorphine (NBUP) facilitates the addition of BUP to ART in an attempt to avoid drug toxicity as described in a recent report by Bruce et al. Therefore, our objective was to validate a BUP assay and integrate its application into an ongoing antiretroviral (ARV) plasma concentration monitoring program. A chromatographic method for monitoring BUP and its active metabolite, NBUP was investigated. An assay was developed that would facilitate BUP and ARV measurement from a single 3 mL blood sample (0.75 mL plasma required) in conjunction with a previously validated multiple ARV HPLC method. The method measures BUP and NBUP over the range from 0.25 to 50 ng/mL with mass spectrometry detection. Inter- and intra-assay variation was <or=11%, across the concentration range. The method quantitates BUP and NBUP plasma concentrations within the range of expected values from current BUP dosing guidelines. Use of this combined BUP and ARV plasma concentration monitoring approach for a representative patient receiving BUP, atazanavir and efavirenz demonstrated its clinical application.
Transposition from a gutless adeno-transposon vector stabilizes transgene expression in vivo

A major limitation of adenovirus-mediated gene therapy for inherited diseases is the instability of transgene expression in vivo, which originates at least in part from the loss of the linear, extrachromosomal vector genomes. Herein we describe the production of a gene-deleted adenovirus-transposon vector that stably maintains virus-encoded transgenes in vivo through integration into host cell chromosomes. This system utilizes a donor transposon vector that undergoes Flp-mediated recombination and excision of its therapeutic payload in the presence of the Flp and Sleeping Beauty recombinases. Systemic in vivo delivery of this system resulted in efficient generation of transposon circles and stable transposase-mediated integration in mouse liver. Somatic integration was sufficient to maintain therapeutic levels of human coagulation Factor IX for more than six months in mice undergoing extensive liver proliferation. These vectors combine the versatility of adenoviral vectors with the integration capabilities of a eukaryotic DNA transposon and should prove useful in the treatment of genetic diseases.
History of oceanography

The AGU Committee on History of Geophysics (CHG), chaired by David P. Stern, met at the AGU Fall Meeting on December 3, 1984. The CHG is presently concentrating on three principal tasks: solicitation and coordination of history-related talks at AGU meetings, publication of historical material in Eos, and the continued publication of its Newsletter. Several committee members expressed the need to preserve in writing important early events which lead to significant advances in various fields of geophysics. It was pointed out that many of these events are anecdotal and thus easily lost to future generations. The Newsletter, which is presently in its fifth issue, provides one medium for the preservation of geophysical history.
Science and God

Religion, like science, seeks to thematize reality. But they differ in what they abstract from: Religions focus on values; often, ultimates. The sciences seek causes, typically, proximate causes. Territorial disputes, then, are misguided, and scientism errs in seeking to displace religion. For science, as Goodheart explains, does not replace what it seeks to understand. Monotheists find goodness, beauty, love, truth, and wisdom in nature, and affirm an infinite Goodness as their ultimate Source. Neither Big Bang cosmology nor neodarwinism competes with that idea. Medieval creationists would have welcomed the evidence for an initial singularity, as confirmation of the soundness of their quest for a self-sufficient Being behind the world’s contingency. Evolution, far from displacing creation, addresses the how of nature’s emergence, just as scripture looks to its ultimate worth. Resistance to evolution is misguided, and Intelligent-Design is tactically and strategically unwise: It relies on a god-of-the-gaps, rather than recognize the ubiquity of God’s creativity and generosity. But the kernel of truth in I-D lies in the sense of wonder that religion shares with science.
A constitutional balanced t(3;8)(p14;q24.1) translocation results in disruption of the TRC8 gene and predisposition to clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Studying the molecular basis of familial renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has allowed identification of novel RCC genes involved in the pathogenesis of both inherited and sporadic RCC. We describe a constitutional balanced t(3;8)(p14;q24.1) translocation found in a brother and sister with bilateral clear cell RCC (CC-RCC) diagnosed in their forties. Consistent with a prior report, we demonstrated by RT-PCR of RNA from lymphoblastoid cells fusion mRNAs derived from the fragile histidine triad (FHIT) at 3p14 and TRC8 at 8q24.1 in both affected siblings. Cytogenetic analysis of a CC-RCC tumor from the affected sister from short-term tumor cell culture showed both diploid and pseudotetraploid populations containing the translocation and normal appearing chromosomes 3 and 8. Fluorescent in situ hybridization using bacterial artificial chromosomes containing sequences from the FHIT and TRC8 genes demonstrated normal FHIT signals and TRC8 signals on nontranslocated chromosomes in the constitutional blood sample, but the TRC8 signal was absent in a subset of diploid and pseudotetraploid cells from the tumor. The tumor also contained a heterozygous VHL frameshift somatic mutation. These results confirm that balanced translocations disrupting the TRC8 and FHIT genes result in an increased genetic susceptibility for bilateral CC-RCC. The presence of diploid and tetraploid tumor cells with and without TRC8 deletions on the nontranslocated chromosome suggest that loss of the remaining normal allele of TRC8 may contribute to tumor development at later stages. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Readability, basal readers, and story grammar: What lies beneath the surface?

Abstract A line of research is briefly reviewed in which the readability of basal reader stories is assessed through a comparison of traditional and story grammar‐based indices. Basal reader stories intended for grades two through five were analyzed as well as the results of students’ recall as a function of the underlying complexity of stories. Implications for the measurement of readability and the preparation of basal reader stories are presented.
A lidar system for remote sensing of aerosols and water vapor from NSTS and Space Station Freedom

The Tropical Atmospheric Lidar Observing System (TALOS) is proposed to be developed as a Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) system for flight aboard the earth orbiting Space Station Freedom. TALOS will be capable of making high resolution vertical profile measurements of tropospheric water and tropospheric and stratospheric aerosols, clouds and temperature.
Photoreflectance Characterization Of GaAs/A1GaAs Thin Films, Heterojunctions And Multiple Quantum Well Structures

The optical modulation technique of photoreflectance (PR) has been applied to the characterization of GaAs/AlGaAs thin films, multiple quantum wells (MQW) and modulation-doped heterojunctions exhibiting a two dimensional electron gas (2DEG). It is shown that PR can yield much' of the same information as electroreflectance but because of its contactless nature PR is easier to implement and thus ideal for the characterization of microstructures.
An extra-adrenal sodium-retaining factor in congestive heart failure

Abstract The extra-adrenal sodium-retaining factor was first described in Circulation Research in 1964. This factor increases the responsiveness of the renal tubules to aldosterone in heart failure, and marked sodium retention occurs with resultant edema or ascites. Evidence for the extra-adrenal sodium-retaining factor is presented in two models of experimental heart failure in dogs and in dogs with thoracic caval constriction and a low cardiac output. Since the nature of this sodium-retaining factor remains unknown, several of the recently discovered factors that influence kidney function and that might alter the responsiveness of the renal tubules to a mineralocorticoid are described. These factors include atrial natriuretic peptide, nitric oxide, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity, the endothelins, and the intrarenal tissue renin-angiotensin system. It is suggested that the nature and action of the sodium-retaining factor be reinvestigated in lieu of the new knowledge of kidney function. The applicability of newly developed experimental models of heart failure for study of the extra-adrenal factor is discussed; these include coronary artery ligation in rats, cardiac pacing in the dog, and application of transmyocardial direct current shock to local myocardial areas in dogs.
Prevention of endothelin-1-induced increases in blood pressure: role of endogenous CGRP

To determine the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its receptors in the regulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release, male Wistar rats were divided into six groups and subjected to th...
Micromachining with SR and FEL

Abstract This article describes the micromachining technologies to fabricate thick and three-dimensional microstructures. Deep X-ray lithography using an 0.6 GeV compact SR source have been realized to fabricate thick structures, developing a high transparency X-ray mask and a high sensitivity resist. Moreover, a sacrificial layer process and micro electro-discharge machining have been combined with deep X-ray lithography for the fabrication of more complicated structures such as cantilever and tapered shaped structures. Also, the prospective use of an FEL is considered towards the development of true three-dimensional microstructures.
Novel surface plasmon resonance sensor for the detection of heme at biological levels via highly selective recognition by apo-hemoglobin

We have developed a novel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for heme detection that utilizes the reconstitution of the heme cofactor with apohemoglobin (apoHb), hemoglobin from which the heme has been removed, as the sensing mechanism. The binding is highly specific, efficient and generated very strong SPR signals. This is the first report that uses immobilization of the apoprotein in a hydrophilic polymer matrix and senses the corresponding cofactor by SPR. This is also the first report of high sensitivity heme detection in real time by SPR and the sensing surface is re-generated many times without loss of sensitivity or selectivity. The sensing surface was fabricated by covalent immobilization of hemoglobin in a polyacrylic acid matrix in situ, which allowed for a high concentration of protein to be located in the plasmon detection range on the Au chip. Removal of the heme from the hemoglobin-polymer conjugate (Hb-PAA) resulted in a surface anchored apoHb-polymer conjugate. The limit of detection was approximately 2 μM or 1.30 μg/mL, which is relevant for biological heme levels (1-50 μM for hemolytic pathological conditions). This apoHb-polyacrylic acid system demonstrates a new concept in SPR detection with the use of protein cofactor binding pockets for analyte detection. The methodology that we developed here may be extended for the detection of a number of other cofactor molecules with high sensitivity, selectivity and low detection limits. In future, such sensors could be useful for the development of point-of-care devices to detect biologically important small molecules.
Troponin I phosphorylation in the normal and failing adult human heart

Background In the failing human heart myofibrillar calcium sensitivity of tension development is greater and maximal myofibrillar ATPase activity is less than in the normal heart. Phosphorylation of the cardiac troponin I (cTnI)–specific NH2-terminus decreases myofilament sensitivity to calcium, while phosphorylation of other cTnI sites decreases maximal myofibrillar ATPase activity. Methods and Results We examined cTnI phosphorylation in left ventricular myocardium collected from failing hearts at the time of transplant (n=20) and normal hearts from trauma victims (n=24). The relative amounts of actin, tropomyosin, and TnI did not differ between failing and normal myocardium. Using Western blot analysis with a monoclonal antibody (MAb) that recognizes the striated muscle TnI isoforms, we confirmed that the adult human heart expresses only cTnI. A cTnI-specific MAb recognized two bands of cTnI, designated cTnI1 and cTnI2, while a MAb whose epitope is located in the cTnI-specific NH2-terminus recognized on...
Cytochalasin B inhibits thyroid secretion.

The addition in vitro of cytochalasin B at concentrations of 0.5–3.0 μg/ml to prelabeled mouse thyroid glands interferes with release of iodine derived from thyroglobulin and blocks colloid endocytosis. It is suggested that cytoplasmic microfilaments are involved in the secretory process.
Differential effects of treatment with typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs on adenylyl cyclase and G proteins

Abstract We examined the effects of chronic in vivo antipsychotic drug treatments on G protein function and regulation. Mice were treated with typical antipsychotic haloperidol (6 mg/kg per day) and atypical agent olanzapine (20 mg/kg per day) for 14 days via mini-osmotic pumps. G protein-activated adenylyl cyclase activity in brain tissues was measured in the presence of guanine nucleotide analogue guanosine-5′- O -(3-thiotriphosphate) tetralithium salt, or GTPγS. In frontal cortex, haloperidol treatment produced 21% increases in the GTPγS -mediated adenylyl cyclase E max value (vs. vehicle controls) while olanzapine produced 20% reductions in this value (vs. controls); these effects were significant. In striatum, olanzapine treatment produced significant 31 and 27% decreases in E max values compared with vehicle and haloperidol treatment, respectively. Chronic haloperidol treatment produced significant 24% reductions in the immunoreactivity of cortical, but not striatal, G iα1,2 subunits. There were no effects of chronic olanzapine treatment on G iα1,2 levels and no effects of either antipsychotic on G sα levels. Chronic haloperidol and olanzapine treatments differentially regulate G protein-mediated adenylyl cyclase responses in brain regions possibly relating to their unique effects on G protein-coupled receptors.
Highly Elastic Gold Passivated Mechanically Flexible Interconnects

A wafer-level batch fabricated mechanically flexible interconnect (MFI) technology with 65- μm vertical elastic range of motion is experimentally demonstrated. A metal alloy (NiW) with ultrahigh yield strength and enhanced geometrical design is adopted to enable elastic deformation over the entire vertical range of motion. The enhanced geometrical design of the MFIs ensures that the stress is distributed uniformly during deformation, and simultaneously maintains an inner stress that is lower than the yield strength of NiW during vertical deformation. In addition, the MFIs are passivated with gold, which is experimentally verified to not only lower the electrical resistance, but also significantly extends the lifetime of the MFIs as it eliminates oxidation of NiW. For 10- μm-thick Au-NiW MFIs, the contact force is up to 10 mN at 50- μm elastic vertical deformation (i.e., compliance of 5 mm/N).
Mind Reader: Designing for More Intimate Social Play in Video Games

Socializing is one of the main reasons that people play games [14]. However, co-located video games often move the focus toward a visual display and personal input devices. This paper looks at how we can bring the focus back on the co-players providing for more intimate social play without losing the advantages of digital games and visual display. Such games may provide social/relational benefits and increased enjoyment as well as may be of use for social learning, teambuilding, and therapy. The design of our game, Mind Reader, attempts to both learn from non-digital games as well as exploit the potential of mobile devices to create a more social form of video game. The game was built around two main features: face-to-face play and a shared physical space designed to promote social gameplay. We then present a way to test this new form of gameplay against traditional mobile gaming to determine its effect on social interaction.
Amidination of the outer and inner surfaces of the human erythrocyte membrane.

Abstract We have synthesized a novel imidoester, isethionyl acetimidate, which is unable to penetrate the membrane of the human erythrocyte. It has the same specificity for amino groups as ethyl acetimidate, which penetrates the membrane. Either reagent can be labeled with 3H or 14C and, thus, be used to convert amines to radioactive amidines. An erythrocyte membrane saturated with either compound functions nearly normally. Therefore, the membrane can be double labeled if the amino groups on the outer surface of a cell are saturated with isethionyl acetimidate (e.g. labeled with 14C) and the remaining active sites are saturated with ethyl acetimidate (labeled with 3H). Alternatively, the membrane can be isolated after saturation with [14C]isethionyl acetimidate and treated with [3H]isethionyl acetimidate. From quantitative experiments of this kind we conclude that there are more than ten times as many reactive amino groups in protein on the inner surface than on the outer surface of the membrane. Nearly all of the reactive amino groups in lipid are on the inner surface. The localization of individual polypeptides confirms and extends assignments made previously by other techniques; as many as four major components may span the membrane. The proteins and lipids react to the same extent with ethyl acetimidate in the intact cell as they do in isolated membranes; this implies that the isolation does not load to major structural rearrangements.
THE DIFFUSION OF ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE THROUGH AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS.

Abstract The diffusion constant ( D ) of sodium ATP through water at pH 7.0–7.5 was found to be 7.1–7.2 × 10 −6 sq cm per second. Addition of salt or buffer at concentrations commonly used in enzymic reactions caused D to decrease. Minimum values were about 3.3 × 10 −6 sq cm per second. The decrease in D was directly correlated with concentration of the salt or buffer. The concentration of ATP had a small effect. Variations of pH had little or no effect. This decrease of D appears to be an electrostatic phenomenon related to the ionic strength of the added salts or buffers. Adenosine di- and monophosphate have the same value of D as ATP. The value of D for nucleosides was lower than that for nucleotides, but that for purine bases at pH 6.0–7.0 was higher.
Reliability of an Independent Component, s-Spare System with Exponential Life Times and General Repair Times*

In this paper, the reliability of a system with N independent components supplied with a pool of s spares is investigated. The components have an exponential life time distribution and the failed components are repaired, one at a time, with a general repair time distribution. Numerical results are presented for the mean time to system failure (system is said to fail when a component fails with no spare available) and the reliability of the system in some special cases of interest.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Complicated by Gangrene: Report of Six Cases and Review

Although mortality due to fulminant Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is well appreciated, the ability of the disease to cause survivors to become permanently disabled is not as widely known. We report six cases of RMSF complicated by gangrene. Although four patients required multiple limb and/or digital amputations, only one death resulted. Our review of the English-language literature revealed 23 additional cases of RMSF complicated by gangrene. Pathophysiologically, gangrene is most likely related to small-vessel occlusion. Skin necrosis and gangrene in association with RMSF are the extreme end on a continuum from reversible to irreversible skin and tissue damage caused by Rickettsia rickettsii. Most patients with RMSF have a typical skin rash that resolves without sequelae. Some patients develop minute cicatrices marking the location of focal cutaneous necrosis; for other patients, digital ischemia occurs transiently or evolves to produce severe ischemic changes without gangrene that result in permanent impairment. At the far end of this clinical continuum are patients who develop gangrene requiring amputation.
Managing xerostomia in nursing homes: pilot testing of the Sorbet Increases Salivation intervention.

Objective The purpose of this article was to describe the pilot testing of the Sorbet Increases Salivation (SIS) intervention and describe its impact on salivation and subsequent resident food intake. Methods Using a repeated treatment design with each elder serving as his or her own control, 12 elders were served 2 ounces of sugar-free lemon-lime sorbet just before the lunch meal for two 3-week periods separated by a 6-week observation (no treatment) period. A plate waste protocol was used to determine actual food intake. Before the initiation of the intervention, salivation was measured (using a Modified Schirmer Test [MST] strip) at baseline and then at 1, 2, and 3 minutes of consuming 2 oz of sugar-free lemon-lime sorbet or 2 oz of water. Summary statistics (means, standard deviations, proportions) were used to describe the study sample. Bivariate statistics determined whether there were significant differences between MST measures or food intake within subjects. Results Salivation significantly increased after consuming sorbet or water. Most importantly, residents who consumed sorbet salivated more on average in comparison with residents who consumed water. During pilot testing, most residents consumed more food on average during treatment weeks in comparison with observation weeks. Conclusion The intervention has the potential to increase salivation, decrease complaints of xerostomia, and increase food intake in institutionalized elders with drug-induced xerostomia. The new knowledge gained from this study will lead to further research and testing of the intervention with the long-term goal of transforming the “care-as-usual” approach to meal service in nursing homes.
Mechanisms of Mutations Inhibiting Fusion and Infection by Semliki Forest Virus

Semliki Forest virus (SFV) infects cells by an acid-dependent membrane fusion reaction catalyzed by the virus spike protein, a complex containing E1 and E2 transmembrane subunits. E1 carries the putative virus fusion peptide, and mutations in this domain of the spike protein were previously shown to shift the pH threshold of cell-cell fusion (G91A), or block cell-cell fusion (G91D). We have used an SFV infectious clone to characterize virus particles containing these mutations. In keeping with the previous spike protein results, G91A virus showed limited secondary infection and an acid-shifted fusion threshold, while G91D virus was noninfectious and inactive in both cell-cell and virus-liposome fusion assays. During the low pH- induced SFV fusion reaction, the E1 subunit exposes new epitopes for monoclonal antibody (mAb) binding and forms an SDS-resistant homotrimer, the virus associates hydrophobically with the target membrane, and fusion of the virus and target membranes occurs. After low pH treatment, G91A spike proteins were shown to bind conformation-specific mAbs, associate with target liposome membranes, and form the E1 homotrimer. However, both G91A membrane association and homotrimer formation had an acid-shifted pH threshold and reduced efficiency compared to wt virus. In contrast, studies of the fusion-defective G91D mutant showed that the virus efficiently reacted with low pH as assayed by mAb binding and liposome association, but was essentially inactive in homotrimer formation. These results suggest that the G91D mutant is noninfectious due to a block in a late step in membrane fusion, separate from the initial reaction to low pH and interaction with the target membrane, and involving the lack of efficient formation of the E1 homotrimer.
Thin-Fiber Cutaneous Innervation and Its Intraepidermal Contribution Studied by Labeling Methods and Neurotoxin Treatment in Rats

Sensory nerves innervating rat distal limb skin were labeled by axonal transport of an enzyme-lectin conjugate injected into lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG), with emphasis on tracing the course of the thin axons. Selective neonatal neurotoxin destruction of most unmyelinated sensory or sympathetic axons was achieved by treatment with capsaicin (CAP) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), respectively. The relationship of substance P-immunoreactive (SPI) axons to the patterns of axonal transport-labeled thin axons was compared in normal and neurotoxin-treated animals. SPI is restricted to a limited population of unmyelinated axons, and electron-microscopic observation reveals its total absence in myelinated axons. SPI fibers of sensory origin, as determined by CAP susceptibility, can be traced into the epidermal stratum spinosum, in relation to guard hair follicles, mast cells, and a specific class of small blood vessels. These morphological features are not eliminated by neurotoxin sympathectomy, and some are inferred to contribute to the initial events associated with the neurogenic vasodilation and plasma extravasation associated with the inflammatory response. A re-evaluation of the concept of "free nerve endings" is suggested in the context of the variety of afferent and efferent patterns displayed by sensory peptidergic unmyelinated axons, their putative nociceptive role, and the functional diversity of sensory C fibers.
PRECIPITATION PROBABILITY AND SATELLITE RADIATION DATA

Abstract Window radiation is related to precipitation probabilities for different time periods following the satellite pass. Window radiation combined with cloud brightness is better related to precipitation probabilities than window radiation alone.
Buckling of a Superconducting Ring in a Toroidal Magnetic Field

Experimental evidence and a theoretical model are presented for the magnetoelastic buckling of a rigid superconducting ring in a steady circumferential (toroidal) magnetic field. The theoretical model predicts a coupled translation and pitch displacement of the coil in the buckled mode. A discussion is given of both the linear and nonlinear magnetic perturbation forces. The experiments were conducted in liquid helium (4.2 K). The lowest natural frequency of the rigid coil on elastic springs was observed to decrease near the buckling current. Agreement between theory and experiment is fair. These results may have design implications for poloidal field coils in magnetic fusion Tokamak reactors.
Estimation of regional air-quality damages from Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction in Pennsylvania

This letter provides a first-order estimate of conventional air pollutant emissions, and the monetary value of the associated environmental and health damages, from the extraction of unconventional shale gas in Pennsylvania. Region-wide estimated damages ranged from $7.2 to $32 million dollars for 2011. The emissions from Pennsylvania shale gas extraction represented only a few per cent of total statewide emissions, and the resulting statewide damages were less than those estimated for each of the state's largest coal-based power plants. On the other hand, in counties where activities are concentrated, NOx emissions from all shale gas activities were 20–40 times higher than allowable for a single minor source, despite the fact that individual new gas industry facilities generally fall below the major source threshold for NOx. Most emissions are related to ongoing activities, i.e., gas production and compression, which can be expected to persist beyond initial development and which are largely unrelated to the unconventional nature of the resource. Regulatory agencies and the shale gas industry, in developing regulations and best practices, should consider air emissions from these long-term activities, especially if development occurs in more populated areas of the state where per-ton emissions damages are significantly higher.
Physical oceanography instrumentation for the polar regions: a review

The development of measurement systems for physical oceanography in polar regions is summarized, and selected instruments are described. Some instruments have been developed simply to provide access to the environment. Since hydrographic data are very sparse for large, inaccessible areas of the Arctic Ocean, hydrographic buoys have been developed that make long-term measurements of water temperature and conductivity as they drift through remote regions. Other instruments have been developed to take advantage of the unique platform the ice provides allowing measurements that cannot be performed in the open ocean. Instrumentation has also been developed to measure processes that are unique to ice-covered regions. >
QCD and QED corrections to light-by-light scattering

We present the QCD and QED corrections to the fermion-loop contributions to light-by-light scattering, γγ→γγ, in the ultrarelativistic limit where the kinematic invariants are much larger than the masses of the charged fermions.
Tracking the optic nervehead in OCT video using dual eigenspaces and an adaptive vascular distribution model

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new ophthalmic imaging modality generating cross sectional views of the retina. OCT systems are essentially Michelson interferometers that form images in 1.5 s by directing a superluminescent diode (SLD) beam over the retinal surface. Involuntary eye motions frequently cause incorrect locations to be imaged. This motion may leave no obvious artifacts in the scan data and can easily go undetected. For glaucoma monitoring especially, knowing the measurement path, typically a circle concentric with the nerve head, is crucial. The commercially available OCT system displays a near-infrared video of the retina showing the SLD beam. This paper presents a prototype system to detect the nerve head and SLD beam in the video, and report the true scan path relative to the nerve head. Low image contrast and limited resolution make the reliable detection of retinal features difficult. In an adaptive model construction phase, the system directly detects retinal vasculature and the nerve head and incrementally builds a model of the current subject's vascular pattern relative to the optic disk. The nerve head identification is multitiered, using a novel dual eigenspace technique and a geometric comparison of detected vessel positions and nerve head hypotheses. In its operational phase, a correspondence is achieved between the currently detected vasculature and the model. Using subjects not included in training, the system located the optic nerve head to within 5 pixels (0.07 optic disk diameters, an error well below clinical significance) in 99.75% of 2800 video fields. In current clinical practice, motions as large as 1-2 disc diameters may go undetected, so this is a vast improvement.
Reconstructing pre-Pangean supercontinents

Twenty-fi ve years ago, initial plans for reconstructing the Rodinia supercontinent were being drafted, based on the growing recognition of correlatable mid-Neoproterozoic (0.8–0.7 Ga) rifted passive margins, many of which were established on the eroded remnants of late Mesoproterozoic (1.3–1.0 Ga) orogenic belts. The 1990s witnessed a surge of interest in Rodinia, with many regional studies of tectonostratigraphy and U-Pb geochronology generally conforming to the “inside-out” reconstruction model: juxtaposition of west Laurentia with east Australia/ Antarctica, north Laurentia with Siberia, and east Laurentia with Baltica and cratons that would later form West Gondwana. This standard model of Rodinia appeared to be converging toward a solution with only minor variations by the turn of the millennium, but new paleomagnetic data and tectonostratigraphic information obtained in the succeeding decade chipped away at various aspects of the reconstruction; several cratons seemed to require exclusion from the supercontinent (thus questioning its very validity), or the landmass might have assembled much later (≤0.9 Ga) than originally envisaged (thus weakening the link to global Mesoproterozoic orogenesis). Although a consensus model of Rodinia’s assembly and fragmentation has arisen from the International Geoscience Programme Project 440 working group, the reconstruction is supported by rather sparse defi nitive-quality data. As the quest for Rodinia matures to a third decade of scrutiny, the search for its predecessor Nuna (a.k.a. Hudsonland or Columbia) is only now reaching a stage of global synthesis between tectonostratigraphic and paleomagnetic data. According to most defi nitions, Nuna assembled at 1.9–1.75 Ga, or perhaps as late as 1.6 Ga, and fragmented during the interval 1.5–1.2 Ga. Because mafi c dike swarms are ideal targets for paleomagnetic study, and because they are now amenable to routine dating by U-Pb on baddeleyite, the global abundance of Paleo-Mesoproterozoic dike swarms might make Nuna more imminently solvable than Rodinia. Prior to the assembly of Nuna, various “supercraton” connections such as Vaalbara, Superia, and Sclavia are only beginning to take form. Unmetamorphosed, early Paleoproterozoic (2.5–2.0 Ga) mafi c dike swarms are commonplace features across the interiors of Archean cratons, and their joint paleo magnetic and geochronologic study can help reassemble the cratons into their supercraton parent landmasses. Progressively older geologic times require consideration of a greater number of potentially independent terranes, each needing individual kinematic constraints. Furthermore, the initial stabilizing events of most extant cratons during Neoarchean time (3.0–2.5 Ga) therefore render global reconstructions older than that interval improbable.
The subfrontal approach to the anterior skull base

The subfrontal approach represents a versatile technique allowing for broad exposure of the base of the anterior cranial fossa with minimal functional and aesthetic sequelae. A number of surgical manouvers will optimize the outcomes. These will be reviewed in detail in the article.
The effects of T cell peptides in patients sensitive to cats

Summary Synthetic peptides representing T cell epitopes of the major cat allergen Fel d 1 were administered by intradermal injection or inhalation to cat allergic asthmatic volunteers. Both routes of administration were associated with the induction of IgE-independent, MHC-restricted isolated late asthmatic reactions (LAR; prolonged bronchoconstriction initiating 2–4 hours after peptide challenge) in a proportion of individuals. Administration via the intradermal, but not the inhaled route, was associated with the induction of antigen-specific hyporesponsiveness or “tolerance”, both in vivo and in vitro. Following intradermal peptide administration, the magnitude of both the early- and late-phase skin reaction to intradermal challenge with whole allergen extract were significantly reduced. In vitro, proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were reduced together with both Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Production of IL-10 was increased. LAR were not a pre-requisite for the induction of tolerance. Hyporesponsiveness was transient but several months were required to return to basal reactivity.
Anxiety and depressive symptoms and affective patterns of tobacco withdrawal

Background The complex concordance and discordance across and within anxiety and depressive symptoms complicates understanding of the relation between emotional symptoms and manifestations of tobacco withdrawal. The goal of this study was to parse the broad variation in anxiety and depressive symptoms into conceptually discrete components and explore their relative predictive influence on affective patterns of acute tobacco withdrawal.
Extending Compromise Effect Models to Complex Buying Situations and Other Context Effects

Abstract Building on the work of Dhar, Menon, and Maach (2004), this commentary describes how the compromise effect models developed in the work of Kivetz, Netzer, and Srinivasan (2004) can be extended to predict complex (business-to-business) purchase decisions and additional behavioral context effects. The authors clarify their general modeling approach and outline how it applies to choices among solutions (augmented products) and group decision making. They then hypothesize about the influence of business-to-business and technology markets on various context effects (e.g., compromise and asymmetric dominance). They show how the models incorporate various context effects and discuss ideas for further research.
Relational coping during deployment Managing communication and connection in relationships

Wartime deployment involves prolonged separation and creates uncertainty, fear, and disorganization in families (M. J. Peebles-Kleiger & J. H. Kleiger, 1994). This study examined how military wives/fiancees reported coping with the demands they associated with spousal deployment. Twenty-six in-depth interviews were conducted with wives and fiancees whose partners were currently deployed. Through qualitative analysis, 2 main coping themes emerged: (a) maintaining a mediated interpersonal connection and (b) choosing open versus restricted communication. Further analyses revealed that the former theme promoted 2 relationship functions (e.g., intimacy and positivity, confronting realities and fears) and the latter 4 functions (e.g., closeness, smooth reunion, outlet, and protection). On the basis of these coping strategies and functions, a conceptual framework for understanding relational coping communication patterns is proposed. Themes, practical applications, and theoretical implications are discussed.
VARIATIONS IN ENDOCRINE GLAND FUNCTION IN POSTPARTUM PITUITARY NECROSIS

ABSTRACT Postpartum pituitary necrosis in 4 patients was manifest by classic panhypopituitarism with secondary insufficiency of the thyroid, adrenal cortex, and ovary. Three other patients presented atypical syndromes characterized by virtually normal thyroid function, variable degrees of adrenocortical insufficiency, and normal to slightly elevated urinary excretion of gonadotropin, with or without the resumption of menses. Low 24-hour thyroidal I131 uptakes were associated with low urinary gonadotropin levels, and normal uptakes with higher gonadotropin levels. It is inferred that in some cases of postpartum pituitary necrosis there may be decreased ACTH secretion, nearly normal TSH secretion, and restored gonadotropin secretion which, however, may not be adequate for normal ovarian function.