cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Space-Variant Holographic Optical Systems Using Phase-Coded Reference Beams

A new holographic implementation of a sampling technique permits straightforward representations of two dimensional space-variant optical systems. The set of sample transfer functions required for the representation is sequentially recorded on a single holographic plate by utilizing a diffuser to produce phase-coded reference beams. The phase coding operation then acts to suppress crosstalk between the stored holograms when they are played back simultaneously. Because this approach does not depend on volume effects in the recording medium in an essential way, the holograms can either be produced digitally or optically. Basic concepts and the results of experimental investigations are presented and discussed.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Snake toxins that bind specifically to individual subtypes of muscarinic receptors

This paper discusses the properties of the three most specific ligands found for the extracellular faces of M1, M2 and M4 muscarinic receptors (m1-toxin1, m2-toxin and m4-toxin, respectively). The primary goal of this paper is to show the known and potential usefulness of these toxins and their biotinylated, radioactive, fluorescent and mutated derivatives.
Perceptual responses to infant crying: identification of cry types*

This report describes a perceptual study on the ability of mothers to perceptually differentiate cry samples elicited by three different stimulus situations. In some instances mothers were evaluating cries produced by their own infant; in other cases they judged those produced by infants with whom they were unfamiliar. The results of the investigation indicated that the eighteen mothers were generally unable to successfully match the cry samples with the three cry-evoking situations. Further, no differential advantage was found when mothers were judging samples produced by their own infant.
Perturbation Stability of Frictional Sliding With Varying Normal Force

In many systems, the normal force at friction contacts is not constant, but is instead a function of the system's state variables. Examples include machine tools, friction dampers, brake systems and robotic contact with the environment. Friction at these contacts has been shown to possess dynamics associated with changes in normal force. In an earlier paper, the authors derived a critical value of system stiffness for stability based on a linearized analysis of constant velocity sliding (Dupont and Bapna, 1994). In this paper, the domain of attraction for the steady sliding equilibrium point is characterized for a system in which normal force is coupled to tangential displacement. Perturbations consisting of sudden changes in the displacement and velocity of the loading point are considered. These perturbations can be viewed as either actuator disturbances or changes in control input. The effect and interaction of the frictional and geometric parameters are elucidated. The results are applicable to the design and analysis of systems in which steady motion without friction-induced limit cycles is desired.
Social neuroscience evidence for dehumanised perception.

Dehumanisation describes perceiving a person as nonhuman in some ways, such as lacking a mind. Social psychology is beginning to understand cognitive and affective causes and mechanisms—the psychological how and why of dehumanisation. Social neuroscience research also can inform these questions. After background on social neural networks and on past dehumanisation research, the article contrasts (a) research on fully humanised person perception, reviewing studies on affective and cognitive factors, specifically mentalising (considering another's mind), with (b) dehumanised perception, proposing neural systems potentially involved. Finally, the conclusion suggests limitations of social neuroscience, future research directions, and real-world consequences of this all-too-human phenomenon.
A periplasmic protein disulfide oxidoreductase is required for transformation of Haemophilus influenzae Rd.

Abstract The mutated gene in JG16, a Haemophilus influenzae strain deficient in competence-induced DNA binding and uptake, was cloned and the wild-type allele was sequenced. The gene was shown by Northern analysis to be constitutively expressed on a 1.7-kilobase transcript. The gene product was identified as a 20.6-kDa protein targeted to the periplasm. The protein contains the sequence Cys-Pro-His-Cys (CPHC) and is highly similar to two other periplasmic CPHC motif-containing proteins: DsbA, an Escherichia coli protein (45% identity, 87% homology) and TcpG, a Vibrio cholerae protein (32% identity, 74% homology). Both DsbA and TcpG promote disulfide bond formation in periplasmic proteins, are required for pilus biogenesis, and, like thioredoxin, are capable of reducing insulin in vitro. The Haemophilus protein was shown to complement an E. coli mutation in DsbA and was named Por (periplasmic oxidoreductase). In JG16 the competence-dependent redistribution of inner membrane proteins did not occur. These findings suggest that Por is required for the correct assembly and/or folding of one or more disulfide-containing cell envelope protein involved either in competence development or in the DNA-binding and -uptake machinery.
Bringing Java to the enterprise: Oracle on its Java server strategy

Java is becoming the predominant language for defining and deploying complex business logic across all tiers of the enterprise. Java is uniquely suited to distributed information systems, and clearly critical to the success of Oracle's network computing initiative. No other language combines the features required in these environments. This paper surveys five aspects of our Java product strategy. Unless otherwise stated, these components are included in the Oracle 8.1 software development kit, SDK2, which is under test at a small number of sites. Over the past 20 years, SQL has become the "shape" of the world's store of data. In many ways, Java represents a practical, ubiquitous means for augmenting this structure with the arbitrarily complex operational semantics that only a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language can provide. Such logic is inherently distributed, and may be freely deployed on any network computing tier. The combination of ubiquitous SQL data and Java behavior will generalize relational database management systems into the information servers that are so critical to the future of network computing.
Consequences of fission deexcitation of compound nuclei formed in heavy-ion reactions

Restrictions on cross sections of compound nuclei surviving fission during the dexcitation process are investigated for a variety of heavy-ion projectile-target combinations. Calculations are performed within the framework of the Bohr-Wheeler model using angular-momentum-dependent fission barriers calculated from the rotating liquid drop model of Cohen, Plasil, and Swiatecki. It is shown that fission severely limits the cross sections of evaporation residue products at higher bombarding energies, that the critical angular momenta of such a model slowly increase with increasing bombarding energy, and that these critical angular momenta are very much lower than the values at which the fission barrier is thought to disappear. Calculated cross sections are in reasonable agreement with several experimental excitation functions. Experimental results are also compared with limits on fusion cross sections resulting from entrance conditions and comparisons are made between the consequences of the two types of models\char22{}entrance condition limits and fission-imposed limits on evaporation residue products.
The legibility of HMD symbology as a function of background local contrast

As the Army increases its reliance upon helmet mounted displays (HMD), it is paramount that HMDs are developed that meet the operational needs of the warfighter. In see-through HMDs, symbology is overlaid or added to the see-through background. For the symbology to be seen and understood, the symbology must have sufficient contrast to stand-out from the background and be clearly recognized. In an earlier paper, we showed that the quality of see-through symbology was greatly influenced by the complexity of natural backgrounds. Complexity was characterized by the standard deviation of small patches (patches subtending about 1.5°). A better assessment of scene complexity as a function of local contrast is required for the development of HMD luminance specifications. Here we evaluate the small patch luminance and complexity of natural scenes in an attempt to quantify the luminance requirements for HMDs.
CBE growth of AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures and their device applications

Abstract We demonstrate that the chemical beam epitaxial (CBE) technique is suitable for growing high quality AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures for high-speed and photonic device applications. Substantial improvements in electrical and optical properties of Al x Ga 1- x As were achieved using triisobutylaluminum (TIBAl) instead of triethylaluminum source. Highly uniform Al x Ga 1- x As:Si and Al x Ga 1- x As:C films with very low surface defect density were grown. The electrical and optical properties of these materials are comparable to those of high quality organometallic vapor phase epitaxial (OMVPE) Al x Ga 1- x As. CBE grown 0.25 °m gate length modulation-doped field effect transistors (MODFET) have been fabricated. MODFETs having f T greater than 38 GHz and a 1.7 dB noise figure with 10 dB associated gain at 18 GHz are reported. Device quality AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT), electro-optic modulator and light emitter array structures grown by CBE technique were also demonstrated.
Head movement propensity.

In studies of human eye-head coordinated saccadic gaze shifts, different laboratories have found greatly different magnitudes of head movements for a given amplitude of gaze shift (head movement gain). The present study was conducted to examine why, and to quantify volitional head movements. Fixation/target lights were located at 20° and 40° on either side of a central light. There were two tasks or modes. In the non-aligned mode, gaze fixation (first light) was followed by a gaze step to the target (second light) accurately and quickly. In the head-aligned mode, the head was aligned within 3° of the first fixation light (i.e., initial starting position) before the step sequence began. In both non-aligned and head-aligned modes, subject instructions pertaining to the second target light concerned only gaze; there was no requisite head position. The head movement propensity of nine subjects was ranked according to the mean gain (head/target amplitude) of two 40° jumps (0–40° and — 20 to + 20°) in the non-aligned mode. This ranking method clearly identified extreme head-movers and non-movers. The moderate movers were further characterized by three additional criteria, derived by comparing the gains in different jumps, which varied in starting position and amplitude. First, when the two 40° jumps were compared, typically the gain of non-movers was less in the symmetric jump (- 20 to + 20°) with the gain of the head-movers was greater in the symmetric jump. Second, in the head-aligned mode the gain of non-movers progressively increased when the starting position was progressively moved eccentrically, whereas the gain of head-movers increased only slightly, if at all. Third, when the gains of two symmetric (40° and 80°) jumps were compared, the head-movers consistently had opposite trends from non-movers. These three comparative criteria and the initial criterion together define head movement propensity. To explain the above observations, three effects are proposed. First, a “midline-attraction” effect causes resistance to movement away from the midline in non-movers and an increase in movement amplitude if the jump starts eccentrically. Second, a “resetting” effect occurs when the eccentricity of the jump is varied; the stopping position is reset closer to the target. Third, an “awareness/arousal” effect increases the gain in the head-aligned mode due to the intrinsic nature of the alignment procedure. Minor physical movement impediments were added to the recording apparatus; these impediments essentially had no effect on head movement gain, and only slightly altered peak head velocity of large movements. Thus, nonphysical variations in eliciting gaze shifts likely determine gain in different laboratories; gain is reliable if measured on a relative scale among similarly tested subjects. Individuals have an innate behavioral propensity to move their head; this may in part reflect the individual's method of constructing stable coordinate systems relating internal to external reference frames, with head-movers initially choosing extrinsic spatial or earth-fixed coordinates and non-movers choosing intrinsic coordinates.
Central 5-alpha reduction of testosterone is required for testosterone's inhibition of the hypothalamo-pituitary–adrenal axis response to restraint stress in adult male rats

Abstract In rodents, the hypothalamo-pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is controlled by a precise regulatory mechanism that is influenced by circulating gonadal and adrenal hormones. In males, gonadectomy increases the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) response to stressors, and androgen replacement returns the response to that of the intact male. Testosterone (T) actions in regulating HPA activity may be through aromatization to estradiol, or by 5α-reduction to the more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). To determine if the latter pathway is involved, we assessed the function of the HPA axis response to restraint stress following hormone treatments, or after peripheral or central treatment with the 5α-reductase inhibitor, finasteride. Initially, we examined the timecourse whereby gonadectomy alters the CORT response to restraint stress. Enhanced CORT responses were evident within 48 h following gonadectomy. Correspondingly, treatment of intact male rats with the 5α-reductase inhibitor, finasteride, for 48 h, enhanced the CORT and ACTH response to restraint stress. Peripheral injections of gonadectomized male rats with DHT or T for 48 h reduced the ACTH and CORT response to restraint stress. The effects of T, but not DHT, could be blocked by the third ventricle administration of finasteride prior to stress application. These data indicate that the actions of T in modulating HPA axis activity involve 5α-reductase within the central nervous system. These results further our understanding of how T acts to modulate the neuroendocrine stress responses and indicate that 5α reduction to DHT is a necessary step for T action.
Chemical Imaging of Surfaces with the Scanning Electrochemical Microscope

Scanning electrochemical microscopy is a scanning probe technique that is based on faradaic current changes as a small electrode is moved across the surface of a sample. The images obtained depend on the sample topography and surface reactivity. The response of the scanning electrochemical microscope is sensitive to the presence of conducting and electroactive species, which makes it useful for imaging heterogeneous surfaces. The principles and instrumentation used to obtain images and surface reaction-kinetic information are discussed, and examples of applications to the study of electrodes, minerals, and biological samples are given.
In situ pressure measurement within deformable rectangular polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic devices.

In this paper, we present a simple procedure to incorporate commercially available external pressure transducers into existing microfluidic devices, to monitor pressure-drop in real-time, with minimal design modifications to pre-existing channel designs. We focus on the detailed fabrication steps and assembly to make the process straightforward and robust. The work presented here will benefit those interested in adding pressure drop measurements in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based microchannels without having to modify existing channel designs or requiring additional fabrication steps. By using three different devices with varying aspect ratio channels (wh0, width/depth), we demonstrate that our approach can easily be adapted into existing channel designs inexpensively. Furthermore, our approach can achieve steady state measurements within a matter of minutes (depending on the fluid) and can easily be used to investigate dynamic pressure drops. In order to validate the accuracy of the measured pressure d...
Fitting multisite binding equilibria to statistical distribution models: Turbo Pascal program for Gaussian models

Abstract A computer program is described for implementing and fitting Gaussian statistical models of proton binding or metal binding (at constant pH) to complex mixtures of binding sites, such as humic substances. Both unimodal and bimodal continuous ligand distribution models are incorporated, providing fitting capability for data corresponding to either one or two classes of binding sites. Turbo Pascal source code is given along with an example of program usage.
Fifty years of surgery for portal hypertension at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Lessons and prospects.

Objective The 50-year experience with surgery for the treatment of portal hypertension and bleeding varices at the Cleveland Clinic is reviewed. Summary Background Data A variety of procedures have been used to treat bleeding varices during the past 50 years. These include transesophageal ligation of varices or devascularization of the esophagus and stomach with splenectomy ; portal-systemic (total) shunts ; distal splenorenal (selective) shunts ; endoscopic sclerotherapy ; transjugular intrahepatic portal-systemic shunts ; and liver transplantation. Methods Our experience with these procedures is reviewed in four time periods : 1946 to 1964, 1965 to 1980, 1980 to 1990, and 1990 to 1994. Results Our use of these procedures has changed as experience and new techniques for managing portal hypertension have evolved. Most ligation-devascularization-splenectomy procedures were performed before 1980 ; they provide excellent results in patients with normal livers and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction, but a major complication (40-50%) is rebleeding. Total shunts were performed most frequently before 1980 ; with patient selection, operative mortality was reduced to 8%, control of bleeding was achieved in more than 90%, but the incidence of encephalopathy was high (30%). Selective shunts provide almost equal protection from rebleeding with less post-shunt encephalopathy. We currently use selective shunts for patients with good liver function. Liver transplantation has been used since the mid 1980s for patients with poor liver function and provides good results for this difficult group of patients. Conclusions The selection of patients for these procedures is the key to the successful management of portal hypertension.
Identification of the Carboxylic Acid Functionality by Using Electrospray Ionization and Ion-Molecule Reactions in a Modified Linear Quadrupole Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer

A mass spectrometric method has been developed for the identification of the carboxylic acid functional group in analytes evaporated and ionized by electrospray ionization (ESI). This method is based on gas-phase ion−molecule reactions of ammoniated ([M + NH4]+) and sodiated ([M + Na]+) analyte molecules with trimethyl borate (TMB) in a modified linear quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. The diagnostic reaction involves addition of the deprotonated analyte to TMB followed by the elimination of methanol. A variety of analytes with different func-tionalities were examined, and this reaction was only observed for molecules containing the carboxylic acid functionality. The selectivity of the reaction is attributed to the acidic hydrogen present in the carboxylic acid group, which provides the proton necessary for the elimination of methanol. The diagnostic products are easily identified based on the m/z value of the product ion, which is 72 Th (thomson) greater than the m/z value of the charged analyte, an...
An investigation of motion base cueing and G-seat cueing on pilot performance in a simulator

The effect of G-seat cueing (GSC) and motion-base cueing (MBC) on performance of a pursuit-tracking task is studied using the visual motion simulator (VMS) at Langley Research Center. The G-seat, the six-degree-of-freedom synergistic platform motion system, the visual display, the cockpit hardware, and the F-16 aircraft mathematical model are characterized. Each of 8 active F-15 pilots performed the 2-min-43-sec task 10 times for each experimental mode: no cue, GSC, MBC, and GSC + MBC; the results were analyzed statistically in terms of the RMS values of vertical and lateral tracking error. It is shown that lateral error is significantly reduced by either GSC or MBC, and that the combination of cues produces a further, significant decrease. Vertical error is significantly decreased by GSC with or without MBC, whereas MBC effects vary for different pilots. The pattern of these findings is roughly duplicated in measurements of stick force applied for roll and pitch correction.
Delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage to predict early failure of Bernese periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia.

Background: Hip dysplasia leads to abnormal loading of articular cartilage, which results in osteoarthritis. Pelvic osteotomies such as the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy can improve the mechanics of the joint, but the results are variable and appear to depend on the amount of preexisting arthritis. Delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) is a technique designed to measure early arthritis, and it potentially could be used to select hips with too severe arthritis to benefit from a joint-preserving reconstructive procedure. The purpose of our study was to identify radiographic, clinical, and magnetic resonance imaging measurements that predict failure after pelvic osteotomy. Methods: We performed a cohort study of forty-seven patients undergoing a Bernese periacetabular osteotomy for the treatment of hip dysplasia. Our goal was to identify preoperative radiographic factors, such as the grade of arthritis, joint congruency, and the dGEMRIC index, that are associated with a poor outcome after osteotomy. Results: Hips in which the osteotomy did not fail had a significant decrease in pain compared with their status preoperatively (p < 0.0001). Hips in which the osteotomy did fail had had significantly more arthritis on preoperative radiographs (as demonstrated by the joint space width and the Tonnis grade [p = 0.01]), more subluxation (p = 0.02), and a lower dGEMRIC index (p < 0.001) than the hips in which the osteotomy did not fail. Multivariate analysis identified the dGEMRIC index as the most important predictor of failure of the osteotomy. Conclusions: Bernese periacetabular osteotomy for the treatment of hip dysplasia can decrease pain and improve function in symptomatic dysplastic hips. The dGEMRIC index, as an early measure of osteoarthritis, appears to be useful for identifying poor candidates for a pelvic osteotomy. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Polystyrene/molybdenum disulfide and poly(methyl methacrylate)/molybdenum disulfide nanocomposites with enhanced thermal stability

Abstract Nano-sized MoS 2 particles have been synthesized and polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites have been prepared using solution mixing techniques. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the morphology of the nanocomposites. Thermal stability and fire properties of nanocomposites were studied by thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry. Mechanical properties were investigated by dynamical mechanical analysis and tensile testing. The PS/MoS 2 nanocomposites showed enhanced thermal stability in comparison to neat polystyrene, as exhibited by the increase of temperature of 50% mass loss point by over 30 °C in the best case. Reduction in the peak heat release rate was observed in all PS/MoS 2 nanocomposites and even more pronounced effects were found in PMMA/MoS 2 nanocomposite.
Control of a Minimally Actuated Biomimetic Vehicle Using Quarter-Cycle Wingbeat Modulation

This paper describes a technique, called quarter-cycle constant period frequency modulation, to control the motion of wings on a flapping wing micro-air vehicle. This technique allows control over the wingbeat period and three additional points (the two zero crossings and the reversal of wing direction) within a single wingbeat cycle, allowing modulation of the wing’s velocity to provide direct control over six degrees of freedom of overall vehicle motion. Using a blade element based aerodynamic model, both instantaneous and cycle-averaged forces and moments are analytically computed for a specific type of wingbeat motion that enables nearly decoupled, multi-degrees of freedom control of an aircraft. Wing motion is controlled using oscillators whose frequencies and three additional parameters change once per wingbeat cycle. A control oriented dynamic model of the vehicle is derived, which is based on a cycle-averaged representation of the forces and moments, and control derivatives are calculated. A cycle...
Teaching Nutrition Assessment to First Year Medical Students in a Practice Setting

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe a method for integrating nutrition assessment and demonstrating its relevance in the primary care medical curriculum. In order provide medical students with earlier exposure to patients and generalist medicine an Introduction to Patient Care course was recently added to the curriculum. First and second year students learn basic interviewing and examination skills through didactic sessions and once a week participation with a generalist MD preceptor in their practice office. As part of this course, the students were given a nutrition assignment to be completed with a patient in the preceptor's office. The timing was optimal in that a medical nutrition course was being taught concurrently. The objective for the assignment was to involve students and preceptors in nutrition assessment and counseling using practical tools and techniques. Each student discussed the assignment with their preceptor, selected a patient willing to fill out a questionnaire and food frequency and discuss nutrition recommendations, and submitted a write up of pertinent background information along with copies of the completed questionnaires and recommendations provided to their patient. All 51 students completed the assignment selecting patients ranging in age from 3 months to 79 years. The majority (78%) were regular office patients being seen for on-going care of an existing illness, well check ups, or treatment of a new illness or injury, and the remainder were co-workers or friends. One fourth of the patients selected had no diagnosis listed, but common diagnoses among others included diabetes, overweight, thyroid conditions and hypertension. Forty one of the students included the patient's height and weight in their write up, but only 14 evaluated weight status. Most of the students (63%) chose to actively interview the patients using the questionnaires instead of having the patients fill them out themselves. Thoroughness of the write ups varied: 90% included some social history, 47% family history of disease, 71% medications, 59% exercise habits, and 59% included pertinent lab values. Eleven of the students used a nutrition analysis program available in the library to further evaluate their findings, and nine cited specific references. On average, each student provided their client with 5 recommendations, the majority of which were judged by the nutrition faculty member to be appropriate and practical. The overall quality of the completed assignments indicates that early involvement of medical students may enhance their interest in nutrition and secondarily reach community preceptors with information about new nutrition applications.
METHODS OF HANDLING AND LAUNDERING BERYLLIUM-CONTAMINATED GARMENTS.

Abstract The wearing, handling and laundering of garments contaminated with beryllium can be a significant potential hazard to individuals involved. The hazard is best controlled by use of wet methods. Four methods to determine the degree of contamination are discussed: (1) the shake test, (2) the vacuum test, (3) the rinse test, and (4) the smear test. Assuming conventional laundering procedures have been used, the potential hazard to subsequent wearers of the garment is minimal. Suggested standards for determining adequacy of laundry are 0.1 μ g Be/cm2 as determined by the vacuum test, or 200 μg Be/garment, by the rinse test. Reported is a summary of a survey of related practices in other beryllium industries.
11β-Alkyl-Δ9-19-Nortestosterone Derivatives: High-Affinity Ligands and Potent Partial Agonists of the Androgen Receptor

We report the synthesis of novel steroidal androgen receptor ligands comprising 11β-alkyl-Δ9-derivatives of 19-nortestosterone. These compounds are structurally related to the antiprogestin, antiglucocorticoid, and antiandrogen drug mifepristone (RU486). Nortestosterone analogues bearing 11β-octyl and 11β-decyl side-chains bind tightly to recombinant AR protein (IC50 = 6.6 nM and IC50 = 0.8 nM), block AR dimerization, exhibit activity against LNCaP prostate cancer cells, and comprise partial AR agonists with low antiglucocorticoid activity.
Hemodynamic comparison of microsurgical repairs for large arterial defects

Twenty-eight femoral arteries in 14 rats were used to compare transverse closures and end-to-end anastomoses in blood vessels approximately 1 mm in diameter. The transverse closures were applied to arteriectomies created by excising one-half the circumference of the vessel over a length of 1 mm. The end-to-end anastomoses were performed after resecting a 1-mm segment. Recordings were made of pre-and postrepair flow velocity and three-point diameter measurements every 5 minutes using a 20-MHz pulsed Doppler velocimeter and digimatic caliper. Maximum reductions in flow velocity were 18% and 31% for the transverse repair and end-to-end anastomosis, respectively. Otherwise, intergroup comparisons of the postrepair normalization of both flow velocity and vessel diameter showed few significant differences (P < 0.05). We conclude that arterial defects involving no more than half the diameter of the vessel can be effectively repaired in significantly less time using the transverse closure. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Granular cell tumors of the esophagus: a clinical and pathologic study of 13 cases.

Background Fewer than 200 cases of esophageal granular cell tumors (GCT) have been reported. However, determination of malignant potential and appropriate management are as yet unresolved issues. Methods We evaluated the clinical and pathologic features of 13 esophageal GCTs. Results This group included 11 women and 2 men. Six patients were black. Patient ages ranged from 27 to 69 years (median, 47 years). Tumors were found incidentally in 10 patients. Only 2 patients were symptomatic. Most tumors were in the distal esophagus and were less than 8mm. In 5 patients, multiple GCTs were found, including 3 patients with multiple esophageal GCTs. In 11 cases, the tumor was diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy. Ten patients were treated with biopsy alone, without further attempt at tumor excision. No recurrent or meta-static disease developed within the follow-up period. In all but 1 case, tumors were characterized by nests of cells with pyknotic nuclei, abundant granular cytoplasm, an absence of mitotic figures, and strong S-100 protein positivity. One patient who presented with dysphagia had a 2.5-cm distal esophageal GCT that showed atypical histologic features, including cellular spindling, nuclear pleomorphism, and mitoses. Because of this patient's symptoms, the large tumor size, and atypical endoscopic ultrasonographic and histologic features, the lesion was surgically excised. Conclusions Esophageal GCTs are usually asymptomatic, small, and found incidentally on upper endoscopy done for other reasons. Flexible esophagoscopy and biopsy are the mainstay in diagnosis, and endoscopic ultrasound can provide additional information on the layer of origin and tumor extension. Observation of these tumors is indicated unless the patient is symptomatic or the tumor is greater than 1cm or has atypical endoscopic ultrasonographic or histologic features.
Characterization of molecular weight distribution of oligomers from autocatalyzed batch hydrolysis of xylan.

Oat spelt xylan was treated with water in a batch reactor at temperatures of 180 and 200°C. Ion-moderated partition (IMP) chromatography was then applied to separate oligomers in solution according to their molecular size. Calibration of the IMP measurements based on peak height was found to quantify dissolved monomer and oligomer yields well. Oligomer concentrations in the liquid hydrolysate were also determined from the difference in xylose monomer concentrations measured by high-performance liquid chromatography before and after posthydrolysis of dissolved xylooligosaccharides to xylose. Delayed formation and then rapid disappearance of oligomers from DP10 to DP2 was observed by IMP, and total oligomer yields measured by IMP and posthydrolysis were very similar at these times. However, while IMP detected virtually no oligomers initially, posthydrolysis measurements gave significant amounts of soluble oligomers at these times, indicating that oligomers with chain lengths >10 were in solution but not detectable by the IMP system used.
Genital capsule of the trichophoran male (hemiptera: heteroptera: geocorisae)

The male genital capsule is described externally and internally in representatives of the superfamilies Lygaeoidea, Coreoidea, Pyrrhocoroidea and Pentatomoidea. Its external opening, primitively posterior, sometimes becomes dorsal by dorsalization of the posterior edge. The dorsal, lateral and ventral rims of that opening may be more or less inturned. The infolding of the ventral rim lies deep within the capsule and may form a transverse ridge. To this is joined a cuplike sclerite which holds the median projection. These 3 internal structures support and guide the aedeagus. From a discussion of the capsule itself and of the preceding segments and intersegmental membranes, it follows that the capsule is probably the ninth sternum, the corresponding tergum having been totally or in major part obliterated by the growing dorsally of the anterior part of the sternum. The terms used by some other authors for the structures studied are discussed and synonymized.
Design and Development of New Hydroxy Methyl Phosphine Based Bifunctional Chelating Agents (BFCAs) for Use in Radiopharmaceutical Applications

Abstract Hydroxymethyl phosphine compounds are water-soluble and moderately air stable. This class of compounds have the potential for use in variety of catalytic and biomedical appliations.1 As part of our ongoing program to utilize the hydroxymethyl phosphine ligands for applications in Nuclear Medicine, we are interested to develop tetradentate hydroxy methyl phosphine-based Bihctional Chelating Agents (BFCAs) 1 and 2. Site-directed biomolecules such as receptor-avid peptides and proteins modified with these BFCAs can be used as vehicles or specific delivery of diagnostic (e.g., 99m Tc) and and therapeutic radionuclides (e.g. 188 Re and 186 R) to target cancer cells.
Two-body fragmentation channels of three-body systems.

An asymptotic expansion of the wave functions for the fragmentation channels of three-body systems is developed in hyperspherical coordinates. It is shown that, to any finite power in 1/R, where ${\mathrm{mR}}^{2}$= is the trace of the inertia tensor, the expanded wave function is an analytic finite sum of Sturmian functions. The expansion is carried out explicitly through order 1/${R}^{4}$. These asymptotic states converge (as R\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}) to polarized orbitals for two-electron systems, and also provide improved dissociation channels for molecular ions, such as ${\mathrm{HD}}^{+}$. Asymptotic potential curves for He and ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$-H systems are presented as illustrations.
Localized force representations for particles sedimenting in Stokes flow

Abstract A finite-valued force multipole expansion is developed to describe the dynamics of spherical particles sedimenting in Stokes flow. The lowest level of the method is a simple force coupling procedure to represent the dynamic coupling between the particle phase and the fluid phase. The length scale associated with the finite force envelope provides an additional parameter that when matched to the particle size gives consistent results for the particle velocity. Sedimentation velocities for particles in a cubic lattice are predicted with good accuracy up to volume fractions of 20% by this approximate method. The calculated kinetic energy dissipation by viscosity is correctly balanced with the release of potential energy. As a full expansion procedure it is possible to calculate exactly the flow surrounding the particles, using standard numerical procedures such as fast Fourier transforms in periodic domains. Examples for the settling of particle pairs and random suspension are also given.
Duality and Lipschitzian selections in best approximation from nonconvex cones

Abstract Duality relationships in finding a best approximation from a nonconvex cone in a normed linear space in general and in the space of bounded functions in particular, are investigated. The cone and the dual problems are defined in terms of positively homogeneous super-additive functional on the space. Conditions are developed on the cone so that the duality gap between a pair of primal and dual problems does not exist. In addition, Lipschitz continuous selections of the metric projection are identified. The results are specialized to a convex cone. Applications are indicated to approximation problems.
PARENTING AND ADOLESCENTS’ SEXUAL INITIATION

This study draws on social control and social learning theories to examine the role of dating-specific attitudes and practices as predictors of adolescents' sexual initiation. We include attention to the adolescent's reaction to control attempts as a further means of assessing family dynamics (i.e., frequency of dating disagreements). The study uses longitudinal data from 697 adolescents who were not sexually active at the first interview as well as separate interviews with parents. In models that include all parenting variables, parental caring, parents' preferences that the child should delay sex, and the frequency of dating disagreements were significant predictors of initiation of teen sexual activity.
Diffusion and viscosity of Mg2SiO4 liquid at high pressure from first-principles simulations

Abstract We investigate two key transport properties, self-diffusion and viscosity, of Mg2SiO4 liquid as a function of temperature and pressure using density functional theory-based molecular dynamics method. Liquid dynamics in a 224-atom supercell was captured in equilibrium simulations of relatively long durations (50–300 ps) to obtain an acceptable convergence. Our results show that Mg and Si are, respectively, the most and least mobile species at most conditions studied and all diffusivities become similar at high pressure. With increasing temperature from 2200 to 6000 K at ambient pressure, the self-diffusivities increase by factors of 25 (Mg), 80 (Si) and 65 (O), and the viscosity decreases by a factor of 30. The predicted temperature variations of all transport coefficients closely follow the Arrhenian law. However, their pressure variations show a significant non-Arrhenian behavior and also are sensitive to temperature. At 3000 K, the diffusivity (viscosity) decreases (increases) by more than one order of magnitude between 0 and 50 GPa with their activation volumes increasing on compression. Over the entire mantle pressure range, the variations at 4000 K are of two orders of magnitude with nearly constant activation volumes whereas the variations at 6000 K are within one order of magnitude with decreasing activation volumes. The predicted complex dynamical behavior of Mg2SiO4 liquid can be associated with the structural changes occurring on compression. We also estimate the diffusivity and viscosity profiles along a magma ocean isentrope, which suggest that the melt transport properties vary modestly over the relevant magma ocean depth ranges.
Disaster response in a pediatric field hospital: lessons learned in Haiti.

Abstract Purpose This study outlines the evolution of a pediatric field hospital after the January 2010 Haiti earthquake. Methods Project Medishare set up a field hospital in Port-au-Prince 48 hours after the event. Our institution staffed the pediatric component for 45 days, with sequential deployment of 9 volunteer medical teams. Evolving facility and manpower requirements and changing patient demographics over time were evaluated. Results Delegations consisted of surgeons, pediatricians, nurses, operating room (OR) personnel, physical therapists, pharmacists, and support staff. Primary goals involved creation of a child-specific ward, pediatric OR, and a wound care center. Major inpatient demographic changes occurred as time from the disaster elapsed. Initial census showed that 93% of the patients were surgical admissions with 40% undergoing operations, mostly fracture and wound care, over the first week. Eight weeks later, medical illnesses accounted for 70% of inpatients, whereas OR volume dropped by more than 50%. A second trend involved increasing acuity of care. Initially, children were admitted for serious or limb-threatening, but usually not life-threatening, injuries. Within 2 months, one third of the patients were housed in the developing NICU/PICU; and only 12% were admitted for injuries related to the earthquake. This change in patient needs led to alterations in facility requirements and in staffing and leadership needs. Conclusion A disaster involving significant casualties in a populated area demands the rapid development of a field facility with pediatric personnel. Requirements for equipment, manpower, medical records, and systems addressing volunteer stress and ethical dilemmas can be anticipated.
Supplementation of endothelial cells with mitochondria-targeted antioxidants inhibit peroxide-induced mitochondrial iron uptake, oxidative damage, and apoptosis.

Abstract The mitochondria-targeted drugs mitoquinone (Mito-Q) and mitovitamin E (MitoVit-E) are a new class of antioxidants containing the triphenylphosphonium cation moiety that facilitates drug accumulation in mitochondria. In this study, Mito-Q (ubiquinone attached to a triphenylphosphonium cation) and MitoVit-E (vitamin E attached to a triphenylphosphonium cation) were used. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that mitochondria-targeted antioxidants inhibit peroxide-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) through enhanced scavenging of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, thereby blocking reactive oxygen species-induced transferrin receptor (TfR)-mediated iron uptake into mitochondria. Glucose/glucose oxidase-induced oxidative stress in BAECs was monitored by oxidation of dichlorodihydrofluorescein that was catalyzed by both intracellular H2O2 and transferrin iron transported into cells. Pretreatment of BAECs with Mito-Q (1 μm) and MitoVit-E (1 μm) but not untargeted antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E) significantly abrogated H2O2- and lipid peroxide-induced 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence and protein oxidation. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants inhibit cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation, and DNA fragmentation. Mito-Q and MitoVit-E inhibited H2O2- and lipid peroxide-induced inactivation of complex I and aconitase, TfR overexpression, and mitochondrial uptake of 55Fe, while restoring the mitochondrial membrane potential and proteasomal activity. We conclude that Mito-Q or MitoVit-E supplementation of endothelial cells mitigates peroxide-mediated oxidant stress and maintains proteasomal function, resulting in the overall inhibition of TfR-dependent iron uptake and apoptosis.
Breast cancer screening in BRCA1 mutation carriers: effectiveness of MR imaging--Markov Monte Carlo decision analysis.

Purpose: To project intermediate and long-term clinical outcomes of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging screening for breast cancer in women with BRCA1 gene mutations. Materials and Methods: A microsimulation model was developed to compare three annual screening strategies versus clinical surveillance: (a) mammography, (b) MR imaging, and (c) combined MR imaging and mammography. Input parameters were obtained from the published medical literature, existing databases, and expert opinion. The model was calibrated to targets from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database (1975–1980) compiled during a period prior to the onset of widespread mammographic screening. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of uncertainty in parameter estimates. Results: With clinical surveillance, the estimated median diameter of invasive breast cancers at presentation was 2.6 cm. Average life expectancy was 71.15 years. With annual screening with mammography, MR imaging, or combined mammography and MR...
Black Grandparents: Curriculum Development:

The performance of Black grandparents was examined to determine the most suitable content for an educational program intended to assist them in their role. A sample of 626 non-consanguineous subjects included 204 grandparents, 128 parents, and 294 grandchildren. Each generation group completed a separate version of the Grandparent Strengths and Needs Inventory to identify the favorable qualities of grandparents and aspects of their relationships in which further growth was necessary. A combination of multivariate analysis of variance procedures, univariate analysis of variance tests, and t-tests were used to analyze scores, confirm results, and assist with interpretation of data. All groups described aspects of grandparents success and made known specific realms of learning that grandparents should acquire in order to become more effective. Analysis of the responses revealed significant main effects for generation, gender of grandchild, age of grandchild, and amount of time that grandparent and grandchild spent together. Considerations were identified for improving grandparent influence and guiding the development of grandparent education programs.
Pin It Exploring How Professional Sports Organizations Use Pinterest as a Communications and Relationship-Marketing Tool

The social media platform Pinterest has emerged as a popular virtual space to showcase content found online (Hempel, 2012). Encouraging users to “pin” and comment on content featuring sports-relate...