cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensitive method for the analysis of carbohydrates by gas chromatography of 3H-labeled alditol acetates

Abstract A high sensitive method has been developed for the analysis of carbohydrates from glycoproteins or lipopolysaccharides. The method is based on labelling the carbohydrates with [3H]sodium borohydride, acetylating the resulting alditols and separating them by gas chromatography. The gasx effluent is fractionated by trapping on silicone-coated glass beads and the amount of radioactivity is determined. This permits the quantitation of as little as 0.2 nmoles monosaccharide with an accuracy of 10 to 15%.
Electron spin resonance of gamma-irradiated single crystals of acetyl-d,l-alanine and chloroacetyl-d,l-alanine

Abstract The electron spin resonance spectra of gamma-irradiated single crystals of acetyl-d,l-alanine and chloroacetyl-d,l-alanine have been measured at 9 kMc/sec and 23.4 kMc/sec for various orientations in the external magnetic field. From the analysis of the hyperfine interaction constants, the free radical produced by gamma irradiation in both compounds is found to be: The electron spin densities at the carbon atom of the group is approximately 0.76 and 0.86 for acetyl-d,l-alanine and chloroacetyl-d,l-alanine, respectively.
Skeletal changes in murine runt disease.

Runt disease was produced in neonatal F1 hybrid mice by the injection of spleen cells from a mature donor of the parental strain. Clinically apparent runting appeared after the tenth day. Mice were serially sacrificed when 11–19 days old, and their long bones were examined histologically and histochemically. In runt disease, development of the epiphyseal secondary centers of ossification was retarded. The cells and protein polysaccharides did not mature normally, and the tissue contained acellular cartilage. Accumulations of hypertrophic chondrocytes signified impaired endochondral ossification. While the osteogenic cells in the medullary spaces had been replaced largely by mononuclear lymphoid cell infiltrates, bone collagen was present on unremodeled metaphyseal trabeculae which possessed wide cartilage cores. The intertrabecular spaces were moderately fibrotic. Large remnants of unossified unresorbed cellular cartilage were frequently observed in the metaphysis. It appeaed that the generalized graft-versus-host reaction induced by the spleen cell “grafts” was extended to the skeleton, but that the changes in the cartilage and bone tissue had occurred largely before the onset of clinical runting.
Abstract 3240: Proximal human aberrant crypt foci as surrogate markers of colorectal cancer risk

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Despite effective use of screening colonoscopy, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. ‘Interval’ cancers, or those occurring between screening colonoscopy procedures, are often found within the proximal (right) colon, underscoring the need for advanced screening approaches using high-definition chromoendoscopy. To better define the colonic mucosa at-risk, we have focused considerable effort on identification and molecular analysis of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), an early macroscopically detectable lesion commonly found in the distal colon. ACF may serve as a surrogate marker of cancer risk, but have rarely been studied within context of the right colon. We hypothesize that proximal ACF may associate with risk factors for CRC and act as a surrogate marker for CRC risk. While distal ACF are frequent (approximately 13 per patient) proximal ACF are not (<1 per patient). We report that subjects with at least one proximal ACF are significantly more likely to have higher ACF multiplicity (p = 0.0002) and more importantly, are more likely to harbor synchronous colonic neoplasia (OR=2.38 [1.24-4.59], p = 0.0087). Histologically, proximal ACF are more frequently dysplastic (41%) compared to distal colon ACF (8%). ACF (n=49) were analyzed for a panel of oncogenes and tumor suppressors using mass spectrometry (MS)-based genotyping (Sequenom). Among the 112 targets analyzed, after KRAS (20%) and BRAF (22%), APC mutations (12%) were most common and specifically associated with dysplasia. Due to their diminutive size and flat morphology, proximal ACF are almost certainly missed during routine colonoscopy. However, our findings suggest that the identification, removal and analysis of proximal ACF may be especially important during screening colonoscopy of high-risk individuals. Citation Format: David A. Drew, Matthew P. Hanley, Allen Mo, Gyuhyeong Goh, Nicole A. Horelik, Thomas J. Devers, Joel Levine, Richard G. Stevens, James J. Grady, Daniel W. Rosenberg. Proximal human aberrant crypt foci as surrogate markers of colorectal cancer risk. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3240. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3240
Functional dissection of the intramolecular Src homology 3-guanylate kinase domain coupling in voltage-gated Ca2+ channel β-subunits

The beta-subunit of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels is essential for trafficking the channels to the plasma membrane and regulating their gating. It contains a Src homology 3 (SH3) domain and a guanylate kinase (GK) domain, which interact intramolecularly. We investigated the structural underpinnings of this intramolecular coupling and found that in addition to a previously described SH3 domain beta strand, two structural elements are crucial for maintaining a strong and yet potentially modifiable SH3-GK intramolecular coupling: an intrinsically weak SH3-GK interface and a direct connection of the SH3 and GK domains. Alterations of these elements uncouple the two functions of the beta-subunit, degrading its ability to regulate gating while leaving its chaperone effect intact.
Analysis of spatial resolution and coherence demands in soft x-ray image-plane holographic microscopy with two zone plates

Using a zone plate interferometer we have demonstrated image-plane holographic microscopy employing the radiation of a compact capillary discharge Ar laser operating at 46.9 nm for illumination. In this paper we describe a full analysis of the spatial resolution of the system and demands on the coherence of the radiation. The analysis shows that the resolution in the amplitude and phase images is mainly determined by the numerical aperture of the imaging element and the wavelength of the illumination. The resolution, however, is not affected by the degree of coherence, which only reduces the field of view. We also show rather low demands on temporal coherence due to the common-path interferometric geometry.
Non-Newtonian Thermo-Viscoelastic EHD Traction from Combined Slip and Spin

Shear heating has been incorporated into a viscoelastic model of traction by a simple iterative method. The computed traction now exhibits a maximum with increasing slip as observed experimentally. Computed and measured results (without spin) agree well, except at very low slip and at the higher of two temperatures. There are indications that this could be corrected and that more realistic values of lubricant shear modulus could be used if roller compliance was included in the model. Values of pressure viscosity coefficient and of thermal conductivity required for fit of traction-slip curves are in reasonable agreement with independent measurements; Newtonian limit stress is assumed to be independent of pressure and proportional to absolute temperature in accordance with rate theory. With spin present, the computed traction is up to 15 percent larger than measured. Computed trends with changing load, speed and temperature are approximately correct. The model should be useful in its present form for prelim...
Congenital mitral insufficiency secondary to anomaious mitral arcade in an adult

SG. Two-dimensional echocardiographic features of coronary arteriovenous fistula. AM HEART J 1982;104:872. 6. Agatston AS, Chapman E, Hildner FJ, Samet P. Diagnosis of a right coronary artery-right atrial fistula using two-dlmensional and Doppler echocardiography. Am J Cardiol 1984; 54~238. 7. Miyatake K, Okamoto M, Kinoshita N, Fusejima K, Sakakibara H, Nimura Y. Doppler echocardiographic features of coronary arteriovenouse fistula-complementary roles of cross-sectional echocardiography and the Doppler technique. Br Heart J 1984;51:508. 8. Goldman ME. Real-time two-dimensional Doppler flow imaging: a word of caution. J Am Coll Cardiol 1986;7:89. 9. Miyatake H, Izumi S, Okamoto M, Kinoshita N, Asonuma H, Nakagawa H, Yamamoto K, Takamyta M, Sakakibara H, Nimura Y. Semiquantitative grading of severity of mitral regurgitation by real-time two-dimensional Doppler flow imaging technique. J Am Co11 Cardiol 1986$82.
Femtosecond probe-probe transmission studies of LT-grown GaAs near the band edge

We have studied the near-edge optical response of a LT-grown GaAs sample which was deposited at 300{degrees}C on a Si substrate, and then annealed at 600{degrees}C. The Si was etched away to leave a 1 micron free standing GaAs film. Femtosecond transmission measurements were made using an equal pulse technique at four wavelengths between 825 and 870 nm. For each wavelength we observe both a multipicosecond relaxation time, as well as a shorter relaxation time which is less than 100 femtoseconds.
Self‐reported signs and symptoms in breast implant patients with novel antibodies to silicone surface associated antigens [anti‐SSAA(x)]

In research animals, the immune adjuvant activity of silicone in eliciting antibodies to associated protein antigens is now well established. In humans, the immune adjuvant activity of silicone remains controversial. Clusters of data from various research groups are beginning to define the boundary conditions for future large epidemiological studies. In that spirit, this manuscript reports pilot clinical data from a serological study conducted 3 years ago and reported previously in this journal. Sera from a self-selected symptomatic population of patients with breast implants were assayed for elevated concentrations of antibodies showing binding avidity to silicone surface associated antigens [anti-SSAA(x)]. In that study of 249 patients, two distinct statistically significant subgroups were identified on the basis of the serological assay alone: patients without any elevated anti-SSAA(x) (negative) and patients with elevated anti-SSAA(x) (positive) (p < 0.001). In this study, a clinical survey returned by 226 of those patients was correlated with the previously acquired serological findings. The 11 most common clinical complaints reported by the 199 anti-SSAA(x) negative patients and by the 27 anti-SSAA(x) positive were compared and their frequencies analyzed. The 199 anti-SSAA(x) negative patients, as a group, showed a lower frequency of a variety of signs and symptoms compared to the 27 anti-SSAA(x) positive patients. Statistically significant differences were seen in three of the symptoms: fever, foot pain, and sleep disturbance (p < 0.05). In addition, the syndrome of fever in the absence of local chest pain was a significantly associated with anti-SSAA(x) positivity (p < 0.001). © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of dissolved humic material on the toxicity of selected pyrethroid insecticides

The effect of different sources of dissolved humic material on the acute toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticides fenvalerate (Pydrin®) and permethrin (Ambush®) was examined by using the Microtox® bioassay. Toxicity of the insecticides was examined in the presence of commercially available humic acid (HA) as well as aquatic HA and fulvic acid (FA) at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 5.0, 50, and 100 mg/L. The toxicity of fenvalerate was significantly decreased in the presence of 50 and 100 mg/L of commercially available HA and 100 mg/L of aquatic HA. Aquatic FA had no significant influence on the toxicity of fenvalerate. For permethrin, toxicity was significantly decreased at 50 and 100 mg/L of commercially available HA and at all examined concentrations of aquatic HA and FA. However, the magnitude of toxicity amelioration by aquatic HA and FA was not as great as it was with commercially available HA. These results indicate that interactions between HA or FA and pyrethroid insecticides can alter the toxicity of pyrethroid insecticides. Furthermore, the extent of alteration was dependent on the source of dissolved humic material (DHM).
Arthroscopic Ulnar Nerve Identification During Posterior Elbow Arthroscopy

Elbow arthroscopy has increased in popularity in the past 10 years for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A major limiting factor faced by the elbow arthroscopist is the close proximity of the neurovasculature to the working field, with the risk of iatrogenic injury. Many arthroscopic procedures are less extensive than their open equivalents because of an inability to consistently and safely eliminate the risk of neural and vascular injury. Many open procedures in the posterior compartment of the elbow joint are not routinely performed arthroscopically. The primary reason for this restriction in arthroscopic practice is the locality of the posteromedially positioned ulnar nerve in the posterior compartment. Experience and practice with elbow arthroscopic techniques allows surgeons to expand the indications for arthroscopic treatment of an increasing number of elbow pathologies. A philosophy that is routine in open surgery when dealing with pathology that is adjacent to neurovasculature is to identify the neurovasculature and hence reduce the risk of injury. Our aim is to translate this philosophy to arthroscopy by helping define a safe technique for identifying the ulnar nerve in the posteromedial elbow gutter and allowing for a safer performance of procedures in the posteromedial region of the elbow.
Warty Condylomatous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Penis in a 19-Year-Old

Warty carcinoma of the penis is an unusual neoplasm and a variant of penile squamous cell carcinoma. As with other types of penile cancer, risk factors include human papillomavirus infection, poor personal hygiene, and being uncircumcised. The typical case is an exophytic mass arising from the glans penis, frequently large (4-5 cm), and with invasion into corpus spongiosum. The diagnosis is typically made by tumor biopsy. Treatment depends on the stage of disease and includes partial vs total penectomy, with or without prophylactic or therapeutic bilateral lymphadenectomy. We present an unusual case of penile cancer in a 19-year-old patient.
A Note on Family Acceptance Involving Interracial Friendships and Romantic Relationships

Abstract Perceptions of family acceptance concerning interracial friendships and romantic relationships were investigated in a group of 142 undergraduates. The Assessment Scale of Interracial Relationships (ASIR) was constructed by the authors and administered to 68 men and 74 women recruited from introductory psychology courses. Results showed that both men and women held negative attitudes toward interracial relationships, although Black students held more favorable attitudes than did White students. These findings also showed that the women were less accepting of interracial friendships and romantic relationships than the men were. Both Black and White students indicated that family perception of these interracial relationships would be negative.
Altered host behaviour in a cockroach-acanthocephalan association

Abstract The effects of parasitism by the acanthocephalan Moniliformis moniliformis on the behaviour of two ecologically similar intermediate cockroach host species ( Periplaneta americana and Blattella germanica ) were compared. Open field activity, substrate orientation, substrate colour choice, photophilia, phototaxis and photokinesis were measured for infected cockroaches and uninfected controls in a series of laboratory arena experiments. Parasitism had significant effects on activity and substrate use, but not on photic responses. Compared with control animals, parasitized animals of both species showed a decrease in travel velocity and distance, and an increase in the use of horizontal surfaces. Other behaviour patterns were also altered by parasitism, but the direction and magnitude of the alteration depended on species, sex and light regime. Similar responses of the two species to parasitism may reflect common selective pressures on the host-parasite interaction, including ecological similarities of the host species and shared predators. Interspecific differences in the response to parasitism may reflect phylogenetic differences, physiological limitations, or constraints due to body size differences.
Size effects in the structural phase transition of VO2 nanoparticles studied by surface-enhanced Raman scattering

We report the first experimental application of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to the study of the structural phase transition of vanadium dioxide (VO2). Using arrays of gold-capped VO2 nanoparticles (Au+VO2 NPs) and a VO2 film covered with Au islands, we obtained the temperature evolution of the SERS intensity with respect to the amount of accessible material across the monoclinic–tetragonal–monoclinic transformation cycle of VO2. The smallest Au+VO2 NPs displayed the largest deviations from the bulk transition temperatures to complete the transformation, resulting in the widest thermal hysteresis, while the Au+VO2 film exhibited the narrowest hysteresis. The observed size dependence agrees qualitatively with the model of defect-induced nucleation of the VO2 transition, although the magnitude of the hysteresis width and its dependence on NP size were less pronounced than those in a previous study of elastic light scattering from bare VO2 NPs. The discrepancies may stem from the creation of extrinsic nucleation sites in the VO2 NPs during their high-temperature processing in the presence of the Au caps; alternatively, the hystereses of the structural and electronic transitions could each have a different dependence on size. Lastly, we correlate the size dependence of the VO2 SERS intensity with the scattering efficiency of the Au nanoparticles, within the framework of a modified Mie-theory calculation.
Distribution of refractive error in healthy infants

Abstract Purpose Few data exist regarding the upper limits of refractive error distributions in healthy infants; the data that do exist are biased because they were selected from the records of pediatric ophthalmology practices. We sought to obtain these data to validate examination failure criteria for vision screening. Methods We reviewed records from all children age birth to 5 years seen at the Tennessee Lions Eye Center at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital with a billing diagnosis of nasolacrimal duct obstruction and no comorbid ocular diagnoses except for refractive error. This was to avoid referral bias for any condition that could have influenced refractive error. All patients received a complete eye examination and cycloplegic refraction. Cumulative probability distribution (CPD) plots and means for spherical and cylindrical refractive error and anisometropia were prepared. Results One hundred thirty patients were studied; mean age was 15.5 ± 9.9 months (range, 2 days to 66 months). The mean refractive error (spherical equivalent) was +1.4 D ± 1.1 D. CPD plot analysis showed 95% of hyperopia to be +1.00 D in one eye. CPD plot analysis showed 95% of astigmatism to be 3.00 D. Conclusions At least 95% of children have hyperopia
Combination antiretroviral drugs in PLGA nanoparticle for HIV-1

Combination antiretroviral (AR) therapy continues to be the mainstay for HIV treatment. However, antiretroviral drug nonadherence can lead to the development of resistance and treatment failure. We have designed nanoparticles (NP) that contain three AR drugs and characterized the size, shape, and surface charge. Additionally, we investigated the in vitro release of the AR drugs from the NP using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) containing ritonavir (RTV), lopinavir (LPV), and efavirenz (EFV) were fabricated using multiple emulsion-solvent evaporation procedure. The nanoparticles were characterized by electron microscopy and zeta potential for size, shape, and charge. The intracellular concentration of AR drugs was determined over 28 days from NPs incubated with PBMCs. Macrophages were imaged by fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry after incubation with fluorescent NPs. Finally, macrophage cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay. Nanoparticle size averaged 262 ± 83.9 nm and zeta potential -11.4 ± 2.4. AR loading averaged 4% (w/v). Antiretroviral drug levels were determined in PBMCs after 100 μg of NP in 75 μL PBS was added to media. Intracellular peak AR levels from NPs (day 4) were RTV 2.5 ± 1.1; LPV 4.1 ± 2.0; and EFV 10.6 ± 2.7 μg and continued until day 28 (all AR ≥ 0.9 μg). Free drugs (25 μg of each drug in 25 μL ethanol) added to PBMCs served as control were eliminated by 2 days. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry demonstrated phagocytosis of NP into monocytes-derived macrophages (MDMs). Cellular MTT assay performed on MDMs demonstrated that NPs are not significantly cytotoxic. These results demonstrated AR NPs could be fabricated containing three antiretroviral drugs (RTV, LPV, EFV). Sustained release of AR from PLGA NP show high drug levels in PBMCs until day 28 without cytotoxicity.
Between Still and Moving Images: photography and cinema in the 20th century

Between Still and Moving Images confirms that the dialectic of stillness and motion remains one of the most enduring and elusive wonders of the cinematic experience. In the last decade, interest in...
Analysis and functional annotation of expressed sequence tags from in vitro cell lines of elasmobranchs: spiny dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) and little skate (Leucoraja erinacea)

Elasmobranchs are the most commonly used experimental models among the jawed, cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes). Previously we developed cell lines from embryos of two elasmobranchs, Squalus acanthias the spiny dogfish shark (SAE line), and Leucoraja erinacea the little skate (LEE-1 line). From these lines cDNA libraries were derived and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) generated. From the SAE cell line 4303 unique transcripts were identified, with 1848 of these representing unknown sequences (showing no BLASTX identification). From the LEE-1 cell line, 3660 unique transcripts were identified, and unknown, unique sequences totaled 1333. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation showed that GO assignments for the two cell lines were in general similar. These results suggest that the procedures used to derive the cell lines led to isolation of cell types of the same general embryonic origin from both species. The LEE-1 transcripts included GO categories “envelope” and “oxidoreductase activity” but the SAE transcripts did not. GO analysis of SAE transcripts identified the category “anatomical structure formation” that was not present in LEE-1 cells. Increased organelle compartments may exist within LEE-1 cells compared to SAE cells, and the higher oxidoreductase activity in LEE-1 cells may indicate a role for these cells in responses associated with innate immunity or in steroidogenesis. These EST libraries from elasmobranch cell lines provide information for assembly of genomic sequences and are useful in revealing gene diversity, new genes and molecular markers, as well as in providing means for elucidation of full-length cDNAs and probes for gene array analyses. This is the first study of this type with members of the Chondrichthyes.
Chance constrained programming approaches to technical efficiencies and inefficiencies in stochastic data envelopment analysis

This paper replaces ordinary DEA formulations with stochastic counterparts in the form of a series of chance constrained programming models. Emphasis is on technical efficiencies and inefficiencies which do not require costs or prices, but which are nevertheless basic in that the achievement of technical efficiency is necessary for the attainment of ‘allocative’, ‘cost’ and other types of efficiencies.
Stock Market Response to Voluntary Liquidations and Reorganizations of Real Estate Corporations

Announcements of voluntary liquidation or reorganization by real estate corporations are analyzed. There is a positive stock price response to announcement of liquidation, and a negative stock price response to announcements of reorganization. Results were the same before and after the 1978 Bankruptcy Reform Act took affect.
Moroccan households in the world economy: labor and inequality in a Berber village

Moroccan households in the world economy: labor and inequality in a Berber village, by David Crawford, Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University Press, 2008, 210 pp., ISBN 978-0-8071-3372-9 David...
Heterochromatin Protein 1a (HP1a) Partner Specificity is Determined by Critical Amino Acids in the Chromo Shadow Domain and C-terminal Extension

Drosophila melanogaster Heterochromatin Protein 1a (HP1a) is an essential protein critical for heterochromatin assembly and regulation. Its chromo shadow domain (CSD) homodimerizes, a requirement for binding protein partners that contain a PXVXL motif. How does HP1a select among its many different PXVXL-containing partners? HP1a binds tightly to Heterochromatin Protein 2 (HP2), but weakly to PIWI. We investigated differences in homodimerization and the impact of the C-terminal extension (CTE) by contrasting HP1a to its paralogue, HP1b. HP1a and HP1b differ in the dimerization interface, with HP1a having an Arg at position 188 rather than Glu. We find that while this substitution reduces the dimerization constant, it does not impact the binding surface as demonstrated by unchanged partner binding affinities. However, the CTE (only 4 residues in HP1a as compared with 87 residues in HP1b) is critical; the charged residues in HP1a are necessary for tight peptide binding. Examining a panel of amino acid substitutions in the HP1a CSD, we find that Leu-165 in HP1a interacts with HP2 but not PIWI, supporting the conclusion that different sites in the binding surface provide discrimination for partner selection. Partner sequence is also critical for affinity, as the remaining difference in binding between HP2 and PIWI polypeptides is eliminated by swapping the PXVXL motifs between the two. Taken together, these studies indicate that the binding surface of the HP1a CSD plus its short CTE provide the needed discrimination among HP1a's partners, and that the CTE is important for differentiating the interactions of the Drosophila HP1 paralogs.
Criteria for Estimating the Population of Meteoritic Showers

One of the unsettled questions in meteoritics relates to the determination of the total number, N, of meteorites falling in such showers as those of Pultusk (Poland), Estherville (Iowa), and Holbrook (Arizona). The value of N has, for obvious reasons, not been determined by counting. Partial and unsystematic counts either have been accepted as giving the true value of N or else have been corrected by arbitrarily assuming that some specified fraction of N escaped enumeration. In the present paper, several simple criteria for estimating the population of a meteoritic shower are derived by use of the theory of probability. The formulas deduced for the determination of N have been tested with satisfactory results on man-made meteoritic showers. By the use of one of the criteria, it is shown that, for the Holbrook shower, N was almost certainly of the order of 100,000, and hence that the population of the Pultusk shower, which seems to have been a larger one even than Holbrook, probably considerably exceeded this figure. The criteria developed may be employed in many other connections.
The role of vitreous in aphakic cystoid macular edema: A review

The etiology of aphakic cystoid macular edema (ACME) is still unclear. It is associated with many conditions and probably represents a nonspecific response of the macula to a host of stimuli under the circumstances of altered stability of the vitreous cavity secondary to aphakia. Recognizing the alteration in the vitreous body and its relationship to intraocular structures in aphakia is important in understanding the milieu in which ACME occurs. Aphakic vitreous changes in the posterior vitreous surface, including posterior vitreous detachment and vitreomacular traction; anterior vitreous changes, including rupture of the anterior hyaloid face and incarceration of vitreous in the corneal wound, and changes in the vitreous gel, including vitreous collapse and loss of hyaluronic acid, are reviewed in light of their relationship with ACME. The theoretical merits of surgical approach aimed at producing the least amount of structural and physiologic changes in the intraocular structures from phakia to aphakia are also discussed.
Outcome of pregnancies in women with uterine leiomyomas identified by sonography in the first trimester.

Purpose We assessed the outcome of pregnancies in women with uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) documented by sonography in the first trimester of pregnancy. Methods We collected cases of women who had undergone first-trimester sonography and had uterine fibroids and singleton pregnancies with documented fetal heartbeats. We compared pregnancy loss rates and modes of delivery in these cases to a maternal-age–matched and gestational-age–matched control group of women who had normal uteruses and first-trimester pregnancies with documented fetal heartbeats. Sonograms in patients with fibroids were reviewed to determine the number of fibroids, their sizes, and their locations. Within the group of patients with fibroids, the pregnancy loss rate was also compared based on the number of fibroids and fibroid size and location. Results Our study population consisted of 143 women with leiomyomas, and our control group comprised 715 patients with a normal uterus. Among patients with fibroids, 14.7% of pregnancies resulted from assisted conception; in the control group, 6.4% of pregnancies resulted from assisted conception. The rate of spontaneous pregnancy loss in women with fibroids was almost twice the rate in women with normal uteruses (14.0% versus 7.6%; p < 0.05), and the loss rate was higher in women with multiple fibroids than in women with a single leiomyoma (23.6% versus 8.0%, p < 0.05). The loss rate was not significantly associated with fibroid size or location. The rate of cesarean-section delivery was higher in patients with fibroids than in patients with normal uteruses (38% versus 28%, p < 0.05). Conclusions Uterine fibroids are associated with an elevated risk of spontaneous pregnancy loss. The loss rate is higher in patients with multiple fibroids than with a single fibroid. The cesarean-section rate is also higher in patients with fibroids than in patients with a normal uterus. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 29:261–264, 2001.
Stimulus conditioned to foot-shock stress reinstates alcohol-seeking behavior in an animal model of relapse

Stress and conditioned responses to drug cues have been implicated as critical factors in relapse to drug use. In the animal literature, both the conditioned effects of drug-related stimuli and the unconditioned effects of foot-shock stress have been well documented to reinstate extinguished drug-seeking behavior. What has remained largely unexplored, however, is the significance of stimuli conditioned to foot-shock stress for the resumption of drug seeking. Additionally, although relapse is often the result of several risk factors acting in combination, the possibility that interactions among risk factors such as conditioned stress and drug cues may intensify drug-seeking behavior has received little experimental attention. The purpose of this study was to examine the individual and interactive effects of a stimulus conditioned to foot-shock stress (STRESS CS) and a stimulus conditioned to ethanol reward (EtOH CS) on the reinstatement of ethanol-seeking behavior following extinction. Male Wistar rats were trained to orally self-administer 10% ethanol on a fixed-ratio 3 schedule of reinforcement. The EtOH CS was established by response-contingently pairing 0.5 s illumination of a white cue light with each reinforced response. The STRESS CS was established by pairing a continuous white noise (70 dB) with intermittent foot shock (10 min; 0.5 mA; 0.5 s on; mean off period of 40 s). Ethanol dependence was induced by an ethanol vapor-inhalation procedure. After ethanol-maintained instrumental responding was extinguished by withholding ethanol and the EtOH CS, reinstatement tests were conducted. Both exposure to the STRESS CS and response-contingent presentation of the EtOH CS reinstated extinguished responding at the previously active, ethanol-paired lever without further ethanol availability. When response-contingent availability of the EtOH CS was preceded by exposure to the STRESS CS, interactive effects of these stimuli on responding were observed. However, both the individual and interactive effects of the STRESS CS and the EtOH CS reached statistical significance only in rats with a history of ethanol dependence but not in ethanol-nondependent rats. The results confirm that both conditioned stress and ethanol cues elicit ethanol-seeking behavior and, more importantly, that these stimuli produce interactive effects resulting in an increased ethanol-seeking response. The findings also indicate that susceptibility to ethanol seeking induced by conditioned stress and alcohol cues depends significantly on the history of prior alcohol exposure.
Alcohol and drug use and sexual behaviors placing runaways at risk for HIV infection

Abstract Lifetime and current alcohol and drug use and sexual risk acts were examined among 154 male and 148 female runaways, aged 11–19, predominantly Black and Hispanic, residing at four residential shelters in the New York City area. Most runaways reported alcohol (71%) and drug use (46%), with about a quarter (27%) using either alcohol or drugs at least once a week during the past 3 months. Physical symptoms of substance abuse were reported by 47%; 17% reported addiction. Current substance use was higher among males and Hispanics, and increased with age. Substance use was significantly related to reporting more sexual partners and less frequent condom use. The results suggest that HIV/AIDS prevention programs must target the reduction of alcohol and drug use as well as sexual risk acts.
An algorithm for the decomposition of graphs into cliques

Chung (F. R. K. Chung, On the decomposition of graphs, SIAM J. Algebraic Discrete Methods23 (1981), 1–12.) and independently Gyori and Kostochka (E. Gyori and A. V. Kostochka, On a problem of G. O. H. Katona and T. Tarjan, Acta Math. Acad. Sci. Hung.34 (1979), 321–327.) proved the following theorem: For any graph G with n vertices, the edge set E(G) can be decomposed into cliques such that the sum of the orders of the cliques is at most ⌊n2/2⌋. In this paper, we give a polynomial algorithm for the decomposition of E(G) into cliques which satisfies the condition of the theorem. The time required for this algorithm is at most O(n3). The algorithm may be regarded as a support for Winkler's conjecture posed in P. Winkler (Problem 27, Discrete Math.101 (1992), 359–360). © 1995, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Influence of selected host plants on the biology of Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae).

Chrysanthemum, celery, and tomato were evaluated as hosts for Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess). The mean number of feeding punctures and viable eggs per female were: chrysanthemum—1,346, 298; celery—986, 212; and tomato — 353, 39. Mean survival time of females was 14, 12, and 10.0 days on chrysanthemum, celery and tomato, respectively. Only 58% of larvae within tomato survived to form a puparia, which was significantly less than larvae in chrysanthemum and celery. The pattern for oviposition and feeding punctures throughout female life was similar on all hosts; both parameters peaked between days 4 and 8. The ratio of fertility to feeding punctures, calculated per female or per female per day, demonstrated that the order of host plant suitability was chrysanthemum, celery, and tomato. This ratio was equivalent to using viable eggs or feeding punctures as a measure of host plant suitability.
Measurements of positron–molecule differential scattering cross-sections

Abstract Relative differential cross-sections (DCS's) have been measured for the quasi-elastic scattering (elastic scattering plus rotational and vibrational excitations) of positrons from CH 4 , N 2 , O 2 , CO, CO 2 , N 2 O, C 2 H 2 , and SF 6 molecules in a crossed-beam experiment. The energy range extends from below the positronium (Ps) formation threshold of each molecule to well above the Ps formation threshold and the angular range extends from 30° to 135°. For CH 4 , N 2 , CO, O 2 , and SF 6 the DCS exhibits structure (a clear minimum and maximum) at low energies that tends to wash out as the energy is increased above the Ps formation threshold. In contrast, for N 2 O, CO 2 , and C 2 H 2 we find no pronounced structure below the Ps formation threshold. These comparisons suggest that the degree of spherical symmetry of the target may be correlated with the presence of the structure.
Towards a non-linear narrative construction

This article describes the implementation of a system that 'imagines' while a movie is being played by finding associations in the movie's content and presenting them to the viewer. This related information, in the form of images and movie clips, helps enhance the viewer's experience in a new immerse environment.
The role of evaluation in child care research

This article discusses a functional definition of evaluation and its potential usefulness in child care, highlighting the importance of the values held by program professionals and by evaluators. The author emphasizes crucial choices in evaluation planning, with consideration given to issues of audiences, thorough program descriptions, and conceptual frameworks. Common problems in evaluation planning and design are noted. The paper concludes with an outline of needs in evaluation of child care, and a consideration of the importance of understanding both reasoning and values in evaluation.
Electronic structure of ScC6H6- and ScC6H6: Geometries, electron binding energies, and Dyson orbitals

Ab initio, many-body methods are used to determine structures, relative energies, and vertical electron-detachment energies of ScC6H6-. The two lowest anionic structures are singlets that display boat and inverse-boat conformations of the C6H6 ligand and have energies that are within 0.1 eV of each other. The principal peaks in a recently reported anion photoelectron spectrum are assigned to Dyson orbitals that are dominated by Sc 4s or 3dx2-y2 contributions in the boat form or by Sc 4s or 3dxy contributions in the inverse-boat form. A triplet with C6v symmetry is the third most stable state of the anion.
Approximate diagonalization using the density matrix renormalization-group method: A two-dimensional-systems perspective.

In order to extend the density-matrix renormalization-group (DMRG) method to two-dimensional systems, we formulate two alternative methods to prepare the initial states. We find that the number of states that are needed for accurate energy calculations grows exponentially with the linear system size. We also analyze how the states kept in the DMRG method manage to preserve both the intrablock and interblock Hamiltonians, which is the key to the high accuracy of the method. We also prove that the energy calculated on a finite cluster is always a variational upper bound.
Growth of graphite filaments

Abstract The growth of filaments has been observed to occur on a carbon substrate. Characterization of the filaments indicates that they are graphitic and of three different types: 1. (1) tubular, 2. (2) twisted, irregular, and 3. (3) balloon-like. Evidence has been presented which suggests that nucleation of the filaments cannot be attributed to either metallic catalysts or soot particles; rather, it appears that nucleation occurs in a condensed carbonization product of organic compounds.
Efficient generation of record-short and record-long wavelengths based on backward and forward parametric interaction in lithium niobate

In our recent work, we have generated the shortest wavelengths from periodically-poled lithium niobate (PPLN) in the vicinity of 62.5 microns at the poling period of 7.1 microns. We have demonstrated large enhancements in the output powers from three gratings. For the long-poling periods, we have generated THz radiation with output wavelengths in the range of 126-1382 μm and output powers as high as 432 μW, corresponding to the photon conversion efficiency of 29%. We have also efficiently generated far-infrared radiation at the wavelengths centered at 20.8 microns in the vicinity of one of the polariton resonances of lithium niobate. Such an efficient nonlinear conversion is made possible by exploiting phase-matching for difference-frequency generation in lithium niobate. The highest peak power reached 233 W. These wavelengths correspond to the shortest wavelength in the terahertz region and longest wavelength in the mid-infrared/far-infrared regions from lithium niobate, respectively.
THE STUDY OF POLITICAL FEEDBACK USING NONRECURSIVE CAUSAL MODELS: THE CASE OF STATE DIVORCE POLICIES

Researchers interested in policy feedback effects can use the nonrecursive modeling strategies proposed here when time series data are not available for assessing feedback dynamics. This strategy is illustrated in a study of the impacts of American state divorce policies on divorce behavior and the responsiveness of policies to divorce rates. The findings show appreciable impact and feedback effects. In states where divorces are easier to obtain, the incidence of divorce is higher; and where divorce is more widespread, states are likely to implement more permissive divorce policies.
Expectancy of an open-book test decreases performance on a delayed closed-book test

Two experiments examined the influence of practice with, and the expectancy of, open-book tests (students viewed studied material while taking the test) versus closed-book tests (students completed the test without viewing the studied material) on delayed retention and transfer. Using GRE materials specifically designed for open-book testing, participants studied passages and then took initial open- or closed-book tests. Open-book testing led to better initial performance than closed-book testing, but on a delayed criterial (closed-book) test both types of testing produced similar retention after a two-day delay in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2 participants were informed in advance about the type of delayed criterial test to expect (open- or closed-book). Expecting an open-book test (relative to a closed-book test) decreased participants’ time spent studying and their delayed test performance on closed-book comprehension and transfer tests, demonstrating that test expectancy can influence long-term learning. Expectancy of open-book tests may impair long-term retention and transfer compared to closed-book tests, despite superior initial performance on open-book tests and students’ preference for open-book tests.
Hemicrania continua should not be classified as a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia.

Background The pain of the so-called functional or primary headache disorders, such as tension headache, migraine, or cluster headache, can be associated with autonomic symptoms that are localized in nature. The localized autonomic symptoms probably involve higher centers of autonomic regulation, for example the hypothalamus, for which there is support from functional magnetic resonance imaging studies. Method Hemicrania continua, a continuous, unilateral, side-locked headache, absolutely responsive to preventive treatment with indomethacin, is contrasted with so-called medication-overuse headache, in which the paradoxical situation exists of tremendous suffering despite excessive use of abortive medications. Conclusion In classification, clinical presentation trumps experimental testing: Not only is there no basis to classify hemicrania continua in the category of the so-called trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, also the very existence of this category lacks solid foundation.
Use of Normalized Hand Size for Subjective Rating and Performance of Handle Diameter in a Maximum Horizontal Torque Task

An experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of handle diameter on handle comfort, finger force capability, and torque, and to predict the optimal handle diameter based on a ‘Normalized Hand Size (NHS)’ in a maximum horizontal torque task. Subjective ratings, a force glove and LIDO WorkSET were used to assess comfort, finger force capability, and torque output on six experimental handles (from 25 to 50 mm). Analysis of subjective ratings showed that the 45 mm handle diameter was the most comfortable followed by the 50 mm handle. These two handles (50 and 45 mm) showed significantly larger torque, and lower finger forces than the other handles. The ratio of handle circumference to hand length, the NHS, was applied and resulted in 86.3% and 90.7% as the ratios to obtain maximum comfort and torque, respectively. From these data the optimal handle diameters can be recommended according to users’ hand sizes in horizontal torque tasks. More sophisticated methods are being used to represent mathematically the relationships between handle diameter, finger force capability, and maximum torque output.
A standardized behavioral group treatment program for obsessive-compulsive disorder: preliminary outcomes

This paper provides outcome data about the efficacy of a behavioral group therapy program for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Thirty-six patients completed a 7-week outpatient treatment program which provides: (1) education about OCD and its treatment, (2) instruction in a cognitive and behavioral approach to the self-treatment of OCD and (3) guided behavioral treatment. Significant improvement in obsession, compulsion, and depression scores were observed at completion of the group and at 3 month follow-up. Significant improvement in obsessions and compulsions was observed for both patients taking anti-obsessional medications and those who did not.
Bio-Inspired Actuation and Sensing

The superb ability of animals to negotiate rough terrain has caused engineers to focus on mechanical properties of muscle and other unique features in order to design improved robots for exploration. This paper reviews recent work in artificial muscle actuators, as well as a new sensor based on a robotic model of the muscle spindle cell. The actuator contains a pneumatic force generator in parallel with a non-linear damping element and in series with a non-linear elastic “tendon”. Work loop experiments were performed to characterize this actuator under conditions similar to real locomotion at different speeds. The robotic muscle spindle is an 8 × 1 cm device which simulates the response of the physiological muscle spindle to stretch. Its non-linear properties are thought to contribute to stable accurate control over a wide range of motion.
An Improved Urea Specific Enzyme Electrode

Abstract The enzyme urease was immobilized in a layer of acrylamide polymer on the surface of a Beckman cationic electrode sensitive to ammonium ion. The substrate urea diffuses to the enzyme electrode and reacts with the immobilized enzyme to produce ammonium ion at the surface of the glass electrode. By placing a thin film of cellophane around the enzyme gel layer to prevent leaching of urease into the surrounding solution, an electrode could be used continuously for over 21 days at 25[ddot]C with no loss of activity.