cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation of the far-field diffraction by a semi-infinite plane of variable thickness: Parallel polarization

Experimental values for Fraunhofer diffraction by thick, conducting half-planes of thicknesses 0.37 λ, 0.548 λ, 1.0 λ, and 2.0 λ are compared with results predicted by the geometrical theory of diffraction for the case where the incident radiation is polarized with the electric vector parallel to the edge. Good agreement is found between experiment and theory.
Contemporary Immigrant Geographies: New Patterns, Old Divides, Lingering Concerns

Migrants to the Metropolis: The Rise of Immigrant Gateway Cities. Marie Price and Lisa Benton-Short, eds. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2008. xvii and 428 pp., illustrations, figures, ma...
Use of virtual reality to promote hand therapy post-stroke

A novel artistic virtual reality (VR) environment was developed and tested for use as a rehabilitation protocol for post-stroke hand rehabilitation therapy. The system was developed by an interdisciplinary team of engineers, art therapists, occupational therapists, and VR artists to improve patients' motivation and engagement. Specific exercises were developed to explicitly promote the practice of therapeutic tasks requiring hand and arm coordination for upper extremity rehabilitation. Here we describe system design, development, and user testing for efficiency, subject's satisfaction and clinical feasibility. We report results of the completed qualitative, pre-clinical pilot study of the system effectiveness for therapy. Fourteen stroke survivors with chronic hemiparesis participated in a single training session within the environment to gauge user response to the protocol through a custom survey. Results indicate that users found the system comfortable, enjoyable, tiring; instructions clear, and reported a high level of satisfaction with the VR environment and rehabilitation task variety and difficulty. Most patients reported very positive impressions of the VR environment and rated it highly, appreciating its engagement and motivation. We are currently conducting a longitudinal intervention study over 6 weeks in stroke survivors with chronic hemiparesis. Initial results following use of the system on the first subjects demonstrate that the system is operational and can facilitate therapy for post stroke patients with upper extremity impairment.
A test of the longevity of impact‐induced faults as preferred sites for later tectonic activity

The hypothesis that impact-induced faults have been preferred sites for later deformation in response to lithospheric stresses has been suggested for several planets and satellites. This hypothesis is investigated on earth by examining whether terrestrial impact structures show higher rates of nearby earthquake activity than do surrounding intraplate regions. For 28 of 30 probable impact structures having an original crater 20 km or more in diameter, the rates of nearby seismicity have been no higher than the regional background rates. For two large probable impact structures, Vredefort and Charlevoix, with higher than normal rates of nearby seismicity, factors other than slip on impact-induced faults appear to control the occurrence of earthquakes. It is concluded that impact-induced faults, at least on earth, do not persist as lithospheric 'weak zones' for periods in excess of several million years after the impact event.
Phase I clinical trial of CEP-2563 dihydrochloride, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with refractory solid tumors.

CEP-2563 dihydrochloride (CEP-2563) is a soluble lysinyl-β-alanyl ester of CEP-751, a potent inhibitor of the trk family of receptor tyrosine kinases and the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor tyrosine kinase. CEP-2563 was developed because of the limited aqueous solubility of CEP-751. Preclinical models have demonstrated that both CEP-751 and CEP-2563 have antitumor activity in a variety of tumors. A Phase I clinical trial involving 18 patients was conducted to determine the toxicity profile, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), toxicity profile, and pharmacokinetics of CEP-2563 in patients with advanced solid tumors refractory to standard therapy. CEP-2563 was administered over 1 hour via a central venous catheter once daily for five consecutive days every three weeks. A rapid dose titration strategy with initial single patient cohorts and 100% dose escalations was used. With the appearance of drug-related toxicity, escalations were decreased to 50% or 25% and cohorts were expanded to 3 or 6 patients until establishment of the MTD. Dose escalation rapidly proceeded to 320 mg/m2/d. The dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) observed were grade 3 hypotension and grade 2 allergic reaction. Other toxicities included anemia, thrombocytopenia, anorexia, asthenia, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and rash. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that CEP-2563 is reliably converted to CEP-751. This study demonstrated that single agent CEP-2563 therapy is feasible with acceptable toxicities. The recommended phase II dose is 256 mg/m2/d. Rapid dose escalation with single patient cohorts was a safe and efficient method of conducting this phase I trial.
Deoxymetalation reactions.the mechanisms of deoxysilylation of mono-trimethylsilyl-and bis-trimethylsilyl-substituted alcohols and a comparison to the mechanism of deoxystannylation and deoxyplumbylation

Abstract The relative rates of acid-catalyzed deoxysilylation of 2-trimethylsilyl-1- hydroxyethane, 4, 1-trimethysilyl-2-hydroxypropane, 5, 1,3-bis(trimethysilyl)- 2-hydroxypropane, 6, and 1-trimethylsilyl-2-methyl-2-hydroxypropane, 7, were found to be 1 : 10 3.30 : 10 5.92 : 10 6.77 , respectively, in 9 vol % aqueous-methanol at 40°C. These rates are directly proportional to the sum of the δ + constants of the substituents on the carbon bearing the nucleofuge (ϱ + = − 11). The additive rate-accelerating effect of two trimethylsilyl groups requires equal conjugative stabilization by each trimethylsilyl group, and a mechanism involving a hyper- conjugatively-stabilized carbocation intermediate is proposed. In contrast, the deoxymetalation reactions of the triphenyltin-, triphenyllead-, and iodomercury-analogs exhibits very different structure-reactivity relationships and have been described as proceeding through concerted E 2 -like or bridge-ion mechanisms. These mechanistic regimes are reconciled by considering the conjugative interactions, electrofugalities and nucleophilic solvent assistance at the organometal-leaving groups in terms of Thornton's Reacting Bond Rules. This analysis suggests a spectrum of merging mechanisms, the acid-catalyzed deoxysilylation representing one extreme, the E 1 M (carbocation intermediate) mechanism and the other Group IV deoxymetalation reactions more nearly concerted E 2 M-paths.
Emergency MRI of acute pelvic pain: MR protocol with no oral contrast

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance (MR) without oral contrast in the assessment of suspected acute pathologies of the pelvis in pregnant and non-pregnant patients. Sixty-seven patients who had MR of the lower abdomen and pelvis for acute abdomen were included in the study. The MR examinations were evaluated for indication of the study, type of MR sequences, and sensitivity of MR in diagnosing the disease. T2 single shot fast spin echo (SS-FSE), T2 FSE, short tau inversion recovery, pre-gadolinium T1, and post-gadolinium T1 sequences were utilized. There were 30 pregnant and two postpartum women in the study group. Positive pelvic MR findings were seen in 73% (49/67). Final diagnoses were acute appendicitis (n = 12), ovarian torsion (n = 6), abscess (n = 3), tubo-ovarian abscess (n = 2), ovarian tumor (n = 2), degenerating fibroid (n = 3), and perianal fistula (n = 2). For acute appendicitis, sensitivity was 100% (12/12), and positive predictive value was 92% (12/13). Post-gadolinium T1-weighted sequences and T2 SS-FSE with FS were the sequences, which were most likely to best demonstrate the acute appendicitis. For ovarian torsion, the sensitivity was 86% (6/7), and positive predictive value was 100% (6/6). MR imaging is an efficacious means of diagnosing acute appendicitis, ovarian torsions, and other adnexal diseases in the acute setting. The four sequence protocol without oral contrast offers an excellent means of investigating the cause of acute lower abdominal and pelvic pain.
TREE GROWTH, MORTALITY, PHYSICAL CONDITION, AND MICROSITE IN OLD-GROWTH LOWLAND TROPICAL RAIN FOREST Ecological Archives E081-003

The goal of this long-term research has been to assess the relationship between annually measured tree performance and microsite conditions for nine canopy and emergent tree species in old-growth lowland tropical rain forest. The study site, the La Selva Biological Station in northeast Costa Rica, is tropical wet forest (annual mean precipitation 4 m; annual mean temperature 26°C). We used unbiased selection criteria to assemble a sample of >2000 individuals of these species in all size classes except small seedlings. We annually assessed diameter and height growth as well as stem condition and indices of crown lighting and forest structure. These data cover the period 1983–1993, and the study is ongoing as of 1999. To our knowledge the data represent the longest-running and most highly quality-controlled measurements that combine annual tree growth and mortality with associated microsite conditions in tropical forests. The data provide the most detailed insight currently available into how environmental ...
The treatment of ground deposition, species decay and growth and source height effects in a Lagrangian trajectory model

Abstract We discuss the adaptation of a trajectory model to an initial pollutant species and a series of successor species. The effect of source height is discussed since it is important in determining close-in ground level concentration, which influences plume depletion due to dry deposition. A scheme is outlined which handles ground deposition together with species decay and growth, and which can treat an arbitrary number of successor pollutant species.
GAMETOPHYTES AND SUBGENERIC CONCEPTS IN LYCOPODIUM

A B S T R A C T A critique of the Freeberg and Wetmore work on cultured Lycopodium gametophytes of L. selago, L. flabelliforme, and L. cernuum is presented. All three gametophytes are shown actually to be L. cerniuum based on morphological and anatomical features of their sporophytes. A reassessment of characters in the genus demonstrates the taxonomic validity of the three groups proposed as subgenera within Lycopodium.
Experimental Check of Bremsstrahlung Dosimetry Predictions for 0.75 MeV Electrons

Bremsstrahlung dose in CaF2 TLDs from the radiation produced by 0.75 MeV electrons incident on Ta/C targets is measured and compared with that calculated via the CYLTRAN Monte Carlo code. The comparison was made to validate the code, which is used to predict and analyze radiation environments of flash x-ray simulators measured by TLDs. Over a wide range of Ta target thicknesses and radiation angles the code is found to agree with the 5% measurements. For Ta thicknesses near those that optimize the radiation output, however, the code overestimates the radiation dose at small angles. Maximum overprediction is about 14 ± 5%. The general agreement, nonetheless, gives confidence in using the code at this energy and in the TLD calibration procedure. For the bulk of the measurements, a standard TLD employing a 2.2 mm thick Al equilibrator was used. In this paper we also show that this thickness can significantly attenuate the free-field dose and introduces significant photon buildup in the equilibrator.
Preventive counseling at adolescent ambulatory visits.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate factors that independently predict counseling for diet, exercise, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pregnancy, smoking, and injuries at adolescent well visits, and compare these rates to the frequency of counseling at adolescent acute visits. Methods The 1997–2000 National Ambulatory Medical Care and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys were combined for patients aged 11–21 years. Acute visits were identified by ICD-9 code for: sexual health, obesity, asthma, injury, and well care. Bivariate analyses were used to determine differences in relevant counseling provided at acute visits compared with well visits. Logistic regression was used to assess factors that predict counseling on each of the above topics at well adolescent visits. Results Of 23,378 adolescent ambulatory visits, 1508 (6.5%) were for well care. Only 0.8% of visits were for obesity, 3.7% for sexual health, 2.6% for asthma, and 13% for injuries. Counseling was more frequent at acute than well visits for diet (72% vs. 28%), exercise (52% vs. 23%), human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted diseases (HIV/STD; 14% vs. 6.2%), and family planning (FP) (24% vs. 10%), (all p values Conclusions Despite recommendations, more counseling occurs at acute rather than well visits, and still does not reach all those adolescents in need. There remains much room for improvement in physicians' adherence to national guidelines for adolescent care.
Where's the Passion?

With this issue of CB&T, we introduce the first in an occasional series of articles on topics that impact our work or shape our professional lives. Our aim is to provide a platform for points of view that are both insightful and thought provoking. Have a perspective you'd like to share or an issue you'd like to discuss? We're open to any relevant topic. Send your 500-word article for Insider's Insight to Kim Mitchell (moc.ecneicsoibsednal@llehctimk), publications director. Scientific research was once considered a pinnacle profession where intellectual rigor was paired with a passion for novel discovery. Today, despite better equipment, more funding and online access to a growing reservoir of data, researchers in some of the largest cancer research centers in the country appear to be spending less time in the lab and, perhaps, less time worrying about how their work impacts people with cancer. In his article, Dr. Kern asks whether research is evolving into a predictable career rather than a creative frontier and what that might portend.
Sources and distribution of aliphatic amines in salt marsh sediment

Abstract The biological sources and distribution of the aliphatic amines, monomethylamine (MMA), dimethylamine (DMA) and trimethylamine (TMA), were studied in the anoxic marine sediments of Flax Pond salt marsh, Long Island, New York. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that Spartina alterniflora releases amines, especially TMA, to salt marsh sediment during decomposition. Benthic animals and phytoplankton also contained high amine concentrations and could be sources of amines to salt marsh sediments either by direct release or during decomposition. MMA, DMA and TMA were present in FP sediment porewaters and solid phases throughout the year. Concentrations generally ranged from 10 nM to 1 μM in porewaters and 1–100 nmol/g dry wt in the solid phase. DMA dominated the porewater profiles, TMA the exchangeable pool, and MMA the fixed pool of amines. Concentrations varied seasonally with highest concentrations found in the fall when S. alterniflora began to senesce. The C/N ratio of organic matter undergoing decomposition in the sediment was calculated to be 11–12 from the annual sulfate reduction and ammonium and Σ CO 2 production rates. This C/N ratio is higher than the Redfield ratio, again suggesting that S. alterniflora is a major organic matter source to the sediment.
Analysis of the complexity of writing used in accounting textbooks over the past 100 years

Many news reports in the USA describe problems in education, including that of students graduating from high school with very poor reading and writing skills. Published academic studies have also documented the reduction in the content and writing levels of school textbooks. However, no published study has considered the longitudinal trends of the writing styles used in accounting textbooks. The purpose of this study is to provide evidence on whether the complexity of the words and sentences used in American financial accounting textbooks has changed in any systematic manner over the past 100 years. To provide evidence on this question, samples of writing were obtained from introductory financial accounting textbooks published in the USA over the past 100 + years, intermediate accounting textbooks published over the past 50 years, and advanced accounting textbooks published over the past 60 years. These writing samples were analysed for the complexity of the words and sentences used. Trend lines for all t...
Content‐Based Approaches to Teaching Academic Writing

In content-based academic writing instruction, writing is connected to study of specific academic subject matter and is viewed as a means of promoting understanding of this content. A rationale is presented for adopting content-based instruction to meet ESL composition goals; it is argued that such instruction develops thinking, researching, and writing skills needed for academic writing tasks and does so more realistically than does traditional instruction that isolates rhetorical patterns and stresses writing from personal experience. Five approaches for structuring content-based writing instruction are defined and exemplified: topic-centered “modules” or “minicourses,” content-based academic writing courses (reading and writing intensive), content-centered English-for-special-purposes courses, composition or multiskill courses/tutorials as adjuncts to designated university courses, and individualized help with course-related writing at times of need (through faculty in writing-across-the-curriculum programs, tutors, and writing center staff).
Evaluation of ovotoxicity induced by 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and its 3,4-diol metabolite utilizing a rat in vitro ovarian culture system

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, (DMBA), targets and destroys all follicle types in rat and mouse ovaries. DMBA requires bioactivation to DMBA-3,4-diol-1,2-epoxide for ovotoxicity via formation of the intermediate, DMBA-3,4-diol (catalyzed by microsomal epoxide hydrolase; mEH). mEH was shown to be involved in DMBA bioactivation for ovotoxicity induction in B6C3F(1) mouse ovaries. The current study compared DMBA and DMBA-3,4-diol mediated ovotoxicity, and investigated mEH involvement in DMBA-3,4-diol bioactivation in Fischer 344 (F344) rat ovary. F344 postnatal day (PND) 4 rat ovaries were cultured in vehicle control or media containing 1) DMBA or DMBA-3,4-diol (12.5 nM - 1 muM; 15 days); 2) DMBA (1 muM; 6 h - 15 days); and 3) DMBA (1 muM) or DMBA-3,4-diol (75 nM)+/-the mEH activity inhibitor cyclohexene oxide (CHO; 2 mM; 4 days). Ovaries were histologically evaluated and mEH mRNA and protein were measured by reverse transcriptase PCR or Western blotting, respectively. Ovotoxicity following 15 days of culture occurred (P<0.05) at lower concentrations of DMBA-3,4-diol (12.5 nM - primordial; 75 nM - primary) than DMBA (75 nM - primordial; 375 nM - primary). The temporal pattern of mEH expression following DMBA exposure showed mRNA up-regulation (P<0.05) on day 2, with increased protein (P<0.05) on day 4, the earliest time of observed follicle loss (P<0.05). mEH inhibition prevented DMBA-induced, but not DMBA-3,4-diol-induced ovotoxicity. These results demonstrate a conserved response in mice and rats for ovarian mEH involvement in DMBA bioactivation to its ovotoxic, 3,4-diol-1,2-epoxide form.
A historadiographic method for identifying osteoid seams in bone using silver impregnation.

Undecalcified bone sections, when processed through an aqueous solution of 5% AgNO3 prior to microradiography, show radio-opaque osteoid seams that are easily recognized and measured by means of point counting and linear intersectioning. This technique combines the advantages of historadiography with more conventional histological methods for evaluating various parameters of bone formation.
State Policies and Equal Opportunity: The Example of Gifted Education

This study explores the relationship between state policies, including state mandates and state aid allocations, and the distribution of educational opportunities. Specifically, we analyze the avai...
Varying the diameter of aligned electrospun fibers alters neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell migration.

Abstract Aligned, electrospun fibers have shown great promise in facilitating directed neurite outgrowth within cell and animal models. While electrospun fiber diameter does influence cellular behavior, it is not known how aligned, electrospun fiber scaffolds of differing diameter influence neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell (SC) migration. Thus, the goal of this study was to first create highly aligned, electrospun fiber scaffolds of varying diameter and then assess neurite and SC behavior from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) explants. Three groups of highly aligned, electrospun poly- l -lactic acid (PLLA) fibers were created (1325 + 383 nm, large diameter fibers; 759 + 179 nm, intermediate diameter fibers; and 293 + 65 nm, small diameter fibers). Embryonic stage nine (E9) chick DRG were cultured on fiber substrates for 5 days and then the explants were stained against neurofilament and S100. DAPI stain was used to assess SC migration. Neurite length and SC migration distance were determined. In general, the direction of neurite extension and SC migration were guided along the aligned fibers. On the small diameter fiber substrate, the neurite length was 42% and 36% shorter than those on the intermediate and large fiber substrates, respectively. Interestingly, SC migration did not correlate with that of neurite extension in all situations. SCs migrated equivalently with extending neurites in both the small and large diameter scaffolds, but lagged behind neurites on the intermediate diameter scaffolds. Thus, in some situations, topography alone is sufficient to guide neurites without the leading support of SCs. Scanning electron microscopy images show that neurites cover the fibers and do not reside exclusively between fibers. Further, at the interface between fibers and neurites, filopodial extensions grab and attach to nearby fibers as they extend down the fiber substrate. Overall, the results and observations suggest that fiber diameter is an important parameter to consider when constructing aligned, electrospun fibers for nerve regeneration applications.
Soil Type Modestly Impacts Bacterial Community Succession Associated with Decomposing Grass Detrituspheres

Decomposition of plant residues has been widely studied; however, there is a lack of information on the dynamics of residue-associated microbial taxa during decomposition and how it is affected by soil and residue types. It was hypothesized that distinct microbial communities from different soils would result in colonization of residues by different bacterial taxa and that there would be a shift in bacterial community structure during substrate degradation. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment with three replications was conducted consisting of Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and Rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw; two soil types (Sharkey and Marietta series); and four incubation periods (3, 23, 48, and 110 d; 25°C). Clone libraries were constructed from the unamended soils, pre-incubation residues, and detritusphere (residues and adhering soil). Non-metric multidimensional scaling of the detritusphere communities showed a large shift in the structure of the residue-associated community following 3 d of decomposition. This shift coincided with disappearance of soluble C. Labile C availability appeared to be important for driving bacterial community succession during early colonization. At later stages of decomposition (Days 23–110), bacterial communities were less dynamic; however, there was partial segregation into two groups according to soil type. The relative abundance of Acidobacteria and Beta-Proteobacteria were primarily responsible for community differences between the detrituspheres of the two soils. No effect on bacterial community dynamics and diversity due to residue type was observed. More striking was the relative similarity in bacterial types found to dominate the detrituspheres and point to the possibility that key functional community members are found widely in nature and that despite the huge diversity of soil bacteria, and some variation based on soil, a few dominant and widespread members came to the forefront during residue decomposition.
Legionella pneumophila infection presenting as headache, confusion and dysarthria in a human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) positive patient: case report

Legionella pneumophila is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Central nervous system dysfunction is common, and diagnosis in the absence of pulmonary symptoms can be challenging. Here we describe an atypical clinical presentation of Legionella infection in a patient with HIV who was found to have an unusual neuroradiologic lesion that further served to obscure the diagnosis. This is the first such description in a patient with Legionellosis and HIV coinfection. A 43 year-old HIV positive man presented to our hospital with dysarthria, fevers, headache, and altered mental status. Initial work-up revealed pneumonia and a lesion of the splenium of the corpus callosum on magnetic resonance imaging. He was subsequently diagnosed with Legionella pneumonia and treated with complete symptom resolution. Neurologic abnormalities are frequent in Legionellosis, but the diagnosis may be difficult in the absence of overt respiratory symptoms and in the presence of HIV coinfection. A high index of suspicion and early initiation of empiric antibiotics is imperative since early treatment may help prevent long-term sequelae. Neuroimaging abnormalities, though rare, can help the physician narrow down the diagnosis and avoid unnecessary invasive testing. Future studies should aim to elucidate the as yet unknown role of neuroimaging in the diagnoses and prognostication of Legionellosis, as well as the interaction between Legionella infection and HIV.
Predicting psychological distress among former Soviet immigrants.

This study investigated whether age, gender, marital status, education, employment, length of time in the U.S. and immigration demands (novelty, occupation, language, discrimination, loss, and not feeling at home) were predictors of psychological distress in a sample of 1,647 former Soviet immigrants. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the combined model of demographic and demand of immigration variables was significant. Results indicated that women, older immigrants, those with less than a college education, and those with greater immigration demands related to novelty, language, discrimination, loss, and not feeling at home were most distressed.
Response of deep-water corals to oil and chemical dispersant exposure

Abstract Cold-water corals serve as important foundation species by building complex habitat within deep-sea benthic communities. Little is known about the stress response of these foundation species yet they are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic disturbance as human industrial presence expands further into the deep sea. A recent prominent example is the Deepwater Horizon oil-spill disaster and ensuing clean-up efforts that employed chemical dispersants. This study examined the effects of bulk oil–water mixtures, water-accommodated oil fractions, the dispersant Corexit 9500A ® , and the combination of hydrocarbons and dispersants on three species of corals living near the spill site in the Gulf of Mexico between 500 and 1100 m depths: Paramuricea type B3, Callogorgia delta and Leiopathes glaberrima . Following short-term toxicological assays (0–96 h), all three coral species examined showed more severe health declines in response to dispersant alone (2.3–3.4 fold) and the oil–dispersant mixtures (1.1–4.4 fold) than in the oil-only treatments. Higher concentrations of dispersant alone and the oil–dispersant mixtures resulted in more severe health declines. C. delta exhibited somewhat less severe health declines than the other two species in response to oil and oil/dispersant mixture treatments, likely related to its increased abundance near natural hydrocarbon seeps. These experiments provide direct evidence for the toxicity of both oil and dispersant on deep-water corals, which should be taken into consideration in the development of strategies for intervention in future oil spills.
The Importance of Early Experiences: Clinical, Research, and Policy Perspectives.

The degree to which early adverse experiences exert long term effects on development and how much early adversity may be overcome through subsequent experiences are important mental health questions. The clinical, research and policy perspectives on these questions lead to different answers. From a clinical perspective, change is always possible, and it is never too late. From a research perspective, there are data indicating that there are sensitive periods in brain development, which may constrain subsequent adaptability. From a policy perspective, there is a growing consensus that early intervention is cost effective from the standpoint of child development, neuroscience and economic research.
Automated detection and quantification of microcirculatory oxygenation changes in the heart

Blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) MRI may be used for detecting myocardial oxygenation (MO) changes secondary to coronary artery stenosis (CAS). Under pharmacological stress, the myocardial territory affected by CAS appears hypointense relative to healthy regions in BOLD images.
Expired PCO2 as an index of coronary perfusion pressure.

Abstract Presently, there is no reliable noninvasive method of assessing the adequacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Studies of animals have shown that during prolonged arrest the coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) is correlated with successful resuscitation. During previous studies it appeared that expired P CO 2 correlated with CPP. To investigate this relationship, eight mongrel dogs (mean weight, 22.7 ± 5.8 kg) were anesthetized with pentobarbitol. Catheters were placed in the thoracic aorta and right atrium of each dog. Each animal was electrically fibrillated, and CPR was started using mechanical resuscitator. The P CO 2 was determined at end expiration using a Hewlett Packard 47210A Capnometer with the electrode attached to the endotracheal tube. After 10, 15, 20, or 25 minutes of ventricular fibrillation and closed-chest massage, a thoracotomy was performed, and internal massage was begun. Coronary perfusion pressure was calculated at least each minute and correlated with the P CO 2 values. A correlation coefficient of 0.78 was calculated based on 368 data points for eight dogs ( P CO 2 is positively correlated with CPP in the canine model of CPR. Inasmuch as CPP correlates with survival in prolonged CPR, the noninvasive measurement of P CO 2 may be a useful method of assessing the adequacy of CPR.
Origin of the slow afterhyperpolarization and slow rhythmic bursting in striatal cholinergic interneurons.

Striatal cholinergic interneurons recorded in slices exhibit three different firing patterns: rhythmic single spiking, irregular bursting, and rhythmic bursting. The rhythmic single-spiking pattern...
Enzyme immunoassay of bovine lactoferrin and serum albumin in acid precipitated and ultracentrifugal wheys

Abstract Sandwich enzyme immunoassays were developed to facilitate the measurement of serum albumin and lactoferrin concentrations in bovine whey samples. The procedure involved a biotinylated second antibody, an avidin-peroxidase enzyme conjugate, and a reaction product whose absorbance was measured at 490nm. For both the serum albumin and lactoferrin assays, the lower limit in sensitivity was 1ng/ml and in the concentration range of 2 to 20 ng/d. A linear relationship existed between the logarithm of concentration and absorbance. The intraassay and interassay coefficients of variation were 8.3 and 13.5%, respectively, for the serum albumin assay, and 5.0 and 9.6% for the lactoferrin assay. The serum albumin assay showed excellent agreement with a conventional electroimmunodiffusion serum albumin assay. Qualitatively, the lactoferrin enzyme immunoassay agreed well with a lactoferrin electroimmunodiffusion assay, but the concentration values given by the enzyme immunoassay tended to be 15% lower than those given by the electroimmunodiffusion assay. From these enzyme immunoassays, whey samples prepared by acid precipitation or ultracentrifugation were found to contain similar amounts of serum albumin, but lactoferrin concentrations were roughly 25% lower in ultracentrifugal whey samples.
Calcification XXV. Mineralization of reconstituted collagen

Abstract Acid-soluble collagen, when reconstituted with chondroitin sulfate, heparin, lauryl sulfate, NaCl, by dialysis with sodium acetate, or by calcifying solution, mineralized when placed in a solution employed for calcification in vitro . No decisive difference was observed between collagen obtained from rat tail tendon and that from skin, except when calcifying solution was used as the precipitant. Improved calcifiability was obtained when the fibers were reconstituted with sulfate ester, from an acetic acid extract of NaCl-precipitated collagen. It is concluded that reconstituted fibers of acid-soluble collagen have calcifiability as an intrinsic property. Reasons for the likelihood that in vivo calcification involves factors in addition to collagen are discussed.
Recording from the Aplysia Abdominal Ganglion with a Planar Microelectrode Array

A passive multimicroelectrode array has been fabricated and used to record neural events from the abdominal ganglion of the marine mollusk, Aplysia californica. The array consists of a pattern of gold conductor lines on a glass substrate which is insulated with a polyimide. The 32 electrodes are 25, in diameter and are arranged in a 4 x 8 matrix on 200 um centers. The array is durable and reusable, and can be safely autoclaved. The recording environment surrounding each electrode is sufficiently uniform so as to permit spatial localization of identified cells in the ganglion. The array can record large numbers of unique and often interrelated extracellular neural potentials in relatively simple experiments.
Characterization of monoclonal antibodies produced by immunization with partially purified IgE receptor complexes

A series of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were produced following the immunization of mice with partially purified IgE receptors from the rat basophilic leukemia cell line (RBL-2H3). Twelve hybridoma cell lines were selected that secreted monoclonal antibodies capable of binding RBL-2H3 plasma membranes. These antibodies were all of the IgG1 or IgG2a subclass. All 12 antibodies bound to either intact or glutaraldehyde-fixed RBL-2H3 cells. Only one monoclonal (mAb 2AC3) inhibited 125I-labeled IgE binding (IC50 = 65 μg/ml compared to 1.0 μg/ml for unlabeled IgE). This same mAb weakly precipitated the a component of the receptor from 125I-surface-labeled cells and directly triggered histamine secretion when incubated with RBL-2H3 cells. Therefore, this hybridoma most likely represents a low affinity anti-receptor antibody. Among the other 11 monoclonals, two caused direct histamine secretion from RBL-2H3 cells. These same two, as well as four others, released greater than 10% of total cellular histamine when rabbit anti-mouse antibody was added to cross-link mAb bound to the cell surface. One monoclonal (mA 1AD3) did not trigger histamine secretion but did inhibit IgE-mediated histamine release when incubated with pre-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. Except for mAb 2AC3, none of the other monoclonal antibodies that caused or inhibited histamine secretion immunoprecipitated receptor or other protein components from either 125I-surface-labeled or intrinsically-labeled cells. However, two monoclonal antibodies (mAb 1CC4 and 1CD1) immunoprecipitated 45,000 and 55,000 proteins from 125I-surface-labeled cells. One hybridoma (mAb 2AA2) that failed to immunoprecipitate surface-labeled proteins did precipitate a 20,000 band from intrinsically-labeled cells. This band increased slightly in apparent mol. wt after reduction and, therefore, was not the previously described γ component of the receptor. Because several mAb were capable of modulating histamine secretion, it appeared that some of the present monoclonal antibodies bound to undefined membrane components that are crucial to the secretory process of rat basophilic leukemia cells.
Forces between nitrogen-containing self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and zirconia particles in aqueous solutions

An atomic force microscope was used to measure the interaction forces between siloxane-anchored organic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with nitrogen-containing surface groups on silicon and micron-sized zirconia spheres in aqueous electrolyte solutions. The surface groups studied were alkylammonium salt and amines (primary, secondary, and tertiary). The pH of the solutions ranged from 2.5 to 9 (controlled by adding NaOH or HCl), and their ionic strength was held constant at 0.022 m (by adding NaCl). The results indicated that the alkylammonium salt surface exhibits a standard Debye double layer, whereas all of the amine surfaces exhibited a Stern layer, i.e. a charge inversion layer. The observed interactions were similar for SAMs formed from surfactants of two different alkyl chain lengths (11 and 16). The corresponding electrostatic interactions comprise the dominant part of the DLVO interactions under the conditions studied. The observed forces were consistent with film deposition results: vanadia films, but not titania films, form on alkylammonium salt surfaces; whereas both titania and vanadia films deposit on amine surfaces.
Selecting a cost-effective screening measure for the assessment of preschool social withdrawal.

The utility of teacher judgment (rankings, ratings) and peer judgment (sociometric ratings) were studied as screening variables for preschool social withdrawal/responsiveness. Observational measures of preschoolers' interaction were used as the validation criterion based upon theoretical, empirical, and practical considerations related to development of a multipurpose behavioral assessment system. Results indicated that teacher rankings of students' verbal interaction frequencies (1) were most highly correlated to interaction rate in two preschool settings, (2) had test-retest reliability consistently above Rho = .80, and (3) were useful in that 77% of teachers using this procedure could identify their least socially responsive student within five rankings. The peer nomination sociometric rating was the least reliable measure at retest (Rho = .35) and showed consistently the lowest correlation with observational indices of interaction partner preferences, e.g., reciprocal rate (Rho = .29 to .39). The tendency for relationships among screening measures and the criterion to increase at retest suggested a training effect on screening accuracy. The use of teacher rankings in combination with observational measures to confirm selection accuracy and for monitoring treatment progress is discussed as a cost-effective behavioral assessment procedure for preschool social withdrawal/responsiveness.
Moderation of the effects of job enrichment by participation: A longitudinal field experiment☆

Abstract In a 2 × 2 field experimental test of L. R. Hackman and G. R. Oldham's (1980, Work redesign , Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley) task characteristic model, the moderating effects of a contextual variable, participation, on job redesign were examined. Seventy-six desk receptionists participated in the redesign of their jobs or did not, and/or their jobs were actually redesigned or not. The results found significant main effects of job redesign on several measures of satisfaction. Participation was more limited in its effects, only affecting one of the satisfaction measures. However, both factors significantly affected turnover. In addition, contrary to predictions from the model, employee participation did not enhance the effects of enriched work. The results are discussed in terms of revisions to the theory and the practice of job redesign.
Relationship of CDK-activating kinase and RNA polymerase II CTD kinase TFIIH/TFIIK

Abstract KIN28, a member of the p34 cdc2/CDC28 family of protein kinases, is identified as a subunit of yeast RNA polymerase transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) on the basis of sequence determination, immunological reactivity, and copurification. KIN28 is, moreover, one of three subunits of TFIIK, a subassembly of TFIIH with protein kinase activity directed toward the C-terminal repeat domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. Itself a phosphoprotein, KIN28 interacts specifically with the two largest subunits of RNA polymerase II. Previous work of others points to two further associations: KIN28 interacts in vivo with the cyclin CCL1, and KIN28 and CCL1 are homologous to human MO15 and cyclin H, which form the cyclin-dependent kinaseactivating kinase (CAK). We show that human CAK possesses the CTD kinase activity characteristic of TFIIH.
3-D manipulation of millimeter- and micro-sized objects using an acoustically excited oscillating bubble

This communication describes novel 3-D manipulations of objects using an acoustically excited oscillating bubble deposited on a hydrophobic rod tip. The oscillating bubble captures various millimeter- and micron-sized neighboring objects including glass and polystyrene beads (~100 μm), fish egg, and live water flea (~1 mm). The captured objects are carried in a 3-D space by traversing the bubble tip, and released at desired positions by simply turning off the oscillation. Carrying performance is characterized along with high-speed imaging of oscillating bubbles by varying the frequency and amplitude of the acoustic excitation and the carrying speed. The higher the oscillation amplitude, the higher the carrying efficiency. The maximum carrying speed is measured at over 3 mm/s. This method is effective with a low-level acoustic excitation (bubble oscillation amplitude relative to the diameter ≤5%), possibly providing a cost-effective, soft-contact manipulating tool for handling biological objects.
Sedative effects and serum concentrations across time after subcutaneous administration of liposome-encapsulated or standard oxymorphone in healthy dogs

Our lab has developed a slow-release liposomal formulation of oxymorphone (LEOx). The purpose of this study was to compare sedative effects and serum concentrations of oxymorphone after administration of LEOx and standard oxymorphone (STDOx) to dogs. At baseline, 1 mL of blood was drawn from the cephalic vein and sedation score was recorded. Dogs were divided into four groups (n = 6): (i) LEOx 1.0 mg kg–1; (ii) LEOx 0.5 mg kg–1; (iii) STDOx 0.1 mg kg–1; (iv) STDOx 0.05 mg kg–1. Unloaded liposomal vehicle (0.5 mL) was used as a control (n = 2). All treatments were given subcutaneously between the scapulae. Sedation score and serum concentration of drug were recorded at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 hours and daily for 5 days. Serum concentrations were measured with ELISA. At all time points, drug was not detected and sedation score was 0 in the control group. Sedation score for group 1 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) at 1 hour than for groups 2,3, and 4. There was no difference in sedation score between treatment groups at any other time. Serum concentrations of drug were significantly higher (p < 0.05) for group 1 at all time points measured after baseline. In groups 2, 3, and 4, serum concentrations of drug fell below the limit of detection (1.5 ng mL–1) by 24 hours. Serum concentrations after 0.1 mg kg–1of STDOx were 11.1 ± 3.6 ng mL–1at 4 hours, which is the recommended time for redosing and presumably reflects the lower end of a therapeutic serum concentration. Serum concentrations were comparable after 1.0 mg kg–1 of LEOx (10.5 ± 2.4 ng mL–1) 48 hours after administration. These results suggest that liposomal oxymorphone may provide therapeutic serum concentrations of drug for 2 days after a single subcutaneous administration without undue sedation or other deleterious effects in healthy dogs. Further studies are warranted to assess analgesic efficacy and pharmacokinetics of lipsomal oxymorphone in dogs.
Responsibility, rational abilities, and two kinds of fairness arguments

In this paper, I begin by considering a traditional argument according to which it would be unfair to impose sanctions on people for performing actions when they could not do otherwise, and thus that no one who lacks the ability to do otherwise is responsible or blameworthy for his or her actions in an important sense. Interestingly, a parallel argument concluding that people are not responsible or praiseworthy if they lack the ability to do otherwise is not as compelling. Watson, recently, offers in its stead an ‘interpersonal’ argument that appeals to a distributive notion of unfairness to conclude that praiseworthy actions, too, require the ability to do otherwise. I argue that this argument does not succeed. At this point, it seems that we have support for an asymmetrical treatment of blameworthy and praiseworthy actions. However, I conclude that while such an asymmetrical treatment may ultimately be correct, there is reason to doubt that considerations of fairness of sanction and reward support an as...
Responses to hedonically conflicting social comparisons: comparing happy and unhappy people

Two laboratory studies explored how self-rated unhappy and happy students balance hedonically conflicting social comparison information, and tested whether unhappy students would be relatively more sensitive to hedonically consistent unfavorable information. In both studies, students working in teams of four competed against one other team on a novel verbal task. First, unhappy participants showed relatively greater sensitivity to undiluted unfavorable feedback—about group standing (e.g. your team ‘lost’; Study 1) and about group and individual standing (e.g. your team lost and you were placed last; Study 2). Second, unhappy students were more reactive than happy students to individual social comparison information in the context of relative group feedback. In Study 1, the moods and self-assessments of unhappy individuals (but not happy ones) after news of team defeat appeared to be buffered by the additional news of personal triumph. In Study 2, unhappy students showed relatively larger decreases in mood and ability assessments after unfavorable than after favorable individual feedback (i.e. ranking last versus first), regardless of whether they additionally learned that their teams had won or lost. The role of students' attributions and perceptions of their personal contribution was also explored. Implications of these findings for the links among social comparison, cognitive processes, and hedonic consequences are discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of a Multisystems Model for Treating Perinatal Cocaine Addiction

Abstract Two stages of a gender-specific treatment program for perinatal cocaine-addicted women were introduced into a coed peer-led day treatment program and evaluated for outcomes. Stage I (N = 21) targeted gender-specific needs, but did not expressly promote family reintegration. Stage II (N = 27) augmented the gender-specific program with a multisystems model for family reintegration. As a control for historical effects, nonperinatal clients whose treatment remained the same during the periods corresponding to the two stages, were evaluated for outcomes (N = 66 for Stage I, N = 75 for Stage II). As hypothesized, urine toxicology and retention data were significantly improved for perinatal clients treated in Stage II, as compared with those treated in Stage I; no such improvements were noted for nonperinatal clients. The data support a conclusion that introducing a multisystems framework into a gender-specific program selectively improves clinical outcomes for inner-city perinatal cocaine-addicted women.