cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Feeding Polyoxyethylene Monostearates on Growth Rate and Gross Pathology of Weanling Hamsters.

SummaryThe ingestion of 5 or 15% of polyoxyethylene monostearate preparations (Myrj of Sta-soft) by weanling hamsters significantly reduced the rate of gain as compared to animals fed lard. This was evident after 2 weeks on experiment. There was also a decrease in food efficiency. The retarded gains were not attributable to reduced food intake or to the caloric inertness of the polyoxyethylene moiety of the test products. Marked changes in the intestinal tract and severe diarrhea were also observed when Myrj or Sta-soft was fed. Mortality data, data on organ weights and the gross pathology also indicated that the ingestion of these compounds was deleterious to the hamsters as compared to the data obtained on lard or lard plus celluflour.
Sliding controller for damping inter-area power oscillations

Abstract In this paper, a sliding control algorithm design is considered for damping the inter-area power transmission oscillations. The control algorithm is intended for the static Var compensators (SVC) to supply reactive power to the power transmission system, in order to stabilize the system in the event of faults. The controller is capable of achieving full utilization of the SVC and is insensitive to parameter variations and modeling errors. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the sliding controller in damping the inter-area power oscillations, and in enhancing the stability as well as loadability of the transmission systems.
Satisfaction and Cooperation

The author ( 1965) has suggested a satisfaction-cooperation hypothesis (a reverse form of the frustrrcion-aggression hypothesis) to account for some results with Prisoner's Dilemma games. According to this formulation, a person's cooperative behavior is a function of his outcomes relative to his level of expectations. Two experiments were designed to give a direct test of this hypothesis, using Prisoner's Dilemma games. In Exp. I a 2 X 2 X 2 factorial design assigned 56 Ss (28 of each sex) co treatments of high or low expectations (by manipulating fictitious norms for an exercise preceding the Prisoner's Dilemma) and high or low achievement (by manipulating, through a confederate, outcomes of this preceding exercise). Evidence confirmed the expectation treatment, but no differences in cooperation in the Prisoner's Dilemma were obtained. In Exp. I1 a 2 X 2 X 2 X 2 factorial design (sex, achievement of expectations, involvement of cocfederate, and motivational arousal) was used with 48 Ss. Questionnaire evidence failed to indicate that involvement of confederate or motivational arousal were successfully created, but Ss following successful achievement of expectations did give significantly higher ratings of the confederate (for "liking" ratings F = 21.01, df = 1/32, $ < .01; for "effectiveness" ratings F = 15.98, df = 1/32, p < .01) and of the experiment (for "liking" ratings F = 20.67, df = 1/32, 9 < .01; for "effectiveness" ratings F = 19.35, df = 1/32, P < .01) than did SS subjected to failure. An analysis of variance of Prisoner's Dilemma cooperation, however, showed no significant treatment effects. An additional finding (though not related to the experimental design) was that Ss primarily oriented to the other S (confederate) showed significantly higher cooperation (dividing Ss arbitrarily into those with high or low cooperation, x2 = 7.39, p < .01) than those primarily oriented to the game matrix. It is concluded that other features of the game situation were more important in affecting cooperation in the Prisoner's Dilemma than a preceding experience of satisfaction or failure. Perhaps whether or not increased satisfaction leads to more cooperative behavior depends on the perception of the sicuation as appropriate for the expression of such behavior.
Correlation inequalities and contour estimates

We give a simple estimate on the probability of contours in classical ferromagnetic spin systems, based on Griffiths' or Ginibre's correlation inequalities. This includes quite general one- and two-component spin models. Some extension also holds for alln-component anisotropic or isotropic rotators.
Comparative epidemiology of dependence on tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, and inhalants: Basic findings from the National Comorbidity Survey.

Studying prevalence of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (3rd ed., rev., American Psychiatric Association, 1987) drug dependence among Americans 15-54 years old, we found about 1 in 4 (24%) had a history of tobacco dependence; about 1 in 7 (14%) had a history of alcohol dependence; and about 1 in 13 (7.5%) had a history of dependence on an inhalant or controlled drug. About one third of tobacco smokers had developed tobacco dependence and about 15% of drinkers had become alcohol dependent. Among users of the other drugs, about 15% had become dependent. Many more Americans age 15-54 have been affected by dependence on psychoactive substances than by other psychiatric disturbances now accorded a higher priority in mental health service delivery systems, prevention, and sponsored research programs. The aim of this article is to report basic descriptive findings from new research on the epidemiology of drug dependence syndromes, conducted as part of the National Comorbidity Survey (NCS). In this study, our research team secured a nationally representative sample and applied standardized diagnostic assessments in a way that allows direct comparisons across prevalence estimates and cor
Microbes in flow

Microbes often live in moving fluids. Despite the multitude of implications that flow has on microbial ecology and environmental microbiology, only recently have experimental tools and conceptual frameworks from fluid physics been applied systematically to further our knowledge of the behavior of microbes in flow. This nascent research field, which truly straddles biology and physics, has already produced important contributions to our understanding of the physical interaction between microbes and flow, both in bulk fluid and close to surfaces, at the same time revealing the richness and complexity of the resulting dynamics.
Crack nucleation and propagation of corrosion fatigue in high-strength steel

Abstract Crack nucleation and growth behavior of corrosion fatigue are investigated experimentally and theoretically for 200°C tempered A1SI 4340 steel in 3.5% NaCl solution. The crack nucleation at notch roots is determined by the electrical potential method. The cycle for crack nucleation. Ni, increases with the notch radius ρ and decreases with the apparent stress intensity (πρ) 1 2 ) th is observed in a semilog diagram, where 2( 2ΔK ρ (πρ) 1 2 1 2 )th is almost equal to the yield shear strength. The influence of stress ratio, R, and cycle frequency, φ, on the crack growth rate, ν, is clearly observed. The ν increases with decreasing φ, and the threshold stress intensity factor, δkfscc, decreases with decreasing R. In order to explain these experimental results, a new dislocation dipole model is proposed. A model of dislocation dipoles is considered at a notchtip, and diffusion of hydrogen atoms along the line of the pile-up of dislocation dipoles is solved. A certain accumulation of hydrogen atoms at the leading edge of pile-up of dislocation dipoles leads to the crack initiation. A detached crack initiates and grows to the tip of the already existing crack. When the detached crack extends to the tip of the main crack, the process of crack initiation repeats at the tip of a new existing crack. The theory agrees with all the experimental observations.
Unphosphorylated SR-Like Protein Npl3 Stimulates RNA Polymerase II Elongation

The production of a functional mRNA is regulated at every step of transcription. An area not well-understood is the transition of RNA polymerase II from elongation to termination. The S. cerevisiae SR-like protein Npl3 functions to negatively regulate transcription termination by antagonizing the binding of polyA/termination proteins to the mRNA. In this study, Npl3 is shown to interact with the CTD and have a direct stimulatory effect on the elongation activity of the polymerase. The interaction is inhibited by phosphorylation of Npl3. In addition, Casein Kinase 2 was found to be required for the phosphorylation of Npl3 and affect its ability to compete against Rna15 (Cleavage Factor I) for binding to polyA signals. Our results suggest that phosphorylation of Npl3 promotes its dissociation from the mRNA/RNAP II, and contributes to the association of the polyA/termination factor Rna15. This work defines a novel role for Npl3 in elongation and its regulation by phosphorylation.
Substructure model updating through iterative minimization of modal dynamic residual

This research studies a substructure model updating approach. Requiring modal testing data from only part of a large structure (i.e. a substructure), finite element model parameters for the substructure can be updated. Prior to updating, Craig-Bampton transform is adopted to condense the entire structural model into the substructure (currently being instrumented and to be updated) and the residual structure. Finite element model of the substructure remains at high resolution, while dynamic behavior of the residual structure is approximated using only a limited number of dominant mode shapes. To update the condensed structural model, physical parameters in the substructure and modal parameters of the residual structure are chosen as optimization variables; minimization of the modal dynamic residual is chosen as the optimization objective. An iterative linearization procedure is adopted for efficiently solving the optimization problem. The proposed substructure model updating approach is validated through numerical simulation with two plane structures
Stability of the Defibrillation Probability Curve with the Development of Ventricular Dysfunction in the Canine Rapid Paced Model

Most patients with implantable defibrillators have diminished cardiac function. Progressive heart failure might impair defibrillation efficacy, leading to interpreted device, failure. This study sought to determine the effect of ventricular dysfunction on defibrillation energy using a biphasic endocardial system. Eleven dogs were ventricularly paced at 225 pulses/min for 2 weeks to induce ventricular dysfunction, and five control dogs remained unpaced. Dose response defibrillation probability curves were generated for each animal at baseline, after 2 weeks (at which time the pacemakers were turned off in the paced group), and then 1 week later. The defibrillation thresholds, ED20, ED50, and ED80 (the 20%, 50%, and 80% effective defibrillation energies, respectively) were determined for each dog at each study. In the paced dogs, the mean ejection fraction fell from 55% to 25% after pacing (P < 0.0001), and rose to 46% after its discontinuation (P = 0.0002). The defibrillation threshold, ED20, ED50, and ED80 remained unchanged in both the control and paced groups for all three studies, even after adjustment for dog weight or left ventricular mass. Rapid pacing produced no change in left ventricular mass. It induced ventricular cavity dilatation and wall thinning, which had opposing effects on defibrillation energy requirements, resulting in no net change of the ED50 in heart failure. In conclusion, the defibrillation efficacy of a biphasic transvenous system is not changed by the development of heart failure using the rapid paced canine model.
NEW CONCEPTS AND FUTURE TRENDS IN TOXICOLOGY

Abstract New concepts and procedures derived from related fields of biochemistry, pharmacology, immunochemistry, and genetics, are now at the disposal of the industrial toxicologist to aid in the solution of problems in two broad areas of investigation, (1) early indicators of response to toxic agents, (2) mechanisms of toxic stress. Shown here are many ways of using body metabolites, tissue enzymes, alone and in combination, and tissue metals for the detection of early responses to toxic agents while the responses are still reversible. Immunochemical changes not heretofore recognized are now shown to be often a response to inhaled chemicals. Highlighted are mechanisms of action of CCL4, oxidant gases, radiomimetic chemicals, organic phosphate insecticides and other substances of industrial interest.
Pulmonary MRA: Differentiation of pulmonary embolism from truncation artefact

Purpose Truncation artefact (Gibbs ringing) causes central signal drop within vessels in pulmonary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) that can be mistaken for emboli, reducing diagnostic accuracy for pulmonary embolism (PE). We propose a quantitative approach to differentiate truncation artefact from PE.
Intrinsic Thermal Stability of Anisotropic Thin-Film Superconductors

Intrinsic thermal stability denotes a situation where a superconductor can carry the operating current without resistance at all times after the occurrence of a localized release of thermal energy. This novel stability criterion is different from the cryogenic stability criteria for magnets and has particular relevance to thin-film superconductors. Crystals of ceramic high-temperature superconductors are likely to exhibit anisotropic thermal conductivity. The resultant anisotropy of highly oriented films of superconductors greatly influences their thermal stability. This work presents an analysis for the maximum operating current density that ensures intrinsic stability. The stability criterion depends on the amount of released energy, the Biot number, the aspect ratio, and the ratio of the thermal conductivities in the plane of the film and normal to it.
Creative Rituals for Use With Traumatized Adolescents

In this article, the authors present a rationale and a means for utilizing creative rituals with traumatized adolescents. For adolescents who have experienced trauma, creative rituals can be utilized to help reorient their cognitive and emotional selves to the external world. Examples of two creative rituals that can be used in helping clients externalize trauma narratives are provided. Additionally, a discussion of the adaptations of these activities and the limitations of utilizing these interventions are provided.
Grain Oriented Silicon-Iron with a Unique Inhibition System for Texture Development

The new high induction grain oriented silicon-iron alloys are characterized, as compared to the conventional alloy, by a heavier final cold reduction and increased restraint to normal grain growth. It is shown that the conventional alloy possesses sufficient restraint to normal grain growth to undergo secondary recrystallization when it contains manganese sulfide but not when it contains sulfur only as solute. However, the presence of boron, nitrogen and uncombined sulfur leads to strong grain growth inhibition and, when the strip is heavily cold rolled, to a high induction. A deficiency in any one of the three elements results in grain coarsening rather than a nearly constant grain size over a broad temperature range prior to secondary recrystallization.
Variable-Temperature NMR Determination of the Barriers to Rotation about the Ir−C σ-Bond in a Series of Primary Perfluoroalkyl Iridium Complexes [IrCp*{(CF2)nCF3}(PMe3)2]+X- [n = 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11; X = I, OTf]

A series of primary perfluoroalkyl iridium complexes [IrCp*{(CF2)nCF3}(PMe3)2]+X- [n = 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11; X = I, OTf] has been prepared. X-ray crystallographic studies of a representative exampl...
Characterization of photosynthesis in Arabidopsis ER-to-plastid lipid trafficking mutants.

Vascular plants use two pathways to synthesize galactolipids, the predominant lipid species in chloroplasts—a prokaryotic pathway that resides entirely in the chloroplast, and a eukaryotic pathway that involves assembly in the endoplasmic reticulum. Mutants deficient in the endoplasmic reticulum pathway, trigalactosyldiacylglycerol (tgd1-1 and tgd2-1) mutants, had been previously identified with reduced contents of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol and digalactosyldiacylglycerol, and altered lipid molecular species composition. Here, we report that the altered lipid composition affected photosynthesis in lipid trafficking mutants. It was found that proton motive force as measured by electrochromic shift was reduced by ~40 % in both tgd mutants. This effect was accompanied by an increase in thylakoid conductance attributable to ATPase activity and so the rate of ATP synthesis was nearly unchanged. Thylakoid conductance to ions also increased in tgd mutants. However, gross carbon assimilation in tgd mutants as measured by gas exchange was only marginally affected. Rubisco activity, electron transport rate, and photosystem I and II oxidation status were not altered. Despite the large differences in proton motive force, responses to heat and high light stress were similar between tgd mutants and the wild type.
MicroRNAs in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders

Abnormalities in microRNA (miRNA)-mediated gene regulation have been observed in a variety of human diseases, especially in cancer. Here, we provide an account of newly emerging connections between miRNAs with various psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent findings of miRNA dysregulation in the 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome, a well-established genetic risk factor for schizophrenia. miRNAs appear to be components of both the genetic architecture of these complex phenotypes as well as integral parts of the biological pathways that mediate the effects of primary genetic deficits. Therefore, they may contribute to both genetic heterogeneity and phenotypic variation of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders and could serve as novel therapeutic targets.
Investigation of Heat Transfer Enhancement and Pressure Characteristics of Zig-Zag Channels

Described in this paper is a study combining experiment and CFD simulation to explore the heat transfer characteristics of an internal cooling passage with different turning angles ranging from 70, 90 and 110 degrees. When adjacent passages are connected by a turn in a periodic fashion, the channel exhibits a “zig-zag” pattern, and hence the name. The test channel has a cross-section of 63.5mm by 25.4mm, corresponding to the aspect ratio of 2.5:1. This specific design with several turns will generate additional secondary vortices while providing longer flow path that allows coolant to remove a greater heat load before being discharged downstream. The computational study employs a commercially available CFD code, ANSYS CFX. As a significant finding, the numerical simulation suggested that the case with 110 degree turns has the best heat transfer performance. An experimental study thus is followed to investigate the detailed surface heat transfer distribution on the 110 degree case using the transient liquid crystal technique. The overall heat transfer coefficient characteristics except near the turning region are found to be comparable between the experimental and numerical simulation. Pressure loss in these test channels is several folds higher than that of straight smooth test channel due to the presence of turns; but is it significant lower than the limiting case with a 180-degree turn. The case with 70 degree turns has the highest pressure loss, while the case with 110 degree turns has the lowest pressure loss. Internal channels of zig-zag configurations might be a viable design for internal cooling of an airfoil mainbody or trailing edge while serving the purpose of bridging structures between the pressure and suction sides.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Axillopopliteal bypass grafting: Indications, late results, and determinants of long-term patency

In the last 12 years we have performed 55 axillopopliteal bypass graftings with 6 mm polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for limb salvage in 50 patients who were at high risk for limb loss. Indications for this procedure were (1) severe atherosclerotic disease of the common, superficial, and deep femoral arteries (33 cases); (2) failed aortofemoral bypass grafting with sufficient fibrosis or disease progression in the deep femoral artery (five cases); (3) insufficient hemodynamic and clinical improvement after axillofemoral bypass grafting (10 cases); and (4) sepsis in the groin from a previously infected graft (seven cases). The 30-day operative mortality rate was 8%, and the 5-year cumulative patient survival rate was 40%. Overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative primary graft patency rates were 58%, 45%, and 40%, respectively. Comparable limb salvage rates were 83%, 68%, and 58%. Repeat operations increased 5-year patency rates from 40% to 59% (p less than 0.05). Three-year patency rate for grafts placed in the presence of poor angiographic runoff in one vessel was 62% and for good angiographic runoff (two to three vessels) it was 57% (NS). Grafts to the above-knee popliteal artery had a patency rate of 67% at 3 years, whereas for grafts that crossed the knee joint it was 51% (NS). Three-year patency rate for 24 straight axillopopliteal grafts was 42%, and for 31 sequential axillofemoral-popliteal grafts it was 74% (p less than 0.05). These results show that axillopopliteal bypass grafting is justified when other standard operations are not possible in patients who are in imminent danger of limb loss, and that every possible effort should be made to use the common or deep femoral artery as part of a sequential axillofemoral-popliteal procedure.
Transverse spin relaxation in liquid 129Xe in the presence of large dipolar fields.

Using spin-echo NMR techniques we study the transverse spin relaxation of hyperpolarized liquid X{sup 129}e in a spherical cell. We observe an instability of the transverse magnetization due to dipolar fields produced by liquid X{sup 129}e , and find that imperfections in the {pi} pulses of the spin-echo sequence suppress this instability. A simple perturbative model of this effect is in good agreement with the data. We obtain a transverse spin relaxation time of 1300sec in liquid X{sup 129}e , and discuss applications of hyperpolarized liquid X{sup 129}e as a sensitive magnetic gradiometer and for a permanent electric dipole moment search.
A comparison of the analgesic effect of oxymorphone by rectal suppository and intramuscular injection in patients with postoperative pain

The relative analgesic potency of oxymorphone by rectal suppository and intramuscular injection was evaluated in a double-blind, twin-crossover comparison of graded single doses in 136 patients with postoperative pain. The time-effect curves of the two routes of administration differed substantially; rectal resulted in lower and more delayed peak analgesia and a longer duration of action than intramuscular administration. When both duration and intensity of analgesia are considered (total effect), rectal oxymorphone was 1/10 as potent as the intramuscular form; in peak effect, it was only 1/16 to 1/20 as potent. However, because intramuscular oxymorphone is nine to ten times as potent as intramuscular morphine, 5 to 10 mg oxymorphone by suppository provides analgesia comparable to that provided by the usually used doses of parenteral narcotics. Rectal oxymorphone produced no more, and perhaps somewhat fewer, side effects than doses of intramuscular oxymorphone producing equivalent total analgesic effect. None of the patients objected to the rectal route of analgesic administration. This study demonstrates the feasibility of well-controlled analgesic assays employing the double-dummy technique to compare suppositoreis with oral or parenteral analgesic dosage forms. Our observations also suggest that the rectal route is an acceptable and practical way of administering potent analgesics and is probably being underutilized by physicians in the control of moderate to severe pain.
The biochemistry of ancient DNA in bone.

The amount of DNA in ancient bone was determined by ethidium bromide staining after the removal of the potent Taq inhibitor, fulvic acid. A complete decalcification and a perfusion protocol were used to recover DNA from bone. A variety of purification techniques including molecular sieve, hydroxyapatite binding and ‘Magic’ preparations yielded DNA that spanned from 3.4μg/g of bone to below detectable limits. Fulvic acid was shown to interfere with the quantification of DNA derived from ancient human skeletal material one hundred to over seven thousand years old. Scanning UV in the 300 to 230 nm range is a simple and sensitive technique for documenting fulvic acid contamination in ancient bone extracts.
Neutral amino acid transport into rat skeletal muscle: Competition, adaptive regulation, and effects of insulin

Abstract Amino acid (AA) transport systems A and L, which transfer preferentially small neutral AA (SNAA) and large neutral AA (LNAA), respectively, were studied in the isolated soleus muscle with the specific models, 2-(methylamino)isobutyrate (MeAIB) and 2-aminobicyclo[2,2,1]heptane-2-carboxylate (BCH). Affinity for MeAIB was greater than for BCH (Km = 3.2 ± 0.2 and 8.7 ± 0.2 mm, respectively). Rate of transport of MeAIB (Vmax = 104 ± 3 pmol/μL/min) was slower than for BCH (970 ± 12 pmol/μL/min), but accumulation was far more concentrative; transport of BCH, but not MeAIB, rapidly reached a steady-state level. MeAIB transport was reduced in the presence of SNAA; BCH transport was reduced to a lesser extent only by LNAA. Mixtures of AA at concentrations resembling those in plasmas of rats fed either a 6% or 50% casein diet reduced transport of MeAIB, whereas BCH transport was low only with the latter mixture. Only MeAIB transport was stimulated by insulin. Preincubation of muscles for 5 hours in a AA-free medium stimulated subsequent MeAIB uptake by about twofold to fourfold; this effect was suppressed by inhibitors of protein synthesis. Selective differences were thus observed in transport by skeletal muscle of model AA for the A and L systems: increased transport resulting from various stimuli was limited to the model for the A system, and transport of either model was depressed with mixtures containing physiological levels of AA. Changes in dietary protein or AA intake may thus alter transport of certain neutral AA into skeletal muscle via changes in plasma AA pools.
SU-D-BRF-04: Digital Tomosynthesis for Improved Daily Setup in Treatment of Liver Lesions

Purpose: Daily localization of liver lesions with cone-beam CT (CBCT) is difficult due to poor image quality caused by scatter, respiratory motion, and the lack of radiographic contrast between the liver parenchyma and the lesion(s). Digital tomosynthesis (DTS) is investigated as a modality to improve liver visualization and lesion/parenchyma contrast for daily setup. Methods: An in-house tool was developed to generate DTS images using a point-by-point filtered back-projection method from on-board CBCT projection data. DTS image planes are generated in a user defined orientation to visualize the anatomy at various depths. Reference DTS images are obtained from forward projection of the planning CT dataset at each projection angle. The CBCT DTS image set can then be registered to the reference DTS image set as a means for localization. Contour data from the planning CT's associate RT Structure file and forward projected similarly to the planning CT data. DTS images are created for each contoured structure, which can then be overlaid onto the DTS images for organ volume visualization. Results: High resolution DTS images generated from CBCT projections show fine anatomical detail, including small blood vessels, within the patient. However, the reference DTS images generated from forward projection of the planningmore » CT lacks this level of detail due to the low resolution of the CT voxels as compared to the pixel size in the projection images; typically 1mm-by-1mm-by-3mm (lat, vrt, lng) for the planning CT vs. 0.4mm-by-0.4mm for CBCT projections. Overlaying of the contours onto the DTS image allows for visualization of structures of interest. Conclusion: The ability to generate DTS images over a limited range of projection angles allows for reduction in the amount of respiratory motion within each acquisition. DTS may provide improved visualization of structures and lesions as compared to CBCT for highly mobile tumors.« less
Differing levels of excision repair in human fetal dermis and brain cells.

— The levels of DNA excision repair, as measured by unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) and the UV-endonuclease sensitive site assay, were compared in cells derived from human fetal brain and dermal tissues. The level of UDS induced following ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was found to be lower (approx. 60%) in the fetal brain cells than in fetal dermal cells. It was determined, using the UV-endonuclease sensitive site assay to confirm the UDS observation, that 50% of the dimers induced by UV in fetal dermal cells were repaired in 8h, while only 15% were removed in the fetal brain cells during the same period of time. Even after 24 h, only 44% of the dimers induced by UV in the fetal brain cells were repaired, while 65% were removed in the dermal cells. These data suggest that cultured human fetal brain cells exhibit lower levels of excision repair compared to cultured human fetal dermal cells.
A preliminary evaluation of behavioral outcomes in a corrections-based victim awareness program for offenders

Abstract This article follows up on an earlier study that found significant improvements in three of four knowledge and sensitivity factors measured in offenders who participated in an impact of crime on victims “victim awareness” program. The current study investigated behavioral outcomes in a similar study population, namely disciplinary infractions that occurred while participants continued their incarceration. Findings indicated that African American adult males in the treatment group exhibited significantly fewer A-level (most serious) disciplinary problems than did their comparison group counterparts, while all other subgroup comparisons did not yield such significant differences. This result, although limited to one subgroup, remains both interesting and useful given that African American males are typically overrepresented in correctional populations and given the seriousness of the offenses at issue here. Reducing the frequency of serious infractions, and therefore these additional victimizations...
Asbestos bodies or fibers and the diagnosis of asbestosis.

A committee of the College of American Pathologists has proposed that the diagnosis of asbestosis requires fibrosis in respiratory bronchiolar walls and the presence of asbestos bodies (ABs) in tissue sections. To determine whether histologic ABs reliably reflect asbestos fiber concentrations in asbestosis, we compared the concentration of ABs in histologic sections to concentrations of ABs and fibers in tissue extracts of 14 asbestos workers with nonspecific interstitial fibrosis. ABs in histologic sections and extracts correlated well, r = 0.95. Counted and classified by electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and X-ray spectroscopy, commercial amphibole fibers ( r = 0.94) also correlated well with ABs, but noncommercial amphiboles ( r = −0.02) or chrysotile ( r = 0.29) did not. In five subjects with a high percentage of noncommercial amphibole fibers, fewer than 0.5 histologic ABs/cm 2 were present despite a total amphibole concentration that was similar to that in subjects with more histologic ABs. We conclude that ABs will be scarce or absent in histologic sections from some subjects with asbestosis, and that for such subjects, extracts of asbestos fibers should yield over 500,000 total amphibole fibers/g dry lung to signify that interstitial fibrosis may be caused by asbestos.
Rhodium catalyzed tandem Diels-Alder/hydrolysis reactions of 2-boron-substituted 1,3-dienes

2-Boron substituted 1,3-dienes have been prepared and used in preliminary experiments to demonstrate that it is possible to effect rhodium catalyzed Diels-Alder/hydrolysis tandem reactions.
THE PROGENITOR MASS OF SN 2011dh FROM STELLAR POPULATION ANALYSIS

Using Hubble Space Telescope photometry, we characterize the age of the stellar association in the vicinity of supernova (SN) 2011dh and use it to infer the zero-age main-sequence mass (M ZAMS) of the progenitor star. We find two distinct and significant star formation (SF) events with ages of 29 and 13+2 ? 1 M ?, respectively. These two bursts represent 18+4 ? 9% (young) and 64+10 ? 14% (old) of the total SF in the last 50?Myr. Adopting these fractions as probabilities suggests that the most probable M ZAMS is 13+2 ? 1 M ?. These results are most sensitive to the luminosity function along the well-understood main sequence (MS) and are less sensitive to uncertain late-stage stellar evolution. Therefore, they stand even if the progenitor suffered disruptive post-MS evolution (e.g., eruptive mass loss or binary Roche-lobe overflow). Progenitor identification will help to further constrain the appropriate population. Even though pre-explosion images show a yellow supergiant (YSG) at the site of the SN, panchromatic SN light curves suggest a more compact star as the progenitor. In spite of this, our results suggest an association between the YSG and the SN. Not only was the star located at the SN site, but reinforcing an association, the star's bolometric luminosity is consistent with the final evolutionary stage of the 17?Myr old starburst. If the YSG disappears, then M ZAMS = 13+2 ? 1 M ?, but if it persists, then our results allow the possibility that the progenitor was an unseen star of >29 M ?.
Cardiophrenic angle nodes: An unusual CT finding of advanced metastatic disease

Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly being used in the chest and mediastinum. In the mediastinum it is used to distinguish benign from malignant lesions, such as metastatic nodes from benign mediastinal fat deposits (1, 2). These abnormalities are usually first seen on a routine chest film. However, nodal enlargement involving the cardiophrenic angle nodes may or may not be seen on routine chest roentgenograms, depending on the size and location of the lesion. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the CT findings of advanced metastatic disease involving the cardiophrenic angle nodes. The possible clinical significance of these findings is discussed.
Corrections and extensions of two papers about infinite-dimensional manifolds

Abstract In this paper we correct and extend two papers which were written jointly by the author and R. Schori and J. West and which prove or announce several classification theorems for infinite-dimensional topological manifolds.
Design of Acousto-optic Chaos based Secure Free-space Optical Communication Links

We discuss the design of an acousto-optic cell based free space optical communication link where the data beam is made secure through chaos encryption. Using external signal modulation of the diffracted light from a hybrid acousto-optic cell chaos (or directly via incorporation in the sound-cell driver's bias voltage) encryption of data is possible. We have shown numerically that decryption of the encoded data is possible by using an identical acousto-optic system in the receiver.
Variation in Barrett's esophageal wall thickness: Is it associated with histology or segment length?

Goals: To measure esophageal wall thickness (EWT) with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in patients with and without Barrett's esophagus (BE). Background: Segment length and histology are used to evaluate BE. The development of varying depths of ablation therapy has renewed interest in using EUS for BE. Study: In this prospective study, EWT measurements were taken from the balloon-mucosal interface to the outer most hyper-echoic line. These measurements were correlated with the highest grade of BE dysplasia and segment length, and then compared with the measurements from control group. Results: Between 2004 to 2007, 76 BE patients (69 men, mean age 68y, 4 ND, 14 low-grade dysplasia, 52 high-grade dysplasia, 6 carcinoma in situ) and 53 normal controls (18 men, mean age 60 y) underwent EUS. The mean EWT was 2.4 mm for controls, 3.1 mm for nondysplastic BE, 3.2mm for low-grade dysplasia, 3.4mm for high-grade dysplasia, and 3.9mm for carcinoma in situ. In the control group of 53 patients, the mean EWT was 2.4mm. Compared with normal controls, the mean EWT was significantly greater in all histologic subgroups of BE patients (P < 0.001). No statistically significant correlation was seen between EWT and BE histology grade. There were no correlations between age, gender, or BE segment length and EWT (P = 0.55). Conclusions: EWT is greater among patients with BE compared with control patients; however, there were no systematic differences in EWT were found among BE patients, based on histology and segment length.
Oxytocin receptors and mammary myoepithelial cells.

Abstract Oxytocin causes milk ejection by the mammary gland by eliciting contraction of myoepithelial cells, which surround the epithelial cells of the alveoli and the finer ducts (18). Most of the work reported here has been done with lactating rats. In this species expulsion of milk is almost entirely dependent upon the action of oxytocin (5, 15, 16). Effects of oxytocin upon mammary myoepithelial and uterine smooth muscle cells are mediated by oxytocin receptors, which have been characterized (for review see 37). These specific receptor sites have been defined by specificity of tissue and ligand and by correspondance between the dose of oxytocin giving a half-maximal response and die apparent K d for oxytocin binding. With exceptions of changes in the affinity of binding sites for oxytocin, increases in specific oxytocin binding are equated to increases in oxytocin receptor concentration. This report reviews studies showing that oxytocin receptors in the mammary gland are specifically associated with isolated myoepithelial cells.
Combustion-Derived Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Environment—A Review

Abstract Combustion processes are responsible for the vast majority of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that enter the environment. This review presents and discusses some of the factors that affect the production (type of fuel, amount of oxygen, and temperature) and environmental fate (physicochemical properties, biodegradation, photodegradation, and chemical oxidation) of combustion-derived PAHs. Because different combustion processes can yield similar assemblages of PAHs, apportionment of sources is often a difficult task. Several of the frequently applied methods for apportioning sources of PAHs in the environment are also discussed.
The New Geologic Map of Mars: Guiding Research and Education

Five spacecraft are currently investigating Mars, and a number of new missions to the Red Planet either have been launched or are in development. They are designed to probe the surface, subsurface, and atmosphere with a host of scientific instruments. Where will they make new discoveries? Clues to where they should focus investigations can be gleaned from a new geologic map of the planet (Fig. 1) [Tanaka et al., 2014].
Allopurinol Acutely Increases Adenosine Triphospate Energy Delivery in Failing Human Hearts

Objectives This study tested the hypothesis that acute administration of the xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor allopurinol improves cardiac high-energy phosphate concentrations in human heart failure (HF) and increases the rate of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis through creatine kinase (CK), the primary myocardial energy reserve. Background Studies of patients and animal models implicate impaired myocardial high-energy phosphate availability in HF. The XO reaction is a critical terminal step in ATP and purine degradation and an important source of reactive oxygen species. Thus, XO inhibition is a potentially attractive means to improve energy metabolism in the failing human heart. Methods We randomized 16 patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy in a double-blind fashion to allopurinol (300 mg intravenously) or placebo infusion, 4-to-1, the latter for purposes of blinding only. The myocardial concentrations of ATP and creatine phosphate (PCr) and the rate of ATP synthesis through CK (CK flux) were determined by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results Allopurinol infusion increased mean cardiac PCr/ATP and PCr concentration by ∼11% (p Conclusions Intravenous administration of the XO inhibitor allopurinol acutely improves the relative and absolute concentrations of myocardial high-energy phosphates and ATP flux through CK in the failing human heart, offering direct evidence that myofibrillar CK energy delivery can be pharmaceutically augmented in the failing human heart. (Intravenous Allopurinol in Heart Failure; NCT00181155)
Multiscale fuel type mapping in fragmented ecosystems : preliminary results from hyperspectral MIVIS and multispectral Landsat TM data

This study aims to ascertain how well remote sensing data can characterize fuel type at different spatial scales in fragmented ecosystems. For this purpose, multisensor and multiscale remote sensing data such as hyperspectral Multispectral Infrared and Visible Imaging Spectrometer (MIVIS) and Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data acquired in 1998 were analysed for a test area in southern Italy characterized by mixed vegetation covers and complex topography. Fieldwork fuel type recognition, performed at the same time as remote sensing data acquisitions, was used to assess the results obtained for the considered test areas. Results from preliminary analysis showed that the use of unmixing techniques allows an increase in accuracy of around 7% compared with the accuracy level obtained by applying a widely used classification algorithm.
Miniature and tunable filters using MEMS capacitors

Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) bridge capacitors have been used to design miniature and tunable bandpass filters at 18-22 GHz. Using coplanar waveguide transmission lines on a quartz substrate (/spl epsiv//sub r/ = 3.8, tan/spl delta/ = 0.0002), a miniature three-pole filter was developed with 8.6% bandwidth based on high-Q MEMS bridge capacitors. The miniature filter is approximately 3.5 times smaller than the standard filter with a midband insertion loss of 2.9 dB at 21.1 GHz. The MEMS bridges in this design can also be used as varactors to tune the passband. Such a tunable filter was made on a glass substrate (/spl epsiv//sub r/ = 4.6, tan/spl delta/ = 0.006). Over a tuning range of 14% from 18.6 to 21.4 GHz, the miniature tunable filter has a fractional bandwidth of 7.5 /spl plusmn/ 0.2% and a midband insertion loss of 3.85-4.15 dB. The IIP/sub 3/ of the miniature-tunable filter is measured at 32 dBm for the difference frequency of 50 kHz. The IIP/sub 3/ increases to >50 dBm for difference frequencies greater than 150 kHz. Simple mechanical simulation with a maximum dc and ac (ramp) tuning voltages of 50 V indicates that the filter can tune at a conservative rate of 150-300 MHz//spl mu/s.
Thermochemical insight into the reduction of CO to CH3OH with [Re(CO)](+) and [Mn(CO)](+) complexes.

To gain insight into thermodynamic barriers for reduction of CO into CH3OH, free energies for reduction of [CpRe(PPh3)(NO)(CO)]+ into CpRe(PPh3)(NO)(CH2OH) have been determined from experimental measurements. Using model complexes, the free energies for the transfer of H+, H–, and e– have been determined. A pKa of 10.6 was estimated for [CpRe(PPh3)(NO)(CHOH)]+ by measuring the pKa for the analogous [CpRe(PPh3)(NO)(CMeOH)]+. The hydride donor ability (ΔG°H–) of CpRe(PPh3)(NO)(CH2OH) was estimated to be 58.0 kcal mol–1, based on calorimetry measurements of the hydride-transfer reaction between CpRe(PPh3)(NO)(CHO) and [CpRe(PPh3)(NO)(CHOMe)]+ to generate the methylated analogue, CpRe(PPh3)(NO)(CH2OMe). Cyclic voltammograms recorded on CpRe(PPh3)(NO)(CMeO), CpRe(PPh3)(NO)(CH2OMe), and [CpRe(PPh3)(NO)(CHOMe)]+ displayed either a quasireversible oxidation (neutral species) or reduction (cationic species). These potentials were used as estimates for the oxidation of CpRe(PPh3)(NO)(CHO) or CpRe(PPh3)(NO)(CH2OH) o...
In health care, geography is destiny☆☆☆★

These conclusions seem surprising in this modern era of consumer empowerment—more so, given that the eight competing programs in the study lie within 15 miles of one another and in a “mature” marketplace characterized by high penetration of managed care. However, these findings should not surprise us. A person who is experiencing illness needs help from family and friends. Getting and giving this kind of help is easier when the physical location of care is nearby and when the network of relationships among providers is familiar. Despite this, federal and private medical insurers and some health care administrators are attempting to change or control referral patterns. Typical strategies are to buy primary care practices, publish information about hospitals’ and surgeons’ outcomes, provide direct economic incentives to physicians and patients, and popularize “centers of excellence” to control costs, improve quality, and protect or increase clinical volume. These efforts have helped fuel public outcry against managed care that has carried the debate over a national Patients’ Bill of Rights to the top of our legislators’ health care agenda. Published data suggest that patients are better informed about medical issues and they increasingly use that information to involve themselves in heath care decisions. 1-3 Perhaps it is not ignorance or a lack of incentives that causes patients to resist changing where they receive care. There may be other forces at work. Finlayson and associates 4 report that patients anticipating high-risk surgical procedures would accept a 2-fold to 6-fold increased risk of mortality to receive their care close to home. The present study provides empiric evidence that staying close to home and staying within a familiar referral network are high priorities for our patients.
High-Efficiency Modulation System

A descriptive and mathematical treatment is given of a means for obtaining modulated radio-frequency power with good conversion efficiency from the usual direct-current source. The method employed is to modify the load line on a saturated radio-frequency amplifier to take care of positive peaks and to grid modulate the amplifier for negative peaks. Load modification is accomplished by absorption and in this system the absorbed power is not dissipated in heat but is returned to the direct-current source for the power-amplifier tube and thereby reduces the drain from the supply. This results in direct-current-to-carrier conversion efficiencics in the order of 50 to 60 per cent when average tubes are used.
Directed manipulation with respect to focal rings

In this paper we describe the notion of a focal ring interface: an interface comprising a centrally-located graphical ring that provides a visual focus for interaction with respect to itself and its associated representation (such as a map, media collection, or information hierarchy). Our focal rings provide an opportunity to assign independent effects to the two dimensions of a display surface, creating implicit gestural modes (e.g. navigation versus scaling) that can be dynamically switched between in the context of a single continuous stroke. A focal ring can define the origin of a Polar or Cartesian frame of reference, interpreting touch gestures directed either through and around, or horizontal and vertical to itself. We illustrate the potential for such directed manipulation with respect to focal rings through the design and evaluation of ring-centric interfaces based on a variety of physical metaphors.