cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Negative differential resistance and instability in NbSe3

We report the observation of negative differential resistance and dynamic instability in the sliding charge-density-wave state of Nb${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$. The instabilities are characterized by an unusually large $\frac{1}{f}$ noise and intermittent chaoticlike response. We interpret our results in terms of domain coupling in the charge-density-wave condensate, resulting in hopping between distinct current-carrying states.
Insights into the mechanism of vascular calcification.

Abstract Vascular calcification is common and clinically significant in atherosclerosis and heart failure. It was long believed to be an end-stage process of “passive” mineral precipitation. However, there is now a growing awareness that vascular calcification is a biologically regulated phenomenon. It has many similarities to bone formation, and ectopic bone is a well-documented part of vascular calcification. This implies that alterations in vascular cell differentiation, extensive or localized, are an integral part of vascular calcification. Matrix γ-carboxylated glutamate (GLA) protein (MGP)-deficient mice develop extensive vascular calcification with replacement of the media by progressively calcifying cartilage. A potential mechanism that explains these findings is MGP interference with bone morphogenetic proteins—potent inducers of cartilage and bone.
Menu Design for Computers and Cell Phones: Review and Reappraisal

Menu systems have been key components in modern graphical user interfaces, and there has been a lot of research about menu design. Menu design features play a significant role from the perspective of customer satisfaction. Therefore, researchers have investigated various features in menu design. 3D menus have been investigated because these can display more items and provide a natural and intuitive interface. Small screens of the type used on mobile phones are limited in the amount of available space, and thus it might be more beneficial to use 3D menus in cell phones. A review of previous menu design studies for human–computer interaction suggests that menu design guidelines for computers and mobile phones need to be reappraised, especially toward the use of 3D interfaces in cell phones. The main objective of this article is to propose an overall framework for 3D menu interfaces in cell phones. The second objective is to propose guidelines for 2D and 3D menu design in computers and cell phones based on a...
Delirium in the Elderly Adult in Critical Care

Several neurologic conditions are commonly seen with elderly adults in the critical care area. This article addresses a common neurologic condition commonly seen in elderly adults: delirium.
Waiting times for random walks on regular and fractal lattices.

We use the exact renormalization procedure, introduced by Machta [Phys. Rev. B 24, 5260 (1981)], to evaluate the waiting time density for a walker to jump to one of its nearest neighbors on a decimated lattice, in terms of the original waiting time densities on the nondecimated lattice. We explicitly identify all the fixed points and their corresponding domain of attraction for the one-dimensional case and for the Sierpinsky gasket.
Searches for stable strangelets in ordinary matter: overview and a recent example

Abstract Our knowledge on the possible existence in nature of stable exotic particles depends solely upon experimental observation. Guided by this general principle and motivated by theoretical hypotheses on the existence of stable particles of strange quark matter, a variety of experimental searches have been performed. We provide an introduction to the theoretical hypotheses, an overview of the past searches, and a more detailed description of a recent search for helium-like strangelets in the Earth's atmosphere using a sensitive laser spectroscopy method.
Characterization of Components of the Staphylococcus aureus mRNA Degradosome Holoenzyme-Like Complex

Bacterial two-hybrid analysis identified the Staphylococcus aureus RNA degradosome-like complex to include RNase J1, RNase J2, RNase Y, polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase), enolase, phosphofructokinase, and a DEAD box RNA helicase. Results also revealed that the recently recognized RNase RnpA interacts with the S. aureus degradosome and that this interaction is conserved in other Gram-positive organisms.
Repeated likelihood ratio tests for curved exponential families

Abstract : A class of repeated significance tests for curved hypotheses in multiparameter exponential families is studied, and asymptotic formulae for the significance levels of such tests are obtained. Special attention is given the important case of comparing Bernoulli success probabilities. (Author)
Organic quasi-one-dimensional superconductors: quasiparticle density of states and spin susceptibility

We perform a group theoretical analysis of the possible symmetries of the order parameter of quasi-one-dimensional superconductors. We relate the order parameter symmetry of these systems to the bulk quasiparticle density of states and the bulk uniform spin susceptibility tensor at finite temperatures. Current experimental results suggest that some organic quasi-one-dimensional superconductors may exhibit triplet pairing symmetry, thus we attempt to narrow down the number of possibilities for the symmetry of the order parameter based on the current experimental evidence.
First observation of the Thomas peak in continuum capture: Capture of H atoms from CH/sub 4/ molecules by fast Ar/sup +/ projectiles

Energy spectra of protons emerging near the forward direction for 100-300-eV/u ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ beams incident on C${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$ were recorded. Cross sections for the capture of H atoms from C${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$ molecules into states lying in the vibrational continuum of the electronic ground state and into predissociative states of Ar${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ molecules were measured as a function of projectile energy. Capture occurs via the Thomas double-scattering mechanism.
Analysis of photoluminescence from solubilized single-walled carbon nanotubes

The functional form of the photoluminescence (PL) line shape from individual single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) species is found to contain a significant Lorentzian component and the Stokes shift is observed to be very small $(l8\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{meV})$, which suggests an excitonic dephasing mechanism that is largely decoupled from surrounding solvent and surfactant molecules. The PL quantum yield (PLQY) of two SWNT species is determined to be $\ensuremath{\sim}5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, and it is suggested that this is lower than the ``true'' value due to quenching of the PL in bundles by metallic tubes. Time-resolved PL measurements reveal a dominant, luminescence lifetime component of $130\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ps}$ that, when combined with a predicted natural radiative lifetime of $\ensuremath{\sim}20\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ns}$, suggests that the true PLQY is $\ensuremath{\sim}6.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. Finally, deconvoluted PL excitation spectra are produced for eight SWNT species, and the appearance of a higher-energy excitonic subband is discussed.
Heat Stability of Casein in the Presence of Calcium and Other Salts

Summary The extent of calcium binding and the heat stability of colloidal suspensions of freeze-dried casein in calcium hydroxide solution, with added phosphates, citrates, and chlorides in some tests, was studied. The calcium-binding power of freshly prepared freeze-dried casein was greater (pK 4.5) than that reported for other casein preparations. However, the pK value decreased during storage of the casein at room temperature and within 1 or 2 mo. attained a value (pK = 3.0 ± 0.3) in agreement with published values. The heat stability of simple casein caseinate suspensions was inversely related to the extent to which the casein was saturated with calcium, and this relation appeared to be linear at calcium levels sufficient to give over 80% saturation. The heat stability of more complex suspensions was inversely related to the ratio of soluble or ionic calcium to soluble phosphate in the suspension. Chlorides and phosphates of sodium, potassium, and ammonium displaced calcium from caseinate to about the same extent, but ammonium ion appeared to have a specific depressant effect on heat stability.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Preschool Children

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with a childhood onset of symptoms and impairment. Although it is most frequently identified during elementary school years, epidemiologic data suggest that the onset of ADHD frequently occurs earlier, with presentation as young as 3 years of age. Early identification, however, allows consideration of appropriate interventions. Many data are available on safe and efficacious treatment options for school-aged children who have ADHD; however, little is known about the use of these modalities in preschoolers and, ultimately, the long-term effects of early treatment. Recognition of the preschool presentation of ADHD, appropriate differential diagnosis, and identification of comorbid conditions, and a developmental perspective on the course and potential outcomes of the disorder may guide treatment planning. Newly available data on the safety and efficacy of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial intervention for preschoolers who have ADHD may help clinicians make treatment decisions for these young children and their families.
Investigation of seawater and terrestrial humic substances with carbon-13 and proton nuclear magnetic resonance

Abstract Seawater and terrestrial fulvic acids have been investigated with carbon-13 and proton nuclear magnetic resonance and by i.r. spectroscopy. The structural differences observed seem to result mainly from the low abundance of aromatic precursors (i.e. lignin) in seawater as compared to the terrestrial environment.
Differentiation between osmotic injury and chloride toxicity of rice seedlings grown under saline conditions

Abstract Rice (Oryza sativa, L.) is most sensitive to salinity injury as a seedling. Information describing the effects of salinity on the seedling rice plant is limited. Therefore, the current study was conducted to determine if salinity injury to rice seedlings is the result of toxic levels of chloride, or if a change in osmotic potential interferes with the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients. Rice was grown in controlled environmental conditions through the seedling growth stage. In hydroponic culture with a 50% Hoagland's solution, the rice was exposed to osmotic tensions of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, or 1,600 kPa imposed by either CaCl2 or polyethylene glycol (PEG). The rice was grown for 1 wk following imposition of the osmotic treatments. Visual ratings were then obtained and plants were harvested for dry matter determination and Cl‐ concentration. Shoot weights were lowered for PEG treatments compared to CaCl2. Root weights differed little between CaCl2 and PEG treatments. Root weights ...
Gas Turbine Operation Under Long Term PFB Conditions

A key issue in pressurized fluidized bed combustion (PFBC) is the durability of the gas turbine when operated on combustion gases containing coal ash, attrited sorbent bed material, and corrosive alkali compounds. The tolerance of industrial gas turbines to erosion by dust particles has been estimated based on data from a variety of sources which are reviewed briefly in this paper. It is shown, based on experimental data, that conventional cyclones can remove sufficient dust particles to meet the projected turbine erosion tolerance. In addition, advanced clean-up devices under development by the U.S. Department of Energy which would effectively remove gas turbine erosion as an issue in PFBC are described. An overview of ongoing materials work is presented which summarizes recent experimental results and assesses the suitability of existing and new turbine alloys to survive this environment. Particular attention is given to a PFB Long Term Materials Test currently in progress which will demonstrate materials corrosion resistance for exposure times up to 14,000 hr. Preliminary results from this test are discussed.Copyright © 1982 by ASME
Aharonov-Bohm-type effect in graphene tubules: A Landauer approach.

In this paper we show that (1) for graphene tubules an axial magnetic field can induce a semimetal-semiconductor transition periodically at zero bias. This is an Aharonov-Bohm-type effect and is generally true for thin cylindrical conductors; (2) the Landauer approach can be used to estimate the conductance of individual tubules measured by scanning tunneling probes as a function of applied bias, temperature, tubule geometric factors, and magnetic field. Numerical calculations are presented showing that the conductance modulation should be observable even at room temperature.
Comment on 'Huber-based unscented filtering and its application to vision-based relative navigation'

In a recent paper published in IET Radar, Sonar, and Navigation, Wang et al. [Vol. 4, (1), p. 134-141, 2010] develop a robust sigma-point Kalman filter using Huber's generalised maximum likelihood estimation technique. The key step in this development is to recast the sigma-point Kalman filter update step into the form of a linear regression problem. In Wang et al., the particular type of sigma-point Kalman filter investigated is the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) [ See IEEE Trans. Autom. Control, Vol. 45, (3), p. 477-4822, 2000]. Another example of a sigma-point Kalman filter is the divided difference filter (DDF) [See Automatica, Vol. 36, (11), p. 1627-1638, 2000].
Teaching Classical Control System Course With Portable Student-Owned Mechatronic Kits

Teaching classical controls systems design to mechanical engineering students presents unique challenges. While most mechanical engineering programs prepare students to be well-versed in the application of physical principles and modeling aspects of physical systems, implementation of closed loop control and system-level analysis is lagging. It is not uncommon that students report difficulty in conceptualizing even common controls systems terms such as steady-state error and disturbance rejection. Typically, most courses focus on the theoretical analysis and modeling, but students are left asking the questions…How do I implement a phase-lead compensator? …What is a non-minimum phase system? This paper presents an innovative approach in teaching control systems design course based on the use of a low-cost apparatus that has the ability to directly communicate with MATLAB and its Simulink toolbox, allowing students to drag-and-drop controllers and immediately test their effect on the response of the physical plant. The setup consists of a DC micro-motor driving a propeller attached to a carbon-fiber rod. The angular displacement of the rod is measured with an analog potentiometer, which acts as the pivot point for the carbon fiber rod. The miniature circuit board is powered by the USB port of a laptop and communicates to the host computer using the a virtual COM port. MATLAB/Simulink communicates to the board using its serial port read/write blocks to command the motor and detect the deflection angle. This presentation describes a typical semester-long experimental protocol facilitated by the low-cost kit. The kit allows demonstration of classical PID, phase lead and lag controllers, as well as non-linear feedback linearization techniques. Comparison between student gains before and after the introduction of the mechatronic kits are also provided.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Angioplasty and stenting of an unprotected left main bifurcation lesion

A case of unprotected bifurcation left main disease treated on 2 occasions by angioplasty and stenting is presented. This case demonstrates the 2 main features of salvage angioplasty, namely medically refractory rest angina and refused bypass surgery. In addition, it presents short inflation time angioplasty for sole or main conduits and treating the left main as a bifurcation lesion.
The Application Trend of Smart Sensing Technology in Home of Building: An Example of a Green and Smart Building for the Seniors Citizens Offered by Farglory Land Development

The living space of smart buildings requires three major applications: energy-saving and comfort, security and hazard prevention, and health care. These applications not only give rise to a market opportunity for advanced sensor fusion technologies including comfort sensing, infrared sensing, inertial sensing, and voice recognition, but also make proactive sensing, smart determination, and automatic control possible. The smart building project by Farglory Land Development, where senior citizens are able to live comfortably and be well taken care of, is presented here. The current trends visible from this project are also discussed.
Pentose metabolism in diabetic and normal rats.

ACCORDING to the metabolic studies of Stetten and Boxer1, deuterium is incorporated into liver glycogen in the alloxan diabetic rat at a higher rate and at a greater concentration than that achieved in the normal animal. Their previous studies showed that when glycogen was synthesized directly from dietary glucose in a medium of heavy water it was poor in deuterium, whereas glycogen synthesized from fragments smaller than hexose was rich in deuterium. They concluded that the diabetic animal was able to synthesize more liver glycogen from fragments smaller than hexoses than was the normal, non-diabetic rat.
Developing research-based guidelines for improving access to small-screen displays

Abstract This is a report on the initial phase of an effort to develop research-based guidelines to improve accessibility of small-screen visual displays for persons who are visually impaired. Contrast modulation was measured in a test group of 12 home blood pressure monitors (HBPMs) that use small-screen visual displays. Next steps include obtaining subjects' contrast sensitivity using an interactive, software driven display and demonstrating techniques for measuring font size, luminance, glare, and hue. In the final phase of the project, a clinical study will be conducted to define optimal small-screen display parameters for visually impaired subjects.
Financial Accounts in a System of Economic Accounts

E CONOMIC accounts, like company accounts, may be of three types: (1) flow accounts, represented by national income statements, (2) asset-liability accounts, which are best represented at present by monetary statistics, and (3) a combination of the two that are probably best referred to as source-and-use-of-funds statements.l Study of these three types may contribute to an understanding of economic activities. The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the relationships between the first two types, with a view to examining some of the basic problems to be considered in the construction of the third type. In particular, a draft of a possible source-and-use-of-funds statement drawn from the national income and financial accounts of an economy is presented, and some of its uses are indicated. In the draft statement, it is suggested that the national income accounts, the balance of payments statement, the government finance records, the monetary statistics, and other financial accounts for a country be consolidated in a final summary form. The term "national income statement" as used here includes the traditional national income, expenditure, and appropriation accounts that are presently constructed in a large number of countries. The term "financial account" includes those accounts that describe the asset-liability positions of certain sectors of the economy and therefore the sources and uses of funds arising not from the purchase and sale of goods, services, or real estate, but from borrowing and lending, and the purchase and sale of financial obligations, including money and quasi-money.2 It is not suggested that this draft is necessarily the one that will prove most useful for economic analysis; rather, the draft is intended to provide an example of the form that such
Current Management of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Secondary to Intrauterine Opioid Exposure

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) comprises a constellation of drug withdrawal symptoms that result from chronic intrauterine exposure to a variety of substances, including opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, ethanol, nicotine and caffeine. Most non-opioid fetal drug exposures result in limited clinical presentation, respond well to supportive care measures and rarely require pharmacologic intervention [1, 2]. Chronic in utero exposure to opioids is well characterized and is particularly problematic because of its high prevalence and frequent need for pharmacotherapy to mitigate withdrawal signs, especially when the opioid exposure is in the broader context of maternal polysubstance consumption.
Structural basis for discrimination between oxyanion substrates or inhibitors in aspartate‐β‐semialdehyde dehydrogenase

The reversible dephosphorylation of beta-aspartyl phosphate to L-aspartate-beta-semialdehyde (ASA) in the aspartate biosynthetic pathway is catalyzed by aspartate-beta-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ASADH). The phosphate that is present to activate the aspartate carboxyl group is held in a separate and distinct binding site once removed and prior to its release from the enzyme. This site had been shown to be selective for tetrahedral oxyanions, with several competitive inhibitors and alternative substrates previously identified for the reverse reaction. Structural studies have now shown that the most potent oxyanion inhibitor (periodate) and a good alternative substrate (arsenate) each occupy the same catalytic phosphate-binding site. However, a rotation of a threonine side chain (Thr137) in the periodate complex disrupts an important hydrogen-bonding interaction with an active-site glutamate (Glu243) that participates in substrate orientation. This subtle change appears to be the difference between a substrate and an inhibitor of this enzyme.
Alkaline and ultrasonic dissolution of biological materials for trace silicon determination

A simple method for trace elemental determination in biological tissue has been developed. Novel nanomaterials with biomedical applications necessitate the determination of the in vivo fate of the materials to understand their toxicological profile. Hollow iron-doped calcined silica nanoshells have been used as a model to demonstrate that potassium hydroxide and bath sonication at 50 °C can extract elements from alkaline-soluble nanomaterials. After alkali digestion, nitric acid is used to adjust the pH into a suitable range for analysis using techniques such as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry which require neutral or acidic analytes. In chicken liver phantoms injected with the nanoshells, 96% of the expected silicon concentration was detected. This value was in good agreement with the 94% detection efficiency of nanoshells dissolved in aqueous solution as a control for potential sample matrix interference. Nanoshell detection was further confirmed in a mouse 24 h after intravenous administration; the measured silica above baseline was 35 times greater or more than the standard deviations of the measurements. This method provides a simple and accurate means to quantify alkaline-soluble nanomaterials in biological tissue.
Biological Effects of Ultrasound: II. Interactions of Ultrasound with Matter

Damage induced by ultrasound is associated with mechanical, thermal, and cavitation interactions with matter. The physical basis for each is discussed. Cavitation is examined in detail with the aid of illustrative examples.
CORRECTIONS TO HIGH-ENERGY ELECTRON-NUCLEUS SCATTERING.

Abstract The effect of excitation of intermediate nuclear states on both elastic and inelastic electron scattering is examined. The method employed is the DWBA carried to second order in the transition potential. For high incident energy ( E e ⪆ 200 MeV ) the second-order terms can be simplified by ignoring the nuclear excitation energy, and by using simple forms for the transition charge densities. The dispersion corrections are then independent of the details of the level structure of the target nucleus. Sample calculations are presented for scattering processes from 40Ca, 58Ni and 208Pb, to which intermediate dipole states may contribute. The effect of quadrupole states is also included for elastic scattering. The most important corrections (⪆ 20%) occur in elastic scattering at high momentum transfer ( q ⪆ 500 MeV /c ) and are more pronounced in light nuclei than heavy ones.
The role of lipooligosaccharide in Neisseria gonorrhoeae pathogenesis of cervical epithelia: lipid A serves as a C3 acceptor molecule

The use of primary, human, ecto- and endocervical epithelial cell cultures has increased our understanding of the pathogenesis of gonococcal infection in women. Primary cervical epithelial cells express complement (C') receptor type 3 (CR3) and C' proteins required for alternative pathway (AP) activity. Gonococcus -induced membrane ruffling and cellular invasion of primary cervical epithelia is mediated by CR3 and requires co-operative CR3 binding by gonococcus-bound iC3b, porin and pilus. We have extended these studies to identify the site of C3 deposition upon gonococci within the cervical microenvironment. By immunoprecipitation and ELISA we demonstrate that covalent and non-covalent associations occurred between gonococcal LOS and C' protein C3. Sialylation or LOS truncation did not alter the gonococcus-CR3 interaction. By Western blot analysis we observed comparable C3 opsonization patterns among a panel of LOS truncation mutants, sialylated wild-type gonococci, or wild-type bacteria that were not sialylated. Quantitative association/invasion assays performed in the presence or absence of LOS competimers support C3b deposition on the lipid A core structure. Our findings demonstrate a role for lipid A as a C3 acceptor site and suggest that multiple factors govern C3b deposition and its subsequent conversion to iC3b on the surface of the gonococcus within the cervical microenvironment.
Expression of signal transduction genes differs after hypoxic or isoflurane preconditioning of rat hippocampal slice cultures.

Background: Preconditioning neurons with noninjurious hypoxia (hypoxic preconditioning, HPC) or the anesthetic isoflurane (APC) induces tolerance of severe ischemic stress. The mechanisms of both types of preconditioning in the hippocampus require moderate increases in intracellular Ca 2+ and activation of protein kinase signaling. The authors hypothesized that the expression of signal transduction genes would be similar after APC and HPC. Methods: Hippocampal slice cultures prepared from 9-day-old rats were preconditioned with hypoxia (5 min of 95% nitrogen/5% carbon dioxide) or 1% isoflurane in air/5% carbon dioxide for 1 h. A day later, cultures were subjected to 10 min oxygen and glucose deprivation (simulated ischemia). Intracellular Ca 2+ , measured in CA1 neurons at the completion of preconditioning, and cell death in CA1, CA3, and dentate regions was assessed 48 h after simulated ischemia. Message RNA encoding 119 signal transduction genes was quantified with rat complimentary DNA microarrays from pre―oxygen-glucose deprivation samples. Results: Both APC and HPC increased intracellular Ca 2+ approximately 50 nM and decreased CA1, CA3, and dentate neuron death by about 50% after simulated ischemia. Many signaling genes were increased after preconditioning, with hypoxia increasing more apoptosis/survival genes (8 of 10) than isoflurane (0 of 10). In contrast, isoflurane increased more cell cycle/development/growth genes than did hypoxia (8 of 14 genes, vs. 1 of 14). Conclusions: Despite sharing similar upstream signaling and neuroprotective outcomes, the genomic response to APC and HPC is different. Increased expression of antiapoptosis genes after HPC and cell development genes after APC has implications both for neuroprotection and long-term effects of anesthetics.
A SELF-ADJOINT "SIMULTANEOUS CROSSING OF THE AXIS"

By constructing the corresponding Green's function in a trapezoidal domain, we establish the existence of self-adjoint realiza- tions of A = @ 2 @t2 A @ 2 @s2 incorporating boundary conditions of the form u(s;0) = u(s;T) = 0. Such operators correspond to the histori- cally important concept of a "simultaneous crossing of the axis" for vibrating strings.
Effect of Soil Calcium Applications on Blueberry Yield and Quality

SUMMARY The response of mature highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L. cv ‘Jersey’) to soil applied Ca was studied for five years. The study site was a mature field in southwest Michigan with a relatively low soil pH (4.2) and Ca content (85 ppm). The treatments were: (1) non-treated control; (2) 1,100 kg/ha calcitic limestone; and (3) 550 kg/ha gypsum (calcium sulfate). Lime and gypsum were spread in a 5 ft wide band under the plants in May of 1996,1997,1999, and 2000. Lime, and to a lesser extent gypsum, increased soil pH and Ca levels, but had inconsistent affects on Ca levels in leaves and fruit. No treatment affected berry yield or size (1999-2001), firmness (1996-2001) or fruit rot incidence (2001).
Effect of prenatal cocaine on respiration, heart rate, and sudden infant death syndrome†

We studied 114 neonates by pneumocardiogram recordings in order to examine the effects of cocaine with and without opiate exposure on neonatal respiration, heart rate, apparent life threatening events (ALTE), and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In full-term infants exposed to cocaine without opiates we found increased longest apnea duration and more episodes of bradycardia, but decreased periodic breathing and average heart rate than in control full-term infants. Term infants prenatally exposed to cocaine with opiates also had less periodic breathing. Preterm infants exposed to cocaine with and without opiates had decreased apnea density and periodic breathing compared with preterm controls. Discriminant analysis to determine whether perinatal asphyxia or exposure to other drugs could predict cardiorespiratory abnormalities showed no consistent relationship. In 72 of 114 infants available for follow-up, no ALTE occurred but two were lost to SIDS. Our data support the hypothesis that prenatal cocaine exposure may perturb, albeit subtly, the maturation of respiratory control, resulting in disruption of postnatal respiration.
Quality assessment of the human genome sequence

As the final sequencing of the human genome has now been completed, we present the results of the largest examination of the quality of the finished DNA sequence. The completed study covers the major contributing sequencing centres and is based on a rigorous combination of laboratory experiments and computational analysis.
Conformational analysis of n-fluorine, 2,2′-X (n = 3 or 3′; X = bifuran, bithiophene, or thienylfuran): Ab initio, density functional, and multi-coefficient correlation results

Abstract Gas phase torsional potentials involving inter-ring rotation in 3 or 3′-fluorine, 2,2′-X (X = bithiophene, bifuran, or thienylfuran) have been examined using HF and MP2 ab initio methods, B3LYP and BBX density functional methods, and the MC3BBX multi-coefficient correlation method. Introduction of fluorine at the 3 or 3′ position is shown to affect the preferred conformation of each molecule analyzed. For 2,2′-bifuran and 2,2′-bithiophene, introduction of fluorine generally resulted in a flattening of the torsional energy profiles around syn and anti -planar conformations, as well as a reduction in relative energies between the two conformers. The anti conformer, however, remains slightly favored. For 2,2′-thienylfuran, fluorine shows a similar flattening of the energy profiles within planar regions as well as an observation of nearly isoenergetic syn and anti conformers. Pronounced effects are observed when fluorine substitution is made in the thienyl ring. Indeed, this is the only molecule whose energy profile displays a marked preference for the syn conformation. Lastly, we report that the MP2/6-31+G(d,p) model seems to yield results that are both qualitatively inaccurate and quantitatively erratic, and, by itself, should not be employed in the study of these molecules.
The role of gender-related processes in the development of sex differences in self-evaluation and depression

This paper examines gender socialization processes during childhood that may contribute to a higher incidence of depression or depressive symptoms in females than in males. It is argued that because of the actions of socialization agents and the impact of gender stereotypes on a child's construction of gender identity, girls may exhibit higher levels of self-evaluative concerns that increase vulnerability to depression. Indeed, a review of the literature on sex differences in self-evaluation suggests that girls may be more susceptible than boys to self-evaluative concerns, particularly as reflected in lower expectations for future success, more maladaptive causal attributions for success or failure outcomes, and negative behavioral and evaluative reactions to failure. Moreover, an examination of the literature on sex differences in depressive symptoms leads to questions about previous conclusions that girls do not exhibit higher levels of depressive symptoms prior to adolescence. Finally, we present some recent original data that support the contention that sex differences in vulnerability to depression may be evident prior to adolescence.
Adductomics: characterizing exposures to reactive electrophiles.

To understand environmental causes of disease, unbiased methods are needed to characterize the human exposome, which represents all toxicants to which people are exposed from both exogenous and endogenous sources. Because they directly modify DNA and important proteins, reactive electrophiles are probably the most important constituents of the exposome. Exposures to reactive electrophiles can be characterized by measuring adducts from reactions between circulating electrophiles and blood nucleophiles. We define an ‘adductome’ as the totality of such adducts with a given nucleophilic target. Because of their greater abundance and residence times in human blood, adducts of hemoglobin (Hb) and human serum albumin (HSA) are preferable to those of DNA and glutathione for characterizing adductomes. In fact, the nucleophilic hotspot represented by the only free sulfhydryl group in HSA (HSA-Cys34) offers particular advantages for adductomic experiments. Although targeted adducts of HSA-Cys34 have been monitored for decades, an unbiased method has only recently been reported for visualizing the HSA-Cys34 ‘subadductome’. The method relies upon a novel mass spectrometry application, termed fixed-step selected reaction monitoring (FS-SRM), to profile Cys34 adducts in tryptic digests of HSA. Here, we selectively review the literature regarding the potential of adductomics to partially elucidate the human exposome, with particular attention to the HSA-Cys34 subadductome.
James Madison: Republican or Democrat?

Although James Madison is best known for the views he expressed in the Federalist, as he gained greater experience in the new American political system he rejected some of these early views and increasingly emphasized four propositions: (1) the greatest threat in the American republic comes from a minority, not the majority; (2) to protect their rights from minority factions, members of the majority faction must organize their own political party; (3) the danger that majorities might threaten property rights could be overcome by enabling a majority of citizens to own property, a feasible solution in America; and (4) in a republic, majorities must be allowed to prevail. Even Madison's post-1787 constitutional views, however, were flawed in at least three serious ways: (1) as an empirical proposition, his conjecture that increased size reduces the danger of factionalism is contradicted by subsequent experience; (2) in his conception of basic rights, Madison excluded more than half the adult population: women, African Americans, and American Indians; and (3) he actively supported the provision in the Constitution that gave to slave states an increase in representatives amounting to three-fifths of the slave population.Robert A. Dahl is the Sterling Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Yale University (robert.dahl@yale.edu). A past president of the American Political Science Association, his numerous publications include A Preface to Democratic Theory; Who Governs? Democracy and Power in an American City; Democracy and Its Critics; and How Democratic is the American Constitution? The author expresses his appreciation to the Political Science Departments of the University of Indiana and Stanford University for providing opportunities to offer a lecture on the subject of this essay and to profit from the discussions that followed. Thanks also to Professors Jack Rakove, Richard Mathews, and Lyman T. Sargent for their helpful criticisms and suggestions on a draft of this paper.
Factors controlling seagrass growth in a gulf coastal system: Water and sediment quality and light

Abstract A combined field descriptive/experimental and laboratory experimental study was carried out to determine the relationships of water quality, qualitative and quantitative light factors and sediment characteristics in the definition of the distribution of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) offshore of two streams, one polluted and one natural, that drain into the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Release of pulp mill effluents into a small drainage system were associated with increased loading of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), water color and nutrients to offshore areas relative to an unpolluted reference system. This loading resulted in changes of water quality factors and light transmission characteristics in the receiving Gulf area. Sediments in affected offshore areas were characterized by increased silt/clay fractions and altered particle size relative to reference sites. Based on the field data, the best (statistically significant) predictors of SAV distribution were photic depths, qualitative aspects of wave length distributions, water quality factors (color, DOC and chlorophyll a ) and sediment characteristics. Photic depths were good predictors of SAV distribution, with depth as an important modifying factor. Mesocosm experiments showed that pulp mill effluent in direct contact with Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme had significant adverse impacts on growth at relatively low concentrations (1–2%) of effluent. Light mesocosm experiments indicated that light levels in inshore Fenholloway areas were associated with reduced growth of Halodule wrightii , S. filiforme and T. testudinum . Field transfer experiments showed that altered sediment and water quality in inshore polluted areas induced significant adverse effects on growth indices of all three species. By comparing the field and experimental results, a hierarchy of habitat requirements for the subject seagrass species was determined. Salinity, temperature and depth restraints are important habitat variables that control seagrass growth; when such variables are not limiting, light, sediment and nutrient characteristics become important in the determination of the distribution of seagrasses in coastal areas.
Exposure with response prevention and energy regulation in the treatment of bulimia

William G. Johnson, Ph.D.David C. Schlundt, Ph.D.Mary Lou Kelley, Ph.D.Laura Ruggiero, B.A.ABSTRACTThe separate and additive effects of exposure with response prevention(ERP) and energy balance training (EB) in the treatment of bulimia wereevaluated in six female bulimics. A multiple-baseline design was used inwhich exposure with response prevention was designed to reduce vomitingfrequency and energy balance training was designed to reduce the fre-quency of food intakes. The treatments were not independent as they led tochanges in the target as well as the nontarget behaviors. Inconsistent self-monitoring and the small sample size limit definite conclusions beyond thefact that both treatments are potentially promising as interventions forbulimia.Bulimia is a newly identified eating disorder occurring predominantly infemales. The disorder has three major characteristics, including a fear of obesi-ty, binge eating and/or eating "forbidden" foods, and purging by self-inducedvomiting or laxative use (Garfinkel, Moldofsky, & Garner, 1980; Russell,1979). Until recently, descriptive data documenting the nature of bulimia inthe absence of anorexia had been lacking. However, Fairburn and Cooper(1982) report responses to a questionnaire from a large sample of Britishwomen. Over 80% of the approximately 400 bulimic women in this study had
Effect of interfacial shear strength on crack-fiber interaction behavior in ceramic matrix composites

Zircon matrix composites uniaxially reinforced with SiC fibers were fabricated with different interfacial properties by changing the fiber coatings. The phenomenon of crack interaction with fibers and/or fiber coatings and its dependence on the interfacial properties were studied using a microindentation technique. The influence of the fiber orientation relative to the crack extension direction on the crack-fiber interaction was also investigated. Crack deflection was observed at the fiber-matrix interface in composites having low interfacial shear strength, and the crack deflection was mostly single-sided, but double-sided deflection was also observed. Crack penetration into the fiber occurred in composites with high values of the interfacial shear strength. These observations were in general agreement with the theoretical predictions of the crack deflection behavior based on the bimaterial interfaces in ceramic composites, but additional observations were made on crack deflection at multiple fiber-matrix interfaces.
EBT, a tryptophan contaminant associated with eosinophilia myalgia syndrome, is incorporated into proteins during translation as an amino acid analog

The tryptophan dimer 1,1'-ethylidenebis[L-tryptophan] was identified as a contaminant of tryptophan preparations associated with Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome. In this paper, we describe experiments examining the hypothesis that 1,1'-ethylidenebis[L-tryptophan] acts as an amino acid analog replacing L-tryptophan during the synthesis of proteins. We propose further that proteins containing 1,1'-ethylidenebis[L-tryptophan] are rejected in an autoimmune process identified clinically as Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome. Rabbit reticulocyte lysates containing an estimated 1 microM L-tryptophan were used to assay the ability of 1,1'-ethylidenebis[L-tryptophan] to compete with 3H-L-tryptophan for incorporation into proteins translated from BMV RNA. 1,1'-Ethylidenebis[L-tryptophan] in concentrations of 40, 80 and 110 microM reduced lysate 3H-L-tryptophan incorporation to 81%, 76% and 75% of control incorporation obtained in the absence of 1,1'-ethylidenebis[L-tryptophan]. In the presence of 20 microM L-tryptophan, 110 microM 1,1'-ethylidenebis[L-tryptophan] reduced 3H-L-tryptophan incorporation to 56% of control incorporation. In contrast, ethyl-L-tryptophan did not significantly reduce 3H-L-tryptophan incorporation. In the presence of 110 microM 1,1'-ethylidenebis[L-tryptophan] and 20 microM L-tryptophan, 3H-L-leucine incorporation was not significantly reduced compared to incorporation in the absence of 1,1'-ethylidenebis[L-tryptophan], demonstrating that proteins were translated to full length during elongation. These findings suggest that 1,1'-ethylidenebis[L-tryptophan], but not ethyl-L-tryptophan, reduced 3H-L-tryptophan incorporation into proteins by substituting for L-tryptophan rather than by causing premature termination or significant slowing of nascent protein chains.
Optimal Use of Cytokines/Chemokines in Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation

The last 3 years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the use of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) in lieu of bone marrow for allografting in patients with haematological malignancies in major bone marrow transplant centres worldwide. Based at least in part on experience with autologous transplantation, circulating haemopoietic progenitor cells are now known to include pluripotent stem cells expressing indefinite self-renewal capacity that can be employed for restoring haemopoiesis following myeloablative treatment. A transient shifting of progenitor cells from extravascular sites into the circulation by chemopriming and/or cytokine treatment enables the collection, by apheresis, of a sufficient number of progenitor cells and stem cells to guarantee engraftment. The administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has emerged as an efficient and usually well tolerated way to accomplish this mobilisation. For the donor, advantages of PBSC collection over traditional bone marrow harvesting include avoidance of anaesthesia and surgery, as well as the lack of need for blood transfusions or hospitalisation.
Delineation of an effector population responsible for natural killing and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in man

Abstract A series of three monoclonal antibodies to human lymphoid cell surface determinants was utilized to characterize the effector population for natural killing (NK) and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). The first antibody, termed anti-T3, was reactive with all peripheral T cells (T3 + ); a second defined an invariant region of the human Ia antigen found on all B cells and a fraction of monocytes and Null cells (Ia + ); and a third, anti-M1, reacted with circulating monocytes (MI + ). Complement-mediated lysis was employed to eliminate M1 + , T3 + , and/or Ia + cells. It was found that removal of the M1 + population markedly reduced ADCC as well as NK. In contrast, lysis of T3 + and Ia + cells enriched for both functions. These observations suggest that the major effectors of NK and ADCC among resting peripheral blood mononuclear cells are restricted to the M1 + , Ia − population.
The role of dysfunctional HDL in atherosclerosis

This review focuses on HDL function in modulating LDL oxidation and LDL-induced inflammation. Dysfunctional HDL has been identified in animal models and humans with chronic inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis. The loss of antiinflammatory function correlated with a loss of function in reverse cholesterol transport. In animal models and perhaps in humans, dysfunctional HDL can be improved by apoA-I mimetic peptides that bind oxidized lipids with high affinity.
High-Frequency, ICCD Diffuse Optical Tomography System for Separation of Optical Properties in Small Tissue Volumes

As a basis for small animal quantitative fluorescence tomography we present an ICCD based tomography system that provides optical property maps using frequency domain data between 100-1250MHz.
Low Annual Caseloads of United States Surgeons Conducting Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose It has been clearly demonstrated that surgeons with increased yearly caseloads have lower complication rates. Moreover it has been shown that a surgeon needs to conduct at least 250 radical prostatectomies to maximize cancer control (the surgical learning curve). Materials and Methods To determine typical annual radical prostatectomy caseloads of surgeons in the United States we analyzed data from 2 independent data sets for 2005, that of a nationally representative sample (Nationwide Inpatient Sample) and a complete record of all hospital discharges from New York State (Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System). Results More than 25% of United States surgeons conducting radical prostatectomy in 2005 performed only a single procedure. Approximately 80% of surgeons performed fewer than 10 procedures per year and, thus, are unlikely to reach the plateau of the learning curve during their surgical career. Conclusions The current pattern of surgical treatment for prostate cancer leads to many patients being treated by surgeons with low annual caseloads, with likely poorer outcomes as a result.