cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human leukocyte antigen class II immune response genes, female gender, and cigarette smoking as risk and modulating factors in abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abstract Objective: Aortic inflammation and the genes that regulate the immune response play an important role in abdominal aortic aneurysm pathogenesis. However, the modulating effects of such genetic and other environmental factors on the severity on aneurysm inflammation is not known. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes, gender, and environmental factors on degree of abdominal aortic aneurysm tissue inflammation. Methods: Aneurysm specimens were obtained at the time of operation from 96 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and were graded for degree of histologic inflammation. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the association of genetic and environmental factors with degree of inflammation and to determine the HLA-associated disease risk for aneurysm. Results: Active cigarette smoking and female gender were independently associated with high-grade tissue inflammation identified histologically (odds ratio [OR], confidence interval [CI]: 5.6, 1.6 to 19.3; and 6.0, 1.4 to 26.2, respectively), and a specific HLA allele (DR B1 * 01) was inversely associated with inflammation (OR, CI: 0.2, 0.04 to 0.7). Overall, the HLA-DR B1 * 02 and B1 * 04 alleles were significantly associated with disease risk, more than doubling risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm (OR, CI: 2.5, 1.4 to 4.3; and 2.1, 1.2 to 3.7, respectively). Conclusion: Active cigarette smoking and female gender are significant disease-modulating factors associated with increased abdominal aortic aneurysm inflammation. In addition, the HLA class II immune response genes possess both disease modulating and disease risk properties, which may be useful in early aneurysm detection and surveillance. (J Vasc Surg 2002;35:988-93.)
Examination of Chloride-Induced Corrosion in Reinforced Geopolymer Concretes

The durability of steel reinforced-concrete specimens made from three alkali-activated fly ash (FA) stockpiles and ordinary portland cement (OPC) in cyclic wet-dry chloride environment was evaluated over a period of 12 months. Testing methods included electrochemical methods, chloride diffusion and contents analysis, chemical and mechanical analyses, and visual examination. Geopolymer concrete (GPC) specimens made from Class F FA exhibited lower diffusion coefficients, chloride contents, and porosity compared with their GPC Class C FA and OPC counterparts. Overall, GPC specimens displayed limited signs of leaching and corrosion product formation, whereas OPC specimens exhibited the formation of multiple corrosion products along with significant leaching.
Histological and Hematological Evaluation of Potassium Permanganate Exposure in Channel Catfish

Abstract A histological and hematological study was performed to evaluate the effect of waterborne exposures of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus to potassium permanganate (KMnO4). Three concentrations of KMnO4 were chosen to represent one, three, and five times the therapeutic concentrations (0.438, 1.315, and 2.190 mg/L, respectively), based on the KMnO4 demand, for 36 h, which is three times the usual treatment duration. The organs examined were the gill, liver, and trunk kidney. Differential leukocyte counts of neutrophils and monocytes in the blood and plasma enzyme analyses (lactate dehydrogenase and alanine transaminase) were also performed. The gill was the only organ to show microscopic lesions. Fish exposed to the therapeutic concentration of KMnO4 for 36 h had mild hypertrophy and spongiosis in the gills sampled during exposure, but no lesions were noticed 2 d postexposure. Gills of fish exposed to three and five times the therapeutic dose had extensive hyperplasia, epithelial hypertrophy and...
Training internists in procedural skills.

Abstract ▪ The procedural skills of internists have been scrutinized recently because of concern for quality of care and because of economic and liability issues. The findings of recent surveys of ...
Spatial distributions of H2 desorbed from Fe, Pt, Cu, Nb, and stainless steel surfaces

Abstract The spatial distributions of H 2 molecules desorbed from polycrystalline Fe, Pt, Cu, Nb and stainless steel (type 304) surfaces were measured with a rotatable ionization gauge. Prior to cleaning the surfaces by ion bombardment or by oxidation, the AES (Auger electron spectroscopy) spectra indicated that all of the sample surfaces were highly contaminated. (S, C, and P were the predominant impurities.) The spatial distributions measured under these conditions were considerably narrower than the commonly-assumed diffuse distribution; i.e., the concentration of desorbed molecules was higher in the vicinity of the surface normal than for the case of diffuse emission represented by cos θ, where θ is the angle of inspection measured from the surface normal. These measured distributions may be described approximately by the form cos d θ, where d ranges from ∼ 2.5 for Nb to ∼ 7 for Fe. However, as the surfaces were cleaned, the spatial distributions for Fe, Pt, and Nb tended to become diffuse (i.e., d → 1), which is consistent with the trend we observed previously for polycrystalline and single-crystal Ni. Copper proved to be an exception to this trend, since its distribution was far from being diffuse (i.e., d ≅ 4) when the surface appeared to be clean according to our AES measurements. We suggest that this unusual characteristic of Cu is a consequence of an activation energy barrier associated with the dissociative adsorption of hydrogen on Cu.
Formation of functional tight junctions in Xenopus embryos.

Formation of the blastocoel in early Xenopus embryos was studied with a novel biotin-permeability assay and newly generated tight junction markers. The blastocoel forms at the first cleavage division since functional tight junctions which excluded biotin and established a segregated intraembryonic compartment were found at the 2-cell and all subsequent developmental stages. Unexpectedly, tight junctions before the 64-cell stage were not at their normal apical positions, but were found deep in the embryos, up to 200 micron from the apical surface. In these positions, the tight junctions left large areas of ion permeable lateral membranes exposed to the extraembryonic environment, explaining why electrophysiological experiments record a decrease in embryonic input resistances concomitant with early cleavage stages. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the recessed tight junctions did not influence the distribution of C-cadherin and Na+,K+ATPase. Both markers were present apical to recessed tight junctions, indicating that the maintenance of polarization of these basolateral markers does not require tight junctions. With further development, tight junctions assumed an increasingly apical location until, by the 2000-cell stage, they occupied their conventional positions between the blastomeres at the apical/lateral membrane boundaries.
Subjective and objective probability effects on P300 amplitude revisited.

Does objective probability affect P300 size independently and in addition to subjective probability? The latter was manipulated by the number of stimuli presented and classification task. Five groups saw target and frequent stimuli. Two saw these with p 5 .2 or .067, with two different button presses. Three groups saw two additional nontarget stimuli each with p 5 .067. One group pressed a different button for each stimulus. A second group pressed one button for the three oddballs, another for the frequent. A third critical group pressed one button for the target and another for other stimuli. In this group, P300 was larger for targets versus nontargets, and larger for nontargets versus frequents. Although nontargets were classified with frequents, their actual low probability distinguished them from frequents, and their subjective probability distinguished them from targets. Therefore, actual and subjective probability effects were independently found. Descriptors: Event-related potential, P300 amplitude, Subjective probability, Stimulus classification
A Riemannian Framework for Matching Point Clouds Represented by the Schrödinger Distance Transform

In this paper, we cast the problem of point cloud matching as a shape matching problem by transforming each of the given point clouds into a shape representation called the Schrodinger distance transform (SDT) representation. This is achieved by solving a static Schrodinger equation instead of the corresponding static Hamilton-Jacobi equation in this setting. The SDT representation is an analytic expression and following the theoretical physics literature, can be normalized to have unit 2 norm -- making it a square-root density, which is identified with a point on a unit Hilbert sphere, whose intrinsic geometry is fully known. The Fisher-Rao metric, a natural metric for the space of densities leads to analytic expressions for the geodesic distance between points on this sphere. In this paper, we use the well known Riemannian framework never before used for point cloud matching, and present a novel matching algorithm. We pose point set matching under rigid and non-rigid transformations in this framework and solve for the transformations using standard nonlinear optimization techniques. Finally, to evaluate the performance of our algorithm -- dubbed SDTM -- we present several synthetic and real data examples along with extensive comparisons to state-of-the-art techniques. The experiments show that our algorithm outperforms state-of the-art point set registration algorithms on many quantitative metrics.
Functionalized platforms based on marine cyclopeptides: different pathways to the hexapeptide

Abstract The synthesis of macrocyclic, roughly planar, exclusively syn -functionalized hexapeptides, related to dolastatin I and bistratamide C from enantiomerically pure oxazole precursors is reported. The platforms can either be synthesized in a stepwise procedure by final cyclization of the linear oxazole trimers or in a direct ‘one-pot’ reaction. The investigation on the coupling of these building blocks into linear dimers and trimers with modern peptide coupling reagents is reported.
Quantitative analysis : an empirical approach

The determination of weight fraction of various phases in an alloy or composite is extremely important in order to have a better control over the properties. Quantitative metallography and x-ray diffraction have been traditionally in use for this purpose. These methods have their merits as well as limitations. A simple method of determining the weight fraction of a phase has been proposed herein in which intensity ratio of a selected pair of diffraction peaks is shown to be exponentially related to the weight fraction of the phase. The value of exponent m can be obtained from one standard mixture of known composition, and then any number of unknown mixtures consisting of the same constituents may be analyzed for weight fraction.
Two relatives of Picard's theorem on entire functions

1. INTRODUCTION. According to Picard's 'great theorem', a transcendental (i.e., non-polynomial) entire function takes on every complex value, with one possible exception, infinitely many times in the complex plane. I will present here two theorems, related to Picard's theorem, whose proofs use only the techniques of a first course in complex analysis. They are weak versions of known results, weak enough (I hope) to be widely accessible, but still strong enough (I hope) to be interesting. 2. POWER SERIES WITH GAPS. From properties of the coefficients of a power series it is possible to deduce properties of the function represented by the series. For example, a power series is said to have 'gaps' if most of its coefficients vanish, and the existence of gaps implies information about the values taken on by the associated function. The following theorem illustrates this.
Identification of cardiac glycosides and aglycones in Strophanthus seeds by paper chromatography.

Abstract Approximately 100 seed samples of the Apocynaceae family, chiefly the genus Strophanthus, were examined by paper chromatography. Cardiac glycosides and aglycones were identified as Ag(NH3)2+-reducing spots of characteristic mobility in various solvent systems. The identity of the steroids was confirmed by acetylation of the seed extracts or hydrolysis followed by acetylation. Characteristic patterns of fluorescent components in the seed extracts were found useful for the classification of samples.
The middle Balmer decrement in quiescent prominences.

We present measurements of the middle Balmer decrement (n = 10–22) in a number of quiescent prominences. The average decrement continues smoothly the trend of the decrement determined in our previous work on the earlier Balmer lines. The range of Tex is found to be 3450–11 000 K, consistent with the generally accepted range of values for Te. In addition, some values for the hydrogen-to-metal (Fe, Ti+) integrated line intensities are given.
The nucleotide sequence preceding an RNA polymerase initiation site on SV40 DNA. Part 1. The sequence of the late strand transcript

Abstract The nucleotide sequence of the RNA transcript from the “early” (E) strand of SV40 DNA immediately preceding the preferred E. coli RNA polymerase start site is G-(A-A-A-C, -A-U-)-A-A-A-A-U-G-A-A-U-G-C-A-A-U-U-G-U-U-G-U-U-G-U-U-A-A-C-U-U-G-U-U-U-A-U-U-G-C-A-G-C-U-U-A-U-A-A-U-G-G-U-U-A-C-Ap. The last nucleotide of the sequence is the first nucleotide transcribed by E. coli RNA polymerase from the “E” strand. The DNA template contains a palindrome of 17 residues that includes the Hemophilus influenza restriction endonuclease cleavage site G-T-T-A-A-Cp. The DNA which gives this transcript lies very close to one end of SV40 DNA segment in the Adeno-SV40 hybrid virus Ad2+ND3 and appears to contain sufficient untranscribed information to specify the E. coli RNA polymerase start.
Cortical gamma responses: Searching high and low

In this paper, a brief, preliminary attempt is made to frame a scientific debate about how functional responses at gamma frequencies in electrophysiological recordings (EEG, MEG, ECoG, and LFP) should be classified and interpreted. In general, are all gamma responses the same, or should they be divided into different classes according to criteria such as their spectral characteristics (frequency range and/or shape), their spatial-temporal patterns of occurrence, and/or their responsiveness under different task conditions? In particular, are the responses observed in intracranial EEG at a broad range of "high gamma" frequencies (~60-200Hz) different from gamma responses observed at lower frequencies (~30-80Hz), typically in narrower bands? And if they are different, how should they be interpreted? Does the broad spectral shape of high gamma responses arise from the summation of many different narrow-band oscillations, or does it reflect something completely different? If we are not sure, should we refer to high gamma activity as oscillations? A variety of theories have posited a mechanistic role for gamma activity in cortical function, often assuming narrow-band oscillations. These theories continue to influence the design of experiments and the interpretation of their results. Do these theories apply to all electrophysiological responses at gamma frequencies? Although no definitive answers to these questions are immediately anticipated, this paper will attempt to review the rationale for why they are worth asking and to point to some of the possible answers that have been proposed.
Measurement and prediction of indoor air flow in a model room

Abstract In the interest of designing an efficient and acceptable indoor air environment in modern buildings, it is important to resolve the relationship between geometric room parameters and the air flow patterns produced by mechanical ventilation systems. Toward this end, we compare results from relatively simple three-dimensional numerical simulations (CFD) with laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) experimental measurements of indoor air flows in a one-tenth sub-scale model room. Laminar, k – e turbulence, and RNG k – e turbulence numerical models are used and evaluated with respect to their performance in simulating the flow in the model room, and results of the numerical simulations and velocimetry measurements show how obstructions can greatly influence the air flow and contaminant transport in a room. It is important, therefore, that obstructions be considered in ventilation design. Simulations predict the measured trends in a model room very well, with relative errors not much larger than 20%. In this study, the RNG model most accurately predicts the flow in a partitioned room, capturing the gross effects of a large flow obstruction.
Vomeronasal Organ: Pheromone Recognition with a Twist

Pheromones are detected by the vomeronasal organ using members of two receptor superfamilies: the V1Rs and V2Rs. New studies show that MHC class I molecules are co-expressed in particular combinations with specific V2Rs in the vomeronasal organ. The role of these MHC molecules is unknown, but they may be of considerable biological significance.
Complications of type I coronoid fractures in competitive athletes: Report of two cases and review of the literature

Coronoid fractures have been classified into three types. Elbow instability is a well-recognized complication of type III and less so in type II fractures. Type I fractures have generally been considered to heal uneventfully, with early range of motion. We present two cases of type I fractures in athletes that failed to improve with conservative management. One developed loose body formation and the other a fibrous nonunion with mechanical blockage of elbow flexion. Both patients responded to arthroscopic intervention and returned to full athletic activities. These cases illustrate potential complications with type I coronoid fractures in competitive athletes that should be recognized and treated early.
Multiple buoyant densities of hepatitis A virus in cesium chloride gradients

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) recovered from stools of human cases of hepatitis A and from stools of chimpanzees experimentally infected with HAV was shown to possess multiple buoyant densities in CsCl gradients. The greatest proportion of HAV was most frequently found at a buoyant density of 1.32-1.34 g/cm3, however, large proportions of HAV were also frequently found at higher densities, including 1.36-1.37, 1.40-1.42, and 1.45-1.48 g/cm3. These findings are consistent with the notion that HAV may be a parvovirus.
CaMKII Autonomy Is Substrate-dependent and Further Stimulated by Ca2+/Calmodulin

A hallmark feature of Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) regulation is the generation of Ca2+-independent autonomous activity by Thr-286 autophosphorylation. CaMKII autonomy has been regarded a form of molecular memory and is indeed important in neuronal plasticity and learning/memory. Thr-286-phosphorylated CaMKII is thought to be essentially fully active (∼70–100%), implicating that it is no longer regulated and that its dramatically increased Ca2+/CaM affinity is of minor functional importance. However, this study shows that autonomy greater than 15–25% was the exception, not the rule, and required a special mechanism (T-site binding; by the T-substrates AC2 or NR2B). Autonomous activity toward regular R-substrates (including tyrosine hydroxylase and GluR1) was significantly further stimulated by Ca2+/CaM, both in vitro and within cells. Altered Km and Vmax made autonomy also substrate- (and ATP) concentration-dependent, but only over a narrow range, with remarkable stability at physiological concentrations. Such regulation still allows molecular memory of previous Ca2+ signals, but prevents complete uncoupling from subsequent cellular stimulation.
Field Evaluation of Asphalt Additives to Control Rutting and Cracking

The performance of a variety of materials added to asphalt binders and mixtures to change their properties, particularly with respect to rutting and cracking, was investigated. Two approaches were taken. The first was a field trial of seven modifiers. The modifiers evaluated included plastomers, elastomers, chemical modifiers, and particulates. The second approach was a laboratory study of the effects of these modifiers on binder and mixture properties. The field trial showed that modifiers are not essential to ensure that the pavement will not rut; none of the mixtures evaluated here exhibited appreciable rutting. Dramatic differences were noted in the cracking behavior, however. The newly developed MP-la binder tests were able to identify binders that were more prone to cracking.
Stress Corrosion Cracking Susceptibility of a Titanium Alloy in a Non-electrolyte

PRE-CRACKED specimens of an alloy of titanium, aluminium, molybdenum and vanadium (90: 8: 1: 1) with a yield strength of 107,000 lb./in.2 were stressed in saturated hydrocarbons using the cantilever beam test designed by Brown1. The hydrocarbons were n-propane, and n-heptane and n-hexane of commercial purity (99+ mole per cent). These were contained in ‘Tygon’ or polyethylene cemented to the specimens with silicone rubber cement. During a test, the surface of the specimen containing a small fatigue crack was stressed in tension while submerged in one of the hydrocarbons.
Use of antidepressants during pregnancy and risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the offspring.

Objective: Little is known about the impact of in utero exposure to antidepressants on children's long-term mental health. This study analyzed the impact of exposure to antidepressants during pregnancy on the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the offspring. Methods: Claims-based data from 38,074 families were used to identify deliveries, parental mental health diagnoses, maternal exposure to antidepressants, and diagnosis or treatment for ADHD in the children. Multiple logistic regressions were performed using the presence of ADHD in the child by the age of 5 years as the dependent variable. Results: A diagnosis of ADHD in the mother or the father was associated with higher rates of ADHD in the children (OR = 4.15, p < .001 and OR = 3.54, p < .001, respectively). A diagnosis of bipolar disorder (OR = 5.08, p < .001), psychotic disorders (OR = 4.05, p = .02), or depressive disorders (OR = 2.58, p < .001) in the mother, but not in the father, increased the risk of ADHD in their children. Exposure to bupropion during pregnancy (OR = 3.63, p = .02), especially during the second trimester (OR = 14.66, p < .001), was strongly associated with increased risk of ADHD, whereas exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors was not (OR = 0.91, p = .74). Conclusion: Children of mothers treated with bupropion during pregnancy have an increased risk of being diagnosed with ADHD; a possible causal effect needs to be further studied. Assessing the mental health of caregivers should be considered as part of the evaluation and treatment of children with ADHD.
Current status of the nuclear matter incompressibility coefficient as deduced from data on compression modes

Abstract We review the current status of the nuclear matter incompressibility coefficient, K nm , as deduced from experimental data on excitation cross sections, σ( E ), for the isoscalar giant monopole resonance (ISGMR) and the isoscalar giant dipole resonance (ISGDR). We present results of microscopic calculations for the σ( E ) of the ISGMR and the ISGDR, providing a resolution of the long standing problem concerning the value of K nm , deduced from the ISGDR data.
Amphetamine self-administration by humans: modulation by contingencies associated with task performance

The effect of task performance feedback and associated monetary earnings on drug self-administration were evaluated using eight subjects in a residential laboratory setting. The hypothesis was that if subjects believed thatd-amphetamine impaired performance and reduced monetary earnings,d-amphetamine self-administration would decrease. Subjects performed computer tasks every day: on certain days that they received capsules, subjects were given bogus feedback regarding their performance (“better” or “worse” than average). On sample days, subjects were required to taked-amphetamine (10 mg BID) or placebo (0 mg BID) capsules. On choice days, subjects could choose between eitherd-amphetamine or placebo. Subjects received feedback on their task performance on 2 sample days and 2 of 4 choice days. Subjects received no feedback on the remaining two choice days. When subjects received no feedback, they chosed-amphetamine over placebo 78% of the time, and when they were given better feedback messages, they chosed-amphetamine 87.5% of the time. In contrast,d-amphetamine self-administration decreased significantly to 25% when subjects were told that it impaired their performance on work tasks and resulted in reduced earnings. In reality,d-amphetamine had little effect on work task performance. However, compared to placebo,d-amphetamine significantly increased subjective ratings of “Stimulated” and “Good Drug Effect” and significantly decreased ratings of “Tired” and “Sleepy”. These results demonstrate thatd-amphetamine served as a reinforcer under conditions in which drug self-administration did not influence monetary earnings, but thatd-amphetamine self-administration could be modified by feedback/monetary earnings. Thus, contingencies associated with performance have important implications for drug use in the workplace.
Intentional and identity processes: A social constructionist investigation using student journals

Abstract In contrast to traditional theories of career development that focus on decision-making processes in relation to market work, [Richardson, M. S. (2004). The emergence of new intentions in subjective experience: A social/personal constructionist and relational understanding. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 64 , 485–498], informed by social constructionism and considering both work and relationships, suggests that the process of emerging intentional states or intentional process is central to the broader task of constructing a life. This study was designed to investigate this process. The research situation consisted of three structured group discussions with students in a graduate class. Journals written after the group discussions constituted the data for the study. Based on the first stage of data analysis, the scope of investigation was expanded to include emerging identity states or identity process and the emotional experience of the group discussions. In the second phase of data analysis, intentional process and identity process data were analyzed for themes and the emotional experience data were coded. Results of both phases of data analysis are discussed in relation to future research and implications for practice.
Eutrophication in peel inlet—I. The problem-defining behavior and a mathematical model for the phosphorus scenario

Abstract The utilization of a mathematical model at an early stage of research on an environmental problem, the causes of which are poorly understood, is usually infeasible because of a lack of data. If the problem of interest is generically similar to others that have been reported in the literature however, a considerable amount of applicable information may be available and, if so, the parameters of a simulation model may be specified via a priori statistical distributions. Monte Carlo experiments can then be utilized to examine whether the model is able to simulate the salient qualitative aspects of the problem-defining behavior. The ultimate objective of such an approach is to identify areas of critical uncertainty in knowledge of the system and thereby to derive information that may be useful in focusing the next phase of research. The problem of cultural eutrophication in Peel Inlet, Western Australia, where the system behavior of interest is the excessive growth of the alga Cladophora , is amenable to such treatment. A phosphorus-based model provides one feasible explanation of this nuisance algal problem.
Outcomes of Mild Therapeutic Hypothermia After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Background Although the benefits of mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) in selected patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest have been consistently demonstrated, no controlled trial of MTH in selected patients after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) has been published. We sought to assess the benefit of MTH after IHCA in patients meeting our institutions IHCA MTH inclusion criteria.
What Has Economics to Say about Racial Discrimination

Stable URL:http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0895-3309%28199821%2912%3A2%3C91%3AWHETSA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-IThe Journal of Economic Perspectives is currently published by American Economic Association.Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use, available athttp://www.jstor.org/about/terms.html. JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use provides, in part, that unless you have obtainedprior permission, you may not download an entire issue of a journal or multiple copies of articles, and you may use content inthe JSTOR archive only for your personal, non-commercial use.Please contact the publisher regarding any further use of this work. Publisher contact information may be obtained athttp://www.jstor.org/journals/aea.html.Each copy of any part of a JSTOR transmission must contain the same copyright notice that appears on the screen or printedpage of such transmission.JSTOR is an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to and preserving a digital archive of scholarly journals. Formore information regarding JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org.http://www.jstor.orgThu Apr 26 15:31:49 2007
Characterization of Medicinal Compounds Confined in Porous Media by Neutron Vibrational Spectroscopy and First-Principles Calculations: A Case Study with Ibuprofen

Amorphous formulations of ibuprofen were prepared by confining the drug molecules into the porous scaffolds. The molecular interactions between ibuprofen and porous media were investigated using neutron vibrational spectroscopy. Ibuprofen was introduced into the pores using sublimation and adsorption method. Neutron vibrational spectra of both neat and confined ibuprofen were measured, and compared to the simulated ibuprofen spectra using first-principles phonon calculations. The neutron vibrational spectra showed marked difference between the neat crystalline and the confined ibuprofen in low-frequency region, indicating a loss of the overall structural order once the ibuprofen molecules were in the pores. Furthermore, the formation of ibuprofen dimers, which is found in the crystal structure, was greatly inhibited, possibly due to the preferential interactions between the carboxylic acid group of ibuprofen (−COOH) and the surface hydroxyl groups of porous scaffolds (Si–OH). The experimental evidence suggests that, at the current drug loading, most, if not all, of the confined ibuprofen molecules were bound to the pore surfaces via hydrogen bonding. The structural arrangement of ibuprofen in the pores appears to be monolayer coverage. In addition, neutron vibrational spectroscopy is proven an exceedingly useful technique to study adsorbent-adsorbate interactions.
Resonant two-photon dissociation of Ni2+

Abstract Ni 2 + ions generated in a pulsed high-temperature plasma and cooled by supersonic expansion are photodissociated with tunable visible laser radiation. Resonant bound-bound absorption in the isolated ion is detected by the observation of Ni 2 + → Ni + + Ni sequential two-photon dissociation. Progressions of vibronic bands with partially resolved rotational structure belonging to several distinct electronic transitions in Ni 2 + have been observed in the interval between 16250 and 23500 cm −1 . The appearance and preliminary analysis of this resonant two-photon dissociation (R2PD) spectrum will be discussed.
Mouse RNAase MRP RNA is encoded by a nuclear gene and contains a decamer sequence complementary to a conserved region of mitochondrial RNA substrate

Using complementary oligonucleotide probes, we have isolated the nuclear gene for the RNA moiety of RNAase MRP; it is present as a single copy and encodes an uncapped primary transcript of 275 nucleotides. Direct sequence analysis revealed that the 136 nucleotide RNA that copurifies with RNAase MRP represents the 3' half of the 275 nucleotide primary transcript. The 5'-flanking region of the gene has putative transcriptional control elements homologous to the promoters of RNA polymerase II-transcribed U-series snRNA genes; however, the coding region possesses a box A sequence and terminates at four T residues, both features characteristic of polymerase III-transcribed genes. A decamer sequence, 5'-CGA-CCCCUCC-3', complementary to a conserved sequence adjacent to the enzymatic cleavage site on the mitochondrial RNA substrate, is present in the RNAase MRP RNA. Isolation of a nuclear gene for the RNA component of a mitochondrial enzyme implies that nucleic acids can be transported across mitochondrial membranes.
Trajectory Optimization for Well-Conditioned Parameter Estimation

When attempting to estimate parameters in a dynamical system, it is often beneficial to strategically design experimental trajectories that facilitate the estimation process. This paper presents an optimization algorithm which improves conditioning of estimation problems by modifying the experimental trajectory. An objective function which minimizes the condition number of the Hessian of the least-squares identification method is derived and a least-squares method is used to estimate parameters of the nonlinear system. A software-simulated example demonstrates that an arbitrarily designed trajectory can lead to an ill-conditioned least-squares estimation problem, which in turn leads to slower convergence to the best estimate and, in the presence of experimental uncertainties, may lead to no convergence at all. A physical experiment with a robot-controlled suspended mass also shows improved estimation results in practice in the presence of noise and uncertainty using the optimized trajectory.
Colon Perforation After Lung Transplantation

Background Colon perforation has been previously described after solid organ transplantation. Since the inception of the lung transplant program at the University of Colorado 60 isolated lung transplantations have been performed. Four of these patients have suffered spontaneous colonic perforation. Methods The case history of each lung transplant patient with a colon perforation and the literature were reviewed. Results An increased incidence of colon perforation in lung transplant patients was identified. Diverticulitis was found to be the predominant cause, and an association with steroids was noted. The two deaths in this series were in patients receiving high-dose steroids in whom invasive Aspergillus infections developed. Conclusions Careful screening of the gastrointestinal tract before transplantation is advocated. A steroid-sparing immunosuppressive regimen is recommended. All lung transplant patients with abdominal complaints require an aggressive work-up, and surgeons should have a low threshold for laparotomy. Conservative surgical principles, including resection of the perforated segment of colon and proximal end-colostomy rather than primary anastomosis, are necessary for the optimal outcome.
EM algorithms for nonparametric estimation of mixing distributions

Abstract This paper describes and implements three computationally attractive procedures for nonparametric estimation of mixing distributions in discrete choice models. The procedures are specific types of the well known EM (Expectation-Maximization) algorithm based on three different ways of approximating the mixing distribution nonparametrically: (1) a discrete distribution with mass points and frequencies treated as parameters, (2) a discrete mixture of continuous distributions, with the moments and weight for each distribution treated as parameters, and (3) a discrete distribution with fixed mass points whose frequencies are treated as parameters. The methods are illustrated with a mixed logit model of households' choices among alternative-fueled vehicles.
Intimal pulmonary artery sarcoma presenting as dyspnea: case report

We report a case of pulmonary sarcoma which is a rare cause of the common symptom of dyspnea. A fifty-one year old previously healthy male presented to the emergency room with complaints of dyspnea on exertion. A cardiac workup including an exercise stress test was negative but an echocardiography showed pulmonary stenosis. Cardiac MRI showed a large mass extending from the pulmonic valve to both the right and left pulmonary arteries suggestive of sarcoma. A complete resection and repair of the pulmonary artery was done and adjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin and ifosfamide was recommended. The patient is currently disease free after eighteen months. Pulmonary artery sarcomas are a difficult diagnosis. The diagnosis may remain elusive for some time until the proper imaging techniques are utilized to make a diagnosis. Earlier and accurate diagnosis may lead to earlier interventions and improve survival.
Gender Differences in the Association between Maternal Depressed Mood and Child Depressive Phenomena from Grade 3 through Grade 10

This study reports on relationships among gender, maternal depressed mood, and children’s trajectories of depressive phenomena across middle childhood and early adolescence. It tested the hypothesis that, compared to boys, girls become increasingly vulnerable to maternal depression as they enter adolescence. The study sample consisted of 834 families from 10 Pacific Northwest schools that participated in the Raising Healthy Children project. Maternal depressed mood and children’s depressive phenomena were assessed annually during an 8-year period that spanned Grade 3 through Grade 10 for the children. Mean scores for girls’ depressive phenomena increased relative to those for boys as children matured. Maternal depressed mood was significantly and positively associated with children’s level of depressive phenomena. An interaction effect of gender and maternal depressed mood on acceleration in children’s depressive phenomena indicated that girls’ trajectories of depressive phenomena were sustained in the presence of maternal depression while those of boys declined in the presence of maternal depression.
Rotating deep annulus convection

Sixteen meridian-plane temperature profiles were obtained in the upper symmetric regime of a differentially heated rotating annulus of water by means of a thermocouple probe. This probe, though made as small as practicable, disturbed the flow field, and the nature of the disturbance and its correction is discussed. Correlations relating the wall thermal Rossby number to a thermal Rossby number and vertical stability number measured in the interior of the fluid away from the wall boundary layers are given. The spatial variation of these parameters is discussed. The wall boundary layers are also investigated in detail, and they appear to be similar to those observed on a vertical heated plate with some modifications due to rotation. Some preliminary information concerning the thermal fields in the lower symmetric regime is also given. Based on a theoretical discussion by McIntyre (1968) and the above measurements, a heuristic picture of the thermal fields in the upper symmetric regime is constructed.
Determination of Caleitonin in Plasma by Bioassay1

A simple method for concentrating plasma to permit the determination of caleitonin levels by bioassay has been developed and applied successfully to avian species. The method employs gel nitration through Sephadex G-50 followed by bioassay of the appropriate fractions in the sensitive rat method of Sturtridge and Kumar. Recoveries of added caleitonin were between 86-88%. Plasma caleitonin concentrations of 50 MRC μ units/ml and above are detectable by this method. Using either this technique or direct injection of untreated plasma, caleitonin levels have been determined in various avian species (pigeon, goose, duck, chicken, and Japanese quail) and found to range between 100-1500 MRC μ units/ml. It has not been possible to detect caleitonin in normal plasmas in any mammalian species tested (man, dog, pig, rat, marmot, bovine, or rabbit), with the exception of one rabbit sample, indicating that plasma caleitonin concentrations in these species are normally less than 50 MRC μ. units/ml and are therefore muc...
Challenges for Future Research in Exercise Physiology as Applied to the Respiratory System

Some of the major unresolved questions in the respiratory physiology and pathophysiology of exercise are addressed. To solve many of these difficult basic problems and to understand how systems operate alone and in combination in an integrated fashion, truly experimental integrative physiological approaches are required in both humans and animals.
Size-Dependent Temperature Variation of the Energy Gap in Lead-Salt Quantum Dots

We observe that the temperature coefficients of electron-hole pair energies $(dE/dT)$ in PbS and PbSe quantum dots depend strongly on the size of the quantum dot. With decreasing size the temperature coefficient of the lowest electron-hole pair energy ${\mathrm{dE}}_{g}/dT$ decreases by more than an order of magnitude from the bulk value. The weak temperature dependence found in the strong-confinement limit is expected for atomiclike levels, but has not been observed previously in a semiconductor.
The effects of naltrexone on the development of physical dependence on morphine.

Abstract A single i.p. injection of naltrexone (20 mg/kg) partially inhibited the development of physical dependence upon morphine in mice rendered dependent on morphine by implantation of a pellet containing 75 mg of morphine free base for three days. This was evidenced by an increase in the dose of naloxone (ED 50 ) required to precipitate withdrawal jumping response. The increase in naloxone ED 50 was much more pronounced when naltrexone was given prior to and during the course of pellet implantation. Inhibition was also observed when naltrexone was administered one day after the morphine pellet implantation,.e., after some dependence had already developed. Naltrexone administration prior to and during the development of dependence also inhibited, but only partially, the loss in body weight and hypothermic response observed during abrupt withdrawal of morphine in morphine-dependent mice. The inhibitory effect of naltrexone on morphine dependence development was not associated with changes in brain morphine concentration.
Four stages in the study of quasiparticle-phonon interactions

Four stages are described in the theoretical study of the transport effects of strong interactions between phonons and narrow-band quasiparticles such as electrons and excitons in molecular solids. Recent work is reviewed and future directions are commented upon.
Skin wrinkling of sandwich polymer matrix composite panels subjected to fire exposure

Abstract This paper presents an analytical solution of skin wrinkling for sandwich polymer matrix composite panels in a combined thermal–mechanical condition. The thermal gradient in the transverse direction is induced by one-sided fire exposure, and the mechanical load is the in-plane compression. Due to low thermal conductivities of polymer matrix composites, the thermal gradient exists for a long period of time. The material properties of polymer matrix composites are degraded as temperature rises. These behaviors induce mechanical properties' gradients along the transverse direction. The general solution for the wrinkling load in the thermal–mechanical loading condition is investigated. The solution is characterized in terms of two non-dimensional parameters that represent material properties and dimensional lengths of the skin and the core. The wrinkling load is presented for fairly complete ranges of the two non-dimensional parameters. The wrinkling load is also derived from Winkler model for non-homogeneous materials. An example of thermal-mechanical simulation to design the wrinkling load-bearing capacity of a panel exposed to fire is given.
Regulatory aspects of vascular dementia in the United States.

There is significant interest in the development of new drugs to treat vascular dementia. However, before US approval of new drugs for this entity is possible, certain issues with regulatory implications need to be addressed. Is vascular dementia a distinct clinical syndrome with valid diagnostic criteria? Can this entity be distinguished from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other causes of dementia? What design features are important for clinical trials in this disorder? The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened a special meeting of the Peripheral and Central Nervous System Advisory Committee in an attempt to answer these questions. The conclusions from this meeting indicate that vascular dementia (VaD) is a pathologically heterogeneous disorder but appears to be reasonably distinguishable from AD dementia. The NINDS-AIREN diagnostic criteria are suitable as entry criteria for vascular dementia trials. Trials should be similar in duration to AD dementia trials and should employ a dual outcome strategy (cognitive + global/functional measures). For drugs that are believed to have a disease-modifying effect, clinical trials should study specific vascular dementia subtypes and would need to employ substantially different designs from those used currently. The term “vascular dementia” may not be entirely appropriate to describe this population.
Combination Antiviral Therapy for Ganciclovir-Resistant Cytomegalovirus Infection in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients

The resistance of cytomegalovirus (CMV) to ganciclovir is a factor in therapeutic failure and disease progression. The clinical significance of such resistance in solid-organ transplantation has not been completely established. Six patients who developed persistent infection due to ganciclovir-resistant CMV were treated with a combination of ganciclovir (50% of the therapeutic dose) and a daily dose of intravenous foscarnet that gradually increased to a maximum of 125 mg/kg. All patients responded clinically within 72-96 hours. Magnesium depletion occurred in all patients. No clinical or laboratory relapses have been observed in 6-30 months of follow-up. Gradually increasing doses of foscarnet combined with half-dose regimens of ganciclovir are safe and can be beneficial in organ transplant recipients with ganciclovir-resistant CMV infection. Larger studies are needed to identify the patients who are most likely to benefit from this regimen.
Play, work or activism? Broadening the connections between political and children's geographies

Scholarship on children often fails to consider the impact of children's agency from a political perspective. Recent literature in political and children's geography has begun affording children the possibility of being political actors. Attention to the differences that children bring and make through their everyday becomings – what children often do – permits recognizing a range of children's activities as political work. Examples from children's everyday activities in Latino immigrant families along the US/Mexico border demonstrate how children often connect their families to politics at a variety of scales. They also help recognize the political possibilities that emerge out of consideration of the many spaces that children occupy and produce in contemporary societies.