cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Barring progress: The influence of paternal incarceration on families' neighborhood attainment.

Abstract A growing body of literature has recognized that incarceration has implications beyond the offender, with detrimental effects reverberating onto families. In this study, we use the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 3288) to investigate the relationships between paternal incarceration and the neighborhood outcomes of the children of incarcerated fathers and their mothers. Specifically, we examine whether children whose fathers are currently and/or have recently been incarcerated experience more residential instability, live in more socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods, and/or live in less socially cohesive neighborhoods. We find that paternal incarceration is associated with moving more frequently, greater socioeconomic neighborhood disadvantage, and lower social cohesion for the children of incarcerated fathers and their mothers, though some of these relationships depend on the timing of paternal incarceration. Our findings have important implications for understanding the societal costs of incarceration, the nature of neighborhood attainment and inequality for families facing paternal incarceration, and the processes through which some families are sorted into their neighborhood contexts.
Predicting running injury using kinematic and kinetic parameters generated by an optical motion capture system

Although runners are at high risk of back and lower extremity injuries, available tools detect only current injury. Here, a model was developed to analyze kinetic and kinematic running gait data collected by an optical motion capture system to predict future injuries based on an individual’s running gait pattern. The two key points, when the joints are most vulnerable because internal forces are the greatest, in the continuous running gait cycle were used to extract average parameter values to create predictive models: the heel strike, and when one leg supports the body weight. Three different prediction models—logistic regression, random forest, and boosting—were built using 10 significant parameters identified in a two-step feature selection approach. All collected metric data were normalized before building the predictive models to avoid outlier values and redundancy. The three models were tested to determine whether they could predict that a participant would incur chronic running injuries in the future based on their current running gait pattern. The logistic regression model had the highest prediction accuracy: the area under the curve was 0.9016 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8808–0.9369] for logistic regression, 0.8892 (95% CI 0.8463–0.9152) for the random forest, and 0.8732 (95% CI 0.8401–0.9178) for boosting. Further model development may not only enable clinicians to integrate injury intervention into running programs but also lead to predictive models that recognize patterns associated with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, autism, and multiple sclerosis, in which gait and balance deficiencies may be symptoms or even predictors of disease.
Psychometric evaluation of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) in patients with orthopedic shoulder impairments seeking outpatient rehabilitation.

Abstract Study Design This is a cross-sectional, observational study. Introduction The disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire is an upper-extremity specific outcome measure commonly used in routine clinical care and clinical trials. Purpose of the Study Our purposes were to: (1) examine the psychometric properties of the DASH questionnaire using factor analysis, one- and two-parameter item response theory models, and (2) develop a functional staging map illustrating the relationships between the item difficulty hierarchy of the DASH items and the patient's DASH total score. Methods Data from 2724 patients with orthopedic shoulder impairments seeking outpatient physical therapy in 79 clinics in the US were analyzed. Results Factor analysis supported a general factor, explaining 62.2% of the total variance. The coverage of DASH items was suitable for patients with shoulder impairments with no ceiling or floor effect. Endorsed items representing the most difficult items were related to feeling less capable, executing recreational activities with force or impact, and performing recreational activities in which you move your arm freely. Items with higher discriminating abilities were those related to do heavy household chores, garden/yard work, and change a light bulb overhead. With a separation index equaled to 4.94, the DASH can differentiate persons into at least 6 statistically distinct person strata. None of the DASH items exhibited differential item functioning by gender or symptom acuity, except two items by age group. Discussion Besides a total (summed) final score obtained from a specific measure, the keyform and functional staging plots/maps can be used to assist clinicians in clinical interpretation of the scores. Conclusions Results supported the clinical usage of the DASH questionnaire in patients with orthopedic shoulder impairments seeking outpatient rehabilitation.
A Widely Reconfigurable Piecewise-Linear ADC for Information-Aware Quantization

A two-step SAR ADC with a highly programmable transfer function is presented, extending the application domain of non-linear conversion from signal-specific scenarios to a wider range of data-constrained and information-aware applications. By utilizing a thermometer-encoded programmable capacitive DAC for coarse quantization, the converter can be reconfigured to achieve arbitrary piecewise-linear (PWL) transfer functions, and is not restricted to exponential and logarithmic conversion typical of non-linear ADCs. Analysis of the thermometer DAC design is provided to explore the trade-offs between flexibility, gained resolution, and resource overhead. A 7-bit prototype fabricated in 180nm CMOS validates the presented architecture; multiple measured linear and non-linear transfer functions showcase the flexibility of the reconfigurable PWL-ADC. The approach enables variable effective resolution across the full-scale range, providing up to 9.5-bit performance using a 7-bit ADC. Measurements using an ECG waveform are used to further highlight application-specific advantages enabled by the PWL-ADC.
Gene-Targeting Therapeutics for Neurological Disease: Lessons Learned from Spinal Muscular Atrophy

The last few decades have seen an explosion in identification of genes that cause monogenetic neurological diseases, as well as advances in gene-targeting therapeutics. Neurological conditions that were once considered incurable are now increasingly tractable. At the forefront is the motor neuron disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), historically the leading inherited cause of infant mortality. In the last 5 years, three SMA treatments have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): intrathecally delivered splice-switching antisense oligonucleotide (nusinersen), systemically delivered AAV9-based gene replacement therapy (onasemnogene abeparvovec), and an orally bioavailable, small-molecule, splice-switching drug (risdiplam). Despite this remarkable progress, clinical outcomes in patients are variable. Therapeutic optimization will require improved understanding of drug pharmacokinetics and target engagement in neurons, potential toxicities, and long-term effects. We review current progress in SMA therapeutics, clinical trials, shortcomings of current treatments, and implications for the treatment of other neurogenetic diseases.
It’s Not That You Said It, It’s How You Said It: Exploring the Linguistic Mechanisms Underlying Values Affirmation Interventions at Scale:

Over the last decade, psychological interventions, such as the values affirmation intervention, have been shown to alleviate the male-female performance difference when delivered in the classroom, ...
Robust Predictive Control for Modular Solid-State Transformer With Reduced DC Link and Parameter Mismatch

This article presents the analysis and implementation of a predictive control method for dc-link regulation and voltage balance in a cascaded modular reduced dc-link solid-state transformer (SST). Passive components like bulky dc links limit the power density of power converters, especially medium-voltage (MV) SST. Reduced dc-link or low-inertia converters can dramatically reduce the size, cost, and weight by tolerating larger dc-link ripples and improve the reliability with electrolytic capacitor-less dc link. However, a small dc link leads to tight coupling between the input and the output stages, which is a challenge for control design. In stacked low-inertia converters (SLIC), the low-inertia converter modules are stacked for MV applications, resulting in coupling between the modules and making the control more challenging. A new model predictive control method that can achieve deadbeat regulation on the dc link without weighting factors has been proposed to address this novel problem. This article focuses on analyzing the condition of the low-inertia dc link up to 80% ripple, the robustness of the control under parameter mismatches, high-order terms, and important implementation issues, such as model-based sampling and computation delay compensation. Significantly, the high-order terms are introduced because of the large dc-link ripple. These high-order terms are unique to the SLIC and negligible in conventional high-inertia converters. A discrete-time large-signal model is built to capture the dc-link's nonlinear dynamics, and the eigenvalues of a small-signal Jacobian matrix are analyzed with Floquet theory to evaluate stability, using the modular soft-switching SST (M-S4T) as an example of the SLIC. Simulation and experimental results of an MVDC M-S4T verify the analysis and the predictive control method. Finally, the general application of the predictive control to low-inertia converters is compared against a conventional PI controller using a reduced dc-link active-front-end rectifier as an example.
An educator's perspective of the tidyverse

Computing makes up a large and growing component of data science and statistics courses. Many of those courses, especially when taught by faculty who are statisticians by training, teach R as the programming language. A number of instructors have opted to build much of their teaching around the use of the tidyverse. The tidyverse, in the words of its developers, "is a collection of R packages that share a high-level design philosophy and low-level grammar and data structures, so that learning one package makes it easier to learn the next" (Wickham et al. 2019). The shared principles have led to the widespread adoption of the tidyverse ecosystem. No small part of this usage is because the tidyverse tools have been intentionally designed to ease the learning process and cognitive load for users as they engage with each new piece of the larger ecosystem. Moreover, the functionality offered by the packages within the tidyverse spans the entire data science cycle, which includes data import, visualisation, wrangling, modeling, and communication. We believe the tidyverse provides an effective and efficient pathway to data science mastery for students at a variety of different levels of experience. In this paper, we introduce the tidyverse from an educator's perspective, touching on the what (a brief introduction to the tidyverse), the why (pedagogical benefits, opportunities, and challenges), the how (scoping and implementation options), and the where (details on courses, curricula, and student populations).
Smoking patterns among urban Alaska Native and American Indian adults: The Alaska EARTH 10-year follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION Data on cigarette smoking prevalence among Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) people are limited to cross-sectional studies or specific subpopulations. Using data from the Alaska Education and Research toward Health (EARTH) Study 10-year follow-up, this study assessed patterns of smoking from baseline and factors associated with current use. METHODS EARTH Study urban south central ANAI participants (N= 376; 73% women) provided questionnaire data on smoking at baseline and 10-year follow-up. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression assessed whether gender, cultural factors (Tribal identity, language spoken in the home), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), baseline smoking status, and baseline cigarettes per day (CPD) were associated with current smoking at follow-up. RESULTS Current smoking was 27% and 23% at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Of baseline smokers, 60% reported smoking at follow-up (77% men, 52% women). From multivariable-adjusted analyses, the odds of current smoking at follow-up were lower among women than men, those who never or formerly smoked versus currently smoked at baseline, and smoking <10 CPD compared with ≥10 CPD at baseline. PHQ-9 score or cultural variables were not associated with smoking at follow-up. Smoking fewer baseline CPD was associated with former smoking status (i.e., quitting) at follow-up among women, but not men. CONCLUSIONS Our project is among the first to longitudinally explore smoking within an ANAI cohort. While we observed persistent smoking during a 10-year period, there were important differences by gender and CPD in quitting. These differences may be important to enhancing the reach and efficacy of cessation interventions for ANAI people. IMPLICATIONS This study contributes novel longitudinal information on cigarette smoking prevalence during a 10-year period among Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) people. Prior data on smoking prevalence among ANAI people are limited to cross-sectional studies or specific subpopulations. Our project is among the first to longitudinally explore smoking prevalence within an ANAI cohort. We observed persistent smoking during a 10-year period. The study also contributes information on differences by gender and cigarettes smoked per day in quitting. These findings have implications for enhancing the reach and efficacy of cessation interventions for ANAI people.
Normal Vulva: Embryology, Anatomy, and Histology

The vulva, which is the external genitalia of the female, collectively consists of the mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, vestibule, greater (Bartholin) and lesser vestibular glands, and vaginal opening (introitus). This chapter describes the gross and microscopic anatomy of the adult, as well as the embryological derivation of the region’s multiple components.
Tunable Optical Excitations in Twisted Bilayer Graphene Form Strongly Bound Excitons

When two sheets of graphene stack in a twisted bilayer graphene (tBLG) configuration, the resulting constrained overlap between interplanar 2p orbitals produce angle-tunable electronic absorption resonances. By applying a novel combination of multiphoton transient absorption (TA) microscopy and TEM, we resolve the electronic structure and ensuing relaxation by probing resonant excitations of single tBLG domains. Strikingly, we find that the transient electronic population in resonantly excited tBLG domains is enhanced many fold, forming a major electronic relaxation bottleneck. Two-photon TA microscopy shows this bottleneck effect originates from a strongly bound, dark exciton state lying ∼0.37 eV below the 1-photon absorption resonance. This stable coexistence of strongly bound excitons alongside free-electron continuum states has not been previously observed in a metallic, 2D material.
Flood Proofing in a Flood Plain: A Stochastic Model

A mathematical model of an urban flood plain incorporates a statistical description of flood proofing measures. Measures that are either permanent or dynamic, i.e., contingent and dependent on the flood warning time, are considered. Dynamic flood proofing is treated by a probabilistic approach which accounts for the various uncertainties associated with the diffusion and implementation of flood warnings. The expected value and standard deviation of damage to the entire flood plain reach are expressed in terms of a flood proofing index, which indicates the extent of dynamic flood proofing in the flood plain. The influence of the flood proofing index on the flood damage statistics is studied by means of a hypothetical numerical example.
Estriol in pregnancy urine and amniotic fluid.

Abstract 1. 1. The clinical value of urinary estriol determinations in various complications of pregnancy is confirmed. 2. 2. Gas-liquid chromatography for this purpose seems to offer definite method advantages. 3. 3. A modified method for amniotic fluid is described. 4. 4. In 27 normal pregnancies, the estriol concentration in amniotic fluid varied from 185 μg per liter to nearly 3,000 μg per liter, with a mean value of 979 μg per liter. No correlation with fetal sex, weight, length, and placental weight could be established. 5. 5. Among 10 complicated pregnancies, 5 cases of severe Rh-isoimmunization, showed low estriol concentration (
Access versus Ownership

SUMMARY This paper discusses changes in the ownership models of intellectual property and how they are shifting the way libraries provide information. The author argues that the main change in intellectual property is the way that owners distribute information, not in the sense of new media, but in the sense of new legal constructs governing distribution. The article discusses the impact on libraries of a move toward viewing information as a service that must be licensed, not bought. The potential effects of protecting intellectual property with contract law instead of copyright and property law are detailed.
Basal metabolism studies in normal pregnant women with normal and pathologic thyroid glands

I T IS generally agreed that there is a definite increase in the basal metabolic rate during the latter part of normal pregnancy, but that this increase is “due to the increasing mass of active protoplasmic tissue, consisting of a large part of the fetal tissues and in lesser part of maternal structures” (Sandiford and Wheeler’), and is very moderate in extent. This argument is supported by the fact that subtraction of the calculated heat production of the fetus from the total heat production of the pregnant woman leaves the metabolic rate of the latter unaffected by gestation, and by the observation that almost immediately after delivery the metabolic rate falls to a point corresponding with that obtaining in early gestation or before conception. When expressed in terms of the Aub-Dubois prediction standards, the total increase due to the rapid metabolism in the fetal tissues rarely amounts to more than 15 per cent. If one accepts the statement of Benedict? that all prediction standards are 5 per cent too high for normal women, the normal metabolic rate would range from minus 15 to plus 5 per cent according to the st,andards now in use. Using an increase of 15 per cent during pregnancy as the maximum which may be attributed to an augmentation of the active protoplasmic mass, it would be reasonable to view as potentially abnormal any rate above plus 20 per cent. However, Gustafson and Benedict” insist that even among 10 presumably healthy individuals at, least one or more “will have a metabolism deviating more than plus-minus 10 per cent from the standards. ” This would lead one to anticipate readings of slightly higher or lower values in 10 to 20 per cent of any series. Mussey, Plummer, and Boothby’ say that “a basal metabolic rate of plus 25 or even plus 30 is not necessarily an indication of hyperthyroidism in the latter months of pregnancy,” and thus recognize the occasional variations pointed out by Gustafson and Benedict3 It would seem to be well demonstrated that a high basal metabolic rate unsupported by clinical evidence of hyperthyroidism does not warrant a diagnosis of abnormal thyroid activity. In order to add furt,her confirmation t,o the various previous reports on the basal metabolism of normal pregnant women with normal thyroid glands, and to investigate the metabolism in various varieties of
SEEDEEP: A System for Exploring and Querying Scientific Deep Web Data Sources

A recent and emerging trend in scientific data dissemination involves online databases that are hidden behind query forms, thus forming what is referred to as the deep web . In this paper, we propose SEEDEEP, a System for Exploring and quErying scientific DEEP web data sources. SEEDEEP is able to automatically mine deep web data source schemas, integrate heterogeneous data sources, answer cross-source keyword queries, and incorporates features like caching and fault-tolerance. Currently, SEEDEEP integrates 16 deep web data sources in the biological domain. We demonstrate how an integrated model for correlated deep web data sources is constructed, how a complex cross-source keyword query is answered efficiently and correctly, and how important performance issues are addressed.
Social Aging in a Delhi Neighborhood

Social Aging in. Delhi Neighborhood. John van Willigen and Narender K. Chadha. Westport, CT: Bergin and Garvey, 1999.161pp.
The Fibronectin-Binding Protein Fnm Contributes to Adherence to Extracellular Matrix Components and Virulence of Enterococcus faecium

The interaction between bacteria and fibronectin is believed to play an important role in the pathogenicity of clinically important Gram-positive cocci. In the present study, we identified a gene encoding a predicted fibronectin-binding protein of Enterococcus faecium (fnm), a homologue of Streptococcus pneumoniae pavA, in the genomes of E. faecium strain TX82 and all other sequenced E. faecium isolates. Full-length recombinant Fnm from strain TX82 bound to immobilized fibronectin in a concentration-dependent manner and also appeared to bind collagen type V and laminin, but not other proteins, such as transferrin, heparin, bovine serum albumin, mucin, or collagen IV. We demonstrated that the N-terminal fragment of Fnm is required for full fibronectin binding, since truncation of this region caused a 2.4-fold decrease (P < 0.05) in the adhesion of E. faecium TX82 to fibronectin. Deletion of fnm resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.001) in the ability of the mutant, TX6128, to bind fibronectin relative to that of the wild-type strain; in situ reconstitution of fnm in the deletion mutant strain restored adherence. In addition, the Δfnm mutant was highly attenuated relative to TX82 (P ≤ 0.0001) in a mixed-inoculum rat endocarditis model. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Fnm affects the adherence of E. faecium to fibronectin and is important in the pathogenesis of experimental endocarditis.
A multi-functional stacked patch antenna for wireless power beaming and data telemetry

A multi-functional stacked patch antenna is introduced for a possible wireless power beaming and data telemetry application. The proposed antenna operates at 5.8 GHz with 10 dBi gain, and 18% bandwidth. At a lower frequency, around 2.45 GHz, the antenna operates as a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) with 4 dBi gain and 3.2% bandwidth. Switching between the two regimes of operation can be achieved using PIN diodes. It is proposed that the antenna can be used for wireless power reception in sensors at 5.8 GHz and for data telemetry between sensors or between sensor and control station at 2.45 GHz.
Correct Dosing of Vancomycin in Infants and Children

In accordance with the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for the use of vancomycin,1 we began uating the indications and dose of vancomycin IV used in our institution. We discovered a large amount of incorrect dosing of vancomycin in infants and children with 30 mg/kg/day (10 mg/kg q8h). This dose has been traced to The Harriet Lane Handbook, 13th edition.2 However, all the references listed in Harriet Lane on page 561 recommend the standard dosing of vancomycin, 40 mg/kg/day (10 mg/kg q6h).
Quantitative analysis of nycterohemeral eating and ruminating patterns in heifers with different voluntary intakes and effects of monensin.

The nycterohemeral pattern of eating and ruminating behavior was examined in six heifers given ad libitum access to a corn silage-based diet with or without 100 mg monensin.hd-1.d-1 in a two-period crossover design. Rhythm components (no. of cycles/24 h) were characterized by the finite Fourier transform of 24-h mastication activities series measured over 7 d. Analysis of variance of the daily mean of hourly activities and rhythm components 1 to 12 showed significant effects of heifer (H), monensin treatment (T), period (P) and T x P x H interactions. A reparameterization of the finite Fourier transform yielded the amplitude and the phase for each rhythm component and allowed the plot of periodograms and phase diagrams, respectively. Rhythm components 1, 2 and 3 contributed primarily in explaining the total dispersion of 24-h eating and ruminating mastication series. The major effect of monensin was to increase the phase at rhythm component 1, delaying by 1 h in the onset of rumination after the morning feeding. Heifer effects were significant and appeared related to variations in daily voluntary intake (VI) of individual heifers. Heifer 5, with the largest VI, had two main eating periods and the highest rate of eating. Heifer 4, with the smallest VI, partitioned mastication activity throughout the day into four main eating and ruminating periods. Differences among animals in their nycterohemeral chewing behavior patterns may be related to differences in forestomach structure associated with a larger VI capacity by animals having mastication rhythm components 1 and 3.
The origin of snakes: revealing the ecology, behavior, and evolutionary history of early snakes using genomics, phenomics, and the fossil record

The highly derived morphology and astounding diversity of snakes has long inspired debate regarding the ecological and evolutionary origin of both the snake total-group (Pan-Serpentes) and crown snakes (Serpentes). Although speculation abounds on the ecology, behavior, and provenance of the earliest snakes, a rigorous, clade-wide analysis of snake origins has yet to be attempted, in part due to a dearth of adequate paleontological data on early stem snakes. Here, we present the first comprehensive analytical reconstruction of the ancestor of crown snakes and the ancestor of the snake total-group, as inferred using multiple methods of ancestral state reconstruction. We use a combined-data approach that includes new information from the fossil record on extinct crown snakes, new data on the anatomy of the stem snakes Najash rionegrina, Dinilysia patagonica, and Coniophis precedens, and a deeper understanding of the distribution of phenotypic apomorphies among the major clades of fossil and Recent snakes. Additionally, we infer time-calibrated phylogenies using both new ‘tip-dating’ and traditional node-based approaches, providing new insights on temporal patterns in the early evolutionary history of snakes. Comprehensive ancestral state reconstructions reveal that both the ancestor of crown snakes and the ancestor of total-group snakes were nocturnal, widely foraging, non-constricting stealth hunters. They likely consumed soft-bodied vertebrate and invertebrate prey that was subequal to head size, and occupied terrestrial settings in warm, well-watered, and well-vegetated environments. The snake total-group – approximated by the Coniophis node – is inferred to have originated on land during the middle Early Cretaceous (~128.5 Ma), with the crown-group following about 20 million years later, during the Albian stage. Our inferred divergence dates provide strong evidence for a major radiation of henophidian snake diversity in the wake of the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction, clarifying the pattern and timing of the extant snake radiation. Although the snake crown-group most likely arose on the supercontinent of Gondwana, our results suggest the possibility that the snake total-group originated on Laurasia. Our study provides new insights into when, where, and how snakes originated, and presents the most complete picture of the early evolution of snakes to date. More broadly, we demonstrate the striking influence of including fossils and phenotypic data in combined analyses aimed at both phylogenetic topology inference and ancestral state reconstruction.
Nonlocal correlation in the realization of a quantum eraser

Abstract It is pointed out that a recent two-photon interference experiment [Z.Y. Ou et al., Phys. Rev. A 41 (1990) 566] can be modified to realize an optimal quantum eraser. A detailed analysis shows that the nonlocal correlation is the key for a delayed choice experiment in the demonstration of a quantum eraser.
The Preparation and Properties of Potassium monofluorotrioxyuranate (vi) KUO3F

The potassium salt of the monofluorotrioxyuranate ion has been described. The compound is prepared by fusing uranium trioxide and potassium fluoride. It can form addition compounds with oxalic acid, acetic acid, etc. Durch Zusammenschmelzen von UO3 und KF wird KUO3F dargestellt. Die Eigenschaften der Verbindung werden beschrieben, sie bildet Additionsverbindungen mit Oxalsaure, Essigsaure usw.
A novel retinoid-response gene set in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Abstract A modified suppression subtractive hybridization assay was performed to uncover genes induced by all- trans retinoic acid in cultured smooth muscle cells (SMC). Northern blotting studies confirmed the induction of 14 genes, many of which have heretofore been unrecognized as retinoid-inducible. Temporal expression and cycloheximide studies allowed us to categorize these genes as either immediate-early (LOX-1, endolyn, Stoned B/TFIIAα/β-like factor, Src Suppressed C Kinase Substrate, and tissue transglutaminase) or delayed (cathepsin-L, ceruloplasmin, epithelin, importin α, α 8 -integrin, lactate dehydrogenase B, retinol dehydrogenase, spermidine/spermine N 1 -acetyltransferase, and VCAM-1) retinoid-response genes. A survey of rat tissues showed two of the genes (tissue transglutaminase and α 8 -integrin) to be highly restricted to vascular tissue. In situ hybridization verified expression of both tissue transglutaminase and α 8 -integrin to SMC in balloon-injured rat carotid artery. These findings unveil a new retinoid-response gene set that should be exploited to define molecular pathways involved in the antagonistic effects of retinoids on SMC growth and neointimal formation.
Characterization of Mn(III) Complexes of Linear and Cyclic Desferrioxamines as Mimics of Superoxide Dismutase Activity

The green complex of Mn(III) with desferrioxamine B has been prepared by air oxidation of Mn(II) in the presence of the ligand or by reaction of Mn(OH)3, or of MnO2, with the ligand. The resultant complex was purified by ion-exchange chromatography and shown by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to be a 1:1 complex of Mn(III) with desferrioxamine B. A similar complex was prepared from the macrocyclic Tris hydroxamate desferrioxamine E. Mn(III) desferrioxamine B was not stable to equimolar EDTA while the Mn(III) desferrioxamine E was stable to a fivefold molar excess of EDTA. Chelex-100 decomposed the desferrioxamine B complex, but not the desferrioxamine E complex. These complexes prevented the reduction of cytochrome c by O2- but were less active than free Mn(II). The second-order rate constants for reaction with O2- at 25 degrees C and at pH 7.5 were 3.0 x 10(6), 1.0 x 10(6), and 9.5 x 10(4) for Mn(II), Mn(III) desferrioxamine B, and Mn(III) desferrioxamine E, respectively.
The effects of time-out locus during fixed-ratio reinforcement

Pigeon’s keypecking was reinforced on a multiple fixed-ratio schedule. All three components were fixed ratio 60; a 10-sec time-out regularly appeared after the tenth response in one component and after the fiftieth response in another. Pause duration was shortest with no time-out, longest with the time-out late in the ratio. In time-out components, response rate was low preceding the timeout, high immediately following it. The total time from rsponse initiation to subsequent reinforcement was highly predictive of pause duration. Immediate repetition of a component generally produces shorter pausing than when it was preceded by a different component.
Patterns and timing of Doppler-detected intracavitary and aortic flow in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

This study describes the velocity characteristics of left ventricular and aortic outflow in 25 patients with hypertrophic “obstructive” cardiomyopathy. Systematic pulsed and continuous wave Doppler analysis combined with phonocardiography and M-mode echocardiography was used to establish the pattern and timing of outflow in the basal and provoked states. This analysis suggests that 1) the high velocity left ventricular outflow jet can be reliably discriminated from both aortic flow and the jet of mitral regurgitation using Doppler ultrasound; 2) the Doppler velocity contour responds in a characteristic fashion to provocative influences including extrasystole and Valsalva maneuver; 3) the onset of mitral regurgitation occurs well before detectable systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve; 4) left ventricular flow velocities are elevated at the onset of systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, suggesting a significant contribution of the Venturi effect in displacing the leaflets and chordae; 5) the high velocities of the outflow jets are largely dissipated by the time flow reaches the aortic valve; and 6) late systolic flow in the ascending aorta is nonuniform, with formation of distinct eddies that may contribute to “preclosure” of the aortic valve.
Effect of kynurenate on functional deficits resulting from traumatic spinal cord injury.

Abstract The potential role of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors in spinal cord trauma was examined in a standardized rat model of contusive injury. EAA antagonists were administered in a split-dose protocol with half given 5 min prior to and the remainder 15 min after contusion produced at the T8 vertebral level. Hindlimb function was assessed using a battery of tests of reflex and more complex behaviors at 1 day after injury and weekly thereafter through 4–8 weeks. Functional deficits were compared for groups administered intravenous MK 801 (1 mg/kg), dextromethorphan (10 mg/kg) and kynurenate (300 mg/kg) or the vehicle, saline, alone. In addition, possible effect of the drugs themselves on hindlimb function were assessed in uninjured controls. None of the drugs produced more than transient effect on uninjured rats. In contused rats, only kynurenate produced significant reductions in functional deficits as compared to saline controls. Significant improvement of hindlimb function was also observed when the thoracic cord was locally perfused with kynurenate via intrathecal cannulas and when kynurenate was directly infused into the contusive injury site by stereotaxic microinjection. Using the latter route of administration, a dose-dependent effect of kynurenate (100, 200 and 400 nmol) on the ability of contused rats to use their hindlimbs in locomotion was demonstrated. The highest dose also resulted in a significant reduction in overall functional deficits from 1 week through 1 month and at 2 months after injury. Our results support the hypothesis that EAA receptors at or near the injury site are involved in producing a proportion of the overall functional deficits stemming from traumatic injury. In addition, the efficacy of the broad spectrum antagonist of EAA receptors, kynurenate, and the absence of effect of the NMDA receptor antagonists, MK 801 or dextromethorphan, suggests than non-NMDA receptors may play a hitherto unappreciated role in secondary injury after spinal cord contusion.
Clinical and Microbiological Aspects of Chemotherapeutic Agents Used According to the Specific Plaque Hypothesis

Certain forms of dental decay and periodontal disease appear to be due to specific bacterial infections following overgrowth of certain indigenous plaque bacteria, i.e., the specific plaque hypothesis, If so, then antimicrobial treatment based on a diagnosis of elevated levels or proportions of these organisms should be considered. Such treatment cannot be administered according to concepts of the non-specific plaque hypothesis. A treatment philosophy is presented which is based upon considerations long established in medical infections following overgrowth of certain indigenous plaque bacteria, i.e., the specific plaque hypomicrobial to the site of the infection for periods long enough to suppress or destroy the pathogenic agent. Examples of this treatment philosophy are given.
Victory Day Celebrations: Memory and Validation

The Soviet Union was characterized by an array of holidays related to socialist ideology and nation building, including May Day and Victory Day in May, Women’s Day in March and Revolution Day in November [Lane 1981; Serbyn in press]. While the effects of the fall of the Soviet Union on daily life have been extensively documented, folklorists have yet to examine its concomitant effects on these socialist holidays. This paper, which examines the evolution of one of these holidays, is based on data collected at the fifty-sixth celebration of Victory Day (May 9, 2001) in Novosibirsk and in interviews with five Novosibirsk residents, all ethnic Russians. My informants, all residents of Novosibirsk ranging in age from 27 to 65, were raised with these holidays. For these people, they constitute a tradition akin to calendar rituals in the Russian village. The Soviet national holidays, primarily an urban phenomenon, united city residents and celebrated seasonal change (e.g. May Day was not only a celebration of the worker, but also of the coming of spring) as well as furthered political aims. At the present time, Labor Day and Revolution Day are almost exclusively Communist celebrations, despite the fact that they remain national holidays. However, Victory Day is celebrated by a large proportion of the population in the Russian territory of the former Soviet Union. (1) Here I examine why celebration of this holiday has survived nearly intact when other Soviet holidays are much more restricted in practice. In addition, I shall discuss whether the Soviet functions of the holiday have still been preserved or whether the holiday serves other purposes in the post-Soviet world.
The Effect of α-Cyclodextrin on postprandial lipid and glycemic responses to a fat-containing meal

Abstract Objective α-Cyclodextrin (α-CD), a soluble dietary fiber derived from corn, marketed under the trade name FBCx®, has the potential to help individuals manage their weight and improve their lipid profiles. Initial studies in healthy overweight and/or obese diabetic individuals found that, in those consuming a normal to high fat diet over a 4 or 12 week period, α-CD use was associated with weight loss or maintenance and a reduction in triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic individuals. Furthermore, α-CD use was associated with the positive effects of increasing insulin and leptin sensitivities. To date, the immediate post-prandial glucose and lipid responses to a fat-containing meal have not been reported. Materials/Method This double blinded placebo controlled cross-over trial examined the effect of 2 g of α-CD taken immediately following consumption of a commercially prepared high-fat breakfast meal on the acute postprandial responses in healthy adults. Results The coincidental consumption of α-CD with a fat-containing meal was associated with a significant reduction in postprandial TG responses over time when compared to placebo. When incremental area under the curve was calculated, the area under the curve associated with α-CD consumption was significantly smaller than the Placebo area (0.30 ± 1.07 mmol/L/3 h vs. 0.98 ± 0.88 mmol/L/3 h, p Conclusion α-Cyclodextrin was shown to significantly lower acute postprandial blood triglyceride levels.
Effects of soil fumigation with Telone-C on the field inoculum potential of tobacco rattle virus and potato yields

Two Julesburg sandy-loam fields in Weld County, Colorado, with a history of Corky Ringspot (CRS) caused by tobacco rattle virus (TRV) were injected with Telone-C as fall or spring applications and planted to potatoes. Deep soil sample cores taken from the experimental fields were planted toNicotiana tabacum L. var. Samsun serving as TRV bait and indicator plants. Systemic infection of bait plants and assay of the bait plant roots for TRV indicate that potential TRV inoculum was present which escaped the effects of fumigation treatments. TRV was found to be widely but erratically distributed throughout the experimental fields. The low incidence of CRS in tubers harvested from the treated fields suggests that fumigation may have short term benefits but potential inoculum exists which could lead to infection after the effects of fumigation have dissipated. The total yield of tubers was increased in the two cultivars planted (Norgold and Norland) in the fumigated fields receiving spring or fall applications. The yield of U.S. No 1 Grade potatoes in the Norland cultivar was increased significantly by both fall and spring fumigation. These yield increases were directly related to the reduced incidence ofVerticillium wilt observed in the fumigated soils and reported as a personal communication from unpublished data.
A modeling exploration of how synaptic feedback to descending projection neurons shapes the activity of an oscillatory network.

Rhythmic activity which underlies motor output is often initiated and controlled by descending modulatory projection pathways onto central pattern generator (CPG) networks. In turn, these descending pathways receive synaptic feedback from their target CPG network, which can influence the CPG output. However, the mechanisms underlying such bidirectional synaptic interactions are mostly unexplored. We develop a reduced mathematical model, including both feed-forward and feedback circuitry, to examine how the synaptic interactions involving two projection neurons, MCN1 and CPN2, can produce and shape the activity of the gastric mill CPG in the crab stomatogastric nervous system. We use simplifying assumptions that are based on the behavior of the biological system to reduce this model down to 2 dimensions, which allows for phase plane analysis of the model output. The model shows a distinct activity for the gastric mill rhythm that is elicited when MCN1 and CPN2 are coactive compared to the rhythm elicited by MCN1 activity alone. Furthermore, the presence of feedback to the projection neuron CPN2 provides a distinct locus of pattern generation in the model which does not require reciprocally inhibitory interactions between the gastric mill CPG neurons, but is instead based on a half-center oscillator that occurs through a trisynaptic pathway that includes CPN2. Our modeling results show that feedback to projection pathways may provide additional mechanisms for the generation of motor activity. These mechanisms can have distinct dependence on network parameters and may therefore provide additional flexibility for the rhythmic motor output.
Flow analysis during compression of partially impregnated fiber preform under controlled force

Abstract Compression resin transfer molding (CRTM) is an alternative solution to conventional resin transfer molding processes. It offers the capability to produce net shape composites with fast cycle times making it conducive for high volume production. The resin flow during this process can be separated into three phases: (i) metered amount of resin injection into a partially closed mold containing dry fiber preform, (ii) closure of the mold until it is in contact with the fiber preform displacing all the resin into the preform and (iii) further mold closure to the desired thickness of the part compacting the preform and redistributing the resin. Understanding the flow behavior in every phase is imperative for predictive process modeling that guarantees full preform saturation within a given time and under specified force constraints. In this paper, the last phase of the resin flow during CRTM process is simplified and modeled as a one dimensional flow to obtain estimates for process time if the applied force is known. The constitutive equations describing the material used are discussed. Due to the non-linear nature of the formulated governing equations, a numerical solution is developed and the flow front progression and the change in preform thickness are experimentally verified. Finally, a non-dimensional analysis identifying the parameters involved in the process is presented. The impact of the main process parameter is then studied and conclusions regarding process feasibility and optimization are formulated.
Amnesic H.M.'s performance on the language competence test: Parallel deficits in memory and sentence production

To test conflicting hypotheses regarding amnesic H.M.'s language abilities, this study examined H.M.'s sentence production on the Language Competence Test (Wiig & Secord, 1988). The task for H.M. and 8 education-, age-, and IQ-matched controls was to describe pictures using a single grammatical sentence containing prespecified target words. The results indicated selective deficits in H.M.'s picture descriptions: H.M. produced fewer single grammatical sentences, included fewer target words, and described the pictures less completely and accurately than did the controls. However, H.M.'s deficits diminished with repeated processing of unfamiliar stimuli and disappeared for familiar stimuli-effects that help explain why other researchers have concluded that H.M.'s language production is intact. Besides resolving the conflicting hypotheses, present results replicated other well-controlled sentence production results and indicated that H.M.'s language and memory exhibit parallel deficits and sparing. Present results comport in detail with binding theory but pose problems for current systems theories of H.M.'s condition.
Patterns of depression in Spanish- and English-speaking patients with Alzheimer's disease

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether distinct subtypes of depression could be identified in patients with Alzheimer's disease and, if so, to evaluate the patients in these subgroups. Ratings on the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) of 306 patients with Alzheimer's disease, 129 of whom were Spanish- and 177 English-speaking, were subjected to latent class analysis. Four subgroups were identified based on CSDD symptoms. These included an asymptomatic group, groups with mild and more severe typical depression, and a group characterized by prominent anxiety and irritability in addition to sadness. Group differences on demographic, cognitive, clinical, and functional status measures were explored via chi-square tests and analyses of variance. Results show that for some patients with Alzheimer's disease, patterns of symptoms of depression are similar to those in younger adult populations. A distinct subtype may exist, however, with prominent anxiety and irritability.
Persistence at low temperature of the Pβ′ ripple in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine multilamellar vesicles containing either glycosphingolipids or cholesterol

Abstract The disappearance and reappearance of the P β′ ripple in multilamellar liposomes of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) has been examined by freeze-etch electron microscopy. The presence of less than 10 mol% of various glycosphingolipids or cholesterol in the liposomes markedly increases the time required for ripple disappearance when the vesicles are cooled from 38°C to 30°C, as compared to the pure phospholipid. Once the ripples have begun to disappear in the two-component vesicles, they do not uniformly reappear until the system is heated above the main transition of DPPC and allowed to cool into the pertransition region. These results suggest that the long time for ripple disappearance in the two-component systems reflects a slow molecular reorganization process which occurs when the systems are forced to change from the P β′ gel to the L β′ gel by a temperature downshift.