cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pentobarbital vs chloral hydrate for sedation of children undergoing MRI: efficacy and recovery characteristics.

Summary Background: Chloral hydrate (CH) sedation for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is associated with significant failure rates, adverse events and delayed recovery. Pentobarbital (PB), reportedly produces successful sedation in 98% of children undergoing diagnostic imaging. This study compared the efficacy, adverse events and recovery characteristics of CH vs PB in children undergoing MRI. Methods: With Institutional Review Board approval and written consent, children were randomly assigned to receive intravenous (i.v.) PB (maximum 5 mgAEkg )1 in incremental doses) or oral CH (75 mgAEkg )1 ) prior to MRI. Sedation was augmented with 0.05 mgAEkg )1 doses of i.v. midazolam (maximum 0.1 mgAEkg )1 ) as necessary. Adverse effects, including hypoxaemia, failed sedation, paradoxical reactions and behavioural changes, the return of baseline activity, and parental satisfaction were documented. The quality of MRI scans was evaluated by a radiologist blinded to the sedation technique. Results: PB facilitated an earlier onset of sedation (P ¼ 0.001), higher sedation scores (P ¼ 0.01), and less need for supplemental midazolam compared with CH. Severe hypoxaemia occurred in two children (6%) in the PB group. Fourteen per cent of the PB group experienced a paradoxical reaction, 9% sedation failure and 11% major motion artefact, compared with 0% (P ¼ 0.05), 3 and 2% (P ¼ NS), respectively, in the CH group. CH and PB were both associated with a high incidence of motor imbalance, and agitation. However, children who received PB had a slower return to baseline activity (P ¼ 0.04). Conclusions: Although PB facilitated a quicker sedation onset and reduced the requirement for supplemental sedation, it produced a higher incidence of paradoxical reaction and prolonged recovery with a similar failure rate compared with CH.
Synthesis of a Tritium-Labeled, Fipronil-Based, Highly Potent, Photoaffinity Probe for the GABA Receptor

3-{4-[1-(2,6-Dichloro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl)pyrazolo]}-3-(trifluoromethyl)diazirine is a fipronil-based (i.e. fiprole), high-affinity probe for the GABA receptor. For synthesis of the tritium-labeled version of this trifluoromethyldiazirinylfiprole ([3H]TDF) the required intermediate, 3-{4-[1-(2,6-dichloro-3-iodo-4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-iodopyrazolo]}-3-(trifluoromethyl)diazirine, was prepared in 10 steps from pyrazole and 3,5-dichloro-4-fluorobenzotrifluoride. One of the key transformations was lithiation and subsequent iodination of the 4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-hydroxyethyl)pyrazole intermediate. The last step involved reduction of the diiodofiprole with tritium, Pd/C, and triethylamine in ethyl acetate and afforded [3H]TDF with a specific activity of 15 Ci/mmol and 99% radiopurity.
Transitions, Subjective Age, Wellness, and Life Satisfaction: A Comparison Between Lesbians and Heterosexual Women in Midlife

A study of 221 midlife women, 35 to 65 years of age, was conducted to explore the relationships among transitions, subjective age, wellness, and life satisfaction for lesbian (n = 81), bisexual (n = 14), and heterosexual women (n = 126). Although the sample of bisexual women was too small to permit valid statistical analyses for this group, it is note-worthy that experiencing physical signs of aging was the most frequently experienced transition by all groups. Entry into a committed relationship was the second most frequently experienced transition by the lesbian participants, and entry into perimenopause was the second most common for heterosexuals. Lesbians whose subjective age was less than or equal to their chronological age reported greater wellness, and total wellness was a significant predictor of their life satisfaction. These findings suggest that all women experience midlife as a time of change and development, and lesbian women face specific challenges that require coping to maintain a sense of well-being during the midlife years.
Evaluation of a Neuraminidase-Specific Influenza A Virus Vaccine in Children: Antibody Responses and Effects on Two Successive Outbreaks of Natural Infection

Three groups of children were immunized with an inactivated Port Chalmers (H3ChN2Ch) influenza vaccine (group A), a neuraminidase-specific (Heq1N2Ch) influenza vaccine (group B), or a placebo. Immunization induced seroconversion for H3Chand N2Ch-specific antibody in group A and for N2Ch antibody in group B. The protective efficacies observed against naturally acquired illness with the Port Chalmers strain of influenza A virus were 68.7% and 37.4010 in groups A and B, respectively, in comparison to the placebo group, and those against illness produced by the subsequent outbreak of the Victoria strain were 80.007o and 72.7010 . These data support the role of neuraminidase-specific immunization in protection against influenza. Although the degree of protection after vaccination with the Heq1N2Ch vaccine was less than that provided by the biphasic H3ChN2Ch vaccine against the Port Chalmers strain, it appeared to be similar in the two vaccine study groups against the Victoria strain. Specific immunoprophylaxis against infection with influenza A virus has been available for
Transcendent Sacrifice and Spirituality: Cambodian Grandparents raising Orphaned Grandchildren

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyze the lives of 10 grandparents raising orphaned grandchildren in Cambodia. Using family exchange theory, this study shows that families struggle to engage in instrumental exchange and continue to provide affective exchanges but greatly sacrifice their own spiritual growth in symbolic exchanges. Struggles to provide for everyday existence limits participation in Buddhist merit building practices that are associated with movement into a higher spiritual level. Grandparents willingly accept the obligation to provide care to orphaned grandchildren, yet this transcendent sacrifice constrains grandparents' likelihood of better existences in their next lives.
Electrical Output from Anodized Aluminium during Shock-wave Loading

WE have observed that a fast rising current pulse can be obtained from a thin layer of anodized aluminium when the layer is subjected to a plane shock wave. This effect has been observed over the pressure range of 5 to 220 kbar. A material which gives such an electrical response to a strong shock wave is of interest from both an experimental and a theoretical viewpoint, so a careful study is now being made of the response of anodized aluminium to strong shock waves.
Existence of erbium hexaboride nanowires

The existence and stability of erbium hexaboride (ErB6) has been a controversial topic in literature due to cited failures in reproducing previous synthetic results. Here, we report our proof of the existence of ErB6 by demonstrating the synthesis of a mixture of ErB6 nanowires and erbium tetraboride (ErB4) nanoplatelets via palladium nanoparticle-assisted chemical vapor deposition. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected-area electron diffraction showed that both the ErB6 nanowires and ErB4 nanoplatelets were single crystalline with expected cubic and tetragonal crystal structures, respectively. The observed lattice constants compared well with the theoretical structures calculated using density functional theory.
Electron density of states of CdTe.

We present bremsstrahlung-isochromat-spectroscopy and synchrotron-radiation photoemission-spectroscopy studies of CdTe single crystals cleaved in situ. The photoemission data, and empirical-pseudopotential calculations of the band structure, were used to reevaluate the position of valence and core spectral features. The bremsstrahlung-isochromat-spectroscopy results emphasize structure in the conduction-band density of states at 4.1, 6.7, 9.6, 11.3, 12.5, and 15 eV above the valence-band maximum. The calculations are found to reproduce the conduction-band structure throughout a range of 18 eV above the valence-band maximum.
Enhancer-independent promoter activity of the mouse αB-crystallin/small heat shock protein gene in the lens and cornea of transgenic mice

The alphaB-crystallin/small heat shock protein gene is expressed very highly in the mouse eye lens and to a lesser extent in many other nonocular tissues, including the heart, skeletal muscle and brain. Previously we showed in transgenic mice that lens-specific alphaB-crystallin promoter activity is directed by a proximal promoter fragment (-164/+44) and that non-lens promoter activity depends on an upstream enhancer (-427/-259) composed of at least 5 cis-control elements. Here we have used truncated alphaB-crystallin promoter-CAT transgenes to test by biphasic CAT assays and/or histochemistry for specific expression in the cornea and lens. Deletion either of 87 bp (-427/-340) from the 5' end of the alphaB-crystallin enhancer or of the whole enhancer (-427/-258) abolished alphaB-crystallin promoter activity in all tissues except the lens and corneal epithelium when examined by the biphasic CAT assay in 4-5-week-old transgenic mice. These truncations also lowered promoter strength in the lens. The -426/+44-CAT, -339/+44-CAT and -164/+44-CAT (previously thought to be lens-specific in transgenic mice) transgenes were all expressed in the 4-6-week-old corneal epithelium when examined histochemically. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of endogenous alphaB-crystallin in the mature corneal epithelial cells. CAT gene expression driven by the alphaB-crystallin promoter with or without the enhancer was evident in the embryonic and 4-6-week-old lens. By contrast, activity of the alphaB-crystallin promoter/enhancer-CAT transgene was not detectable in the corneal epithelium before birth. Taken together, these results indicate that the intact enhancer of the alphaB-crystallin/small heat shock protein gene is required for promoter activity in all tissues tested except the lens and cornea.
Specific heat of superconductor-normal metal composites

The specific heat of Th-Nb composites has been measured to determine the extent to which a dense array of Nb rods will enhance the superconducting energy gap of the surrounding Th matrix at temperatures well belowTc of the Th. A directional solidification technique has been used to prepare an acicular composite having a triangular array of 500-nm-diameter Nb rods in a Th matrix with a center-to-center spacing of 1500 nm. At low temperatures, where both metals are superconducting, the specific heat indicates that the Th matrix has an energy gap about 10% larger than bulk Th, so there is some enhancement by the Nb rods. BetweenTc of Nb andTc of Th there is clear evidence of an induced energy gap in the Th, but as yet there is no theory for the specific heat in this regime. A field as small as 20 mT will quench all evidence of proximity-induced superconductivity in the Th, indicating a strong field dependence of the Cooper pair decay lengthK N −1 .
Seasonal surface ocean variability in the South Atlantic Bight derived from CZCS and AVHRR imagery

Abstract Spatial and temporal variability of sea-surface temperature (SST) and surface chlorophyll derived from the AVHRR and CZCS sensors was examined using a 5-year (1981–1986) time series of 866 SST and 372 CZCS images averaged into monthly mean fields. Five-year mean CZCS-Chl and SST mean fields showed similar patterns, which closely followed the shelf and slope water bathymetry. Along-shelf surface pigment variability is greatest in the near-shore waters and decreases offshore. Monthly mean CZCS-Chl and SST showed consistent cross-shelf gradients with near-shore surface waters cooler and more pigment-laden than offshore waters and with summer months warmer and with lower CZCS-Chl concentrations compared to winter. Harmonic regression analysis of monthly (59 months) CZCS-Chl and SST vs time showed that the seasonal cycle explains the highest proportion (> 80%) of CZCS-Chl variability in shelf waters from Cape Fear, S.C. to Cape Lookout, N.C., with highest concentrations observed during colder months of the year (ca November through March). The seasonal signal also dominates SST in this region explaining approximately 80–90% of the variability in the 5-year time series. Seasonal cycles of CZCS-Chl and SST are inversely related with the highest correlation observed south of Cape Hatteras and relatively poor correlation north of Cape Hatteras. In general, the seasonal cycle explained more of the variability in near-shore and mid shelf waters than in waters near the shelf-break. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd
IDTV broadcast applications for a handheld device

Interactive digital television (IDTV) promises to enhance traditional television programming. Current approaches to IDTV generally use either the primary television display or add a second display that resides on a traditional personal computer. This paper outlines a new approach to IDTV that uses a handheld IDTV device, and describes a working prototype that demonstrates the merit of this type of solution. The approach we describe allows interactive content to be delivered to an individual without impacting other viewers. Further, by targeting small devices, IDTV content can become portable, for "anytime, anywhere" interaction.
100 kHz axial scan rate swept-wavelength OCT using sampled grating distributed Bragg reflector lasers

Fast wavelength tunable sampled grating distributed Bragg reflector (SG-DBR) lasers are used to generate fast, linear, continuous wavelength sweeps. High resolution wavelength sweeps in excess of 45 nm are demonstrated at a 100 kHz repetition rate. The front mirror, back mirror and phase segment tuning segments can be modulated at very fast rates, which allows for very fast wavelength ramp rates. This sweep is generated through three time synchronized current versus time waveforms applied to the back mirror, front mirror and phase sections of the laser. The sweep consists of fifty separate mode-hop-free tuning segments which are stitched together to form a near continuous wavelength ramp. The stitching points require a maximum of 60 ns for amplitude, wavelength, and thermal settling time to allow the laser to equilibrate. Wavelength tuning non-linearities, output power wavelength dependency, and wavelength discontinuities are defects in the wavelength sweep that result from properties of the wavelength tuning mechanism as well as limitations of the signal generators that produce the time varying bias currents. A Michelson Interferometer is used to examine the effects of these defects for optical coherence tomography (OCT). The OCT measurements demonstrate spectral broadening of the source and interference signal reduction as the penetration depth increases. However, these effects are not very severe for delay differences less than 2 mm even without correction for sweep nonlinearities.
Additive and nonadditive genetic variance in female fertility of Holsteins.

Additive and nonadditive genetic variances were estimated for cow fertility of Holsteins. Measures of fertility were first lactation days open and service period as recorded and with upper bounds of 150 and 91 d, respectively. Six million inseminations from the Raleigh, North Carolina Processing Center were used to form fertility records of 379,009 cows. Data were analyzed with a model accounting for all additive, dominance, and additive by additive covariances traced through sires and maternal grandsires. Variance components were estimated by the tilde-hat approximation to REML. Heritability in the narrow sense was 2% for days open and .8% for service period. Dominance and additive by additive variance as a percentage of phenotypic variation strongly depended on imposition of upper bounds. Heritabilities in the broad sense ranged from 2.2 to 6.6% and were at least twice as large as heritabilities in the narrow sense. Effect of 25% inbreeding was only around an additional 3 d open. Specific combining abilities among bulls were estimated as sums of dominance and additive by additive interactions removing effect of inbreeding depression. Differences between maximum and minimum estimates were in the order of twice the estimated standard deviation, ranging from 1.5 to 6.7 d. Effects of inbreeding and specific combining ability could be jointly considered in mating programs following sire selection.
De facto long-term opioid therapy for noncancer pain.

Objectives: This paper describes characteristics of opioid use episodes for noncancer pain and defines thresholds for de facto long-term opioid therapy. Methods: CONSORT (CONsortium to Study Opioid Risks and Trends) includes adult members of 2 health plans serving over 1% of the US population. Opioid use episodes beginning in the years 1997 to 2005 were classified as acute, episodic, long-term/ lower dose, or long-term/higher dose. Results: On the basis of evaluation of the likelihood of opioid use continuing, long-term opioid therapy was defined by episodes lasting longer than 90 days with 10+ opioid prescriptions or 120+ days supply of opioids dispensed. Long-term/ higher dose episodes ( < 1.5% of all opioid use episodes) were characterized by daily or near daily use, a mean duration of about 1000 days, and an average daily dose of about 55mg. They accounted for more than half the total morphine equivalents dispensed from the years 1997 to 2006. Short-acting, non-Schedule II opioids (eg, hydrocodone with acetaminophen) were, by far, the most commonly prescribed medications for acute, episodic, and long-term episodes. Long-acting (sustained- release) opioids were the predominately prescribed medication in a minority of long-term episodes (6% to 12%). Discussion: Long-term opioid therapy was characterized by the diversity in medications prescribed, dosage levels, and frequency of use. The proposed threshold for long-term opioid therapy provides a checkpoint for physicians to review whether an explicit decision to sustain opioid therapy has been reached, and to ensure that a documented treatment plan and provisions for monitoring medication use and patient outcomes are in place.
Neuronal fields containing luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) in mouse brain.

Abstract Immunocytochemical localization of the hypothalamic neurohormone luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) was performed in mouse brain using the unlabeled peroxidase anti-peroxidase technique. Antisera derived from serum albumin conjugates to the decapeptide (or its analog) achieved by four conjugation procedures were used to determine the antigenic form of LHRH which reveals the various neuronal compartments. Antisera derived from LHRH conjugated to bovine serum albumin at the 2-histidyl position revealed a population of LHRH-containing cell bodies in the retrochiasmatic area, tuberal area and arcuate nucleus (the LHRH Field I). LHRH-positive fibers and terminals were seen in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis and the median eminence. Fibers from the Field I neurons also coursed rostrally through the medial division of the hypothalamus and circumscribed the anterior commissure or projected dorsally into the thalamus. Antisera generated against conjugates to the N- or C-terminal of LHRH revealed a second population of LHRH perikarya. These were scattered throughout the medial preoptic, preoptic periventricular and medial septal areas (the LHRH Field II). A few neurons were found in the lateral arcuate nucleus. Fibers from septal and preoptic Field II neurons projected to the organum vasculosum. Immunoreactive fibers were found in the median eminence and thalamic regions in patterns similar to those previously described. Median eminence fibers appeared to arise in the regions of Field I neurons which did not stain with the end conjugate antisera. Antisera generated against a LHRH tyrosyl conjugate stained median eminence and organum vasculosum fibers but failed to stain perikarya in either field. The results of this study suggest the presence of two distinct immunoreactive populations of LHRH-containing perikarya, which are not contained within or restricted to any of the recognized hypothalamic nuclei.
Emergent Temporal Effects in Community Initiatives

Based on a qualitative case study of a multiyear, multicity attempt to forge community coalitions against substance abuse, this article analyzes three categories of organizational temporalities: Cycles, event streams, and temporal style. Community initiatives based on collaboration, coalitions, and cooperation, projects that “bring everyone to the table,” provide an opportunity for naturalistic observation of the unanticipated, but analyzable, effects that emerge when mismatched organizational temporalities interact. This article lays out a theory of these emergent effects of interorganizational time conflicts in communities of organizations. The aim is not to argue for the primacy of temporal effects over other dimensions but to include them in a multidimensional view of the causes of problems encountered in multi-organization community initiatives.
Mapping Electron Transfer Pathways in a Chromophore-Quencher Triad

A comparative study of the photophysics of the four positional isomers (one trans and three cis) of the chromophore-quencher triad [Ru-II(dmb)(bpyCH(2)PTZ)(bpyCH(2)MV(2+))](4+) (dmb is 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, bpyCH(2)PTZ is (4'-methyl-4-(2,2'-bipyridin-4-yl)methyl)phenothiazine, and bpyCH(2)MV(2+) is (4'-methyl-4-(2,2'-bipyridin-4-yl)methyl)-1'-methyl-4,4'-bipyridinium cation) has been undertaken, Following metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excitation by laser flash photolysis at 460 or 532, nm, the redox-separated states [Ru-II(dmb)(bpyCH(2)PTZ•+)(bpyCH(2)MV•+)]4+ are formed rapidly (< 5 ns), Quenching of MLCT emission occurs with near unit efficiency for all four isomers. For the trans and cis3 isomers, formation of the redox-separated state is similar to 25% efficient. For back electron transfer from -MV+ to -PTZ(+), ΔG0=-1.14 eV for all four isomers from electrochemical measurements and yet k(ET) varies from 4.5 x 10(6) to 8.7 x 10(6) s(-1) in acetonitrile at 25°C.
Tympanosclerosis: Long-term hearing results after ossicular reconstruction

OBJECTIVE: The study goal was to analyze long-term hearing results and factors likely to affect outcome after ossicular reconstruction in patients with tympanosclerosis, particularly tympanosclerotic stapes fixation.METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of the past 10 years. The short- and long-term (up to 9 1/2 years) hearing results of first-stage and second-stage operations for middle ear tympanosclerosis in 203 consecutive patients, performed in a tertiary referral otologic private practice, are presented. There were 160 tympanoplasties and 43 tympanoplasties with mastoidectomy performed, with ossicular fixation secondary to tympanosclerosis in 135 cases. Of these 203, 42.9% were primary cases, with the majority being planned second-stage or revision procedures.RESULTS: The average preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) was 30.9 dB. The average short-term postoperative ABG was 17.4 dB with closure of the ABG within 20 dB in 64.6%. The success rate (ABG ≤ 20 dB) for patients with ossicular fixati...
Experiments on sheathed cold-formed steel studs in compression

Abstract The stability and strength of cold-formed steel lipped C-section columns (studs) with sheathing attached to the flanges is the subject of this paper. Stud configurations both with and without sheathing, either oriented strand board or gypsum board, are tested for failure in compression. A total of twenty-six tests covering short, intermediate and long specimens, varied sheathing configurations, and varied end boundary conditions are completed. Dimensions and geometric imperfections of the specimens are measured in detail. The measured geometric imperfections are reduced to scalar magnitudes consistent with local, distortional, and global buckling modes. During the testing, mid-height cross-section deformations are recorded using five position transducers. The deformations indicate the impact of the different combinations of sheathing, and of the end boundary conditions, on the strength and stability of the studs. Composite action between the stud and sheathing, and isolating direct loading of the sheathing, are shown to be significant in determining the strength and controlling limit state of the stud. Tested strengths are compared with existing North American (American Iron and Steel Institute) specification methods and potential improvements are explored.
A methodology for microcontroller signal frequency stress prediction

Abstract This paper proposes a methodology for analysis and prediction of microcontroller failures due to signal frequency stress. Microcontrollers are constantly under signal frequency stress when controlling external devices. However, signal frequency stress has received relatively little attention in comparison with other sources of stress such as temperature, humidity, and voltage. This study involved the following steps: (1) identifying the highest stress point before failure; (2) dividing signal frequency into different stress levels; (3) characterizing the impact of signal frequency stress on IC functionality; (4) constructing a thermal profile of a microcontroller under signal frequency stress over time; (5) predicting stress levels using regression and neural network methods; and (6) comparing and contrasting performance differences for each method. Results indicated that the average prediction error is about 7.9% for the neural network approach and about 23.8% for the statistical regression approach. This may be due to the neural network modeling approach’s inherent ability to tolerate noise in the data due to factors such as variation in quality due to variations in the manufacturing process. This general methodology has also been utilized with low error rates in failure analysis and stress prediction in operational/power amplifiers (8% error rate), timer oscillator chips (25%) and resistors (30%).
Miniature-probe measurements of electric fields induced by 60 Hz magnetic fields in rats

Extremely-low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields interact with an animal by inducing internal electric fields, which represent the internal dose from an external exposure. In this study, an electric field probe of approximately 2 mm resolution was used to measure fields induced in rate carcasses by a 60 Hz magnetic field at 1 mT. With the rat lying on its side, the probe was inserted through a small hole in the body wall, and scanned at 5 mm increments from the side with frontal and axial exposure (field horizontal) and from the front with lateral exposure (field vertical). The induced electric field declined from a maximum at the entrance to the abdomen and crossed zero to negative (180{degree} phase shift) values within the body as expected. In general, the magnitudes of the measurements inside the abdomen were less than expected from whole-body calculations that used homogeneous-ellipsoidal models of a rate in the three orientations. The low measurements did not appear to be explained by perpendicular field components, by conductivity differences between the tissue and the probe path, or by air in the lungs. The low measurements probably result from inhomogeneities in actual rats that include conductivity differences between tissues and biological membranes.more » For example, an alternative model considered the abdominal cavity to be electrically isolated from the body by the diaphragm and the peritoneum and calculations from this model were in better agreement with the measurements inside the abdomen (than were the whole-body calculations). Therefore, inhomogeneities in conductivity and biomembranes such as the peritoneum should be considered in order to fully understand ELF-induced field dosimetry.« less
Modeling and State Estimator Design Issues for Model-Based Monitoring Systems

The JOURNAL OF DYNAMIC SYSTEMS, MEASUREMENTS, AND CONTROL has a rich history in the areas of system modeling, control theory, and system design. In this paper, I demonstrate the primary importance of modeling to the design and performance of model-based (dynamic, observer-based) monitoring systems. The focus is on monitoring rather than diagnostics, but the results show, nevertheless, that good monitoring systems impact the design and performance of diagnostic systems
Disparate effects of small medial amygdala lesions on noncontact erection, copulation, and partner preference

Abstract Male rats with radiofrequency lesions in the anterior medial amygdala (MeAa) or the posterior medial amygdala (MeAp), respectively, were tested for copulation and for noncontact erection (NCE; evoked by inaccessible estrous females) in a chamber in which the male was located between estrous and anestrous females. Barriers allowed only olfactory and auditory interaction between animals. With conscious females as stimuli, MeAp lesions virtually eliminated NCEs, and MeAa lesions moderately impaired them, without affecting the normal preference for estrous over anestrous females. When tested with anesthetized females to remove auditory stimulation, few males with lesions had NCEs. Only the males with MeAp lesions had a significant reduction in preference for estrous over anestrous anesthetized females. Neither MeAa nor MeAp lesions had an effect on copulatory behavior. MeAp lesions may have caused a reduced sensitivity to—or impaired processing of—estrous odors, thereby preventing NCE without disrupting copulatory behavior.
A Point Mutation of the AF2 Transactivation Domain of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Disrupts Its Interaction with Steroid Receptor Coactivator 1

Glucocorticoids cause a 10-fold increase in hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene transcription through two low affinity glucocorticoid receptor (GR) binding sites and a complex array of accessory factor DNA elements and associated proteins. To analyze how co-activators interact with the GR in this context, we took advantage of the C656G GR mutant that binds ligand with very high affinity. This GR activates PEPCK gene transcription at a 500-fold lower dexamethasone concentration than does wild type GR. Transfected C656G GR containing additional mutations or deletions was tested on PEPCK gene expression in H4IIE hepatoma cells. We found that the AF2 domain is the only one of the three defined transactivation domains in GR that is required for PEPCK gene expression and that mutation of this domain disrupts the direct interaction of GR with steroid receptor coactivator 1 (SRC-1). These data help define the functional interaction between GR and SRC-1 and further define the role of the GR in glucocorticoid-mediated expression of the PEPCK gene.
Regulation of ROCKII Membrane Localization through its C-terminus

RhoA activated kinases (ROCKs) are potent effectors of RhoA signaling for regulation of the cytoskeleton. ROCKs have been shown to be localized to several different subcellular locations, suggesting that its localization is context specific and regulated. However, the signaling mechanisms that control ROCK localization have not been clearly described. In this study we measured ROCKII localization following stimulation with the chemokine CXCL12 or adhesion to collagen 1. Strikingly, each of these extracellular signals targeted ROCKII to membrane protrusions. We further determined that both RhoA and PI3-kinase signaling are required for these stimuli to induce efficient membrane localization. Furthermore, we used a mutational approach to show that two separate domains predicted to respond to these localization signals, the Rho Binding Domain (RBD) and the Pleckstrin Homology domain (PH). Unexpectedly, we found that these two domains work synergistically to lead to membrane localization. This suggests a novel mechanism for controlling ROCKII localization at the membrane, in which the ROCKII C-terminus acts as a coincidence detector for spatial regulatory signals. In other words, efficient membrane targeting requires the ROCKII RBD to receive the RhoA signal and the PH domain to receive the phospholipid signal.
Anisotropic oxygen polarizability and the Lorentz correction in BaTiO sub 3.

The temperature dependence of the electronic polarizabilities of the ions in BaTi${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ is incorporated in the Slater-Devonshire theory under the assumption that the dominant contribution arises from the ${\mathrm{O}}_{a}$ electronic polarizability due to the large Ti-${\mathrm{O}}_{a}$ overlap along the polar axis. The temperature dependence of the ${\mathrm{O}}_{a}$ polarizability as determined from optical data is parameterized in the spontaneous polarization, and a free-energy function for the clamped crystal is derived and compared with the (adjusted) experimental free energy. An internal check on this comparison yields $(\frac{\mathrm{dB}}{\mathrm{dT}})=5.63\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}15}$ cgs units, compared with the experimental value 4.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}15}$ ($B$ is the fourth-order coefficient in the free energy). A minimum-internal-energy calculation is performed for the clamped crystal polarized along [001], corresponding to the tetragonal phase. This calculation illustrates the role of the ${\mathrm{O}}_{a}$ polarizability in limiting the spontaneous polarization: Using the ${\mathrm{O}}_{a}$ polarizability anisotropy data, a spontaneous polarization of 59 600 esu is obtained; if the isotropic oxygen polarizability in the cubic phase is used, 667 000 esu. Similar calculations are performed for the clamped crystal polarized along [011] and [111], corresponding to the orthorhombic and rhombohedral phases, respectively. The ${\mathrm{O}}_{a}$ polarizability anisotropy data are used, and for the [011] calculation a spontaneous polarization of 33 300 esu is obtained. It is found that the Lorentz correction for the clamped crystal corresponding to a [111] polar axis is not large enough to support a spontaneous polarization, but that a shear of the unit cell of about 27\ensuremath{'} is required to stabilize a spontaneous polarization along this axis.
THIRTY YEARS OF THE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISORS: AN INFORMAL EVALUATION

The Council of Economic Advisers celebrated its thirtieth year in 1976. What has been its impact? Like most institutions the council has had periods of both increasing and waning influence during its existence. Let us summarize them briefly.
Diversity in Human Resource Development and Continuing Professional Education: What Does It Mean for the Workforce, Clients, and Professionals?:

The problem and the solution.Despite the magnitude of the ethical, legal, economic, social, and political dimensions that define diversity initiatives in the workplace, the fields of human resource...
Polarization and hyperfine transitions of metastable {sup 129}Xe in discharge cells

The polarization and relaxation rates of metastable {sup 129}Xe atoms are measured with magnetic resonance spectroscopy, at both microwave frequencies, where {Delta}F=1 transitions are induced between the sublevels, and at radiofrequencies, corresponding to {Delta}F=0 transitions. The nuclear spin polarization of the resonant velocity group is measured to be 22{+-}2%. The relaxation of metastable xenon atoms is dominated by depolarizing collisions with ground-state atoms, with lesser contributions from metastability exchange collisions.
A clustering procedure for exploratory mining of vector time series

A two-step procedure is developed for the exploratory mining of real-valued vector (multivariate) time series using partition-based clustering methods. The proposed procedure was tested with model-generated data, multiple sensor-based process data, as well as simulation data. The test results indicate that the proposed procedure is quite effective in producing better clustering results than a hidden Markov model (HMM)-based clustering method if there is a priori knowledge about the number of clusters in the data. Two existing validity indices were tested and found ineffective in determining the actual number of clusters. Determining the appropriate number of clusters in the case that there is no a priori knowledge is a known unresolved research issue not only for our proposed procedure but also for the HMM-based clustering method and further development is necessary.
Light regulation of specific mRNA species in Lemna gibba L. G-3.

Abstract Polyadenylated RNA was isolated from Lemna gibba L. G-3 and translated in a cell-free system from wheat germ. When plants were placed into complete darkness for 4 days, then returned to light for 18 hr, increased amounts of polyadenylated mRNA for at least two polypeptides were detected by in vitro translation over those amounts present in the dark. These two polypeptides have molecular weights of 32,000 and 20,000. The 20,000 dalton polypeptide was identified by immunoprecipitation as the precursor to the small subunit of the photosynthetic enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase [3-phospho-D-glycerate carboxy-lyase (dimerizing), EC 4.1.1.39]. The polyadenylated mRNA that codes for the small subunit is not detectable by immunoprecipitation of translation products in the dark-treated tissue. Plants growing in the light actively synthesize both subunits of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase, but synthesis of these proteins was found to be greatly diminished in plants placed in darkness for 4 days. These results indicate that white light can dramatically affect the steady-state levels of specific polyadenylated mRNAs.
Homeopathic medicine in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico: patients' perspectives and observations.

This article looks at the growth and use of homeopathic medicine in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico. Based on interviews with 174 male and female patients from half of the homeopathic clinics in the city, this research examined attitudes toward disease causation and how one stays healthy. Findings suggest that women are better at monitoring and trying to improve their health than are their male counterparts. Although homeopathy enjoys a strong and almost devoted following, women seem to be more convinced of the overall efficacy of homeopathic medicine than do men. [medical pluralism, homeopathy, complementary/alternative medicine, Mexico, gender differences]
An Assessment of the Functionality of the Superordinate Goal in Reducing Conflict

This study suggests that the superordinate goal retards the development of felt conflict even if the frustrating antecedent conditions remain and, although a nonachieved superordinate goal does not...
Modernization and Teenage Sexual Activity in Zambia A Multinomial Logit Model

One of the major social problems in sub-Saharan Africa today is teenage pregnancy. In this article, the authors test a model based on modernization theories that attempt to explain the widespread prevalence of teenage sexual activity in African countries such as Zambia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Students were randomly selected from seven secondary schools in two Zambian cities, Lusaka and Kitwe. There were 527 adolescent respondents in the sample. Results of this study do not support modernization theories of teen sexual activity. In addition, the authors find that traditional institutions such as initiation ceremonies continue to influence sexual activity levels. These findings raise interesting questions for future investigations.
Surface and grain boundary segregation related to the temper embrittlement of a 2 1 4Cr-1Mo steel

Abstract Temper embrittlement of 2 1 4 Cr-1Mo steels is considered to be promoted by the segregation of impurities, such as P, to grain boundaries. Analysis by scanning Auger microscopy and XPS of intergranular fracture surfaces indicates the presence of ∼ 0.2 monolayer P, most of which is in a chemisorbed state. Fe3C (with some Cr and Mo) is also precipitated at grain boundaries. Surface segregation studies at 500–625°C using X-ray emission analysis combined with RHEED shows that only P (no C, Cr or Mo) segregates to a free surface, and that the P is chemisorbed, rather than present in a crystalline state. The P diffusion coefficient is determined to be ∼ 2 × 10-3exp( - E/RT) cm2/s with E = 45 ± 4 kcal/mole.
Tuberculous ileocolitis in an adult patient with nonrotation of the midgut: Report of a case

A rare combination of nonratation of midgut and secondary tuberculous ileocolitis in a Causasian man is reported. The embryology and clinical picture of non-rotation are described. Aspects of the pathogenesis and diagnosis of tuberculosis of the bowel are discussed.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction Of Noisy Confocal Scanning Microscope Images

Confocal scanning microscopes have improved depth discrimination over conventional microscopes. The out-of-focus contributions in a through-focus series of images are greatly reduced by the confocal geometry but not completely removed. Simulations have shown that posteriori iterative constrained deconvolution can produce depth discrimination equal to the lateral diffraction limit. However, such deterministic algorithms perform poorly when the optical sections are noisy, such as occurs in ultralow-light fluorescence microscopy. In this paper we present a stochastic approach to 3-D reconstruction and discuss the relationship of the microscope's imaging properties to the postprocessing task.
Broadband wavefront correction algorithm for high-contrast imaging systems

Great strides have been made in recent years toward the goal of high-contrast imaging with a sensitivity adequate to detect earth-like planets around nearby stars. It appears that the hardware − optics, coronagraph masks, deformable mirrors, illumination systems, thermal control systems − are up to the task of obtaining the required 10-10 contrast. But in broadband light (e.g., 10% bandpass) the wavefront control algorithms have been a limiting factor. In this paper we describe a general correction methodology that works in broadband light with one or multiple deformable mirrors by conjugating the electric field in a predefined region in the image where terrestrial planets would be found. We describe the linearized approach and demonstrate its effectiveness through laboratory experiments. This paper presents results from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory High Contrast Imaging Testbed (HCIT) for both narrow-band light (2%) and broadband light (10%) correction.
Comparison of Subyearling Fall Chinook Salmon's Use of Riprap Revetments and Unaltered Habitats in Lake Wallula of the Columbia River

Abstract Subyearling fall chinook salmon's Oncorhynchus tshawytscha use of unaltered and riprap habitats in Lake Wallula of the Columbia River was determined with point abundance data collected by electrofishing in May 1994 and 1995. We documented the presence or absence of subyearlings at 277 sample sites and collected physical habitat information at each site. Based on logistic regression, we found that the probability of fish presence was greater in unaltered shoreline habitats than in riprap habitats. Substrate size was the most important factor in determining fish presence, with dominant substrates larger than 256 mm having the lowest probability of fish presence. Water velocity, also included in our model due to its biological importance, was not a significant factor affecting presence or absence (P = 0.1102). The correct prediction rate of fish presence or absence in our sample sites using cross validation was 67%. Our model showed that substrate was the most important factor determining subyearlin...
The quest for triplet ground state silylenes

Abstract The scarcity of triplet silylenes compared with triplet carbenes can be understood in terms of the sizes of the valence orbitals. The larger size of the silicon orbitals leads to a decrease in the repulsion of the nonbonding electrons in the singlet state and hence their energy-lowering separation in the triplet state is less capable of compensating an attendant promotion energy. Calculations suggested that the effect of bulky substituents must be supplemented by a reduction of their electronegativity in order to reduce the promotion energy to the point that a triplet ground state can be achieved at an attainable bond angle. The culmination of this approach has been the generation of a silylene (t-Bu)3SiSiSi(iPr)3 that appears to react from its triplet ground state.
Influence of initiation mode on stability and control of a chain reaction

Initiation of chemical reactions by ultra-violet light is characterized by essentially complete lack of temperature dependence and by physical separation of the source or initiating agent from the reaction medium. The advantage of these features for reactor stability and control are discussed in a theoretical study of the photo-sensitized polymerization of styrene in a continuous stirred tank reactor and a comparison is made with the behavior of the thermally initiated reaction.
Laser-induced-fluorescence studies of no scattering from Ag(111)

Abstract The state sensitive detection technique of laser-induced-fluorescence has been employed to study inelastic collisions of NO molecules with Ag(l 111). The results show that direct collisions are predominant and that the effects of surface corrugation are small. Evidence is found for a rotational rainbow and for the production of rotational polarization.
Excision and repair of the peripheral ossifying fibroma: a report of 3 cases.

Background: The peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF), one of the most common gingival lesions, has a recurrence rate of nearly 20%. To minimize the reappearance of this lesion, it must be completely excised. In the maxillary anterior region, total excision of a POF can result in an unsightly gingival defect. Methods: Three cases are presented in which a POF was excised from the gingiva facial to a maxillary central incisor. One of these lesions had previously undergone 2 cycles of conservative excision and recurrence. In all cases, the lesions were excised down to bone. Each of the resulting gingival defects was repaired by a distinct plastic surgery procedure, including a laterally positioned flap, a subepithelial connective tissue graft, and a coronally positioned flap. Results: The defects resulting from the biopsies were satisfactorily repaired. The patients were followed over postsurgical intervals of 10 to 30 months. None of the lesions recurred. Conclusions: It is customary to manage POF by aggressiv...
Energy-momentum relation for polarons confined to one dimension.

Electrons confined to one dimension (1D) in a quantum wire structure or in a large magnetic field can interact with unconfined phonon modes. For interactions with polar optical phonons treated to first order in perturbation theory, the infinite density of states at wave vector k=0 for one-dimensional electrons results in a divergent phonon emission rate by electrons with energy equal to that of the longitudinal-optical phonon, \ensuremath{\Elzxh}${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{LO}}$. We have done a variational calculation of the dispersion relation for the single 1D electron-phonon (polaron) system in the weak-coupling limit which shows significant energy lowering at wave vector ${\mathit{k}}_{\mathrm{LO}}$=(2${\mathrm{m}}^{\mathrm{*}}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{LO}}$/\ensuremath{\Elzxh}${)}^{1/2}$ and a bending over for larger k. The dispersion relation is calculated for GaAs in large magnetic fields. We propose that the space charge of polarons below the phonon energy accounts for the size of the sequential phonon emission effect reported by Hickmott et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 52, 2053 (1984)].
Observation of a new flow state in He II counterflow

We report the observation of a new flow state for He II in thermal counterflow. The new state has been observed only in metal flow tubes, experiments with similar size glass tubes showing no trace of it whatever. Furthermore, the new state exists only over a finite range of heat currents and can be induced from the laminar flow region only by the application of a mechanical shock to the cryostat. For certain temperatures the new state can couple with the Vinen state of mutual friction, producing sustained oscillations in the temperature difference between the tube ends. It is speculated that this new state is due to a type of flow in the normal fluid which has recently been proposed for classical fluids, spiral flow.