cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electronic properties of micro-n-i-p-i structures in silicon.

The electronic properties of ultrathin, heavily doped n-i-p-i structures in silicon have been studied with use of the ab initio pseudopotential method. Three doping configurations are used to model n-i-p-i structures by replacing silicon atoms with aluminum and arsenic atoms. The doped silicon samples are found to retain an indirect energy band gap. The heavy doping levels result in the formation of impurity bands. The top of the valence band and the bottom of the conduction band are impurity-related bands. The electron-hole charge separation even occurs when the n- and p-type impurities are nearest neighbors. The heavy doping significantly increases the electron-hole recombination matrix elements as compared to the light-doping case in which the bulk silicon band structure can be used to determine the matrix elements. However, the matrix elements for the three n-i-p-i structures in Si which were investigated are still 5 orders of magnitude smaller than those for the direct-band-gap transition in GaAs.
SOME EFFECTS OF DIISOPROPYL PHENOL (ICI 35 868) ON THE PHARMACODYNAMICS OF ATRACURIUM AND VECURONIUM IN ANAESTHETIZED MAN

The effects of a bolus injection of diisopropyl phenol 2 mg kg−1 i.v. and an infusion (150 μg kg−1 min−1 for 30 min and 75 μg kg−1 min−l thereafter) on the pharmacodynamics and dose-response curves of atracurium and vecuronium were studied in 52 healthy (ASA I or II) patients. Under anaesthesia with diisopropyl phenol, the cumulative dose-response curves of both myoneural blocking drugs were shifted to the left when compared with previously reported results. However, there was no clinically significant change in the pharmacodynamics of either drug after the bolus injection of the blocking drug. Diisopropyl phenol 2 mg kg−1 i.v. administered during steady-state infusions of vecuronium and atracurium increased the depth of the constant neuromuscular blockade. When diisopropyl phenol alone was given to four patients there was no change in the twitch height. These results show that diisopropyl phenol, given according to the regimen in this study, potentiates both of the neuromuscular blockers studied but does not prolong the duration of action of either drug. During the infusion of diisopropyl phenol, vecuronium was found to be five times more potent, to have a more rapid onset time, and to be shorter acting than an equipotent dose of atracurium.
QUALITATIVE BEHAVIOR OF SOLUTIONS OF A CERTAIN HYBRID SYSTEM

We study the qualitative behavior of solutions of a system of delay-differential equations of the form where α is a positive constant and [t] denotes the greatest integer in t for the specific case f(x)=βx-γx3. We are primarily interested in bounded positive solutions.
THE INTEGRAL AS A FUNCTION OF THE UPPER LIMIT AND DEPENDING ON A PARAMETER TO SOLVE DRAWING THROUGH IDLING ROLLS

The velocity and strain-rate fields which are different from Avitzur’s have been established in Cartesian coordinates. Using the integral as a function of the upper limit and integration depending on a parameter, an analytical upper-bound solution to drawing stress through idling rolls has been obtained in this paper.
Collaborative compressive spectrum sensing with missing observations for Cognitive Radio networks

Spectrum sensing, which seeks to detect the unoccupied channels or spectrum holes, is the first task for ensuring the functionality of Cognitive Radio (CR) system. But considering hardware limitation, each CR node can only obtain limited information about the spectrum usage on whole spectrum channel. Thus, by exploiting compressive sensing (CS) technology, collaborative compressive sensing for spectrum sensing was proposed to solve this problem. However, due to channel fading and transmission power limitation, fusion center (FC) usually cannot receive complete measurements from all CR nodes. Thus, now the problem is how to obtain the complete information of spectrum usage from the incomplete measurements. Although previous matrix completion recovery (MCR) algorithm has focused on this issue, it's less applicable in the noise environment and the situation of large number of measurements (observations) are missing. Thus, we propose a new recovery algorithm for spectrum sensing with missing observations in this paper. Different to MCR algorithm, our proposed algorithm needs not to run matrix completion algorithms but can detect the occupied channels from the incomplete observations directly. Moreover, our method outperforms MCR algorithm in both the situations of noise corruption and large number of observations are missing. Furthermore, we proposed a sparsity adaptive based dynamic compressive spectrum sensing algorithm which is aiming at solving the problem of spectrum sensing in the dynamic environment. This dynamic algorithm focus on recovering the recent changes which are the newly occupied channels or the released channels. Compared to previous dynamic compressive spectrum sensing (DCSS) algorithm which can only detect single channel change once a time, our method which can detect multiple channels changes is more suitable for the application. Simulation results will also validate the effectiveness of all our proposed schemes.
REPRESSION-SENSITIZATION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFENSES'

Byrne's revised repression-sensitization scale (R-S) (1963), a unidimensional categorization of defense mechanisms, is currently enjoying a construct validation vogue. The Problems Situation Test (PST), developed by Dahlke, Dana, and Gross [cf. Dana (1966, p. 189); Gross (1965)], permits reliable classification on four scales: Acting-out, Avoidance. Distortion, and Reality. This study explored relationships between these two defense measures, the R-S and the PST. Both measures were administered to 246 students, 136 males and 110 females. Four 2 x 3 analyses of variance were used to compare sex and R-S classification (represser, neutral, sensitizer) with each PST scale. The R-S classifications were established using one sigma above and below the mean as cut-off points. The smallest group, female repressers (N = 16), was used to establish the n per cell and Ss were randomly assigned to the other groups. Pearson product-moment correlations were computed between scores on each PST scale and R-S for 246 Ss. The analyses of variance were nonsignificant. The correlations were of small magnitude (Acting-out .23; Avoidance -.24; Distortion .16; Reality -.20), significantly different from zero at acceptable levels, but without practical utility. These minimal relationships between rwo defense measures may be due to low PST construct validity. However, recent studies (e.g., Feder, 1967) suggest that the R-S scale measures response sets related to self and person perceptions. These response sets may represent extraversion-introversion orientations (Becker, 1967) which produce qualitatively different interpersonal experiences. Juxtaposition of the narrowly focused PST with the more generalized R-S scale highlights their different measurement objectives.
On the Plaza: The Politics of Public Space and Culture

On the Plaza: The Politics of Public Space and Culture. Setha M. Low. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2000. ix. 274 pp., tables, maps, photographs, bibliography, index.
Meaningfulness and Identities

Three distinct but related questions can be asked about the meaningfulness of one’s life. The first is ‘What is the meaning of life?,’ which can be called ‘the cosmic question about meaningfulness’; the second is ‘What is a meaningful life?,’ which can be called ‘the general question about meaningfulness’; and the third is ‘What is the meaning of my life?,’ which can be called ‘the personal question about meaningfulness.’ I argue that in order to deal with all three questions we should start with the personal question. There is a way of understanding the personal question which allows us to answer it independently of any consideration of the cosmic question, but which nonetheless helps us see why the cosmic question should be dismissed as a bad question. Besides, a recommendable answer to the general question can be derived from my understanding of how the personal question should be answered. Two notions are essential to my account, namely, the notion of identities and the notion of a biographical life. And the account can be epitomized in this enticing way: a person’s life is meaningful if it contains material for an autobiography that she thinks is worth writing and others think is worth reading.
Lower pulmonary function and cerebral subclinical abnormalities detected by MRI: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.

Study objectives To investigate the association between pulmonary function and (1) cerebral infarction and (2) white matter lesions (WMLs), identified by MRI and believed to represent subclinical lesions of arteriosclerosis, generalized hypoperfusion, or ischemia of the brain. Design Population-based, cross-sectional study. Setting Two communities in the United States. Participants A sample of 1,917 African-American and white men and women 55 to 72 years old who were selected from the second follow-up examination of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study cohort. Interventions Observational study. Measurements and results The lung function indexes, FEV 1 and FVC, were assessed according to American Thoracic Society criteria. Subclinical cerebral infarction and WMLs were assessed by MRI. After adjusting for age, ethnicity, gender, height, and height squared, a 1-SD decrease of FEV 1 in nonsmokers was associated with odds ratios (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31 to 2.03) of 1.63 for infarction and 1.35 (95% CI, 1.08 to 1.69) for WMLs. Of those in the lowest quartile of FEV 1 , 15% had infarction and WMLs, in contrast to 6% of the individuals in the uppermost quartile of FEV 1 . Consistent associations were also observed by using FVC as an index of pulmonary function. Similar patterns of association were found among current smokers. The associations were not altered by additional adjustment of conventional risk factors of cardiovascular disease, comorbidity, or cognitive function. Conclusion The results from this population-based study suggest that lower pulmonary function is associated with subclinical cerebral abnormalities.
Administrators' perspectives on ethical issues in long-term care research.

Ethical issues are a significant potential barrier to much-needed research in long-term care settings. LTC stakeholder perspectives are largely absent from the development of regulation and guidelines. Fifteen long-term care administrators were interviewed as part of a study of ethical issues in community-based, long-term care research. Established qualitative procedures for conducting content analysis were used to organize the data. Findings suggest that existing mechanisms to protect human subjects do not take into account important differences between academic and long-term care settings. The full potential of LTC research will not be realized until supportive processes to enhance human subjects protections are developed in a way that is reflective of the LTC environment.
Desert rodents reduce seedling recruitment of Salsola paulsenii

Heteromyid rodents in the deserts of North America have been shown to harvest large quantities of seeds of both native and introduced plants from soil seed banks, but rarely has the impact of this seed removal been demonstrated experimentally. I used a series of fenced plots (some of which excluded rodents) to demonstrate that het- eromyids at a western Nevada study site can measurably reduce seed banks and subsequent seedling establishment of Salsola paulsenii, an introduced invasive weed that has become a significant problem over much of the desert South- west. The frequency of S. paulsenii seedlings in both 2004 and 2005 was significantly greater around the interior perimeters of plots that permitted access by rodents than in plots that excluded rodents. Density of S. paulsenii seed- lings was significantly greater inside than outside rodent exclusion plots, but there was no such difference in seedling density inside versus outside plots that permitted rodent access. Salsola paulsenii has such a conspicuous presence in many desert environments that the effect of rodents in reducing its abundance may not be visually apparent; however, rodents may still ameliorate competitive effects of this weed on coexisting plants. Heteromyid rodents disperse seeds through caching, and they also consume them. Caching may enhance establishment of native plant seedlings, but is unlikely to benefit exotics such as S. paulsenii.
Long-term outcomes of tricuspid valve replacement in the current era.

Background Regardless of the indication, tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) has historically been associated with high mortality and morbidity. We report the results of our experience in a high-risk patient population with an emphasis on operative mortality, long-term survival, and valve related events according to the type of prosthesis. Methods Between 1985 and 1999 TVR was performed in 81 patients (isolated n=25, combined with valve surgery n=44, combined with CABG or other n=12). The mean age was 61 years old (range 19–83 years old). Risk factors included New York Heart Association functional class III/IV (n = 73, 90%), reoperation (n = 58, 72%), urgent/emergent indication (n = 62, 76%), and hepatic dysfunction (n = 13, 16%). Mean pulmonary artery pressure was 34 mmHg. Etiology of tricuspid regurgitation was classified as functional (n = 18, 22%) or organic (n = 52, 64%), or failed previous tricuspid valve surgery (n = 11, 14%). Results Tricuspid valve replacement was performed with either a bioprosthetic (n = 34, 42%) or mechanical valve (n = 47, 58%). The overall operative mortality was 22% (n = 18). Risk factors for mortality included urgent/emergent status, age greater than 50 years old, functional etiology, and elevated pulmonary artery pressure. Of the 60 survivors, 26 (43%) died during follow up. After univariate analysis, organic etiology was the only predictor of late death ( p = 0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival at 2.5, 5, and 10 years was 80%, 60%, and 45% for bioprosthetic, and 84%, 69%, and 59% for mechanical valves, respectively. Conclusions Patients requiring TVR are typically high-risk with a high-percentage of reoperations, concomitant cardiac procedures, and end-stage functional class. Operative and overall mortality remains high. Heart failure was the predominant cause of early and late deaths, emphasizing importance of timely referral before the development of end-stage cardiac impairment.
Steady-State Recombination via Donor-Acceptor Pairs

The steady-state recombination rate for recombination via donor-acceptor pairs is worked out using a phenomenological model similar to that employed by Shockley and Read for single, isolated defects. Simplified expressions are given for the extrinsic case, for very small injection levels, and for very large injection levels. The effect of pair recombination on diode current and injection electroluminescence is also considered. The results are compared with the Shockley-Read mechanism wherever meaningful comparisons can be made.
The paint–bake response of three Al–Mg–Zn alloys

Abstract The aging behaviors of three Al–Mg–Zn alloys have been investigated under conditions similar to the paint–bake cycle currently used in automotive manufacturing. The three alloys contain Mg in atomic concentrations from one to two times those of Zn. Natural aging at 25 °C after solutionizing is found to produce a linear increase in hardness with logarithmic time for times of up to 1 year. Hardnesses in naturally and artificially aged conditions are found to increase with Mg content. Artificial aging at 175 °C for 30 min, which simulates the automotive paint–bake cycle, produces increases in hardness of 15–36% over the solution-treated conditions. Peak hardness from artificial aging at 175 °C is produced in all alloys after approximately 8 h. Natural aging for 10 days prior to artificial aging at 175 °C does not produce significant changes in hardness compared with artificial aging alone. Natural aging for 1 year after simulated paint–bake aging increases hardnesses by 41–78% over those after simulated paint–bake aging alone. The precipitation strengthening mechanism in these alloys is consistent with η′ formation. Increases in hardness and strength with increasing Mg content are consistent with increased solid–solution strengthening, which is retained even after artificial aging.
Quantum trajectory simulations of two-state behavior in an optical cavity containing one atom.

Under conditions of strong dipole coupling an optical cavity containing one atom behaves as a two-state system when excited near one of the ``vacuum'' Rabi resonances. A coherent driving field induces a dynamic Stark splitting of the ``vacuum'' Rabi resonance. We demonstrate this two-state behavior in computer experiments based on quantum trajectory simulations.
VIOLENT KIDS, VIOLENT PARENTS: Family Pharmacotherapy

Violence runs in families, as does lithium-responsiveness. These conditions, which may be concurrent, must be sought in families of violent manic-depressive youngsters. An illustrative case history is presented, in which the child is the identified patient--not only psychologically, but pharmacologically as well--who brings his family, and specifically his father, into much needed treatment. Language: en
Bowtie Nanoantennas for Plasmonic Optical Trapping

Plasmonic optical trapping of polystyrene micron-sized spheres using Au bowtie nanoantenna arrays is demonstrated. Conventional trapping constraints are greatly reduced, allowing for the use of weak focusing and inexpensive sources (laser pointers).
Physical Activity and the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence: A Literature Review

Purpose/objectives To examine the association between physical activity and breast cancer mortality and recurrence, and to provide an overview of factors related to physical activity behavior in women with breast cancer. Data sources An extensive review of the epidemiologic literature on the effect of physical activity on breast cancer recurrence and mortality was conducted using PubMed up to December 2010, involving the following key words: physical activity, exercise, breast cancer, breast cancer recurrence, and breast cancer mortality. Data synthesis For breast cancer recurrence and breast cancer-related mortality, studies were included if physical activity served as the independent variable and a measure of association was reported. To examine determinants of physical activity, studies were included if a hypothesized factor served as the independent variable and a measure of association was reported. Conclusions Of the six studies that examined the influence of physical activity on breast cancer mortality, four (67%) reported a protective effect (i.e., inverse association), two examined the influence of physical activity on breast cancer recurrence and reported a nonsignificant risk reduction. Few studies have examined factors that influence physical activity behavior in women with breast cancer, and findings suggest that psychosocial factors play an important role in influencing the activity patterns of breast cancer survivors. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm those findings. Implications for nursing To prevent breast cancer recurrence and breast cancer-related mortality, nurses should encourage breast cancer survivors to engage in regular exercise.
Technology Transfer in biobanking: credits, debits, and population health futures.

Bioinformatics, the integration of information technology and biotechnology, is the primary means to make medical sense out of the map of the human genome, and bioinformatics capabilities continue to expand exponentially. Consequently, the demand for access to human biological samples and medical information has never been greater. This demand is giving rise to ambitious biobanking initiatives - meaning the organized collection of samples and medical information from human population.
Fasting Glucose Changes in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Compared with Obese Controls: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract Study Objective To compare changes in fasting glucose among adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with those in obese adolescents without PCOS. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study of 310 adolescents with PCOS and 250 obese adolescents (age range 13 to 18 years) seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, from 1996 to 2012. Methods Included for analysis were 98 adolescents with PCOS and 150 obese adolescents who had 2 or more fasting glucose measurements separated by at least 6 months. Adolescents with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or diabetes were excluded. Multivariate models were used to assess predictors of change in fasting glucose. Results At diagnosis, adolescents with PCOS had lower body mass index (BMI) (kg/m 2 ) and older age than obese adolescents ( P P = .02). Baseline fasting glucose was not different between groups. Mean change in fasting glucose was 2.4 ± 9.4 mg/dL per year for PCOS and 2.2 ± 6.2 mg/dL per year for obese adolescents ( P = .83). Significant predictors for change in fasting glucose were BMI and fasting glucose at diagnosis ( P P = .003). Prevalence of hypertension increased in the PCOS cohort from baseline to follow-up ( P = .02). PCOS and BMI were significantly associated with development of HTN in the entire cohort. Conclusion Adolescent girls with PCOS do not show a significant change in fasting glucose or an increased risk for the development of IFG compared with obese adolescents. BMI, not PCOS status, was the strongest predictor for changes in fasting glucose and development of IFG over time.
Medicine in China: New Discoveries, New Concepts and New Frontiers

This article concerns observations made by the author during the course of two recent tours of medical facilities in China. It discusses the new and significant archeological discoveries in China of a 50 year-old woman who had been buried over 2,000 years ago. The detailed autopsy description of this woman revealed a surprisingly advanced level of medical understanding in the China of the Han dynasty. The current integration of Western with Chinese traditional medicine has resulted in China in the discovery of acupuncture anesthesia and Chinese pharmacology. The development of a new and comprehensive health-care delivery system has had a great deal to do with the development of the concepts of barefoot doctors, mobile teaching and research units and health stations which all facilitate the delivery of medical care to the public. New medical attitudes in China include the shortening of the medical school curriculum and the reorganization of teaching materials to reflect the current integration of Eastern with Western medical concepts and the emphasis upon the delivery of primary health care.
Mobile-Process-Based Parallel Simulation

Our focus is on the novel use of a process-oriented methodology in software systems for parallel simulation on distributed memory. To the best of our knowledge, the few existing systems which adopt a process view strictly use message passing to effect process interaction in distributed-memory settings. As a result, these systems avoid scenarios in which processes directly access passive but shared components. This can restrict the manner in which a system is modeled and hinder the phase of distributed model construction. In this paper, we propose an approach which utilizes mobile processes in distributed-memory simulation systems. The approach entails the migration of a requesting process with its timestamp to the remote site hosting the requested passive object. Major advantages of this approach include one-time transmission, fixed communication topology, and increased locality of reference. Empirical results based on lightweight processes show that the mobile process paradigm can be as efficient as the message-passing paradigm.
Investigation of translocation, DNA unwinding, and protein displacement by NS3h, the helicase domain from the hepatitis C virus helicase.

Helicases are motor proteins that are involved in DNA and RNA metabolism, replication, recombination, transcription, and repair. The motors are powered by ATP binding and hydrolysis. Hepatitis C virus encodes a helicase called nonstructural protein (NS3). NS3 possesses protease and helicase activities on its N-terminal and C-terminal domains, respectively. The helicase domain of NS3 is termed NS3h. In vitro, NS3h catalyzes RNA and DNA unwinding in a 3′−5′ direction. The directionality of unwinding is thought to arise in part from the enzyme’s ability to translocate along DNA, but translocation has not been shown explicitly. We examined the DNA translocase activity of NS3h by using single-stranded oligonucleotide substrates containing a fluorescent probe on the 5′ end. NS3h can bind to the ssDNA and in the presence of ATP move toward the 5′ end. When the enzyme encounters the fluorescent probe, a fluorescence change is observed that allows translocation to be characterized. Under conditions that favor bind...
Methyl 1-benzyl-5-methyl-2,4-diphenyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxyl-ate.

In the title compound, C26H23NO2, the dihedral angles between the pyrrole ring and the two phenyl rings are 58.1 (6) and 71.5 (5)°. The mean planes of the 5-methyl­benzene ring and the carboxyl group are twisted by 89.5 (3) and 22.1 (9)°, respectively, from the pyrrole ring. In the crystal, weak C—H⋯O inter­actions lead to supra­molecular layers in the ab plane.
Magnesium Deficiency and Bone Loss After Cardiac Transplantation

Magnesium depletion adversely affects many phases of skeletal metabolism and has been implicated as a risk factor in several forms of osteoporosis. Magnesium deficiency has also been reported after cardiac transplantation. To evaluate whether altered magnesium homeostasis could be related to the pathogenesis of early bone loss after cardiac transplantation, we prospectively measured serum and urinary magnesium and evaluated them with respect to biochemical indices of mineral metabolism and rates of bone loss. The study population included 60 patients (45 men, 15 women) aged 53 +/- 11 years (SD) with measurements of biochemistries and bone mineral density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry before and 3 months after transplantation. All received prednisone, cyclosporine A, and azathioprine, plus calcium (1000 mg) and vitamin D (400 IU). After transplantation, serum magnesium decreased by 16 +/- 15% (SD) from 2. 0 +/- 0.3 mg/dl to 1.6 +/- 0.2 mg/dl (normal 1.8-2.2 mg/dl; p < 0. 0001), accompanied by an increase in the fractional excretion of magnesium (7.1 +/- 3.9% to 13.3 +/- 5.6%; p < 0.0017). Forty-three patients with low 3-month serum magnesium levels (</= 1.7 mg/dl) sustained 41% less bone loss at the lumbar spine (4.0 +/- 4.6% vs. 6. 8 +/- 5.3%; p = 0.051) and 58% less bone loss at the femoral neck (3. 1 +/- 5.9% vs. 7.3 +/- 5.6%; p < 0.01), despite receiving similar doses of prednisone and cyclosporine A. Of the biochemical parameters measured (including renal function, serum calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D metabolites, osteocalcin, urinary calcium, and markers of bone resorption), only intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, which were 40% lower in patients with low serum magnesium levels differed significantly (45 +/- 23 pg/ml vs. 74 +/- 60 pg/ml; p = 0.019). Patients with low serum magnesium levels also had evidence of lower bone turnover. In summary, a highly significant decline in serum magnesium concentrations, associated with continued urinary magnesium losses, occurs after cardiac transplantation. Patients with low serum magnesium levels had significantly lower rates of bone loss, lower serum PTH concentrations, and lower bone turnover. Although the precise mechanisms by which the reduction in serum magnesium tends to protect against bone loss in the early post-transplantation period remain to be elucidated, reduced serum PTH and lower rates of bone turnover are likely to be important factors.
First order dissociation rates between a subpopulation of high affinity rabbit anti-fluorescyl IgG antibody and homologous ligand.

Abstract The first order dissociation rates of liganded subpopulations of purified hyperimmune rabbit antifluorescyl IgG antibodies were determined using the method of Green (1963). The dissociation of radiolabeled fluorescyl ligands was measured in the presence of excess unlabeled homologous hapten. Results with three different antibody preparations indicated dissociation rates of 1.3 × 10[su−3, 2.4 × 10 −4 and 2.2 × 10 −6 sec −1 for the liganded subpopulations. Assuming an association rate of 4.6 × 10 8 M −1 sec −1 (Levison et al ., 1971), average equilibrium constants ranging from 3.1 × 10 11 M −1 to 2.1 × 10 14 M −1 were calculated. These values are among the highest reported for antibody-hapten interactions.
Reply [to “Comment on ‘MHD wave breaking in the outer plasmasphere’”]

The phenomenon of resonance absorption leads to a secular damping of surface waves propagating parallel to the local magnetic field in a region of strong perpendicular gradient in the local Alfven speed. This damping results from the growth of other wave modes at the expense of the surface waves. Resonance absorption is an effective dissipation mechanism which may forestall the steepening of MHD waves in such regions, and is probably the dominant mechanism by which widely distributed MHD wave energy becomes concentrated in rather thin, resonant, “energy-containing” layers coinciding with regions of strong Alfven wave speed gradients. However, based upon physical consideration of the impulsive radially propagating magnetosonic disturbances associated with substorms, we maintain that nonlinear steepening effects are likely to be important in the dissipation of their energy.
Migraine prophylaxis: Who, why, and how

If a patient has frequent, severely debilitating migraine headaches, prophylactic treatment may help. Beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, and anticonvulsants have the best evidence of efficacy; calcium channel blockers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also popular because they are well tolerated and inexpensive. We review migraine treatment with emphasis on prophylaxis.
Sexual violence in three pornographic media: Toward a sociological explanation

This study measures the sexually violent content in magazine, video, and Usenet (Internet newsgroup) pornography. Specifically, the level of violence, the amount of consensual and nonconsensual violence, and the gender of both victim and victimizer are compared. A consistent increase in the amount of violence from one medium to the next is found, although the increase between magazines and videos is not statistically significant. Further, both magazines and videos portray the violence as consensual, while the Usenet portrays it as nonconsensual. Third, magazines portray women as the victimizers more often than men, while the Usenet differs sharply and portrays men as the victimizers far more often. A series of possible explanations for these findings are offered, with the conclusion that the competition among men on the Usenet is an under‐analyzed component of the differences among these media.
Ionic permeabilities of the plasma membrane of isolated intact bovine rod outer segments as studied with a novel optical probe

The permeability properties of the plasma membrane of intact rod outer segments purified from bovine retinas (ROS) were studied with the aid of the optical probe neutral red as described in the companion paper. The following observations were made: Electrical shunting of ROS membranes greatly stimulated Na+ and K+ transport, suggesting that this transport reflects Na+ and K+ currents, respectively. The dissipation of a Na+ gradient across the plasma membrane occurred with a half-time of 30 sec at 25 degrees C. The Na+ permeability was progressively inhibited when the external Ca2+ concentration was raised from 1 microM to 20 mM. A similar Ca2+ dependence was observed for H+ and Li+ transport. The Na+ permeability was not affected when the total internal Ca2+ content of ROS was varied between 0.1 mol Ca2+/mol rhodopsin and 7 mol Ca2+/mol rhodopsin, or when the free internal Ca2+ concentration was varied between 0.1 and 50 microM. The K+ permeability was progressively stimulated when the external Ca2+ concentration was raised from 0.001 to 1 microM, whereas a further increase to 20 mM was without effect. A similar Ca2+ dependence was observed for Rb+ and Cs+ transport. At an external Ca2+ concentration in the micromolar range the rate of transport decreased in the order: Na+ greater than K+ = H+ greater than Cs+ greater than Li+. Na+ fluxes depended in a sigmoidal way on the external Na+ concentration, suggesting that sodium ions move in pairs. The concentration dependence of uniport Na+ transport and that of Na+-stimulated Ca2+ efflux (exchange or antiport transport) were very similar.
Itraconazole treatment of murine aspergillosis

ICR mice were challenged with conidia of Aspergillus fumigatus given either intranasally or intravenously, and treated beginning 1 day later with itraconazole, amphotericin B, or the vehicles for these two agents. Mice challenged intravenously and treated with either antifungal drug had prolonged survival over controls, and had lower tissue counts in the kidneys than the controls. However, mice challenged intranasally had neither prolonged survival nor lower lung tissue counts than the controls.
Statistical thermodynamic theory of grafted polymeric layers

We present a theoretical approach to study the conformational and thermodynamical properties of grafted polymer layers. The theory is based on the generalization of a mean‐field approach previously used to treat chain packing in amphiphilic aggregates. The theory can be used for any chain model, for any mixture of grafted chains and for any quality and type of solvent. The theory is based on finding the probability distribution function (pdf) of chain conformations that is shown to depend on the local osmotic pressure. The equations needed to find the osmotic pressures (and thus the pdf) are a set of nonlinear equations with the chain conformations, surface coverage, and surface geometry as input parameters. The theory is applied to off‐lattice and lattice chain models. For the former, excellent agreement is found with molecular dynamic simulations. For the latter, we look at the effect of chain branching on the spatial structure and thermodynamic properties of the grafted layer.
A Comparison of the Direct Costs and Cost Effectiveness of Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Associated Adverse Drug Reactions

Background: The economic burden of depression is known to be high and was estimated to be $US83.1 billion in 2000. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), including both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), have a superior adverse effect and safety profile relative to traditional agents (e.g. TCAs), and as a result have demonstrated superior cost effectiveness. Although efficacy across the SRIs is similar, the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) within SRIs remains significant and varies by agent. Patients who experience ADRs from SRIs may seek medical care, require additional treatment, and even discontinue treatment altogether, leading to increased utilisation and cost of therapy. Objective: This study estimates the direct cost and cost effectiveness, taking into account the impact of treatment-related ADRs, of eight currently marketed SRIs (citalopram, escitalopram, generic fluoxetine, paroxetine, paroxetine controlled release [CR], sertraline, venlafaxine and venlafaxine extended release [XR]) used as initial treatment for depression. Methods: A decision analytic model with a 6-month treatment goal was used to estimate the direct cost and cost effectiveness of treatment from the managed care/ payer perspective. Estimates of SRI-related ADRs, associated treatments and costs were derived from the US FDA-approved prescribing information and published literature. Efficacy was assumed to be similar across all SRIs. Effectiveness was measured using quality-adjusted life years (QALY) based on EuroQol EQ-5D scores derived from the 2000 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Censored least absolute deviations (CLAD) regression analysis was used to derive age-adjusted estimates of utility for all health states. Univariate and Bayesian second-order multivariate probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the impact of uncertainty in the parameter estimates. Results: The expected direct cost and cost effectiveness of treatment from least to most expensive were: escitalopram ($US3891; 0.341), citalopram ($US3938; 0.340), generic fluoxetine ($US4034; 0.335), venlafaxine XR ($US4226; 0.336), sertraline ($US4250; 0.335), generic paroxetine ($US4385; 0.332), paroxetine CR ($US4440; 0.332) and venlafaxine ($US4613; 0.326). Monte Carlo simulation results suggested that escitalopram was the most likely (77%) to be cost effective for a willingness to pay ≤$US50 000 per QALY, followed by citalopram (22%), generic fluoxetine (0.3%) and all other SRIs (0%). Sensitivity analyses indicated that the results of the study were robust to the assumptions underpinning the model. Conclusions: SRI-related ADRs have a significant impact on the direct cost and cost effectiveness of treatment. Escitalopram, with the lowest ADR rate of the SRIs, had the lowest expected treatment cost and greatest effectiveness when compared with citalopram, generic fluoxetine, generic paroxetine, paroxetine CR, sertraline, venlafaxine and venlafaxine XR.
Bayesian Free-Knot Monotone Cubic Spline Regression

This article proposes a new Bayesian approach for monotone curve fitting based on the isotonic regression model. The unknown monotone regression function is approximated by a cubic spline and the constraints are represented by the intersection of quadratic cones. We treat the number and locations of knots as free parameters and use reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo to obtain posterior samples of knot configurations. Given the number and locations of the knots, second-order cone programming is used to estimate the remaining parameters. Simulation results suggest the method performs well and we illustrate the approach using the ASA car data.
Assessing Fermentation Quality of Grain Sorghum for Fuel Ethanol Production Using Rapid Visco-Analyzer

ABSTRACT The Rapid Visco-Analyzer (RVA) was used to characterize the pasting properties of 68 sorghum grains with a standard 23-min temperature profile. The results showed a strong linear relationship between ethanol yield and final viscosity as well as setback. Ethanol yield increased as final viscosity decreased. A modified RVA procedure (10 min) with an application of α-amylase was developed to simulate the liquefaction step in dry-grind ethanol production. There was a remarkable difference in mashing properties among the sorghum samples with the normal dosage of α-amylase. The sorghum samples which were difficult to liquefy in the mashing step had much higher peak viscosities than the samples that were easily liquefied. The results also showed that the relationship between conversion efficiency and mashing property was significant. Tannins cause high mash viscosities. There was a strong linear relationship between tannin content and final viscosity as well as peak viscosity. The modified RVA procedure...
Effect of Postcystectomy Infectious Complications on Cost, Length of Stay, and Mortality

Objectives To analyze the effect of infectious complications after cystectomy using the Nationwide Inpatient Samples of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. The economic and clinical effects of infectious complications after radical cystectomy have not been analyzed. Methods All 6686 patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer were identified from the nationwide inpatient samples from 2000 to 2004. Septicemia, bacterial infections, and mycosis were categorized using the Clinical Classification Software. We then analyzed the effect of septicemia on in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and total hospital charges. Results Of the 6686 patients, 241 (3.6%) were diagnosed with septicemia after cystectomy. The overall, in-hospital mortality rate was 16.67% (n = 33). Septicemia was a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality ( P P P P Conclusions The development of septicemia after cystectomy predicts for patient mortality. Septicemia, bacterial infections, and mycotic infections contribute to large increases in the length of stay and total hospital charges.
The Challenges of Agenda Conflict in Higher‐Education‐Community Research Partnerships: Views from the Community Side

Responding to both the proliferation of higher-education-community partnerships and the paucity of studies that report the perspective of the community partners in such relationships, we interviewe...
Mutual influence of light and CO 2 on carbon sequestration via cultivating mixotrophic alga Auxenochlorella protothecoides UMN280 in an organic carbon-rich wastewater

This study focusses on the assimilation of carbon in concentrated municipal wastewater rich in organic carbon using the mixotrophic microalga Auxenochlorella protothecoides UMN280 with the addition of supplemental CO2. The entire growth period of A. protothecoides UMN280 can be characterized by three phases: first, a phase where algae grew in a mixotrophic-dominated mode; second, a transition phase; and last, a phase where algae grew in a photoautotrophic-dominated mode. In this study, it was found that light intensity had a strong effect on algal biomass production; the culture system would transfer from a mixotrophic-dominated mode to a photoautotrophic-dominated mode quicker under higher light intensities. The addition of CO2 exhibited an important role in the photoautotrophic-dominated cultivation stage. At certain level of irradiance and certain range of CO2 injection rate, higher CO2 injection rate would result in a higher level of carbon fixation. It is clearly beneficial to inject exogenous CO2 in the mixotrophic wastewater algae production system when a light source is available, such as during daylight hours.
Effects of a Classroom Management Intervention on Student Achievement in Inner‐City Elementary Schools

ABSTRACT As part of a study of the life‐cycle of inner‐city schools, the achievement of elementary school students (on MAT6 and TEAMS tests) who had teachers trained in a classroom management program in one school were compared with students in a comparison school during a four‐year period. Students at Madison Elementary School showed statistically greater achievement gains on both nationally normed achievement tests (MAT6) and on state criterion‐referenced achievement battery than students at the comparison school in each of three years. The overall effect size due to program treatment on the MAT6 test scores was large, ranging from .43 (1986–87) and .83 (1987–88) during intervention to .73 (1988–89) after intervention. Similar results were found in the TEAMS test associated with the program intervention with overall effect size of 1.02 (1987–88) and .78 (1988–89) in mathematics, .68 and .77 in reading, and .59 and .77 in writing for the respective years. On measures of learning environment, in a post ho...
Scaling and eigenmode tests of the improved fat clover action

We test a recently proposed improved lattice-fermion action, the fat link clover action, examining indicators of pathological small-quark-mass lattice artifacts (''exceptional configurations'') on quenched lattices of spacing 0.12 fm and studying scaling properties of the light hadron spectrum for lattice spacing a=0.09 and 0.16 fm. We show that the action apparently has fewer problems with pathological lattice artifacts than the conventional nonperturbatively improved clover action and its spectrum scales just as well.
Extraordinary behavior of 4 He on hydrogen and deuterium surfaces

Using third sound resonance below 1 K, for4He on solid H2 and D2 surfaces, we have found new phenomena. On H2 we find surface superfluidity for4He coverages less than one layer, with the zero temperature Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) transition extrapolated to a coverage of 0.35±0.05 layers. On both H2 and D2 we find a new line of transitions below the KT transitions. On H2, at zero temperature, the new line of transitions starts at zero temperature at a coverage of 0.6±0.1 layers of4He and has a slope of 0.58 (K/layer) of the universal KT slope. We also find, on H2, two modes of surface wave propagation between the new transition and the KT transition. Below the new transition we also find anomalous third sound absorption which increases exponentially with temperature by five orders of magnitude.
Endotoxin Induces Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein Gene Expression in Splenic Stromal and Smooth Muscle Cells, Not in Splenic Lymphocytes*

PTH-related protein (PTHrP), the peptide that is responsible for most cases of hypercalcemia of malignancy, is also produced under normal circumstances by a variety of tissues. Its role and regulation at these sites are not well understood. Recently, we have shown that PTHrP is induced in the spleen during the host response to endotoxin (LPS) and that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a major mediator of this effect. Given the large body of in vitro evidence suggesting that PTHrP can be produced by lymphocytes and act in an autocrine loop to alter their function, studies were undertaken to determine whether lymphocytes were the cells responsible for PTHrP production in the spleen. Both constitutive and LPS-induced PTHrP messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were the same in mice lacking mature T cells (nude mice) and in mice lacking natural killer (NK) cells (due to pretreatment with antibody against NK 1.1) compared to levels in normal mice, suggesting that neither mature T cells nor NK cells were the splenic source ...
Integral equation based time domain coupled EM-circuit simulation for packaged conductors and dielectrics

A full-wave time domain integral equation formulation for the simulation of finite conductors and dielectrics, linked to linear and non-linear lumped elements, is presented. The method permits coupled rigorous simulation including accounting for EMI and non-linearities in the presence of material effects. In addition, a new quadrature scheme is incorporated for exactly computing temporal delays between every section of finite basis functions defined over triangular patches. This enables finer time step resolution for non-uniform meshes than is permissible with standard Gaussian quadrature and singularity extraction.
Sex-specific effects of heme oxygenase-2 deficiency on renovascular hypertension

Abstract Background Heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2) is the main isoform responsible for the breakdown of heme and release of carbon monoxide in the vasculature. Vascular-derived carbon monoxide protects against excessive vasoconstriction due to agents such as angiotensin II (Ang II) and in states of deficiency of nitric oxide. The current study was designed to determine the role of HO-2 in the development of renovascular hypertension using HO-2 knockout mice. Methods Polyurethane cuffs were placed around the left renal artery of male and female HO-2 wild-type (WT), heterozygous (HET), and knockout (KO) mice between 16 and 24 weeks of age to induce renovascular hypertension. After 3 weeks, blood pressure was measured for 5 days, after which time both clipped and unclipped kidneys were harvested. Results No differences were observed in the blood pressure of sham mice between the different genotypes of both sexes. Cuffing of the left renal artery resulted in a significant increase in blood pressure in all genotypes of both sexes. In male mice, the increase in blood pressure was significantly greater in HET and KO mice as compared to WT mice ( P P P Conclusion These results demonstrate a sex-specific effect of HO-2 deficiency on the development of renovascular hypertension and its effects on the heart in response to the increase in blood pressure.