cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability of the Behavior Problems Inventory

The Behavior Problems Inventory (BPI) is a 29-item checklist for self-injurious, stereotypic, and aggressive behavior in persons with mental retardation. The BPI was originally developed for screening and classification of self-injury and stereotyped behavior in epidemiological studies (Rojahn, 1984, 1986), and was later expanded to include acts of aggression against others. The instrument has been used in structured interviews with residential staff and in self-administered fashion for a mail survey with teachers and mental retardation workers. This paper presents a new data set on interrater and retest reliability and compares it with previously published data. The majority of items achieved acceptable reliability levels, particularly those on aggression against others. More difficult to agree upon were some obscure self-injuries, such as pica, air swallowing, and extreme drinking. Further psychometric studies are recommended.
SOCIAL GAIN, WELFARE, POLITICAL ECONOMY AND A' THAT

The economic criterion of public investment choice is aggregate consumers' surpluses and producers' rents generated by the investment. Its analytical model is a social revenue function and a social cost function. It is a welfare criterion only so far as efficiency is a welfare component and then subject to severe limitations. It is argued here that the economist's conclusions rest in part on a set of value preferences; therefore, the test of their rightness is in part their acceptability to the public choice-maker.
Genome-wide Gene Deletions in Streptococcus sanguinis by High Throughput PCR

Transposon mutagenesis and single-gene deletion are two methods applied in genome-wide gene knockout in bacteria 1,2. Although transposon mutagenesis is less time consuming, less costly, and does not require completed genome information, there are two weaknesses in this method: (1) the possibility of a disparate mutants in the mixed mutant library that counter-selects mutants with decreased competition; and (2) the possibility of partial gene inactivation whereby genes do not entirely lose their function following the insertion of a transposon. Single-gene deletion analysis may compensate for the drawbacks associated with transposon mutagenesis. To improve the efficiency of genome-wide single gene deletion, we attempt to establish a high-throughput technique for genome-wide single gene deletion using Streptococcus sanguinis as a model organism. Each gene deletion construct in S. sanguinis genome is designed to comprise 1-kb upstream of the targeted gene, the aphA-3 gene, encoding kanamycin resistance protein, and 1-kb downstream of the targeted gene. Three sets of primers F1/R1, F2/R2, and F3/R3, respectively, are designed and synthesized in a 96-well plate format for PCR-amplifications of those three components of each deletion construct. Primers R1 and F3 contain 25-bp sequences that are complementary to regions of the aphA-3 gene at their 5' end. A large scale PCR amplification of the aphA-3 gene is performed once for creating all single-gene deletion constructs. The promoter of aphA-3 gene is initially excluded to minimize the potential polar effect of kanamycin cassette. To create the gene deletion constructs, high-throughput PCR amplification and purification are performed in a 96-well plate format. A linear recombinant PCR amplicon for each gene deletion will be made up through four PCR reactions using high-fidelity DNA polymerase. The initial exponential growth phase of S. sanguinis cultured in Todd Hewitt broth supplemented with 2.5% inactivated horse serum is used to increase competence for the transformation of PCR-recombinant constructs. Under this condition, up to 20% of S. sanguinis cells can be transformed using ~50 ng of DNA. Based on this approach, 2,048 mutants with single-gene deletion were ultimately obtained from the 2,270 genes in S. sanguinis excluding four gene ORFs contained entirely within other ORFs in S. sanguinis SK36 and 218 potential essential genes. The technique on creating gene deletion constructs is high throughput and could be easy to use in genome-wide single gene deletions for any transformable bacteria.
The modified WAIS-R: an extension and revision.

The Modified WAIS-R (WAIS-RM) is an approach that integrates the procedures of Vincent (1979) and Himelstein (1983). Using the information subtest score as a guide, starting points on 7 of the remaining 10 subscales are upgraded in a way that can shorten administration time of the WAIS-R by as much as 30%. WAIS-R to WAIS-RM correlations for Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQs were .995, .996, and .998, respectively (N = 50). Subtest scatter profiles were shown to be retained accurately. This approach appears to have promise as a shortened WAIS-R that retains its clinical utility.
AC Impedance Spectroscopy (ACIS) Analysis of a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) Film

Abstract AC impedance spectroscopy is applied to monitoring the chemical-physical condition of polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC). The results define an approach for non-destructive evaluation as the PDLC is designed into informational displays. Response. functions are linked to electrical properties of the constituents through mixture relations. Resistivity is established as being much more sensitive than permittivity to the PDLC state. Consideration is given to treating explicitly the large interphasal region found surrounding each liquid crystal droplet in the continuous matrix.
Scanning tunneling spectroscopy and ballistic electron emission microscopy studies of aluminum-oxide surfaces

We report scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) results that reveal localized features on the exposed surface of amorphous aluminum oxide that are regularly present but which cannot be uniquely identified with STM as electronic defects or surface adsorbents. With the simultaneous use of ballistic electron emission microscopy (BEEM) we can examine the electronic transport properties of these local features and determine that they are caused by the presence of adsorbates. By examining the local density of states of these adsorbates through scanning tunneling spectroscopy and BEEM we have identified them as chemisorbed ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}.$
Physiological and morphological identification of a nonpyramidal hippocampal cell type

Abstract In intracellular recordings from the CAI region of the hippocampal slice preparation, an infrequent cell type different from the predominant pyramidal cell has been characterized. The cells have very brief spikes, large hyperpolarizing after-potentials, and tend to fire at a high spontaneous rate; unitary synaptic potentials are visible in the baseline. Stimulation in stratum radiatum evokes an EPSP which often triggers a short burst of spikes; an IPSP invariably follows the initial excitation. Intracellular injection of HRP into these cells shows them to be a non-pyramidal cell type with extensive local axon ramification; however, they do not resemble the classical basket cell. These cells are, nevertheless, candidates for an interneuron in hippocampus.
Angular discrimination of light transmission through polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal films

The refractive index of the polymer np is adjusted relative to the ordinary refractive index of dispersed droplets of nematic liquid crystal no to regulate the angle of maximum transmission through a film in the presence of an applied field. Maximum transmission occurs at normal incidence when np≤no with the breadth of the angle of view being largest at np=no. When np>no, maximum transmission is peaked at an angle away from normal incidence, the value of the angle depending upon the ratio np/no. Angular discriminating filters are therefore possible with these films. The optical response of these materials as a function of applied field is also shown to be dependent on the ratio np/no as is the contrast exhibited by information displays. Methods for measuring the scattering cross section of a nematic droplet are also described.
Evaluation of phage-based magnetoelastic biosensors for direct detection of Salmonella Typhimurium on spinach leaves

Abstract For a phage-based magnetoelastic (ME) biosensor method to become accepted for evaluating foodborne contamination, the method of use must be objectively compared, evaluated and validated against more widely accepted standard methods. In this study, a ME biosensor method was evaluated by comparison with TaqMan-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) for the detection of Salmonella Typhimurium on spinach leaves. Limit of detection (LOD) was determined after serial inoculation of S. Typhimurium on spinach leaves. The LOD for the ME biosensor was 2.17 and 1.94 log CFU/spinach for adaxial and abaxial surface, respectively. The LOD for qPCR was 1.37 log CFU/spinach. The repeatability of both methods was measured over a three day period by inoculation of S. Typhimurium on spinach leaves. The repeatability of the ME biosensor method was determined to be 6.38%, competitive with qPCR at 1.92%. For the direct comparison of both methods, 3 log CFU/spinach of S. Typhimurium was grown on two groups of 25 spinach leaves for 24 h and the number of S. Typhimurium was quantified by both methods. After confirmation of the growth, S. Typhimurium was positively detected and the quantified numbers were 5.79 ± 0.88 and 6.11 ± 0.26 log CFU/spinach for the ME biosensor and the qPCR method, respectively. This study demonstrated that the ME biosensor method was competitive and promising as an on-site and in-field detection method for the detection of pathogens.
Assessing the Branching Architecture of Sparsely Branched Metallocene-Catalyzed Polyethylenes Using the Pompom Constitutive Model

The model parameters for the multimode differential pompom constitutive equation were determined for densely branched, sparsely branched, and linear polyethylene resins. The versatility and robustness of the pompom model is demonstrated through good rheological predictions in both shear and extensional deformations. The model parameters obtained for the sparsely branched materials indicate that the frequency of long-chain branching dominates the degree of strain hardening observed in uniaxial extension. This finding agrees well with the proposed mechanism of long-chain branching using constrained-geometry metallocene catalysts. The model parameters agree qualitatively with the long-chain branch content determined from dilute solution measurements. Furthermore, the values of the number of pompom arms (i.e., the priority) were found to be quite high even for the sparsely branched materials but were only associated with the longest relaxation times. This suggests that branching for the metallocene systems ma...
In vivo creep and stress relaxation experiments to determine the wall extensibility and yield threshold for the sporangiophores of phycomyces.

The pressure probe was used to conduct in vivo creep and in vivo stress relaxation experiments on the sporangiophores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus. The in vivo creep and in vivo stress relaxation methods are compared with respect to their utility for determining the irreversible wall extensibility and the yield threshold. The results of the in vivo stress relaxation experiments demonstrate that the growth usually does not cease when the external water supply is removed, and the turgor pressure does not decay for hours afterwards. A successful stress relaxation experiment requires that the cell enlargement rate (growth rate) be zero during the turgor pressure decay. In a few experiments, the growth rate was zero during the turgor pressure decay. However, in general only the yield threshold could be determined. In vivo creep experiments proved to be easier to conduct and more useful in determining values for both the irreversible wall extensibility and the yield threshold. The results of the in vivo creep experiments demonstrate that small steps-up in turgor pressure, generally
R. M. Rilkes “Erlebnis” als symbolistisches Phänomen

In dem vorliegenden Aufsatz wird versucht, Rilkes ‘Erlebnis’ unter dem Aspekt des franzosischen Symbolismus zu interpretieren. Als Ausgangspunkt der Analyse dient Rilkes Abhandlung ≤Moderne Lyrik≥ (1898), in der sich Anklange an den ‘symbolisme’ feststellen lassen. Die dort beschriebene Erfahrung ≤der gefallenen Schranken≥ entspricht in ihrer Uberwindung des Empirischen der symbolistischen ‘deformation’ des Vordergrundigen. Durch dessen Negierung gelingt es dem Protagonisten des ≤Erlebnis≥-Fragmentes, die Mallarmesche ‘distance interieure', d. h. den Gegensatz von Subjekt und Objekt vorubergehend auszuschalten und das Bewutsein ≤reiner≥ Zustandlichkeit zu erlangen. Gema Mallarmes Vorstellung von dem ‘hasard’ transzendiert das Ich des ≤Erlebnisses≥ den ‘Zufall’ in einem Augenblick epiphanischer ‘claritas'. Infolge der zeitlichen Begrenztheit dieser Empfindung kann es im Sinne des symbolistischen ‘suggerer’ nur zu einer ≤ahnbaren≥ Andeutung des Absoluten kommen. Diese Eliminierung des Materiellen vollzieht sich am Beispiel eines Baumes. Dessen Stofflichkeit wird zugunsten seiner begrifflichen Substanz aufgegeben. Die Sprache des ≤Erlebnisses≥ verwandelt sich somit in eine verwesentlichte Wortgebarde, welche das Quintessenzielle unter dem ‘regard absolu’ des symbolistischen ‘voyant’ blolegt. Rilkes Prosafragment verkorpert also ein entscheidendes Merkmal der Moderne, namlich die Selbstreflexion des Wortkunstwerkes uber seine schopferische Pramisse.
Auditory Lexical Decision

Auditory lexical decision entails speeded classification of spoken words and nonwords. Given its implicit requirement of full lexical processing, auditory lexical decision has wide applicability. Indeed, the paradigm is currently used to study basic processes in word recognition, the nature of the mental lexicon, effects of word frequency, neighbour effects and various other phenomena of isolated word perception. In addition, auditory lexical decision is commonly used as a measure of priming and context effects, and as an index of impairments following brain damage. This summary reviews the strengths and weaknesses of the task, and provides citations to prominent articles.
Specificity in the association of anxiety, depression, and atopic disorders in a community sample of adolescents.

The specificity of relationships between anxiety and depressive symptoms, with each of the major atopic disorders of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD) was systematically investigated within a single study sample. Participants included 367 adolescents who participated in a community, longitudinal study investigating risk factors for the development of psychiatric and physical health problems. Mental health symptoms were assessed at 7, 9, 11, and 13 years of age. Lifetime history of atopic disorders was assessed by parent report at age 13. Analysis of variance was used to investigate the specificity of the associations between anxiety and depression, and each of the atopic disorders. Results indicated that anxiety was associated with a lifetime history of atopic disorders as a group. The association was significantly strengthened when controlling for depression and externalizing psychiatric symptoms. Among atopic disorders, “pure” anxiety was associated with asthma and AR, and having both asthma and AR strengthened the association compared to having either disorder alone. The association of “pure” anxiety with asthma and AR is consistent with existing data suggesting a relationship between anxiety and respiratory disorders. Having both asthma and AR appeared to confer an additive “dose effect” on the strength of the association. The lack of an association with depression suggests that other factors may contribute to the differential expression of anxiety and depression with atopic disorders. Findings demonstrate the importance of assessing the impact of co-morbid psychiatric symptoms and atopic disorders within individual studies to determine the specificity of underlying relationships between these conditions.
Structure-function relationships in human glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase. Role of Glu-67 and Arg-368 in the catalytic mechanism.

The active-site zinc in human glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FDH) undergoes coenzyme-induced displacement and transient coordination to a highly conserved glutamate residue (Glu-67) during the catalytic cycle. The role of this transient coordination of the active-site zinc to Glu-67 in the FDH catalytic cycle and the associated coenzyme interactions were investigated by studying enzymes in which Glu-67 and Arg-368 were substituted with Leu. Structures of FDH·adenosine 5‘-diphosphate ribose (ADP-ribose) and E67L·NAD(H) binary complexes were determined. Steady-state kinetics, isotope effects, and presteady-state analysis of the E67L enzyme show that Glu-67 is critical for capturing the substrates for catalysis. The catalytic efficiency (V/Km) of the E67L enzyme in reactions involving S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), S-hydroxymethylglutathione (HMGSH) and 12-hydroxydodecanoic acid (12-HDDA) were 25 000-, 3000-, and 180-fold lower, respectively, than for the wild-type enzyme. The large decrease...
Necking and drawing in polymeric fibers under tension

A constitutive relation is proposed for the dependence of the tension in a thin polymeric fiber on the variation of the stretch ratio λ along the fiber axis. When this relation is placed in the equation of balance of forces, it yields a nonlinear second-order differential equation for λ whose equilibrium solutions (for a long fiber) are known in other contexts. The solutions describe necks, bulges, drawing configurations, and periodic striations. The assumption that motions resulting from gradual changes in tension or length are homotopies formed from these equilibrium solutions is compatible with many of the observed properties of tension-induced necking and drawing in fibers of such polymers as nylon and polyethylene.
Organizational, social and operational implications in delivering ICT solutions: a telecom web case-study

Delivering new technology solutions in a well established IT-educated consumer market largely depends on the usefulness and usability of the solution. However, this is very different from delivering ICT solutions in developing regions where there are multiple factors that affect technology adoption, which seem to be at least as important as the technology itself. This paper revolves around a case study of World Wide Telecom Web (WWTW), commonly known as Spoken Web, a voice based content-creation and dissemination platform. The study reflects different challenges in adoption and different ways of evolution of WWTW in the varied organizational, social and operational settings in rural India. The case study uses pilot deployments in four regions in India, each involving at least 500 users. All the four deployments had a different organizational, social and operational model. This paper presents the implications of these differences on the WWTW technology adoption. The study shows that organizations have a strong influence in the adoption, social settings play a major role in the evolution of the solution and operational model influences the quality of the solution.
Extraction of correlated count rates using various gate generation techniques: Part II Experiment

Abstract This paper presents an experimental comparison of different neutron pulse train analysis methods developed to extract correlated count rates from the detected neutron arrival times. This work comprises a sequel to the previous paper (Part I Theory) [1] , where the complete formalism of different analysis methods was presented. In the current paper, the signal triggered inspection (STI), randomly triggered inspection (RTI) and MIXED techniques (implemented in current shift register hardware) are compared using list mode data acquired from series of 252Cf sources. In addition, three techniques of randomly triggered inspection are investigated: gates generated at fixed clock frequency, i.e., consecutive (non-overlapping) gates and overlapping gates (known as fast accidentals sampling (FAS)), as well as gates generated after a long delay following each trigger pulse (delayed-signal gates). The average correlated count rates (singles (S), doubles (D) and triples (T)) are extracted using the STI, RTI and MIXED analysis techniques and compared to demonstrate their equivalence. In addition, an influence of different gate generation and pulse train analysis techniques on the precision of the measured S, D and T rates is investigated.
Plant Stem Cell Niches: Standing the Test of Time

Similar to animal stem cells, plant stem cells require special niche microenvironments to continuously generate the tissues that constitute the plant body. Recent work using computer modeling and live imaging is helping to elucidate some of the mechanisms responsible for the specification and maintenance of stem cells in the root and shoot.
The Financial Consequences of Silence: The Lack of Dialogue on Community College Fundraising Websites

Donations made to the American nonprofit sector have grown exponentially in the past 10 years to an estimated $298.4 billion dollars in 2011 (Giving USA Foundation, 2012). Although consultants offer many different solutions as to how organizations can best capitalize on the e-philanthropy trend, communication theory may offer some of the most practical solutions for increasing an organization’s online engagement with its donors. Given the challenges of community colleges in terms of fundraising in terms of limited staff and resources, the dialogic theory outlines five principles for organizations to use to enhance their online presence and establish solid, lasting connections with visitors to an organizations’ website. This study examines the extent to which 111 colleges and universities representing the broad spectrum of higher education in the state of North Carolina have incorporated the five principles into their fundraising departments’ websites. The results indicate that the vast majority of organiz...
Log‐ground and Teredolites lagerstatte in a Trangressive Sequence, Upper Cretaceous (Lower Campanian) Mooreville Chalk, central Alabama

Teredolites‐bearing log‐grounds occur in extraordinary abundance within basal transgressive deposits of the Upper Cretaceous Mooreville Chalk exposed along Catoma Creek, central Alabama. Wood and borings are virtually restricted to a thin (∼1 m) stratigraphically condensed, shallow‐marine interval characterized by two indurated, Thalassinoides‐burrowed, very sandy, glauconitic, micritic limestones and an intervening glauconitic, muddy sand. Minimum estimates of wood‐substrate densities, measured on extensive bedding‐plane surfaces, range from 1.5 logs/100 m2 in the lower limestone to 6.2 logs/100 m2 in the upper limestone. Owing to early biochemical degradation of wood at or very near the sea floor, the majority of substrates are relict log‐grounds preserved as dense clusters of calcite‐lined, sediment‐ or mineral‐filled borings assigned to Teredolites longissimus, with only remnants of lignified wood in the interstices. Disposition of log‐grounds, which range from 2 to 170 cm (average = 25 cm) in length,...
Quasi-stellar objects in the intergalactic medium - Source for the cosmic X-ray background

Current estimates of QSO luminosity, number density, evolution, and spectral index are used to study whether the diffuse cosmic ray background is (1) entirely due to thermal bremmstrahlung of the intergalactic medium (IGM), (2) completely supplied by QSO X-rays, or (3) a combination of both. The upper limits on an IGM fractional density with respect to closure are Omega = 0.26, 0.24, and 0.21 for pure collisional, photo/collisional, and pure photoionization, respectively. These calculations give emission spectra, Compton distortion of the microwave background, and optical depths to distant QSOs for comparison with relevant data.
λ-structures and s-structures: Translating the iteration strategies

Abstract Continuing the work of Fuchs (2011) [1] , I show that the translation functions developed previously map iterable λ -structures to iterable s -structures and vice versa. To this end, I analyse how the translation functions interact with the formation of extender ultrapowers and normal iterations. This analysis makes it possible to translate iterations, and, in a last step, iteration strategies, thus arriving at the result.
Metabolites of Ophiosphaerella herpotricha, a cause of spring dead spot of bermudagrass

Ophiosphaerella herpotricha, a cause of spring dead spot (SDS) of bermudagrass, produced seven metabolites in liquid culture. These were isolated and structurally identified as epoxydon, desoxyepoxydon, phyllostine, m-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, a cyclic peptide, destruxin-B, and two novel metabolites, 2,4-dihydroxy-6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methoxyacetophenone and 6-acetoxy-4,5-dihydroxy-2-hydroxymethylcyclohex-2-enone. All metabolites, except destruxin-B, caused necrosis when spotted onto leaves of bermudagrass and other plant species. Destruxin-B, previously reported as a host-specific toxin onBrassica napus, failed to cause necrosis on leaves of bermudagrass cultivars susceptible to SDS. Bermudagrass cultivars varied in their sensitivity to epoxydon, the major metabolite isolated. However, there was no correlation between the amount of leaf necrosis caused by epoxydon and resistance of the cultivars to SDS in the field.
Do acellularized dermal matrices change the rationale for immediate versus delayed breast reconstruction

This article focuses on the contribution of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) to immediate breast reconstruction. The current literature on ADMs is reviewed and the potential advantages and disadvantages of their use are highlighted. Technical considerations on how to effectively use these materials is presented.
Cholesterol oxidase functionalization of a polymerized crystalline colloidal array

A cholesterol-responsive polymerized crystalline colloidal array (PCCA) is fabricated by covalently attaching the amine groups of cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) to an epoxide-functionalized PCCA. Approximately 0.6 mM of ChOx is immobilized on a PCCA, with the bound enzyme retaining about 85% of its initial activity, compared to the unbound enzyme. Kinetic studies reveal that the stability and activity of the free and bound enzyme are significantly improved upon binding to the PCCA, with the bound enzyme retaining 62% of its initial activity after 20 days, compared to no residual activity for the free enzyme. Furthermore, the bound enzyme exhibits a better tolerance to pH and temperature changes, as well as to repeated use. Upon exposure to 5.0 mM cholesterol, we observe diffraction peak wavelength shifts of as much as 63 nm, demonstrating potential application as an optical cholesterol sensor.
Cures versus Choices: Agendas in Sexual Reorientation Therapy

SUMMARY Longstanding debates have occurred in the mental health fields on the issues surrounding sexual reorientation therapy. Both sides agree that a subset of individuals with same-sex attractions seeks help or a “cure” for their homosexual attractions. However, each position tends to respond with a limited, exclusionary choice to be an “out” gay or an “ex”-gay. These dichotomized options may not serve all clients with same-sex attractions who are seeking help in dealing with religious conflicts. The perspectives of 20 individuals (2 women, 18 men) who reported benefiting from reparative/conversion therapy are described. In contrast to previous imprecise claims of change, a more complex conceptual framework is presented regarding the definitions of a successful outcome from such treatments. Research and political implications are discussed as well as the need for more effective clinical strategies that integrate conservative social identities with same-sex attractions.
Positioning of the start site in the initiation of transcription by bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase.

Abstract The determination of various polymerase structures has sparked interest in understanding how the polynucleotide template interacts with the active site. In the primer-independent initiation of transcription, an additional question arises as to how the complex directs the first two bases of the template uniquely into the active site. Recent studies in the model RNA polymerase from bacteriophage T7 demonstrate that upstream duplex contacts provide at least some of the binding specificity and suggest that the enzyme interacts with the template strand in a melted context near the start site for transcription. The current work probes the role of the template strand in positioning of the first two templating bases during initiation. The results suggest that such positioning is not rate-limiting in steady-state turnover, and that the insertion of a very large and flexible linker three or four bases upstream of the start site has no significant effect on the fidelity of start site selection. The insertion of linkers immediately adjacent to the start site, however, does significantly decrease the fidelity of start site selection (as evidenced by a large increase in misinitiation at position +2, with little change in the observed rate of correct initiation), suggesting that some of the non-transcribed template DNA does help to position the first two templating bases into the active site of the RNA polymerase. Finally, incorporation of an abasic site at position −1 yields a similar decrease in initiation fidelity, suggesting a role for stacking of the bases at positions −1 and +1.
Breast Cancer Mortality Among Female Electrical Workers in the United States

BACKGROUND: Previous epidemiologic studies have suggested that exposure to electric or magnetic fields in occupational and residential environments may cause cancer. Recent experimental findings provide some support for the hypothesis that exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields reduces the pineal gland's nocturnal production of the hormone melatonin, thereby increasing susceptibility to sex hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer. PURPOSE: Our purpose was to assess the evidence that cancer of the female breast might be associated with exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields. METHODS: Records of women who had breast cancer as the underlying cause of their death (ICD-9 174) and control subjects (four per case) were selected from computer files of U.S. mortality data for the years 1985-1989. Women 20 years and older at the time of their death were eligible for inclusion if they were residents of and died in one of the 24 states that provided death certification records with occupation and industry codes to the National Center for Health Statistics for at least 1 year during the study interval. Data from death certificates were used to classify the case and control subjects with regard to potential occupational exposure to electric and magnetic fields. Control subjects were a random sample of women who died of any other underlying cause, excluding leukemia and brain cancer. RESULTS: The data analysis contrasted 68 women with breast cancer and 199 controls, all with electrical occupations, with 27,814 women with breast cancer and 110,750 controls, all of whom had other occupations. Electrical workers had excess mortality from breast cancer relative to other employed women [odds ratio (OR) = 1.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.82]). Adjusted ORs for specific electrical occupations were 1.73 (95% CI = 0.92-3.25) for electrical engineers, 1.28 (95% CI = 0.79-2.07) for electrical technicians, and 2.17 (95% CI = 1.17-4.02) for telephone installers, repairers, and line workers. There was no excess of breast cancer, however, in seven other occupations held more frequently by women and also involving potentially elevated electrical exposures, including telephone operators, data keyers, and computer operators and programmers. CONCLUSIONS: In light of the limitations inherent in death certification data and the design of this study, any conclusions regarding the hypothesis that exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields causes breast cancer among women must be limited. Nevertheless, our findings are broadly consistent with that hypothesis and encourage further investigation with improvements in study design and data quality.
Hot-topic debate on kidney function: renal-sparing approaches are ineffective.

Key Points 1. Both acute kidney injury and chronic renal disease are common in patients undergoing liver transplantation. The etiologies are mixed. 2. The incidence of chronic renal failure after liver transplantation is unacceptable, and it has a significant impact on long-term outcomes after liver transplantation. 3. The role of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) in the development of posttransplant chronic renal failure is likely overrated. 4. The use of CNIs in the early posttransplant period is currently essential. 5. Whether new agents will be able to provide effective immunosuppression as primary immunosuppressives remains to be proven. Liver Transpl, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
In-School Adaptive Behavior: Assessment Domains of Behavior Rating Scales and Child Characteristics

This study examined the in-school adaptive behavior of 283 randomly selected black, Hispanic and white 7-year-old children with two teacher behavior rating scales, Brown and Hammill's Behavior Rating Profile (BRP) and Mercer's Teacher Questionnaire (MTQ). Multiple regression analyses showed that the single best predictor of school functioning was MTQ competence ratings. Sociability as measured by the MTQ was only moderately related to school functioning. The BRP, a rating scale of behavior problems, appears to be a measure of social conformity in that it correlated most highly with the MTQ social conformity score. The BRP did not correlate highly with school functioning (either grades or standardized achievement test scores). Multivariate analyses indicated that child characteristics (gender and ethnic group) arc strongly related to teacher ratings of adaptive behavior. Specific correlations between adaptive behavior ratings and school functioning and the patterns of correlations varied across ethnic grou...
Distributional Implications of Extended Fisheries Jurisdiction: Some Policy and Research Issues and Policy: Discussion

Bromley's paper draws attention to the importance of distributional considerations in fishery management decisions (as in Bromley and Bishop), and he suggests these implications be identified before such decisions are made. Bromley also attempts to demonstrate how distributional considerations can be used to evaluate policy questions arising from extended fisheries jurisdiction in international and domestic settings. While these points are important, he has not clarified these concepts sufficiently for them to be useful in identifying policy and research issues. The general equilibrium analysis of international fisheries is confusing. It is difficult to understand the interdependent production possibility curves presented in his figure 1. The production possibility frontiers of countries A and B without extended jurisdiction are given by PLA and PLB, respectively. His presentation seems to indicate that complete specialization in fisheries by both countries would produce more fish than it is possible to produce (i.e., the width of the box). If it is intended that movements along a frontier (PLA, for instance) shift B's frontier, this would, in turn, shift A's frontier and, thus, PLA becomes meaningless except for point D; that is, if there is interdependency as he indicates, PLA and PLB cannot simultaneously hold.
Multibit microwave memory readout from a ferrite-loaded stripline

Experimental multibit-microwave-memory-readout results obtained using direct-loaded and secondary-coupled toroidal ferrite memory elements in a strip transmission line are presented. Typical single-element readout response to a 4ns 650mA interrogation pulse was a bipolar 15ns ±21 mV signal using secondary coupling. The output-response magnitude decreases significantly as the number of memory elements loading the same stripline is increased.
Invariance entropy for outputs

For continuous time control systems, this paper analyzes output invariance entropy as a measure for the information necessary to achieve invariance of compact subsets of the output space. For linear control systems with compact control range, relations to controllability and observability properties are studied. Furthermore, the notion of asymptotic output invariance entropy is introduced and characterized for these systems.
Chromatographic Behaviour of Intermedin as determined by in vitro Assays

PAPER chromatography was used in a recent attempt to obtain purified intermedin, the melanophorotropic hormone of the pituitary intermediate lobe. This communication is submitted because of the new assays employed and the interesting chromatographic behaviour of intermedin activity.
Characterizing Functional Complaints in Patients Seeking Outpatient Low-Vision Services in the United States

Purpose To characterize functional complaints of new low-vision rehabilitation patients. Design Prospective observational study. Participants The Low Vision Rehabilitation Outcomes Study recruited 819 patients between 2008 and 2011 from 28 clinical centers in the United States. Methods New patients referred for low-vision rehabilitation were asked, "What are your chief complaints about your vision?" before their appointment. Full patient statements were transcribed as free text. Two methods assessed whether statements indicated difficulty in each of 13 functional categories: (1) assessment by 2 masked clinicians reading the statement, and (2) a computerized search of the text for specific words or word fragments. Logistic regression models were used to predict the influence of age, gender, and visual acuity on the likelihood of reporting a complaint in each functional category. Main Outcome Measures Prevalence and risk factors for patient concerns within various functional categories. Results Reading was the most common functional complaint (66.4% of patients). Other functional difficulties expressed by at least 10% of patients included driving (27.8%), using visual assistive equipment (17.5%), mobility (16.3%), performing in-home activities (15.1%), lighting and glare (11.7%), and facial recognition and social interactions (10.3%). Good agreement was noted between the masked clinician graders and the computerized algorithm for categorization of functional complaints (median κ of 0.84 across the 13 categories). Multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated that the likelihood of reading difficulties increased mildly with age (odds ratio, 1.4 per 10-year increment in age; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–1.6), but did not differ with visual acuity ( P = 0.09). Additionally, men were more likely to report driving difficulties and difficulties related to lighting, whereas women were more likely to report difficulty with either in-home activities or facial recognition or social interaction ( P Conclusions Reading was the most commonly reported difficulty, regardless of the patient's diagnosis. Neither visual acuity nor gender were predictive of reading concerns, although, age showed a small effect. Addressing reading rehabilitation should be a cornerstone of low-vision therapy.
Theory of united-atom rotational coupling in H++He collisions.

United-atom 2psigma-2p..pi.. rotational coupling in asymmetric collisions is influenced by the avoided crossing between the 2psigma and 2ssigma orbits. We study this influence using the HeH/sup +/ system as a prototype. The time-dependent Schroedinger equation is solved numerically in the basis of ..sigma../sub 2/-..sigma../sub 3/-..pi../sub 1/ molecular states. We find substantial population of the 2ssigma state, in disagreement with estimates based on the Landau-Zener model. The ..sigma../sub 3/ level is populated directed by transitions near the avoided crossing at b = 0.4 a.u. and indirectly by ..sigma../sub 2/-..pi../sub 1/-..sigma../sub 3/ rotational coupling for b>0.4 a.u.
Strong Yukawa coupling studies

Abstract The original motivation to study strongly coupled Yukawa models was the desire to understand heavy fermions. The calculations on scalar-fermion systems proved to be interesting for other reasons as well. Recent results reveal a highly non-perturbative phase structures with strong indications for a non-trivial fixed point in scalar fermion models.
Transcriptional responses of Arabidopsis thaliana plants to As (V) stress

Arsenic is toxic to plants and a common environmental pollutant. There is a strong chemical similarity between arsenate [As (V)] and phosphate (Pi). Whole genome oligonucleotide microarrays were employed to investigate the transcriptional responses of Arabidopsis thaliana plants to As (V) stress. Antioxidant-related genes (i.e. coding for superoxide dismutases and peroxidases) play prominent roles in response to arsenate. The microarray experiment revealed induction of chloroplast Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) (at2g28190), Cu/Zn SOD (at1g08830), as well as an SOD copper chaperone (at1g12520). On the other hand, Fe SODs were strongly repressed in response to As (V) stress. Non-parametric rank product statistics were used to detect differentially expressed genes. Arsenate stress resulted in the repression of numerous genes known to be induced by phosphate starvation. These observations were confirmed with qRT-PCR and SOD activity assays. Microarray data suggest that As (V) induces genes involved in response to oxidative stress and represses transcription of genes induced by phosphate starvation. This study implicates As (V) as a phosphate mimic in the cell by repressing genes normally induced when available phosphate is scarce. Most importantly, these data reveal that arsenate stress affects the expression of several genes with little or unknown biological functions, thereby providing new putative gene targets for future research.
A cytoplasmic fraction acting on the surface layers of the Arbacia punctulata eggs

Abstract A jelly precipitating factor was obtained from the eggs of Arbacia punctulata . The eggs were frozen and dried, extracted with 1 M KCl solution and thereafter submitted to ultracentrifugation. A fraction sedimenting following centrifugation for 45 minutes at 25000 × g presented no demonstrable activity. A second fraction, however, obtained following centrifugation for two hours at 155 000 × g gave a highly active fraction, whereas the supernatant proved to be inactive. The active fraction was shown by electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation to contain at least two components. The jelly precipitating factor inhibits the agglutination of the spermatozoa by the fertilizin and is thus identical with the egg antifertilizin. In eggs of Arbacia punctulata a factor was demonstrated which changes the membrane so as to render this tougher and more refractile. This factor is probably identical with antifertilizin or at least closely adhering to this. The factor was shown to escape from the pigment vacuoles of the egg. Supplementary observations indicate that also in eggs of Psammechinus miliaris substances given off from particulate components precipitate the jelly and toughen the membrane as well.
Differential inhibition of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP hydrolysis in rat renal cortex.

Abstract Adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) metabolism in rat renal cortex was examined. Athough the cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterases are similarly distributed between the soluble and particulate fractions following differential centrifugation, their susceptibility to inhibition by theophylline, dl -4-(3-butoxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-2-imidazolidinone (Ro 20-1724), and 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine (MIX) are quite different. Ro 20-1724 selectively inhibited both renal cortical-soluble and particulate cyclic AMP degradation, but had little effect on cyclic GMP hydrolysis. Theophylline and MIX effectively inhibited degradation of both cyclic nucleotides, with MIX the more potent inhibitor. Effects of these agents on the cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP content of cortical slices corresponded to their relative potency in broken cell preparations. Thus, in cortical slices, Ro 20-1724 (2 m m ) had the least effect on basal (without agonist), carbamylcholine, and NaN 3 -stimulated cyclic GMP accumulation, but markedly increased basal and (parathyroid hormone) PTH-mediated cyclic AMP accumulation, MIX (2 m m ) which was as effective as Ro 20-1724 in potentiating basal and PTH-stimulated increases in cyclic AMP also mediated the greatest augmentation of basal, carbamylcholine, and NaN 3 -stimulated accumulation of cyclic GMP. By contrast, theophylline (10 m m ) which was only 12% as effective as Ro 20-1724 in increasing the total slice cyclic AMP content in the presence of PTH was much more effective than Ro 20-1724 in potentiating carbamylcholine and NaN 3 -mediated increases in cyclic GMP. These results demonstrate selective inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activities in the rat renal cortex and support the possibility of multiple cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in this tissue. Furthermore, both cyclic nucleotides appear to be rapidly degraded in the renal cortex.
Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry using pseudo-ramdom-noise excitation

Abstract Broad-band frequency excitation in Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FT/MS) has previously been achieved via impulse or frequency-sweep time-domain waveforms. In this paper, we introduce pseudo-random-noise excitation based on shift register maximal- length sequences. Experimental FT/MS spectra of perfluorotributylamine excited by pseudo-random noise frequency-sweep excitation are compared. Compared to random-noise excitation, pseudo-random excitation has the advantage of phase-coherence from scan to scan, and thus allows for rapid time-domain signal averaging.
Localization of microtubules containing posttranslationally modified tubulin in cochlear epithelial cells during development.

In the adult gerbil inner ear, hair cell microtubules contain predominantly tyrosinated tubulin while supporting cell microtubules contain almost exclusively other isoforms. This cell-type specific segregation of tubulin isoforms is unusual, and in this respect the sensory and supporting cells in this sensory organ differ from other cells observed both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, we hypothesized there must be a shift in the presence and location of tubulin isoforms during development, directly associated with the onset of specialized functions of the cells. We describe the appearance and/or disappearance of tubulin isoforms in sensory hair cells and five different supporting cells (inner and outer pillar cells, Deiters cells, cells of Kolliker's organ, and cells of the tympanic covering layer) during development of the gerbil organ of Corti from birth to 14 days after birth. Tyrosinated tubulin was initially present in all cells and remained predominant in cells that decrease in number (Kolliker's organ and tympanic covering layer) and exhibit active processes such as secretion and motility (sensory cells). Posttranslational modifications occurred in the supporting cells in a time-dependent manner as the number and length of microtubules increased and development proceeded, but the establishment of elongated cell shape and polarity occurred prior to the appearance of acetylation, detyrosination, and polyglutamylation of tubulin. In the pillar and Deiters cells, posttranslational modifications progressed from cell apex to base in the same direction as microtubule elongation. In the pillar cells, posttranslational modifications occurred first at the apical surfaces. In the pillar cells, the appearance of acetylated tubulin was rapidly followed by the appearance of detyrosinated tubulin. In Deiters cells, the appearance of acetylated tubulin preceded the appearance of detyrosinated tubulin by one or more days. At onset of cochlear function, detyrosinated tubulin and acetylated tubulin had achieved their adult-like pattern, but polyglutamylated tubulin had not. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 38:146–162, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.