cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of autonomic response during laboratory stressors.

The present study was designed to include an index reflecting the influence of parasympathetic nervous system activity on the heart, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, in addition to measures reflecting primarily sympathetic nervous system activity. The inclusion of the parasympathetic index was considered important for two reasons: (a) Past studies have suggested different patterns of autonomic response to qualitatively different laboratory stressors but have had to infer parasympathetic influences more indirectly, and (b) there is evidence that borderline hypertensives may have reduced vagal tone at rest when compared to normotensives. This last point is important for the study of individual differences in cardiovascular reactivity because excessive responsiveness in young normotensives (beta-adrenergic reactors) has been suggested as a model for studying the precursors of some types of hypertension. Fifty-one male college students were given a reaction time task, a mental arithmetic task, a cold pressor task, and graded bicycle exercise. A variety of cardiovascular and respiratory measures were collected on each subject. Results indicated significant differences in levels of respiratory sinus arrhythmia during the three tasks and the rest period, giving additional evidence for parasympathetic differences (along with sympathetic differences) in these conditions. Additionally, high beta-adrenergic reactors did not differ in mean level of respiratory sinus arrhythmia from low reactors either at rest or during the task periods. These results are discussed in the context of previous research.
Deterministic noise amplifiers

Although we are accustomed to considering only overall stability properties of dynamical systems, local stability properties can also have a dramatic physical effect. Local instabilities in overall stable motion can cause otherwise imperceptible ambient noise to be amplified to macroscopic proportions. The result can be easily mistaken for deterministic chaos. We give measures for local instability and noise amplification in terms of the covariance matrix and local divergence rates and analyze several examples. An experimental test can be made by varying the external noise level; for sufficiently small amplitudes, the noisy response due to local instabilities scales linearly with the noise level, whereas noisy behavior due to deterministic chaos is largely unaffected.
A new large-area 2π proportional counting system at NIST

A new large-area gas flow multi-wire proportional counter has been developed to replace the large-area counting system that is currently in use at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and several Department of Defense counting facilities for calibrating large-area alpha and beta sources. The current systems are over 20 years old and part replacement is very difficult. The new systems have been built using specifications that will improve on the current systems and allow collecting data at pressures up to 0.2MPa. The ability to operate at higher pressures will increase the beta efficiency of the counter and lead to improved precision in the final measured results. Comparison of the results from the old and new systems is presented for both alpha and beta sources.
Innovative optics for giant telescopes

Innovative opto-mechanical designs and fabrication techniques have led to a new generation of optical telescopes. The key developments have been in mirror design and glass manufacturing techniques. Telescopes have been built around three separate types of mirror design, none of which could have been manufactured before 1990.
Sustainability in Action Local Applications for Public Administration

Public administration has moved beyond speaking of sustainability as a norm or a philosophy towards implementation and action. Lessons learned from sustainable development practice must now be docu...
Redshifts of 1548 + 115a and 1548 + 115b in the theory of the generalised gravitational potential

Redshifts of 1548 + 115a and 1548 + 115b in the theory of the generalised gravitational potential
Observed finger behaviour during computer mouse use.

Abstract Two-button computer mouse users may exhibit sustained, static finger lifting behaviours to prevent inadvertent activations by avoiding finger pressure on the buttons, which leads to prolonged, static finger extensor muscle loading. One hundred graduate students were observed during normal computer work in a university computer facility to qualify and quantify the prevalence of lifted finger behaviours and extended finger postures, as well as wrist/forearm and grip behaviour, during specific mouse activities. The highest prevalences observed were 48% of the students lifted their middle finger during mouse drag activities, and 23% extended their middle finger while moving the mouse. In addition, 98% of the students rested their wrist and forearm (77%) or wrist only (21%) on the workstation surface, and 97% had an extended wrist posture (15°–30°) when using the mouse. Potential applications of these findings include future computer input device designs to reduce finger lifting behaviour and exposures to risk factors of hand/forearm musculoskeletal pain.
A new stable computing method for the serial hybrid computer integration of partial differential equations

Partial differential equations involving one space dimension and time can be solved by hybrid computers using the serial (or continuous space-discrete time) method. In so doing, the continuous integration capability of the analog computer is used along the space axis while integration along the time axis is performed in a discrete fashion by making use of finite differences.
Fractionation and transport of nutrients among coal ash residues and in soil covered with fly ash-amended organic compost

Coal-fired power plants generate different types of ash residues and discharge small particles and vapors to the atmosphere. The ash residues which account for the major part of the byproducts are collected and stored as bottom ash, boiler ash, and fly ash, weathered ash and ash in lagoon. Analysis of water extracts of these residues will reveal how the nutrients are distributed in these residues and transported to aquatic systems. Equally interesting is the study of the downward movement of nutrients in soil treated with fly ash-amended organic compost when used as a manure for agricultural crops. In this work water extracts of different types of ash residues and eluates from descending ports of an experimental column of soil at different depths were also analyzed. Our results showed that there is considerable difference in the efficiency of removal and deposition of nutrients on different residues collected from the power plant and stored outside. Bottom ash was found to accumulate K, N, and S while Ca is enriched in ash from lagoon. Transition metals such as Zn, Mn, and Cu are concentrated in weathered ash. The concentration of most of the nutrients was found to decrease, in column experiments, as a function of depth and level to a depth of 80 cm.
IL28B and the Control of Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Treatment-induced control and spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are affected by various host factors. Polymorphisms in the region of the gene IL28B are associated with HCV clearance, implicating the gene product, interferon (IFN)-λ3, in the immune response to HCV. Although it is not clear how the IL28B haplotype affects HCV clearance, IFN-λ3 up-regulates interferon-stimulated genes, similar to IFN-α and IFN-β but via a different receptor. There is also evidence that IFN-λ3 affects the adaptive immune response. The IL28B genotype can be considered, along with other factors, in predicting patient responses to therapy with pegylated IFN-α and ribavirin. We review the genetic studies that uncovered the association between IL28B and HCV clearance, the biology of IFN-λ3, the clinical implications of the genetic association, and areas of future research.
Snap & Go: a QReative case in point

Puropose – The purpose of this paper is to describe why and how Contra Costa County Library is using two‐dimensional barcodes called (QR, quick response) codes and a mobile patron support system to deliver library service to mobile phone users through a service called “Snap & Go”.Desing/methodology/approach – The paper finds that case study to review the process of defining and delivering mobile library service through the use of QR codes.Findings – QR codes provide a quick and easy way for library patrons with mobile phones to access relevant information and service both inside the library and out in the community.Originality/value – The paper discusses one library's initiative to pilot the use of QR codes to deliver mobile library service.
On the dynamics of radially symmetric granulomas

Abstract A granuloma is a collection of macrophages that contains bacteria or other foreign substances that the bodyʼs immune response is unable to eliminate. In this paper we present a simple mathematical model of radially symmetric granuloma dynamics. The model consists of a coupled system of two semi-linear parabolic equations for the macrophage density, and the bacterial density. The boundary of the granuloma is free. This simple framework makes it possible to conduct a mathematical analysis of the system dynamics. In particular, we show that the model system has a unique solution, and that, depending on the biological parameters; the bacterial load either disappears over time or persists. We use numerical methods to establish the existence of stationary solutions and examine how a stationary solution changes with the reproductive rate of the bacteria. These simulations show that the structure of the granuloma breaks down as the reproductive rate of the bacteria increases.
Exposure misclassification due to residential mobility during pregnancy in epidemiologic investigations of congenital malformations

This study addressed the question of how maternal migration between conception and birth affects estimates of risk in studies of congenital malformations when movement is related to the exposure. For example, in studying the potential association between proximity to a chemical waste site and the occurrence of birth defects, incorrect inferences might be drawn if maternal residence at birth was used as a surrogate for exposure at conception in the case when a significant amount of media attention influenced some women to move away from the site after becoming pregnant. A simple statistical model is proposed that defines the distance to a fixed exposure point measured at birth as a function of the distance to the point measured at conception, the probability of movement, the direction of movement, and the distance moved. Bias is the difference between the expected results when distance is measured at birth versus conception. The amount of bias can be substantial for movement patterns that may be likely to occur. This simplified model was used in an effort to explore and better understand the relationships between maternal migration and risk.
Peak pulse voltage measurement

Several methods are presently being used for the measurement of pulse voltage. Oscilloscopes are particularly useful because they provide information concerning the shape of the pulse, besides a measure of the peak voltage. In addition to the oscilloscope, several peak voltmeter circuits are mentioned. These include pulse stretching, sampling, and the slideback method. A standard pulse generator is described which provides a calibrated pulse voltage suitable for voltmeter calibration and other uses.
An on-line controller for production systems with seasonal demands

Abstract This paper investigated a hirarchical production planning and control model for flexible manufacturing systems that simultaneously make multiple parts subject to periodic demands. The off-line planning and on-line control strategy is utilized in the aggregate planning model. First, the optimal inventory levels are determined by the off-line planning model. The problem is formulated as a boundary-free discrete optimal control problem. When the actual inventory levels deviate from the optimal levels due to random interruptions, an on-line control problem is solved. The problem is formulated as a boundary-fixed discrete optimal control problem. The resulting large-scale problem is broken into a network flow problem and several single part aggregate production planning problems. The network flow problem determines the alternative routings among cells for given production rates. Single part production planning problems determine the production rates for each part in each period. Numerical examples illustrate the algorithm's efficiency.
Separation and identification of an indole contaminant in crystallized human serum albumin.

1. The use of recrystallized human serum albumin (HSA) as a standard in clinical chemistry procedures has increased in recent years. Dye-binding, biuret, and spectrophotometric based methods for protein content of fluids utilize this albumin preparation as a standard. In a study of the binding of salicylic acid to albumin, we observed that an indole contaminant in the recrystallized albumin was markedly interfering with the binding parameters. 2. In an attempt to identify the indole compound, equilibrium dialysis followed by separation on G-10 or G-25 Sephadex or charcoal columns was used. The fractions containing the impurity were further studied by TLC, paper electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, and fluorometry; the contaminant was identified as N-acetyltryptophan. The indole contamination accounted for about 30% of the absorbance at 280 nm. Maximum separation of the contaminant was achieved by passing the albumin preparations over a charcoal column and then over a G-10 Sephadex column. 3. Equilibrium dialysis of HSA from several sources indicated varying degrees of indole contamination. The wide range of extinction coefficients reported for HSA may be due to indole contamination. Indole contamination of HSA used as a standard or diluent may present serious problems in the clinical laboratory.
Abstract LB-281: Inhibition of Hedgehog results in altered regulation of c-jun and of ERCC1 in cisplatin-resistant A2780-CP70 human ovarian cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Cancer stem cells are presumed to be highly resistant to chemotherapy. Activation of the Hedgehog pathway has been reported as necessary, for the cancer stem cell state. A key gene in the Hedgehog pathway is Gli1. Resistance to platinum compounds is due in part, to up-regulated nucleotide excision repair, NER. ERCC1 is a key marker for NER activity. Transcriptional control of ERCC1 occurs in part, through c-Jun. Upon treatment with cisplatin, cisplatin-resistant A2780-CP70 cells normally up-regulate c-jun and c-fos, which then up-regulate ERCC1 and other NER genes. More specifically, the c-jun Ser63/73 cascade is up-regulated, with up-regulation of activator protein 1 (Reed, JBC 1998). We studied the relationship between Gli1 expression, ERCC1 expression, and cisplatin resistance in the human ovarian cancer cell lines A2780 and A2780-CP70. A2780-CP70 cells are 10-15 fold more resistant to cisplatin than A2780 cells. We used two different probes to modulate the Hedgehog pathway: a) cyclopamine as a pharmacologic inhibitor of the Smoothened; and, b) an anti-Gli1 shRNA to specifically inhibit Gli1. At baseline, cisplatin-resistant cells, expressed > 10-fold more Gli1 protein than cisplatin-sensitive cells. In cisplatin-resistant cells, Gli1 protein was down-regulated in response to cyclopamine, and to anti-Gli1 shRNA. When A2780-CP70 cisplatin-resistant cells are pretreated with cyclopamine, or anti-Gli1 shRNA, the following events occur. The c-jun Thr91/93 cascade is upregulated, which is associated with pro-apoptotic processes. The c-jun Ser63/73 cascade is suppressed. This cascade is associated with pro-growth processes. If cisplatin is given after cyclopamine or anti-Gli1 pretreatment; Gli1 protein is down-regulated; the c-jun Thr91/93 cascade is upregulated; the c-jun Ser63/73 cascade is suppressed; and cells do not up-regulate ERCC1, XPD, or XRCC1. Thus, the normal cisplatin-induced up-regulation of these three genes involved in NER (ERCC1, XPD) and in base excision repair (XRCC1), is suppressed by suppression of the Hedgehog pathway. We conclude that Gli1 and/or other genes involved in the Hedgehog pathway (which is critical for cancer stem cells), may play key roles in the up-regulation of DNA repair genes, specifically in response to DNA damaging agents such as cisplatin. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-281.
On-line liquid chromatography coupled with high field NMR and mass spectrometry (LC-NMR-MS): a new technique for drug metabolite structure elucidation

High performance liquid chromatography has been coupled simultaneously to high field NMR and MS detectors, giving UV, NMR and mass spectra for each component in a mixture, after on-line separation. This powerful new tool for the structure elucidation of components in mixtures without isolation has been successfully applied to the analysis of the metabolites of paracetamol in human urine.
Implicit subdomain integration for dynamic analysis of large-scale structural systems

Abstract A technique consisting of implicit subdomain integration, accompanied by finite element partitioning, is studied for the solution of the dynamic responses of large-scale structural systems. Finite element partitioning is used to divide the finite element mesh into smaller subdomains. Numerical integration methods, such as Newton integration and Jacobi integration, are employed as integrators applied to the different subdomains. The response of the complete systems is obtained through iterations. Subdomain integration is believed to be effective for large-scale problems and well suited for parallel computers. It is a combination of various integration methods, and the generation and analysis of any formulation can be carried out using the technique of splitting.
A Religion for Materialism

The religiously inclined have always rejected materialism. The thesis of this study is that there may have been good reasons for them to do so until comparatively recent times but that the same reasons no longer exist. Our knowledge of matter has not only increased, it has also been altered so completely that there is no more justification for disapproving of materialism on religious grounds.
Transient waves due to randomly moving dislocation

Abstract Stochastic motion of a dislocation and the radiated field are considered in this paper. The derived equations yield the relationships between the parameters of radiation and those of a dislocation movement. The exact solution is given for the transient elastic waves of shot noise type due to a screw dislocation motion of finite duration.
A method for finding the fixed vector of a stochastic operator

The author proposes a new method for finding the fixed vector of a stochastic operator based on the representation of the operator of the linear system as the product of an noninvertible operator of simple form and an invertible operator. A complement to Jentsch’s theorem is obtained.
The combined effects of morphine and d-amphetamine on the threshold for brain stimulation reward

The effect of morphine and d-amphetamine co-administration on the threshold for rewarding intracranial electrical stimulation was studied in rats with electrodes stereotaxically implanted in the medial forebrain bundle-lateral hypothalamic or ventral tegmental area of the brain. Thresholds were determined by means of a rate-independent psychophysical method. Individually, morphine and d-amphetamine both caused a dose-related lowering of the reward threshold. Low doses of morphine or d-amphetamine which were ineffective or minimally effective in lowering the reward threshold were then tested with various doses of either d-amphetamine or morphine, respectively. In both cases, the combined administration of morphine and d-amphetamine resulted in a lowering of the reward threshold that was greater than for the corresponding doses of morphine and d-amphetamine when given alone. Given that increased sensitivity for rewarding brain stimulation has been suggested to be an animal model of drug-induced euphoria, this effect is congruent with the reported increase in the degree of euphoria produced when amphetamine is used in conjunction with opiate drugs.
Survey of CT and MR imaging of the orbit

Diseases of the orbit encompass a diverse group of lesions. They are classified according to their site of origin within and outside of the orbital cavity, along with the nature of the pathological process, such as inflammatory disease, cysts, and benign and malignant tumors [11 (Tables 1, 2). Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the modalities of choice in the assessment of these lesions [2]. CT, with different window settings, delineates, to great advantage, the various soft tissue structures, but especially the bony structures and areas of calcification. MR is insufficient in the detailed analysis of bone and calcification, but is superior to CT in visualization of the globe, optic nerve abnormalities, and intracranial extension of lesions. In addition, MR provides better lesion characterization (especially tumors), based on the signal intensity differences of various tissues and increased conspicuity of lesions following introduction of gadolinium and fat suppression [3,4].
L1 Adaptive Controller for a Class of Nonlinear Systems

This paper presents an extension of the L1 adaptive controller to a class of nonlinear systems where the control effectiveness is time-varying and unknown, but with a known sign. Moreover, this class of nonlinear systems contains time-varying and unknown state-dependent nonlinearities. The proposed L1 adaptive controller consists of three components, a state predictor used to estimate real states, an adaptive law used to update the adaptive parameters in the state predictor, and a low-pass filtered control law. First, the stable closed-loop reference system is constructed. Then, the estimation errors between estimated states and real states are proved to be arbitrarily small by increasing the adaptation rate. After that, we further prove that the adaptive controller ensures uniformly bounded transient and asymptotical tracking of the reference system. The performance bounds can be systematically improved by increasing the adaptation rate. Simulation results on a single-link nonlinear robot arm verify the theoretical findings.
Three-dimensional scaffolds of acellular human and porcine lungs for high throughput studies of lung disease and regeneration

Acellular scaffolds from complex whole organs such as lung are being increasingly studied for ex vivo organ generation and for in vitro studies of cell-extracellular matrix interactions. We have established effective methods for efficient de and recellularization of large animal and human lungs including techniques which allow multiple small segments (∼ 1-3 cm(3)) to be excised that retain 3-dimensional lung structure. Coupled with the use of a synthetic pleural coating, cells can be selectively physiologically inoculated via preserved vascular and airway conduits. Inoculated segments can be further sliced for high throughput studies. Further, we demonstrate thermography as a powerful noninvasive technique for monitoring perfusion decellularization and for evaluating preservation of vascular and airway networks following human and porcine lung decellularization. Collectively, these techniques are a significant step forward as they allow high throughput in vitro studies from a single lung or lobe in a more biologically relevant, three-dimensional acellular scaffold.
Evaluating Welfare Reform Waivers under Section 1115

Beginning in 1962, Section 1115 of the Social Security Act allowed the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive specific provisions of the act within individual states, allowing them to implement welfare experiments or demonstration projects to reduce welfare recipiency, ease transitions into the labor market for welfare clients, or otherwise advance the objectives of the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. The period between 1987 and 1996 was an especially active time for welfare reform waiver applications. Each Section 1115 waiver application required a plan for evaluating the effects of the proposed changes in the AFDC program. This period of active welfare reform and experimentation, accompanied by a rigorous evaluation component, held the promise of an unparalleled opportunity to examine and document the effects of proposed welfare reform measures. In this paper we review the Section 1115 welfare reform and evaluation activity conducted by states during the Bush and Clinton administrations, ending in August 1996 when the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act was passed by Congress. We base the review on publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and on interviews we conducted with both state project managers and evaluators from each of the 44 states that had received Section 1115 welfare reform waivers between 1992 and the passage of the 1996 welfare reform act.
Entomology in Search of a Soul

The theme of my paper is the role of certain aspects of pure entomology, especially amateur entomology, in American entomology as a whole. As a result of the union of our two erstwhile separate organizations, some of America's leading students of insects are withdrawing from the new national organization. The present paper attempts to explore some of the sources of this discontent and to suggest what may be done.
Gender and Racial Prejudice of Conservative College Women

Sirgo and Eisenman (1990) reported that conservatives believed the federal government favors minorities. Data are presented from a survey commissioned by In View magazine of 504 college females at 16 college campuses across the nation which supports the notion that female conservatives may tend to be prejudiced against women and against African-Americans.
The Role of Environment and Management on Leg Abnormalities in Meat-Type Fowl

Abstract Continuous light with 1 h of darkness at midnight is a common photoperiod for raising meat-type fowl. The logic behind the 1 h of darkness, usually provided between midnight and 0100 h, is to acclimate the birds to darkness in the event of a power failure. Increasing evidence from several research laboratories indicates that lighting regimens other than continuous light, such as intermittent or step-up lighting, can lower the incidence of leg abnormalities in meat-type fowl. Some evidence suggests that increased exercise contributes in part to the reduction in lameness due to lighting. Management can influence the incidence of leg and foot problems via effects on rate of gain, flooring systems, and litter moisture. Rapid weight gains have been correlated with tibial dyschondroplasia (TD), although more evidence is needed to determine whether other types of leg deformities, such as long bone distortion, are related to rapid growth rates. Using low intensity X-ray imaging (hand-held lixiscope), live breeders with TD lesions can be identified and the incidence of TD can be reduced in breeder flocks through genetic selection. In addition, turkeys can be selected for wider shanks to improve walking ability. Slippery surfaces should be avoided to prevent spraddled legs. With the exception of TD, broilers reared in cages have more leg deformities than floor-reared birds. Dry litter conditions can help prevent foot pad dermatitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria.
Controlled shrinkage and re-expansion of a single aqueous droplet inside an optical vortex trap.

This paper describes the shrinkage and re-expansion of individual femtoliter-volume aqueous droplets that were suspended in an organic medium and held in an optical vortex trap. To elucidate the mechanism behind this phenomenon, we constructed a heat- and mass-transfer model and carried out experimental verifications of our model. From these studies, we conclude that an evaporation mechanism sufficiently describes the shrinkage of aqueous droplets held in a vortex trap, whereas a mechanism based on the supersaturation of the organic phase by water that surrounds the droplet adequately explains the re-expansion of the shrunk droplet. The proposed mechanisms correlated well with experimental observations using different organic media, when H2O was replaced with D2O and when an optical tweezer was used to induce droplet shrinkage rather than an optical vortex trap. For H2O droplets, the temperature rise within the droplet during shrinkage was on the order of 1 K or less, owing to the rapid thermal conduction...
Development of lignin-based polyurethane thermoplastics

Here we report utilizing a tailored feedstock to synthesize mechanically robust thermoplastic polyurethanes at very high lignin contents (65–75 wt%). The molecular weight and glass transition temperature (Tg) of lignin were altered through cross-linking with formaldehyde. The cross-linked lignin was coupled with diisocyanate-based telechelic polybutadiene as a network-forming soft segment. The appearance of two Tg's, around −35 and 154 °C, for the polyurethanes indicates the existence of two-phase morphology, a characteristic of thermoplastic copolymers. A calculated Flory–Huggins interaction parameter of 7.71 also suggests phase immiscibility in the synthesized lignin polyurethanes. An increase in lignin loading increased the modulus, and an increase in crosslink-density increased the modulus in the rubbery plateau region of the thermoplastic. This path for synthesis of novel lignin-based polyurethane thermoplastics provides a design tool for high performance lignin-based biopolymers.
SOCIAL CHANGE AND THE ORGANIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE.

Current planning and action efforts in the health and welfare fields are stimulating and demanding further reorganization of mental health programs. In this paper the social forces impinging on current mental health practices are noted, the direction of changes in mental health programs is described and speculations on the shifts in organizational and role relationships among mental health practitioners are provided.
The political economy of U.S. economic performance: is the president responsible?

A recurring theme in electoral politics is that American voters hold the president responsible for the state of the economy. Ironically, many Presidency scholars argue that presidents are ill equipped to manage the economy because other variables compete with and complicate the effects of fiscal policy. These include international variables, private market forces, and monetary policy, among others. Using simultaneous equation methods, we examine the direct and indirect effects of fiscal policy on economic performance while controlling for a variety of other determinants of economic performance. We find that fiscal policy plays a significant role in influencing unemployment and economic growth in the United States, even after controlling for a variety of other determinants of economic performance. We close by discussing the importance of linking the econometric modeling literature with the literature on presidential management of the economy.
Tremor and ataxia in fragile X premutation carriers: Blinded videotape study

Fragile X premutation carriers do not have typical fragile X syndrome (FXS) although late-onset progressive action tremor and gait disorder with CNS atrophy was recently reported in male carriers. We compared tremor, gait disorder and parkinsonian signs in FXS premutation subjects (age 50 or more) and a similar control population, using a standardized videotaping protocol. Videotapes were rated using standard scales for tremor (CRST), ataxia (ICARS), and parkinsonian signs (UPDRS) by an investigator blinded to premutation status. Compared to all other groups pooled (n = 30), the male premutation carrier group (n = 7) had significantly higher scores on the CRST (p = 0.0008), ICARS (p = 0.001), and UPDRS (p = 0.0094). On the CRST, rest, postural and kinetic tremor scores were all higher in the male carriers. The elevated total UPDRS and ICARS scores mainly resulted from markedly higher scores for tremor and limb ataxia, respectively. The female carrier (n = 14) and control groups (n = 8) did not differ on any measure. The FMR1 premutation is associated with increased levels of CGG repeat-containing FMR1 mRNA, which may predispose to these symptoms by interfering with nuclear mechanisms. Given the relatively high population frequency of the FMR1 premutation, this mutation may be a significant cause of late-onset “idiopathic” progressive tremor. Ann Neurol 2003
The infrared spectra of anhydrous trichloroacetic acid and oxalic acid

Abstract Infrared spectra of anhydrous trichloroacetic acid and oxalic acid were obtained, in the 1500–200 cm −1 range, in order to attempt confirmation of recent neutron spectroscopic investigations. Our results agree quite well with neutron data for trichloroacetic acid, but the agreement is rather poor for oxalic acid.
Sequential versus Simultaneous Processing on the K-ABC: Validity in Predicting Learning Success

The validity of the Mental Processing Scales of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) was examined by using two learning tasks as criteria. The learning tasks, which approximated reading instruction using unfamiliar symbols, were constructed and presented in a sequential or a simultaneous manner to 208 first-grade children. Correlations between the learning tasks established that they were distinctly different. Subjects who showed the largest differences between performance on the sequential and simultaneous learning tasks (N = 51) were then administered the Mental Processing Scales of the K-ABC. Correlational and analysis of variance (ANOVA) results indicated that the K-ABC Simultaneous Processing Scale was most strongly related to the sequential learning task. Several possible explanations for these paradoxical results are explored. There is an apparent discrepancy between the sequential and simultaneous measures of the K-ABC and the Kaufmans' proposed remedial instruction strategies. A ce...
Electric field measurements using inert electrodes

Abstract A simple method is described and shown capable of measuring electric field strengths in electrolytes using closely spaced inert electrodes. Measurements were accomplished by monitoring the change in potential between bright platinum electrodes resulting from either a current interruption, or from a current pulse, superimposed on a direct current signal.
Short time molecular dynamics simulations: Stressed polyethylene results

Utilisation de la methode de classification de signal multiple (MUSIC) pour calculer le spectre (intensite en fonction de la frequence) de PE soumis a une contrainte dans un cristal a partir du facteur de structure variant avec le temps. MUSIC permet de calculer les frequences a partir de trajectoires pendant des temps tres courts et les deplacements de frequence pour des contraintes variees
Decline in varicella-related hospitalizations and expenditures for children and adults after introduction of varicella vaccine in the United States.

Objective. Universal childhood immunization against varicella in the United States, first recommended in 1995, was predicted to lead to significant decreases in varicella-related hospitalization rates and corresponding charges. Previous studies have not found such effects. We studied trends in varicella-related hospitalization rates and associated charges before and after introduction of varicella vaccine. Methods. We examined hospitalization and charge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 1993–2001, representative of national hospitalization patterns for children and adults. We derived weighted estimates of population-adjusted, varicella-related hospitalization rates and inflation-adjusted, varicella-related hospital charges. Results. The annual varicella-related hospitalization rate exceeded 0.5 hospitalizations per 10 000 US population from 1993 to 1995, declined to 0.26 per 10 000 by 1999, and again halved to 0.13 per 10 000 by 2001. Hospitalization rates declined most substantially among individuals primarily targeted for vaccination (0- to 4-year-old children) but decreased among youths aged 5 to 19 years and among adults as well. Concomitantly, varicella-related hospital charges declined from $161.1 million (95% confidence interval: $130.5 million–$191.8 million) in 1993 to $66.3 million (95% confidence interval: $50.9 million–$81.7 million) in 2001 (all 2001 $US). Among expected primary payers, inflation-adjusted declines in varicella-related hospital discharges–related charges accrued to Medicaid, private insurance, and “other” payers (including uninsured and self-pay) but not to Medicare. Conclusions. This national analysis indicates a clinically and statistically significant reduction in varicella-related hospitalizations for children and adults associated with childhood varicella immunization in the United States and a corresponding significant decrease in hospital charges.
Maternal Depression and Infant Temperament Characteristics

One hundred-thirty-nine women participated in this longitudinal study from the third trimester of pregnancy through 8-months postpartum. Women completed depression scales at several time points and rated their infant’s characteristics and childcare stress at 2- and 6-months postpartum. Mothers’ reports of infant temperament were significantly different for depressed and non-depressed mothers, with depressed mothers reporting more difficult infants at both measurement points. These differences remained after controlling for histories of maternal abuse or prenatal anxiety, which occurred more often in the depressed mothers. There were no significant differences in childcare stress or perceived support between the groups. Infant temperament and childcare stress did not change over time. Recommendations for practice include consistent ongoing evaluations of the “goodness of fit” within the dyad and exploring interventions for depressed mothers that provide guidance about interactions with their infants and the appropriateness of the infant behaviors.
A time-dependent radiation condition for transient wave-structure interactions

Abstract An extrapolated version of a time-dependent nonreflecting boundary condition is developed for use at artificial boundaries to truncate infinite/semi-infinite domains for transient water wave problems. Test examples include single- and multiple-frequency flap wavemaker problems and free vibrations of a floating circular cylinder. The finite element results compare favorably to analytical solutions. It is shown that with the proposed boundary condition the numerical simulations have little reflections from the artificial boundaries.
Unconditionally stable high-order picard iteration algorithm for computational electromagnetics

An iterative numerical time marching algorithm which is applicable for solving time dependent anisotropic nonlinear Maxwell equations is presented. The method is based on high-order discretization of classical Picard iteration. Using linearization in the iteration space, a highly convergent implicit formulation is derived. The dissipation error is completely eliminated when Picard iteration converges since no linearization is done in time. In addition, the order of accuracy in space and time can be increased arbitrarily without violating unconditional stability of the scheme. Numerical test cases are performed to validate the convergence and accuracy of the proposed method.
Hyperabrupt epitaxial tuning diodes

Abstract Theory, fabrication and testing of voltage-variable, tuning diode structures was performed yielding close comparisons of this theory with experiment. Six distinct diode voltage-capacitance characteristics of the form C = KV −m were fabricated using precise and accurate computer control of the epitaxial layer structure.
Data masking for disclosure limitation

Protecting confidentiality is essential to the functioning of systems for collecting and disseminating data on individuals and enterprises that are necessary for evidence-based public policy formulation. Deidentification of records, defined as removing obvious identifiers such as name and address, is not sufficient to protect confidentiality. Microdata have characteristics that lead to increased disclosure risk, such as existence of identification files, geographical detail, outliers, many/detailed attribute variables, or longitudinal or panel structure in the data. Data stewardship organizations can lower disclosure risk through disclosure limitation methods and through the construction of synthetic data. Both record and attribute suppression can be represented by matrix masks, as can perturbation through noise addition, and data swapping. Also sampling and aggregation have matrix mask representations. Distinct from masking methods, synthetic data construction considers the microdata to be a realization of some statistical model. It then replaces the true microdata with samples generated according to the model. The released data consist of records of individual synthetic units rather than records for the actual units. The organization must recognize uncertainty in both model form and values of model parameters. This argues for the relevance of hierarchical and mixture models to generate the synthetic data. Synthetic data has an advantage as a disclosure limitation method over masked data because it is easier for the user to analyze. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Advances in management of neurosurgical trauma: USA and Canada.

Les lesions traumatiques du cerveau et de la moelle osseuse continuent de representer des problemes difficiles pour les medecins du monde entier. En Amerique du Nord, le nombre de traumatismes crâniens et de lesions graves de la moelle osseuse a diminue pendant les deux dernieres decennies et pour les patients qui arrivent a l'hopital, la mortalite a long terme ont egalement diminue. Les deux raisons majeures pour cette reduction en mortalite et en incapacite physique apres traumatisme crâniospinal aux Etats-Unis et au Canada semblent etre1) la mise en oeuvre repandue des mesures de prevention, une legislation et des initiatives pour promouvoir un enseignement au public, et 2) des ameliorations et une meilleure disponibilite dans les systemes d'urgence medicale et les centres de trauma regionaux. Ameliorer les soins neurocritiques et mettre en oeuvre des recommandations factuelles pour les traumatismes crâniens graves peuvent, egalement, augmenter le taux de survie et reduire les taux d'incapacite. Malheureusement, de nombreux essais cliniques sur des agents potentiellement neuroprotecteurs, menes en Amerique du Nord ou ailleurs dans les annees 1990, n'ont pu demontrer leur efficacite dans les traumatismes crâniens. Cependant, le methylprednisolone apparat apporter un certain benefice chez des patients selectionnes atteints de lesions de la moelle osseuse. Les progres en matiere de prevention, des « trauma systems » regionaux, des recommandations de traitement et des soins neurocritiques ayant influence les taux de survie et la recuperation fonctionnelle sont discutes.
Stereo pairs from linear morphing

Several authors have recently investigated the ability to compute intermediate views of a scene using given 2D images from arbitrary camera positions. The methods fall under the topic of image based rendering. In the case we give here, linear morphing between two parallel views of a scene produces intermediate views that would have been produced by parallel movement of a camera. Hence, the technique produces images computed in a way that is consistent with the standard off-axis perspective projection method for computing stereo pairs. Using available commercial 2D morphing software, linear morphing can be used to produce stereo pairs from a single image with bilateral symmetry such as a human face. In our case, the second image is produced by horizontal reflection. We describe morphing and show how it can be used to provide stereo pairs from single images.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Rhizosphere feedbacks in elevated CO2

Understanding rhizosphere processes in relation to increasing atmospheric CO(2) concentrations is important for predicting the response of forest ecosystems to environmental changes, because rhizosphere processes are intimately linked with nutrient cycling and soil organic matter decomposition, both of which feedback to tree growth and soil carbon storage. Plants grown in elevated CO(2) substantially increase C input to the rhizosphere. Although it is known that elevated CO(2) enhances rhizosphere respiration more than it enhances root biomass, the fate and function of this extra carbon input to the rhizosphere in response to elevated CO(2) are not clear. Depending on specific plant and soil conditions, the increased carbon input to the rhizosphere can result in an increase, a decrease, or no effect on soil organic matter decomposition and nutrient mineralization. Three mechanisms may account for these inconsistent results: (1) the "preferential substrate utilization" hypothesis; (2) the "priming effect" hypothesis; and (3) the "competition" hypothesis, i.e., competition for mineral nutrients between plants and soil microorganisms. A microbial growth model is developed that quantitatively links the increased rhizosphere input in response to elevated CO(2) with soil organic matter decomposition. The model incorporates the three proposed mechanisms, and simulates the complexity of the rhizosphere processes. The model also illustrates mechanistically the interactions among nitrogen availability, substrate quality, and microbial dynamics when the system is exposed to elevated CO(2).
In Situ Enrichment of a Diverse Community of Bacteria from a 4–5 km Deep Fault Zone in South Africa

The extreme environment of South Africa's ultra-deep gold mines offers an opportunity to discover novel microorganisms (e.g., Alkaliphilus transvaalensis), including extremophiles that may provide insight into the origins of life on earth and offer industrial applications because of their thermophilic enzymatic properties. This study employed culture-independent methods to examine the bacterial diversity in water (T = 55° C, pH = 9, Cl− = 1000 ppm and age = 4–53 Ma) emanating from an exploration borehole in a South African Au mine that intersected a quartzite-hosted fault at 3.3 km below land surface. The more adhesive strains of sulfate reducing bacteria were effectively selected and enriched from the planktonic community by forcing water from a flowing borehole through a sand/agar cartridge that was installed within the borehole. The cartridge's agar contained sulfate and lactate that diffused from the agar into the cartridge. DNA was extracted from the sand, after which a bacterial 16S rDNA gene clone ...