cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ACTH promotes chondrogenic nodule formation and induces transient elevations in intracellular calcium in rat bone marrow cell cultures via MC2-R signaling

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is among several melanocortin peptide hormones that are derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC). ACTH has been found to enhance osteogenesis and chondrogenesis. We show that, in the presence of dexamethasone, ACTH dose-dependently increases chondrogenic nodule formation in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) from the Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat. The nodules consist in condensed cells highly expressing alkaline phosphatase, Sox9 and type II collagen transcripts and a proteoglycan-rich matrix. Immunoblot analysis of crude membrane fractions has shown that these cells express three melanocortin receptors (MC-R), namely MC2-R, MC3-R and MC5-R and the melanocortin 2-receptor accessory protein (MRAP). To determine which of these receptors mediate ACTH-induced effects, we have used MC-R-specific peptides and the known agonist profiles of the receptors. Neither α-MSH, a strong agonist of MC5-R, nor γ2-MSH, a strong agonist of MC3-R, duplicates ACTH effects in rat BMSC. In addition, calcium flux has been examined as a mechanism for ACTH action at the MC2-R. Consistent with MC2-R and MRAP expression patterns in the BMSC cultures, ACTH-induced transient increases in intracellular calcium are increased with dexamethasone treatment. Neither α-MSH nor γ2-MSH affects calcium flux. Dexamethasone increases MC2-R and MRAP expression and POMC peptide expression and cleavage increasing the production of the lipolytic β-lipotropic hormone product. Therefore, the effects of ACTH in rat BMSC enriched for mesenchymal progenitors are consistent with an MC2-R signaling mechanism, with dexamethasone being capable of regulating components of the melanocortin system in these cells.
Modeling and Study of the Quasi-Static Behavior of Piezoceramic Telescopic Actuation Architectures:

Piezoelectric stacks are often used in smart structures applications that demand large forces. However, there are numerous applications that require slightly more displacement than is available fro...
The effects of the reproductive status and prior housing conditions on the aggressiveness of female mice

The present study was designed to determine the conditions under which aggressive behavior towards a juvenile intruder develops in female mice. Mothers were very aggressive towards juvenile intruders during the first 2 weeks but not during the third week postpartum. However, this aggressiveness was not restricted to early lactation as pregnant and virgin females also attacked a juvenile intruder. Housing virgin female mice in groups as compared to isolation enhanced their aggressiveness towards a juvenile. The effects of housing on aggressiveness were reversible. Females that were aggressive after being housed in groups became relatively nonaggressive following 30 days of isolation and females that were nonaggressive, having been housed in individual cages, became highly aggressive after 30 days of housing in groups. These results indicate that aggressive behavior is rather easily modified by “environmental” factors in ICR female mice.
Adult Alveolar Type II Cells Lack cAMP and Ca2+-Activated Cl−Channels

We investigated the presence of Ca(2+)-activated Cl-channels in adult rat alveolar type II (ATII) using patch-clamp techniques. Only one active channel each, with a single channel conductance of 50 pS and an opening probability (Po) of 0.76 was found among 130 successful cell-attached and 5 inside-out patches. Addition of CPT-cAMP into the bath (500 microM) induced one active patch from 33 silent cell-attached patches. Incubation of 9 ATII cells, with ionomycin (1 microM), failed to elicit chloride single currents in 9 cell-attached patches. Cl- currents were also absent from 35 whole cell patches, even after the addition of 10 microM terbutaline in the bath or 1 mM ATP and 5 mM MgCl2 in the pipette. These results indicate that only a very small fraction of adult rat ATII cells express CFTR and suggest that Cl- ions are passively transported across the cell junctions.
Interaction between coeval mafic and felsic melts in the St. Francois Terrane of Missouri, USA

Abstract In the eastern St. Francois Mountains of Missouri, a 1.48 Ga subvolcanic ring pluton, known as the Silvermine Granite, hosts swarms of dark, pillow-shaped enclaves exhibiting classical features of mafic melt globules trapped in granitic magma. The pillows formed by turbulent injection of near-liquidus mafic melt into a resident visco-plastic granitic magma. Exchange of crystals, fluids and ions between the two melts produced a hybrid tonalite–granite enclave series and modified host granite composition. Several lines of evidence suggest interaction between granitic melt that produced the granophyric cap of the pluton and basaltic melt that formed dikes in the area. Rapid cooling of the pillows re-melted the host creating back-veins in many enclaves. Mineral chemistry indicates the hybrid rocks have undergone extensive subsolidus re-equilibration.
ANTIPROLIFERATIVE EFFECTS OF GARLIC CONSTITUENTS IN CULTURED HUMAN BREAST-CANCER CELLS

The medicinal uses of garlic (Allium sativum) and its constituents have been known for centuries, though its mode of action is still undetermined. Several epidemiological and laboratory studies indicate a potential anti-carcinogenic effect of garlic and some of its constituents. In this study we investigated the effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) and two of its components, S-allylcysteine (SAC), and S-allyl-mercaptocysteine (SAMC) on human breast cancer cells, MCF-7 and MCF-7(ras). Transfection of v-H-ras in MCF-7 cells gives rise to a highly aggressive subset of cells that is estrogen independent and has a five fold greater colony forming efficiency in soft agar than the parent cell line. The modulatory effect of AGE, SAC and SAMC on growth and glutathione cycle was examined in the two cell lines. We noted an anti-proliferative response to SAC and SAMC on both anchorage dependent and independent conditions and an alteration in glutathione level without significant concurrent changes in the glutathione metabolizing enzymes.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF SELENIUM AND MORTALITY OWING TO ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES

A hypothesis has been proposed that Selenium (Se) concentration in the environment as measured by its uptake by alfalfa, which sorbs Se from the soil in proportion to what is present, exerted an apparent effect on incidence of (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) AIDS such that AIDS’ mortality within the conterminous United States was lower where the Se quantity in the soil was high than where the amount was low. The object of this study was to test this hypothesis for statistical significance and to discover whether the apparent pattern of AIDS mortality in relation to Se distribution holds true with respect to all ages, both races (Black and White), and both genders. The statistical analysis employed was analysis of variance. Age-specific data as well as age-adjusted data were subject to statistical analysis. Ages where AIDS mortality rates per 100,000 were greatest were in the range from 25–54 yr for low-, medium-, and high-Se areas of the US. Black mortality owing to AIDS showed highly statistically significant results for the three Se regions, both genders, and six age groups, whereas white mortality was not as significantly affected by Se. A hypothesis is proposed that the Black population during the last decade or so has been less migratory than the White population. Thus, their food supply and hence its Se content have been more stable than that of the White population, which is more prone to consume imported foods of unknown Se content and be more migratory. A second hypothesis is advanced that suggests that medical care is not equally available to the poor and especially poor Blacks. Black men and women die at a greater death rate than do Whites. This implies that a lack of medical care is the true cause. This article suggests that a pattern exists between the geographical distribution of Se using alfalfa as a dietary guide and AIDS’ mortality such that an inverse relationship persists between Se quantity in an area and AIDS’ mortality in the same area.
A test of the convergence hypothesis: the OECD experience, 1950–1990

Abstract The convergence hypothesis maintains that an economy whose productivity lags behind other economies has a potential to grow faster. We introduce a procedure for testing this hypothesis and apply it to 24 OECD countries for the period 1950–1990. Our approach is an attempt to capture the economics of the convergence hypothesis, while avoiding the problems associated with two popular tests of convergence, namely β -convergence and σ -convergence. An application of an ARMA process to our sample data finds only modest support for the convergence hypothesis in the OECD during the postwar era. Patterns of investment, government consumption, and exports largely explain the observed convergence in the OECD.
Error correction in heterogeneous wireless sensor networks

Lack of efficient error correction codes (ECC) in homogeneous multi-hop sensor networks contributes to their poor bit error rate (BER) performance in wireless environments where high levels of noise and interference are inevitable. However two-tiered single-hop configurations utilizing a few powerful super-nodes capable of handing ECC may have lower BER over certain channels. In this article, performance of uncoded IEEE 802.15.4 standard and proposed coded scheme have been compared over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and fading channel models. A simple ECC is proposed to improve the BER performance of heterogeneous wireless sensor networks over different channel models while maintaining low complexity. The proposed code is optimized in both AWGN channel and frequency-flat Rayleigh fading channel. The effect of different channel models on the coding scheme is also discussed. It is shown that overall power consumption for a coded single-hop network can be less than its multi-hop counterpart.
Direct Detection of Legionella Species from Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Open Lung Biopsy Specimens: Comparison of LightCycler PCR, In Situ Hybridization, Direct Fluorescence Antigen Detection, and Culture

We developed a rapid thermocycling, real-time detection (also known as real-time PCR) method for the detection of Legionella species directly from clinical specimens. This method uses the LightCycler (Roche Molecular Biochemicals, Indianapolis, Ind.) and requires approximately 1 to 2 h to perform. Both a Legionella genus PCR assay and Legionella pneumophila species-specific PCR assay were designed. A total of 43 archived specimens from 35 patients were evaluated, including 19 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens and 24 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded open lung biopsy specimens. Twenty-five of the specimens were culture-positive for Legionella (9 BAL specimens and 16 tissue specimens). BAL specimens were tested by LightCycler PCR (LC-PCR) methods and by a direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) assay, which detects L. pneumophila serogroups 1 to 6 and several other Legionella species. Tissue sections were tested by the two LC-PCR methods, by DFA, by an in situ hybridization (ISH) assay, specifically designed to detect L. pneumophila, and by Warthin-Starry (WS) staining. The results were compared to the “gold standard” method of bacterial culture. With BAL specimens the following assays yielded the indicated sensitivities and specificities, respectively: Legionella genus detection by Legionella genus LC-PCR, 100 and 100%; Legionella genus detection by DFA assay, 33 and 100%; and L. pneumophila detection by L. pneumophila species-specific LC-PCR, 100 and 100%. With open lung biopsy specimens the following assays yielded the indicated sensitivities and specificities, respectively: Legionella genus detection by LC-PCR 68.8 and 100%; Legionella genus detection by DFA assay, 44 and 100%; Legionella genus detection by WS staining, 63 and 100%; L. pneumophila species-specific detection by LC-PCR, 17 and 100%; and L. pneumophila species-specific detection by ISH, 100 and 100%. The analytical sensitivity of both LC-PCR assays was <10 CFU/reaction. LC-PCR is a reliable method for the direct detection of Legionella species from BAL specimens. The Legionella genus LC-PCR assay could be performed initially; if positive, L. pneumophila species-specific LC-PCR could then be performed (if species differentiation is desired). The speed with which the LC-PCR procedure can be performed offers significant advantages over both culture-based methods and conventional PCR techniques. In contrast, for the methods evaluated, culture was the best for detecting multiple Legionella species in lung tissue. WS staining, Legionella genus LC-PCR, and L. pneumophila species-specific ISH were useful as rapid tests with lung tissue.
States and Social Rights: Women's Economic Citizenship in the Maghreb

How has economic reform transformed states, societies, and state-society relations in the countries of the Maghreb (North Africa)? With a focus on Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, the paper identifies new actors, opportunities, and challenges observed in the Maghreb. Specifically, it examines how—in an era of globalization characterized by neoliberal economic policy but also the worldwide diffusion of norms of women's rights—state strategies for integration into the global economy have been affecting women's economic participation and social rights and have, in turn, led to women's collective action for legal equality and social-economic rights. As such, state-society relations are being renegotiated in terms of both new social and new gender contracts. In examining recent reforms of family codes and labor laws, the paper elucidates the contradictory effects of globalization on women and the complicated relations between states and feminist organizations in the region. The argument is informed conceptually by world-systems theory, feminist political economy, theories of citizenship, and the social movements literature.
Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases: old enzymes with emerging functions

Phosphoinositides account for only a tiny fraction of cellular phospholipids but are extremely important in the regulation of the recruitment and activity of many signaling proteins in cellular membranes. Phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 4-kinases generate PtdIns 4-phosphate, the precursor of important regulatory phosphoinositides but also an emerging regulatory molecule in its own right. The four mammalian PtdIns 4-kinases regulate a diverse array of signaling events, as well as vesicular trafficking and lipid transport, but the mechanisms by which their lipid product PtdIns 4-phosphate controls these processes is only beginning to unfold.
Economic comparison of several membrane configurations for H2/N2 separation

Abstract Several one- and two-stage membrane systems were compared for use in separating H2/N2 mixtures from coal gasification processes. Computer models of cross flow membrane modules were used in the evaluations. The processing cost, determined by a discounted cash flow analysis of capital and operating expenses, was used as the basis for the comparison. Membrane properties were those of a poly[etherimide] composite membrane. Hydrogen mole fractions from 34% to 97% in the feed and from 80% to 99.9% in the product (permeate) were examined; in all cases it was required that 95% of the feed H2 be recovered. Four configurations were evaluated: single module (SM), single module with recycle (SMR), two-module series (SER), and two-stage cascade (CAS). The results showed that for conditions where SM was capable of performing the separation the optimum recycle rate in SMR was zero, and thus SMR and SM were identical. In some conditions, SER also reduced to SM. In general, SM is best for easy separations (where the feed and product compositions are similar), CAS is best for difficult separations (where feed and product compositions are very different), and SER is best for separations of moderate difficulty; in this example, where the H2 recovery is fixed, SMR is never the best configuration. In some circumstances, it is economically better to treat only a portion of the feed in the membrane system, but to a higher purity than is required, and then to mix the overconcentrated stream with the untreated feed to make a product stream of the desired purity.
Large-aperture, high-efficiency holographic gratings for high-power laser systems

An inherently fringe stable interferometer, with uniform recording-plane exposure, produces transmission gratings with uniformly high efficiency. The surface-relief structures recorded in positive photoresist are ideal for their transfer into specialized candidate materials. These structures have many applications in high-power lasers including beam smoothing, pulse compression, and low-reflection surfaces. Also, accurate modeling of surface-relief grating efficiencies, using the actual groove profile, allows optimization of grating parameters.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
"Fast tracking" patients in an urban pediatric emergency department

Modern health care reform emphasizes efficient resource and facility management and the need to develop strategies to direct patients with lower-acuity concerns away from the relatively cost-inefficient full-service pediatric emergency department (ED). This study examined a pediatric fast track system for triage accuracy and turnaround times. Egleston Children's Hospital is a regional, urban, tertiary-care academic center which is a major teaching affiliate of Emory University School of Medicine. The pediatric ED has an annual census of more than 30,000 patient encounters. During the 9-month period from December 1993 through August 1994, 2,243 lower-acuity patients were evaluated in the fast track section of the ED. Patients assigned to the fast track system maintained a quicker turnaround time than the aggregate of all patients seen in the ED (107 [95% CI 0, 245] minutes versus 149 [95% CI 0, 341] minutes, P < .01). Their total turnaround time was also less than that for patients with similar acuity levels seen during the hours that the fast track system was not in operation (120 [95% CI 0, 300 minutes], P < .01). Only 63 of the 2,243 (2.8%) patients assigned to fast track were found to have higher acuity levels than suspected at initial triage. In all cases they were appropriately cared for in the fast track area. The fast track system appears to be an effective method by which an urban pediatric ED can efficiently maintain patient flow in light of limited resources, space constraints, limited manpower, and an increasing census.
Self-limiting chemical vapor deposition of an ultra-thin silicon oxide film using tri-(tert-butoxy)silanol

Abstract Tri-( tert -butoxy)silanol (tBOS) rapidly forms a self-limited ∼10-A-thick silicon oxide film upon exposure to a Si(100)-2×1 surface at 300 K. The majority of hydrocarbon spontaneously desorbs at this temperature. Heating to ∼700 K removes the remaining tert -butoxy groups. The films were characterized by conventional X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), synchrotron XPS of the Si 2p core-level and valence band regions, and reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS).
Some techniques for visualizing surfaces in four-dimensional space

Abstract The issues of visualizing two-dimensional surfaces in four-dimensional space are discussed, including methods to specify the orientation of objects and of projection centres, to determine silhouette points of a 2-surface with respect to projections and to calculate the normal of a projected 2-surface from its normal plane in 4-space. We have implemented an interactive 4D display system on a z-buffer graphics workstation. Preliminary experiments show that such a 4D display system can give valuable insights into high-dimensional geometry. Some examples are presented illustrating nonuniform material property display, offset curve geometry and collision detection.
Visual cortical activity reflects faster accumulation of information from cortically blind fields

Brain responses (from functional magnetic resonance imaging) and components of information processing were investigated in nine cortically blind observers performing a global direction discrimination task. Three of these subjects had responses in perilesional cortex in response to blind field stimulation, whereas the others did not. We used the EZ-diffusion model of decision making to understand how cortically blind subjects make a perceptual decision on stimuli presented within their blind field. We found that these subjects had slower accumulation of information in their blind fields as compared with their good fields and to intact controls. Within cortically blind subjects, activity in perilesional tissue, V3A and hMT+ was associated with a faster accumulation of information for deciding direction of motion of stimuli presented in the blind field. This result suggests that the rate of information accumulation is a critical factor in the degree of impairment in cortical blindness and varies greatly among affected individuals. Retraining paradigms that seek to restore visual functions might benefit from focusing on increasing the rate of information accumulation.
Reductionism and its heuristics: Making methodological reductionism honest

Methodological reductionists practice ‘wannabe reductionism’. They claim that one should pursue reductionism, but never propose how. I integrate two strains in prior work to do so. Three kinds of activities are pursued as “reductionist”. “Successional reduction” and inter-level mechanistic explanation are legitimate and powerful strategies. Eliminativism is generally ill-conceived. Specific problem-solving heuristics for constructing inter-level mechanistic explanations show why and when they can provide powerful and fruitful tools and insights, but sometimes lead to erroneous results. I show how traditional metaphysical approaches fail to engage how science is done. The methods used do so, and support a pragmatic and non-eliminativist realism.
Sequences of cDNAs encoding immunoglobulin heavy- and light-chain variable regions from two anti-dioxin monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract We report the cDNA cloning of the γ- and κ-chain-encoding genes for two mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAb) which recognize dioxins. The nucleotide sequences encoding the variable regions of these mAb were also determined. Although the mAb have similar dioxin-binding characteristics, their deduced variable region amino-acid sequences are very different.
Utility of identification of the falciform ligament in the echocardiography laboratory.

Figure 1. The falciform ligament (falc. lig.: horizontal black arrow) connects the parietal peritoneum with the anterior surface of the liver. It obliquely attaches to the abdominal surface of the diaphragm (white arrow denotes attachment site). Note the close proximity of the falciform ligament with the diaphragmatic surface of the pericardium (pericardial sac: vertical black arrow). (Reproduced and modified with permission from Reference 4). of the liver denotes the junction of its right and left lobes.1,2 Following the FL from the liver superiorly reveals it to end transversely into the abdominal surface of the diaphragm.3 Anatomically, the diaphragmatic surface of the pericardium lies in close proximity to the FL (Fig. 1). In the presence of ascites noted by echocardiography, the FL is usually noted within the ascites. Ascites is visualized from both parasternal and subcostal windows,5 but the FL will be noted most often in the subcostal window only.
New sensitive serum melatonin radioimmunoassay employing the Kennaway G280 antibody : Syrian hamster morning adrenergic response

Abstract : A new procedure with the G280 antibody of Kennaway provides an assay for circulating melatonin (aMT) with a sample volume (200 ul), an analytic (0.33 pg/ml) and functional (0.62-0.80 pg/mi) detectability, a 50% displacement dose (6.4 pg/mi), a Kd (0.657 pM), and measured circulating daytime levels lower than reported for previous procedures, and 100% assay recovery. The non-nal daytime range in adult human and Syrian hamster serum was 0.4-4 pg/ml. The pattern of fall of the nocturnal surge of Syrian hamster serum aMT near the time of lights- on was unaltered by extended darkness. Isoproterenol (ISO) injection 1 hr after lights-on, when aMT had reached daytime levels, raised serum and pineal aMT dramatically 2 hr postinjection. The same dose of ISO injected 4 hr into light produced only a small detectable increase. Novel extension of nocturnal darkness did not affect the responses to ISO. Thus, when they are allowed to occur at the usual time on a 10-hr dark schedule, both the fall from the nocturnal aMT surge and the subsequent loss of pineal beta-adrenergic responsiveness in this species occur endogenously (probably entrained) rather than from gating by acute effects of morning light. Changes in daytime serum aMT consistent with concomitant changes in the pineal can be measured with a sufficiently sensitive radioimmunoassay.
Quantitative analyses of cell behaviors underlying notochord formation and extension in mouse embryos.

Background: Formation and extension of the notochord (i.e., notogenesis) is one of the earliest and most obvious events of axis development in vertebrate embryos. In birds and mammals, prospective notochord cells arise from Hensen's node and come to lie beneath the midline of the neural plate. Throughout the period of neurulation, the notochord retains its close spatial relationship with the developing neural tube and undergoes rapid extension in concert with the overlying neuroepithelium. Methods: In the present study, we examined notochord development quantitatively in mouse embryos. C57BL/6 mouse embryos were collected at 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, and 10 days of gestation. They were then embedded in paraffin and sectioned transversely. Serial sections from 21 embryos were stained with Schiff's reagent according to the Feulgen-Rossenbeck procedure and used for quantitative analyses of notochord extension. Results: Quantitative analyses revealed that extension of the notochord involves cell division within the notochord proper and cell rearrangement within the notochordal plate (the immediate precursor of the notochord). In addition, extension of the notochord involves cell accretion, that is, the addition of cells to the notochord's caudal end, a process that involves considerable cell rearrangement at the notochordal plate-node interface. Conclusions: Extension of the mouse notochord occurs similarly to that described previously for birds (Sausedo and Schoenwolf, 1993 Anat. Rec. 237:58–70). That is, in both birds (i.e., quail and chick) and mouse embryos, notochord extension involves cell division, cell rearrangement, and cell accretion. Thus higher vertebrates utilize similar morphogenetic movements to effect notogenesis. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of a modified circular stapler for use as a viscerotomy formation and closure device in natural orifice surgery.

Background The most challenging of the many hurdles surgeons must overcome to perform natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) safely is viscerotomy closure. The perfect device must be easy to deploy, suitable for use on any viscera, and able to create a rapid, reliable, and durable closure. The authors developed a novel device based on an existing circular stapler platform to create and then subsequently close a viscerotomy. The device was tested initially on an ex vivo porcine stomach model, then used on a survival canine model to confirm adequacy of gastric closure and rapidity of deployment.
Blue crab mortality: interaction of temperature and DDT residues.

Serial observations of DDT-contaminated and uncontaminated salt marshes in the northern Gulf of Mexico were made in November and December, 1973. Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) mortalities observed in the DDT-contaminated marsh during this period were correlated with reduced daily temperature minima. Gas chromatographic analysis of hepatopancreas and swimmeret muscle tissue of dead and dying crabs revealed total DDT residue concentrations as high as 39.0 ppm and 1.43 ppm, respectively. It is suggested that the DDT body burdens and reduced temperatures interact to produce acutely toxic effects. Several physiological and behavioral mechanisms are proposed.
Pregnancy-associated coronary artery dissection: A case report

We describe the case of a 38-year-old woman who presented with a chief complaint of chest heaviness approximately 2 weeks postpartum. She was otherwise healthy with no cardiac risk factors. Coronary angiography revealed a spiral dissection of the left main coronary artery that extended to the left anterior descending coronary artery. Pregnancy-associated coronary artery dissection is a disease that has in the past carried a high mortality rate. Even today many women die before reaching medical help. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for single vessel disease and coronary artery bypass grafting for multi-vessel disease are becoming the treatments of choice.
Selective Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms With Physical Examination and Ultrasound

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an important cause of preventable death in older persons. Persistently high rupture mortality rates indicate that these deaths can be prevented only by early detection and treatment of AAA. In an effort to develop an effective and efficient program of AAA detection, we selectively screened a high-risk population. Men aged 60 to 75 years with hypertension and/or coronary artery disease were randomly selected from a general medicine clinic and screened with physical examination and ultrasound. Eighteen previously unsuspected aneurysms, 3.6 to 5.9 cm in size (mean, 4.4 cm), were detected in 201 patients, for a prevalence of 9% (95% confidence interval: 4.7% to 13.3%). The specificity and positive predictive value of ultrasound were each 100%. Abdominal palpation detected only half of these aneurysms, but missed none in patients with an abdominal girth less than 100 cm (n = 6). This degree of sensitivity did not occur with "routine" examinations and requires that the examination be directed specifically toward AAA detection. We conclude that undiagnosed AAAs are common in this large subgroup of the clinic population, that ultrasound is an excellent screening test for AAAs, and that physical examination may be adequate for screening thin patients. We recommend that every two or three years persons over the age of 50 years undergo careful abdominal palpation aimed at detecting AAAs, as part of the periodic health examination. We further recommend that obese older men at high risk for AAA have at least one-time screening with abdominal ultrasound, regardless of findings on physical examination.
BER-optimal analog-to-digital converters for communication links

In this paper, we propose BER-optimal analog-to-digital converters (ADC) where quantization levels and thresholds are set non-uniformly to minimize the bit-error rate (BER). This is in contrast to present-day ADCs which act as transparent waveform preservers. Simulations for various communication channels show that the BER-optimal ADC achieves shaping gains that range from 2.5dB for channels with low intersymbol interference (ISI) to more than 30dB for channels with high ISI. Moreover, a 3-bit BER-optimal ADC achieves the same or even lower BER than a 4-bit uniform ADC. For flash converters, this corresponds a power reduction by 2×. Look-up table based equalizers compatible with BER-optimal ADCs are shown to reduce the power up to 47% and the area up to 66% in a 45nm CMOS process. The shaping gain due to BER-optimal ADCs can be exploited to lower peak transmit swings at the transmitter or decrease power consumption of the ADC.
Troponin and outcomes

We read with interest the report of Kontos et al. ([1][1]), which showed that any detectable troponin I in the serum of patients admitted with chest pain was associated with worse outcomes. We recently reported the results of a similar study involving troponin T levels ([2][2]), and we found that
Nietzche's Ethics

Nietzsche: The Ethics of an Immoralist. By Peter Berkowitz. (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1995. Pp. xiv, 313. $35.00 cloth.) Nietzsche, Heidegger, and the Transition to Postmodernity. By Gregory Bruce Smith. (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1996. Pp. x, 376. $42.00 cloth.) Leo Strauss and Nietzsche. By Laurence Lampert. (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1996. Pp. x, 229. $22.50 cloth.)
The transition experience to pre‐school for six families with children with disabilities

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of how families receiving related therapy services experience the transition from early intervention to pre-school special education. Participants were six families with a child who received early intervention services and became eligible for pre-school special education services. Data was collected using in-depth interviews over 3 months. Grounded theory lead to theoretical insights and supported the development of three themes and a metatheme. ‘Transition is scary’, describes the families' feelings about the transition itself and their own perspectives of how their families fared. ‘Therapy is central to progress, but not to transition’, reflects how therapy remained central to their children's progress, but did not help families acclimate to the pre-school environment. ‘Communication is key to comfort’, expresses the importance of communication with all relevant parties. The metatheme ‘The Outsiders’ describes how the transition represents a significant status change for the family in terms of their involvement in their children's education, but also highlights the ways in which families continue to meet the needs of their children outside of the pre-school milieu. Findings suggest that families perceive the transition as difficult despite the presence of policies designed to make it easier for them. A deeper examination of policy and its influence on everyday practice related to the transition must occur to help reconcile the reasons for this difference. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromosomal sex-determining regions in animals, plants and fungi

The independent evolution of sex chromosomes in many eukaryotic species raises questions about the evolutionary forces that drive their formation. Recent advances in our understanding of these genomic structures in mammals in parallel with alternate models such as the monotremes, fish, dioecious plants, and fungi support the idea of a remarkable convergence in structure to form large, non-recombining regions with discrete evolutionary strata. The discovery that evolutionary events similar to those that have transpired in humans have also occurred during the formation of sex chromosomes in organisms as divergent as the plant Silene, the fungus Cryptococcus and the fish medaka highlights the importance of future studies in these systems. Such investigation will broaden our knowledge of the evolution and plasticity of these ubiquitous genomic features underlying sexual dimorphism and reproduction.
Relationships Among Plasma Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, Cortisol, Symptoms of Dissociation, and Objective Performance in Humans Exposed to Underwater Navigation Stress

Background A growing body of research has provided evidence that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) are involved in an organism's response to stress and that it may provide beneficial behavioral and neurotrophic effects. Methods This study investigated plasma DHEA and DHEAS, cortisol, psychological symptoms of dissociation, and military performance in 41 healthy active duty subjects enrolled in the military Combat Diver Qualification Course (CDQC). Results Baseline values of DHEA and DHEAS were significantly and positively predictive of superior performance in the underwater navigation exam; in addition, DHEA and DHEAS were significantly and negatively related to stress-induced symptoms of dissociation during performance of the task. Similarly, participants who reported fewer symptoms of dissociation exhibited superior military performance and increased levels of DHEA after the test. Conclusions These data provide prospective, empiric evidence that DHEA and DHEAS are associated with superior stress tolerance, fewer symptoms of dissociation, and superior, objectively assessed, military performance.
Rendered quality water white coconut oil

Practically water white coconut oil prepared by either a physicomechanical (PM) or an improved rural process (RP) is highly stable. It has low (0.03%) free fatty acid content and needs no further purification to attain edible quality, especially when the fresh coconut flavor so desirable in confectioneries is relished. PM oil has better stability than RP because the former contains more of the major phospholipid. The RP oil reported herein is a marked improvement over a related product which American chemists in the Bureau of Science, Manila, found in local use as early as the start of the 20th century.
Reconstitution of Colicin E2-Induced Deoxyribonucleic Acid Degradation in Spheroplast Preparations

Spheroplasts are insensitive to colicin E 2 and do not show deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) degradation even in the presence of massive amounts of E 2 . However, when both endonuclease I and E 2 were present, spheroplast DNA was degraded by an endonucleolytic activity which gave rise primarily to double-strand DNA cleavages, producing fragments having an average molecular weight of 9 × 10 6 . Pancreatic ribonuclease could substitute for colicin E 2 in the reconstitution system, but pancreatic deoxyribonuclease could not replace endonuclease I. However, colicin E 2 could not activate transfer ribonucleic acid-inhibited endonuclease I in an in vitro system where pancreatic ribonuclease caused full stimulation.
On fast algorithm for testing the stability of discrete time systems

Abstract In this work, we study the computational aspects of the algorithms for testing the strict sense and wide sense stability of discrete time systems. These algorithms are based on the computation of the reflection coefficients for a given real polynomial. The algorithms presented here require one-half the number of multiplications and the same number of additions as compared to the previously known similar algorithms.
A laboratory evaluation of the microsporidian Vavraia culicis as an agent for mosquito control

Abstract The susceptibility of the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti, Aedes taeniorhynchus, Anopheles albimanus, Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus, Culex salinarius , and Culex tarsalis to infection by the microsporidian Vavraia culicis was determined. Using 18-hr exposures to 5 × 10 3 , 1 × 10 4 , 5 × 10 4 , and 1 × 10 5 spores/ml, C. salinarius, C. tarsalis , and A. albimanus were found to be significantly more susceptible than A. aegypti . The most severe infections were observed in C. salinarius and C. tarsalis , although heavy infections of approximately 1 million spores per adult were recorded at the higher dosages in all species tested except A. aegypti . Production trials indicated that up to 5.4 × 10 8 spores could be routinely produced in individual corn earworms, Heliothis zea . Inactivation of the spores by sunlight was measured by observing the subsequent incidence of infection and spore production in A. albimanus . These two measurements provided an LT 90 of 5.5 and 3.3 hr, respectively.
Are student evaluations a valid measure of teaching effectiveness: perceptions of accounting faculty members and administrators

This article examines the perceptions of both administrators and faculty relating to the validity of student evaluations and the existence of possible biasing factors. The results indicate that administrators believe student evaluations measure teaching effectiveness to a greater degree than faculty, while faculty members believe their personality is the primary determinant of ratings on student evaluations. Faculty also believe that the type of course, the work load of a course, and the grade distribution of a course have a larger impact on student evaluations when compared with administrators’ beliefs.
WEST: Weighted-Edge Based Similarity Measurement Tools for Word Semantics

Our recent study discovers that humans are more sensitive to the semantic difference caused by categorization than specification. Based on this new discovery, this paper proposes a novel weighted edge approach embedding the specification levels of both words and their Least Common Ancestor (LCA) into a weighted graph distance by exponentially decreasing the weight along its specification level. Experimental studies show that the similarity value obtained by this new method closely matches human perception. Based on this new method, online tools for word similarity measure are implemented as Web services.
The Diversity of African Musics: Zulu Kings, Xhosa Clicks, and Gumboot Dancing in South Africa.

Multicultural curricula that explore African musics often focus on the commonalities among its musical traditions. Exploring the diversity of individual African musical traditions provides a pathwa...
UT⁁2: Human-like behavior via neuroevolution of combat behavior and replay of human traces

The UT⁁2 bot, which had a humanness rating of 27.2727% in BotPrize 2010, is based on two core ideas: (1) multiobjective neuroevolution is used to learn skilled combat behavior, but filters on the available combat actions ensure that the behavior is still human-like despite being evolved for performance, and (2) a database of traces of human play is used to help the bot get unstuck when its navigation capabilities fail. Several changes have recently been made to UT⁁2: Extra input features have been provided to the bot to help it evolve better combat behavior, the role of human traces in the navigation of the bot has been expanded, and an extra control module has been added which encourages the bot to observe other players the way a human would, rather than simply battle them. These changes should make UT⁁2 act more human-like in this year's BotPrize competition.
‘Controlled Disruptions’: How Ethnic Organizations Shape White Ethnic Symbolic Identities

While connecting individual ethnic practices with global identity projects remains challenging, ethnic organizations provide a possible place where the negotiation and enactment of both occur. This article investigates how organized performances and competitions of symbolic white ethnic identity become structurally similar at a global level while also at the same time integrating disruptions at the local level. Specifically, the author argues that a hierarchy of particular Irish step dance practices emerged through controlled disruptions within and among dance academies and regulatory organizations in the social field of Irish step dance, sanctioning modified forms of Irishness believed to be most competitive in Ireland. This article examines the role that organizations play in sanctioning world models and controlling disruptions in the everyday symbolic enactment of Irish identity.
Exploring the Overlap of Family and Business Demands: Household and Family Business Managers' Adjustment Strategies

This study divided households in which at least one member is involved in managing a family business into two groups: those in which one individual performs two roles, family manager and business manager, and those in which two different individuals perform the two roles. The study compares adjustment strategies that the two groups use to manage the overlap of business and family demands within and across the two family types. Findings suggest that the individual performing dual roles is more likely than two separate managers to make adjustments by bringing the household responsibilities to the business and the business responsibilities home.
Early adolescent exposure to alcohol advertising and its relationship to underage drinking.

Purpose: To determine whether early adolescents who are exposed to alcohol marketing are subsequently more likely to drink. Recent studies suggest that exposure to alcohol ads has a limited influence on drinking in mid-adolescence. Early adolescents may be more vulnerable to alcohol advertising effects. Methods: Two in-school surveys of 1786 South Dakota youth measured exposure to television beer advertisements, alcohol ads in magazines, in-store beer displays and beer concessions, radio- listening time, and ownership of beer promotional items during 6th grade, and drinking intentions and behavior at 7th grade. Multivariate regression equations predicted the two drinking outcomes using the advertising exposure variables and controlling for psychosocial factors and prior drinking. Results: After adjusting for covariates, the joint effect of exposure to advertising from all six sources at grade 6 was strongly predictive of grade 7 drinking and grade 7 intentions to drink. Youth in the 75th percentile of alcohol marketing exposure had a predicted probability of drinking that was 50% greater than that of youth in the 25th percentile. Conclusions: Although causal effects are uncertain, policy makers should consider limiting a variety of marketing practices that could contribute to drinking in early adolescence. © 2007 Society for Adolescent Medicine. All rights reserved.
Editorial response : Regression of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma during therapy with thalidomide

In this issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Soler and col­ leagues [1] described a 14-year-old female from Zaire who had vertically acquired HIV infection and severe immune defi­ ciency, as was manifested by multiple opportunistic infections and a CD4 cell count ofOzmnr'. She was said to have developed Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) lesions that slowly increased in size and number over a 4-month period. At the age of 14.3 years, she developed painful oral ulcers, for which she was given topical and systemic corticosteroids. The dose of these agents and the duration ofadministration are not specified. After corti­ costeroid therapy for the oral ulcers failed, the patient began receiving a 3-week course of thalidomide; during this time, the size of the existing KS lesions decreased while no new KS lesions developed. Thalidomide therapy was continued over the next 2 months, and the number of KS lesions decreased from 29 to 13.
On Checking Causality of Tabulated $S$ -Parameters

The existing formulation for the causality testing of tabulated S-parameters can be oversensitive to non-causality, in that it can report causality violations for data that may not result in an inaccurate transient simulation. Existing numerical procedures that implement the present formulation can result in false-positive test outcomes (i.e., causal data being declared as noncausal). A mechanism to reduce the over-sensitivity in the formulation and new testing procedures that minimize false positives are proposed. Over-sensitivity is reduced significantly if the target fitting error (of the macromodel to tabulated data) is chosen as the minimum amplitude of the non-causality to be detected. Sources of false-positive outcomes are identified, and four procedures that minimize false positives are proposed. These procedures differ in resolution, accuracy, and computational requirements. Numerical results demonstrating the proposed modifications to the formulation and numerical results comparing and contrasting the different procedures are presented.