cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution and development of glutamine synthetase in the embryonic cerebral hemisphere.

Glutamine synthetase (GS) activity is preferentially localized in a distinct cell mass, the ectostriatum, in cerebral hemispheres of late chick embryos. GS activities rise in the ectostriatum coincident with the growth of this prominent nucleus. GS development in the ectostriatum may be controlled by normal increases of 11β-hydroxyl corticosteroids in late embryonic serum. It is clear in any case that GS activities in this area of the hemisphere are susceptible to precocious induction by these steroids in vitro. The significance of GS localization in the ectostriatum is discussed in terms of the possible normal roles for this enzyme in nervous tissue.
Maternal alcohol use and medically indicated vs. spontaneous preterm birth outcomes: a population-based study.

Background: The aetiology of preterm birth remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate if an association exists between prenatal alcohol consumption and preterm birth and to determine if such an association differs by subcategories of preterm birth. Methods: We employed vital statistics data from the state of Missouri covering the period 1989–2005 (n = 1 221 677 singleton records). The outcome of interest was preterm birth, subclassified into medically indicated and spontaneous phenotypes. Multivariate logistic regression was used to generate adjusted odds ratios, with non-drinking mothers as the referent category. Results: Prenatal alcohol use was associated with elevated risk for preterm birth. The strength of association was more prominent for spontaneous preterm delivery {adjusted odds ratio (AOR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.34 (1.28–1.41)} than for medically indicated preterm birth [AOR (95% CI) = 1.16 (1.05–1.28)]. The overall risk for drinking-related spontaneous preterm birth increased with incremental rise in the number of drinks consumed per week (P for trend < 0.01). Conclusions: Prenatal alcohol use is a risk factor for preterm delivery, and especially for spontaneous preterm birth. These findings enhance our understanding of the aetiology of preterm birth and could be utilized in the development of appropriate prevention strategies that will assist in decreasing perinatal mortality and morbidity associated with preterm delivery.
Auditor changes and audit satisfaction: Client perceptions in the Sarbanes-Oxley era of legislative restrictions and involuntary auditor change

Abstract This study investigates responding executives’ reported levels of satisfaction with their current, and where applicable, predecessor independent auditor. This research is conducted during the period following the demise of Arthur Andersen and the implementation of sweeping changes set forth by Sarbanes-Oxley. We survey Audit Committee chairpersons, CEOs, and CFOs of the S&P 500. We find significant differences in perceived levels of satisfaction with their current independent auditor between executives who have experienced a recent change in independent auditors and those not experiencing a recent change, though we find no significant difference in the perceived value for fees provided by the independent auditor between the two groups. For respondents experiencing a recent auditor change, our findings suggest a lower perception of value for fees with the successor auditor than with the predecessor, though we find no differences in perceived level of professional services satisfaction between the successor and predecessor auditor.
On model reduction

Three model reduction methods are described. These are the discrete balanced realizations of Mullis and Roberts [1],[2] where a characterization of the reduction error is given and a previously unknown L? norm bound on the reduction error, is obtained. Another method is a new model reduction technique for discrete time systems which has the advantage that the reduced order model is balanced and has an L? norm bound on the reduction error. The last method derived is a frequency weighting technique for continuous and discrete systems where it is possible to specify the approximation accuracy with frequency and also, for this method, an L? norm on the weighted reduction error is obtained.
Optimization of the parameters of controllers

The design of controllers is considered as a parameter optimization problem within the framework of optimal control theory and the calculus of variations. This approach yields a minimum time optimal control problem which is singular. Methods for solving singular optimal control problems are applied to determine optimal parameters for controllers. Examples are presented to illustrate the design of control systems using this approach.
Reconstruction, the Long Tail and Decentralisation: An Application to Iraq and Afghanistan

In this paper, we examine the current state of knowledge in the economics literature on the conduct of reconstruction activities in Iraq and Afghanistan. As stabilisation and reconstruction missions grow in importance for units deployed to these regions, it becomes more important to understand what activities can promote economic growth at the local level. While military operations focus on interdicting the insurgency, successful counter-insurgency campaigns have typically addressed the conditions conducive to the insurgency. Mitigating the incentives for individuals to participate in an insurgency is imperative. Well-crafted and timed reconstruction activities can, we argue, attenuate these incentives.
Gas-liquid chromatographic determination of toxic diamines in permanent hair dyes

A rapid, simple and sensitive analytical method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 1,4-diaminobenzene, 2,5-diaminotoluene and 2,4-diaminoanisole in permanent (oxidation type) hair dyes. The method utilizes an ethyl acetate extraction in the presence of NaCl followed by direct injection into a gas liquid chromatograph equipped with a flame-ionization detector. The detection limits are 5 ng/microliter each for 1,4-diaminobenzene and 2,5-diaminotoluene and 20 ng/microliter for 2,4-diaminoanisole. The relative standard deviations at 5 tims the detection limits are 5.6, 5.8 and 4.6% for these three compounds, respectively. Recovery of diamines from "spiked" dyes was generally found to be greater than 85%.
MJoin: a metadata-aware stream join operator

Join algorithms must be re-designed when processing stream data instead of persistently stored data. Data streams are potentially infinite and the query result is expected to be generated incrementally instead of once only. Data arrival patterns are often unpredictable and the statistics of the data and other relevant metadata often are only known at runtime. In some cases they are supplied interleaved with the actual data in the form of stream markers. Recently, stream join algorithms, like Symmetric Hash Join and XJoin, have been designed to perform in a pipelined fashion to cope with the latent delivery of data. However, none of them to date takes metadata, especially runtime metadata, into consideration. Hence, the join execution logic defined statically before runtime may not be well suited to deal with varying types of dynamic runtime scenarios. Also the potentially unbounded state needs to be maintained by the join operator to guarantee the precision of the result. In this paper, we propose a metadata-aware stream join operator called MJoin which is able to exploit metadata to (1) detect and purge useless materialized data to save computation resources and (2) optimize the execution logic to target diferent optimization goals. We have implemented the MJoin operator. The experimental results validate our metadata-driven join optimization strategies.
Currency substitution and exchange rate volatility in the European Community

Abstract Some proponents of a European monetary union worry that capital mobility and currency substitution will result in unmanageable exchange rate volatility during the transition to monetary union. In this paper we analyze stylized models of exchange rate fluctuation in response to monetary disturbances. We find that if monetary policies within the Community are convergent, higher currency substitution either reduces or does not significantly change the volatility of exchange rates unless there are anticipations of a final realignment.
Politics and Value Systems: The Supreme Court, 1945–1946

In a recent Gallup poll the question was asked: "Some people say that the Supreme Court decides many questions largely on the basis of politics. Do you agree or disagree with this?" Among those who had an opinion on this matter, 54 per cent agreed and 46 per cent disagreed. It is impossible, of course, to know what Mr. Gallup meant by the term "politics", nor how it was interpreted by the persons polled. If it referred to divisions in terms of party alignments, then it is easy to demonstrate that there is no "politics" on the present Court. During the 1945-46 term the Court was composed of six Democrats and two Republicans,' and on only two of the 77 decisions in which there was division of opinion among the justices during the term did the two Republicans line up against the six Democrats. But if politics means the political philosophies of the justices and their personal judgments as to the role of law and the Constitution in relation to economic and social development, then it is clear that politics does, and should, influence Supreme Court decisions. President Theodore Roosevelt put the case very well when he wrote to Senator Lodge in 1902, in connection with the appointment of Judge Holmes to the Supreme Court:
Chemical carcinogen activation in the rat mammary gland: intraorgan cell specificity

Cells from 50-55 day old virgin Sprague-Dawley female rat mammary gland were divided into parenchymal (epithelial) and stromal enriched populations. The ability of these cells to activate carcinogens was quantitated employing a mediated mutagenesis assay. In addition, the populations' ability to produce water soluble metabolites from these carcinogens was estimated. We report that the potent mammary carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene was activated by both mammary parenchymal and stromal cells, while the non-mammary carcinogen aflatoxin B1 was not activated by either cell type. However, the weak mammary carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene was activated by the stromal cells and not by the parenchymal cells from which mammary carcinomas arise. The data suggest that the intra-organ relationship between cell types that activate a carcinogen, and cell types that undergo neoplastic transformation, may in part help explain the organ specific potency of a carcinogen.
Rate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease is associated with EEG alpha power

Fifteen patients with Alzheimer's disease who were initially mildly or moderately impaired were followed for up to 4 years. Scores of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were regressed on time of examination (measured at 6-month intervals) to estimate cognitive progression rates in individual patients. A quantitative electroencephalographic (EEG) examination was administered to each patient. Log-absolute EEG power in the alpha bandwidth (8-12 Hz) was found to be correlated with the computed rate of MMSE decline. This association was present for electrode sites across all regions of the scalp and remained significant when the effects of current cognitive severity were partialled out. These data suggest that a quantitative EEG measure (absolute alpha power) is related to the rate of cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiplatelet medications and spinal axis anesthesia.

Many individuals use cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors (COX-1 and COX-2 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and antiplatelet medications on a regular basis. This is particularly true of the elderly, who are more prone to having osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiac disease. Some of these agents alter platelet function and may increase the risk of spinal/epidural hematoma formation if spinal axis anesthesia is utilized without following proper precautions. All anesthesiologists should be familiar with these agents and how they work. More importantly, they should be familiar with the established guidelines set forth by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) [Regional anesthesia in the anticoagulated patient—defining the risk (2002); Reg. Anes. Pain Med. 28 (2003)172], the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI) [Anaesthesiol. Intensivmed. 38 (1997) 623], and the Spanish Consensus Forum [Rev. Esp. Anesthesiol. Reanim. 48 (2001) 270]. This article explains the mechanism of action of each of the medications which alter platelet function, defines the risks of hematoma formation should the medication be inadvertently continued into the perioperative period, and provides guidelines and recommendations on how to manage each class of drug prior to the placement of spinal/epidural blocks.
Sulfur-tolerant lanthanide oxysulfide catalysts for the high-temperature water–gas shift reaction

Abstract We report on the high activity and stability of lanthanide oxysulfides, e.g., of La2O2S or Pr2O2S, as catalysts for the high temperature water–gas shift (WGS) and the reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reactions. The catalytic activity derives from a very large oxygen storage capacity based on the redox of the sulfur ion in the interconverting oxysulfide/oxysulfate phases during reaction. The WGS reaction lights off at around 400 °C and reaches equilibrium at temperatures >750 °C in tests conducted at high space velocities (∼14,000 h−1). No loss of sulfur or catalyst deactivation is observed with time-on-stream in sulfur-free gas mixtures at all temperatures. These catalysts have fivefold lower aerial reaction rates (μmol/m2/s) than commercial Fe–Cr catalysts at 400 °C. However, unlike the iron oxide-based catalysts, they can be used up to 800 °C with high levels of H2S (700 ppm) present in the gas mixture. Inhibition by sulfur at lower temperatures was fully reversible.
Mechanisms of Behavioral and Affective Treatment Outcomes in a Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Boys

Evidence for effective treatment for behavioral problems continues to grow, yet evidence about the effective mechanisms underlying those interventions has lagged behind. The Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) program is a multicomponent intervention for boys between 6 and 11. This study tested putative treatment mechanisms using data from 252 boys in a randomized controlled trial of SNAP versus treatment as usual. SNAP includes a 3 month group treatment period followed by individualized intervention, which persisted through the 15 month study period. Measures were administered in four waves: at baseline and at 3, 9 and 15 months after baseline. A hierarchical linear modeling strategy was used. SNAP was associated with improved problem-solving skills, prosocial behavior, emotion regulation skills, and reduced parental stress. Prosocial behavior, emotion regulation skills and reduced parental stress partially mediated improvements in child aggression. Improved emotion regulation skills partially mediated treatment-related child anxious-depressed outcomes. Improvements in parenting behaviors did not differ between treatment conditions. The results suggest that independent processes may drive affective and behavioral outcomes, with some specificity regarding the mechanisms related to differing treatment outcomes.
Biogenesis of lysosomal enzymes in the α-glucosidase II-deficient modA mutant of Dictyostelium discoideum: retention of α-1,3-linked glucose on N-linked oligosaccharides delays intracellular transport but does not alter sorting of α-mannosidase or β-glucosidase

Abstract The endoplasmic reticulum-localized enzyme α-glucosidase II is responsible for removing the two α-1,3-linked glucose residues from N-linked oligosaccharides of glycoproteins. This activity is missing in the modA mutant strain, M31, of Dictyostelium discoideum . Results from both radiolabeled pulse-chase and subcellular fractionation experiments indicate that this deficiency did not prevent intracellular transport and proteolytic processing of the lysosomal enzymes, α-mannosidase and β-glucosidase. However, the rate at which the glucosylated precursors left the rough endoplasmic reticulum was several-fold slower than the rate at which the wild-type precursors left this compartment. Retention of glucose residues did not disrupt the binding of the precursor forms of the enzymes with intracellular membranes, indicating that the delay in movement of proteins from the ER did not result from lack of association with membranes. However, the mutant α-mannosidase precursor contained more trypsin-sensitive sites than did the wild-type precursor, suggesting that improper folding of precursor molecules might account for the slow rate of transport to the Golgi complex. Percoll density gradient fractionation of extracts prepared from M31 cells indicated that the proteolytically processed mature forms of α-mannosidase and β-glucosidase were localized to lysosomes. Finally, the mutation in M31 may have other, more dramatic, effects on the lysosomal system since two enzymes, N -acetylglucosaminidase and acid phosphatase, were secreted much less efficiently from lysosomal compartments by the mutant strain.
Viral Growth and Oncolysis in Krebs 2 Cells as affected by Substrate.

SummaryWith 3 strains of influenza virus formation of non-infectious cell-associated hemagglutinins in Krebs 2 ascites cells was much greater in a medium containing lactate and glutamine than when glucose was substituted for lactate. Reduction in tumor-producing capacity of cell suspensions by action of influenza virus was correlated with the effect of substrate on HA formation. A marked oncolytic effect was evident in lactate medium at 4 hours, or before the increase in HA. Although Newcastle disease virus was oncolytic at the same concentration as influenza, growth of NDV and its action on tumor-producing capacity were not affected by the substrate.
A rapid micro method for the simultaneous determination of phagocytic-microbiocidal activity of human peripheral blood leukocytes in vitro

A new, simple technique for simultaneously studying phagocytic and microbiocidal functions, using viable eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbes, is described. Fresh human venous blood from volunteers was placed on a coverglass and incubated to allow leukocyte adhesion to the coverglass. After clot removal, viable microbes in suspension were added and the coverglass preparation was incubated to allow phagocytosis. The excess microbes (E. coli, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and C. albicans each have been used) were then rinsed off, and the vital fluorochrome, acridine orange (AO), was used for staining. A wet mount was prepared and examined by reflected fluorescence with an ultraviolet microscope. Intact (viable) polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte nuclei and microbes appeared green (orthochromatic). Granules in the PMN cytoplasm were yellow or reddish. Nonviable PMN nuclei appeared yellowish or reddish and the nonviable microbes appeared bright red (metachromatic). Thus, phagocytized microbes may be counted and identified as viable or non-viable.
A cross-cultural examination of the aetiology of attitudes towards money

Few cross-cultural studies have been conducted on the aetiology of attitudes toward money. Such research becomes more important with increased international economic exchange. This study compares attitudes towards money in Great Britain and the U.S.A. The purpose was to replicate Furnham's British study made in 1984 using the Money in the Past and Future Scale (MPFS) with an American sample to provide a cross-cultural comparison. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine which of the sociodemographic variables were related to respondent attitudes toward money in the past and future. Differences in the MPFS were found between the two countries. The origin or aetiology of these differences in attitudes towards money can be, in part, attributed to cultural differences that begin in the context of the family and are reinforced by society.
A Laplace transorm/potential-theoretic method for acoustic propagation in subsonic flows

This paper introduces a competitive computational approach for determining time-dependent far-field sound generated by subsonic flows around lifting airfoils. The procedure assumes the linearity of the sound field away from a bounded region surrounding the airfoil. It is assumed that the sound pressure on the boundary of this enclosed region (referred to as the Kirchhoff surface) is specified, possibly by another procedure such as solving the full Euler equations. Away from the Kirchhoff surface, the Euler equations are linearized about a uniform mean flow. It is well known that linearized Euler equations can be uncoupled into a scalar convective wave equation. However, due to the anisotropy present in the convective wave equation, it is difficult to compute solutions. In this context, direct numerical simulation of the convective wave equation requires proper numerical descriptions of far-field boundary conditions which is a non-trivial task. Moreover, if accurate far-field conditions can be formulated, the computational cost of direct simulation can be prohibitive even in a modest computational domain. In this paper, we present an alternate solution procedure. First, the problem is transformed via the Laplace transform (with appropriate initial conditions) into a reduced wave equation. The convective term in the reduced wave equation is removed using a dependent variable transformation. Then we use Gothert's rule, to obtain a Helmholtz like equation with complex wave number, which is subsequently solved using double layer potential theory. Finally upon application of numerical inverse Laplace transform techniques, far-field acoustic pressure is obtained as a function of space and time.
Mep-1 gene controlling a kidney metalloendopeptidase is linked to the major histocompatibility complex in mice

Meprin, a glycoprotein with potent metalloendopeptidase activity, is an integral component of the brush border membrane of mouse kidney. Previously we reported that genealogically related inbred mouse strains (C3H and CBA) are markedly deficient in the activity of this enzyme. We report here that meprin deficiency is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and that several other inbred strains also express low levels of meprin activity. All of the inbred strains deficient in meprin activity are of the H-2k haplotype; however, two strains of this haplotype (C58 and C57BR/cd) expressed normal levels of the proteinase. Congeneic and recombinant mouse strains were examined to determine whether the deficiency was linked to the H-2 complex. The gene controlling the activity of meprin (Mep-1) maps on chromosome 17 to the right of the D end of the major histocompatibility complex. The Mep-1 gene is closely linked to a gene that controls isoenzyme patterns of phosphoglycerate kinase (Pgk-2). This work represents the localization of a gene that determines the activity of an integral cellular endopeptidase in mammalian tissues. In addition, the Mep-1 gene is the only identified gene linked to the major histocompatibility complex that regulates a proteinase activity.
Principles of clinical medicine: an interdisciplinary integrated 2-year longitudinal course.

SUMMARY In keeping with the Report of the Panel on the General Professional Education of the Physician (Association of American Medical Colleges 1984), Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) School of Medicine is in the midst of revising its curriculum. After a 4-year process, the Curriculum Committee mandated development of the Principles of Clinical Medicine course, a 2-year longitudinal course integrating input from both basic and clinical science departments. We describe the steps leading to the course's implementation, its administrative and organizational structure, the evaluation of student performance, teacher training, course curriculum, and the use of interdisciplinary teaching. This course embodies many of the changes called for in the AAMC Report and serves as a model for interdisciplinary education.
Optimizing a reconfigurable robotic microphone array

Relative positioning of microphones in an array has a significant impact on how well the array can localize sound sources. Two- or three- dimensional localization accuracy of a randomly distributed array will vary widely with respect to the relative position of the sound source. Where a statically located array would be forced to work with its initial configuration, however, a reconfigurable robotic array does not have to remain in its starting position. Given a known region of interest, robots can autonomously optimize their relative configuration to improve localization accuracy where it matters the most. In this work, we propose 2 separate strategies for optimizing such a robotic array. Evaluations are completed first in simulation, and then deployed to a team of real robots.
Heresy and Sufism in the Arabic-Islamic world, 1550–1750: Some preliminary observations

The present paper is an attempt to throw preliminary light on heretical Sufi groups in the Arabic-Islamic world in the early-modern period (sixteenth to eighteenth centuries). Previous scholarship on antinomian Sufism has tended to focus on earlier centuries and on Persian- and Turkish-speaking groups. Evidence suggests that there is also a history to be written of antinomian mystical groups in the Arabic-speaking world in later centuries. On the eve of modernity in the Arabic-speaking Middle East, groups and individuals existed who rejected or ignored the prevalent scholarly interpretation of Islam and challenged the authority of the class of religious scholars ('ulama'). A number of sources from the period, usually hostile and/or satirical, attest to the existence of such groups and allow us to reconstruct the overall contours of their outlook.
Teaching Analogical Reasoning Processes.

Abstract Analogical reasoning is a pervasive cognitive process that seeks to compare familiar and unfamiliar information. While available research supports the facilitative effects of analogical reasoning, little work has been done in using instruction to improve children's ability to reason analogically. Two classes of fourth‐ and sixth‐grade average readers participated in a study to examine the effects of direct instruction in analogical reasoning. An instructional procedure based on Sternberg's component processes underlying analogical reasoning was used where children were taught specific steps in working through analogy problems. Instruction was provided in three sequential class sessions utilizing a direct instruction model. The results indicate that the students who participated in the procedure significantly improved in their ability to solve analogies.
STELLER SEA LION STATUS AND TREND IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA: 1979–1997

Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) numbers in the United States declined by about 75% over the past 20+ yr. They are classified, under the U. S. Endangered Species Act, as “threatened” in the eastern portion of their range and as “endangered” in the western portion. We analyzed trends in numbers of pup and non-pup Steller sea lions counted in Southeast Alaska between 1979 and 1997. Sea lion numbers, based on counts of pups on rookeries, increased by an average of 5.9% per year between 1979 and 1997. However, numbers of pups increased at a much slower rate (+ 1.7% per year) between 1989 and 1997. For counts of non-pup Steller sea lions we used models that controlled for the effects of date, time, and tide at the time of the survey to analyze trends. This technique reduced bias and increased precision of the resulting trend estimates. Numbers of sea lions were stable (+0.5%) between 1989 and 1996, based on counts of non-pups. We estimated the Southeast Alaska breeding population of Steller sea lions at about 19,000 animals of all ages in 1997, a level that is probably near the highest in recorded history.
Roles of amyloid β-peptide-associated oxidative stress and brain protein modifications in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment

Oxidative stress has been implicated to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and ischemia, just to name a few. Alzheimer disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder that is recognized as the most common form of dementia. AD is histopathologically characterized by the presence of extracellular amyloid plaques, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, the presence of oligomers of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta), and synapse loss. In this review we discuss the role of Abeta in the pathogenesis of AD and also the use of redox proteomics to identify oxidatively modified brain proteins in AD and mild cognitive impairment. In addition, redox proteomics studies in in vivo models of AD centered around human Abeta(1-42) are discussed.
An Empirical Base for Teaching the Past Tense in German as a Foreign Language

The selection and sequence of grammar remains an unresolved issue for foreign language teachers. A survey of three leading German textbooks revealed little coherence and lack of authenticity in the presentation of the different German past tense forms. The present study offers an empirical analysis of native speech data as a base for teaching the past tense in German as a foreign language. Interviews with 75 native speakers showed that: 1) the present perfect serves as the dominant past tense form for main verbs in the German colloquial standard; 2) modal verbs, the copula sein ‘be,’ haben ‘have,’ and certain formulaic expression occur in the preterite; and 3) the use of the past tense forms is linked to contextual and social factors. A German syllabus, then, must include a discussion of verb type when presenting the everyday use of the German preterite and present perfect. The study points to the situational and social contexts influencing the use of grammatical structures rather than merely presenting con-textless rules governing their use.
QT dispersion is reduced after valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis

Objective—To investigate whether QT dispersion is a reliable index of the severity of aortic stenosis and left ventricular hypertrophy in the setting of aortic stenosis. Design—A retrospective analysis of the results of echocardiography and electrocardiography before and after aortic valve replacement. Setting—Tertiary centre. Patients—36 men (30 white and six black) with symptomatic aortic stenosis requiring valve replacement. Results—All patients had significant aortic stenosis (mean (SD) aortic valve area 0.68 (0.18) cm 2 ) and evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy (left ventricular mass index (LVMI): 267 (90) g/m 2 ). Before aortic valve replacement, QT dispersion was correlated with mean aortic valve area and LVMI (r = 0.697, p < 0.001, and r = 0.59, p < 2.4 × 10 ˛6 , respectively). QT dispersion and QT corrected for heart rate dispersion decreased from 133 (54) to 71 (33) ms and from 151 (64) to 94 (76) ms, respectively (p < 0.001 for both). LVMI regressed after aortic valve replacement to 190 (79) g/m 2 , p < 0.01. Conclusions—QT dispersion is increased in association with LVMI in patients with significant symptomatic aortic stenosis. Aortic valve replacement reduces QT dispersion and LVMI. QT dispersion could be a useful indicator of risk and risk reduction in patients with significant symptomatic aortic stenosis. (Heart 1999;82:15‐18)
Simulation tools for non-homogeneous molecular systems

As circuit feature size approaches the limits for Moore's law, new technologies are needed to enable continued performance improvements. Computing with biomolecular devices is one promising direction. To support this technology, new simulation tools to model effects at the molecular level are needed. One approach is agent based modeling (ABM). In previous work we showed that ABM gives good qualitative results for molecular-level simulations. Here we present an improved ABM tool, ABMSim, which models a wider range of molecular-level phenomena, including nonhomogeneous configurations, crowding, and a range of molecule-specific properties, and produces quantitative results comparable to those of simulation tools based on the traditional stochastic approach.
New twist to water cleaning guarantees reliability

The author previously showed how different types of testers can be used to monitor wet processes and determine the amount of ionic residues being left on a printed circuit. In the present work, it is shown how this type of technology can be upscaled so that substrates, cards, and boards can be cleaned to levels cleaner than that required of integrated circuits using mostly water. Cleaning circuits beyond the 18.3-M Omega resistivity endpoint of water is easily accomplished producing reliable circuits, which can easily pass insulation resistance testing. The units considered are characterized by relatively low cost, low pollution, and low water usage. These units are particularly desirable where pollution criteria and water usage are severely restricted. >
Effects of soluble metals on human peri-implant cells.

Despite reports associating tissue necrosis with implant failure, the degree to which processes, such as metal toxicity, negatively impact implant performance is unknown. We evaluated representative human peri-implant cells (i.e., osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and lymphocytes) when challenged by Al+3, Co+2, Cr+3, Fe+3, Mo+5, Ni+2, and V+3 chloride solutions (and Na+2 as a control) over a wide range of concentrations (0.01–10.0 mM). Cell responses were measured using proliferation assays, viability assays, and microscopic cell morphology assessments. Differential effects were found to be less a function of the cell type than of the composition and concentration of metal challenge. No preferential immunosuppression was demonstrated. Below 0.01 mM, no metal was toxic. The most toxic metals (i.e., Co, Ni, and V) reduced proliferation (IC50), and viability (LC50) and cell morphology of osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and lymphocytes by 5 mM to exact the same responses. Below 1 mM, these toxic metals also induced alterations in all cell morphology consisting of loss of filopodia or lamellipodia or changes in cell shape. Metals that were toxic at clinically relevant concentrations (less than previously reported values in peri-implant tissues/fluids) include Co (0.6 mM), Ni (0.8 mM), V (0.5 mM) for lymphocytes and Co (0.8 mM), V (0.3 mM), Al (1–5 mM), Fe (1–5 mM) for fibroblasts, and Co (0.8 mM), Ni (0.7 mM), V (0.1 mM) for osteoblasts. Only Co and V were toxic in vitro at concentrations below that detected in vivo in synovial fluid (V at 0.1 mM and Co at 0.8 mM for fibroblasts, and V at 0.4 mM and Co at 0.8 mM on osteoblasts). Thus, soluble Co and V released from Co- and Ti-based alloys, respectively, could be implicated as the most likely to mediate cell toxicity in the periprosthetic milieu. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2005
The course of motivation

This article explores the course of motivation in pursuing various goals. We distinguish between two dimensions of motivation: the motivation to attain a focal goal (outcome-focused dimension) and the motivation to “do things right” in the process of reaching that goal (means-focused dimension). We identify the conditions under which the motivation to reach a focal goal increases versus decreases over the course of goal pursuit. We then propose that the motivation to “do things right” follows a u-shaped pattern, such that it is higher at the beginning and end of goal pursuit than in the middle.
Cognitive and emotional covariates of violence exposure among former prisoners: links to antisocial behavior and emotional distress and implications for theory

In this study, formerly incarcerated men (N = 123) were assessed for their experiences with violence in the community as well as their current behavioral and mental health status (antisocial behavior and emotional distress). Participants also completed measures of two constructs theorized to moderate relations between exposure to violence and outcomes: cognitive beliefs supporting aggressive responding and negative emotional reactivity to witnessed violence. Data on key social-demographic background factors affecting outcomes were also collected. Analyses showed that, after controlling the effects of background factors, relationships between experiences with violence in the community and behavioral/mental health were moderated by cognitive beliefs and emotional reactivity. At high levels of support for aggressive responding, significant positive links were observed between exposure to violence and antisocial behavior as well as emotional distress. At high levels of negative reactivity to violence, a significant positive link was observed between exposure to violence and emotional distress (but not antisocial behavior). Findings are discussed with respect to research and theory on the effects of exposure to violence in high-risk adult populations.
Possible consequences of genes of major effect: Transient changes in the G-matrix

Understanding the process of evolutionary divergence requires knowledge of the strength, form, and targets of selection, as well as the genetic architecture of the divergent traits. Quantitative genetic approaches to understanding multivariate selection and genetic response to selection have proven to be powerful tools in this endeavor, particularly with respect to short-term evolution. However, the application of quantitative genetic theory over periods of substantial phenotypic change is controversial because it requires that the requisite genetic parameters remain constant over the period of time in question. We show herein how attempts to determine the stability of key genetic parameters may be misled by the ‘many genes of small effect’ type of genetic architecture generally assumed in quantitative genetics. The presence of genes of major effect (GOMEs) can alter the genetic variance-covariance matrix dramatically for brief periods of time, significantly alter the rate and trajectory of multivariate evolution, and thereby mislead attempts to reconstruct or predict long term evolution.
Scalable and secure resource location

In this paper we present Captain Cook, a service that continuously monitors resources in the Internet, and allows clients to locate resources using this information. Captain Cook maintains a tree-based representation of all the collected resource information. The leaves in the tree contain directly measured resource information, while internal nodes are generated using condensation functions that aggregate information in child nodes. We present examples of how such information may be used for cluster management, application-level routing and placement of servers, and pervasive computing. The nodes are automatically replicated updates being propagated using a novel hierarchical gossip protocol. We analyze how well this protocol behaves, and conclude that updates propagate quickly in spite of scale, failed nodes, and message loss. We describe how Captain Cook can be made secure using Public Key Certificates without compromising its scalability.
Association between local indoor smoking ordinances in Massachusetts and cigarette smoking during pregnancy: a multilevel analysis

Objective To estimate the association between local clean indoor air ordinances and prenatal maternal smoking across 351 municipalities in Massachusetts before the 2004 statewide ban and to test the effect of time since ordinance adoption on the association. Methods The authors linked 2002 birth certificate data of women who gave birth in the state and reported a Massachusetts residence (n=67 584) to a database of indoor smoking ordinances in all municipalities. Multilevel regression models accounting for individual- and municipality-level variables estimate the associations between the presence of local smoking ordinances, strength of the ordinances, time since ordinance adoption and prenatal smoking. Results Compared with those living in municipalities with no ordinances, women living in municipalities with a smoking ordinance had lower odds of prenatal smoking (OR=0.72, CI=0.53 to 0.98). No effect was found for 100% smoke-free ordinances. For the analyses testing the effect of time, pregnant women living in municipalities with ordinances enacted >2 years were less likely to smoke than those in municipalities with more recent ( Conclusions Preventing smoking among women of reproductive age is a public health priority. This study suggests that indoor smoking ordinances were associated with lower prenatal smoking prevalence and the favourable effect increased over time. Findings highlight the public health benefit of tobacco control policies.
Performance degradation of Jaumann absorbers due to curvature

The normal-incidence flat-plate performance of radar absorbers can seldom be realized when the absorbers are used on cylindrical structures. This is also true of Jaumann absorbers, which consist of alternating layers of resistive sheets and light-weight spacers. A method based on Richmond's stepping theory [4] is used to predict the performance more accurately for cylindrical structures.
Life-cycle performance, management, and optimisation of structural systems under uncertainty: accomplishments and challenges 1

Our knowledge to model, analyse, design, maintain, monitor, manage, predict and optimise the life-cycle performance of structures and infrastructures under uncertainty is continually growing. However, in many countries, including the United States, the civil infrastructure is no longer within desired levels of performance and safety. Decisions regarding civil infrastructure systems should be supported by an integrated reliability-based life-cycle multi-objective optimisation framework by considering, among other factors, the likelihood of successful performance and the total expected cost accrued over the entire life-cycle. The primary objective of this paper is to highlight recent accomplishments in the life-cycle performance assessment, maintenance, monitoring, management and optimisation of structural systems under uncertainty. Challenges are also identified.
Femtosecond laser interactions with Co/Al multilayer films

Reactive multilayer films of Co and Al were irradiated using femtosecond and nanosecond pulse-length lasers. While no ignition of a self-propagation reaction occurred during the laser machining studies, we observe considerable differences in the morphology and extent of damage induced by femtosecond and nanosecond lasers. Using scanning electron microscopy, we show that single metal layers can be removed at the micron scale with negligible damage to the underlying layers using femtosecond pulse-length lasers. sbl]References
What is the Role of Urine Drug Testing (UDT) in the Management of Chronic Non‐Cancer Pain with Opioids?

There is no longer doubt that the misuse, abuse, addiction, and diversion of prescription opioids comprise a national epidemic [1]. A simple solution is unlikely. As HL Mencken stated, “For every complex problem, there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.” In retrospect, the quandary we are in was predictable. Physicians practicing in the 1990s received minimal education in pain management and almost no training in addiction medicine; they were given a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certification without their having demonstrated any knowledge base of safe opioid prescribing. A few physicians with expertise in managing cancer pain with opioids suggested that a subpopulation of patients with chronic pain of nonmalignant nature might benefit from long-term opioid treatment to decrease pain and improve function. With little evidence base [2], this model became common practice among many physicians. This model was promoted by the pharmaceutical industry, which saw an opportunity to expand its market. Third-party payers and society were seduced by the relatively low cost of opioids as a simple solution to a complex problem. While the cost of opioids is relatively low, managing the adverse effects and the current opioid prescription epidemic is proving to be very costly in lives and treasure. In view of the alarming rise of emergency department admissions and unintentional overdose deaths due to prescription opioids, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) issued statements supporting mandatory education in safe opioid prescribing as a prerequisite for DEA certification. The American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) demonstrated its leadership by developing a comprehensive prescriber education curriculum that provides responsible, multidimensional solutions for prescribers, patients, and society. It offered a 2-day Safe Opioid Prescribing course at its 2012 Annual Meeting [3], cochaired by Drs. Lynn …
The role of Candida albicans homologous recombination factors Rad54 and Rdh54 in DNA damage sensitivity

The fungal pathogen Candida albicans is frequently seen in immune suppressed patients, and resistance to one of the most widely used antifungals, fluconazole (FLC), can evolve rapidly. In recent years it has become clear that plasticity of the Candida albicans genome contributes to drug resistance through loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at resistance genes and gross chromosomal rearrangements that amplify gene copy number of resistance associated genes. This study addresses the role of the homologous recombination factors Rad54 and Rdh54 in cell growth, DNA damage and FLC resistance in Candida albicans. The data presented here support a role for homologous recombination in cell growth and DNA damage sensitivity, as Candida albicans rad54Δ/rad54Δ mutants were hypersensitive to MMS and menadione, and had an aberrant cell and nuclear morphology. The Candida albicans rad54Δ/rad54Δ mutant was defective in invasion of Spider agar, presumably due to the altered cellular morphology. In contrast, mutation of the related gene RDH54 did not contribute significantly to DNA damage resistance and cell growth, and deletion of either Candida albicans RAD54 or Candida albicans RDH54 did not alter FLC susceptibility. Together, these results support a role for homologous recombination in genome stability under nondamaging conditions. The nuclear morphology defects in the rad54Δ/rad54Δ mutants show that Rad54 performs an essential role during mitotic growth and that in its absence, cells arrest in G2. The viability of the single mutant rad54Δ/rad54Δ and the inability to construct the double mutant rad54Δ/rad54Δ rdh54Δ/rdh54Δ suggests that Rdh54 can partially compensate for Rad54 during mitotic growth.
Condemning Conservation Easements: Protecting the Public Interest and Investment in Conservation

The public is investing substantial financial and other resources in conservation easements and the conservation and historic values they protect. Yet little has been written about who should be entitled to what when land encumbered by a conservation easement is condemned in whole or in part. This Article explores these issues. It first demonstrates that conservation easements should constitute a compensable form of property for purposes of the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment. Then, using well-settled eminent domain valuation principles, it describes how just compensation should be calculated and apportioned between the holder of a conservation easement and the owner of the encumbered land upon the taking of all or any portion of the encumbered land. The Article explains that paying the economic value attributable to a conservation easement upon its condemnation to the owner of the encumbered land would confer an undue windfall benefit on the owner at the public's expense. The Article also explains that allowing condemning authorities to take easement-encumbered land without paying for the easement would have the perverse and counterproductive effect of making land protected for its conservation or historic values cheaper to condemn than similar unprotected land.