cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complexes of Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract We report here on the isolation and characterization of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) and corresponding small nuclear RNA (snRNA) species from nuclei of Drosophila melanogaster. Velocity sedimentation in sucrose gradients was used to partially fractionate the RNPs; analysis of fractions so obtained suggests that, in general, one snRNP contains one snRNA. At least 11 species of snRNA are present in Drosophila nuclei; among them we identify a potential mammalian U1 homolog based on sequence homology. Autoimmune antiserum designated anti-Sm from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus recognizes nuclear antigens in Drosophila and precipitates seven species of snRNPs. The antigens in HeLa and Drosophila nuclei recognized by anti-Sm antibodies have been identified and compared. Anti-Sm antibodies at least bind to a 26,000-dalton polypeptide in HeLa extracts and to two polypeptides, one of 18,000 daltons and one of 26,000 daltons, in Drosophila extracts. This suggests that the 26,000-dalton polypeptide is an evolutionarily conserved antigenic component of Drosophila and HeLa snRNPs.
Microcapillary Agglutination for the Detection of Leukocyte Antibodies: Evaluation of the Method and Clinical Significance in Transfusion Reactions

The method for detection of anti-leukocyte antibodies by microcapillary agglutination (MCA) is described in detail, as are the procedures used to establish positive and negative results and reproducibility. MCA was found to be more sensitive than lymphocytotoxicity (LC) and antisera which appeared to be monospecific by LC were multispecific when tested by MCA. In addition, MCA was found to have more clinical significance than LC. Eighty-four per cent of 25 patients with nonhemolytic transfusion reactions and a temperature elevation of > 1 F had anti-leukocyte antibodies detected by MCA, while only 36 per cent of these patients had anti-leukocyte antibodies detected by LC. MCA defined a group of transfusion reactions in patients who had more previous transfusions, more pregnancies, and a higher average temperature elevation than did patients without detectable anti-leukocyte antibodies. Although LC methods are currently in widespread use for organ matching in transplantation, other methods such as MCA for the detection of anti-leukocyte antibodies may have more relevance to the problems of blood transfusion.
Biosynthesis of eukaryotic cell surface glycosphingolipids using solubilized glycosyltransferases

Two fucsyltransferases (FucT-2 and FucT-3) have been solubilized from Golgi-rich membrane fraction of bovine spleen, using a cationic detergent. FucT-3 was distinguished from FucT-2 by comparing their kinetic parameters and heat stability. FucT-2 and FucT-3 lost activity (85 %) and (5 %), respectively, when heated at 55°C for 10 sec. Two galactosyltransferases (GalT-3 and GalT-4) and two sialyltransferases (SAT-2 and SAT-3) have also been solubilized from embryonic chicken brain membranes using nonionic detergents. Affinity chromatography and microisoelectric focusing were used to separate these enzymes into functionally pure fractions. Anomeric and positional linkages in some of the products (LM1 and LD1c) have also been established. The terminal NeuAc(α2-8) linkage in GD3 and LD1c was established by identification of the partially methylated penultimate [Ac-14C]sialic acid.
On the measurement of technical efficiency in the public sector

Abstract Existing measures of technical inefficiency obtained through linear programming models in the public sector do not properly control for environmental variables that affect production. It will be shown that the consequences of not controlling for these fixed factors are biased estimates of technical efficiency. This paper extends the mathematical programming approach to frontier estimation known as Data Envelopment Analysis to allow for environmental variables. This modified model will be then contrasted with the existing model that purportedly controls for exogeneous factors to measure public sector efficiency with simulated data. The results provide evidence that the existing Data Envelopment Analysis model will overestimate the level of technical inefficiency and that the modified model developed in this paper does a better job controlling for exogenous factors. The modified model is also applied to analyze the technical efficiency of school districts.
Nematicidal Alkylene Resorcinols from Lithraea molleoides

Four new alkylene resorcinols, (Z,Z)-5-(trideca-4,7-dienyl)resorcinol (1), (Z,Z,Z)-5-(trideca-4,7,10-trienyl)resorcinol (2), (Z,Z,E)-5-(trideca-4,7,10-trienyl)resorcinol (3), and (Z)-5-(trideca-4-enyl)resorcinol (4), were isolated from the MeOH-CH(2)Cl(2) extract of Lithraea molleoides. The structures of these compounds were determined by one- and two-dimensional NMR including selective decoupling experiments. In vitro all four compounds showed strong paralyzing effects on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans at concentrations between 6 and 50 microg/mL, whereas the activity of compounds 1 and 2 against the nematode Trichostrongylus colubriformis was less pronounced and no activity against this nematode was observed for compounds 1-4 in a rodent model.
Should Pharmacometrics Be Training the Next R&D President?

We continue to train pharmacometric scientists primarily in methodology. The lack of training in business and drug development concepts, however, is preventing pharmacometricians from becoming high-level decision makers. The more recent growth of opportunities in pharmacometrics is propelled by applications within both companies and regulatory agencies. However, these applications themselves may not lead to sustained growth of opportunities. How can we prepare pharmacometricians to fundamentally re-engineer the drug development paradigm? Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2014); 95 6, 579–580. doi:10.1038/clpt.2014.68
Zinc toxicity and induction of the 72 kD heat shock protein in primary astrocyte culture.

Zinc is a potent inducer of the 72 kD heat shock protein (HSP72). In brain, pathological conditions such as ischemia and seizures increase extracellular zinc. The present study examines the effect of zinc on HSP72 expression in rat primary cortical astrocyte culture. Astrocytes were grown to confluence and exposed to zinc chloride in CO2-equilibrated Earle's buffered salt solution. Expression of HSP72 was examined using immunocytochemistry. HSP72 was induced with zinc concentrations of 5 to 100 μM after 4 h exposures, or 200 to 300 μM after 15 min exposures. At the lower concentrations expression occurred in small clusters of contiguous cells. At concentrations high enough to cause cell death, HSP72-positive astrocytes formed a continuous margin around patches of dead cells. These patterns of HSP72 expression are similar to the patterns seen after cerebral ischemia in vivo. Exposure to zinc at 100 μM for 4 h or 400 μM for 15 min caused greater than 90% cell death. Increases in extracellular zinc may contribute to HSP72 induction and astrocyte death under ischemia and other pathological conditions in brain. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A general theorem on local controllability

We prove a general sufficient condition for local controllability of a nonlinear system at an equilibrium point. Earlier results of Brunovsky, Hermes, Jurdjevic, Crouch and Byrnes, Sussmann and Grossmann, are shown to be particular cases of this result. Also, a number of new sufficient conditions are obtained. All these results follow from one simple general principle, namely, that local controllability follows whenever brackets with certain symmetries can be “neutralized,” in a suitable way, by writing them as linear combinations of brackets of a lower degree. Both the class of symmetries and the definition of “degree” can be chosen to suit the problem.
A Neuropsychological Dimension for Anchoring Effects

Previous research has shown that strength of handedness predicts differences in sensory illusions, Stroop interference, episodic memory, and beliefs about body image and the origin of species. Recent evidence also suggests handedness differences in the susceptibility to information framing and persuasion. The present paper extends this line of work to decision anchoring effects. In Experiment 1, 131 introductory psychology students responded to 12 real-world knowledge questions after being given random, uninformative high or low anchors. Results indicated that “strong-handers” showed larger anchoring effects than “mixed-handers.” In Experiment 2, 89 introductory psychology students responded to 6 real-world knowledge questions in a modified, two-step anchoring task in which participants were given a credible source for the anchored information and asked to give pre- and post-anchor estimates. In contrast to Experiment 1, results revealed that mixed- and strong-handers were affected similarly by anchoring. In Experiment 3, 158 students were asked to estimate the answer to one of two versions of 8! (8 × 7 × 6 × 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 or 1 × 2 × 3 × 4 × 5 × 6 × 7 × 8)—a multiplication problem in which the high and low anchors are inherently informative. Here, mixed-handers showed larger anchoring effects than strong-handers. A theory centered around the notion of hemispheric specialization and the communication between the two halves of the brain as well as arguments about the informativeness of anchors, metacognition, and recent theorizing in the anchoring literature are used to account for these data. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effects of Scale Carving on Instruments Assessing Violence

Little research has examined the properties of survey instruments when the full instrument is not administered (scale carving). The purpose of the present study was to test scale carving effects on survey instruments. Participants completed carved and whole versions of two instruments measuring violent behaviors and attitudes at two sessions. Findings indicated that administering select subscales rather than the entire instrument affects psychometric properties of certain instruments. For instance, mean scores of certain instruments differed depending upon whether the instruments were administered in their entirety or in carved versions. Reliability coefficients did not differ between carved and whole versions, and correlation coefficients were moderate. Therefore, psychometric properties of carved instruments should be assessed prior to their use in research.
Higher education structure and education outcomes: evidence from the USA

This paper documents substantial differences across states in their higher education (HE) structures and highlights several empirical relationships between these structures and individuals’ HE outcomes. Not surprisingly, individuals who are exposed to more-fractionalized HE structures are more likely to attend small public universities and less likely to attend large public universities. Exposure to more-fractionalized structures is also associated with increased degree attainment and increased exits from the in-state public-university system (to private and out-of-state public universities). These findings highlight potentially important tradeoffs related to state policy on HE structure.
Cost-sensitive Bayesian control policy in human active sensing

An important but poorly understood aspect of sensory processing is the role of active sensing, the use of self-motion such as eye or head movements to focus sensing resources on the most rewarding or informative aspects of the sensory environment. Here, we present behavioral data from a visual search experiment, as well as a Bayesian model of within-trial dynamics of sensory processing and eye movements. Within this Bayes-optimal inference and control framework, which we call C-DAC (Context-Dependent Active Controller), various types of behavioral costs, such as temporal delay, response error, and sensor repositioning cost, are explicitly minimized. This contrasts with previously proposed algorithms that optimize abstract statistical objectives such as anticipated information gain (Infomax) (Butko and Movellan, 2010) and one-step look-ahead accuracy (greedy MAP) (Najemnik and Geisler, 2005). We find that C-DAC captures human visual search dynamics better than previous models, in particular a certain form of “confirmation bias” apparent in the way human subjects utilize prior knowledge about the spatial distribution of the search target to improve search speed and accuracy. We also examine several computationally efficient approximations to C-DAC that may present biologically more plausible accounts of the neural computations underlying active sensing, as well as practical tools for solving active sensing problems in engineering applications. To summarize, this paper makes several key contributions: human visual search behavioral data, a context-sensitive Bayesian active sensing model, a comparative study between different models of human active sensing, and a family of efficient approximations to the optimal model.
Receiver-based heading: Towards on-line energy efficient duty cycle assignments

Dynamic duty cycling, where a node's duty cycle is adapted according to observed context (e.g, local traffic, other nodes duty cycles), is commonly used by Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) to reduce energy consumption. Currently, duty cycles are assigned for every node in the network because it is assumed that all nodes are potential participants in transmissions. Receiver-based protocols, on the other hand, involve transmissions only among a subset of network nodes. Therefore, duty cycling may be limited to those nodes while the other nodes remain in an extended low-power state. In this work, we develop a duty cycle assignment algorithm for the nodes that participate in transmissions by employing two phases. First, nodes that participate in transmissions are selected and marked as “heads.” Second, by acquiring information to estimate future network traffic, the heads are programmed to be awake only during incoming transmissions. Simulation evaluations show that they greatly improve energy efficiency without sacrificing packet delivery ratio or introducing delay compared with traditional methods for duty cycle assignment.
Nutritional Support for Crohn's Disease

This article reviews nutritional considerations that arise in the care of patients with Crohn's disease. The causes and presentation of malnutrition in these patients are discussed, and a rational method is presented for comprehensive nutritional assessment. The indications for nutritional intervention, either as supportive or primary therapy for Crohn's disease, are reviewed.
AROUSAL GRADIENT AND PERFORMANCE

A two-dimensional view of arousal was operationalized by controlling gradient and intensity of exercise-arousal in three experiments with 160 male subjects. In all three experiments, significant cognitive performance decrement occurred at moderate intensities of arousal during, or shortly after, steep-gradient arousal increases. These results could not have been predicted by theories that view arousal as unidimensional. Affect measures, recorded in two of the experiments, were uncorrelated with cognitive performance. Results suggest that athletes' cognitive capabilities may be adversely affected by the execution of routine sport motions at moderate arousal, and they may have no conscious awareness of arousal gradient sensations while performing. The adoption of a two-dimensional view of arousal is urged, particularly for study of subjects in motion.
A controlled trial of fluoxetine and desipramine in depressed women with advanced cancer.

Background. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy and tolerability of fluoxetine and desipramine in treating depressive symptoms in women with cancer. Method. In this prospective, 6-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we compared fluoxetine with desipramine in treating depressive symptoms in 40 women diagnosed with cancer. Scales used to measure efficacy and tolerability were the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), the Clinical and Patient's Global Impression (CGI and PGI) scales, the Functional Living Index for Cancer (FLIC), the Memorial Pain Assessment Card (MPAC), and the SF-36 Health Survey. Results. Fluoxetine and desipramine treatments improved depression and anxiety symptoms. There was a trend towards significance in improvement of FLIC scores (as evidenced by greater numerical improvements with fluoxetine treatment). Fluoxetine treatment alone was associated with statistically significant improvements in MPAC Mood scale scores. Both treatments showed statistically significant improvements in the quality of life SF-36 scores in Role Emotional, Social Functioning, Mental Health, and Vitality. Conclusions. Both fluoxetine and desipramine were effective and well-tolerated in improving depressive symptoms and quality of life in women with advanced cancer. Fluoxetine may offer greater benefit to these patients, as evidenced by greater improvements in fluoxetine-treated patients on several quality of life measures. Our results, while meaningful, should be confirmed in a larger patient sample. However, experience from studies of antidepressant use in patients with advanced cancer has shown that intercurrent disease and treatment variables make it difficult to conduct large studies. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A retrospective analysis of the duration of oral antibiotic therapy for the treatment of acne among adolescents: investigating practice gaps and potential cost-savings.

Background Duration of oral antibiotic therapy in acne has not been widely studied. Recent guidelines suggest it should be limited to 3 to 6 months. Objective We sought to compare the duration of oral antibiotic use with recent guidelines and determine the potential cost-savings related to shortened durations. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study from the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database. Claims data were used to determine duration and costs of antibiotic therapy. Results The mean course duration was 129 days. The majority (93%) of courses were less than 9 months. Among the 31,634 courses, 18,280 (57.8%) did not include concomitant topical retinoid therapy. The mean (95% confidence interval) duration with and without topical retinoid use was 133 (131.5-134.7) days and 127 (125.4-127.9) days, respectively. The mean excess direct cost of antibiotic treatment for longer than 6 months was $580.99/person. Limitations Claims cannot be attributed to a specific diagnosis or provider. The database does not provide information on acne severity. Conclusions Duration of antibiotic use is decreasing when compared with previous data. However, 5547 (17.53%) courses exceeded 6 months, highlighting an opportunity for reduced antibiotic use. If courses greater than 6 months were shortened to 6 months, savings would be $580.99/person.
Inhibition of glucagon and insulin secretion from the perfused rat pancreas by a B-cell-selective somatostatin analog.

Abstract The isolated perfused rat pancreas was used to study the effects of somatostatin and the analog des-Asn5-[D-Trp8, D-Ser13]-somatostatin on arginine-stimulated insulin and glucagon secretion. Even though the analog was found to inhibit glucagon secretion at concentrations of 10 and 100 ng/ml, it had a relatively more inhibitory effect on the B cell than on the A cell than did somatostatin itself. These data suggest that the A- and B-cell receptors for these two peptides differ.
Leaders and Followers in a Strong Party State

Generally considered patronage rather than issue oriented, the state of Indiana is usually above the suspicion of harboring political parties that adopt widely differing policy positions. In this study, the policy preferences of three different elite groups are compared with those of rank-and-file party members and Independents. Interestingly enough, each party's leadership sets are fairly tightly clustered. Furthermore, elite interparty cleavages are much greater than those displayed by any of the mass public groupings. Notwithstanding some popular images of Hoosier politics, the choice between Democratic and Republican leaders is real and palpable.
Identification and Kullback Information in the GLSEM

Abstract In this paper we employ the Kullback information apparatus in (a) obtaining the strong consistency of the maximum likelihood (ML) estimator in the standard version of the general linear structural econometric model (GLSEM); (b) deriving very siccinctly the necessary and sufficient (nas) conditions for identification by the use of exclision restrictions. The arguments given in (a), however, are equally applicable to a wide class of nonlinear models and the arguments in (b) Are equally applicable in the context of more general types of restrictions.
Enhanced lipid peroxidation by extracellular ATP in PC12 cells

Recently we have demonstrated that extracellular ATP acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter and enhances cell death in the presence of ferrous ions. By using a newly developed cis-parinaric acid fluorescence technique, we demonstrated that ATP, in a dose dependent manner, enhanced the increased membrane lipid peroxidation in PC12 cells when cells were incubated with micromolar FeCl2/DTP. P2 purinoceptor agonists, α,β-methylene ATP and 2-methylthio-ATP, induced PC12 cell lipid peroxidation, but to a lesser extent than ATP. ATP-induced Ca2+ influx via P2 purinoceptor activation significantly increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which may have triggered a free radical generating cascade(s), and led to membrane lipid peroxidation and cell death. Since oxidative stress has been implicated in certain neurodegenerative diseases such as aging, extracellular ATP may contribute to neuronal cell death by an oxidative mechanism involving lipid peroxidation.
Vulnerability and Experiences Related to Social Victimization Among Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Compared to adults without disabilities, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are more likely to experience social victimization. This study examined responses of caregivers of 146 adults with IDD on questionnaires concerning demographics and behavioral characteristics as well as a newly developed Social Vulnerability Questionnaire (SVQ). Demographic and behavioral characteristics were related to risk factors of vulnerability. Caregivers provided examples of victimization experienced by individuals with IDD throughout the life span. Examples related to money/theft, teasing/persuasion, and abuse. Findings indicate that although individuals who are higher functioning are more aware of vulnerable situations, they still experience victimization at rates similar to those who are less able to detect risk. Those who were rated as more vulnerable displayed more externalizing behavior problems. Implications for research and practice are discussed; research is needed to understand the ...
Generation, intentionality of processing at encoding and retrieval, and age-related associative deficits

This research tested age-related differences in the retrieval of self-generated new associations under conditions that required intentional or incidental processing. Under intentional or incidental encoding conditions, young and older adults generated new associations by producing a response to a two-letter stem paired with a cue/prime word (e.g., throne–mo_____). Memory for these new associations was tested under intentional or incidental retrieval conditions by pairing the word stem with the previous cue/prime word, its homophone partner, or a prime/cue not previously presented. Results indicated equivalent priming and cueing effects for both age groups in all conditions. These results suggest that generation of new associations can eliminate age-related associative deficits, even under intentional encoding and retrieval conditions that typically disadvantage older adults.
Neurofeedback Treatment of Depression with the Roshi

Abstract Introduction. A patient with severe, medication resistant depression was found to have the frontal alpha asymmetry described in Davidson's (1998a) research as demonstrating a predisposition to depression. Treatment. Initial sessions of EEG neurofeedback using Rosenfeld's (1997) protocol for correcting the alpha asymmetry were discouraging, actually producing slight negative change. Therefore, treatment shifted to using the Roshi, a two channel unit combining neurofeedback and photic stimulation, doing primarily left hemisphere beta training. Results. The very first Roshi session produced positive changes, and within five sessions the patient reported feeling less depressed and more energetic. At the conclusion of thirty training sessions, objective testing documented dramatic reductions in depression, somatic symptoms, overemotionality, anxiety, rumination, and fatigue. Discussion. In support of Henriques and Davidson's (1991) belief that hypoactivation of the left hemisphere results in an “appro...
Accuracy and reliability of soft tissue depth measurements from CT for forensic facial reconstruction

Introduction Facial approximation (FA) is used when other methods of forensic identification, such as DNA, are not available or applicable. FA, in the clay methods and virtual methods, all rely on populational soft tissue (ST) depths from limited data sets. Much of the known facial indices originate from cadaver ST studies. This study, using three-dimensional (3D) computer modeling, tested the accuracy and reliability of cadaveric facial studies as they apply to forensic cases. Methods A series of embalmed cadaveric heads were scanned with computed tomography (CT). The head's bone and ST were 3D modeled using Mimics 15.0. Measurements of ST landmarks were collected from the 3D models. After scanning, ST measurements were taken manually from the cadavers. Photographs were taken to document the tissue depth markers' location. These physical measurements were compared to the virtual data. A series of clinical head scans of living individuals were collected and modeled for the comparison of scanning cadaveric and clinical tissue. Results ST measurements demonstrate that cadavers are often distorted in the facial region. The distortions from embalming skew ST measurements. The landmarks used in ST data collection are chiefly defined by boney features and not the skin surface. Discussion It is a concern as these features are not visible during data collection, the researcher must approximate where they believe the feature to be. The utilization of CT and 3D reconstruction allows for a more reliable location for ST measurement. Due to cadaver limitations, the use of clinical facial CT data proved to be the ideal data set for modern living individuals. Conclusion If FA is to remain a tool in human identification then more clinically relevant data is needed. With advances in medical imaging, the embalmed cadaver, unfortunately, is no longer the optimal model for facial reconstruction studies.
Phase I trial of pomalidomide given for patients with advanced solid tumors

Purpose To determine the safety, the maximal tolerated dose, and to assess for any clinical activity of pomalidomide given to patients with advanced solid tumors.
Computer automated measurement of eye movement parameters with applications to electro-oculography and nystagmus movements.

Abstract A computer program has been developed to evaluate certain signal parameters in eye movement patterns. The program will detect zero-crossings in a predetermined direction (event), disregard erroneous zero-crossings caused, for example, by short duration blinks, and provide a number of pre- and post-event samples of the signal. The samples can be used to determine electro-oculogram amplitudes and changes in these amplitudes over prolonged periods of time in cases of clinical interest, or the slope of the slow phase and amplitude of the fast phase in nystagmus eye movement. The use of the program is not restricted to eye movement signals, but it can be used whenever a signal parameter (amplitude, slope, time between zero-crossings, etc.) has a specific time relationship to the zero-crossings of that signal.
The effects of capital controls on international capital flows in the presence of asymmetric information

Abstract This paper examines the effects of capital controls on the volume and composition of international capital flows in the presence of asymmetric information. In the two-period, small open economy model, stochastic second-period output depends on the level of first-period investment, which cannot be verified by international investors. Domestic agents obtain external funding by borrowing on international capital markets and by selling equity to international investors. The paper investigates the effects of various capital controls on the debt–equity choice, domestic investment, and welfare. Controls on capital inflows are shown to shift the composition of flows from fixed-income instruments towards equity and to reduce the overall volume of inflows.
Alcohol abuse and Streptococcus pneumoniae infections: consideration of virulence factors and impaired immune responses

Alcohol is the most frequently abused substance in the world. Both acute and chronic alcohol consumption have diverse and well-documented effects on the human immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to infections like bacterial pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial etiology of community-acquired pneumonia worldwide. The frequency and severity of pneumococcal infections in individuals with a history of alcohol abuse is much higher than the general population. Despite this obvious epidemiological relevance, very few experimental studies have focused on the interaction of pneumococci with the immune system of a host acutely or chronically exposed to alcohol. Understanding these host-pathogen interactions is imperative for designing effective prophylactic and therapeutic interventions for such populations. Recent advances in pneumococcal research have greatly improved our understanding of pneumococcal pathogenesis and virulence mechanisms. Additionally, a large body of data is available on the effect of alcohol on the physiology of the lungs and the innate and adaptive immune system of the host. The purpose of this review is to integrate the available knowledge in these diverse areas of for a better understanding of the how the compromised immune system derived from alcohol exposure responds to pneumococcal infections.
Electron diffraction studies of supersonic jets. II: Formation of benzene clusters

Expansions of benzene at 1-10 mol % in neon or helium with various nozzle types have produced clusters of benzene molecules. Preliminary comparisons with intensities from the bulk liquid and with model calculations based on solid state crystal structures suggest that on the average the clusters are probably considerably larger than a 13 molecule unit, and have a vibrational temperature on the order of 100--150 K. Unlike clusters of spherical or quasispherical molecules previously found to pack in nearly crystalline arrays, benzene molecules appear to be unable to organize into regular arrays in the time of our experiments. Local order in clusters is similar but not identical to that in the solid, resembling that expected for a supercooled liquid. The present approach, exploiting several advantages of electron diffraction over alternative methods, shows promise as a new means of studying liquids or glasses.
Dipole moment of 3-bromopentane in various solvents

Solution dipole moment measurements of 3-bromopentane in solvents of varying static permittivity are presented. The solvents used are 3-methylpentane, pentane, benzene, toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, mesitylene, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane and 1,4-dioxane. The range of concentrations shows linear behavior for the solute in all solvents used. Excluding 1,4-dioxane, there is a negative linear relationship between the permittivity of the solvent and the calculated dipole moment of 3-bromopentane.
Estimates of the anomaly threshold in controlled-source electromagnetics

Controlled-source electromagnetics (CSEM) has been commercially applied for hydrocarbon exploration for more than 10 years. The normalized amplitude response (NAR), a common measure for CSEM anomaly strength, is the ratio of the CSEM response at the target to the background response. Use of this measure allows anomaly strength to be quantified but leaves open the question of how strong the NAR level needs to be before it can be considered significant for hydrocarbon exploration. We apply three statistical approaches to determine the appropriate NAR threshold for defining a CSEM anomaly and for estimating the overall significance of the CSEM method in hydrocarbon exploration. The analysis is based on the published data in Hesthammer et al. (2010a, 2010b), referred to here as “the Hesthammer database.” This database reports NAR levels and hydrocarbon exploration outcomes versus the depth to the target for a set of drilled prospects. The database authors used an NAR level of 1.15 (or 15%) for their anomaly t...
Predicting effects of hydrologic alteration and climate change on ecosystem metabolism in a western U.S. river

We estimated past and future hydrographs and patterns of ecosystem metabolism in a fifth-order river of the western United States, where water use and climate change are both expected to alter hydrology in the immediate future. We first reconstructed the unregulated hydrograph to estimate how the current hydrograph has been altered. Due to consumptive use, 95% as irrigation, current discharge during summer (July-September) was 70% lower than would occur if the river was unregulated. We then predicted a future hydrograph including effects of consumptive use and climate change; the magnitude of flow changes were minor under this regime relative to those already manifested by consumptive uses. We used time-series regression and a six-year continuous record of open-water metabolism to demonstrate that, under the current hydrologic regime, gross primary production (GPP) was dependent on both water temperature and flow and that ecosystem respiration (ER) was most dependent on temperature. Monte Carlo simulations under the three hydrologic regimes and three temperature scenario's (current, +2 degrees C, +4 degrees C) suggested that flow, but not temperature, may have profound effects on the magnitude of metabolism. Linking temporally detailed analyses of ecological function and hydrology may lead to better understanding and management of changes due to basin-scale water use and/or global-scale climate change.
An integrated form-feature-based design system for manufacturing

Much of the knowledge that is applied in or communicated between design and manufacturing activities is primarily shape based or shape indexed. Previous attempts to acquire and organize shape knowledge have been mostly concentrated on feature recognition from solid models, group technology (GT) coding schemes, and feature-based modeling. This paper presents the development of an efficient form-feature-based modeling system, and addresses the important issue of utilizing feature information for manufacturing, which has not been extensively discussed by previous work. In this paper we first present a Euler operator-based approach for efficient and effective form-feature encoding and manipulation in a feature-based design environment. Subsequently, a hybrid representation scheme called enhanced CSG tree of feature (ECTOF), which integrates feature model with solid model in a tree structure, is discussed. A feature interference resolution methodology to maintain the correct and consistent feature information in an ECTOF is also deliberated. Finally, we present a machinability-checking module, which employs global accessibility criteria to analyze a feature's machinability on a three-axis machining center. By developing feature interference resolving and machinability testing techniques and integrating with an efficient feature-based design system, this research makes the development of an integrated feature-based design and manufacturing system possible.
DEAN CHAPMAN'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO TEKTITE SCIENCE

Dean Roden Chapman (1922-1995), an engineer and scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, was one of the founders of astronautics (rocket science). He used his laboratory to produce objects that are very similar to Australian tektites. There were two major questions about tektites in his day: did they come for the Earth or the Moon? And were they caused by meteor impacts or volcanic eruptions? Chapman came to believe that tektites were caused by meteor impacts on the Moon. He made many contributions to our understanding of tektites and was also one of the people who helped NASA get to the Moon. One percent of the Moon was covered with little glass spheres, but they are quite different from the tektites known on the Earth. The data from the Moon rocks was largely incompatible with the theory that terrestrial tektites are derived from the Moon. Chapman stopped publishing papers about tektites, but he remained interested in the subject for the rest of his life and believed that in the long run the lunar impact...
Factors influencing United States comparative advantage

Abstract One of the more famous results in international trade is Leontief's demonstration that the conventional wisdom of trade theory—the two-factor Heckscher-Ohlin model, coupled with the empirical judgement that the U.S. is capital-rich—does not appear to provide an explanation of the composition of U.S. trade. A major conclusion of many recent studies is that an adequate model of comparative advantage will be, of necessity, a multi-factor one. This paper examines the implications of a modified multi-factor-proportions model by measuring the simultaneous impact of a variety of factor intensities on the comparative advantage of all U.S. (trading) industries, classified and disaggregated by the 1958 input-output table. The novelty of the study lies in using a binary measure of comparative advantage. In order to by-pass several econometric difficulties, logit analysis is used to estimate the model. The principal conclusion of the paper is that capital-intensity has a significantly positive impact on the comparative advantage of U.S. manufacturing industries and, therefore, that the U.S. is, in fact, relatively capital-rich.
Protease-activated receptor 2: activation, signalling and function

PARs (protease-activated receptors) are a family of four G-protein-coupled receptors for proteases from the circulation, inflammatory cells and epithelial tissues. This report focuses on PAR 2 , which plays an important role in inflammation and pain. Pancreatic (trypsin I and II) and extrapancreatic (trypsin IV) trypsins, mast cell tryptase and coagulation factors VIIa and Xa cleave and activate PAR 2 . Proteases cleave PAR 2 to expose a tethered ligand that binds to the cleaved receptor. Despite this irreversible activation, PAR 2 signalling is attenuated by β-arrestin-mediated desensitization and endocytosis, and by lysosomal targeting and degradation, which requires ubiquitination of PAR 2 . β-Arrestins also act as scaffolds for the assembly of multi-protein signalling complexes that determine the location and function of activated mitogen-activated protein kinases. Observations of PAR 2 -deficient mice support a role for PAR 2 in inflammation, and many of the effects of PAR 2 activators promote inflammation. Inflammation is mediated in part by activation of PAR 2 in the peripheral nervous system, which results in neurogenic inflammation and hyperalgesia.
Oxidative Stress Produced by Angiotensin Too Implications for Hypertension and Vascular Injury

Since the landmark study on renovascular hypertension by Goldblatt et al in 1934,1 it has become clear that the RAS plays a major role in hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders. Although the mechanism for RAS-induced hypertension is generally attributed to vasoconstrictor effects of angiotensin II and the salt- and water-retaining effects of aldosterone, a study by Bech Laursen et al in this issue of Circulation 2 suggests an additional mechanism. The study by Bech Laursen et al, coupled with their previous findings,3 suggests that angiotensin II–induced hypertension in rats is associated with a large increase in vascular production of superoxide radical, which is accompanied by impairment of EDNO-dependent vasodilation. This was not observed in rats made equally hypertensive by norepinephrine infusion. The authors also observed that chronic infusion of liposome-encapsulated SOD increased conduit vessel SOD activity by 30%. This rather modest increase in SOD activity was nevertheless associated with normalization of superoxide release in the aorta from rats made hypertensive by angiotensin II, with restoration of normal EDNO-dependent vasorelaxation. In addition, the authors showed that the development of hypertension in response to long-term infusion of angiotensin II was significantly inhibited by coadministration of liposome-encapsulated SOD, whereas the same treatment had no effect on hypertension induced by infusion of norepinephrine. Furthermore, rats with angiotensin II–induced hypertension that …
Emergency Medicine Leadership in Industry-sponsored Clinical Trials

Objective: To identify and characterize emergency medicine (EM) researchers who, since 1990, have served on a steering committee (SC) or as overall principal investigator (PI) of an industry-sponsored, multicenter clinical trial involving a pharmaceutical or device. Methods: North American EM research directors (RDs) and other prominent EM investigators (for those hospitals without a RD) were identified from eight sources, including the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine RD Interest Group and the Multicenter Airway Research Collaboration (MARC) database. The identified investigators were sent a screening survey requesting information regarding industry-sponsored clinical research at their site. The individual EM investigators identified by this screening survey were then interviewed by telephone (validation survey) to further explore their leadership experience in industry-sponsored clinical trials. Results: Of 153 identified RDs and prominent EM researchers, 138 responded to the screening survey (90% response rate). Eighty-five EM investigators reportedly had served on a SC or as overall PI for an industry-sponsored clinical trial. Of these 85 North American EM investigators, 77 were available for a structured telephone interview (91% response rate). Although 41 (53%) of the investigators confirmed their leadership role, 36 (47%) had not served in either role. Among the 41 confirmed investigators, 19 (2.5%) had served as a SC member, 10 (13%) had served as overall PI, and 12 (16%) had experience in both roles. Individual responses provided suggestions for pursuing such leadership positions. Conclusions: These data suggest the opportunity to expand EM leadership in industry-sponsored clinical trials and demonstrate the need for validation of reports obtained by a departmental research contact. The suggestions from EM researchers who have attained these leadership roles may provide strategies for investigators interested in pursuing these positions.
Early Survival of Infants Weighing 2.5 Kilograms or Less Undergoing First-Stage Reconstruction for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Background—Results of staged palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) have improved in recent years; however, certain risk factors have been associated with decreased survival rates. M...
Self-induced adiabatic rapid passage

We show that, by virtue of the linewidth reduction provided by counter-propagating beams, it is possible to use the optical Stark shift to sweep a two-photon resonance through the sum frequency of the applied light while simultaneously satisfying the conditions required for optical adiabatic rapid passage. Consequently, the application of a near-resonant pulse of light can result in complete population inversion of a two-photon transition.
RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS IN ACHONDROPLASIA

A significant number of infants and children with achondroplasia have respiratory complications. Suggested etiologies include: 1) upper airway obstruction, 2) thoracic cage deformity and 3) neurologic dysfunction. We prospectively evaluated 10 achondroplasts (6 males, 4 females, ages 4 mos-6 yrs) for respiratory problems. 2/10 were asymptomatic, 3/10 had mild symptoms (3 with tachypnea, 1 with pneumonia) and 5/10 had severe symptoms (2 with obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] , 3 with episodic cyanosis while awake and/or recurrent pneumonia). Nasal airflow was compromised and hyperextended neck posture was assumed during sleep in 6/10. Chest circumference was < 3rd percentile for age in 6/10. Asymmetric hyperreflexia was found in 3/10. Cor pulmonale was diagnosed by echocardiography in 6/10, including 1 with mild symptoms. Arterial hypoxemia (PO2<75) while awake was found in 4/10 and sleeping hypoxemia in 6/10. In the 2 hypoxemic infants evaluated, low tidal volumes were found. Polysomnograms confirmed OSA in 2/10 and mixed apnea in 1/10. In 2 hypoxemic infants, small chest circumference was the only clear etiology found. Cervicomedullary cord compression was diagnosed by CT and evoked potentials in 4/10 (2 with episodic cyanosis, 1 with OSA and 1 with tachypnea and pneumonia). Thus in only 3/8 with respiratory complications could a single etiology be implicated; 5/8 had at least two etiologies. We conclude that symptomatic patients require comprehensive evaluation to delineate all possible etiologies in order to clarify treatment.
Left Ventricular Dysfunction Related to Septic Shock Masquerading as Postpartum Cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy, an uncommon cause of chronic heart failure, may present during the third trimester of pregnancy, but most often develops within 2 months postpartum. The etiologies of heart failure during pregnancy and postpartum are numerous, however. The authors describe the case of a 25-year-old woman who developed severe, symptomatic heart failure following delivery and discuss their initial consideration of peripartum cardiomyopathy and the differential diagnostic features of this case.
The Use of Time Series Analysis Techniques in Forecasting Meteorological Drought

Abstract Using an exponential smoothing procedure and an autoregressive-moving average process; forecasts for the monthly Palmer Drought Severity Index were calculated. The autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation functions of severity index values were used as a starting point for the autoregressive-moving average model selection process. Of the many possible autoregressive-moving average models, the one that was selected provided the best forecasts based on the mean square error. Monthly data for the period 1929–1969 were utilized in a nonlinear least-squares computer routine to arrive at estimated parameter values for the autoregressive-moving average model. Monthly forecasts with a lead time of one month were generated using the exponential smoothing and autoregressive-moving average procedures for the period 1970–1972. These forecasts were compared with the myopic (persistence) forecasts, Xt+1=Xt. The mean square errors of the forecasts were 0.63 for the autoregressive-moving average model, 0.65 f...
Utilizing predictive resident-focused problems to improve nutritional outcomes in nursing homes

The purpose of this article is to describe nutritional problems that may be predictive of poor resident outcomes in nursing homes. In a recent study, seven resident-focused problems or categories that may affect malnutrition and/or food intake were identified (Crogan and Alvine, 2006; Crogan et al., 2007). Regression analysis found that three of seven resident-focused problems were predictive of low serum prealbumin levels, impaired functional status and improved quality of life.