cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The electrorheological properties of polyaniline suspensions

Abstract The electrorheological properties of suspensions containing polyaniline particles in silicon oil are reported for a range of suspension volume fractions, applied field strengths, shear stresses, and particle dielectric constants. Suspension viscosity at a fixed stress is found to increase slowly as the field strength is raised to a value of E ∗. Over a very narrow field strength range near E ∗ the suspension viscosity is found to increase 10 6 –10 8 Pa s. At field strengths greater than E ∗, the suspensions take on solid-like behavior. The scaling of yield stress on volume fraction and field strength is similar to that reported on other systems and the yield stress is found to increase monotonically with particle dielectric constant.
Landscape change: Perceptions and physical measures

This paper addresses questions of affective responses of residents of rural Arizona to changes in proximate community and riparian landscapes and the congruence of their perceptions of change with physical measures of change in those landscapes. Based on findings and concepts from previous studies, perceptions of change were assessed using a mail survey. Physical measures of land use and vegetation change were obtained from aerial photography for two points in time spanning approximately 13 years and were analyzed using a geographic information system. Significant differences were found in perceptions of change in the community and riparian landscapes. In contrast with previous findings, a majority of respondents found the changes as either improving or having no effect on landscape quality. Those who were more frequent users of the riparian landscape tended to be more aware of changes in it. The findings also suggest challenges for planners and resource managers working in rural areas adjacent to riparian landscapes.
Multi-scale undulations in human aortic endothelial cell fibers

Blood vessels often have an undulatory morphology, with excessive bending, kinking, and coiling occuring in diseased vasculature. The underlying physical causes of these morphologies are generally attributed, in combination, to changes in blood pressure, blood flow rate, and cell proliferation or apoptosis. However, pathological vascular morphologies often start during developmental vasculogenesis. At early stages of vasculogenesis, angioblasts (vascular endothelial cells that have not formed a lumen) assemble into primitive vessel-like fibers before blood flow occurs. If loose, fibrous aggregates of endothelial cells can generate multi-cellular undulations through mechanical instabilities, driven by the cytoskeleton, new insight into vasculature morphology may be achieved with simple in vitro models of endothelial cell fibers. Here we study mechanical instabilities in vessel-like structures made from endothelial cells embedded in a collagen matrix. We find that endothelial cell fibers contract radially over time, and undulate at two dominant wavelengths: approximately 1cm and 1mm. Simple mechanical models suggest that the long-wavelength undulation is Euler buckling in rigid confinement, while the short-wavelength buckle may arise from a mismatch between fiber bending energy and matrix deformation. These results suggest a combination of fiber-like geometry, cystoskeletal contractions, and extracellular matrix elasticity may contribute to undulatory blood vessel morphology in the absence of a lumen or blood pressure.
Zinc toxicity symptom development and partitioning of biomass and zinc in peanut plants 1

Abstract High soil zinc (Zn) concentrations can cause Zn toxicity in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), which decreases productivity and can be fatal to the plants. The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the optimal sampling time and plant part for diagnosis of Zn toxicity in peanuts, 2) to relate toxicity symptoms to plant Zn concentrations and calcium:zinc (Ca:Zn) ratios, and 3) to model the distribution of Zn and biomass into plant parts in relation to Zn concentration in the whole plant. A greenhouse study utilized four soils (Lakeland sand, Tifton loamy sand, Greenville sandy clay loam, and Greenville sandy clay) with Zn applications of 0, 10, 20, and 40 mg Zn/kg soil. Plants were sampled for analysis of nutrient concentrations, and Zn toxicity ratings were recorded biweekly. Toxicity symptoms became visible 4–8 weeks after planting, with stunting appearing at four weeks, horizontal leaf growth and leaflet folding at six weeks, and stem splitting at eight weeks. Optimal sampling time for diagn...
Henry's Law Constants and Micellar Partitioning of Volatile Organic Compounds in Surfactant Solutions

Partitioning of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into surfactant micelles affects the apparent vapor−liquid equilibrium of VOCs in surfactant solutions. This partitioning will complicate removal of VOCs from surfactant solutions by standard separation processes. Headspace experiments were performed to quantify the effect of four anionic surfactants and one nonionic surfactant on the Henry's law constants of 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, toluene, and tetrachloroethylene at temperatures ranging from 30 to 60 °C. Although the Henry's law constant increased markedly with temperature for all solutions, the amount of VOC in micelles relative to that in the extramicellar region was comparatively insensitive to temperature. The effect of adding sodium chloride and isopropyl alcohol as cosolutes also was evaluated. Significant partitioning of VOCs into micelles was observed, with the micellar partitioning coefficient (tendency to partition from water into micelle) increasing according to the following...
Behaviorally conditioned suppression of murine T-cell dependent but not T-cell independent antibody responses.

The aversive and immunosuppressive effects of cyclophosphamide (CY, 250 mg/kg IP), an unconditioned stimulus (UCS), were paired with the presentation of a novel saccharine flavored drinking solution (SAC), a conditioned stimulus (CS), in female Balb/c mice. The objective was to determine the temporal relationship between presentation of the CS (SAC) and immunization with sheep red blood cell (SRBCs), a T-cell dependent antigen, and type III pneumococcal polysaccharide (S3), a T-cell independent antigen, on subsequent antibody responses. Reexposure to the CS or UCS occurred on days -4, -2, 0, +2, or +4 relative to immunization. Primary antibody responses in each group were measured six days following immunization. A strong association between the CS and the UCS developed, producing flavor aversions as evidenced by decreased SAC consumption. CY administration by itself consistently suppressed both types of antibody responses. CS presentation (i.e., SAC) had no significant effect on anti-S3 antibody response. However, the anti-SRBC response was significantly depressed following CS exposure. Exposure to the CS only on days -4 or +2 relative to immunization resulted in statistically significant suppression of antibody response to SRBC's while exposure on days -2, 0, and +4 resulted in anti-SRBC antibody suppression that did not reach significance. These results support the hypothesis that conditioning of antibody responses is relatively specific for T-cell dependent antigens, and that the timing of CS presentation relative to immunization is important in conditioning a suppression of antibody responses.
Compartment Model To Describe Peripheral Arterial–Venous Drug Concentration Gradients with Drug Elimination from the Venous Sampling Compartment

The central compartment of an n-compartment mammillary model was concatenated with a gradient compartment (i.e., venous sampling compartment) and with a conventional effect compartment to model arterial-venous drug concentration gradients and the arterial drug concentration vs effect relationship, respectively. To model drug metabolism during transit between the peripheral arterial and peripheral venous circulations, the gradient compartment included a first-order elimination path. Simulations of the model were employed to demonstrate the impact of sampling site (e.g., arterial vs peripheral venous) on analyses of the concentration vs effect relationship.
Rhizobium meliloti mutants that fail to succinylate their Calcofluor-binding exopolysaccharide are defective in nodule invasion

We have identified a set of Tn5-generated mutants of Rhizobium meliloti on the basis of their failure to form a fluorescent halo under UV light when grown on agar medium containing Calcofluor. These mutations define a new genetic locus we have termed exoH. Alfalfa seedlings inoculated with exoH mutants form ineffective nodules that do not contain intracellular bacteria or bacteroids. Root hair curling is significantly delayed and infection threads abort in the nodule cortex. Analyses of exopolysaccharide secreted by exoH mutants have shown that it is identical to the Calcofluor-binding exopolysaccharide secreted by the exoH+ parental strain except for the fact that it completely lacks the succinyl modification. In vitro translation of total RNA isolated from nodules induced by an exoH mutant has shown that only one of the plant-encoded nodulins is induced, as compared with the 17 nodulins induced by wild-type strains. These observations suggest that succinylation of the bacterial polysaccharide is important for its role(s) in nodule invasion and possibly nodule development.
Small cell undifferentiated carcinoma of salivary gland origin: an ultrastructural study.

A case of small cell carcinoma of salivary gland was studied by light and electron microscopy. Light microscopy showed sheets of small uniform cells with scanty cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei. Electron microscopy showed two distinct cell types: An electron-lucent epithelial-appearing cell, and a denser cell with processes containing bundles of filaments and other features suggesting myoepithelial differentiation. Neurosecretory granules were absent. These findings support a salivary duct origin, and are evidence against a neurendocrine derivation for this tumor.
Three-dimensional imaging and recognition of microorganism using single-exposure on-line (SEOL) digital holography

We address three-dimensional (3D) visualization and recognition of microorganisms using single-exposure on-line (SEOL) digital holography. A coherent 3D microscope-based Mach-Zehnder interferometer records a single on-line Fresnel digital hologram of microorganisms. Three-dimensional microscopic images are reconstructed numerically at different depths by an inverse Fresnel transformation. For recognition, microbiological objects are segmented by processing the background diffraction field. Gabor-based wavelets extract feature vectors with multi-oriented and multi-scaled Gabor kernels. We apply a rigid graph matching (RGM) algorithm to localize predefined shape features of biological samples. Preliminary experimental and simulation results using sphacelaria alga and tribonema aequale alga microorganisms are presented. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on 3D visualization and recognition of microorganisms using on-line digital holography with single-exposure.
Changes in fat body hexokinase activity during the larval-pupal transformation of the silkmoth Hyalophora cecropia.

Abstract 1. 1. In the silkmoth Hyalophora cecropia , fat body hexokinase activity decreases gradually during the larval-pupal transformation from 80 μmoles glucose-6-phosphate formed/g fat cell water per hr in feeding fifth instar larvae to 8 μmoles/g per hr following pupation. 2. 2. This decline in activity results from a decreased quantity of enzyme per cell, rather than from inhibition or loss of specific activation, and occurs in the absence of a concomitant loss in trehalose synthesizing capacity.
Effect of nonlinear material damping on whirling shafts

This paper carefully investigates the precise role of internal damping on the whirling motion of an elastic shaft. Damping is introduced through a measured stress-strain law. The equations of motion are studied on an analog computer. It is shown that material damping tends to destabilize the motion.
New airborne imaging radar observations of sand Dunes: Kelso Dunes, California

Abstract High resolution multiple wavelength and polarization radar data of Kelso Dunes were acquired during the Mojave Field Experiment. They offer the opportunity to develop criteria for the selection of optimal wavelengths and polarizations for imaging of dune areas. The backscatter from unvegetated dune surfaces at all wavelenghts (C-, L-, and P-band) with direct (HH, VV) polarization is largely controlled by dune topography and incidence angle. These data (especially P-band) provide the best images of dune topography. The best discrimination between active and inactive dunes is obtained by cross-polarized C-band data (CVH, CHV) as a result of multiple scattering from vegetation and small-scale topography (e.g., shadow dunes).
Segmentation of magnetic resonance images into n(0, sigma) stationary regions

Recall that a random field X(t1 ,t2) = X(t) over R2 is called hornogenous when its mean value (X(t)) = in (1) is a constant, while its core1ation function (X(t1),X(t2)) = B(t1,t2) depends only on the vector 'r t1 — t2, whence B(t1,t2) = B(ti — t2) (2) Absolute precision would require that a random field satisfying (1) and (2) be referred to as a widesense homogeneous random field, since it is not difficult to define strictly homogeneous random fields, which are coiiceptually related to the usual strictly stationary random process[1]. In the following, the term homogeneous field should be taken to mean wide-sense homogeneous field. Sometimes, imaging literature will interchange the terms stationary and homogeneous[2]. This is unfortunate but unavoidable in an imaging context.
Sexual Trauma as the Only Risk Factor for Suicidality in Adolescent Females

Background Suicide is the second most common cause of death of adolescent females, and girls attempt suicide much more frequently than boys. Trauma, including sexual abuse or rape, is well known as a risk factor for suicide and suicidal risk. Our prior retrospective study of suicidal adolescent females revealed a 50% incidence of sexual abuse. The purpose of this prospective study is to confirm that high frequency. Methods Every female adolescent patient admitted from 4/1/97 – 1/1/98 to the inpatient psychiatry ward was assessed for data collection. There were 97 admissions with an range of 11–19 years of age. Using a standard questionnaire and an experienced mental health technician, the data obtained included: axis I diagnosis, history of sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, prior suicidal attempt, prior treatment for sexual abuse, major life stressors, family history of depression, drug and alcohol abuse, and family structure. A chi-square procedure was used to evaluate nominal data. Results Eighty-two (84.5%) of the 97 admissions were White or Caucasian and 69 (71.1%) had health insurance. Suicidal ideation was evident in 78 (80.4%) and 54 (55.7%) of the patients admitted to a suicide attempt. Forty-two (43.3%) of the patients had a history of sexual abuse. Seventy-six (78.4%) had a prior treatment for a psychological disorder. Thirty-three (34.0%) experienced a major life stressor, 26 patients (26.8%) admitted to drug and alcohol abuse, 48 (49.5%) had a family history of depression and in 30 (30.9%) the family structure was intact. There was a significant trend between the history of prior sexual abuse and suicidiality (90.5%, p = 0.058). No significant association was noted between suicidiality and any other risk factors evaluated. Conclusions Our results revealed a staggering 90.5% of suicidal female adolescents have a history of prior sexual abuse. This prospective study confirms that sexual trauma is a major risk factor for suicidality.
Origin of HfO2/GaAs interface states and interface passivation: A first principles study

Abstract First principles calculations of HfO2/GaAs interfaces indicate that the interface states originate from the charge mismatch between HfO2 and GaAs surfaces. We find that a model neutral interface (HfO2 and GaAs surfaces terminated with two O and one Ga atoms per surface unit cell) removes gap states due to the balance of the interface charge. F and H can neutralize the HfO2/GaAs interface resulting in useful band offsets, thus becoming possible candidates to passivate the interface states.
Cosemisimple Bialgebras and Discrete Quantum Semigroups

Abstract We show for a cosemisimple bialgebra that a standard *-operation making it into a discrete quantum semigroup must be unique. It may not exist: we prove such an operation on a cosemisimple O q(SL2( C )) exists if and only if the parameterqis real. We also conclude that discrete quantum groups form a more restrictive class than cosemisimple *-Hopf algebras.
EVALUATION OF FERMI AND BOSE INTEGRALS.

Abstract Integral representations for the Fermi and Bose functions are given and the simplifications resulting in the evaluation of Fermi and Bose integrals are discussed.
Scenario Analysis in Spreadsheets with Excel's Scenario Tool

“What-if” or sensitivity analysis is one of the most important and valuable concepts in management science MS. To emphasize its practical relevance in a business environment, we teach students in our introductory MS course to analyze “scenarios” with Excel's built-in Scenario tool. This paper demonstrates the application of the Scenario tool with several examples.
Combat-related PTSD and psychosocial adjustment problems among substance abusing veterans.

The purpose of this study were the following: a) to determine the prevalence of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among veterans seeking assistance at a Veterans Administration medical center substance abuse treatment facility, b) to examine the relative contribution of Vietnam war zone variables to PTSD symptom development, and c) to study psychosocial adjustment problems associated with Vietnam combat exposure and with PTSD symptoms among help-seeking substance abusing men. Of 489 male veterans presenting for treatment, 10.7% had significant Vietnam combat-related PTSD symptoms as measured by the Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD. Clinically significant PTSD symptoms occurred among 46% of the subsample of combat-exposed Vietnam veterans with substance abuse problems. Degree of combat exposure was the most important military stressor that distinguished Vietnam veterans with PTSD from those without PTSD, but the groups also differed on age of war zone duty, duration of war zone duty, and whether they were wounded. Veterans who served in Vietnam did not differ from veterans who had no war zone duty on various parameters of psychosocial adjustment. However, the subgroup of Vietnam veterans with PTSD symptoms reported significantly greater psychosocial adjustment problems than their counterparts who did not have PTSD. The deleterious effects associated with combat-related PTSD appeared to be confined to adjunctive psychiatric difficulties and unemployment and did not increase risk of arrests for antisocial conduct beyond that found for veterans without PTSD. Methodological and clinical implications of these findings are discussed. Language: en
Glutamate in schizophrenia: clinical and research implications

The excitatory amino acids, glutamate and aspartate, are of interest to schizophrenia research because of their roles in neurodevelopment, neurotoxicity and neurotransmission. Recent evidence suggests that densities of glutamatergic receptors and the ratios of subunits composing these receptors may be altered in schizophrenia, although it is unclear whether these changes are primary or compensatory. Agents acting at the phencyclidine binding site of the NMDA receptor produce symptoms of schizophrenia in normal subjects, and precipitate relapse in patients with schizophrenia. The improvement of negative symptoms with agents acting at the glycine modulatory site of the NMDA receptor, as well as preliminary evidence that clozapine may differ from conventional neuroleptic agents in its effects on glutamatergic systems, suggest that clinical implications may follow from this model. While geriatric patients may be at increased risk for glutamate-mediated neurotoxicity, very little is known about the specific relevance of this model to geriatric patients with schizophrenia.
A block iterative finite element algorithm for numerical solution of the steady-state, compressible Navier-Stokes equations

An iterative method for numerically solving the time independent Navier-Stokes equations for viscous compressible flows is presented. The method is based upon partial application of the Gauss-Seidel principle in block form to the systems of nonlinear algebraic equations which arise in construction of finite element (Galerkin) models approximating solutions of fluid dynamic problems. The C deg-cubic element on triangles is employed for function approximation. Computational results for a free shear flow at Re = 1,000 indicate significant achievement of economy in iterative convergence rate over finite element and finite difference models which employ the customary time dependent equations and asymptotic time marching procedure to steady solution. Numerical results are in excellent agreement with those obtained for the same test problem employing time marching finite element and finite difference solution techniques.
Characterization of the chicken osteopontin-encoding gene.

Abstract A genomic clone of the chicken osteopontin-encoding gene (opn) was isolated and found to be organized as follows: an untranslated 5′ exon; a signal peptide; a recognition sequence for phosphorylation by casein kinase II; a domain containing a possible O-linkage site for glycosylation; a second casein kinase II phosphorylation site; an exon containing three functional regions, the poly-Asp sequence of seven consecutive Asp residues, the RGD integrin recognition site and a potential N-linkage site for glycosylation; and a large C-terminal exon which also contains a potential N-linkage site for glycosylation. Primer extension analysis demonstrated only one strong transcriptional start point (tsp) in mRNAs prepared from embryonic bone and cultured osteoblasts. Analysis of the 5′ flanking region identified a TATA sequence at -31, an inverted CAAT motif at -57, an AP1-recognition sequence at -84 and a putative vitamin-D-response element (VDRE) sequence at -474. Three plasmid constructs containing 963, 561 and 368 bp of 5′ flanking sequence of the avian promoter were used to drive expression of bacterial cat. Comparison of the relative promoter activities of these constructs was carried out in MC3T3/E1 cells, a murine osteoblast cell line. All of the constructs showed approximately 20-fold the levels of expression over background activity of the cat gene without a promoter. Each construct also demonstrated a strong induction with phorbol-12-myristyl-13-acetate (PMA). In contrast, dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3] had neither a positive nor a negative effect on the 368- and 936-bp constructs, but was stimulatory for the 561-bp construct. In summary, these results indicate that the functional domains of both the protein-coding exons and the cassette of regulatory sequences of the promoter for the avian opn gene have been conserved and are functional over widely divergent species.
Market Risk, Interest Rate Risk, and Interdependencies in Insurer Stock Returns: A System-Garch Model

ABSTRACT We examine market risk, interest rate risk, and interdependencies in returns and return volatilities across three insurer segments within a System-GARCH framework. Three main results are obtained: market risk is greatest for accident and health (AH interest rate sensitivity is negative and greatest for Life insurers; and interdependencies in returns are significant with the magnitude being strongest between PC the more strongly these sectors move together, the smaller the diversification gains will be. This issue has implications on insurer decisions for entering single versus multiple lines of insurance activity and mergers and acquisitions across these lines. Similarly, from the viewpoint of investors in insurer stocks, high interdependence among different segments of the industry will translate into small gains in terms of risk diversification. As De Nicola and Kwast (2002) have discussed, interdependencies may be direct or indirect. Direct interdependencies may arise, e.g., through counterparty credit exposures on derivative instruments such as futures, options, and swaps. Indirect interdependencies arise from exposures to the same or similar assets, and from other sources such as underwriting similar types of events. Common positions in these instruments can tie different segments of the insurance industry to a common fate. …
A Multi-Method Evaluation of the Implementation of a Student Response System

Student response systems (SRS) are keypad devices that allow students to provide responses to questions embedded within a lecture, which can then be used to provide real-time feedback. In the fall of 2005 a second stage pilot implementation of these devices was carried out at a Midwestern technological research University, with 417 students in large enrollment chemistry and calculus courses. The purpose of this study was to conduct an evaluation of this implementation. The research methodology included qualitative field observation and quantitative analysis of students’ responses to surveys. The results indicated that: a) Overall, the devices had a strong positive impact on student ratings; b) All instructors used the devices actively, and encouraged collaboration; though they differed in quizzing and collaborative practices; c) Though all instructors’ student ratings were high, there were significant differences that may have been mediated by these differences in practices.
Hypothalamic Leucine Metabolism Regulates Liver Glucose Production

Amino acids profoundly affect insulin action and glucose metabolism in mammals. Here, we investigated the role of the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH), a key center involved in nutrient-dependent metabolic regulation. Specifically, we tested the novel hypothesis that the metabolism of leucine within the MBH couples the central sensing of leucine with the control of glucose production by the liver. We performed either central (MBH) or systemic infusions of leucine in Sprague-Dawley male rats during basal pancreatic insulin clamps in combination with various pharmacological and molecular interventions designed to modulate leucine metabolism in the MBH. We also examined the role of hypothalamic ATP-sensitive K(+) channels (K(ATP) channels) in the effects of leucine. Enhancing the metabolism of leucine acutely in the MBH lowered blood glucose through a biochemical network that was insensitive to rapamycin but strictly dependent on the hypothalamic metabolism of leucine to α-ketoisocaproic acid and, further, insensitive to acetyl- and malonyl-CoA. Functional K(ATP) channels were also required. Importantly, molecular attenuation of this central sensing mechanism in rats conferred susceptibility to developing hyperglycemia. We postulate that the metabolic sensing of leucine in the MBH is a previously unrecognized mechanism for the regulation of hepatic glucose production required to maintain glucose homeostasis.
Effect of intramolecular and intermolecular exchange processes on the 1H NMR spectra of 2‐chloro‐1,3,2‐dioxarsolanes

The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of solutions of 2-chloro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxarsolane (1) and 2-chloro-1,3,2-dioxarsolane (2) are reported as a function of temperature, concentration and solvent. These data indicate rapid intramolecular conformational averaging for (1) and (2) under all the conditions investigated. Additionally, intermolecular conformational averaging processes are shown to be present. The kinetic parameters for intermolecular exchange were obtained from line shape analysis of the 1H NMR data. These results indicate the intermolecular exchange to be bimolecular in nature, involving a four-centered transition state. The OCH2CH2–O torsional angle of (2) has been calculated from the analysis of its AA′BB′ 1H NMR spectral patterns, obtained at low concentrations in the absence of intermolecular exchange.
Topical Review: Molecular Heterogeneity in Medulloblastoma With Implications for Differing Tumor Biology

Medulloblastomas and related primitive neuroectodermal tumors are the second most common malignant tumors of childhood. In spite of improvements in cancer therapy, these tumors are still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although these tumors share similar histologic features, recent molecular studies suggest that they could represent a genetically mixed group of tumors. The genetic events that might play a role in the biology of these tumors also could allow a molecular subtyping of medulloblastomas. Such molecular subtyping of medulloblastomas could allow for the use of newer therapeutic techniques, such as gene therapy, for selective targeting of critical genetic events in subsets of medulloblastomas. It is becoming increasingly clear that in medulloblastomas, the morphologic similarity of "small blue" cells does not imply similar or shared molecular characteristics, with implications for differing tumor biology. (J Child Neurol 1999;14:411-417).
Mechanism of Recruitment of Class II Histone Deacetylases by Myocyte Enhancer Factor-2

Class II histone deacetylases (HDACs) bind myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2) and repress specific gene expression in a calcium-dependent manner. Despite their significant physiological functions in muscle, immune and neuronal cells, the mechanism of recruitment of class II HDACs by MEF2 is not well understood. Here, we have characterized the complex between the MEF2-binding motif of class II HDACs and the MADS-box/MEF2S domain of MEF2B by structural and biochemical methods. The crystal structure of a HDAC9/MEF2/DNA complex reveals that HDAC9 binds to a hydrophobic groove of the MEF2 dimer. The overall binding mode is similar to that seen in the Cabin1/MEF2/DNA complex. The detailed binding interactions at the HDAC9/MEF2 interface, however, show marked differences from those at the Cabin1/MEF2 interface. Our studies suggest a general mechanism by which class II HDACs and possibly other transcriptional co-regulators are recruited by MEF2. On the other hand, the differential binding between MEF2 and its various partners may confer specific regulatory and functional properties to MEF2 in distinct cellular processes. Such specificity provides a basis for selectively disrupting a particular MEF2/co-regulator complex by mutations or small molecules.
Surveillance of the cost of asthma in the 21st century.

In this issue Sullivan et al present the latest findings from the Medical Expenditures Survey (MEPS) on the economic burden of adult asthma in the United States. TheMEPS is uniquely designed to provide such information. A nationally representative sample of households was monitored periodically over 2 years to track their medical expenditures, utilization, and productivity (eg, daysmissed fromwork or bed days). These data are supplemented by information gathered from the medical providers seen by the MEPS participants. The authors report that adults with asthma incur an additional $1,907 increase per annum in medical costs and that the national medical expenditure attributed to asthma is $18 billion. Is this too much or too little? The data presented in this report do not provide us with an answer. The data do provide a number of important insights into asthma care in the United States and also give us an opportunity to ask whether we are collecting the right data. The pattern of expenditures provides insight into where we are spending the money. In the mid-1980s, hospitalizations were a major driving cost of asthma. In the mid-1990s, the proportion spent on hospitalizations decreased, whereas the cost of medication became the predominant expenditure. The current analysis demonstrates that in the first decade of the 21st century, the mid-1990s pattern remains. What is different is the increasing presence of home health care expense and the decreasing proportion attributed to emergency department visits. This finding is good news because during the last several decades, lack of recognition and treatment were considered major contributors to the burden of asthma in this country. Much effort has been expended to increase the awareness and treatment of asthma, focusing especially on self-management. The pattern of expenditures provides evidence that these efforts are bearing fruit. Now is the time to move beyond simply tracking the pattern of expenditures and ask whether this money is being well spent. Medication expenditures provide one such opportunity. The Expert Panel Report 3 asthma treatment guideline details a series of 6 steps beginning with the use of intermittent short-acting bronchodilators, progressing to low-dose inhaled corticosteroids
Barriers to outdoor physical activity in wintertime among Somali youth.

To identify barriers to outdoor physical activity in winter among Somali youth in Maine. Despite the many proven health benefits of physical activity among children, such as cardiovascular fitness and health status as an adult, there has been a decrease in physical activity among children in recent years. Specifically, children who are of low socio-economic status or are from communities where many immigrants are at increased risk for developing obesity. Immigrants are also less likely to be physically active. There are many potential barriers to wintertime physical activity among Somali youth in Maine, such as lack of financial resources, transportation, proper winter clothing, and appropriate knowledge of winter safety, and language and cultural barriers. For females, different attire required for outdoor activity may be a barrier. Somali parents and children were recruited from Portland, Maine to participate in focus groups led by a trained facilitator with a Somali translator and cultural broker. Transcripts were coded using NVIVO software to identify barriers to physical activity among Somali youth outside in winter. Eight focus groups were conducted. Sixty-one Somali community members were recruited. Participants felt outdoor physical activity is important, but note that it is decreased in winter. Barriers to outdoor activity in winter cited by focus group participants were lack of resources, health concerns, gender barriers for females, and knowledge barriers. Concern over lack of supervision while children play outside was also cited. This study revealed many of the underlying beliefs, barriers and cultural issues that impact Somali families’ intention to be active and ability to be active outdoors in winter. These findings can be used to generate research hypotheses and public health interventions regarding outdoor physical activity among Somali youth.
Online Random Shuffling of Large Database Tables

Many applications require a randomized ordering of input data. Examples include algorithms for online aggregation, data mining, and various randomized algorithms. Most existing work seems to assume that accessing the records from a large database in a randomized order is not a difficult problem. However, it turns out to be extremely difficult in practice. Using existing methods, randomization is either extremely expensive at the front end (as data are loaded), or at the back end (as data are queried). This paper presents a simple file structure which supports both efficient, online random shuffling of a large database, as well as efficient online sampling or randomization of the database when it is queried. The key innovation of our method is the introduction of a small degree of carefully controlled, rigorously monitored nonrandomness into the file
The VU-DBS project: integrated and computer-assisted planning, intra-operative placement, and post-operative programming of deep-brain stimulators.

Movement disorders affect over 5,000,000 people in the United States. Contemporary treatment of these diseases involves high-frequency stimulation through deep brain stimulation (DBS). This form of therapy is offered to patients who have begun to see failure with standard medical therapy and also to patients for which medical therapy is poorly effective. A DBS procedure involves the surgical placement, with millimetric accuracy, of an electrode in the proximity of functional areas referred to as targets. Following the surgical procedure, the implant, which is a multi-contact electrode is programmed to alleviate symptoms while minimizing side effects. Surgical placement of the electrode is difficult because targets of interest are poorly visible in current imaging modalities. Consequently, the process of implantation of a DBS electrode is an iterative procedure. An approximate target position is determined pre-operatively from the position of adjacent structures that are visible in MR images. With the patient awake, this position is then adjusted intra-operatively, which is a lengthy process. The post-surgical programming of the stimulator is an equally challenging and time consuming task, with parameter setting combinations exceeding 4000. This paper reports on the status of the Vanderbilt University DBS Project, which involves the development and clinical evaluation of a system designed to facilitate the entire process from the time of planning to the time of programming.
Upper-limb exercises for stroke patients through the direct engagement of an embodied agent

In this case study, we examine the functional utility of an embodied agent as an interactive medium in stroke rehab. A set of physical rehab exercises is conducted through the direct engagement of an embodied agent, the uBot-5. Based on the preliminary data, we argue that a general-purpose embodied agent has a potential to functionally complement human therapists in providing rehab to stroke patients.
Intragroup Conflict in African–American Leadership: The Case of Tchula, Mississippi

Black electoral leaders in the post-civil rights South have exhibited broad agreement on the nature of the political task of displacing unresponsive white elites from power and directing attention to the previously excluded black constituency. There are a few cases, however, in which the commonly expected solidarity and consensus among the black elected leaders has not occurred, despite intensified hostility from the white elite. In this analysis these circumstances are explored from one small town in Mississippi where blacks won nearly total administrative control in 1977. However, the apparent leadership consensus, though fragile, quickly evaporated, due to conflicts of ideology, class, idiosyncrasy, and racial invidiousness. This ultimately led to administrative paralysis in the allocation and management of scarce political goods. In this town where there were broad disagreements between three sets of political contenders, each sought to dominate the policy process by staffing various public positions. The scarcity of these positions, the diametrically opposed goals of the contenders, and the precariousness of the control exerted even by the administrative leadership produced a hopeless struggle. Eventually the government crumbled. Analysis reveals that the complex sociopolitical environment and certain aspects of the political structure contributed to this breakdown. The rapid development of a tripartite leadership cleavage was hardly accommodated by political structures designed to serve the ends of a racial caste system. The fragility of the political environment and the absence of structural mechanisms for conflict resolution severely diminished the ability of the new leaders to perform. These circumstances are explored by first elaborating the nature of the conflict, describing the parties, and then analyzing several conflict situations and their consequences. In the process this study reveals some of the complexity in analysis black electoral success usually explained by consensus theory. In the present case one sees that when longstanding interracial antagonism is overlaid with intraracial antagonism, conflict theory may prove much more effective in explaining these situations. The approach taken here defines con-
Verifying Systems with Replicated Components in Murphi

We present an extension to the Murϕ verifier to verify systems with replicated identical components. Verification is by explicit state enumeration in an abstract state space where states do not record the exact numbers of components. Through a new datatype, called RepetitiveID, the user can suggest the use of such an abstraction to verify a system of fixed size. Murϕ automatically checks the soundness of the abstract state graph, and automatically constructs the abstract state graph using the system description.
Anesthesia for Thoracoscopy

Provision of anesthesia care to patients undergoing thoracoscopic procedures, especially video-assisted thoracoscopy, requires thorough knowledge of the sur gical procedure and the physiology of one-lung ventila tion, as well as meticulous attention to detail by the anesthesia personnel caring for these patients. Thoracos copy is used increasingly to perform almost the entire range of thoracic surgical procedures in a minimally invasive fashion. Excellent quality anesthetic care is necessary to assure the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to the maximum number of patients undergo ing thoracic surgery. This article will provide anesthesi ologists caring for patients undergoing thoracoscopy with the necessary working knowledge of the technical aspects of the procedure and understanding of the relevant anesthetic implications. Preoperative, intraop erative, and postoperative concerns will be addressed. The scope of this article will be limited to noncardiac uses of thoracoscopy.
Hangman Salen Platforms Containing Dibenzofuran Scaffolds

The synthesis of salen ligands bearing two rigid dibenzofuran spacers functionalized with carboxylic acid and benzoic acid groups completes a series of "Hangman" ligands with the acid functionalities differentially extended across the molecular cleft. Stopped-flow studies show that a hfHih-valerit metal osto Intermediate is produced at Hangman platforms when H 2 O 2 is employed as a primary oxidant. The activity of this oxo species in promoting the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide and olefin epoxidations is discussed in the context of the distance between the acid group and the metal center. The chemistry of the Hangman oxo complexes described here provides a roadmap for water-splitting chemistry.
Optically seeded stimulated Raman scattering of aqueous sulfate microdroplets

Optically seeded, stimulated Raman scattering is demonstrated for 25-μm-radius water droplets containing sulfate. Frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser-excited Stokes radiation from the 3450-cm−1 O–H-stretching vibration of water provides the seed for morphology-dependent stimulated Raman scattering from the ν1 vibration of sulfate that is excited by a dye laser. Seeding enhances the otherwise weaker signal for low concentrations of the anion, thereby reducing the solute detection limit, by a method that does not require changing of the droplet composition.
Structural proteins of the Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans bacteriophage øAa

oAa is an A1 morphotype bacteriophage which infects certain strains of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis of dissociated, purified phi Aa particles revealed 7 major structural proteins (P1-P7) ranging in size from 17.5 to 52.7 kilodaltons (Kd). Treatment of the intact phage particles with 67% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) resulted in the separation of the virion head and tail subunits. Purification of the head subunits was accomplished by sucrose density gradient centrifugation of the DMSO-treated phage particles. The purified head subunits were composed of a single protein having an electrophoretic mobility which corresponded to a 39.5 Kd protein (P3) of the intact virus. Raising the pH of a purified phi Aa suspension to 12.7 disrupted the head subunits, as well as the tail tube and tail fibers, releasing intact contractile tail sheaths. The tail sheaths were collected by centrifugation. The purified tail sheaths were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and were found to be composed of two proteins (P1 and P2) having molecular weights of 52.7 and 41.2 Kd respectively. The location of each of the 4 remaining major structural proteins in the phi Aa virion remains to be determined.
How well do patients report noncompliance with antihypertensive medications?: a comparison of self-report versus filled prescriptions

Purpose To address poor patient compliance with antihypertensives, clinicians and researchers need accurate measures of adherence with prescribed regimens. Although self-reports are often the only means available in routine practice, their accuracy and agreement with other data sources remain questionable. Methods A telephone survey was conducted on 200 hypertensive patients treated with a single antihypertensive agent in a large health maintenance organization (HMO) or a Veterans Affairs medical center (VAMC) to obtain self-reports of the frequency of missing antihypertensive therapy. We then analyzed records of all filled prescriptions to calculate the number of days that patients actually had antihypertensive medications available for use. Agreement between the two data sources was measured with correlation coefficients and kappa statistics. Logistic regression models were used to identify demographic, clinical and psychosocial correlates of overstating compliance. Results There was very poor agreement between self-reported compliance and days actually covered by filled prescriptions (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.15; 95%CI: 0.01, 0.28). Very poor agreement was also observed between a categorical measure of self-reported compliance (ever vs. never missing a dose) and categories of actual compliance defined by filled prescriptions ( 80% of days covered; kappa = 0.12, 95%CI: −0.02, 0.26). Surprisingly, few factors were associated with inaccurate self-reporting in either crude or adjusted analyses; fewer visits to health care providers was significantly associated with overstating compliance. Conclusions Compliance was markedly overstated in this sample of patients and few characteristics identified those who reported more versus less accurately. Clinicians and researchers who rely on self-reports should be aware of these limits and should take steps to enhance their accuracy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.