cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intramuscular 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate administration attenuates immunoresponsiveness of maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Objective 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) may decrease risk of prematurity by suppressing maternal immunity. We hypothesized that in vivo 17P treatment attenuates immunoresponsiveness of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Study Design Study subjects were gravidas receiving weekly prophylactic intramuscular 17P injections. Peripheral blood samples were obtained at 21-27 weeks' gestation. Gestational age–matched, drug-naive gravidas served as controls. To simulate infection, isolated PBMCs were stimulated with lipoteichoic acid (LTA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Extracellular interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations were quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Unstimulated IL-6 levels were comparable in PBMCs derived from drug-naive and 17P-treated subjects. LPS and LTA induced a dose-dependent elevation of IL-6 in control PBMCs. In patients who received exogenous 17P, LPS, and LTA stimulated induction of IL-6 was significantly decreased compared with controls (P = .005 and P = .02). Conclusion In vivo 17P attenuated immunoreactivity of PBMCs in our in vitro model of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial infection.
An auditory prompting device for behavior observation.

Abstract Hardware is described for an auditory prompting device useful in behavior observation. It facilitates systematic sampling of behavior in time and the accurate indication of short time intervals. The device produces a brief click, audible only to the observer, at regular intervals from 1 to 30 sec. The device is lightweight, allows observer mobility, and is unobtrusive. Synchronized observations by two or more persons are possible.
The Selection of Recombinant Binary Plasmids Generated by Gateway ® LR Cloning in the Escherichia coli Strain C2110

Gateway® cloning is widely used in molecular biology laboratories. Various binary vectors used for Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation have been modified as destination vectors that are convenient for the sub-cloning of targeted genes from Entry plasmids. However, when the destination and Entry plasmids have the same antibiotic resistance genes for bacterial selection, the non-recombinant Entry plasmid in the LR reaction mixture can compete with the recombinant destination plasmid during bacterial transformation and selection. Methods for the effective selection of recombinant destination plasmids are highly desirable. In this study, we demonstrated that Escherichia coli strain C2110, which is defective in DNA polymerase I (pAL1), could be used to select a recombinant binary destination plasmid with a RK2 replication origin, while the replication of the Entry plasmid with a ColE1 replication origin was inhibited. Plasmid DNA isolated from C2110 by a traditional mini-prep kit was used for restriction enzyme digestion, DNA sequencing, and Arabidopsis protoplast transfection. The binary plasmid in C2110 was also efficiently mobilized into Agrobacterium tumefaciens via the tri-parental conjugation method.
The effects of early identification and c counseling of underachievers

Abstract This study examined the effects of early identification and psychological services on underachievement. One hundred and forty-three fourth grade underachievers were identified through a regression equation and divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received psychological services during their fourth, fifth, and sixth grades from a team of university professors. Psychological services were primarily adult centered, focusing on the redirection of the parents and teachers of these children. Follow-up studies of these subjects indicated that among the 12 evaluative criteria used, the experimental subjects' performance excelled the control group on 10. The .10 level of significance was reached for five of these categories.
Direct Analysis of the Ion-Hopping Process Associated with the α-Relaxation in Perfluorosulfonate Ionomers Using Quasielastic Neutron Scattering†

This work demonstrates the ability of quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) to measure the dynamics associated with counterions in perfluorosulfonate ionomers (PFSIs). PFSI membranes were prepared by neutralizing with hydrogenated alkyl ammonium counterions. Counterion dynamics were measured using the High-Flux Backscattering Spectrometer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Center for Neutron Research (NCNR). Long-range mobility of the counterions was closely linked with the α-relaxation in these materials measured by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The counterion motions in the membrane were found to follow a mechanism of random jump-diffusion within a confined spatial region with diffusion coefficients on the order of 10−7 cm2 s−1. These data are presented along with variable temperature X-ray scattering investigations of the melting behavior of these materials. Altogether, the data presented here show the link between the onset of long-range counterion mobility and the mech...
Structure-preserving model reduction of passive and quasi-active neurons

The spatial component of input signals often carries information crucial to a neuron's function, but models mapping synaptic inputs to the transmembrane potential can be computationally expensive. Existing reduced models of the neuron either merge compartments, thereby sacrificing the spatial specificity of inputs, or apply model reduction techniques that sacrifice the underlying electrophysiology of the model. We use Krylov subspace projection methods to construct reduced models of passive and quasi-active neurons that preserve both the spatial specificity of inputs and the electrophysiological interpretation as an RC and RLC circuit, respectively. Each reduced model accurately computes the potential at the spike initiation zone (SIZ) given a much smaller dimension and simulation time, as we show numerically and theoretically. The structure is preserved through the similarity in the circuit representations, for which we provide circuit diagrams and mathematical expressions for the circuit elements. Furthermore, the transformation from the full to the reduced system is straightforward and depends on intrinsic properties of the dendrite. As each reduced model is accurate and has a clear electrophysiological interpretation, the reduced models can be used not only to simulate morphologically accurate neurons but also to examine computations performed in dendrites.
Colleague Relations among Middle School Teachers in Two 9-13 Years Institutions

The nature of colleague relations among middle school teachers is an important consideration in understanding their situation and comprehending the limits and possibilities of middle school education. Given that colleagues relations among middle school teachers may serve as "a valuable resource for establishing and maintaining high levels of professional effectiveness in teaching" (Doyle & Olszewski, 1975: 278), it seems useful to explore the nature of such relations (see also Hargreaves, 1972: 402). The pattern of interaction among teachers tends to be characterized by the emergence of subgroups (Eddy, 1969; Levy, 1970; Lortie, 1975; McPherson, 1972; Metz, 1978; Warren, 1970). The bases upon which subgroups form among middle school teachers should indicate how teachers are responding to the challenge of forging a new form of schooling. This paper focuses on four issues concerning the bases of teacher subgroups which are relevant to ongoing discussions about middle schools. (For a more complete report of the research findings drawn upon herein, including a discussion of other bases of teacher subgroups, see Ginsburg, 1979.) These issues can be summarized in terms of the extent to which each of the following factors constitutes a significant basis for teacher subgroups, i.e., the extent to which each factor identifies a boundary for staff interaction patterns, in middle schools: 1. Whether previous teaching experience was mostly at the secondary, primary, or middle school level; 2. Formally organized year group team membership; 3. Whether current teaching assignment is with students above or below the 11 + division, which in the case of 9-13 institutions translates, respectively, into the top versus the bottom two years; and 4. Position within the formal status hierarchy of the school.
Protein and DNA sequence determinants of thermophilic adaptation.

There have been considerable attempts in the past to relate phenotypic trait—habitat temperature of organisms—to their genotypes, most importantly compositions of their genomes and proteomes. However, despite accumulation of anecdotal evidence, an exact and conclusive relationship between the former and the latter has been elusive. We present an exhaustive study of the relationship between amino acid composition of proteomes, nucleotide composition of DNA, and optimal growth temperature (OGT) of prokaryotes. Based on 204 complete proteomes of archaea and bacteria spanning the temperature range from −10 °C to 110 °C, we performed an exhaustive enumeration of all possible sets of amino acids and found a set of amino acids whose total fraction in a proteome is correlated, to a remarkable extent, with the OGT. The universal set is Ile, Val, Tyr, Trp, Arg, Glu, Leu (IVYWREL), and the correlation coefficient is as high as 0.93. We also found that the G + C content in 204 complete genomes does not exhibit a significant correlation with OGT (R = −0.10). On the other hand, the fraction of A + G in coding DNA is correlated with temperature, to a considerable extent, due to codon patterns of IVYWREL amino acids. Further, we found strong and independent correlation between OGT and the frequency with which pairs of A and G nucleotides appear as nearest neighbors in genome sequences. This adaptation is achieved via codon bias. These findings present a direct link between principles of proteins structure and stability and evolutionary mechanisms of thermophylic adaptation. On the nucleotide level, the analysis provides an example of how nature utilizes codon bias for evolutionary adaptation to extreme conditions. Together these results provide a complete picture of how compositions of proteomes and genomes in prokaryotes adjust to the extreme conditions of the environment.
A comparison of colloid-contaminant C18-based isolation techniques using PCB contaminated humic substances and interstitial water

Abstract The bioavailability of sediment contaminants may be reduced by the presence of interstitial colloids; therefore, being able to efficiently isolate colloidal phase contaminants is important to predicting adverse biological effects. Reverse phase chromatography performed on laboratory-packed C 18 columns has shown promise for isolating colloid-associated contaminants from marine sediment interstitial waters. This study investigated the effects of the stationary phase particle-size on the distribution of colloidal and freely-dissolved contaminants using C 18 material coated on particles 0.075 and 3.0 mm in diameter. Comparisons were performed with PCB-spiked humic and fulvic acid solutions and environmentally contaminated sediment interstitial waters. Similar partition coefficients were generated for approximately 50 PCB congeners using the 0.075 and 3.0 mm particles with humic acid solution and interstitial water but not the fulvic acid solution which differed greatly. However, the method using 3.0 mm C 18 particles demonstrated a hysical break-down or ‘shattering’ of the particles which interfered with the chromatography. This evaluation showed that use of 0.075 mm particles for performing laboratory packed column chromatography to separate freely-dissolved and colloidal phases is the superior method.
CXXX. On the discharge of electricity between equipotential plates

Investigation has been made of the discharge of electricity between parallel and equipotential plates which form the cathode of a discharge-tube. Important phenomena connected with the discharge ar...
Clip Reconstruction and Sling Wrapping of a Fusiform Aneurysm: Technical Note

OBJECTIVE: To describe an alternative method of clip reconstruction and wrapping of fusiform aneurysms that provides structural support for the reconstructed parent artery or residual aneurysm. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old woman with an unruptured distal middle cerebral artery fusiform aneurysm underwent surgical treatment via a pterional craniotomy. TECHNIQUE: A right-angled titanium clip was used to obliterate the aneurysm and to clip reconstruct the parent vessel, which was composed of a single inflow and outflow vessel. After the aneurysm was decompressed with a fine-gauge needle, the remnant/parent artery was wrapped with a thin layer of muslin gauze followed by circumferential application of the Gore-Tex (W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc., Flagstaff, AZ) sling. Finally, a second right-angled aneurysm clip was applied to the free ends of the sling immediately adjacent to the parent vessel while the sling was cinched against the parent vessel. This maneuver allowed the Gore-Tex material to buttress the reconstructed vessel circumferentially. CONCLUSION: Clip reconstruction with a Gore-Tex sling preserves the parent vessel and simultaneously buttresses the reconstructed vessel wall with radial forces provided by the Gore-Tex material. This method is a novel alternative to conventional methods for the treatment of fusiform aneurysms.
Reserpine, gastric secretion, and peptic ulcer.

1. Single, orally administered doses (0.25 mg. to 0.5 mg.) of reserpine such as are used in the management of hypertension, stimulate HCl secretion only mildly; this effect is prevented by simultaneous administration of a therapeutic dose of an anticholinergic drug. Prolonged therapy with reserpine in these doses does not lead to gastric hypersecretion.
Alcohol-related visits to the emergency department by injured adolescents: a national perspective.

Abstract Purpose Alcohol use is a risk factor for injury in adolescents. Many injured adolescents require treatment in emergency departments (EDs). The present study was intended to explore this association between adolescent alcohol use and injury-related ED visits using the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), a nationally representative probability sample of visits to EDs. Methods This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study using data from NHAMCS for 2001 through 2004. ED visits by injured adolescents aged 13–20 years whose visits were determined by NHAMCS coders to be related to alcohol were compared with visits by those whose visits were determined not related to alcohol. Specific variables of interest included demographic and medical characteristics of visits. Results Our analyses indicated that there were several visit-related characteristics that were associated with alcohol-related ED visits, including time of visit, type of health insurance, and geographic location of the ED. Similarly, there were a number of patient-related characteristics that were also associated with alcohol-related visits to the ED, including patient acuity and injury intentionality. Conclusions Our findings suggest that injured adolescents are more likely to present to the ED with an alcohol-related visit during the early hours of the morning, that the injury is more likely to be assault related and of higher acuity than non–alcohol-related visits. These findings suggest the ED as a potential site for alcohol prevention interventions with younger adolescents. However, these interventions will need to take into account when such adolescents will present to the ED and will need also to recognize that factors such as violence and aggression, in addition to alcohol use, may be important issues to address in the intervention.
ORAL ABSORPTION OF ANTI – AIDS NUCLEOSIDE ANALOGUES. 1. INTESTINAL TRANSPORT OF DIDANOSINE IN RAT AND RABBIT PREPARATIONS

Abstract The intestinal transport of didanosine (ddl), a nucleoside analog used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, was characterized using in situ and in vitro techniques. The zero-trans uptake of ddl in rat intestinal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) was linear over the range of 1 μ M to 50 mM, ruling out a significant carrier-mediated absorption component. The lack of carrier-mediated transport was confirmed in a second species (rabbit). In order to quantitate the convective ( P conv ) and diffusive ( P diff ) components of ddl intestinal permeability, the steady state wall permeability ( P w ) was determined using an established perfusion technique in rats. Even though baseline P w (pH 6.5, 290 mosm/kg, no modulator) and fluid absorption results were similar to those of furosemide, the ratios (ddl:furosemide) of P diff and o, the sieving coefficient, were 0.31:1 and 1.70:1, respectively, demonstrating that ddl's P diff is low and P conv is high relative to furosemide's, suggesting significant paracellular absorption of ddl. The apparent diffusive absorptive clearances ( P app ) of ddl and furosemide were determined in BBMV, which lack functional tight junctions, and the ratios (ddl:furosemide) of P app in rat and rabbit were 0.23:1 and 0.24:1, respectively. The BBMV results demonstrate that the majority of ddl intestinal transport does not occur by passive membrane diffusion, confirming the single pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) findings. The results of these studies suggest that ddl is transported by nonfacilitated membrane and paracellular diffusion with paracellular transport being responsible for the majority of ddl absorption from the intestine.
Mechanisms for thrombolysis-induced increases in procoagulant and proinflammatory activity

Summary Pharmacologic thrombolysis has substantially improved the outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction. Whether additional significant reductions in morbidity and mortality can be achieved by attenuating recurrent thrombosis or reperfusion injury remains to be demonstrated in clinical trials. Recent data suggest that administration of fibrinolytic agents in patients with acute myocardial infarction may potentiate procoagulant and proinflammatory activity. The results of experimental studies suggest that there is the potential for further improvements in the success of coronary thrombolysis by inhibiting plasmin-mediated mechanisms for activation of the coagulation and complement systems.
Comparison of two antigen detection techniques for group A streptococcal pharyngitis in a pediatric emergency department.

Test d'agglutination de particules de latex et immunodosage enzymatique. La deuxieme technique donne de meilleurs resultats, mais le resultat peut etre negatif alors que la culture est positive
The effect of the synthetic lecithin analogue, dimethyl-DL-2, 3-distearolyoxypropyl-2'hydroxylethylammonium acetate, on cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity.

AbstractThe effect of the synthetic lecithin analogue, dimethyl-DL-2, 3-distearolyoxypropyl-2′hydroxylethylammonium acetate, on CTL cytolytic activity was studied. The analogue significantly inhibits H-2b anti H-2d cytolytic T lymphocytes at concentrations which do not impair lymphocyte viability, protein synthesis, or RNA synthesis. At these concentrations the inhibition is reversible upon removing the analogue. Thus, the inhibition produced by analogue simply is not a result of analogue toxicity. At higher concentrations of the analogue, CTL inhibition is very pronounced; however at these higher concentrations there is evidence of nonspecific toxicity of the analogue on CTL.
Renal clearance of fluoride.

SummaryFluoride in dog plasma was completely ultrafilterable through visking membranes when tested using the centrifuge type apparatus. In dogs with a normal water load, the average normal renal fluoride clearance was 2.7 ml/min.; the fluoride : chloride clearance ratio, 19; and the fluoride : creatin-ine clearance ratio, 0.077. Fluoride clearance was more rapid than that of simultaneously measured sodium or chloride clearances or urine flow. During mannitol diuresis, fluoride was cleared at a rate higher than that of sodium, chloride, or phosphate. Fluoride clearance, although greater than urinary flow, varied directly with the flow under mannitol osmotic diuresis. Intravenous infusion of hy-pertonic NaNO3 or Na2SO4 solutions, creating a salt diuresis, did not affect fluoride excretion. Hypertonic NaCl infusion did increase the fluoride clearance. Although fluoride : creatinine clearance ratios were raised greatly by intravenous fluoride, the highest ratios were attained during fluoride infusion plus osm...
A Golgi study of the superficial pyramidal cells in the somatosensory cortex of socially reared old adult rats

Following a series of investigations into the appearance of the basal dendritic skirt of pyramidal cells in the supragranular layers of the occipital cortex of the aged rat, we now extend our findings to the somatosensory cortex of these same animals. Specifically, the total number of dendritic branches increased from 414 to 630 days of age due primarily to an increase in third and sixth order branches. The total number of branchless segments which we have suggested may be a vestige of a portion of the dendritic tree was greater in the 414-day-old group than in the 630-day-old group. The dendritic density was also measured in four specific ranges from the soma (0 to 50 μm, 50 to 100 μm, 100 to 150 μm, 150 to 200 μm). Only the 50 to 100-μm range did not show an increase in density with age. By utilizing an orientation factor in the concentric circle analysis, the increase in dendritic density for the range nearest the soma was found to be only in the upper sector of the dendritic domain. This suggests a shift in the dendritic tree away from the region of primary input in layer IV toward the pial surface. We consider that the increases in dendritic parameters measured are a compensatory-type growth as we earlier suggested in the occipital cortex. The functional meaning of this growth remains undetermined.
Fluid Flow and Defect Formation in the Three-Dimensional Dendritic Structure of Nickel-Based Single Crystals

Fluid flow within the dendritic structure at the solid–liquid interface in nickel-based superalloys has been studied in two directionally solidified alloy systems. Millimeter-scale, three-dimensional (3D) datasets of dendritic structure have been collected by serial sectioning, and the reconstructed mushy zones have been used as domains for fluid-flow modeling. Flow permeability and the influence of dendritic structure on flow patterns have been investigated. Permeability analyses indicate that the cross flow normal to the withdrawal direction limits the development of flow instabilities. Local Rayleigh numbers calculated using the permeabilities extracted from the 3D dataset are higher than predicted by conventional empirical calculations in the regions of the mushy zone that are prone to the onset of convective instabilities. The ability to measure dendrite surface area in 3D volumes permit improved prediction of permeability as well.
Intramolecular quantum chaos in doped helium nanodroplets

Abstract A mass spectrometric depletion spectrum (17 700–18 300 cm −1 ) is reported for NO 2 in superfluid (0.37 K) helium nanodroplets. Gas phase NO 2 is believed to be vibronically chaotic at these energies. Transitions are broadened and blue-shifted relative to their gas phase counterparts. The spectrum is fitted reasonably well by setting all of the widths and shifts equal to 7 cm −1 . Modest dispersions (i.e., 90% lie within 2 cm −1 of the central values) are consistent with quantum chaos in NO 2 . Relaxation is dominated by interactions of NO 2 with its non-superfluid helium nearest neighbors.
Choice of bond dissociation enthalpies on which to base the stabilization energies of simple radicals: DH(R-H) is preferred because DH(R-Me) and DH(R-R) are perturbed by changes in chain branching.

The relative stabilization energies of radicals, SE(R•), along the simple series methyl/ethyl/isopropyl/tert-butyl are known to vary in spread and even direction dependent on which dissociation enthalpies, DH(R−X), are used for their definition. Using a highly electronegative X is recognized as unwise, but it is not clear that using X = Me or X = R itself might not be preferred over the almost universal use of X = H. The enthalpies of formal isomerization of C4 radical pairs that vary only in the substitution pattern at the radical center but not in carbon skeleton confirm that X = H is indeed the better choice. Comparisons in the context of recent predictive models for alkane and radical stability indicate that, while relative DH(R−H) values highlight the desired difference in substitution pattern at the radical center, relative DH(R−Me) values are perturbed by differences in skeletal branching or protobranching which are well-known to affect thermochemistry. As a result, SE(R•) values derived from relat...
Dynamics of the acousto‐optic effect in a nematic liquid crystal

In a nematic liquid crystal cell, the application of an ultrasonic wave induces a rotation of the director, leading to a change in the optical transmission through the cell. In this study, we investigate the dynamic response of the optical intensity after the ultrasonic wave is switched on or off. Our experiments show that the optical intensity follows a double‐exponential function of time, indicating that the system has two relaxation modes with widely different time scales. The fast mode has an amplitude and time scale qualitatively consistent with the dynamics of the Freedericksz transition, but the slow mode shows novel behaviour associated with the acousto‐optic effect.
The vanadium-platinum constitution diagram

The system V-Pt was investigated over the entire composition range by metallography, X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe studies. There are at least four equilibrium intermediate phases in this system and they are stable to progressively higher temperatures with increasing vanadium concentration. The phases which have been observed are: γ′, cubic, Cu3Au type; θ, tetragonal, TiAl3 type; δ, orthorhombic, MoPt2 type; ζ, orthorhombic, AuCd type; and β, cubic, Cr3Si type (A15). The gg′ phase is possibly metastable. A very stable ribbon-like growth of ζ phase in the fcc platinum terminal solid solution has been observed in alloys containing about 43 at. pct V. The platinum terminal solid solution forms a congruent melting maximum at about 1805°C. A eutectic reaction occurs at 1720° ± 10°C and a peritectic reaction is indicated at 1800° ± 10°C. Vanadium is soluble in the fcc platinum terminal solid solution up to about 57 at. pct at 1720°C. Platinum dissolves only to the extent of about 12 at. pct at 1800°C in bcc α-V.
Purification, Microsequencing, and Immunolocalization of p36, a New Interferon-α-induced Protein That Is Associated with Human Lupus Inclusions

The trace interferon-alpha-induced protein, p36, was induced in Raji cells in association with lupus inclusions. It was solubilized in a nonionic detergent buffer, enriched by differential centrifugation and by preparative isoelectric focusing, and purified to homogeneity on two-dimensional protein gels. Failure to obtain N-terminal amino acid sequence, however, suggested a blocked alpha-amino group. Sequences of six tryptic peptides, 13-19 amino acids in length, were obtained after digestion, microbore-high performance liquid chromotography purification, and chemical sequence analysis. None of the six sequences, which represented approximately 25% of the entire protein, shared any meaningful homologies with entries in protein sequence repositories. Raji-cell p36 was shown in Western blots with antipeptide antibodies to be induced at least 400-fold and by immunofluorescence microscopy to co-localize with the endoplasmic reticulum resident protein, protein disulfide isomerase. These results show that p36 is a new interferon-alpha-induced protein that localizes in the endoplasmic reticulum, the cell region in which the lupus inclusions form, and that p36 is probably physically associated with the lupus inclusions.
The relation of aggregate statistics on beliefs to culture and cognition

Abstract This paper examines a tradition of empirical research that attempts to infer the existence of some form of cognitive ordering of beliefs by using aggregate data from some sample of respondents. This approach is called ‘associationist’ in that the non-independence between two or more beliefs in the aggregate is taken as an indicator of the cognitive association between these beliefs within the mind of a respondent. This cognitive order is generally envisioned as a latent but real connection between two cognitive elements, such that a change in one will produce a psychic impetus towards a change in the other. The associationist approach has been marred by two fundamental paradoxes: first, the conception of cognitive association that is relied upon is one having to do with change, while the model of the belief system that goes along with this is fundamentally static; second, an aggregate property is used as the basis of statements about individual cognition, while that property (non-independence) tends to disappear as we approach the individual level. In this paper, I propose that this research tradition can be salvaged by examining the dispersion of persons in a multidimensional space of potential beliefs; the absence of uniformity in this distribution is then indicative of some form of social organization, which may be quantified and/or described. I also argue that, far from being a compositional artifact that must be ignored when understanding the cognitive portion of beliefs, the social distribution of persons in a belief space is itself what must be the referent of the word ‘belief’ in any sociological sense; our ability to form beliefs is inseparable from our understandings of our position in the social world with its adjacencies, hierarchies, and oppositions.
Unstable resonator with aspherical mirrors

The geometric analysis of unstable optical resonators is extended to include mirrors with aspherical surfaces. This leads to a functional equation for the wave front of the geometric mode in terms of the mirror surface figures. In an example case, a solution is obtained for the aspherical feedback mirror required to produce a desired aspherical-output wave front, and the equivalent Fresnel number is calculated as a function of mirror aperture. Various possible uses of aspherical mirrors in unstable resonators are suggested.
Insulin Use in NIDDM

The effects of insulin treatment on the pathophysiology of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) are reviewed herein. Short-term studies indicate variable and partial reduction in excessive hepatic glucose output, decrease in insulin resistance, and enhancement of beta-cell function. These beneficial actions may be due to a decrease in secondary glucose toxicity rather than a direct attack on the primary abnormality. Insulin should be used as initial treatment of new-onset NIDDM in the presence of ketosis, significant diabetes-induced weight loss (despite residual obesity), and severe hyperglycemic symptoms. In diet-failure patients, prospective randomized studies comparing insulin to sulfonylurea treatment show approximately equal glycemic outcomes or a slight advantage to insulin. A key goal of insulin therapy is to normalize the fasting plasma glucose level. In contrast to the conventional use of morning injections of intermediate- and long-acting insulin, preliminary studies suggest potential advantages of administering the same insulins only at bedtime. Obese patients may require several hundred units of insulin daily and still not achieve satisfactory control. In some, addition of a sulfonylurea to insulin may reduce hyperglycemia, the insulin dose, or both. However, long-term benefits from such combination therapy remain to be demonstrated conclusively. Established adverse effects of insulin treatment in NIDDM are hypoglycemia, particularly in the elderly, and weight gain. Self-monitoring of blood glucose can identify patients in whom excessive weight gain is caused by subtle hypoglycemia. Whether insulin causes weight gain by direct effects on appetite or energy utilization remains controversial. A potential adverse effect of insulin has been suggested by epidemiological studies showing associations between hyperinsulinemia or insulin resistance and increased risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, and hypertension. Although potential mechanisms for an atherogenic action of insulin exist, current evidence does not prove cause and effect and does not warrant withholding insulin therapy (or compromising on dosage) when it is needed.
The Naturalness of Dying

Evidence that dying occurs as a natural, final event in the wholeness of human life is culturally, artistically, and scientifically persuasive. Very elderly patients eventually undergo a process of functional declines, progressive apathy, and loss of willingness to eat and drink that culminates in death, even in the absence of acute illness or severe chronic disease. Despite clinical resemblances to depression and dementia, aging itself and a loss of will to live are the most probable explanations for natural dying. Acceptance of the naturalness of dying, however, directly conflicts with the medicalization and legalization of death that characterizes modern society's treatment of dying elderly patients. We prefer instead to believe that dying results from disease and injury, which may yield to advances in medical technology. The progressive move of the dying out of the home and into acute and long-term care facilities suggests that medicalization may be an irreversible process. Viewing dying as an independent diagnosis in patients who are obviously undergoing terminal declines from aging and chronic diseases can facilitate communication about spiritual and palliative care needs, which tend to be neglected in the medicalized view of dying. Physicians and nurses may need to assume the role of medical stewardship to help prevent the overtreatment and overtesting of modern medicine's approach to the dying. The emotional burdens of caring for the dying elderly, however, must be addressed openly through collaborative work, institutional policies on limitation of treatment, and support building among physicians and other caregivers. (JAMA. 1995;273:1039-1043)
New approaches for developing high-performance solid-dynamic simulation systems

Abstract Large solid-dynamic shock-wave physics simulations pose a difficult challenge to current shared-memory vector supercomputer capabilities. Massively parallel computing promises to provide the brute compute power to dramatically reduce the time needed to perform these simulations. However, many software developers foresee a future customer base with access to a wide variety of parallel computing platforms. A major challenge will be to build, at an acceptable cost, a high-performance simulation software environment which can effectively utilize serial, vector and parallel machines of various types. In an era of increased competitiveness, every means must be found to improve quality and decrease both development and maintenance costs. Developing and maintaining large scientific software systems using FORTRAN technology may not be the optimal solution for all developers. Software technologies such as the object-oriented language, C++, provide an opportunity to develop scientific simulation systems in a robust software engineering environment. Such systems, if well designed, have excellent portability and are easily optimized for a variety of architectures. In addition many scientific software developers are looking to commercially available software components to provide improved productivity and quality. Many of these well-designed software toolkits are or will be written in C++. CTH is a major production solid-dynamics simulation code developed by Sandia National Laboratories. The code is used extensively by other government laboratories and contractors. It was originally written in FORTRAN 77 with a focus on performance for the CRAY shared-memory vector architecture. A next generation code, parallel CTH (PCTH), is currently being developed for serial, vector and massively parallel computers with a major emphasis on portability and the utilization of commercially available software components for database generation and graphics. Major portions of the PCTH system are written in the object-oriented language C++. Trade-offs and considerations for developing scientific software in an object-oriented software environment are discussed.
THE MONOMIAL METHOD: EXTENSIONS, VARIATIONS, AND PERFORMANCE ISSUES

The monomial method solves systems of non-linear algebraic equations by constructing a sequence of approximating monomial (single-term polynomial) systems, much as Newton's method generates a sequence of linear systems to do this. Since the monomial system becomes linear through a logarithmic transformation of variables, the monomial method can be considered to be an alternative linearization scheme. Although the monomial method is closely related to Newton's method, it exhibits many special invariance properties not shared by Newton's method that enhance performance. This paper first briefly reviews the monomial method and its special properties. Two new versions of the algorithm are presented, both of which, are simplified and computationally more efficient to implement in comparison to the original algorithm. The monomial method is also extended to apply to certain non-algebraic systems. Since the monomial method can be interpreted as Newton's method applied to a three-part reformulation of the algebraic system, graphical experiments are presented which investigate the role that each part of the reformulation plays in contributing to the enchanced performance. Finally, instances in which difficulties have arisen using the monomial method are discussed.
EXPERIMENTS AND COMPUTATIONS OF ROLL TORQUE INDUCED BY VORTEX-FIN INTERACTION

An experiment was conducted in Arnold Engineering Development Center's 16-ft transonic wind tunnel to measure the dependency of vortex-induced counter torque upon J (the ratio of spin motor jet dynamic pres- sure to freestream dynamic pressure), Mach number, Reynolds number, angle of attack and roll orientation, spin motor nozzle configuration, and fin cant angle. Counter torque data and Laser Vapor Screen images confirm that J is the dominant parameter for correlating counter torque produced by a given vehicle configura- tion, flight condition, angle of attack and roll orienta- tion. At M = 0.8 (with no shock waves in the flow), we observed a monotonic variation of the counter torque coefficient CCT with J that is independent of Reynolds number but dependent on angle of attack and the orientation of the fins with respect to the spin motor nozzle azimuthal location. At M = 0.95 and 1.1, meas- ured values of CCT were strongly influenced by changes in Reynolds number, suggesting that shock-boundary layer interaction may be present. Nomenclature A model cross-sectional area CCT counter torque coefficient, Eq. 4 CP center of pressure CT counter torque due to vortex-fin interaction D model diameter J plume-freestream interaction parameter,
Vanadium Hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate Complexes of Diphenyl Phosphate. Homometallic Trimeric Complexes of the [LV{(PhO)2PO2}3]- Fragment

The synthesis and characterization of two linear trinuclear V(III) complexes are described: 1, [LV(μ-(PhO)2PO2)3-V-(μ-(PhO)2PO2)3VL]PF6, and 2, LV(μ-(PhO)2PO2)2(μ-OH)V(μ-(PhO)2PO2)2(μ-OH)VL]ClO4, ...
Nitric oxide modulates angiotensin II–induced drinking behavior in the near-term ovine fetus

Abstract Objective: Human and ovine fetuses demonstrate an enhanced rate of spontaneous and angiotensin II–stimulated swallowing. Angiotensin II and nitric oxide synthase have been localized to thirst centers in the brain. This study was performed to determine whether central nitric oxide contributes to the regulation of angiotensin II–induced fetal swallowing. Study Design: Six pregnant ewes with near-term singleton fetuses were chronically prepared with fetal vascular and lateral ventricle catheters and electrocorticogram and esophageal electromyogram electrodes. After a 2-hour control period, fetuses were administered serial lateral ventricle injections (1 mL) of angiotensin II (3.2 μg; time, 2 hours) and N ω-nitro-L -arginine methyl ester (3 mg; time, 3 hours) and a repeat angiotensin II injection (3.2 μg; time, 5 hours). All fetuses received an additional control study of lateral ventricle injections of artificial cerebrospinal fluid on a previous day. Results: Angiotensin II injection significantly increased mean ± SEM fetal swallowing (0.9 ± 0.1 to 2.7 ± 0.4 swallows/min). N ω-nitro-L -arginine methyl ester significantly decreased fetal swallowing to below the basal rate (0.4 ± 0.1 swallows/min), and swallowing did not increase with the second angiotensin II dose (in the presence of nitric oxide blockade). Conclusions: These results demonstrate that inhibition of central nitric oxide suppresses fetal swallowing behavior in response to central angiotensin II. We speculate that tonic nitric oxide facilitates angiotensin II swallowing stimulation by maintenance of glutamate activation of hypothalamic N -methyl-D -aspartate receptors. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:713-9.)
Functional evaluation of an event detection ensemble to detect anomalous system behavior

Abstract Surveillance systems are established to manage the complexity of ensuring processes of interest behave as expected. They are formed in response to public demand that systems—natural and human-made—be predictable, managed, and under control. This paper examines the functionality of an event detection ensemble used to detect anomalous conditions a system of interest may exhibit. The event detection ensemble consists of an agent and its associated sensors, models, and detectors. In addition, the subsystem is presented in the broader context of a generalized surveillance design framework. A logical organization of components is presented as well as a demonstration implementation scheme. The event detection ensemble is evaluated for functionality using two hypothetical test cases representing real-world applications. Event signatures based upon prediction, extrapolation, and domain discrepancies are characterized and simulated. In addition, a radial basis neural network is employed to create a model capable of distinguishing these types of discrepancies. Finally, application and benefits of this design approach is discussed with respect to designing surveillance systems for human-made and natural systems. Discussion includes how this design framework can be applied to detect events in a wide array of industrial engineering applications.
Q-Markov covariance equivalent realization and its application to flexible structure identification

The Q-Markov covariance equivalent realization algorithm is applied to NASA's Minimast structure to identify state-space models for the purpose of designing closed-loop controllers, and laboratory test results are shown for the identification and for the closed-loop performance. The paper also presents for the first time a deterministic formulation of covariance parameters from a pulse response, a stochastic formulation of Markov parameters from a white-noise response, and a simple Q-Markov covariance equivalent realization formulation. This requires only pulse laboratory tests or only white-noise laboratory tests to generate Q-Markov covariance equivalent realizations.
Chemical stability of vanadium boride with aluminum

Abstract The stability of r.f.-sputtered vanadium boride thin films is investigated for application as diffusion barriers between silicon and aluminum layers. The composition of VB x barriers is uniform in depth and varies from x = 1.5 to x = 2.7 depending on the sputtering power. The phase VB 2 is present at all compositions. Metallurgical interactions in the Si/VB 2.0 /Al and SiO 2 /VB 2.0 /Al systems are studied by backscattering spectrometry and electrical measurements on shallow n + p junctions. We find that VB 2.0 films prevent the interdiffusion and reaction between aluminum overlayers and silicon on heat treatment at up to 500°C for 30 min in vacuum.
In Vivo Consequences of Disrupting SH3-Mediated Interactions of the Inducible T-Cell Kinase.

ITK-SH3-mediated interactions, both with exogenous ligands and via intermolecular self-association with ITK-SH2, have been shown to be important for regulation of ITK activity. The biological significance of these competing SH3 interactions is not completely understood. A mutant of ITK where substitution of the SH3 domain with that of the related kinase BTK (ITK-BTK(SH3)) was used to disrupt intermolecular self-association of ITK while maintaining canonical binding to exogenous ligands such as SLP-76. ITK-BTK(SH3) displays reduced association with SLP-76 leading to inefficient transphosphorylation, reduced phosphorylation of PLCγ1, and diminished Th2 cytokine production. In contrast, ITK-BTK(SH3) displays no defect in its localization to the T-cell-APC contact site. Another mutation, Y511F, in the activation loop of ITK, impairs ITK activation. T cells expressing ITK-Y511F display defective phosphorylation of ITK and its downstream target PLCγ1, as well as significant inhibition of Th2 cytokines. In contrast, the inducible localization of ITK-Y511F to the T cell-APC contact site and its association with SLP-76 are not affected. The presented data lend further support to the hypothesis that precise interactions between ITK and its signaling partners are required to support ITK signaling downstream of the TCR.
Psychometric evaluation of the child-adolescent teasing scale.

Background: This article presents the psychometric evaluation of the Child-Adolescent Teasing Scale (CATS), an instrument to be used as a screening measure with middle school students. Methods: A 70-item scale was initially derived from qualitative data obtained from focus groups comprised of middle school students. A diverse sample of participants (N = 764) then completed the CATS and the Piers-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scale (PHCSCS); their mothers completed the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) and a demographic information form. A psychometric sample (N = 666) without missing data was used for subsequent analyses. Results: Principal components analysis resulted in a 32-item, 4-factor solution: Personality & Behavior Teasing (14 items), Family & Environment Teasing (7 items), School-Related Teasing (9 items), and Teasing About My Body (2 items). The standardized Cronbach’s alpha for the final version was .94 and ranged from .83 to .90 for the subscales. The CATS’s content validity, initially ascertained a priori by experts, was re-reviewed upon the instrument’s refinement and supported. One-tailed t tests of mean differences between low- and high-scoring CATS groups on the PSC (t=−3.41, p < .03) and the PHCSCS (t=−11.39, p < .001) and supported the CATS’s criterion-related validity. Conclusions: The 4-factor, 32-item CATS is psychometrically defensible and has demonstrated potential as a screening measure to identify students who are at risk from distressing teasing.