cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design considerations for a Martian Balloon Rover

The present NASA-sponsored design feasibility study for a balloon-borne sensor platform that is to be used over environmentally dissimilar sites on Mars gives attention to specific environmental and configurational parameters of a baseline balloon design, with a view to day/night altitude variations in response to temperature extremes. It is concluded that a Martian Balloon Rover can be developed using current technology; projected reductions in high-strength fabric density and radiation-resistant coatings will further enhance mission effectiveness, permitting either balloon size reductions or payload capacity increases.
Discriminant Validity of the Paragraphs about Leisure for Expert and Naive Respondents

The Paragraphs About Leisure (PAL) was administered to a sample of stamp collectors (N = 51) and a sample of undergraduate students naive about stamp collecting (N = 30). One-way ANO-VAs were performed to compare the group means on the 44 scales of the PAL. The results provide support for the discriminant validity of the PAL.
The old-age heart: Normal aging changes which can produce or mimic cardiac disease

The elderly segment of our society may triple by the year 2050. Specific cardiovascular data on the normal aging heart will be needed to provide proper medical and surgical therapy for this patient group. This report reviews normal aging changes of the very elderly heart. Expected or normal aging changes include brown atrophy of the myocardium, increased subepicardial fat, focal amyloid deposits, sigmoid-shaped ventricular septum, and calcific deposits in the aortic valve, mitral annulus and epicardial coronary arteries. Certain normal aging changes may produce clinical heart disease: aortic valve calcium (aortic stenosis), mitral valve annular calcium (mitral stenosis), amyloid deposits (amyloid heart disease). Certain normal aging changes may mimic heart disease: sigmoid-shaped ventricular septum (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), mitral leaflet "buckling" (floppy mitral valve).
Conflicts of interest in the management of silent ischemia

ON THE urging of his attentive spouse, a 45-year-old man who was previously healthy and entirely asymptomatic reluctantly agrees to undergo a "heart screening" at the local YMCA. This program, supervised by a local cardiologist in the community, consists of risk factor screening and a treadmill exercise test. Within 6 minutes of brisk walking on the treadmill, the man is stopped when the physician overseeing the test notes "an abnormality on the electrocardiogram." He is told that there may be "several heart vessel blockages," that further testing is in order, and that he should schedule an appointment with his own physician immediately. Because the man has not seen a physician since his discharge from military service 15 years earlier, he opts to be examined by the physician supervising the treadmill study. On the following day, the man undergoes a physical examination; the findings are unremarkable, blood pressure is normal, and
LIFE AFTER DEATH: THE NEED TO ADDRESS THE LEGAL STATUS OF POSTHUMOUSLY CONCEIVED CHILDREN

The advance of reproductive technology, coupled with a legal system that cannot keep up, has had a detrimental effect on posthumously conceived children. There is controversy over whether a child conceived after the death of one parent, by way of reproductive technology, is considered a child of that parent for inheritance purposes. An overwhelming majority of state legislatures have not given consideration to the unique question that posthumously conceived children pose. Legislative inaction has forced state courts to apply antiquated laws in the midst of a technological revolution. The result: children are being denied inheritance rights to their deceased parent's estate solely because of the way they were conceived. This Note advocates that all children should be given the same rights and benefits regardless of how they are conceived. To accomplish that goal, this Note proposes a model state statute to be adopted in all states. The model statute deems a posthumously conceived child to be the child of his or her deceased parent, and thus entitled to inheritance rights, if 1) the posthumously conceived child was provided for by will, or 2) the deceased parent intended to be a parent; there is a genetic relationship between parent and child; the child is born within three years from the death of his or her deceased parent; and the child's best interest, balanced against the state's interests, exceeds the state's interest. The desired effect of the statute is to put posthumously conceived children on equal footing with naturally conceived children.
Effect of Servomechanism Characteristics on Accuracy of Contouring Around a Corner

Servomechanism errors in a 2-dimensional contouring system are analyzed to determine the position error of a tool center negotiating a corner formed by two straight lines. The results establish the feed rate which will permit a specified tolerance on path error to be met. Transient response intormation from analog computer tests is summarized in nomographic form to permit convenient consideration of the maximum tool center path error during the design of the servomechanisms.
The structure of an antigenic determinant in a protein

The immunogenic and antigenic determinants of a synthetic peptide and the corresponding antigenic determinants in the parent protein have been elucidated. Four determinants have been defined by reactivity of a large panel of antipeptide monoclonal antibodies with short, overlapping peptides (7-28 amino acids), the immunizing peptide (36 amino acids), and the intact parent protein (the influenza virus hemagglutinin, HA). The majority of the antipeptide antibodies that also react strongly with the intact protein recognize one specific nine amino acid sequence. This immunodominant peptide determinant is located in the subunit interface in the HA trimeric structure. The relative inaccessibility of this site implies that antibody binding to the protein is to a more unfolded HA conformation. This antigenic determinant differs from those previously described for the hemagglutinin and clearly demonstrates the ability of synthetic peptides to generate antibodies that interact with regions of the protein not immunogenic or generally accessible when the protein is the immunogen.
Brief cognitive-behavioral versus nondirective therapy for panic disorder

Thirty panic disorder patients were assigned randomly to four weekly sessions of either cognitive-behavioral therapy or nondirective, supportive therapy. Dependent variables included clinician ratings, standardized self-report questionnaires, and self-monitoring. Cognitive-behavioral therapy led to significant reductions in worry about the recurrence of panic, and in overall ratings of phobic distress. Nondirective supportive therapy did not produce significant effects. In addition, proportionately more patients who were actively panicking at preassessment and underwent cognitive-behavioral treatment were free of panic after treatment. More than one third (38%) of patients who received cognitive-behavioral treatment were sufficiently improved that they withdrew from the pharmacological trial and/or did not meet criteria for panic disorder by the end of the four weeks.
Application of a telephotometer to visibility measurements in the eastern United States

Abstract Theories of light extinction and contrast reduction by atmospheric aerosol are reviewed. Errors inherent to telephotometry are analyzed. Significant errors may result from unknown target luminance, stray light within the telephotometer, and uneven illumination due to clouds. Measurements by a telephotometer of the extinction coefficient of the relatively turbid atmosphere of the eastern U.S.A. are described. Because of current levels of extinction, it is feasible to apply a dual target technique developed by Ruhle, which corrects for the targets' imperfect blackness and stray light imperfections in the telephotometer optics. The results compare favorably ( r = 0.97, slope = 1.08) to independent measures of scattering and absorption coefficients when the most obvious cases of uneven illumination due to clouds are excluded. The agreement of these two independent measurement methods for extinction coefficient lends credence to them both. However, the difficulty of automating cloud detection for the telephotometer remains a formidable practical problem.
HYPERINSULINEMIC HYPOGLYCEMIA (NESIDIOBLASTOSIS?) OUTCOME OF 7 CASES TREATED WITH LOW LEUCINE DIET AND DIAZOXIDE

Mental subnormality in hyperinsulincmic hypoglycemia (HH) of infancy, in the reported series, ranges from 35 to 60%. We report on the outcome of 7 cases. All but one presented with convulsions prior to the age of 9 months. The diagnosis of HH was based on low glucose-insulin ratio (G/I) in random blood samples after limited fasting (6.2±7.1 in HH versus 24.7±14.4 in controls), and after leucine (L) load (1.7±1.5 in HH versus 21.2±13.4 in controls). Random G/I values although lower in infants with HH, as a group, was not diagnostic in individual cases. All subjects were placed on low leucine diet and 6/7 also received diazoxide (10-15mg/kg/day). In all but one child this regimen was effective in raising blood glucose. In one infant, partial pancreatectomy was performed with excellent result. One infant has come off Diazoxide and is well and free of hypertrichosis 30 months later. L. tolerance in children retested while on diazoxide, was normal, while in the child on diet alone sensitivity persisted. All infants have normal IQ now. Side effects: hypertrichosis (all), transient rise in alkaline phosphatase (2) and in uric acid (1). In our subjects, random G/I values were indicative but not diagnostic of HH while post L G/I values established the diagnosis. Strict adherence to diet combined with diazoxide gave the best results and limited the need for pancreatectomy. Either diet or diazoxide alone proved ineffective.
Cultural Transmission in Urban American Indian Families

This study identified values associated with cultural transmission in the face of societal oppression. Practices used by urban American Indian women to transmit cultural knowledge, as well as values and attitudes toward learning—which are themselves vital lessons about what it means to be Indian—were ascertained. Ten urban Indian families, specifically mothers and their preadolescent children, from Oregon's Central Coast and Willamette Valley, participated in ethnographic interviews. Question creation and formation was established through the use of participatory action research. Families were found to share the value of cultural survival. Practices found to be commonly used to transmit cultural knowledge were listening; talking; telling; watching or observation; showing; exposure, involvement, and participation; and research or asking questions. Showing and research or asking questions were more recent developments in response to the effects of oppression, and they show that Indian families can adapt to ...
Draft Eurocode 8 - Sample seismic force calculations for discussion purposes

Draft Eurocode 8 (Common Unified Rules for Structures in Seismic Regions1) is open for study and comment until the latter part of 1989. This paper presents sample seismic force calculations for an idealized building, to illustrate the differing forces which result from the alternative calculation methods allowed. It is tentatively suggested that part of the Draft be revised as a result of the above.
Pharmacokinetics of chlorambucil-tertiary butyl ester, a lipophilic chlorambucil derivative that achieves and maintains high concentrations in brain

Equimolar doses of chlorambucil (10 mg/kg) and the lipophilic chlorambucil derivative, chlorambuciltertiary butyl ester (13 mg/kg), were given i. v. to rats. Plasma and brain concentrations of chlorambucil and its active metabolites, 3,4-dehydrochlorambucil and phenylacetic mustard, as well as of chlorambucil-tertiary butyl ester were then determined by HPLC between 2 and 240 min after drug administration. Chlorambucil demonstrated a monophasic disappearance from plasma following its administration, with a half-life of 28 min. Significant amounts of phenylacetic mustard were detected after 15 min, and this agent maintained high levels of active compounds in plasma throughout the study. Only low concentrations of chlorambucil and phenylacetic mustard were detected in brain between 2 and 120 min. Following equimolar chlorambucil-tertiary butyl ester administration, it rapidly disappeared from plasma, with a half-life of approximately 2 min, and maintained low plateau concentrations between 15 and 120 min after treatment. It was not detected thereafter, although significant amounts of chlorambucil and phenylacetic mustard were detected throughout the study. Significant amounts of chlorambucil-tertiary butyl ester entered and remained within the brain, achieving a peak concentration at 15 min and disappearing thereafter with a half-life of 37 min. Low levels of chlorambucil and phenylacetic mustard were also detected. Calculated from the areas under the concentration vs time curves of total active compounds derived from chlorambucil and chlorambucil-tertiary butyl ester in brain and plasma, the brain: plasma concentration integral ratios were 0.018 and 0.68, respectively. Following equimolar doses of chlorambucil and chlorambucil-tertiary butyl ester, a 7-fold greater concentration integral was achieved by chlorambucil-tertiary butyl ester in brain at a 5-fold lower plasma concentration integral. Chlorambucil-tertiary butyl ester may be of value in the treatment of brain-sequestered tumors.
Design and UV-LIGA microfabrication of an electro-statically actuated power relay

A novel type of micro power relay has been designed and fabricated using UV-LIGA technology. The relay is based on electrostatic actuation and SU-8 was used as a functional material. The unique character of this novel power relay is that other than two SU-8 strips used both as electrical insulators mechanical connectors, all other components are made of metal or alloys. Because UV-LIGA technology has the advantages of broad material selection and the capability of making high aspect ratio microstructures, the technology is best suited for fabricating micro electro mechanical system power relays. A multi-step, multi-layer UV-LIGA process has been successfully developed and a prototype relay has been successfully fabricated.
A novel approach to implementation of quality and safety programmes in anaesthesiology

Far too many patients suffer preventable harm from medical errors that add to needless suffering and cost of care. Underdeveloped residency training programmes in patient safety are a major contributor to preventable harm. Consequently, the Institute of Medicine has called for health professionals to reform their educational programmes to advance health-care safety and quality. Additionally, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) now requires education in 'systems-based practice' and 'practice-based learning and improvement' as core competencies of residency training programmes. The specific aim of this article is to describe the implementation of a novel programme designed to enhance residency education, meet ACGME core competencies and improve quality and safety education in one residency programme at an academic medical institution.
An improved method for determining polymer melting temperatures

A method for determining polymer melting temperatures, Tm, based on a simple modification of thermo-optical analysis is described. The method makes use of a small, highly conducting substrate and a preselected Tm, procedure which results in rapid heating rates (∼1500°C/min) without temperature overshoot or superheating. Accuracies to within ±0.15°C are readily obtained. Application of the method to isothermally crystallized polyoxymethylene (Delrin 100 and 500) shows that Tm, increases with both time and temperature of crystallization as well as with increasing molecular weight. The potential of the method for characterizing polymer thermal history and molecular weight is discussed.
Gender Differences in Core Symptomatology in Autism Spectrum Disorders across the Lifespan

Although gender disparity in ASD has been long documented, research addressing gender related to core ASD symptomatology (e.g., domains, severity, breadth, etc.) is scant. The present research examined gender differences in ASD symptomatology in three populations: infants and toddlers at risk for developmental disability, children and adolescents, and adults with intellectual disability (ID). No significant gender differences in ASD symptoms were found in the infant/toddler or child/adolescent populations. In the adult population, in participants with ID alone, females had higher endorsements of social (i.e., participation in social games, sports, and activities; interest in other’s side of the conversation; and imitation) and communication (i.e., interest in other’s side of the conversation and reading body language) impairments compared to males. This study has considerable implications in both the clinical and research realms as for diagnostic and assessment validity and prioritized treatment needs for females with ASD, as well as stimulating a future research agenda (i.e., considerations such as cognitive ability, comorbidity, course and age, qualitative symptom differences, social/environmental gender biases) in this area.
Correlation of condylar mobility and arthrotomography in patients with internal derangements of the temporomandibular joint

The objective of this clinical study was to determine the relationship between condylar translation on plain tomographic radiographs and internal derangements assessed by a clinical and arthrographic evaluation. One hundred two joints in sixty-two patients were evaluated by linear tomography in closed versus opened positions and classified according to the type of internal derangement depicted by arthrotomography in sixty-two cases. A decrease in condylar translation was noted in patients diagnosed as having meniscus displacement without reduction. Patients who had meniscus displacement with reduction (painful clicking) were found to have hypermobility of the condyle on the symptomatic side. Meniscus displacement without reduction, which appears to be an advanced stage of internal derangement, is a serious sequela leading to marked restriction of condylar motion.
The Zero of Potential of the Electrical Field Produced by the Heart Beat: The Problem with Reference to the Living Human Subject

The zero of potential of the electrical field produced by the heart beat is defined and measured as the average value over the surface of a large spherical, integrating electrode which contains the subject and a homogeneous conducting medium. The Zero of potential thus defined is apparently free of assumptions of any kind and is used to evaluate the error on the three-branch and the four-branch central terminal with equal resistances. The latter may, in certain instances, be brought to zero by using unequal resistances. The potential function at its electrodes is that of an unweighted resultant vector or a point dipole. The electrodes which contribute to its potential are remote.
Some progress on the Aharoni-Korman conjecture

Aharoni and Korman (Order 9 (1992) 245) have conjectured that every ordered set without infinite antichains possesses a chain and a partition into antichains so that each part intersects the chain. Related to both Aharoni's extension of the Konig duality theorem and Dilworth's theorem, this is an important conjecture in the theory of infinite orders. It is verified for ordered sets of the form C × P, where C is a chain and P is finite, and for ordered sets with no infinite antichains and no infinite intervals.
Biological production and utilization of N2O

Considering only net free energy change for the dissimilatory reduction of nitrate ion, the most efficient reaction with limited organic substrate is that resulting in the production of N2. Under conditions of abundant organic substrate and limited electron acceptor the reduction of nitrate to the level of ammonium would be more efficient. Thus the appearance of N2O in denitrification must reflect a metabolic accident or some reaction barrier (e.g., the activation energy of some intermediate) which prevents the full utilization of this energy. Laboratory studies with microaerophylic systems indicate that under these reducing conditions both nitrate ion and N2O can be reduced to the level of ammonium. The quantitative significance of these processes under natural conditions has not been evaluated but they may provide a significant sink for atmospheric N2O.
Cross-correlation functions of spherical waves propagating through a slab containing anisotropic irregularities

Abstract This report is a study of the cross-correlation of satellite signals through a slab containing small anisotropic irregularities. In the study of ionospheric irregularities, one often uses the observed data of signal correlations from spaced-receiver experiments to determine the height, thickness and other parameters of the irregularities. In general, satellites are moving at such a fast velocity that the ionosphere as well as the imbedded irregularities can be considered as frozen. The cross-correlations are then defined as the correlations between signals received at two separately spaced receivers on the ground as the satellite speeds across the sky. The cross-correlation functions are derived as functions of the distance between the transmitters. A condition for maximum correlation is obtained and is found to correspond to the case when two rays intersect in the slab, thus proving the often intuitively assumed condition for maximum cross-correlation. This maximum correlation function ρM is then expressed as a function of the distance between the receivers, x. For large values of x, ρM varies as 1 x . The results indicate possibilities of determining the height and slab thickness of the ionospheric irregularities from satellite scintillation data.
Method and apparatus for producing and collecting a multiplicity of denslty gradients

Abstract This article describes an apparatus we constructed and tested that simultaneously prepares up to eight density gradients from one gradient source. The apparatus greatly reduces the amount of time normally required to prepare such gradients for centrifugation and yields exceptional uniformity. The modification of conventional tubes used with the apparatus also provides for quick and efficient gradient and particle recovery once centrifugation is completed. The device and the tubes have been used successfully in conjunction with swinging-bucket, fixed-angle, and vertical rotors.
Comparison of the multiphasic dysfunction profile with lateral transcranial radiographs

Abstract Lateral transcranial radiographs of 926 patients were analyzed for condylar position, TMJ space, and obvious condylar morphologic changes. Differences in condylar position and joint space variations were noted between men and women. An increase in nonconcentric condylar position, joint space variations, and condylar morphologic changes were found with advancing age. There was a significant correlation of condylar position, joint space variations, and condylar morphology with mandibular dysfunction profile scores. Mandibular dysfunction is manifested by a wide range of signs and symptoms, none of which is always present with the disorder. Although TRs are limited in their total diagnostic value, their use in discerning major TMJ changes serves as an important adjunct in the examination and diagnosis of mandibular dysfunction.
Current coronary intervention controversy: who’s to judge?

Dear Editor, The alleged overutilization of coronary interventional procedures by a cardiologist at St. Joseph Medical Center in Maryland has received significant press coverage. The issues of appropriate use and patient safety have led to multiple lawsuits on behalf of patients and the issue of defamation of character has resulted in countersuits. The possibility of conflict of interest involving the physician and a coronary device manufacturer has been highlighted. The hospital has informed and apologized to patients, has resolved regulatory concerns, and has thoroughly restructured its peer review process in the catheterization laboratory. (Published: 17 October 2011) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2011, 1 : 7201 - DOI: 10.3402/jchimp.v1i3.7201
Curriculum-Based Measures of Writing across Grade Levels.

Abstract This study compared the technical adequacy of curriculum-based measures in written expression across diverse grade levels. Students ( n = 484) completed two narrative writing samples in response to story starters. Samples were scored for the number of words written (TW), the number of correct word sequences (CWS), and the number of correct minus incorrect word sequences (CWS-ICWS). Alternate-form reliability and criterion-related validity coefficients of the curriculum-based measures were examined to determine differences between the coefficients according to grade level. Results indicated moderate to strong alternate-form reliability coefficients and variable criterion-related validity coefficients. The data from this study support the need for curriculum-based measures of writing to become more complex as students age and become more skilled.
A Ginzburg-Landau theory for hysteresis in charge density wave systems

Abstract The Ginzburg-Landau energy of deformable charge-density-waves is treated taking into account the finite size of the sample. We derive a simple model in which the hysteresis and metastability, as observed in several charge-density-wave systems, occurs due to “pile-up” of the charge-density-wave against the sample boundary. The static field dependence of the induced polarization is that of a ferro-electric, similar to that observed in K 0.3 MoO 3 . The transient response is found to be in good agreement with the pulse-sign memory observed in TaS 3 and NbSe 3 .
Computer Aided Design of Useful Spherical Watt I Six-Bar Linkages

This paper presents a software system for the kinematic synthesis of useful spherical Watt I six-bar linkages that can guide a body through five task positions. The design procedure begins with the specification of a spherical 3R open chain that reaches five specified task positions. The six-bar linkage is designed by constraining the 3R spherical chain to the topology of a Watt I spherical six-bar linkage. The CAD software SolidWorks is used to specify the 3R chain and the five spherical task positions. We describe the SolidWorks Add-In MechGen that reads the Solid- Works data and generates candidate linkages. Included in the task specification are tolerance zones that allow random adjustments to the task positions to search for defect-free linkages. An example is provided that demonstrates the five position synthesis of a useful spherical Watt I six-bar linkage. Copyright © 2013 by ASME.
Pythia and Pythia/WK: tools for the performance analysis of mass storage systems

The constant growth on the demands imposed on hierarchical mass storage systems creates a need for frequent reconfiguration and upgrading to ensure that the response times and other performance metrics are within the desired service levels. This paper describes the design and operation of two tools, Pythia and Pythia/WK, that assist system managers and integrators in making cost-effective procurement decisions. Pythia automatically buids and solves an analytic model of a mass storage system based on a graphical description of the architecture of the system, and on a description of the workload imposed on the system. The use of a modeling wizard to perform this conversion from a graphical description of a mass storage system to an analytic model makes Pythia unique among analytic performance tools. Pythia/WK uses clustering algorithms to characterize the workload from the log files of the mass storage system. The resulting workload characterization is used as input to Pythia. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of renal failure on liver transplantation survival.

Renal failure after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a common complication (ranging from 12% to 70%) associated with worse outcomes, particularly when it requires renal replacement therapy (RRT). Renal dysfunction is a common scenario among waiting list patients. It can lead to a worse prognosis after OLT, due to an increased incidence of postoperative renal failure. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of renal failure after OLT, its relationship to pretransplant renal dysfunction, and its impact on outcomes. We analyzed data collected prospectively from 152 consecutive OLTs in 139 patients performed by the same team from March 2003 to November 2007. Exclusion criteria for 34 cases included transplantation due to acute liver failure, combined liver-kidney transplantation, retransplantation, and patients who died up to 2 days posttransplantation. Based on creatinine clearance (CCr) calculated at the time of OLT, the 118 patients were classified in two groups: group I, normal pre-OLT renal function (CCr ≥ 70 mL/min) versus group II, pre-OLT renal failure (CCr < 70 mL/min). Each group was analyzed according to the development of post-OLT renal failure, being classified as subgroup A (normal renal function post-OLT), subgroup B (mild renal impairment post-OLT-serum creatinine level between 2.0 and 3.0 mg/dL or doubled basal value up to 3.0 mg/dL) versus subgroup C (severe renal impairment post-OLT-serum creatinine level ≥ 3.0 mg/dL or utilization of RRT). The overall incidence of post-OLT renal impairment was 41.52% with RRT in 22 patients (18.64%). Group II patients showed a greater incidence of post-OLT renal failure when compared with other patients (P <.05), but without a statistical difference when compared according to RRT requirement. Comparison of average hospital stay was similar between groups I and II, and also among its subgroups (A, B, and C, respectively). There was no statistical difference in early (30-day) and 1-year survival rates between groups I and II. Comparing all subgroups for early and 1-year survival, we observed that patients who developed severe renal failure post-OLT (subgroups I-C and II-C) showed worse outcomes compared with other patients (subgroups I-A, I-B, II-A, and II-B), respectively 95.29% versus 69.69% and 86.95% versus 41.66% for early and 1-year survivals (P <.001). In conclusion, our findings suggested that patients who developed severe renal failure post-OLT, independent of pretransplant renal function, showed worse outcomes.
The peak effect of the photocurrent on the concentration of electron mediator (para-benzoquinone) in thylakoids

Abstract This work investigates the photocurrent harvested from the isolated thylakoids. Several tests have been used to verify that the photocurrent measured is indeed from the photosynthesis on the thylakoid membranes. The photocurrent has a linear dependence on light intensity; the photocurrent shares similar frequency dependence as that of absorption spectrum of chlorophyll; the photocurrent decreases or disappears with the application of 3-(3′,4′-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea as an inhibitor. The new finding of this report is the observation of a peak in the photocurrent as a function of the concentration CBQ of electron mediator para-benzoquinone (p-BQ). It is found that the photocurrent measured increases at small CBQ, and a maximum current is obtained at CBQ ≈ 1.8–2 mM and decreases with further increase in CBQ. A simplistic model has been proposed to explain the peak. The effect of bias voltage applied between the electrodes on photocurrent is studied as well.
Molecular bases of the immune response to neural antigens

Abstract Long-standing ideas about the immune response to neural antigens can now be revised. While the brain may be ‘immunologically privileged', the privilege is not absolute; both immune and autoimmune responses can occur. While the blood-brain barrier contributes to this immunological isolation, other factors are also important. One is the normal absence of products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) from neural tissue. Without these cell surface proteins, neural cells are protected from T cell-mediated immune surveillance. MHC expression and modulation in neural tissue, and the implications for understanding and control of the immune response to neural antigens, are reviewed below.
A willingness-to-pay function for protecting acres of spotted owl habitat from fire

Abstract A contingent valuation survey was used to estimate the economic value to California and New England residents of implementing a fire management plan to reduce acres of old growth forests that burn in California and Oregon. Using a random effects probit model to account for the panel nature of the data, the average willingness to pay to reduce catastrophic fire on 2570 acres was $56 per household. Since acreage of habitat protected is a statistically significant variable in the willingness-to-pay function, this function can be used by managers to evaluate the incremental benefits of different fire management plans that reduce additional acres burned. These benefits can serve as justification for funding of prescribed fire and fuel reduction programs to protect critical habitat of the Northern and California Spotted Owl.
A Modified Laboratory Method to Remove Outer Layers from Cereal Grains Using a Barley Pearler

ABSTRACT A variety of nutrients and some undesirable components are found and possibly concentrated in outer layers of cereal grains. There is a need to develop simple, efficient, and inexpensive laboratory methods in decorticating cereal grains for physicochemical and nutritional characterization and end-use exploration. This study focused on using a Strong-Scott barley pearler (BP) to abrade barleys and investigated factors that could affect kernel breakage, uniformity of abrading, repeatability, and quality of resulting fractions. Results show that the smaller the sample size, the higher the rate of surface removal. The difference in % removal among pearling times decreased as sample charge size increased. Screens with smaller holes (larger number of mesh per inch) decreased abrading efficiency but reduced kernel breakage significantly. The successive pearling mode (several pearling cycles per sample) not only provided a means to collect different fractions of outer layers and remaining kernels but als...
Mortality rates and causes among U.S. physicians

Abstract Content/ Objectives: No recent national studies have been published on age at death and causes of death for U.S. physicians, and previous studies have had sampling limitations. Physician morbidity and mortality are of interest for several reasons, including the fact that physicians' personal health habits may affect their patient counseling practices. Methods: Data in this report are from the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance database and are derived from deaths occurring in 28 states between 1984 and 1995. Occupation is coded according to the U.S. Bureau of the Census classification system, and cause of death is coded according to the ninth revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Results: Among both U.S. white and black men, physicians were, on average, older when they died, (73.0 years for white and 68.7 for black) than were lawyers (72.3 and 62.0), all examined professionals (70.9 and 65.3), and all men (70.3 and 63.6). The top ten causes of death for white male physicians were essentially the same as those of the general population, although they were more likely to die from cerebrovascular disease, accidents, and suicide, and less likely to die from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia/influenza, or liver disease than were other professional white men. Conclusions: These findings should help to erase the myth of the unhealthy doctor. At least for men, mortality outcomes suggest that physicians make healthy personal choices.
Foraging Efficacy of a Larval Parasitoid in a Cotton Patch: Influence of Chemical Cues and Learning

Plant-herbivore chemical signals and behavioral plasticity may enhance parasitoid host-foraging efficacy in the field; however, no studies have quantified the potential benefits from these factors under field-type conditions. The effect of plant-herbivore signals and learning on the foraging efficacy of Microplitis croceipes was quantified by directly observing and recording total and sequential duration of various foraging behaviors relative to 5 randomly placed herbivore-damaged and host-infested cotton plants and 20 undamaged and non-host-infested plants. Microplitis croceipes spent significantly more time searching (flying and antennation) on host infested versus uninfested plants. Antennation time was significantly and negatively correlated with successive host stings. Contrary to expectations of increased duration, flight time remained constant throughout the foraging bout, which may indicate that there was some learning associated with flight. These results suggest that plant-herbivore chemical signals and learning enhances the foraging efficacy of M. croceipes.
Serum Digoxin Concentration and Age

A review was conducted of the charts of 79 consecutive inpatients (age range, 17-93 years) who were in a steady state with respect to digoxin dosage, and had serum creatinine levels below 1.6 mg/dl or urea nitrogen levels below 26 mg/dl. In these patients whose renal function was not impaired, there was no correlation between age and the serum digoxin level normalized for dosage. Concurrent administration of quinidine significantly elevated digoxin concentration. Patients with congestive heart failure showed a higher serum digoxin level than did those without heart failure. Thus, age appeared to have little, if any effect on the relationship between the dose of digoxin and the steady-state serum level when the factor of impaired renal function (often associated with aging) was eliminated.
One-dimensional ecosystem model of the equatorial Pacific upwelling system. Part II: sensitivity analysis and comparison with JGOFS EqPac data

Abstract A one-dimensional model of the equatorial Pacific upwelling ecosystem that incorporates two phytoplankton components, two grazers, and three nutrients, Si(OH)4, NO3, and NH4 (Chai et al., Deep-Sea Research II (2002) 2713–2745), was designed to consider the effects of Si(OH)4 limitation on the diatom growth and ecosystem functioning. Model output was obtained for a range of source concentrations of Si(OH)4, 3–15 mmol m−3, coinciding with the range measured at 120 m depth during JGOFS EqPac. NO3 was held at 12 mmol m−3, reflecting the relatively greater concentrations of NO3 compared to Si(OH)4 in the JGOFS data. The model was shown to function as a chemostat-like system with the loss rates, provided largely from zooplankton grazing, controlling growth rates of the phytoplankton. When different source concentrations of Si(OH)4 were applied, surface concentrations of Si(OH)4 varied within a narrow range compared to NO3 as would occur in a chemostat with limiting Si(OH)4 and non-limiting NO3 in the feed water. Vertical profiles of nutrients compared well with field data. Model results are compared with field data for new and total nitrogen production and export of N, Si, and C, and with other models, although none consider Si(OH)4 specifically. The model suggests that the stability of the equatorial system with its narrow range of biological and chemical variables is conferred by the action of diatoms providing food for mesozooplankton whose grazing also depletes the picoplankton. Diatoms increase with source Si(OH)4 concentrations, and picoplankton population and NO3 consumption decrease, resulting in a maximum surface TCO2 and increased CO2 flux to the atmosphere at intermediate source Si(OH)4 concentrations. Diatoms function in the equatorial system as a silica pump to export silica. This means that sedimented biogenic silica under the equatorial upwelling area should be viewed as an amplifier of changes in surface properties, with important consequences to paleoequatorial productivity.
Interaction between opiates and hypothalamic dopamine on prolactin release

Abstract Opiate stimulation of prolactin (PRL) release appears to involve a hypothalamic mechanism(s). The present study utilized both central acting drugs and direct measurement of hypothalamic dopamine (DA) to investigate this problem. Administration of L-dopa, the precursor of DA; piribedil, a DA agonist; or amineptine, a DA reuptake inhibitor, each decreased serum PRL concentrations. Morphine sulfate (MS) and haloperidol (HAL) significantly increased serum PRL levels. L-dopa and piribedil reversed the stimulatory effect of MS on serum PRL concentrations by increasing dopamine activity. MS blocked the inhibitory effects of amineptine on serum PRL release, possibly by decreasing the concentration of DA available for reuptake. Injection of subeffective doses of HAL concurrently with a subeffective dose of MS increased serum PRL concentrations, by an additive inhibitory action on dopaminergic activity. β-endorphin, an endogenous opioid peptide, decreased the rate of DA turnover in the median eminence, and increased serum PRL levels approximately 10 - fold. These observations indicate that opiates stimulate PRL release by decreasing DA activity in the median eminence.
State-level education standards for substance use prevention programs in schools: A systematic content analysis

Abstract Purpose Three fourths of public schools in the United States maintain instructional programs to discourage alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use. State-sanctioned instructional standards attempt to direct this ATOD preventive education. No existing research, however, systematically codes these standards across all grades and states. We performed such an analysis. Methods We retrieved ATOD standards information from all 50 states and the District of Columbia from multiple sources, including the National Association of State Boards of Education's State School Health Policy Web site. Three independent researchers classified and cross-validated ATOD standards (inter-rater agreement = 98%) based on recommended content domains and pedagogic delivery methods. Results We find substantial grade-level variation in standards. Elementary schools emphasize generic social skills and affective skills, whereas middle and high school standards focus on knowledge about biological and behavioral consequences of ATOD use. States also vary widely in their content and coverage of standards. Two thirds of states do not include standards in all content areas considered “evidence-based.” Conclusions The ATOD curricular agenda for the majority of states falls well below recommended content and delivery benchmarks. We intend for our harmonized data set—the first of its kind—to promote research that examines the relation among state ATOD standards, actual classroom instruction, and adolescent ATOD use.
Buried solder bump connections for high-density capacitive coupling

AC coupled interconnects enable reliable, multi-gigabit-per-second communication data rates between integrated circuits with very high pin counts and low power consumption. When used in conjunction with NRZ-tolerant receivers, interconnect arrays with pitches below 100 /spl mu/m and data rates of 6 Gbps/per pin can be built.
Phylogenetic Relationships among Acanthaceae: Evidence from Two Genomes

Abstract We used sequence data from the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nr-ITS) region, both alone and in combination with data from the intron and spacer of the trnL-trnF chloroplast (cp) region, to study phylogenetic relationships within the large tropical and subtropical family Acanthaceae. Substitution rate in the nr-ITS region is nearly twice that of the trnL-trnF cp region, and more than twice the rates of other cp loci that have been sequenced for members of Acanthaceae (i.e., rbcL, ndhF). In terms of phylogenetic relationships, the hypothesis based on ITS was largely congruent with the trnL-trnF results. Exceptions are Crossandra pungens and the two Acanthus species, which are placed enigmatically by nr-ITS data. The combined analysis provides strong support for a single hypothesis of relationships among Acanthaceae sensu stricto (s.s.) and their closest relatives. 1) Elytraria (representing Nelsonioideae) is more distantly related to Acanthaceae s.s. than Thunbergia and Mendoncia. ...
Is there shared decision making when the provider makes a recommendation

Objective To compare the amount of shared decision making in breast cancer surgery interactions when providers do and do not make a treatment recommendation.
Relational victimization, friendship, and adolescents' hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis responses to an in vivo social stressor

Adolescents' peer experiences may have significant associations with biological stress-response systems, adding to or reducing allostatic load. This study examined relational victimization as a unique contributor to reactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses as well as friendship quality and behavior as factors that may promote HPA recovery following a stressor. A total of 62 adolescents (ages 12-16; 73% female) presenting with a wide range of life stressors and adjustment difficulties completed survey measures of peer victimization and friendship quality. Cortisol samples were collected before and after a lab-based interpersonally themed social stressor task to provide measures of HPA baseline, reactivity, and recovery. Following the stressor task, adolescents discussed their performance with a close friend; observational coding yielded measures of friends' responsiveness. Adolescents also reported positive and negative friendship qualities. Results suggested that higher levels of adolescents' relational victimization were associated with blunted cortisol reactivity, even after controlling for physical forms of victimization and other known predictors of HPA functioning (i.e., life stress or depressive symptoms). Friendship qualities (i.e., low negative qualities) and specific friendship behaviors (i.e., high levels of responsiveness) contributed to greater HPA regulation; however, consistent with theories of rumination, high friend responsiveness in the context of high levels of positive friendship quality contributed to less cortisol recovery. Findings extend prior work on the importance of relational victimization and dyadic peer relations as unique and salient correlates of adaptation in adolescence.
Near‐Surface Damage and Contamination after CF 4 / H 2 Reactive Ion Etching of Si

Silicon surfaces which had been exposed to CF/sub 4//40%H/sub 2/ reactive ion etching have been characterized by x-ray photoelectron emission spectroscopy, He ion channeling, H profiling, and Raman scattering techniques. Plasma exposure of a clean Si surface leads to the deposition of a thin ( about 30-50A thick) C,F containing film. The near-surface region ( about 30-50A) of the Si substrate is heavily disordered (''amorphized''), as found by ion channeling and Raman scattering. A modified, less damaged Si region extends from about 30-50A from the surface to a depth in excess of 250A. This layer contains a high concentration ( about 5 atom percent) of H as shown by hydrogen profiling techniques. From the observation of Si-H and Si-H/sub 2/ vibrational modes by Raman scattering, it has been shown that the H is bonded to the Si lattice. In ion scattering, the extended modified Si layer appears to cause a strongly enhanced background in the energy spectra. Results of Monte Carlo range calculations are reported and compared with the damage depth found experimentally.