cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanocomposite Electrodes for Advanced Lithium Batteries: The LiFePO4 Cathode

LiFePO4 was successfully synthesized by high temperature and hydrothermal synthesis. A nanocomposite was formed by carbon coating this material; initial electrochemical results showed that up to 70% capacity could be obtained at 1.0 mA/cm2 current density. In contrast, the hydrothermally prepared LiFePO4 showed a lower capacity even at lower discharge rates due to a partial occupation of lithium sites by iron. This occupation, identified by Rietveld X-ray refinement, decreased both the rate and degree of intercalation and de-intercalation of lithium; chemical reaction with butyl lithium and bromine confirmed the electrochemical behavior. This investigation showed that the cathode could be prepared by high temperature synthesis, followed by a carbon black coating to achieve high capacity at high current density.
Purinergic signaling and immune modulation at the schistosome surface

After tissue stress or injury, intracellular ATP can be released into the extracellular environment. This signals cell damage because extracellular ATP acts as a danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) that is potently proinflammatory. Vertebrates temper this effect by catabolizing ATP to adenosine – a strongly anti-inflammatory molecule – using a set of characterized ecto-enzymes (notably alkaline phosphatase, phosphodiesterase and ATP diphosphohydrolase). Strikingly, schistosomes in the bloodstream have this same set of ATP-catabolizing enzymes on their tegumental surfaces. It is our opinion that these function to remove the DAMP (ATP) released by host cells in response to schistosome intravascular migration. We propose this as one mechanism by which schistosomes prevent their hosts from focusing immunological mediators in their vicinity.
Evaluation of action threshold-based insecticide spray programs for tomato fruitworm management in fresh-market tomatoes in Virginia

Abstract Action threshold-based insecticide spray regimens were evaluated for control of tomato fruitworm ( Helicoverpa zea [Boddie]) in fresh-market tomatoes in eastern Virginia in 1998 and 1999. The initial foliar-applied insecticide spray was made based on the presence of ⩾1 H. zea egg on either ⩾2%, ⩾10% or ⩾20% of plants sampled, while subsequent sprays were made on either a weekly basis or only if ⩾3 damaged fruit per 100 unripe, market-sized fruit were observed. Two independent studies were conducted using these spray regimens: one using a broad-spectrum insecticide ( λ -cyhalothrin) and the other using a more narrow-spectrum insecticide (spinosad) (2 years × 2 experiments = 4 experiments total). Results were similar between the broad-spectrum and narrow-spectrum experiments. The highest yields and lowest levels of fruit damage occurred when the first spray was timed based on the presence of H. zea eggs on either ⩾2% or ⩾10% of plants sampled, followed by either weekly sprays or sprays made only when ⩾3 damaged fruit per 100 unripe, market-sized fruit were observed. Timing the initial spray when H. zea eggs were present on ⩾20% of plants sampled was too late and resulted in significant yield loss and greater fruit damage levels in three of the four experiments. The action threshold regimen with the highest yields, lowest fruit damage and fewest number of insecticide applications was the one in which the first spray was timed based on the presence of H. zea eggs on ⩾10% of plants sampled, followed by sprays made only when ⩾3 damaged fruit per 100 unripe, market-sized fruit were observed. This regimen reduced the number of insecticide sprays by more than 50% and provides tomato growers with an alternative research-based approach for managing H. zea compared with the existing calendar-based spray regimen.
Self-determination in medical education Encouraging medical educators to be more like blues artists and poets

Historically, medical education has focused largely on medical students' intellectual development, mostly ignoring the broader psychological milieu of medical practice. This chasm can result in pra...
Novel forms of carbon as potential anodes for lithium batteries

The objective of this study is to design and synthesize novel carbons as potential electrode materials for lithium rechargeable batteries. A synthetic approach which utilizes inorganic templates is described and initial characterization results are discussed. The templates also act as a catalyst enabling carbon formation at low temperatures. This synthetic approach should make it easier to control the surface and bulk characteristics of these carbons.
Antinarcissistic Rhetoric: Reinforcing Social Inequities through Gender Performance

Antinarcissistic rhetoric refers to the ways in which women rhetors appropriate patriarchal discourses in order to create an ethos with their audience. This rhetoric often reinforces the social inequities that require women's silence in the first place. A look to the rhetoric of two historical women, Hortensia and Queen Elizabeth I, theorizes antinarcissistic rhetoric in three parts: the dual gender performance, the use of psogos, and the dismissal of the corporeal body.
Past as prologue or there from here.

We now praise this journal and note with pride and satisfaction a milestone. One hundred issues! It is a serious achievement for a serious field and serious people. It speaks to the skill of its ed...
Product heterogeneity and the relationship between retail and farm prices

Summary This paper examines the relationship between the price of an aggregate of agricultural outputs and raw material price in two situations: (i) when product heterogeneity within the product group arises from aggregation over heterogeneous commodities of diAerent competitive industries, and (ii) when product heterogeneity arises from product diAerentiation among similar products in a monopolistically competitive industry. We show that a positive relationship between the aggregate price spread and the agricultural raw material price could result from input substitution between the raw material input and other inputs in response to changes in the relative raw material price. Indeed, within a composite product group there is likely to be significant input substitution, in response to changes in relative input prices, because of the increased opportunities for eAciency gains from altering the composition of the heterogeneous commodities within the composite product. Therefore, when analysing aggregate price spread behaviour of agricultural commodities using data on composite products, one should be cautious in attributing observed markup pricing behaviour to market power resulting from imperfect competition.
Resource utilization patterns of pediatric esophageal foreign bodies.

Abstract Background Ingested foreign bodies are a frequent presentation in pediatric emergency departments. Although some pass spontaneously through the gastrointestinal tract, the majority of esophageal-ingested foreign bodies (EFB) require removal. Materials and Methods Kids' Inpatient Database (1997–2009) was used to identify children (aged Results Overall, 14,767 EFB cases were identified. Most patients were P versus urban teaching hospitals, P P P n = 16). Conclusions Most EFB occur in children
Development of the Correspondence Between Real and Imagined Fine and Gross Motor Actions

The development of the correspondence between real and imagined motor actions was investigated in 2 experiments. Experiment 1 evaluated whether children imagine body position judgments of fine motor actions in the same way as they perform them. Thirty-two 8-year-old children completed a task in which an object was presented in different orientations, and children were asked to indicate the position of their hand as they grasped and imagined grasping the object. Children’s hand position was almost identical for the imagined- and real-grasping trials. Experiment 2 replicated this result with 8-year-olds as well as 6-year-olds and also assessed the development of the correspondence of the chronometry of real and imagined gross motor actions. Sixteen 6-year-old children and seventeen 8-year-old children participated in the fine motor grasping task from Experiment 1 and a gross motor task that measured the time it took for children to walk and imagine walking different distances. Six-year-olds showed more of a...
The motion of Hurricane Gloria: A Potential Vorticity Diagnosis

Abstract Multilevel, multinested analyses of Hurricane Gloria of 1985 are the most comprehensive kinematic dataset yet developed for a single hurricane. A piecewise inversion technique is used with these analyses and the nonlinear balance equation to deduce the three-dimensional distribution of potential vorticity (PV) that contributed to the deep-layer mean (DLM) flow that steered Gloria toward the northwest. The background state is taken to be the azimuthally averaged winds in balance with a geopotential distribution on an f plane. Advantage is taken of the near-linearity of the weak asymmetries near the hurricane's core and of PV in the environment. Thus, ad hoc aspects of the linearization required by other investigators are effectively eliminated. Removal of the hurricane vortex and the use of a climatological mean background state are avoided as well. The insensitivity of the results to the imposed lateral boundary conditions is also demonstrated. Wind anomalies attributable to pieces of anomalous P...
Biosynthesis of Epinephrine and Norepinephrine by Sympathetic Nerves and Ganglia

It is generally believed by the neurophysiologists that the sympathetic neurohormone is norepinephrine and not epinephrine as originally supposed. This concept of norepinephrine as the sympathetic neurohormone has evolved from much impressive circumstantial evidence; however, it has not been demonstrated that the biosynthesis of norepinephrine takes place in the sympathetic nerves and ganglia. This paper shows, through the use of labeled precursors, that the sympathetic nerves and ganglia synthesize norepinephrine in a systematic sequence from tyrosine and that this synthesis apparently terminates with norepinephrine rather than progressing to the formation of epinephrine.
Farm Poultry Surveys in Indiana

Abstract Johnson County is one of the famous corn counties of Indiana, with high priced farm lands. Orange County is becoming noted for its dairy industry, perhaps because of the fact that much of its farm land is more profitable as grazing land. What kind of chickens are kept in these two counties, and under what conditions? To answer this poultry question a house to house survey was made of nine square miles in each county during June 1918. Experienced poultrymen cooperating with Purdue University took these surveys, choosing in each case an area which would take in no village or city flocks and which would be fairly representative of the county. Information concerning the poultry was obtained from every home in the area covered. In Johnson county reports were obtained from 61 flocks on 56 farms. These farms averaged 122 acres, with 52% of the owners living on the farms….
Posttranslational regulation of the mammalian circadian clock by cryptochrome and protein phosphatase 5

The molecular oscillator that drives circadian rhythmicity in mammals obtains its near 24-h periodicity from posttranslational regulation of clock proteins. Activity of the major clock kinase casein kinase I (CKI) e is regulated by inhibitory autophosphorylation. Here we show that protein phosphatase (PP) 5 regulates the kinase activity of CKIe. We demonstrate that cryptochrome regulates clock protein phosphorylation by modulating the effect of PP5 on CKIe. Like CKIe, PP5 is expressed both in the master circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei and in peripheral tissues independent of the clock. Expression of a dominant-negative PP5 mutant reduces PER phosphorylation by CKIe in vivo, and down-regulation of PP5 significantly reduces the amplitude of circadian cycling in cultured human fibroblasts. Collectively, these findings indicate that PP5, CKIe, and cryptochrome dynamically regulate the mammalian circadian clock.
Transit time scattering of energetic electrons due to equatorially confined magnetosonic waves

[1] Recent analysis using quasilinear theory (QLT) has shown that magnetosonic (MS) waves are able to accelerate electrons to relativistic energies on fast time scales (∼1 day). However, the large obliquity of the wave and typical equatorial confinement of the MS wave power create conditions that bring into question the fundamental applicability of QLT to this problem. In this paper, a test particle code is used to model the interaction of energetic electrons with fast MS waves, to test the results of QLT analysis, and to investigate any potential nonlinear effects. It is found that in the expected Landau-resonant region, test particle results show good agreement with QLT, but outside this region, the spatial confinement of the low-frequency waves introduces a new source of scattering which we call “transit time diffusion.” Although this mechanism is weaker than resonant scattering, it is nevertheless able to interfere with the Landau resonance to create nulls in the energy-pitch angle diffusion map, and the scattering persists even when resonant diffusion is completely removed.
The boundary contour method for two-dimensional Stokes flow and incompressible elastic materials

A variant of the boundary element method, called the boundary contour method (BCM), offers a further reduction in dimensionality. Consequently, boundary contour analysis of two-dimensional (2-D) problems does not require any numerical integration at all. While the method has enjoyed many successful applications in linear elasticity, the above advantage has not been exploited for Stokes flow problems and incompressible media. In order to extend the BCM to these materials, this paper presents a development of the method based on the equations of Stokes flow and its 2-D kernel tensors. Potential functions are derived for quadratic boundary elements. Numerical solutions for some well-known examples are compared with the analytical ones to validate the development.
Inhibition of erythropoietic stimulation by testosterone in polycythemic mice receiving anti-erythropoietin.

SummaryThe injection of testosterone into polycythemic mice produces a small but significant stimulation of erythropoiesis, as measured by Fe59 uptake into the peripheral blood, if the interval bet...
The utility of re-excising mildly and moderately dysplastic nevi: a retrospective analysis.

Background The management of dysplastic nevi (DN) is a highly debated and controversial topic within the dermatology community. Clinicians agree that margin-positive severely DN should be removed with a surgical margin, however, there is disagreement surrounding the appropriate management of margin-positive mildly and moderately DN. Objective We sought to evaluate the utility of re-excising margin-positive mildly and moderately DN. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on all adult patients given the diagnosis of a biopsy-proven DN from 2010 through 2011. The primary outcomes were defined as the presence of melanocytic residuum in re-excisional specimens and a clinically significant change in diagnosis. Results A total of 1809 mildly and moderately DN were diagnosed from 2010 through 2011. In all, 765 (42.3%) of these lesions were found to have positive surgical margins during biopsy, and 495 (64.7) of the 765 lesions were subsequently re-excised. Melanocytic residuum was present in 18.2% of re-excisional specimens. Re-excision resulted in a clinically significant alteration of the diagnosis in only 1 case (0.2%). Limitations Limitations include retrospective design and inability to assess for malignant transformation given limited follow-up. Conclusions Re-excising mildly and moderately DN results in a low histopathological yield and rarely results in a clinically significant change in diagnosis. As such, clinical monitoring of margin-positive lesions may be warranted.
Diurnal rhythm of HMG CoA reductase activity in canine intestine is independent of luminal contents.

Activity of the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (EC 1.1.1.34) measured in isolated segments of canine intestinal mucosa showed a distinct diurnal rhythm. Total activity changed over a twofold range with a peak occurring during midday, shortly after feeding. Since the isolated segments had no contact with luminal contents, the rhythm was not directly related to food components or bile salts. Humoral or neural influences must mediate the rhythm. The diurnal rhythm persisted for at least 3–5 mo, but was lost by 10 mo following formation of the isolated segment, possibly because of mucosal involution.
Legal and Informal Adoption by Relatives in the U.S.: Comparative Characteristics and Well-Being from a Nationally Representative Sample

A large, nationally representative sample of households is used to compare children legally adopted by relatives with those living with relatives in households that that did not include the child's biological parents (i.e., children in informal adoptions). As context, children legally and informally adopted by kin are also compared with adopted children generally and with the broader population of all U.S. children. Demographically, there were virtually no differences between children legally and informally adopted by kin, though these groups are distinct from U.S. children overall and from other adopted children. Children legally adopted by kin fared better than those adopted informally on several measures of health and well-being.
Analysis of Charpy impact verification data: 1993-2003

Indirect verification tests used to verify the performance of Charpy impact machines according to ASTM Standard E23 were evaluated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the data from these tests are collected in a database. The data include the capacity and the pendulum design of the impact machine, the energy obtained for each specimen tested, the reference energy for the specimen lot tested, and the test date. The principal use of this data is to track the performance of individual impact machines. However, the data also provide an opportunity to evaluate existing and proposed requirements for the indirect verification of Charpy impact machines. The results of more than 16 000 verification tests are used to compare the current verification requirements of ASTM Standard E23 with those of ISO Standard 148–2. Discussions focus on the identification of reasonable, practical, and meaningful verification requirements that might be proposed for use in both documents.
Patterns of electromagnetic activity recorded from neoplastic tissue

The following brief report is the first to demonstrate that magnetoencephalography (MEG) may differentiate between neoplastic tissue types. We used MEG to measure the power spectral densities of malignant brain tumor cells in vitro and found that meningioma and medulloblastoma cells may produce separate electromagnetic signatures. Our novel preliminary findings demonstrate that specific electromagnetic signatures may be used to differentiate between cells from primary brain tumors such as medulloblastomas and meningiomas.
Lipid rafts are necessary for tonic inhibition of cellular tissue factor procoagulant activity

A fraction of total cellular tissue factor procoagulant activity remains masked or "encrypted" in intact cells. Decryption of this activity partly involves the extracellular exposure of anionic phospholipids such as phosphatidylserine. Because of the potential association of tissue factor and phospholipid scramblase activity with lipid rafts, we have explored the role of lipid rafts in regulating factor VIIa/tissue factor activity. In HEK293 cells, tissue factor antigen was not stably associated with lipid rafts, yet disruption of rafts with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin resulted in a 3-fold stimulation of tissue factor procoagulant activity. Treatment with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin was not associated with cytotoxicity and did not result in the exposure of additional tissue factor antigen. Factor VIIa/tissue factor activity decrypted with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin was quantitatively similar to that obtained by using lytic concentrations of octyl glucoside but more sensitive to inhibition by cell surface tissue factor pathway inhibitor and the phospholipid binding protein, annexin V. Partial decryption of tissue factor was achieved with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin prior to complete disruption of lipid rafts, suggesting the role of an enzyme localized to lipid rafts in the transbilayer transport of phosphatidylserine. We conclude that lipid rafts are required for the maintenance of cellular tissue factor in an encrypted state.
Microwave properties of double-sided YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7- delta / thin films deposited by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

High-quality thin films of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7- delta / have been deposited by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on both sides of 15-mm*15-mm LaAlO/sub 3/ substrates without requiring the use of heat-sinking compounds. Typical transport data exhibited T/sub c/'s >87 K, transition widths 10/sup 6/ A/cm/sup 2/ (measured inductively at 77 K, 0 T). Microwave surface resistance measurements (36.4 GHz) at temperatures between 20 K and 100 K, made using a copper-cavity end-wall-replacement technique, showed a sharp drop through the transition temperature and yielded values at 77 K that were better than a 20* improvement over copper metal when scaled to 10 GHz. Double-sided coatings have been obtained by sequentially depositing each side of the substrate. Contamination of the backside during growth of the first-side film and of the first-side film during growth of the second-side film has been avoided by coating the susceptor with gold. >
Teratogenesis with cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Summary Cancer chemotherapeutic agents tested in young chick embryos for their teratogenic effects, by inoculation over the blastoderm, produced profound changes in development of the embryos. Findings reported in the human subject in which an antifolic acid substance, Aminopterin, was used for abortion, lend support to the impression that cancer chemotherapeutic agents do have a profound effect upon embryonic tissue, and are of value in studying the pathogenesis of congenital malformations.
Characterization of a chicken hepatoma cell line with a specific defect in fibrinogen secretion

This study characterizes plasma protein synthesis and its hormonal regulation in a chicken hepatoma cell line, with particular emphasis on fibrinogen. Whereas virtually all aspects of hemopexin, transferrin and albumin production in these cells corresponded to those of cultured primary hepatocytes, fibrinogen was not secreted. Analysis of fibrinogen subunit synthesis revealed a specific defect in synthesis of one subunit, γ, correlating with a lack of its mRNA. Pulse-chase and electron microscopic studies demonstrate that, despite the inability of these cells to secrete the Aα and Bs subunits produced, there is no long-term accumulation of unsecreted fibrinogen. The Bs fibrinogen subunits are largely degraded 2 hr after synthesis. During this time, approximately half of the Aα subunits are degraded; the rest are converted to the glycosylated form. The implications of this type of defect with respect to the pathogenesis of fibrinogen storage disease are discussed. (Hepatology 1994;19:682–687).
Idiopathic polyhydramnios and perinatal outcome

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any association between idiopathic polyhydramnios and adverse perinatal outcome. Study Design: One hundred fifty-one consecutive women with singleton pregnancies complicated by idiopathic polyhydramnios (amniotic fluid index >24 cm) who were delivered at our institution during an 18-month period (December 1996–May 1998) were studied. Outcome measures studied included preterm delivery ( 4000 g), malpresentation at delivery, rate of cesarean delivery, Apgar score at 5 minutes 2 test with those of 302 matched control subjects with normal amniotic fluid volume ( Results: Among pregnancies complicated by idiopathic polyhydramnios we did not observe any increases in preterm deliveries, low birth weight, low Apgar scores at 5 minutes, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, or perinatal mortality rate. However, idiopathic polyhydramnios was associated with significantly higher rates of malpresentation, macrosomia, and primary cesarean delivery. Conclusion: In contrast to previous reports that polyhydramnios related to specific causes (congenital anomalies, diabetes mellitus, isoimmunization) is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, such as prematurity, low birth weight, and perinatal death, idiopathic polyhydramnios is not associated with higher rates of these traditional measures of poor outcome. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:1079-82.)
Complexity and Subtlety of Infective Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an uncommon clinical entity that, if unrecognized, leads to serious morbidity and mortality. Approximately 15,000 new cases of IE occur in the United States each year. Despite advances in early diagnosis, antimicrobial treatment, and surgical techniques, reported mortality from referral centers has changed little throughout several decades. Early recognition of IE requires understanding of its epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentations, physical examination signs, microbiological associations, and electrocardiographic and chest radiographic findings. Once IE is suspected, further testing with blood cultures and echocardiography can confirm the diagnosis and lead to early treatment with bactericidal antibiotics and surgery when appropriate, thus reducing the morbidity and mortality of IE. Unrecognized and untreated, IE is invariably fatal. Early recognition of IE and an in-depth understanding of the clinical vagaries of IE are mandatory for all patient care providers.
Characterization of 10 New Polymorphic Dinucleotide Repeats and Generation of a High-Density Microsatellite-Based Physical Map of the BRCA1 Region of Chromosome 17q21

A familial early onset breast cancer gene (BRCA1) has been localized to chromosome 17q21. To aid in the identification of this gene a number of new microsatellite markers from the D17S857 to D17S78 region were isolated and characterized. These markers, along with previously published markers from the region, were localized on a physical map by STS content mapping of cosmids from the BRCA1 interval. This high-density STS map of the BRCA1 region will be useful for linkage studies of families with apparent inherited breast cancer and for loss of heterozygosity analysis of breast tumor DNAs.
D-optimal design of DSC experiments for nth order kinetics

D-optimal experimental designs are developed for differential scanning calorimetry experiments conducted under non-isothermal, constant heating modes under the assumption that the kinetics can be described by an nth order model. Two separate cases are considered: single-scan experiments in which the entire rate of reaction versus temperature curve is available, albeit only at selected points, and multiple-scan experiments in which only the temperature at the maximum in the DSC curve is available but it is known at several heating rates. For the single-scan experiment, the D-optimal heating rate and critical extents of reaction where the data should be analyzed are determined. For the multiple-scan experiment the three D-optimal heating rates are determined. For both cases, a hypothetical example is given which illustrates the success and limitations of this approach.
From the Student Perspective: Experiences of Middle and High School Students in Online Learning

The authors conducted a study to examine experiences and preferences of middle and high school students in online learning environments. An online questionnaire was supplied to administrators of online schools, who then distributed the questionnaire to students enrolled in their schools. Topics addressed in the questionnaire included involvement in online and traditional school settings, use of special education services, participation in extracurricular activities, actual and preferred interactions with teachers and online peers, bullying, and overall opinions regarding online learning. The findings from this study are explained as well as limitations and implications for future research.
Metamorphic competence in urodeles: observations on the induction of gill resorption and its relationship to acid phosphatase.

Abstract Larvae of Ambystoma maculatum (Amblystoma punctatum) and Triturus (Notophthalmus) viridescens at stage 42 were used to study gill resorption and the role of acid phosphatase in this phenomenon. Concentrations of 8 × 10 −2 μg/ml, 8 × 10 −3 μg/ml, 4 × 10 −3 μg/ml and 8 × 10 −4 μg/ml of 3,5,3-triiodothyronine were administered in the water surrounding the animals. It was found that beginning on day 3 of treatment the animals in the highest concentration group began to respond and that by day 7 gill resorption was complete. The animals in the 8 × 10 −3 μg/ml concentration group began resorption on day 7 and completed resorption by day 30. Animals receiving 4 × 10 −3 μg/ml were seen to proceed only to resorption of filaments by the end of the 30-day period. Those in the lowest concentration showed a response identical to the controls which received no T 3 treatment. A second group of animals was treated with 8 × 10 −2 μg/ml of T 3 and were killed at daily intervals, the gills were removed, homogenized, clarified, and subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at 4°C. The gels were stained for acid phosphatase activity, and the reacted gels were quantified. Animals at day 7 showed a 13-fold increase in acid phosphatase activity.
Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Blood Pressure: A Placebo Trial

This study examined the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Thirty-nine patients with sleep apnea were studied. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was obtained before and after patients were randomized to receive either 1 week of CPAP or placebo CPAP (CPAP administered at ineffective pressure). Blood pressure was examined over daytime hours (6 AM to 10 PM) and during nighttime hours (10 PM to 6 AM). Daytime mean arterial blood pressure decreased significantly but equally in both the active treatment group and the placebo treatment group (P=0.001). Nighttime mean arterial pressure levels decreased to a much greater extent over time in the patients who received active CPAP treatment (P=0. 032). CPAP does appear to decrease nighttime blood pressure. However, the decrease in daytime blood pressure may reflect a nonspecific response (ie, placebo), since both the active treatment group and the placebo treatment group developed comparable decreases in blood pressure.
Test of some learning models for double contingent reinforcement

By 'double contingent reinforcement' we mean a reinforcement schedule in which the probability of a reinforcement on a given trial depends on the responses made on that trial and the preceding trial. From a theoretical standpoint such a schedule is of interest for several reasons. It is one of the simplest for which rhere do not exisr simple recursions in the mean probability of response for the linear models of Bush and Mosteller (1955) or Estes and Suppes (1959a). Secondly, the standard stimulus sampling models must be modified to be applicable. In particular, rhe definition of state for the Markov chain cannot be the state of conditioning on trial n, nor even the pair of states of conditioning on trial n 1 and trial n. [For extensive discussion of the matter, see Esres and Suppes ( 1959b) .] In what follows we restrict ourselves to two-response situations. The double contingent reinforcement probabilities ~ i j are the conditional probabilities P(E1,nIAj,nAi,n-I) where Aj, , is response j on trial n, for j = 1, 2, El , , is the reinforcement of response 1 on trial n, etc. As should be apparent, P(E.,,I A j A ) = 1 H . For the experiment reported in this paper HI, = .4 H, = .2 WE = .9 WE = .7 [I1 W e now consider several different theoretical models, all of which fall within the general framework of stimulus sampling theory. One-element 6' model.-The basic assumptions embodied in this model are the following. The set of stimulus elements determining S's response on each trial has exactly one element which, in the present case, may be interpreted as the signal light occurring at the onset of each trial. This single stimulus element is sampled by S on each trial with probability 1 and becomes conditioned, if ir is not already, to the reinforced response with probability 8. This conditioning probability is independent of the trial number and the outcome of preceding trials. [For detailed discussion of this model, together with many experimental applications, see Suppes and Atkinson ( 1960) .] The appropriate definition of state in the multi-element model is the state of conditioning on trial n and the response on trial n 1. In the one-element
The Contraction of Time and Space in Remote Chromosomal Interactions

Lucas et al. report the visualization of V(D)J recombination of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene (Igh) in living pro-B cells. Despite the huge distances separating V coding sequences from D-J sequences (∼2 Mb), the authors document an astonishingly rapid rate of remote associations. The key to speed is contraction of the Igh chromosomal domain. These findings provide a foundation for understanding long-range regulatory interactions in a variety of developmental processes, including the patterning of vertebrate limbs.
Predicting creativity in the wild: experience sample and sociometric modeling of teams

Relationships between creativity in teamwork, and team members' movement and face-to-face interaction strength were investigated "in the wild" using sociometric badges (wearable sensors), electronic Experience Sampling Methods (ESM), the KEYS team creativity assessment instrument, and qualitative methods, in academic and industry settings. Activities (movement and face-to-face interaction) and creativity of one five-member and two seven-member teams were tracked for twenty-five days, eleven days, and fifteen days respectively. Paired-sample t-test confirmed average daily movement energy during creative days was significantly greater than on non-creative days and that face-to-face interaction tie strength of team members during creative days was significantly greater than for non-creative days. The combined approach of principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) conducted on movement and face-to-face interaction data yielded a model that predicted creativity with 87.5% and 91% accuracy, respectively. Computational models that predict team creativity hold particular promise to enhance Creativity Support Tools.
Intercellular junctions in the developing arachnoid membrane in the chick.

The arachnoid membrane of chick embryos was prepared for electron microscopic study by means of thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas. Particular attention was given to the relationships among junctional complexes during arachnoid maturation. By 14 days of incubation, the arachnoid had differentiated into morphologically distinct inner and outer zones. Both desmosomes and gap junctions were present among the cells of both layers at this time. Desmosomes were most numerous in the inner arachnoid layer and their structure remained constant. Gap junctions showed a great variation in structure. The large gap junctions contained a particle packing pattern in which rows of intramembranous particles were separated by particle-free zones. Arched gap junctions were also present. Smaller arrays of gap junctions exhibited a variety of configurations on the membrane P-face. The first tight-junctional strands clearly identifiable in freeze-fractured preparations appeared at 15–17 days. These were closely associated with the particles of gap junctions and consisted of single strands on the P-face. By hatching age (21 days) a “mature” pattern of tight-junctional strands was interwoven in several layers. In the interim, more complex arrangements of tight-junctional strands were in intimate relation with gap junctions.
Endosymbiosis in amoebae: Recently established endosymbionts have become required cytoplasmic components

A strain of large, free-living amoeba that became dependent on bacterial endosymbionts which had infected the amoebae initially as intracellular parasites, was studied by micrurgy and electron microscopy. The results show that the infected host cells require the presence of live endosymbionts for their survival. Thus, the nucleus of an infected amoeba can form a viable cell with the cytoplasm of a noninfected amoeba only when live endosymbionts are present. The endosymbiotic bacteria are not digested by the host amoebae and are not themselves used as nutritional supplement. While the host amoebae are dependent specifically on the endosymbionts, the latter can live inside amoebae of different strains, indicating that their dependence on the host cells is not yet strain specific.
“The Mental Model” Meets “The Planning Process”: Wrestling with Risk Communication Research and Practice1

The field of risk communication diverges into cognitive and procedural approaches, a split that is not clearly harmful and may even be fruitful. Yet its continuance may ultimately limit the utility of risk communication research. The author's comments aim to put this challenge on the agenda of the SRA (Society for Risk Analysis), so that we can actively exploit the potential for creative interaction of these strategies.
Post-tetanic depolarization in sympathetic neurones of the guinea-pig.

1. Repetitive intracellular stimulation at a frequency of 5-30 Hz for 1-10 s evoked in neurones of the isolated inferior mesenteric and superior cervical ganglia of the guinea-pig three types of post-spike membrane potential changes: (i) hyperpolarization, (ii) hyperpolarization followed by a slow depolarization, and (iii) a second hyperpolarization following the initial two responses. 2. The initial post-spike hyperpolarization had a mean duration of 2·0 s and was often associated with a fall in membrane resistance; it could be elicited in every sympathetic neurone studied. This response was termed the post-tetanic hyperpolarization (PTH). 3. The slow depolarization which could be induced only in a portion of neurones had a mean amplitude and duration of 2·2 mV and 27·5 s, respectively; it was termed the post-tetanic depolarization (PTD). 4. PTD was associated with a fall in membrane resistance, augmented by membrane hyperpolarization, and reduced by depolarization; its mean extrapolated equilibrium potential was -38 mV. 5. PTD was not blocked by nicotinic and muscarinic antagonists, or α-and β-adrenergic receptor antagonists, whereas it was suppressed by adrenaline, noradrenaline, Co2+ and a low Ca2+ solution. 6. The amplitude of the single spike after-hyperpolarization in normal Krebs solution as well as in high K+ solution was increased during PTD; furthermore, conditioning hyperpolarization to the level of EK increased the amplitude of PTD in normal Krebs as well as in high K+ solution. 7. PTD with similar amplitude, time course and membrane characteristics could be evoked in a portion of neurones of the rabbit superior cervical ganglia; however, PTD was not detected in neurones of the rat superior cervical ganglia. 8. Decentralization of the guinea-pig and rabbit superior cervical ganglia for 14 d did not alter the number of neurones in which PTD could be elicited, its amplitude, or its time course. 9. Our results suggest that a chemical substance(s) is responsible for the generation of PTD; it may be released from the soma and/or dendrites and acts in an auto-receptive manner on the cells in question. The nature and origin of the second hyperpolarization remain to be clarified.
Forest response to chronic hurricane disturbance in coastal New England

Question: Hurricanes and cyclones cause a wide range of damage to coastal forests worldwide. Most of these storms are not catastrophic in ecological terms, but forest responses to storms of moderate intensities are poorly understood. In regions with a high frequency of moderate hurricanes, how does variation in disturbance intensity affect the magnitude of ecological responses? Location: Naushon Island, Massachusetts, USA. Methods: We use historical records and dendroecological methods to characterize establishment and growth of Fagus grandifolia, Quercus alba, and Quercus velutina in response to seven non-catastrophic hurricanes of varying intensity, and a major logging event, relative to baseline conditions, over the past 150 years. Our aim was to document variation in the magnitude of responses to known disturbance events of varying intensity, and to determine whether tree growth after moderate hurricanes differs from growth during periods of no disturbance. Results: Forest harvesting in 1824-1827 had a strong impact on forest composition and growth. Since then, the study region has been characterized by little harvesting but frequent hurricanes. However, only one of the seven storms examined caused substantial increases in growth and new establishment for the dominant species; most moderate disturbances had minimal impact on growth and regeneration dynamics. We also document highly variable responses among species to individual storms, including substantial growth decreases that may not be detected by standard analytical approaches. Conclusions: Our results caution against the use of simple metrics such as wind speed to predict forest response to specific hurricanes, and highlight the importance of individual disturbance events in controlling long-term forest dynamics, even in regions characterized by high disturbance frequency. In addition, we show that standard approaches to reconstructing disturbance history based on increases in radial growth and pulses of tree establishment are likely to underestimate the frequency of moderate disturbances.
The “Footprint” under a Decaying Tropical Mesoscale Convective System

Abstract On 10 February 1993, during the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment, the two NOAA WP-3Ds and the NCAR Electra flew under the anvil region of a decaying mesoscale convective system (MCS). Satellite and radar observations show that the MCS had a lifetime of 16 h and deep convection had essentially ceased along the leading edge at the time of sampling. The two NOAA aircraft flew at 35-m altitude over a 150 km × 300 km area to map conditions in the wake of this MCS and estimate the fluxes at the air–sea interface using the bulk aerodynamic approximation. A 20000-km2 area of divergence greater than 5 × 10−5 s−1 characterizes the wake, which is 2°C cooler and 0.5 g kg−1 drier than the environment. Sensible heat fluxes are three times greater and latent fluxes are double that found in the nearby undisturbed environment. These higher fluxes are to the east of the divergence center as a result of the superposition of the MCS fields on the westerly flow. Mixed-laye...
Recommendations for best practices in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in managed care.

Background: Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs) are increasingly recognized as important causes of impaired cognition, function, and quality of life, as well as excess medical care utilization and costs in the elderly Medicare managed care population. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for ADRDs were published in 2001. More recent studies have resulted in the approval of new agents and demonstrated an expanded role for antidementia therapy in various types of dementia, settings of care, stages of disease, and the use of combination therapy. However, these clinical guidelines have not been updated in the past few years. Objective: The goal of this article was to provide practical recommendations developed by a panel of experts that address issues of early diagnosis, treatment, and care management of ADRDs. The panel also addressed the societal and managed care implications. Methods: A panel of leading experts was convened to develop consensus recommendations for the treatment and management of dementia based on currently available evidence and the panel’s informed expert opinion. The panel comprised 12 leading experts, including clinical investigators and practitioners in geriatric medicine, neurology, psychiatry, and psychology; managed care medical and pharmacy directors; a health systems medical director; and a health policy expert. In addition, articles were collected based on PubMed searches (2000‐2005) that were relevant to the key issues identified. Search terms included Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, clinical practice guidelines, clinical trials, screening and assessment, and managed care. Results: ADRDs represent a significant clinical and economic burden to individuals and society, including Medicare managed care organizations (MCOs). Appropriate utilization of antidementia therapy and care management is vitally important to achieving quality of life and care for dementia patients and their caregivers, and for managing the excess costs of Alzheimer’s disease. The recommendations address relevant, practical, and timely concerns that are faced on a daily basis by practitioners and by Medicare MCO medical management programs in the care of dementia patients. These consensus recommendations attempt to describe a reasonable current standard for the provision of quality care for patients with dementia. The panel recommendations support the use of screening for cognitive impairment and the use of antidementia therapy for ADRDs in different stages of disease and types of dementia in all clinical settings. The panel members evaluated the use of the 3 marketed cholinesterase inhibitors— donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine—as well as the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist memantine. Recommendations for using these medications are made with an appreciation of the difficulties in translating the results from investigational clinical trials into clinical practice.
DESYNC: self-organizing desynchronization and TDMA on wireless sensor networks

Desynchronization is a novel primitive for sensor networks: it implies that nodes perfectly interleave periodic events to occur in a round-robin schedule. This primitive can be used to evenly distribute sampling burden in a group of nodes, schedule sleep cycles, or organize a collision-free TDMA schedule for transmitting wireless messages. Here we present Desync, a biologically-inspired self-maintaining algorithm for desynchronization in a single-hop network. We present (1) theoretical results showing convergence, (2) experimental results on TinyOS-based Telos sensor motes, and (3) a DESYNC-based TDMA protocol. Desync-TDMA addresses two weaknesses of traditional TDMA: it does not require a global clock and it automatically adjusts to the number of participating nodes, so that bandwidth is always fully utilized. Experimental results show a reduction in message loss under high contention from approximately 58% to less than 1%, as well as a 25% increase in throughput over the default Telos MAC protocol.