cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Use of Communication Technologies After Hours: The Role of Work Attitudes and Work-Life Conflict

Communication technologies have made it increasingly feasible for employees to stay connected to work when not in the office. Yet we have little understanding of the implications for important aspects of work and work life. This study investigates how the use of communication technologies beyond normal work hours relates to work-related attitudes and work-to-life conflict. Results found that employees with higher ambition and job involvement were more likely to use communication technologies after hours. Furthermore, use of communication technologies after hours was associated with the employee's work-to-life conflict as reported by the employee and a significant other of the employee.
Dose dependence of ion beam mixing of Au on amorphous and single crystalline Si and Ge

The rate of ion induced mixing of 700 A Au layers vapor deposited on amorphous and single crystalline Si substrates held at room temperature was measured as a function of dose using 300 keV Si, 350 keV Ar, and 525 keV Kr ion beams. Mixing profiles were measured at various fluences by Rutherford backscattering techniques and were found to be consistent with mixed layers whose thickness increased with ion dose. Mixing compositions, which were stoichiometric over the entire mixed region at Au-28.5 at. % Si, were found to be independent of ion species or implant fluence. For all ion species the dose dependence of mixing was closer to linear than the square root power law reported previously. In addition, the mixing rate for Au on single crystalline substrates was significantly higher than Au on substrates amorphized by Si (self-ion) implantation at liquid nitrogen temperature. No difference was found between the mixing rates when the amorphous substrates were prepared by room temperature implantation. Preliminary results indicate similar behavior for the Au/Ge couple. 4 figures, 17 references.
Why is it Bad to Make a Mess? Preschoolers' Conceptions of Pragmatic Norms.

Abstract A common type of transgression in early childhood involves creating inconvenience, for instance by spilling, playing with breakable objects, or otherwise interfering with others’ activities. Despite the prevalence of such pragmatic transgressions, little is known about children's conceptions of norms prohibiting these acts. The present study examined whether 3–5-year-olds (N = 58) see pragmatic norms as distinct from first-order moral (welfare and rights of others), prudential (welfare of agent), and social conventional norms. Children judged all four types of transgressions to be wrong. Justifications for pragmatic transgressions focused on inconvenience to the transgressor, inconvenience to others, or material disorder. Children rated pragmatic and conventional transgressions as less serious than moral and prudential transgressions. Latent Class Analysis provided further support for the conclusion that preschoolers see pragmatic norms as a category distinct from first-order moral, prudential, and social conventional norms.
Synthesis of dl-[2-13C]leucine and it use in the preparation of [3-dl-[2-13C]leucine]oxytocin and [8-dl-[2-13C]leucine]oxytocin: Preparative separation of diastereoisomeric peptides by partition chromatography and high pressure liquid chromatography

Abstract dl -[2- 13 C]Leucine was prepared by condensing the sodium salt of ethyl acetamido-[2- 13 C]cyanoacetate with isobutylbromide in hexamethylphosphoroustriamide followed by acid hydrolysis. N-Boc- dl -[2- 13 C]Leucine was prepared and incorporated into [8- dl -[2- 13 C]leucine]oxytocin by total synthesis. The 13 C-labeled hormone derivative [8-[2- 13 C]leucine]oxytocin was separated from its 8-position diastereoisomer by partition chromatography. The specifically 13 C-labeled peptide hormone diastereoisomeric analog [3- dl -[2- 13 C]leucine]oxytocin also was prepared by solid phase peptide synthesis. No suitable solvent system for partition chromatography separation of the latter diastereoisomeric peptide mixture could be found. However an excellent preparative separation of the diastereoisomers could be obtained by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography on a partisil 10 M9 ODS column using the solvent system 0.05 M ammonium acetate (pH 4.0), acetonitrile (81:19, v v ) to give pure [3-(2- 13 C]leucine]oxytocin and [3-D-(2- 13 C]leucine]oxytocin. An excellent separation of [8[2- 13 C]leucine]oxytocin and the corresponding 8-D-leucine diastereoisomer derivative could also be accomplished by high pressure liquid chromatography.
EFFECT OF ESTRADIOL AND PROGESTERONE ON HUMAN ENDOMETRIAL AROMATASE ACTIVITY IN PRIMARY CELL CULTURE

Isolated human endometrial stromal cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium containing insulin, antibiotics and 10% fetal calf serum. After the stromal cells developed a confluent monolayer, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), or both were separately added to the culture medium and cells were continuously cultured for various periods of time. Aromatase activity was measured in control and hormone-treated cells by incubating the intact cells with [3H]testosterone and isolating the estrogens at the end of incubation. E2 alone did not change the aromatase activity. P caused an 8– to >40-fold increase over the control values (1 to 7 fmol/mg protein·h), and the activity was further increased in the presence of E2 (20- to 100-fold). The stimulation of aromatase activity by P was found to be both time- and dose-dependent and blocked by actinomycin D. Maximal stimulation was reached after the stromal cells were treated with 300 nM P for 3 days. At 30 nM P, a concentration similar to the plasma level during the lutea...
Bone Adaptation Response to Sham and Bending Stimuli in Mice

Abstract This study presents inbred-strain-related differences in tibial bone adaptation response to low-force loading in four-point bending and sham (pad pressure) arrangements in mice. Our previous work in mice has shown that at relatively high but equal bending forces (9 N or a bending moment of 16.88 N-mm), C57BL/6J mice respond with significantly greater bone formation than C3H/HeJ mice. Because of high tibial strains, the majority of the bone response in our previous study was woven bone. In this, study, we reduced the loading forces to 5 N or a bending moment of 9.38 N-mm (to decrease the woven-bone formation response) and investigated inbred-strain-related bone adaptation differences resulting from bending and sham loading (reported here for the first time in C57BL/6J) in these mice. Twenty-four female mice within each inbred mouse strain (C3H/HeJ [C3H] and C57BL/6J [B6]) were randomly divided into the two loading groups (12 per group sham and bending, total of 48 mice). All of the external loading was done for 36 cycles at 2 Hz, 3 d/wk for 3 wk. The bone adaptation response at lower forces exhibited a pattern similar to that seen for the higher forces in the previous study, suggesting that the patterns of bone adaptation were inbred strain related and independent of bending force magnitude. The bending-related periosteal mineral apposition surface (pMS) and mineral apposition rate (MAR) were respectively 40% and 45% greater in B6 than in C3H. The cortical bone adaptation response to bending was greater when compared to sham or pad pressure for each inbred strain of mice, suggesting that the majority of the bone adaptation response was the result of bending stimulus and not local pressure from pad contact. In addition, regardless of loading arrangement (sham or bending), the bone adaptation response in C57BL/6J mice was greater than C3H/HeJ.
Time Series Aerial Photography Can Help Land Owners and Managers Understand Local Aspen Dynamics

Q uaking aspen ( Populus tremuloides ) habitats con- tribute to species diversity, provide forage and shade for wildlife and livestock, and are highly valued by humans for their productivity and beau- ty. Aspen decline has been observed in the western United States over the past 50 years and has been mainly attributed to a decrease in re frequency, caused by effective re suppres- sion. 1 Changing re regimes have allowed conifer species to expand into aspen stands. Another phenomenon, commonly referred to as “Sudden Aspen Decline” (SAD), has been ob- served within the past decade in the western mountains and in the Canadian aspen parklands. 2 Mature aspen stems begin to die at rates beyond what is expected, which if aspen regen- eration is limited, can eventually lead to the loss of the aspen roots and stands. Excessive browsing by livestock and wildlife can also inhibit aspen regeneration. DOI: 10.2458/azu_rangelands_v34i5_strand
Sustainability: a new high‐rise vernacular?

This paper outlines the viability of the tall building as a sustainable element in our future urban centres and examines several tall building case studies that have embraced environmental approaches to a lesser or greater degree. In doing this, it suggests a number of design approaches which, collectively and broadly, could be interpreted as a new vernacular for the skyscraper based on sustainability. This vernacular is particularly relevant to developing cities, whose import of Western models is contributing to a degradation of local culture and an homogenization of urban centres globally. The paper concludes with a fledgling set of design principles to encourage this new sustainable vernacular in high rise design. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved spacecraft radio science using an on-board atomic clock: Application to gravitational wave searches

Recent advances in space-qualified atomic clocks (low-mass, low power-consumption, frequency stability comparable to that of ground-based clocks) can enable interplanetary spacecraft radio science experiments at unprecedented Doppler sensitivities. The addition of an on-board digital receiver would allow the up- and down-link Doppler frequencies to be measured separately. Such separate, high-quality measurements allow optimal data combinations that suppress the currently leading noise sources: phase scintillation noise from the Earth's atmosphere and Doppler noise caused by mechanical vibrations of the ground antenna. Here we provide a general expression for the optimal combination of ground and on-board Doppler data and compute the sensitivity such a system would have to low-frequency gravitational waves (GWs). Assuming a plasma scintillation noise calibration comparable to that already demonstrated with the multilink CASSINI radio system, the space-clock/digital-receiver instrumentation enhancements would give GW strain sensitivity of $3.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}14}\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{Hz}}^{\ensuremath{-}1/2}$ for randomly polarized, monochromatic GW signals isotropically distributed over the celestial sphere, over a two-decade ($\ensuremath{\sim}0.0001--0.01\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{Hz}$) region of the low-frequency band. This is about an order of magnitude better than currently achieved with traditional two-way coherent Doppler experiments. The utility of optimally combining simultaneous up- and down-link observations is not limited to GW searches. The Doppler tracking technique discussed here could be performed at minimal incremental cost to improve also other radio science experiments (i.e., tests of relativistic gravity, planetary and satellite gravity field measurements, atmospheric and ring occultations) on future interplanetary missions.
The Least a Second Language Acquisition Theory Needs to Explain

Theories of second language acquisition (SLA) are attempts to explain well-attested empirical findings about relationships between process and product in interlanguage development and universals, and variance in learners and learning environments. An important component of such theories will be one or more mechanisms to account for interlanguage change. While theories differ in scope and so often relate only to partial descriptions, they must account for major accepted findings within their domains if they are to be credible. Identification of “accepted findings,” therefore, is an important part of theory construction and evaluation. Such findings will be the least an SLA theory needs to explain. Sample accepted findings on learners, environments, and interlanguages are proposed along with some implications for current SLA theories.
Sequence and spacing requirements of a retrovirus integration site

Following infection, retroviruses insert a DNA copy of their RNA genome into the host cell genome. This integrative recombination reaction occurs at specific sites on the viral DNA: inverted repeat sequences near the termini of the linear DNA form of the viral genome. We have described elsewhere the generation and analysis of deletion mutations at one of the inverted repeat sequences in Moloney murine leukemia virus. We describe here the effects of insertion mutations made at this locus. Our results show that substantial sequence changes at the site of recombination can be tolerated, and that the spacing between the cleavage sites on the viral DNA can be expanded as well as contracted while still allowing efficient viral integration. After several rounds of virus replication, each of the insertion mutants gave rise to pseudorevertants with new alterations at the integration site.
Wear Performance of Laser Processed Tantalum Coatings.

Abstract This first generation investigation evaluates the in vitro tribological performance of laser-processed Ta coatings on Ti for load-bearing implant applications. Linear reciprocating wear tests in simulated body fluid showed one order of magnitude less wear rate, of the order of 10 − 4 mm 3 (N.m) − 1 , for Ta coatings compared to Ti. Our results demonstrate that Ta coatings can potentially minimize the early-stage bone-implant interface micro-motion induced wear debris generation due to their excellent bioactivity comparable to that of hydroxyapatite (HA), high wear resistance and toughness compared to popular HA coatings.
Molecular weight of a human J chain

Abstract J chain was isolated from a human immunoglobulin A myeloma protein and subjected to sedimentation equilibrium ultracentrifugal analysis in 5 M guanidine hydrochloride. The preparation demonstrated minimal heterogeneity. Apparent molecular weight values for the J chain were not concentration dependent over the range examined. The weight-average molecular weight at zero concentration was found to be 15 600 ± 200.
Impact of gastric bypass operation on survival: A population-based analysis

Background Bariatric procedures are increasingly performed but their impact on survival is unknown. Study design We evaluated short- and longterm mortality rates of patients undergoing gastric bypass on a population level compared with a nonoperated cohort of patients with morbid obesity in a retrospective study, using the Washington State Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System database and the Vital Statistics database. The study included all patients (age 18 to 65 years) from 1987 to 2001 who underwent gastric bypass with ICD-9 diagnostic codes for obesity. The comparator group included patients of similar age with a diagnosis of obesity or morbid obesity who did not have a bariatric procedure. Survival analysis was used to determine the association of surgeon experience on 30-day mortality and of the procedure on survival while controlling for age, gender, and comorbidity index. Results Of the 66,109 obese patients we evaluated, 3,328 had a bariatric procedure. Incidence of the procedure increased from 0.7 to 10.6 per 100,000 from 1987 to 2001, with a 2.5-fold increase in incidence rate of the procedure in the years after 1996 (incidence rate ratio, 2.5; 95% CI, 2.4 to 2.7). Thirty-day mortality was 1.9% and was associated with surgical inexperience. Within the surgeon's first 19 procedures the odds of death within 30 days were 4.7 times higher (95% CI, 1.2 to 18.2) than at later points in a surgeon's case order. At 15 years followup, 16.3% of nonoperated patients had died as compared with 11.8% of patients who had the bariatric procedure. When survival was compared beginning 1 year after the procedure, the adjusted hazard for death was 33% lower than that of nonoperated patients (hazard ratio 0.67; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.85). Conclusions Thirty-day mortality after gastric bypass is higher than previously reported and closely linked to surgeon inexperience. A modest overall survival benefit was associated with the procedure but a marked survival advantage was noted for patients who survive to the first postoperative year.
An Empirical Stopping Rule for Debugging and Testing Computer Software

Abstract In this article we introduce the problem of computer software reliability and discuss a probabilistic model for describing the failure of software. We suggest a procedure for estimating the parameters of the model and propose a stopping rule for debugging the software. We apply our procedures to some published data on software failures.
Interfacial reaction of coated SiC fibers with gamma-TiAl

The reaction products at the interface between a gamma-TiAl matrix and reinforcing SiC fibers are presently identified by Auger spectroscopy, TEM, and EDS. A scheme is suggested for the reaction kinetics involved, in which the initial reaction between the TiAl and the C-rich SiC produces TiC(1-x); unreacted Al, rejected from this carbide, can then diffuse into both the matrix and (to a lesser extent) the SiC fiber itself. The unreacted Si in the fiber coating is rejected back into the fiber, but some diffuses through the TiC(1-x) layer to the reaction zone/matrix boundary, while trace amounts of unreacted Si remain in the reaction layer in solid solution. 22 refs.
Scaling of Theory-of-Mind Tasks

Two studies address the sequence of understandings evident in preschoolers' developing theory of mind. The first, preliminary study provides a meta-analysis of research comparing different types of mental state understandings (e.g., desires vs. beliefs, ignorance vs. false belief). The second, primary study tests a theory-of-mind scale for preschoolers. In this study 75 children (aged 2 years, 11 months to 6 years, 6 months) were tested on 7 tasks tapping different aspects of understanding persons' mental states. Responses formed a consistent developmental progression, where for most children if they passed a later item they passed all earlier items as well, as confirmed by Guttman and Rasch measurement model analyses.
Manganese cycling in coastal regions: response to eutrophication

Abstract An indirect biogeochemical consequence of the eutrophication of shallow coastal marine ecosystems was examined. Changes in manganese distribution in water and bottom sediments, and the flux rates between these two, were followed in a nutrient enrichment experiment using marine mesocosms. Conducted at the Marine Ecosystems Research Laboratory (MERL), Narrangansett, RI, U.S.A., the experiment involved a geometric series of daily nutrient additions (N, P, Si) to six mesocosm tanks (plus three controls) for a 2·3-year period. Changes occurred in sediment-water flux rates of dissolved Mn, in total Mn in the water, and in Mn concentrations of sediment pore waters and solids; the direction and magnitude of change in each of these parameters varied somewhat by treatment. Patterns of changes with increasing levels of nutrient loading were observed, but usually these held only across a limited range of loading or for short periods of time. For example, during the first year the benthic flux of Mn increased from controls to mid-levels of the eutrophication gradient. Moreover, the specific nature of the alteration in Mn cycling varied substantially among treatments, relating to the biological, as well as geochemical conditions, specific to any given tank. For example, a change in the benthic community involving the presence of the benthic shrimp Crangon correlated, qualitatively, with a lowered total water column Mn over the latter months of the experiment, and created a pattern seemingly independent of loading level. Seasonal patterns in Mn concentrations and fluxes, normally evident as correlations with temperature, were occasionally altered; disruption of sediment-water interactions of Mn, which shape the water column concentration of Mn during warm seasons, was significant. Related to this, a general model of benthic Mn flux, as influenced by primary production and eutrophication, as well as the past history of the sediments, was suggested by the data. The rates of dissolved Mn release from sediments, measured in a time series of short-term incubations with an in situ chamber, did not reflect well the longer-term observed changes in sediment in ventory of Mn across the gradient. Progressively larger loss of sediment Mn inventory with increased nutrient loading was suggested; loss generally led to elevated Mn in the water, a change itself determined in each situation by imbalances between the processes of Mn particle deposition and remobilization of Mn2+ from the sediments. Thus, while the details of Mn cycling varied at different levels of eutrophication and were influenced by the composition and activity of the biological community, the major general consequence of nutrient enrichment was the potential for increased export of Mn from more enriched systems to their offshore receiving waters. Our budget calculations suggested that loss of Mn previously stored within bottom sediments could increase Mn export rates by about 33 to 100% within the first few years of enhanced nutrient loading of a shallow coastal area like Narragansett Bay.
Knowledge claims and context: belief

The use of ‘S knows p’ varies from context to context. The contextualist theories of Cohen, Lewis, and DeRose explain this variation in terms of semantic hypotheses: ‘S knows p’ is indexical in meaning, referring to features of the ascriber’s context like salience, interests, and stakes. The linguistic evidence against contextualism is extensive. I maintain that the contextual variation of knowledge claims results from pragmatic factors. One is variable strictness (Davis, Philos Stud, 132(3):395–438, 2007). In addition to its strict use, ‘S knows p’ may be used loosely to implicate that S is close enough to knowing p for contextually indicated purposes. Here I explore another variable: belief about what is known. This factor is pragmatic rather than semantic in that it affects the use of ‘S knows p’ without affecting its truth conditions. While variation in strictness accounts for the variation in the bank, parking, and some lottery cases, variation in belief accounts for the variation in other lottery cases and the epistemology cases. Along the way, I sketch an insensitive invariantist semantics that is strict but non-skeptical, and show how it works with these pragmatic factors.
Contrast Sensitivity Of Digital Fluorographic Systems

Several aspects of iodine sensitivity of digital fluorographic systems are discussed as applied to digital subtraction angiography. Expected iodine signal magnitudes are reviewed and shown to be in the range of 1-10 mg/cm2. An experimental example of spurious contrast in iodine sensitivity measurements is2 provided. Imaging of a 1 mm wide 0.25 mg/cm simulated iodinated vessel is demonstrated. Such iodine amounts are thought to be near the limit of the sensitivity of digital fluorographic systems. The concept of matched filtering is proposed for generating the equivalent of temporal subtraction images but using low intensity continuous x-ray exposures. The first experimental matched filter canine image is presented using a total exposure for the procedure about one-sixth of that used for pulsed exposure images of comparable quality.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Physical Symbol Systems

On the occasion of a first conference on Cognitive Science, it seems appropriate to review the basis of common understanding between the various disciplines. In my estimate, the most fundamental contribution so far of artificial intelligence and computer science to the joint enterprise of cognitive science has been the notion of a physical symbol system, i.e., the concept of a broad class of systems capable of having and manipulating symbols, yet realizable in the physical universe. The notion of symbol so defined is internal to this concept, so it becomes a hypothesis that this notion of symbols includes the symbols that we humans use every day of our lives. In this paper we attempt systematically, but plainly, to lay out the nature of physical symbol systems. Such a review is in ways familiar, but not thereby useless. Restatement of fundamentals is an important exercise.The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the author and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or the U.S. Government.Herb Simon would be a co-author of this paper, except that he is giving his own paper at this conference. The key ideas are entirely joint, as the references indicate.
View factor for radiant heat transfer between the wall and end of a cylinder

Abstract Many engineered devices include cylinders because of their inherent strength and symmetry, thereby introducing a need for the view factor for radiative heat transfer between the wall and end of a cylinder. This paper presents a generic evaluation of the view factor that is applicable to a wide variety of calculations of radiative heat transfer.
Reducing Alcohol Use in First-Year University Students: Evaluation of a Web-Based Personalized Feedback Program.

The efficacy of a Web-based personalized feedback program—electronic CHECKUP TO GO (e-CHUG), aimed at reducing heavy drinking in lst-year university students—is evaluated. Results indicated chat highrisk students in the e-CHUG group reported significantly greater reductions in weekly drinking quantity, frequency of drinking to intoxication, and occurrence of alcohol-related problems. Recommendations for integrating Web-based alcohol programs into a comprehensive prevention program are discussed.
Analysis of the waterjet contact/impact on target material

Abstract Numerical modeling via finite element analyses (FEA) and experimental measurements via moire interferometry were applied to the investigation of abrasive waterjet (AWJ) drilling. Polycarbonate and alumina blocks with dimensions of 25.4 mm×19.5 mm×6.25 mm were subjected to concentrated static loads experimentally and numerically. The assumptions of the FEA model are verified by comparing the experimental results with the numerical solution. A closed-form solution confirmed the correlation between the two. It was concluded that the assumption of the FEA model (e.g. mesh, boundary conditions, pressure loading, etc.) represented the static conditions. This conclusion allowed the application of a hybrid numerical/experimental technique to understand the complex interaction of the target material and the AWJ slurry column during drilling.
Convergence and divergence of ergodic averages

In this paper we consider almost everywhere convergence and divergence properties of various ergodic averages. A general method is given which can be used to construct averages for which a.e. convergence fails, and to show divergence (and in some cases ‘strong sweeping out’) for large classes of ergodic averages. We also show that there are sequences with the gaps between successive terms converging to zero, but such that the Cesaro averages obtained by sampling a flow along these sequences of times converge a.e. for all f∈L1(X).
Iodine content and ratio of S19 to S27 thyroglobulin in endemic goiter from ecuador

Thyroglobulin obtained from the thyroids of 2 normal subjects and 5 with endemic goiter has been purified by passage through Sephadex G-200 and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The S19 and S27 components were separately analyzed. The iodine concentration per mgm protein was much higher in the normal glands. The iodine per mgm protein was higher in the S 27 than in the S19 component of the normal glands, but the reverse was true for 4 of the 5 goitrous glands. The ratio of S19 to S27 protein was higher in the goitrous than in the normal glands. Thus when iodination increased, the S27 component appeared to increase relative to the S19 protein. This suggests that formation of the S27 polymer depends upon iodination.
Why i am an integrationist (Not an eclectic)

Abstract The author's integrative search for common factors aided by pragmatic theory is based upon several concepts: (1) counselling is a series of events through time and may be called a process; (2) general principles are to be valued over the gathering of bits of data; (3) counselling is a practical endeavour intended to help people change, and therefore (4) its theories must be connected to practical goals, requiring a giving up of major efforts to develop theories of personality and theories of the origins of psychological difficulty; (5) theories and models must be developed for the process of counselling, for factors maintaining psychological difficulty and for the process of change; and (6) emphasis must be placed on the self of the counsellor as a key component in integrative therapy. Following a personal history of factors contributing to his development as an integrationist, the author outlines his early model of the therapeutic process and moves on to several integrative principles, including...
Randomised clinical trial: the effect of baclofen in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux ‐ a randomised prospective study

Summary Background Baclofen, a GABAB agonist, has been shown to reduce transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs), a major cause of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Aim To examine the effect and tolerability of baclofen in GERD patients over a 2-week period. Methods Forty-three GERD patients with abnormal 24-h pH tests were prospectively randomised to receive baclofen or placebo in a double-blind fashion for 2 weeks. Oesophageal manometry, 24-h pH monitoring, and a standard questionnaire was administered, before and after treatment. Results Thirty-four patients completed the study. In the baclofen group there were significant decreases in 24-h pH score (P = 0.020), percent of upright reflux episodes (P = 0.016), percent total time pH <4 (P = 0.003), number of reflux episodes (P = 0.018), number of reflux episodes longer than 5 min (P = 0.016), number of postprandial reflux episodes (P = 0.045), and percentage of time pH <4 (P = 0.003). No significant changes in reflux parameters were noted in the placebo group. Patients receiving baclofen had significantly less belching (P = 0.038), regurgitation (P = 0.036) and overall symptom score (P = 0.004) whereas placebo patients had less heartburn (P = 0.001), chest pain (P = 0.002), regurgitation (P = 0.017) and overall symptom score (P = 0.000). However, there were no significant differences in changes of reflux parameters or symptoms when comparing the two groups. Drowsiness did not limit baclofen use. Conclusions Baclofen was associated with a significant decrease in percent upright reflux by 24-h pH monitoring and a significant improvement in belching, regurgitation and overall symptom score. Baclofen may be more effective in patients with predominantly upright reflux and belching.
Patterns of Medical Marijuana Use Among Individuals Sampled from Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Los Angeles

AbstractThe proliferation of medical marijuana (MM) dispensaries has led to concerns that they will lead to more widespread use of marijuana. The aim of the current study was to collect descriptive data on individuals using MM dispensaries in Los Angeles County. A mixed-method approach was employed that consisted of focus groups with 30 individuals and a survey of dispensary users (N = 182) in Los Angeles County. Differences between younger (less than 30 years old) and older individuals were examined in the survey sample. Most individuals in both samples had initiated marijuana use in adolescence. Nearly one-half of survey respondents had indications of risky alcohol use and one-fifth reported recent use of illicit drugs or misuse of prescription medications. Younger individuals had higher rates of tobacco use, visited dispensaries more frequently, and had more socially embedded patterns of use, but they were similar to older individuals in terms of their reasons for use. Nearly all participants believed ...
Tool wear monitoring in ramp cuts in end milling using the wavelet transform

Tool wear identification and estimation present a fundamental problem in machining. With tool wear there is an increase in cutting forces, which leads to a deterioration in process stability, part accuracy and surface finish. In this paper, cutting force trends and tool wear effects in ramp cut machining are observed experimentally as machining progresses. In ramp cuts, the depth of cut is continuously changing. Cutting forces are compared with cutting forces obtained from a progressively worn tool as a result of machining. A wavelet transform is used for signal processing and is found to be useful for observing the resultant cutting force trends. The root mean square (RMS) value of the wavelet transformed signal and linear regression are used for tool wear estimation. Tool wear is also estimated by measuring the resulting slot thickness on a coordinate measuring machine.
The herpes simplex virus VP16-induced complex: the makings of a regulatory switch

When herpes simplex virus (HSV) infects human cells, it is able to enter two modes of infection: lytic and latent. A key activator of lytic infection is a virion protein called VP16, which, upon infection of a permissive cell, forms a transcriptional regulatory complex with two cellular proteins - the POU-domain transcription factor Oct-1 and the cell-proliferation factor HCF-1 - to activate transcription of the first set of expressed viral genes. This regulatory complex, called the VP16-induced complex, reveals mechanisms of combinatorial control of transcription. The activities of Oct-1 and HCF-1 - two important regulators of cellular gene expression and proliferation - illuminate strategies by which HSV might coexist with its host.
Ultrafast intensity-dependent stimulated emission in conjugated polymers: The mechanism for line-narrowing

Intensity-dependent, time-resolved stimulated emission experiments are performed simultaneously with emission line width measurements on the conjugated polymer BCHA-PPV. The results show a steady decrease in emission lifetime with increasing excitation intensity, consistent with a model utilizing only stimulated emission. No evidence is found for condensed excitonic species or coherent emission processes such as superfluorescence. The spatially anisotropic nature of the gain can also explain the apparent drop in fluorescence quantum yield near the line-narrowing threshold. The existence of line-narrowing in heavily oxidized samples suggests that stimulated emission might be used in electroluminescent devices to overcome quenching by defects. q 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Dose uncertainty due to aperture effects in dynamic fields.

Dosimetry of intensity modulated radiation therapy requires accurate modeling of the beamlets that comprise each treatment segment. Planning systems such as Varian Eclipse and Philips Pinnacle recommend measuring dose distributions and output factors for fields as small as possible, generally down to at least 2 × 2 cm 2 . Conventionally, we perform these measurements for regular fields, defined by the secondary collimators. In practice, it is the multileaf collimation system (MLC) that defines the intensity map and provides dynamic dose modulation in either a moving window or segmented step-and-shoot mode. For this review we have only considered the latter delivery mode. Using this method, we have studied aperture motion effects on the dynamic collimator scatter ( S c ) , total scatter ( S c , p ) , and phantom scatter ( S p ) factors for various combinations of collimator settings ( 4 × 4 – 14 × 40 cm 2 ) and dynamically stepped leaf gaps ( 0.1 to 1.0 cm ) in comparison with those for static field factors. For two different Varian linear accelerators, we found similar results in a systematic dependence of collimator scatter on gap width and collimator setting. As the gap increases from 0.1 to 1.0 cm the dynamic collimator scatter factors converge from a maximum difference of about 30% toward the static field values. At the same time, there is no measurable difference between dynamic field phantom scatter factors and those conventionally obtained for static fields. Second, we evaluated the two planning systems as to how well they account for collimator scatter by attempting to mimic the dynamic apertures used above by planning and measuring dose distributions to several small, cylindrical targets for a similar range of fixed collimator settings. We found that the ratio of measured-to-planned doses as a function of target size were similar to the measured, dynamic S c data for the Varian Eclipse planning system, indicating underestimation of dose for targets smaller than 1 cm diameter, but were close to unity for the Philips Pinnacle system, suggestive of the underlying differences in the dose calculation algorithms. We discuss the measurements and results and potential impact on the dosimetry of small clinical targets.
A note on isolated convection in a rotating two-layer fluid

The approach of Visbeck, Marshall & Jones (1996) is used to explain the primary results of a recent laboratory study of isolated convection in a two-layer fluid reported by Narimousa (1996).
Antifibrotic Role of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase

Long-term treatment in rats with l-NAME, an isoform-non-specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), leads to fibrosis of the heart and kidney, suggesting that nitric oxide (NO) may play a role in preventing tissue fibrosis. In this process, a likely target of NO is the quenching of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through peroxynitrite formation, and one possible source for this NO is inducible NOS (iNOS). Using Peyronie's disease (PD) tissue from both human specimens and from a rat model of PD as the source of fibrotic tissue, we investigated if NO derived from iNOS could act as such an antifibrogenic defense mechanism by determining whether: (a) tunical ROS and iNOS are increased in PD; and (b) the long-term inhibition of iNOS activity decreases the NO/ROS balance in the tunica albuginea thereby promoting collagen deposition. It was determined that in the human PD plaque, iNOS mRNA and protein, ROS, collagen, and the peroxynitrite marker, nitrotyrosine, were all increased in comparison to the normal tunica. In the rat model of PD, the fibrotic plaque also showed significant increases in iNOS mRNA and protein, nitrotyrosine, ROS as measured by heme oxygenase-1, and collagen when compared with the normal control tunica. When a selective inhibitor of iNOS, L-NIL, was given to rats with the PD-like plaque, this resulted in a decrease in nitrotyrosine levels but intensified ROS levels and collagen deposition. These data demonstrate that: (a) iNOS induction occurs in both the human and rat PD fibrotic plaque; and (b) that the NO derived from iNOS appears to counteract ROS formation and collagen deposition. Because the inhibition of iNOS activity leads to a decrease in the NO/ROS ratio, thereby favoring the development of fibrosis, it is proposed that iNOS induction in this tissue may be a protective mechanism against fibrosis and abnormal wound healing.
Marijuana use and depression among adults: testing for causal associations

Aim To determine whether marijuana use predicts later development of depression after accounting for differences between users and non-users of marijuana. Design An ongoing longitudinal survey of 12 686 men and women beginning in 1979. Setting The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth of 1979, a nationally representative sample from the United States. Participants A total of 8759 adults (age range 29–37 years) interviewed in 1994 had complete data on past-year marijuana use and current depression. Measurements Self-reported past-year marijuana use was tested as an independent predictor of later adult depression using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression questionnaire. Individual’s propensity to use marijuana was calculated using over 50 baseline covariates. Findings Before adjusting for group differences, the odds of current depression among past-year marijuana users is 1.4 times higher (95% CI: 1.1, 1.9) than the odds of depression among the non-using comparison group. After adjustment, the odds of current depression among past-year marijuana users is only 1.1 times higher than the comparison group (95% CI: 0.8, 1.7). Similarly, adjustment eliminates significant associations between marijuana use and depression in four additional analyses: heavy marijuana use as the risk factor, stratifying by either gender or age, and using a 4-year lag-time between marijuana use and depression. Conclusions After adjusting for differences in baseline risk factors of marijuana use and depression, past-year marijuana use does not significantly predict later development of depression. These findings are discussed in terms of their relevance for understanding possible causal effects of marijuana use on depression.
Cardiac vagal regulation differentiates among children at risk for behavior problems

A sample of 335 five-year-old children participating in an ongoing longitudinal study was the focus of a study on the effects of emotional and behavioral challenge on cardiac activity in children with different patterns of early childhood behavior problems. The children were placed in one of three behavior problem groups (low behavior problems, risk for externalizing problems, risk for mixed externalizing/internalizing problems) based on their scores on the Child Behavior Checklist for 4-18-year-olds [Achenbach, T.M., 1991. Integrative guide for the 1991 CBCL/4-18, YSR & TRF profiles. University of Vermont Department of Psychiatry, Burlington, VT], completed by their mothers. To assess cardiac vagal regulation, resting measures of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and RSA change (vagal withdrawal) to five emotionally and behaviorally challenging tasks were derived. In addition, heart period (HP) and heart period change (HR acceleration) was examined. Results indicated that the behavior problem groups did not differ in terms of resting measures of either RSA or HP. Analyses of the challenge tasks indicated that the children at risk for mixed problems displayed greater cardiac vagal withdrawal across the five tasks than did the other two groups of children. There was a trend for the children at risk for externalizing problems to display less vagal withdrawal than the control group. In addition, the children at risk for mixed problems displayed greater heart rate acceleration to the tasks than did the other two groups of children. Follow-up analyses indicated that the greater cardiac acceleration observed in the mixed group was largely a function of greater vagal withdrawal. These findings are discussed in terms of the emotion regulatory function of cardiac vagal regulation, and its implications for patterns of risk for behavior problems in young children.
Need, Awareness, and Contacting Propensity Study of a City with a Central Complaint Unit

Recent research on citizen-initiated contacting propensity has generated two different findings: one of a parabolic relationship between contacting and neighborhood social well-being, the other a negative relationship between the two. It has been argued that the latter pattern is to be expected in cities with central complaint-handling units, owing to the effect of such units on citizen awareness of urban service systems. Results reported here from a city with a central complaint unit yield the expected pattern. In addition, survey research data provide a test of the need-awareness model that has been posited to explain the two patterns.
A HgCdTe/CdTe/GaAs/Si Epitaxial Structure

Four layer HgCdTe/CdTe/GaAs/Si structures have been prepared by the sequential growth of (100) GaAs on (100) Si by MBE, (100) CdTe on GaAs/Si by congruent evaporation in UHV and (100) HgCdTe on CdTe/GaAs/Si by vapor transport. Infrared transmission, X-ray rocking curves, differential interference contrast microscopy and selected area electron channelling patterns characterize the structures.
NMR study of crosslinking by oxidation of four‐cysteine polypeptide models of the elastic network phase of wool fibre

An elastic network of the matrix phase of wool fibres is formed by disulphide bonds between cysteine residues of the high-sulphur (HS) proteins of the matrix. To elucidate the pattern of the disulphide cross linking we applied 1H and 15N NMR spectroscopy to synthetic fragments of the HS proteins and also to the products of their oxidation by air. Two different regimes, oxidation in solution and oxidation in bulk, were employed. In solution of the four-Cys-residue peptides, the sequential dipeptide Cys-Cys repeat (present two times in model peptide 1) and the pentapeptide Cys-Xxx-Pro-Yyy-Cys repeat (present in model peptide 2) were found to form intrarepeat disulphide bonds and not to form a network. In bulk the behaviour of the two repeats differs dramatically: the peptide with the Cys-Xxx-Pro-Yyy-Cys oxidizes to a network, but for the peptide with the Cys-Cys repeat the oxidation in bulk does not differ from that in solution and, therefore, does not lead to network formation. The latter is the consequence of an exceptional propensity of the two adjacent cysteines of the dipeptide repeat to form a small intrarepeat cyclocystine loop which is much stronger than that of any other pair of the cysteines of the system. The formation of the cyclocystine loops effectively eliminates the potential of the Cys residues of the dipeptide repeat to serve as cross links of a network. A special structural function of the Cys-Cys repeat and its implications for the elasticity of the network of the matrix are discussed. © 1998 Society of Chemical Industry.
Lymphotoxin β, a novel member of the TNF family that forms a heteromeric complex with lymphotoxin on the cell surface

Summary The lymphokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has a well-defined role as an inducer of inflammatory responses; however, the function of the structurally related molecule lymphotoxin (LTa) is unknown. LTa is present on the surface of activated T, B, and LAK cells as a complex with a 33 kd glycoprotein, and cloning of the cDNA encoding the associated protein, called lymphotoxin p (LTP), revealed it to be a type II membrane protein with significant homology to TNF, LTa, and the ligand for the CD40 receptor. The gene for LTP was found next to the TNF-LT locus in the major histocompatibilitycomplex (MHC), a region of the MHC with possible linkage to autoimmune disease. These observations raise the possibility that a surface LTaLTP complex may have a specific role in immune regulation distinct from the functions ascribed to TNF.