cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The safety of SSRIs in generalised anxiety disorder: any reason to be anxious?

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) significantly impacts upon quality of life and has a chronic and persistent nature. GAD requires pharmacological therapies that are well-tolerated, lessen the mitigating effects of common comorbidities and do not pose a high risk for dependency or abuse. Selective serotonin and serotonin–noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors have become more viable treatments for GAD than the traditionally used benzodiazepines due to greater efficacy and a more tolerable adverse event profile. Among these newer-generation antidepressants, only paroxetine and venlafaxine are currently FDA-approved for the treatment of GAD. Paroxetine was approved after three double-blind, placebo-controlled studies demonstrated its superior efficacy compared to placebo for short-term treatment of GAD. Venlafaxine was approved for both short- and long-term treatment of GAD after demonstrating efficacy in 8-week and 6-month double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. For both paroxetine and venlafaxine, the safet...
A highly sensitive assay for S-adenosylmethionine by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract A highly sensitive assay for S -adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) by high-performance liquid chromatography with amperometric detection is described. The method is based on the measurement of 3-methoxytyramine formed from AdoMet and dopamine in the presence of catechol- O -methyltransferase. Using this technique 1 pmol of AdoMet can be measured and the AdoMet content of less than 1 mg of adrenal tissue can be accurately determined. This method is particularly suitable for assay of AdoMet in small amounts of tissues obtained by micro-sampling techniques.
Unique nucleotide sequence adjacent to the poly (A) region in yeast RNA.

Abstract Yeast cells growing in a low phosphate medium were labeled with a pulse of 32Pi or [3H]adenine and harvested after 15 minutes. Total RNA was extracted and digested with ribonuclease T1. Poly(A)-rich fragments were isolated from the digest by hybridization to poly(U) impregnated fiberglass filters. Gel filtration showed the fragments to have a uniform chain length of about sixteen. Analysis of the composition gave (A11, C4, U). Complete pancreatic ribonuclease and partial spleen phosphodiesterase digests gave the sequence of the 5′ end of the fragment as CpApApUp-. Since the fragment was a ribonuclease T1 product, the data points to a unique sequence of at least five residues, -GpCpApApUp-, adjacent to the poly(A)-rich terminus of pulse-labeled yeast mRNA. The remainder of the poly(A)-rich fragment consists of A residues with a few randomly interspaced C residues. The known specificity of yeast poly(A) polymerase can account for the presence of C residues in poly(A) tracts.
Childbearing recency and modifiers of premenopausal breast cancer risk.

The purpose of this study was to examine the risk of premenopausal breast cancer for women in relation to childbearing recency and whether this association differs by breast-feeding history and/or the amount of weight gained during pregnancy. This analysis was based on data from a population-based case-control study composed of 1,706 incident cases of invasive breast cancer and 1,756 population controls from Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. In a telephone interview conducted from 1996 to 2001, information was gathered on established breast cancer risk factors, as well as reproductive history, including amount of weight gained during the last full-term pregnancy and whether the child was breast-fed. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and Wald 95% confidence intervals for the risk of breast cancer. When compared with nulliparous women, women that had given birth within the past 5 years before breast cancer diagnosis in the cases or a comparable period in controls had a nonsignificant 35% increased risk of invasive breast cancer (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-2.04), adjusting for age and known breast cancer risk factors ( P trend = 0.14). We did not find a significant interaction with breast-feeding ( P interaction = 0.30) or pregnancy weight gain ( P interaction = 0.09). (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(11):3284–7)
Lessons Learned from Clinical Trials in Acute Heart Failure: Phase 3 Drug Trials

Phase3clinicaltrialsinacuteheartfailure(AHF)are conducted to allow safety and efficacy data to be collected for the evaluation of treatment strategies, including drugs, devices, diagnostics, or nonpharmacological interventions. Phase 3 trials occur after there has been satisfactory information gathered on animal studies and early phase studies, such that the safety, pharmacokinetic, and dosing profiles have been adequately ascertained. The phase 3 study is then designed to test the efficacy and safety of the intervention in a larger sample size. There are several important features regarding the conduct of phase 3 clinical trials in AHF. This article describes in detail these important aspects of conducting phase 3 clinical trials in an AHF population.
Microstructural Inhomogeneity in Sintered Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 Based Dielectrics

The sintering behavior and microstructural development of dielectric ceramics based on Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 solid solutions are greatly affected by the formation of a liquid phase at ∼ 1290°C. Prolonged sintering at and above this temperature gives rise to an excessive PbO loss and the resultant variation in composition leads to an inhomogeneous microstructure. The inhomogeneity is characterized by the formation of a dense, localized region containing a PbO-rich liquid near the surface with a porous interior region in the bulk of the sample.
Role Selection: The Influence of Internalized Vocabularies of Motive

The notion of internalized vocabulary of motive is introduced in an analysis of role selection that also incorporates the concepts person, self, identity, and role-taking. The selection process is described as being influenced by the person's attempt to assemble a role pattern which provides an overall source of validation and satisfaction for an internalized vocabulary of motive. The role-choice implications of the balance of satisfactions among what are called operating dominant roles, model dominant roles and ephemeral roles are considered, and a measurement technique is suggested. It is argued that what appears to be conformist role enactment by a person can actually be a creative act of role selection. The role taken “as is” can effectively contribute another component to an idiosyncratically balanced role array assembled and enacted by the individual.
Compact and noncompact structures for a variant of KdV equation in higher dimensions

In this paper we study two mathematical variants of KdV equation. We show that the focusing branches of these variants exhibit compactons: solitons with finite wavelength, whereas the defocusing branches support solitary patterns solutions with cusps or infinite slopes. A framework is developed for studying these problems in higher dimensions. Two distinct sets of general formulas for each type of variants are developed to present a fairly complete understanding of the compact and noncompact dispersive structures.
Fractionation of Oxygen-18 and Carbon-13 Isotopes by Chemical Exchange of Carbon Dioxide with Amine Carbamates

Abstract The distribution of 18O and 13C isotopes in a chemical exchange system of carbon dioxide and amine carbamates has been studied. A comparison of isotope separation by 15 amines shows little dependence on the nature of the amine. Effect of amine concentration indicates that diffusion of the reacting species plays a significant role in these systems. This is in conformity with our observation that the viscosity of the amine solutions saturated with carbon dioxide increases rapidly with amine concentration.
MICROSCOPIC MECHANISMS OF REACTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH SILICON MBE: A MOLECULAR DYNAMICS INVESTIGATION

Abstract A molecular dynamics simulation of the initial stages of the gas-phase epitaxy of silicon on the silicon {100{} symmetric dimer reconstructed surface has been performed. A diffusing adatom induced rearrangement of the surface reconstruction is proposed as the reaction which leads to good epitaxy. Surface diffusion is shown to play much less of a role in the reordering of the reconstruction induced by an amorphous overlayer. The results of the simulation are used to provide atomic-scale models which are consistent with experimental studies of the initial stages of silicon growth on this surface.
Aetiology of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome: The role of lumbrical muscles and tool size on carpal tunnel pressures

A cadaveric study was undertaken to investigate the effect of tool size and lumbrical muscle incursion on carpal tunnel pressure during active grip. Active grip was simulated by securing the specimens on an apparatus and loading each of the eight finger flexor tendons with 1 kg each. Carpal tunnel pressures were measured with and without 1- and 2-in. tubing in the hand and before and after removing the lumbrical muscles. Both variables, tool size and lumbrical muscles, were found to have a statistically significant effect on carpal tunnel pressure. Higher pressure changes were found for the 2-in. tubing, compared with 1-in. tubing, but this difference was not statistically significant.
Synthesis and Properties of β-Diketone Complexes of Oxovanadium(V)

Abstract The synthesis and properties of some oxovanadium(V) chloride complexes of β-diketones are reported including the preparation of the air-stable dibenzoylmethane derivative. The materials appear to be mild chlorinating reagents, decomposing in the process to stable oxovanadium(IV) products.
Depleted uranium and public health.

Depleted uranium, used in anti-tank weapons, provides a common thread that links concerns about leukaemia and other health effects in peacekeeping forces returned from the Balkans and worries about the environmental impact of debris from weapons in this war-weary segment of Europe. Unlike many agents that seem suddenly to prompt health concerns,1 however, we know quite a lot about the health effects of depleted uranium. Depleted uranium is derived from natural uranium mined from the earth's crust. Uranium is composed of three radioactive isotopes, U238, U235, and U234, which decay to other radioactive elements and ultimately to stable non-radioactive isotopes of lead.2–4 Uranium isotopes emit α particles during decay, which possess high energy but are poorly penetrating. Thus, uranium poses primarily an internal radiation hazard to tissue in close proximity. Uranium is not very radioactive, owing to its isotopes' relatively long half lives (105-109 years). These compare with radon, a prominent member of the daughter progeny of the uranium decay cascade, which possesses a half life of 3.8 days and a radiological activity 10 000 times greater.2–4 Depleted uranium possesses only 60% of the radioactivity of natural uranium, having been “depleted” of much of its most highly radioactive U234 and U …
Nucleotide sequence of the Herpes simplex virus type-2 syn gene that causes cell fusion

The nucleotide (nt) sequence of the entire coding region of the syn gene of Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is reported. The amino acid (aa) sequence deduced from the nt sequence has been compared to analogous Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) syn gene that causes cell fusion. The aa sequences are 82.8% homologous and contain a highly conserved region of 90 aa. These results identify some of the conserved regions in the coding sequences between the two types.
Submicron deformation field measurements: Part 1. Developing a digital scanning tunneling microscope

A new experimental method has been developed for studying deformations of micromechanical material systems at the submicron scale. To that end, a special digital scanning tunneling microscope (STM) was designed to be coupled to a mechanically deforming specimen. Operating in constant current mode, this digitally controlled STM records detailed topographies of specimen surfaces with a resolution of 10 nm in-plane and 7 nm out-of-plane over a 10 μ × 10 μ area. Three-dimensional displacement field information is extracted by comparing topographies of the same specimen area before and after deformation by way of a modified digital image correlation algorithm. The resolution of this (combined) displacement measuring method was assessed on translation and uniaxial tensile tests to be 5 nm for in-plane displacement components and 1.5 nm for out-of-plane motion over the same area. This is the first paper in a series of three in which the authors delineate the main features of this specially designed microscope and describe how it is constituted, calibrated and used with the improved version of the digital image correlation method to determine deformations in a test specimen at the nanoscale.
Changes in thalamic nociception resulting from morphine- and meperidine-dependence in rats☆

Abstract Rats were injected with progressively increasing doses of morphine or meperidine during a period of 3 to 40 days. From this colony of animals individual rats were used at 3- to 4-day intervals for electrophysiologic experiments to analyze the activity of nociceptive neurons in the somesthetic thalamus. After an i.p. injection of chloralose-urethane and the appropriate preparation for a stereotaxic microelectrode penetration of the thalamus, a nociceptive neuron was identified in the nucleus ventralis posterolateralis by its unique spacing of spike potentials emitted in response to pricking the foot with a pin. In addition to the short-latency response that formed a high activity peak on poststimulus time histograms, spikes following the stimulus up to 500 ms also formed activity peaks. Single-pulse stimulation of the sciatic nerve evoked the same response as pinpricks, but innocuous stimuli (pin shielded with a piece of cork) evoked a response without the late activity peaks. Only neurons that exhibited this differential response were regarded as nociceptive. Their response and spontaneous activity were accumulated separately on a digital computer. Following this, naloxone was infused i.v. and the computer accumulations were repeated. It was found that during naloxone-precipitated narcotic withdrawal, innocuous stimuli evoked responses indicative of pain; the nociceptive system was sensitized. Furthermore, a small dose of morphine or meperidine heightened the sensitization. This action of the narcotic agents was reversed by 5-hydroxytryptophan, which assisted the narcotics in suppressing pain in morphine- or meperidine-dependent rats but had no demonstrable effect in control animals. The spontaneous tonic activity of the nociceptive neurons of the somesthetic thalamus was high in rats exhibiting narcotic dependence. Naloxone decreased the count, but not to the value of the control animals. The sensitization of nociception can be explained by a decreased action of a neural pathway that descends from the periaqueductal gray matter via the nucleus raphe magnus to the spinal cord and there blocks the excitation of the spinothalamic tract cells by A-delta and C fibers. The mechanisms that increase the spontaneous activity of the thalamic nociceptive neurons remain unclear.
Studies of the dynamics of biological macromolecules using Au nanoparticle-DNA artificial molecules.

The recent development of graphene liquid cells, a nanoscale version of liquid bubble wrap, is a breakthrough for in situ liquid phase electron microscopy (EM). Using ultrathin graphene sheets as the liquid sample container, graphene liquid cells have allowed the unprecedented atomic resolution observation of solution phase growth and dynamics of nanocrystals. Here we explore the potential of this technique to probe nanoscale structure and dynamics of biomolecules in situ, using artificial Au nanoparticle–DNA artificial molecules as model systems. The interactions of electrons with both the artificial molecules and the liquid environment have been demonstrated and discussed, revealing both the opportunities and challenges of using graphene liquid cell EM as a new method of bio-imaging.
Compositional structure within the lunar crust as constrained by Lunar Prospector thorium data

Lunar Prospector gamma-ray spectrometer data for surface thorium indicate that craters greater than about 60 km in diameter tend to excavate into materials less Th-rich than the surface regolith. For the largest 12 craters and basins amenable to this type of analysis (diameters between 90 and 930 km), the ratio of crater (or basin) Th concentration to regional background Th averages 0.76±0.13. This trend implies a pronounced diminution in average Th concentration with increasing depth (down to roughly 30 km deep) in the lunar crust. Assuming deep-origin Orientale ejecta was strongly diluted by turbulent basin-modification mixing, an even more pronounced depth-Th anticorrelation would be indicated by extrapolation of the trend of the 30–300 km craters to higher diameters, i.e., deeper excavations. In any case, the overall lunar crust, and by extension the bulk Moon, is probably far less Th-rich than a simple averaging of surface compositions would suggest.
Does martian soil release reactive halogens to the atmosphere

Abstract Detailed statistical examination of Cl, Br, and S distributions, in martian soil profiles at Gusev Crater and Meridiani Planum, indicates decreasing Br abundance and weakening Br–S association towards the surface. All three elements decrease towards the surface in the order Cl
Circular dichroism analyses of membrane proteins: An examination of differential light scattering and absorption flattening effects in large membrane vesicles and membrane sheets

The circular dichroism spectra of membrane suspensions are distorted by differential light scattering and absorption flattening effects, which arise as a consequence of the large size of the membrane particles relative to the wavelength of light and the high concentration of proteins in the membranes. In this paper, the consequences of these phenomena on the protein spectra of large membrane particles are discussed, and methods for eliminating them are examined. The distortions due to differential light scattering are relatively small in membrane systems, and can be compensated for by use of a large detector acceptance angle geometry. Several methods for correcting for differential flattening, which introduces a substantial distortion, have been evaluated, and a new method, the flattening quotient approach, which produces by far the best results, is described. Since the secondary structures calculated from circular dichroism spectra are highly dependent on accurate spectral shape and magnitude, this method for correcting the spectra may find general application in circular dichroism studies of membrane proteins.
Thermal shock resistance of ZrB2 and ZrB2–30% SiC

Abstract Thermal shock of high density (>99% relative density) zirconium diboride (ZrB2) and zirconium diboride containing 30 vol.% silicon carbide (SiC) was studied. Calculations based on thermal shock theory indicated that ZrB2–30 vol.% SiC should have greater thermal shock resistance than ZrB2 due to its higher fracture strength. Water quench tests revealed essentially the same critical thermal shock values for both materials (ΔTcrit = ∼400 °C). A finite element model was used to estimate the temperatures and stresses in both ceramics during quench testing. The model predicted that maximum thermal stresses during the experimental quench test exceeded the strength of ZrB2 (568 MPa) but not ZrB2–30 vol.% SiC (863 MPa). The lower than predicted thermal shock resistance of ZrB2–SiC was attributed to the non-uniform cooling between the ZrB2 matrix grains and the SiC particulate phase.
Assymetric syntheses of the ladybug alkaloid adaline and 1-methyl-9-azabicyclo [3.3.1]nonan-3-one

Abstract The double Michael addition of benzylamine to 3-alkyl-2,7-cyclooctadienones, followed by hydrogenolysis, affords bridgehead substituted 9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3-ones. Use of (+)-α-methylbenzylamine in the addition leads to mixtures of diastereomeric adducts in unequal amounts. Although the degree of asymmetric induction is low (10–20% ee), the diastereonomers can be easily separated, affording pure enantiomeric forms of the ladybug alkaloid adaline 1 and the Euphorbia alkaloid 3 .
Searching for an improved clinical comorbidity index for use with ICD-9-CM administrative data☆

We studied approaches to comorbidity risk adjustment by comparing two ICD-9-CM adaptations (Deyo, Dartmouth-Manitoba) of the Charlson comorbidity index applied to Massachusetts coronary artery bypass surgery data. We also developed a new comorbidity index by assigning study-specific weights to the original Charlson comorbidity variables. The 2 ICD-9-CM coding adaptations assigned identical Charlson comorbidity scores to 90% of cases, and specific comorbidities were largely found in the same cases (kappa values of 0.72-1.0 for 15 of 16 comorbidities). Meanwhile, the study-specific comorbidity index identified a 10% subset of patients with 15% mortality, whereas the 5% highest-risk patients according to the Charlson index had only 8% mortality (p = 0.01). A model using the new index to predict mortality had better validated performance than a model based on the original Charlson index (c = 0.74 vs. 0.70). Thus, in our population, the ICD-9-CM adaptation used to create the Charlson score mattered little, but using study-specific weights with the Charlson variables substantially improved the power of these data to predict mortality.
Effects of flow speed, turbulence, and orientation on growth of juvenile bay scallops Argopecten irradians concentricus (Say)

Abstract Experiments were conducted using controlled pipe flows to test the extent to which growth of juvenile bay scallops Argopecten irradians concentricus (Say) is affected by flow speed, turbulence, and orientation of individuals relative to flow direction. When flow speed was held within a narrow range (1.7–3.9 cm · s−1), scallop growth was unaffected by the presence and intensity of turbulence in flows. Scallops with exhalent pseudosiphonal openings (posteriors) oriented upstream grew significantly less than those with anteriors oriented upstream at identical flow speeds. Shell growth declined gradually with increasing velocity from 1.4–17.2 cm · s−1, but the extent of flow effects on growth varied significantly with orientation to the flow. Negative effects of higher flows on growth were apparent for scallops with posteriors oriented upstream, whereas in the reverse position effects of flow speed on growth were less obvious. Flume tests suggested that the unfavorable position, with posterior pointed upstream, was not often maintained at flow speeds > 9 cm · s−1, whereas the more favorable reverse orientation was maintained at all flow speeds examined. Velocity profiles measured in natural scallop beds, and in situ observations of the elevation of juvenile bay scallops above the bottom, revealed that juveniles routinely experienced current speeds ⩾ 17 cm · s−1. Thus, changes in orientation may provide a significant means of maintaining high growth rates under field conditions. The effect of orientation suggests that feeding by juvenile Argopecten is inhibited by back pressure established at the exhalent opening by external flow. Hydrodynamic scaling arguments indicate that adult scallops should be less sensitive than juveniles to back pressure, yet, paradoxically, previous evidence, coupled with our results, indicate that growth of adult Argopecten is more sensitive to current speed than is the growth of juveniles.
Correlates of HPV knowledge among low-income minority mothers with a child 9-17 years of age

Abstract Study Objective To assess the level of HPV knowledge among low income, minority mothers with a child between the ages of 9-17 y. Design Women who sought care at a university-based clinic and had at least 1 child aged 9 to 17 years were approached. A total of 638 mothers were recruited. Only those who had heard of HPV were included in the correlation analyses (n = 468). Main Outcome Measures HPV knowledge was assessed utilizing a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 20 questions. Results There were differences between those who had heard of HPV and those who had not. More of those who had not heard of HPV were Hispanic (63%), low-income (89%), and did not graduate high school (59%). Of those who had heard of HPV, the majority did not answer 50% of questions correctly. Few knew the vaccine could prevent genital warts (19.7%). Factors independently associated with HPV knowledge included age, personal history of HPV, cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer, acquiring knowledge from ≥2 sources, having known someone with HPV or cervical cancer, having seen a brochure on the vaccine, and having seen an advertisement for the vaccine. Conclusions Knowledge regarding HPV is low among low-income women with children in the target age range for HPV vaccination. Increased awareness should focus on genital warts and other cancers, since this population has virtually no knowledge of other health outcomes related to HPV infection. Educational programs tailored to this population need to be developed to increase vaccination.
Absolute cross section for the C12(p, pn)C11 reaction at 50 MeV

Abstract Absolute cross sections for the C12(p, pn)C11 reaction at proton energies between 21 and 50.5 MeV were measured at the Brookhaven Linac. Beam intensity was measured with a Faraday cup and the C11 induced in polyethylene foils was assayed in a calibrated well-type scintillation counter. Corrections for C11 gas loss from the foils were applied. The C12(p, pn)C11 cross section at 50.5 MeV is 86.4±2.6 mb. Absolute cross sections for Na22 and Na22 production from aluminium were also measured at several energies.
Political Sophistication and Economic Voting in the American Electorate: A Theory of Heterogeneous Attribution

This article presents a theory of heterogeneous attribution, in which an individual's ability to make causal associations depends on his level of political sophistication. Specifically, we maintain that political sophistication dramatically influences the relative importance of personal and national economic judgments in shaping presidential candidate preference. Pocketbook voting, we argue, should be common only among relatively sophisticated voters, who are able to make the associative linkage between changes in their personal financial status and governmental policy. Additionally, we hypothesize that sociotropic evaluations should be most influential for less sophisticated voters. Low sophisticates, we argue, will tend to assume that the national economy is entirely in the President's hands (and vote accordingly), whereas more sophisticated voters understand that the economy is affected by many actors and conditions that are largely beyond the President's control. Testing our theory using data from 1992, 1996, and 1998, we find strong support for our hypotheses. T here is little doubt that changing economic conditions profoundly influence voters' electoral decisions. Since the work of Kramer (1971), a large body of research has accumulated indicating that electoral results at both the state and national levels are driven at least partly by economic fluctuations (Tufte 1975; Hibbs, Rivers, and Vasilatos 1982; Chappell and Keech 1988). There is, however, less consensus on how individual voters, many of whom "have only the fuzziest of notions about many aspects of politics and government," (Markus 1988, 137), evaluate the economic information they receive and connect it to the political world. Do voters assess political candidates based on their personal economic well being (the "pocketbook" voting hypothesis), or on the perceived health of the national economy (the "sociotropic" voting hypothesis)? The answer depends centrally on how voters attribute causal responsibility for changes in both personal and national economic conditions, a process that, we argue, is strongly influenced by the voter's level of political sophistication. In this research, we explicitly incorporate political sophistication into the model of economic voting. For years, researchers have debated the degree of sophistication that voters bring to bear when making politically relevant evaluations (Suzuki 1991; Mackuen, Erikson, and Stimson 1992). At the macro-level, the debate has hinged largely on the difference between voter evaluations based on retrospective assessments and those guided by more "sophisticated" prospective economic forecasts. This dichotomy is typified by Mackuen, Erikson, and Stimson's (1992) distinction between retrospective voters, or cognitive "peasants," and prospective voters, or cognitive "bankers." Micro-level theorists have also noted the importance of
Dynamics of fecal indicator bacteria, bacterial pathogen genes, and organic wastewater contaminants in the Little Calumet River–Portage Burns Waterway, Indiana

Abstract Little information exists on the co-occurrence of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), bacterial pathogens, and organic wastewater-associated chemicals (OWCs) within Great Lakes tributaries. Fifteen watershed sites and one beach site adjacent to the Little Calumet River–Portage Burns Waterway (LCRPBW) on Lake Michigan were tested on four dates for pH, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, chloride, color, ammonia- and nitrate-nitrogen, soluble phosphorus, sulfate, turbidity, and atrazine; for concentrations of FIB; and for genes indicating the presence of human-pathogenic enterococci (ENT) and of Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (EC) from various animal sources. Nineteen samples were also tested for 60 OWCs. Half of the watershed samples met EC recreational water quality standards; none met ENT standards. Human-wastewater-associated OWC detections were correlated with human-influence indicators such as population/km 2 , chloride concentrations, and the presence of WWTP effluents, but EC and ENT concentrations were not. Bacterial pathogen genes indicated rural human and several potential animal sources. OWCs of human or ecosystem health concern (musk fragrances AHTN and HHCB, alkylphenols, carbamazepine) and 3 bacterial pathogen genes were detected at the mouth of the LCRPBW, but no such OWCs and only 1 pathogen gene were detected at the beach. The LCRPBW has significant potential to deliver FIB, potential bacterial pathogens, and OWCs of human or ecosystem health concern to the nearshore of Lake Michigan, under conditions enhancing nearshore transport of the river plume. Nearshore mixing of lake and river water, and the lack of relationship between OWCs and FIB or pathogen genes, pose numerous challenges for watershed and nearshore assessment and remediation.
Effects of the Intracoronary Infusion of Cocaine on Coronary Arterial Dimensions and Blood Flow in Humans

This study was done to assess the influence of large concentrations of cocaine (infused into the left coronary artery) on coronary arterial dimensions and blood flow in humans. In 20 subjects undergoing cardiac catheterization, incrementally increasing doses of (1) saline solution (n = 10, controls) or (2) cocaine hydrochloride (n = 10) were infused into the left coronary artery, and the effects on heart rate, systemic arterial pressure, coronary sinus blood flow, and coronary arterial dimensions were measured. Saline solution induced no change in any variable. With the infusion of cocaine, there was an incremental increase in its concentration in the systemic (femoral arterial) and coronary (coronary sinus) circulations (maximal concentrations, 0.14 +/- 0.06 [mean+/-SD] and 3.50 +/- 0.70 mg/L, respectively). At the maximal cocaine infusion rate, heart rate and diastolic arterial pressure increased slightly, but coronary sinus blood flow and the dimensions of nondiseased and diseased coronary arterial segments did not change. Thus, intracoronary infusion of cocaine in an amount sufficient to achieve a high concentration in the coronary circulation does not induce epicardial coronary arterial vasoconstriction or alter blood flow.
Precise RFID localization in impaired environment through sparse signal recovery

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a rapidly developing wireless communication technology for electronically identifying, locating, and tracking products, assets, and personnel. RFID has become one of the most important means to construct real-time locating systems (RTLS) that track and identify the location of objects in real time using simple, inexpensive tags and readers. The applicability and usefulness of RTLS techniques depend on their achievable accuracy. In particular, when multilateration-based localization techniques are exploited, the achievable accuracy primarily relies on the precision of the range estimates between a reader and the tags. Such range information can be obtained by using the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or the phase difference of arrival (PDOA). In both cases, however, the accuracy is significantly compromised when the operation environment is impaired. In particular, multipath propagation significantly affects the measurement accuracy of both RSSI and phase information. In addition, because RFID systems are typically operated in short distances, RSSI and phase measurements are also coupled with the reader and tag antenna patterns, making accurate RFID localization very complicated and challenging. In this paper, we develop new methods to localize RFID tags or readers by exploiting sparse signal recovery techniques. The proposed method allows the channel environment and antenna patterns to be taken into account and be properly compensated at a low computational cost. As such, the proposed technique yields superior performance in challenging operation environments with the above-mentioned impairments.
Thin film assemblies of molecularly-linked metal nanoparticles and multifunctional properties.

The use of metal nanoparticles as building blocks toward thin film assembly creates intriguing opportunities for exploring multifunctional properties. Such an exploration requires the ability to engineer the size, shape, composition, and especially interparticle properties in nanoparticle assemblies for harnessing the collective properties of the nanoscale building blocks. This article highlights some of the important findings of our investigations of thin film assemblies of molecularly linked nanoparticles for exploiting their multifunctional and collective properties in molecular recognition and chemical sensing. The thermally activated processing approach presents a viable pathway for nanoengineering metal, alloy, and core−shell nanoparticles as building blocks. The molecular mediator-templating approach offers an effective strategy to thin film assemblies of the nanoscale building blocks that impart multifunctional properties. In such thin film assemblies, the interparticle interactions and structures...
Sleep Loss and Risk-Taking Behavior: A Review of the Literature

Sleep loss is common problem with a wide range of consequences. One possible consequence of sleep loss may be risk-taking behavior (RTB). The present review examined the empirical literature on the relationship between sleep loss and RTB. We found 23 studies that met inclusion criteria. Overall, sleep loss was positively associated with RTB, and there was evidence that changes in sleep loss are causally related to changes in RTB. One possible mediator of the relationship between sleep loss and RTB was reduced functioning of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC). Possible moderators of this relationship included type of RTB measure and general versus specific RTB. We discussed limitations and recommendations for future research in this area.
Genetic mapping of QTLs associated with greenbug resistance and tolerance in Sorghum bicolor.

Ninety three recombinant inbreds of Sorghum bicolor (L. Moench) were derived from a cross between two sorghum lines GBIK and Redlan. This population was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance and tolerance to greenbug (Schizaphids graminum Rondani) Biotypes I and K. One hundred and thirteen loci (38 SSRs and 75 RAPDs) were mapped in 12 linkage groups covering 1,530 cM. In general, nine QTLs were detected affecting both resistance and tolerance to greenbug (GB) Biotypes I and K. The phenotypic variance explained by each QTL ranged from 5.6% to 38.4%. Four SSRs and one RAPD marker were associated with the expression of all resistance and tolerance traits. These markers appear to be linked to biotype non-specific resistance and tolerance genes. Four additional markers were associated with biotype-specific resistance or tolerance traits. The detection of more than one locus for each biotype supports the hypothesis that several regions, which represent different genes, control the expression of resistance and tolerance to greenbug in sorghum. The results can be used for marker-assisted selection and the breeding of greenbug-tolerant sorghum cultivars.
Hemorrhagic colitis and pseudomelanosis coli in ipecac ingestion by proxy.

Summary This report describes a toddler with chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and hypotonia due to surreptitious administration of syrup of ipecac by his mother (Munchausen's syndrome by proxy). Several features of this case distinguish it from previous reports of chronic ipecac ingestion in childhood: the development of grossly bloody stools; radiologic, endoscopic, and biopsy evidence of a chronic moderate colitis resembling ulcerative colitis; and the histologic finding of pseudomelanosis coli, providing an important clue to toxic ingestion. The significance and possible mechanism for genesis of pseudomelanosis coli is discussed. This case emphasizes the variability in presentation and difficulty in diagnosing long-term ipecac ingestion by proxy. Ipecac toxicity should be considered in children with unexplained colitis and vomiting.
Bio-optical modeling of photosynthetic pigments in corals

The spectral reflectance of coral is inherently related to the amounts of photosynthetic pigments present in the zooxanthellae. There are no studies, however, showing that the suite of major photosynthetic pigments can be predicted from optical reflectance spectra. In this study, we measured cm-scale in vivo and in situ spectral reflectance for several colonies of the massive corals Porites lobata and Porites lutea, two colonies of the branching coral Porites compressa, and one colony of the encrusting coral Montipora flabellata in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. For each reflectance spectrum, we collected a tissue sample and utilized high-performance liquid chromatography to quantify six major photosynthetic pigments, located in the zooxanthellae. We used multivariate multiple regression analysis with cross-validation to build and test an empirical linear model for predicting pigment concentrations from optical reflectance spectra. The model accurately predicted concentrations of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll c 2, peridinin, diadinoxanthin, diatoxanthin and β-carotene, with correlation coefficients of 0.997, 0.941, 0.995, 0.996, 0.980 and 0.984, respectively. The relationship between predicted and actual concentrations was 1:1 for each pigment, except chlorophyll c 2. This simple empirical model demonstrates the potential for routine, rapid, non-invasive monitoring of coral-zooxanthellae status, and ultimately for remote sensing of reef biogeochemical processes.
Superconducting and normal properties of nbn produced by ion implantation of niobium thin films

Abstract Niobium films (120 nm thick) deposited by electron-beam evaporation were implanted near 5 K with 100 keV N2 ions to maximum fluences of 4 to 7 × 1017 N/cm2. STEM diffraction patterns showed a structural phase transformation from the initial Nb lattice with [110] fiber texture (bcc, a 0 = 0.330 nm) to randomly oriented δ-NbN (fcc, a 0 = 0.435–0.439 nm), via an intermediate, highly disordered Nb-(interstitial N) structure (bcc, maximum a 0 = 0.342 nm). Decreases in transition temperature T c from 9 K to a minium of 3 K and rapid linear increases in residual resistivity (ρ 10) were observed to fluence of 1.0–1.5 × 1017 N/cm2 and were attributed to the accumulation of radiation-induced defects. Continued implantation resulted in δ-NbN formation and T c increases to maximum values of 9–10 K which were achieved at fluences from 3.5 to 5.0 × 1017 N/cm2, corresponding to average substoichiometric N/Nb ratios of 0.52–0.75, at which point the phase transformation was complete. The δ-NbN formation was accom...
THE FAMILY FIRO MODEL: A MODEST PROPOSAL FOR ORGANIZING FAMILY TREATMENT

This paper presents a model for organizing family issues and family treatment. Schutz's FIRO model is offered as a framework for organizing family issues into inclusion, control and affection categories. Following Schutz's theory of group development, we propose that inclusion, control and affection constitute a logical hierarchy of core issues to be dealt with in treating multiproblem families-inclusion first, then control, and then affection (intimacy). Furthermore, we propose that the FIRO model can be used to organize theories of family therapy. We attempt to demonstrate that different family therapies are best suited for one of the three core issues of family interaction. We advocate an “intelligent eclecticism” based on the premise that when an issue is appropriately matched with a therapy, therapeutic effectiveness should be enhanced. We also discuss implications of our Family FIRO model for clinical practice.
Ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy of bacteriorhodopsin.

— Ultraviolet resonance Raman spectra of bacteriorhodopsin have been obtained using 229 nm excitation from a hydrogen-shifted neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) laser. High signal-to-noise spectra are observed exhibiting vibrational bands at 762, 877, 1011, 1175, 1356, 1552 and 1617 cm−1 which are assigned to scattering from tryptophan and tyrosine side chains. This demonstrates the feasibility of using UV resonance Raman spectroscopy to monitor aromatic amino acid structural changes during the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle.
Funding microfinance under asymmetric information

Abstract We consider a model where poverty minimizing donors fund microfinance lenders that are heterogeneous in cost. Under asymmetric information the donors face a choice whether to issue grants or to charge the lenders for funds. While charging for funds leads to higher interest rates, a higher rate can induce separation by squeezing the higher cost lenders. Whether separation is good for aggregate poverty reduction or not depends on the quantity of supply of funds. When the supply is small grants are best, but when the supply is large enough it is better that lenders pay for external funding.
Mispyric Acid, a New Monocyclic Triterpenoid with a Novel Skeleton from Mischocarpus pyriformis that Inhibits DNA Polymerase β

Bioassay-guided fractionation using an assay to monitor DNA polymerase β inhibition led to the isolation of the inhibitor, mispyric acid (1), a monocyclic triterpenoid with a novel skeleton from Mi...
A test of a climatic index of dune mobility using measurements from the southwestern United States

The climatic index of dune mobility developed by Lancaster (1988) has been applied to a variety of different environments. The index is, however, untested and unverified. We tested the index by comparison of values of the dune mobility index calculated from climate data with rates of sand transport measured at three stations in Arizona and New Mexico over the period 1985 to 1997. Our results show that changes in measured rates of sand transport closely parallel temporal changes in the dune mobility index. The mobility index is, however, a relatively poor predictor of the magnitude of actual sand transport on a year-to-year basis. This discrepancy is probably due to the fact that sand transport rates at these sites are strongly influenced by vegetation cover, the state of which may lag changes in annual precipitation. There is, however, a good relation between the mean annual mobility index and mean annual rates of sand transport. This indicates that the dune mobility index is a valid predictor of the long-term state of the aeolian system and can be used confidently for the purposes for which it was originally intended. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Philosophy and Mathematics of Bayes' Equation

The rudiments of Bayesian philosophy are introduced, and the mathematics of its application are surveyed; there is no uniformity of thought concerning either. The more extreme Bayesian philosophy, which allows subjective probabilities, is a means of plausible reasoning, or of making inferences, through inductive logic. Because inferences concerning reliability concepts are important in the decision process, this philosophy has a place in the reliability field. The difficulties of interpreting the probability function and of assigning prior distributions restrict the presentation of a unified philosophy. Thus, only techniques for describing prior probabilities under various circumstances can be given. Application of the Bayesian approach depends on how the reliability decision is conceptualized.
Regulation of fibroblast growth factor 2 expression in oxygen-induced retinopathy.

PURPOSE: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 is a potent endothelial cell mitogen and survival factor that is postulated to participate in the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The purpose of the current study was to determine the transcriptional and translational regulation of FGF2 expression in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), the animal model of ROP. METHODS: We examined FGF2 protein and mRNA expression and optokinetic visual responses in transgenic mice possessing a dual-luciferase bicistronic transgene containing a 5'-internal ribosome entry site (IRES) of FGF2. RESULTS: We found that retinal FGF2 protein isoform expression varies with age but not in response to OIR. Analysis of luciferase, protein, and mRNA data indicate that FGF2 protein expression is translationally repressed during the vaso-obliterative phase of OIR, possibly by inhibiting elongation. At the transition from vaso-obliteration to neovascularization, heightened FGF2 protein expression corresponds to maintenance of IRES activity and diminished cap-dependent translational activity. During neovascularization, FGF2 expression is primarily regulated by transcription. Mice recovering from OIR display alterations in visual optokinetic responses and increased FGF2 protein expression at 6 weeks of age. CONCLUSIONS: In total, these findings illustrate the complexity of translational and transcriptional regulation of FGF2 protein expression in OIR. The augmentation of FGF2 expression and reduced optokinetic responses during the resolution of surface vasculopathy may indicate a role for FGF2 in the maintenance of neuroretinal function in OIR/ROP.
A comparison of the leaf shredding ability and influence on microbial films of surface and cave forms of Gammarus minus Say

Gammarus minus has both cave and surface forms that differ considerably in their morphology. We experimentally compared the ability of these two forms to consume leaves and influence the activity of the microbial films associated with leaves. Both forms of G. minus were effective leaf shredders, and were equally efficient at converting leaves to small particles. We found little relationship between amphipod size and the rate at which they shredded leaves. Both forms of G. minus stimulated the respiration rate of microbes associated with leaves by 32–52%. Cave forms of G. minus had a 15% greater stimulatory effect on microbial respiration. The stimulatory effect of G. minus on microbial respiration is evident in cave streams as well as in the laboratory. It appears that G. minus plays a particularly important role in cave systems by converting leaves to fine particles and stimulating microbial films which are important foods for many cave animals.