cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular determinants of the modulation of cyclic nucleotide-activated channels by calmodulin.

The action of calmodulin (CaM) on target proteins is important for a variety of cellular functions. We demonstrate here, however, that the presence of a CaM-binding site on a protein does not necessarily imply a functional effect. The α-subunit of the cGMP-gated cation channel of human retinal cones has a CaM-binding site on its cytoplasmic N-terminal region, but the homomeric channel that it forms is not functionally modulated by CaM. Mutational analysis based on comparison to the highly homologous olfactory cyclic nucleotide-gated channel α-subunit, which does form a CaM-modulated channel, indicates that residues downstream of the CaM-binding domain on these channels are also important for CaM to have an effect. These findings suggest that a CaM-binding site and complementary structural features in a protein probably evolve independently, and an effect caused by CaM occurs only in the presence of both elements. More generally, the same may be true for other recognized binding sites on proteins for modulators or activators, so that a demonstrated physical interaction does not necessarily imply functional consequence.
Derivation of the Lindblad Generator Structure by use of the Itô Stochastic Calculus

Abstract We use the Ito stochastic calculus to give a simple derivation of the Lindblad form for the generator of a completely positive density matrix evolution, by specialization from the corresponding global form for a completely positive map. As a by-product, we obtain a generalized generator for a completely positive stochastic density matrix evolution.
Sodium pump evokes high density pump currents in rat midbrain dopamine neurons.

The sodium pump, also known as Na+-K+-ATPase, is an ATP-dependent enzyme that extrudes intracellular Na+ in exchange for extracellular K+. Of the three subunits that comprise the sodium pump, it is the α-subunit that possesses ATP catalytic activity and contains the binding site for cardiac glycosides (Fambrough et al. 1994). Three isoforms of the α-subunit have been cloned thus far (Shull et al. 1986), and each differs somewhat in its affinity for Na+ and K+ (Jewell & Lingrel, 1991). The α1-subunit in rat is prominently expressed in heart (Emanuel et al. 1987) and is resistant to inhibition by cardiac glycosides (Price & Lingrel, 1988). In contrast, α2- and α3-subunits, which are expressed with α1 in brain (Urayama et al. 1989), are more sensitive to cardiac glycosides (Berrebi-Bertrand et al. 1990). Because the sodium pump extrudes three Na+ in exchange for two K+, its activity causes membrane hyperpolarization which is essential for maintaining the resting membrane potential in excitable cells. Because it also maintains the transmembrane gradient for Na+, it is also essential for many metabolic processes that are needed to sustain life (Lees, 1991). Our previous work in midbrain dopamine neurons showed that the electrogenic sodium pump also causes the rhythmic hyperpolarizations that underlie the burst firing of action potentials in the presence of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor stimulation (Johnson et al. 1992). This action of the sodium pump may be important because burst firing has been shown to release more dopamine at nerve terminals than does the same number of evenly spaced spikes (Gonon & Buda, 1985). Furthermore, the increased dopamine release that occurs during burst firing has been linked to behavioural phenomena such as motivation, attention and reward seeking (Schultz & Romo, 1990). Utilization of sodium pump currents during burst firing is relatively unusual, having been described thus far only in dopamine neurons, neonatal spinal cord motoneurons (Ballerini et al. 1997) and the L3 Aplysia neuron (Willis et al. (1974). Therefore, one may wonder if pump current in dopamine neurons is unusual in some way that enables it to participate in burst firing. A previous attempt to quantify pump current in dopamine neurons was complicated by the fact that Na+ loading evokes a large sulphonylurea-sensitive K+ conductance (Seutin et al. 1996). In the present study, we added K+ channel blockers to patch pipette solutions in order to study strophanthidin-sensitive pump currents in the absence of significant amounts of Na+-activated K+ currents. Our data show that Na+ loading evokes a relatively high density of sodium pump current in midbrain dopamine neurons compared with that recorded in other types of cell.
Cumulative PM(2.5) exposure and telomere length in workers exposed to welding fumes.

Telomeres are genomic structures that reflect both mitotic history and biochemical trauma to the genome. Metals inherent in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were shown to be genotoxic via oxidative damage. However, few studies investigated the induction time of cumulative PM2.5 exposure on telomere length in a longitudinal setting. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the association between occupational PM2.5 exposure in various time windows and telomere length. The study population consisted of 48 boilermakers and the follow-up period was 8 yr. The main exposures were cumulative occupational PM2.5 in the month, year, and career prior to each blood draw, assessed via work history questionnaires and area air measures. Repeated telomere length measurements from leukocytes were assessed via real-time qualitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Analysis was performed using linear mixed models controlling for confounders and white blood cell differentials. Cumulative PM2.5 exposure was treated ...
Monogamy and brood parasitism: an unlikely pair

Abstract Intensive observation of a population of brood parasitic brown-headed cowbirds ( Molothrus ater ), including 114 marked birds, demonstrated that monogamy is the prevalent mating system. Analysis of 1280 consort events and 73 copulations showed that nearly all copulations were between a female and the male most often seen with her, even though females had ample opportunities to mate with other males. Although monogamy prevails, some pair bonds do not endure throughout the breeding season. They are more unstable during the early season when resident cowbirds are establishing their social interrelations. This study provides strong evidence that the cowbird's mating system varies geographically, as the only previous study based on observed copulations demonstrated promiscuity. Current hypotheses for the evolution of avian mating systems, when considered in light of the field data presently available, do not fully explain the adaptive significance of monogamy in a parasitic bird.
Potential nitrification in alum-treated soil slurries amended with poultry manure

Alum is used to reduce environmental pollutants in poultry production. Alum decreases NH3 volatilization and increases total N and NH4+-N compared to untreated poultry manure. Nitrification in poultry wastes could therefore be stimulated due to higher NH4+ concentrations or could be inhibited because the soil environment is acidified. A 10-day laboratory study was conducted to study potential nitrification rates in soil slurries (20 g soil in 150 ml water) amended with 2.0 g alum-treated poultry manure. Fecal bacteria, NH4+, NO2-, NO3-, orthophosphate, pH, and NH3 were measured at 2-day intervals. Alum significantly reduced fecal bacteria concentrations through day 6. Water-soluble P was reduced 82% by day 10. Alum-treated manure had significantly increased NH4+ concentrations by day 8 and 10, and significantly decreased NO2- and NO3- concentrations by days 6-10. Alum's effect on potential nitrification was inhibitory in the soil environment. Slurries with alum-treated poultry manure had reduced nitrification rates, fecal bacteria, and soluble P. Therefore, in addition to reducing P loss, alum could temporarily reduce the risk for environmental pollution from land-applied manures in terms of both NO3- and fecal bacteria loss.
Brief subjective durations contract with repetition.

Neural responses to a repeated stimulus typically diminish, an effect known as repetition suppression. We here demonstrate what appear to be parallel effects of repetition on subjective duration, even when stimuli are presented too rapidly for explicit temporal judgments. When a brief visual stimulus (e.g., a letter, word, object, or face) was serially flashed in different locations, several stimuli appeared to be present simultaneously due to persistence of visionVwe term this the Proliferation Effect. Critically, fewer stimuli were perceived to be simultaneously present when the same stimulus was flashed repeatedly than when a different stimulus was used for each flash, indicating that persistence of vision (and hence subjective duration) shrinks for predictable stimuli. These short-timescale experiments demonstrate that subjective durations are computed at a preconscious and implicit level of processing, thereby changing the temporal interpretation of visual scenes. Further, these findings suggest a new, instant diagnostic test for deficits in repetition suppression, such as those found in schizophrenia.
A Control Method for Improvement in the Tandem Hot Metal Strip Rolling Process

The tandem rolling of hot metal strip is a highly complex nonlinear process and as such presents an extremely difficult control challenge. This challenge is further exacerbated by the hostile hot metal rolling environment which precludes the location of certain sensors to measure variables that are important for control. Our previous work using a state-dependent Riccati equation technique for control of the tandem cold metal rolling process carries over well as a basis for the development of an improved method for control of the much more complex tandem hot metal strip rolling process. We present in this paper a comprehensive model of this process plus the results of our initial efforts toward the development of a suitable process controller. The strong possibility of significant improvement in the quality of the final product is shown by the results of simulations with the new controller is coupled to the model.
A high-resolution double-crystal diffractometer method for the measurement of lattice parameter in single crystals

Abstract A simple, rapid, and inexpensive double-crystal diffractometer technique has been developed for the precise measurement of lattice parameters in single crystal wafers. The method is based on comparing diffraction angles of “unknown” crystals to reference standards previously characterized by an absolute method such as that Bond's. Tilt errors associated with the measurement of diffraction angles on double diffractometers are eliminated through a simple procedure to align both crystals simultaneously, providing fast results, reproducible typically within ±1 arc sec, and potentially within a fraction of an arc sec. An application of the technique to several varieties of GaAs wafers is presented and discussed.
Plateletapheresis: comparison of processing times, platelet yields, and white blood cell content with several commonly used systems.

In this study we compare processing times and platelet yields of eight systems: five double-needle (DN)-fenwal CS3000 Plus with interface offset (IO) of 6 (Fen 6) and IO of 10 (Fen 10), a prototype Fenwal Amicus (AM-DN), Spectra version 4 (Spec 4-DN) and version 5 with leukoreduction system (Spec 5-LRS); and three single-needle (SN) systems-Haemonetics MCS Plus (MCS+), prototype Amicus (AM-SN), and Spectra version 4 (Spec 4-SN). Twenty-five procedures from each of the systems (except AM-SN, N = 13) were compared; each system had comparable preprocedure platelet counts and similar endpoints. Five systems-MCS+, Fen 6, Fen 10 with leukoreduction filter (MCS + LRF), (Fen 6 LRF), (Fen 10 LRF), as well as AM-DN, and Spec 5-LRS-were compared for WBC content. P-selectin expression was compared in the MCS+; Fen-10 with A-35 (Fen 10-A35) and PLT-30 (Fen 10-PLT30) collection chambers; Spec 4-DN; and platelet-rich plasma. We found AM-DN (63 + 16 min) had a significantly lower average processing time than all other systems except AM-SN. Spectra 4-DN (5.6 1.7 x 10 11 Plt) produced significantly more platelets and had a significantly higher incidence of products ≥6.0 x 10 11 (56%) and higher incidence of products ≥6.6 x 10 11 Plt (32%) than all other systems. AM-DN (0.073 0.017 x 10 11 Plt/min) had a significantly higher collection rate than all other systems except AM-SN. The WBC content comparison indicated MCS+ with a filter; and AM-DN and Spectra 5-LRS without filters were capable of consistently (99.32-100%) producing products with <5 x 10 6 WBC, but were less consistent (86.36-99.26%) at <1 x 10 6 WBC. MCS+ and Fen 10-PLT30 had significantly (p <.05) less p-selectin expression than all other systems but not between each other. From the data in this study, if leukoreduced platelets were needed in the shortest processing time, the first and second choices would be Amicus-DN and Spectra 5-LRS, respectively.
Characterization by scanning and transmission electron microscopy of avian peripheral blood mononuclear cells exhibiting natural killer-like (NK) activity

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MN) were isolated from 10-week-old Single Comb White Leghorn female chickens (Cornell K strain) and incubated with either LSCC-RP9 or P815 tumor cells at a ratio of 200:1. Samples were filtered through a 2 micron nucleopore filter at 15 min, 30 min, 1 hr, 2 h, 3 h, and 4 h following incubation to isolate conjugates for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For transmission electron microscopy (TEM), MN were incubated with LSCC-RP9 tumor cells at a ratio of 200:1 for 1 h. Conjugates in the suspension were fixed, stained, and embedded for thin sectioning. Samples were viewed to determine morphological characteristics of cells having NK-like ability and tumor cell destruction process. The MN possessing NK-like activity appear to be small lymphocytes (5-6 microns in diameter) with a small cytoplasm to nuclear ratio and many surface projections. In addition, it was shown that conjugate formation occurred in both tumor cell lines and the lymphocyte surface projections appear to play a role in the destruction process. Tumor cell destruction did occur with both cell lines, however, the LSCC-RP9 tumors cells were destroyed more rapidly.
Influences of age and dietary restriction on gastrocnemius electron transport system activities in mice.

Alterations in the mitochondrial electron transport system (ETS) may contribute to aging. Dietary restriction (DR) provides a model to investigate retarded aging. ETS activities were measured in gastrocnemius from 10- and 20-month-old B6C3F1female mice fed eitherad libitum(AL) or DR diets (40% < AL). Older (26 month old) AL mice were studied for complex IV. Activities of complexes I, III, and IV decreased 54–74% from 10 to 20 months of age in AL mice. At 10 months, activities of complexes I, III, and IV were 33–64% lower in DR compared to AL mice. TheKmfor ubiquinol-2 of complex III increased 29% by 20 months of age in AL mice while no change occurred in DR mice. TheVmaxof complex IV declined by 90% from 10 to 26 months of age in AL mice and this change was opposed by DR. Complex IV contains high- and low-affinity binding sites. TheKmfor high-affinity sites was not influenced by age or diet through 20 months; however, theKmwas approximately twofold higher at 26 months in AL mice. The percentage of total binding sites which were of high affinity fell from 68% at 10 months in AL mice to 46% at 20 months and was even lower (33%) at 26 months. This value was 80% for DR mice at 10 and 20 months. These alterations with aging in mitochondrial ETS capacities may contribute to decreases in skeletal muscle function.
PEG conjugates of potent α4 integrin inhibitors, maintaining sustained levels and bioactivity in vivo, following subcutaneous administration

Mitsunobu reactions were employed to link t-butyl esters of α4 integrin inhibitors at each of the termini of a three-arm, 40 kDa, branched PEG. Cleavage of the t-butyl esters using HCO2H provided easily isolated PEG derivatives, which are potent α4 integrin inhibitors, and which achieve sustained levels and bioactivity in vivo, following subcutaneous administration to rats.
Non-climatic Factors affecting the Shape of Apple Fruits

SOME factors affecting fruit shape of apples are known. Partially seeded fruits are one-sided, the less fleshy side being adjacent to seedless carpels. Horticulturists have long observed that climate may also affect shape. Fruits grown in hot climates, especially where nights are warm, are flatter than those from cooler climates. In 1914, Shaw1 stated: “There is a pretty constant fluctuation between the form of the apple and the temperature for a period following bloom ; the cooler this period the more elongated the apple”. In an effort to delimit this period, he concluded that the period from the sixth to the sixteenth days following full bloom fitted the observed fluctuations in form more closely than any other period. A recent study by Westwood2, however, showed that very young fruits were distinctly elongated but became more flattened as they grew, the ultimate shape being determined about 100 days after full bloom. Thus, any effect of climate on shape might possibly extend well beyond a brief period after bloom.
Superoxide dismutase and hemodynamic changes following aortic crossclamp release.

Release of an aortic crossclamp usually results in hypotension which is mainly due to hypovolemia from sequestration of fluid in the tissues and the release of vasoactive substances (ie, bradykinin, free radicals) that increase capillary permeability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate superoxide dismutase (SOD), a free-radical scavenger, as a pharmacologic technique to prevent hemodynamic changes following aortic crossclamping and release. Fourteen mongrel dogs were studied and divided into two groups. The aorta was clamped for 60 minutes. Group A received NaHCO3, 3.5 mEq/kg, and SOD, 15,000 U/kg; while group B received only NaHCO3, 3.5 mEq/kg, prior to aortic crossclamp release. There was a statistically significant difference in cardiac output, systolic blood pressure, systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances, and arterial oxygen tension between the two groups following aortic crossclamp release. Cardiac output increased from 2.2 +/- .05 to 2.5 +/- .03 L/min (P < .05) after declamping, and returned toward preclamping baseline values after five minutes in group A. In group B, cardiac output decreased from 2.3 +/- .05 to 2.1 +/- .01 (P < .005) after declamping and remained unchanged five minutes later. No statistically significant changes in PaO2 occurred in group A, while there was a significant decrease in PaO2 in group B after crossclamp release. In group B, PaO2 decreased from 95 +/- 7 to 70 +/- 1 mmHg (P < .005) after crossclamp release. Bradykinin levels were almost identical in both groups studied. It is concluded that SOD significantly decreases the cardiovascular changes following aortic crossclamp release.
Cognitive development of children in poverty with failure to thrive: a prospective study through age 6.

Background: This study examined the cognitive development of children in poverty with normal growth and those with a history of failure to thrive (FTT) prospectively from infancy through age 6. Method: Participants were 226 low-income infants with normal birthweight and no perinatal complications, congenital problems, or chronic illnesses. One hundred and twenty-eight children experienced FTT and were treated in an interdisciplinary clinic, and 98 had normal growth. Results: Cognitive development declined in both groups to 1.0–1.5 SD below the norm. Children with FTT had lower cognitive scores than children with adequate growth through age 4, followed by recovery. By ages 5 and 6, there were no differences in cognitive scores based on the children's growth history. Using hierarchical linear modeling, child-centered home environment and small family size were related to better cognitive performance. Conclusions: The low scores of both groups point to the need for programs promoting a child-centered home environment.
Local habitat distribution determines the relative frequency and interbreeding potential for two Caribbean coral morphospecies

We investigate the relationship between habitat heterogeneity and morphological variation in the Caribbean coral species-complex, Madracis pharensis/decactis. This complex showed strong but incomplete morphospecies habitat-matching on a small spatial scale. We find that only one Madracis morphospecies dominates in environments consisting of either few vertical or few horizontal habitats, whereas in environments consisting of a mixture of horizontal and vertical habitats both morphospecies are common. We demonstrate that the observed patterns of morphospecies habitat-matching cannot be explained by a pure polyphenic model, where morphological variants are induced by a genotype-by-environment interaction at their settling site. Instead, we suggest that habitat-matching results in whole or in part from genetically predetermined factors. We present support for the hypothesis that this pattern of habitat-matching is due to habitat- and morphospecies-specific selective factors. Our study describes how a variable environmental factor, i.e. habitat distribution, has a non-linear effect on the spatial distribution of these morphospecies, thereby influencing the genetic organization of the Madracis coral complex at the ~+1–10 km spatial scale.
Suppression of copper-related level in LEC pGaAs by platinum diffusion

Abstract Platinum diffusion in nGaAs has been reported earlier to result in an increase in the minority carrier (hole) diffusion length. As a follow-on to these studies we have examined the effect of Pt in PGaAs. Platinum diffusion for 10 h at 850°C shows no deep DLTS Pt-related hole traps 50 μm deep in the crystal bulk but apparently causes suppression of the copper-related hole trap at Eν + 0.44 eV.
Circannual pattern of hypothalamic-pituitary- thyroid (HPT) function and mood during extended antarctic residence

The seasonal variation in thyroid function and mood was examined in 10 men and two women who spent the 1997 or 1998 austral winter at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Serum samples of TSH, free T3 and free T4 were collected each month over a 10-month period (October-August), along with responses to the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression (CES-D) Scale. Both TSH and mood (a summary score created from the POMS depression, anger, fatigue and confusion subscales) exhibited a circannual pattern with peaks during the months of November and July and a trough during the months of March and April. High levels of tension-anxiety and confusion were preceded by declines in free T3 and T4. However, increases in tension-anxiety and total mood disturbance also preceded a decline in free T3 levels, suggesting a feedback of mood on T3 levels. Levels of free T4 were independently associated with preceding increases in anger scores. These results support the hypothesis that the symptoms characteristic of the winter-over syndrome is a state of relative CNS hypothyroidism. This model of seasonal variation in thyroid function and mood also has implications for an understanding of potential mechanisms underlying the association between latitude and SAD or S-SAD.
Improving media campaigns promoting physical activity: the underutilized role of gender

As the obesity epidemic worsens in the United States and globally, resources are increasingly being allocated to address this public health threat. Media campaigns promoting physical activity are receiving funding from government and private sources, and some of these campaigns have achieved modest success. Still, more can be done to increase the effectiveness of these campaigns. Drawing on facets of consumer behavior, psychology, and public policy, this work represents a cross-disciplinary theoretical analysis suggesting that the effectiveness of media-based campaigns promoting physical activity could be enhanced by making use of gender-specific advertising. Research is reviewed suggesting that gender differences in information processing styles and values lead to gender-specific responses to media campaigns. Recommendations are made to help practitioners improve physical activity campaigns by crafting advertisements that specifically appeal to the unique preferences of each gender. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rare earth elements and the petrogenesis of aubrites

REE measurements in the Bishopville aubrite confirm that oldhamite (CaS) is the dominant REE carrier, while most other phases, including the major silicates, are extremely REE-depleted. In oldhamite, a variety of REE patterns are observed, which could not have been produced during crystallization from a single fractionating magma. Although the aubrites have clearly undergone igneous processing, oldhamite (which is highly refractory) may be a relict phase. In this case, whole-rock REE data cannot provide information on the igneous evolution of these meteorites.
Relations of Personality Factors and Student Nurses' Attitudes toward Abortion

Summary.-The present study, conducted just prior to the 1973 U. S. Supreme Court decision on abortion, focused on effects of personality characteristics and one healch-profession choice (student nursing vs a liberal am major) upon attitudes towad abortion. Ss were 96 students from an introductory psychology class, 49 student nurses, and 46 liberal arts maiors. It was predicted that student nurses would be more negative toward legalizing abortion than would liberal arts majors. Results supported this prediction (p < .025). Personality characteristics were assessed by the 16 PF (Cattell, Eber, & Tatsuoka, 1970) and were analyzed to yield four second-order factors: anxiety vs adjustment, extraversion vs introversion, subduedness vs independence, and tenderminded emotionality vs alert poise. Anxiery, introversion, subduedness, and tendermindedness were all expected to predispose Ss to be more against abortion than the other halves of these dichotomies. Predictions were supported (ps from .05 to ,025) for all but anxiety. The 1973 U. S. Supreme Courc decision setting aside restrictive stace abortion laws undoubtedly will not represent the end point for this topic, and both intensely held public attitudes and professional concern in the behavioral sciences preceded the decision and continue. Previous research has concentrated on the relation of ind:vidual attitudes and behavior to the issue of abortion; however, none of these studies directly related the person's attitudes toward abortion to personality characteristics. The present study explored chis relation. Early effects of changes in abortion laws were studied by Char and McDermoct (1972) following the legalization of abortion in Hawaii in 1970. They briefly ueated and studied groups of nurses required by their jobs to assist with abortions and who, as a result, were described by the researchers as suffering acute identity crises regarding their nursing roles. Balakrishnan, Ross, Allingham, and Kantner ( 1972 ) , concerned with broad scale explanatory variables, sampled attitudes of over 1600 Canadian women and related individual attitudes to nine demographic variables. Religion, relative frequency of church attendance, and husband's income were the best predictors of these women's attitudes toward abortion. On the other hand, Kane, Lachenbruch, Lipton, Morris, and Baram (1973) compared college girls seeking abortions with a nonpregnant control group and concluded that motivational factors, such as guilt over contraceptive use and impulsivity, may have predisposed many of the pregnant group to become pregnant. Such findings suggest the impact of individual personality characteristics on the issue of abortion. The fact that Balakrishnan, er al. employed nine broad demographic characteristics to explain
Polymer structure of cured alkaline phenol–formaldehyde resol resins with respect to resin synthesis mole ratio and oxidative side reactions

A wood adhesive-type phenol–formaldehyde (PF) resol resin synthesized with a typical formaldehyde to phenol mol ratio of 2.10 was thoroughly cured and studied by the solid-state crosspolarization/magic angle spinning 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS NMR) spectroscopy. The methylene group/phenol mol ratio values found were between 1.35 and 1.46, close to the value of a completely cured PF polymer structure. The amount of formaldehyde emitted during resin curing was very small. Other formaldehyde-derived groups determined from CP/MAS NMR spectra and relatively high levels of oxidation products of formaldehyde determined from water extracts of cured resin raised the total formaldehyde-derived groups/phenol mol ratio value to close to that of the synthesis mol ratio. Technological implications of these findings are discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 3275–3285, 1997
Intramolecular C−H Activation of a Bisphenolate(benzene)-Ligated Titanium Dibenzyl Complex. Competing Pathways Involving α-Hydrogen Abstraction and σ-Bond Metathesis

A titanium dibenzyl complex featuring a ligand with two phenolates linked by a benzene-1,3-diyl group was found to undergo thermal decomposition to give toluene and a cyclometalated dimeric complex. The thermal decomposition followed first-order kinetics and was studied at a number of temperatures to determine the activation parameters (ΔH‡ = 27.2(5) kcal/mol and ΔS‡ = −6.2(14) cal/(mol K)). Deuterated isotopologues were synthesized to measure the kinetic isotope effects. The complexes with deuterium in the benzyl methylene positions decomposed more slowly than the protio analogues. Isotopologues of toluene with multiple deuteration positions were observed in the product mixtures. These data are consistent with competing α-abstraction and σ-bond metathesis.
Fairness and wellness incentives: What is the relevance of the process-outcome distinction?

Abstract Objective To determine whether the commonly drawn distinction between the fairness of incentives targeting behavioral processes (or effort) and those targeting outcomes (or achievement) provide suitable grounds for favoring either approach in healthcare research, policy and practice. Methods Conceptual analysis, literature review. Results A categorical distinction between process- and outcome-based incentives is less crisp than it seems. Both processes and outcomes involve targets, and both are subject to differences – across and within socio-economic groups – in circumstance and perspective. Thus, a spectrum view is more appropriate, in which the fairness of incentive programs increases with the extent of control that people have. The effectiveness of incentives is a further relevant consideration, and some available evidence suggests that incentives closer to the outcome-end of the spectrum can be more effective. Conclusions Simple distinctions between processes and outcomes by themselves provide little assurance that programs are effective or fair. Effectiveness can and should be assessed empirically. Assessments of fairness should focus on the extent to which an activity or outcome might be feasible and under an individual's control, not on whether it targets a process or outcome. Rigid uniform targets for all are generally less desirable than those that reward person-specific improvement.
New Directions in the Social Study of the Autism Spectrum: A Review Essay

In the past two decades, autism has become a growing topic of public and professional interest. Skyrocketing prevalence rates continue to be reported, with CDC’s March 2014 announcement (Baio 2014) that 1 in 68 children are affected by the condition currently named ‘‘autism spectrum disorder’’ in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (APA 2013). It is difficult to talk about the entity sometimes called ‘‘autism,’’ because the vocabulary found in the literature ranges from a simple ‘‘autism’’ to ‘‘autism spectrum disorder’’ (singular) or ‘‘autism spectrum disorders’’ (plural), ‘‘autism spectrum conditions,’’ ‘‘the autism spectrum,’’ or even simply ‘‘the spectrum.’’ These terms reflect different stances: accepting or rejecting the deficit-focused language of disorder; emphasizing the concept of the spectrum; implying greater or lesser unity between the terms that make up a singular or plural diagnostic entity. Philosopher Ian Hacking (2010) rejects even the spectrum notion as too linear, arguing instead for an ‘‘autism manifold.’’ Here, I use the simple term ‘‘autism,’’ remaining open to the many ways in which the term is used and adapted. Autism provides fertile ground for social science inquiries across several domains. With active controversy regarding not only nomenclature but also diagnostic criteria, etiology, and treatment strategies, autism remains what Silverman (2012, p. 16) calls a ‘‘contested category.’’ Moreover, with the strong presence of self-advocates with autism (many of whom reject person-first language in favor of terms such as ‘‘autistic,’’ ‘‘aspies,’’ and ‘‘auties’’), autism falls under the category of what Estroff (1993) calls ‘‘I am’’ illnesses. Such contested categories have long been of interest to anthropologists. In a clear parallel, while Kleinman and Good (1985b, p. 2) wrote that depression is ‘‘considered mood, symptom, and illness,’’ Silverman (2012, p. 2) writes, ‘‘autism refers to a symptom, a disorder, and
Bayesian curve-fitting with free-knot splines

We describe a Bayesian method, for fitting curves to data drawn from an exponential family, that uses splines for which the number and locations of knots are free parameters. The method uses reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo to change the knot configurations and a locality heuristic to speed up mixing. For nonnormal models, we approximate the integrated likelihood ratios needed to compute acceptance probabilities by using the Bayesian information criterion, BIC, under priors that make this approximation accurate. Our technique is based on a marginalised chain on the knot number and locations, but we provide methods for inference about the regression coefficients, and functions of them, in both normal and nonnormal models. Simulation results suggest that the method performs well, and we illustrate the method in two neuroscience applications.
Commentary on “A roadmap for the prevention of dementia II. Leon Thal Symposium 2008.” Innovations in care that advance Alzheimer's disease drug development

Advancing the development of drugs for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is dependent on the ability of investigators to identify, recruit, and retain appropriate subjects in clinical trials. Innovations in care that link primary-care providers with AD researchers can help overcome barriers to early, specific diagnosis and access to research studies. Collaborative care provides a new paradigm for the mutual benefit of patients, providers, and AD research. Recommendations to achieve this goal include funding clinical centers of excellence in AD, linked with community physicians to utilize clinical care and initial evaluations as early entry points for patients into AD research, and funding mini-fellowships for community physicians. Reimbursement for dementia care should be expanded to include periodic cognitive assessments for at-risk individuals, medically directed dementia education, and diagnostic imaging and biomarkers. These innovations can simultaneously improve the translation of research advances, and benefit AD research.
Defining end systole for end-systolic pressure-volume ratio.

The end-systolic pressure-volume (ESPV) ratio (Emax) has recently been accepted as a valid cardiac contractility index. However, in vivo, it is difficult to define end systole (ES) precisely. This study was designed to analyze the effects of eight different ES definitions on Emax. Nine chronically instrumented dogs were studied prior to and during the sequential infusions of phenylephrine (0.2 mg/min), epinephrine (2.0 micrograms/min), and dobutamine (10 micrograms/kg/min). Left ventricular (LV) dimensions and pressure were measured with sonomicrometers and micromanometer. ES was defined at peak LV pressure (PLVP), end-ejection, dp/dt min, 10, 20, 30 msec before dp/dt min, minimum volume before dp/dt min, and left-upper-corner of pressure volume loop (LUC). Although ESPV relationship from each definition was linear (mean r 0.89 +/- 0.3, range 0.76 to 0.99) and sensitive to inotropic changes, the Emax's were not all the same. The r was highest with LUC (mean 0.94 +/- .02, range 0.90 to 0.99) and lowest with PLVP (mean 0.85 +/- 0.03, range 0.76 to 0.92). Emax from PLVP was least sensitive to epinephrine and dobutamine infusions. Thus, in order to compare different values of Emax, the definition of ES must be precise and consistent. Although all the above eight definitions of ES appeared to produce reasonable ESPV relationship, PLVP appeared to be the worst while LUC appeared to be the best ES definition for determining Emax.
A free boundary problem for the wave equation

Abstract In this paper we discuss the motion of a frictionless piston contained in a tube which is filled with a hydraulic fluid.The fluid is assumed to be inviscid but com pressible. The mathematical problem is that of solving the wave equation in a domain with an a priori unknown boundary (the piston trajectory).The methods for solving the problem amount essentially to a wave tracing technique. The report is concluded with some numerical results and a comparison of these results with an entirely linear analysis of the same problem.
An exploratory mapping strategy for web-driven magazines

"There will always (I hope) be print books, but just as the advent of photography changed the role of painting or film changed the role of theater in our culture, electronic publishing is changing the world of print media. To look for a one-to-one transposition to the new medium is to miss the future until it has passed you by." - Tim O'Reilly [1].It is not hard to envisage that publishers will leverage subscribers' information, interest groups' shared knowledge and others sources to enhance their publications. While this enhances the value of the publication through more accurate and personalized content, it also brings a new set of challenges to the publisher. Content is now driven by web and in a truly automated system no designer "re-touch" intervention can be envisaged. The paper introduces an exploratory mapping strategy to allocate web driven content in a highly graphical publication like a traditional magazine. Two major aspects of the mapping are covered, which enables different level of flexibility and addresses different content flowing strategies. The last contribution is an evaluation of existing standards, which potentially can leverage this work to incorporate more flexible mapping, and subsequently, composition capabilities.
Utility of cervicography in HIV-infected and uninfected adolescents

Abstract Purpose To compare cytology with cervicography in HIV-infected and uninfected adolescent females Methods At the time of analysis, 334 girls aged 13–19 years from 13 U.S. cities were participating in a prospective study of HIV infection. All subjects had cytology and a Cervigram™ (cervicography) performed at two consecutive visits 6 months apart, referred to as visit (V) 1 and 2. Cervigrams™ were sent to the parent company for diagnosis and were categorized as: "negative" or "positive" (compatible with low-grade or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions [SIL]). Cytology was considered abnormal if the subject had SIL at either V1 or V2. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of the Cervigram™ were calculated compared with repeat Papanicolaou (Pap) smears. Results Two consecutive adequate Pap smears were available for analysis in 200 adolescents; 51% (95% CI, 43–59) of the 142 HIV-positive youth and 19% (95% CI, 9–29) of the 58 HIV-negative youth had SIL on at least one Pap smear ( p p = .06). For the HIV-infected group, the sensitivity, specificity, and PPV of the Cervigram™ to detect SIL were 58% (95% CI, 45–71), 69% (95%CI, 57–80), and 64% (95%CI, 52–77), respectively. For the HIV-uninfected group, the sensitivity, specificity, and PPV were 64% (95% CI, 31–89), 80% (95% CI, 65–90), and 44% (95% CI, 19–68), respectively. The combined sensitivity, using both the Pap smear and Cervigram™ result from V1 to detect SIL, was 82% (95% CI, 71–91 for HIV+ and 48–98 for HIV−) in both groups. However, the PPV based the performance of the Cervigram™ in Pap smear-negative women as 33% (95% CI, 17–53) and 15% (95% CI, 2–45) for the HIV-infected and uninfected group, respectively ( p = not significant [ns]). Conclusion Although the sensitivity of a single Pap smear increased significantly when the Cervigram™ was used as an adjunct, the low PPV in both HIV-infected and uninfected groups, suggests that cervicography has a limited utility for precancer and cervical cancer screening in high-risk adolescent populations.
Monitoring Interlaminar Crack Growth in Ceramic Matrix Composites Using Electrical Resistance

This letter introduces a method that uses electrical resistance to monitor crack growth during interlaminar fracture testing of woven SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composites at room temperature without visual observation. The estimated crack length is in excellent agreement with the measured length after subtracting a constant value of resistance related to the initial stage of crack development. This non-visual monitoring method holds great promise for in situ measurement of crack growth during high-temperature testing of ceramic matrix composites.
Neurochemical and morphological consequences of axon terminal degeneration in cerebellar deep nuclei of mice with inherited Purkinje cell degeneration.

Summary The concentrations of free amino acids and the activities of transmitter-related enzymes, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), choline acetylase (ChAC) and GABA-transaminase (GABA-t) were measured in cerebellar cortex and deep cerebellar nuclei from the mouse mutant Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd) at various times before and after Purkinje cell loss. Axosomatic synapses on target cells in pcd deep nuclei were quantified by electron microscopy during and after degeneration. The concentration of GABA (nmol/mg wet weight), the Purkinje cell transmitter, was normal in pcd cerebellar cortex and deep nuclei before onset of Purkinje cell degeneration on postnatal day 15. Just after the major period of Purkinje cell loss in cerebellar cortex, GABA concentration was unchanged in the cortical layers but fell to 50% of normal values in the deep nuclei of pcd animals killed either by decapitation or by microwave irradiation. No other measured free amino acid decreased. There were no long-term increases following Purkinje cell degeneration in the concentration of any transmitter amino acids or related enzymes, GAD, ChAC or GABA-t, and thus no indication of axonal sprouting reactions. Progressive losses occurred in wet weight and protein and in activity of GABA-t in both the cerebellar cortex and the deep nuclei of pcd animals. Electron microscopic analysis indicated that Purkinje cell axon terminals contact 30% or more of the somatic surface of principal neurons of the lateral nucleus of the normal cerebellum, but only about 2% of the corresponding sites in the pcd cerebellum. Glial leaflets, rather than other synaptic terminals take their place. Axon terminals may degenerate earlier than Purkinje somata in the pcd disease.
The determination of 210Po and 210Bi in human urine by direct extraction on nickel.

The 210Po in relatively large volumes of dilute hydrochloric acid (900–1800 ml) and of acidified urine (2 × 1335 to 2 × 1700 ml), spiked with equilibrated 210Pb−210 Bi−210Po, was extracted directly on 4.5 × 11 cm nickel foils. Recoveries from hydrochloric acid at 90–100°C and at room temperature. and from urine at 90–100°C were quantitative. The average recovery from urine at room temperature was 92.7%. Extraction of added 210Po on silver foils from hydrochloric acid at room temperature and from acidified urine at both 90–100°C and room temperature was less efficient than on nickel. Recovery of 210Bi on nickel from spiked hydrochloric acid was quantitative at 90–100°C and at room temperature. From spiked urine, extracted at 90–100°C, 94.5% was recovered. If detection efficiency of deposited 210Po and 210Bi is assumed to have been 50% the average 210Po content of three different pools of normal human urine at the time of excretion was 0.03 pCi 1−1, and that of 210Bi 0.89 pCi 1−1.
GEORGE RENNER, 1900–1955

(1958). GEORGE RENNER, 1900–1955. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 48, No. 3, pp. 245-249.
6-Substituted 2,4-diaminopyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidine analogues of piritrexim as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase from rat liver, Pneumocystis carinii, and Toxoplasma gondii and as antitumor agents.

The synthesis and biological activity are reported for 21 6-substituted 2,4-diaminopyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidine analogues (4−24) of piritrexim (PTX) as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and as antitumor agents. Recombinant DHFR from Pneumocystis carinii (pc) and native DHFR from Toxoplasma gondii (tg) were the target enzymes tested; these organisms are responsible for fatal opportunistic infections in AIDS patients. Rat liver (rl) DHFR served as the mammalian reference enzyme to determine selectivity for the pathogenic DHFR. The synthesis of S9-bridged compounds 4−6 was achieved by aryl displacement of 2,4-diamino-6-chloropyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidine (27) with thiol nucleophiles. Oxidation of 4−6 with hydrogen peroxide in glacial acetic acid afforded the corresponding sulfone analogues 7−9. The N9-bridged compounds 10−24 were synthesized from their precursor 3-amino-6-(arylamino)-2-pyridinecarbonitriles via a thermal cyclization with chloroformamidine hydrochloride. Unlike the S9-bridged compounds, the a...
An Examination of the Psychometric Properties of Some Commonly Researched Individual Differences, job, and Organizational Variables in two Cultures

This study examines the transferability and applicability of selected measures of individual differences, job, and organizational climate factors across two cultures. Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 267 white-collar bank employees in the U.S. and 307 bank employees in India. The individual difference dimensions examined were four manifest needs, sense of competence, and locus of control. The job factors included variety, autonomy, identity, and feedback. The organizational climate factors related to communication, stress, participation in decision making, and self-esteem from the workplace. The data were analyzed for internal consistency, dimensionality, and criterion-related validity. The results showed that the job and organizational climate measures were more reliable and were related more consistently to the criterion measures than the individual difference measures both within and across cultures. The results suggested that psychometrically sound measures may be transferable to other cultures.
Does the blue/violet photoluminescence of spark-processed silicon originate from hydroxyl groups?

Photoluminescence (PL) and Fourier transform infrared studies on annealed, spark-processed silicon have been performed. It was found that heat treatments at 600°C and higher temperatures substantially reduce the presence of hydroxyl groups as expected. Nevertheless, the PL of spark-processed Si remains intensive after heat treatments up to at least 900°C. It is therefore concluded that hydroxyl groups (silanol) are not the major cause for PL in spark-processed Si.