cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Psychological first aid and treatment approach to children exposed to community violence: Research implications

This paper discusses research findings and their implications regarding children's responses to community violence. It outlines (1) theory and findings, (2) early intervention and psychological first aid, and (3) treatment approaches following a violent event. In each section we discuss post-traumatic stress, grief, worry about a significant other, and experience with previous trauma. Detailed steps for psychological first aid are outlined according to age and grade level. Intervention strategies are proposed for each category of response with designed interventions for the classroom, the family, the individual, and the group.
Thermal stability and rate order dependence for the thermal decomposition of electro-optic dyes

Abstract A variety of electro-optic dyes have been measured by sealed capillary DSC. Thermal decomposition is most often accompanied by an exotherm, sometimes of great thermal intensity. The exotherm is characterized by an onset temperature, as well as a peak temperature. Upon dilution of the dyes in biphenyl or naphthalene solutions, the exotherm onset and peak typically shift to much higher temperatures. Quantitative fits to trial rate expressions suggest that the rate shifts from higher order to a first order decomposition mechanism upon dilution. This kinetic shift suggests strongly that matrices of electro-optic dyes can be best stabilized thermally by isolating the dyes chemically from one to another. Success at such may improve the device thermal stability by as much as 100–150°C.
Effects of Mindfulness on Psychological Health: A Review of Empirical Studies

Within the past few decades, there has been a surge of interest in the investigation of mindfulness as a psychological construct and as a form of clinical intervention. This article reviews the empirical literature on the effects of mindfulness on psychological health. We begin with a discussion of the construct of mindfulness, differences between Buddhist and Western psychological conceptualizations of mindfulness, and how mindfulness has been integrated into Western medicine and psychology, before reviewing three areas of empirical research: cross-sectional, correlational research on the associations between mindfulness and various indicators of psychological health; intervention research on the effects of mindfulness-oriented interventions on psychological health; and laboratory-based, experimental research on the immediate effects of mindfulness inductions on emotional and behavioral functioning. We conclude that mindfulness brings about various positive psychological effects, including increased subjective well-being, reduced psychological symptoms and emotional reactivity, and improved behavioral regulation. The review ends with a discussion on mechanisms of change of mindfulness interventions and suggested directions for future research.
The impact of an educational program on health related quality of life in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

The impact of an educational program on health related quality of life in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Circulatory Dynamics during Surface-Induced Hypothermia under Halothane-Ether Azeotrope Anesthesia

Abstract Circulatory dynamics during surface-induced deep hypothermia using the halothanediethyl ether azeotrope in 100% oxygen (O 2 ) without circulatory arrest and in 95% O 2 and 5% carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) with and without 60 minutes of arrest were evaluated in 15 adult mongrel dogs. Mean arterial pressure was lower in animals given 5% CO 2 than in animals given 100% O 2 during cooling. Cardiac output in the 5% CO 2 groups increased until 30°C cooling and then gradually decreased to 29% of control at 20°C. Cardiac output in the 100% O 2 group progressively decreased to 16% of control at 20°C cooling and was 51 to 77% of the output in the 5% CO 2 animals at comparable temperatures throughout the hypothermia procedure. The differences in cardiac output were attributed primarily to changes in stroke volume since heart rates were not significantly different. These changes were probably secondary to differences in systemic vascular resistance, which had increased sixfold in the animals given 100% O 2 and had only doubled in the 5% CO 2 groups at 20°C during cooling. Hemodynamic variables in animals given 5% CO 2 did not reveal significant differences in arrested versus nonarrested animals during early rewarming. However, with further warming, cardiac output, stroke volume, left ventricular stroke work, and mean pulmonary arterial and pulmonary artery wedge pressures were lower, and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances were higher in the arrest group. We conclude that the improved results with halothane–diethyl ether azeotrope in 95% O 2 and 5% CO 2 during surface hypothermia are due to a greater cardiac output and reduced peripheral vascular resistance.
Are cytokeratin-positive cells in sentinel lymph nodes of patients with invasive breast carcinomas up to 5 mm usually insignificant?

Aims It is known that sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) may be falsely positive due to displaced epithelial cells, particularly in cases with an underlying intraductal papilloma. Given the low metastatic rate in pT1a carcinomas, we aimed to investigate the effect of this phenomenon on staging. Methods and results Using morphology and immunohistochemistry, we classified the epithelial cells in the SLN in 39 cases of pT1a carcinoma as positive for carcinoma in six, negative in 26 and undetermined in seven. Comparative morphology and immunohistochemistry (using oestrogen receptor, ER) showed complete concordance between the primary carcinoma and SLN in the positive cases, and discordance in the negative cases. The primary tumours in the negative cases were ER-positive except one, in contrast to the SLN cytokeratin-positive (CK+) cells, which were ER-negative. The exception was a case with a Her2-positive primary, in which the SLN CK+ cells did not stain for Her2. In these cases considered SLN-negative, either displacement (19 cases) or an intraductal papilloma (20 cases) was identified. Two cases showed displacement of benign and malignant cells in the biopsy. Seven cases were indeterminate due to the small number of SLN CK+ cells, precluding comparison with the primary. Conclusion Given the low rate of metastases in pT1a carcinomas, the significance of SLN CK+ cells should be resolved by comparative morphology and immunohistochemistry to prevent erroneous upstaging.
Direct or Indirect Window Access, Task Type, and Performance

Window access, task type, and the room (windowed or windowless) were manipulated to investigate their effects on performance and individuals' perceptions of the task and room. Students (n = 180) performed one of three tasks (filing, computational, creative) in either a windowed or windowless room, and had either a direct or indirect interaction with the window. Contrary to expectation, performance and perceptions were not affected by the interaction of window access, task type, and the room. Also, performance was not higher for those working in a room with a window. A marginal interaction effect (p < 0.10) indicated that the creative task is affected by the type of access. Also, the effects on perceptions of the task and room tend to indicate that windowed rooms do contribute a dynamic environment. Specifically, the windowed room appeared to effect more positive perceptions for the creative task. Interestingly, some positive perceptions about the monotonous task occurred in the windowless room; however, boredom tended to be reduced when one faced the window. Implications of these results and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Platelet functional implications of glycoprotein Ibα polymorphisms in African Americans

The platelet glycoprotein Ibα is crucial in the binding of platelets to Von Willebrand Factor within areas of high stress. A single nucleotide polymorphism of GP Ibα gives rise to the Koa (HPA-2b) and the -5C Kozak polymorphism. The presence of these polymorphisms has been associated with an increased risk for atherothrombotic disease. The Koa polymorphism has been shown to have a higher prevalence in African Americans compared to American Caucasians. However, very little is known regarding any functional consequences of these platelet polymorphisms in African Americans. We assessed the prevalence of the Ko and -5C Kozak polymorphisms in a population of both African American and American Caucasian patients with and without CAD and determined whether there were platelet functional consequences in both groups. We studied 99 patients of which 22 were African American and 77 were American Caucasian. Aggregations were performed and shear induced platelet plug formation was tested using a platelet function analyzer. The HPA-2b allele was significantly higher in African Americans when compared to Caucasians (P = 0.001). Genotype frequencies of the -5C Kozak polymorphism were not significantly different between the two groups. We found no differences in platelet aggregation in African Americans who were either heterozygous or homozygous for the HPA-2b allele or the -5C Kozak allele when compared to American Caucasians of the same category. We found no significant differences in PFA-100 testing. We conclude from our study that these polymorphisms do not lead to altered platelet function in African Americans. Am. J. Hematol., 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cash Shortage in the Former Soviet Union

Abstract An unexpected shortage of banknotes emerged during 1992 in the former Soviet Union. The cash shortage is explained by the asymmetry in the monetary union that prevailed, under which one member, the Russian Federation, controlled banknote production while every member could create deposit money. Adjustments in interest rates or the cash–deposit exchange rate could have mitigated the shortage. The possible efficiency costs of the cash shortage are explored.
MRI detection of macrophages labeled using micrometer-sized iron oxide particles

Purpose To evaluate cellular labeling of immune cells using micron-sized iron oxide particles (MPIOs) and evaluate the MR relaxivity and MRI detection of the labeled cells. Materials and Methods Immune cells isolated from mice and rats were labeled with three different sizes of MPIO particles (0.35, 0.90, or 1.63 μm). These labeled cells were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, MR relaxometry, and MRI. Results Macrophage uptake of MPIOs was found to be highest for the 1.63-μm size particles. MR relaxivity measurements indicated greater spin-spin relaxation for MPIO-labeled cells relative to cells labeled with nanometer-sized ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) particles with similar iron content. TEM and fluorescence microscopy indicated cellular uptake of multiple MPIO particles per cell. Macrophages labeled with 1.63-μm MPIOs had an average cellular iron uptake of 39.1 pg/cell, corresponding to approximately 35 particles per cell. Conclusion Cells labeled with one or more MPIO particles could be readily detected ex vivo at 11.7 Tesla and after infusion of the MPIO-labeled macrophages into the kidney of a rat, hypointense regions of the outer cortex are observed, in vivo, by MRI at 4.7 Tesla. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007;25:1210–1218. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of Free Recall of Grouping Pictures, Picture Names, and Complete Picture Descriptions

Summary The double-encoding hypothesis is one explanation for the superior free recall of picture stimuli compared to recall of the same stimuli in word form. This study attempted to describe fully in words the picture stimuli that were presented, because a picture's simple word label obviously is not equivalent in complexity to the picture itself. Pictures, their simple labels, and a series of words that completely described the pictures were presented to 90 Ss. Results indicated stimuli in the picture form were remembered better than both kinds of word stimuli. These results supported the double-encoding hypothesis.
Downstream Migration of Recently Metamorphosed Sea Lampreys in the Ocqueoc River, Michigan, before and after Treatment with Lampricides

Abstract The objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness ofchemical treatments of the Ocqueoc River, Michigan, in reducing the number of recently metamorphosed sea lampreys Petromyzon marinus migrating to Lake Huron and to estimate total numbers of migrants produced before and after treatment. Sea lampreys were captured during their downstream migration in a single fyke net fished in the same location from September 1963 through August 1975. The catch, which averaged 3,474 sea lampreys (range, 3,248-3,913) during four migration periods (September-June) before treatment in 1968, declined to 4 during the 1974-1975 migration period. Markrecapture studies were conducted to determine the capture efficiency of the net for recently metamorphosed sea lampreys and to estimate the total downstream migration for each migration period. Estimated downstream migrations before treatment averaged 62,036 sea lampreys (range, 58,000-69,875) for four migration periods and declined to 71 during the 1974-1975...
Effect of an electric field on a split Bloch band

The effect of a constant and uniform electric field on a split Bloch band is studied through a tight-binding model. We show how the Wannier-Stark ladders of the parent band are modified by a potential in addition to that of the crystal. We examine how the frequency spectrum behaves as the field strength varies from weak to strong. In the case that the parent band is split into a finite number of subbands, we show that there exists a set of subspaces to which the states return periodically in time, and that the constituent states of each subspace are localized around a given unit cell. We develop a theoretical framework which naturally exploits the symmetries of the system and which also allows for easy and clean numerical calculations.
Chronic cold acclimation increases thermogenic capacity, non-shivering thermogenesis and muscle citrate synthase activity in both wild-type and brown adipose tissue deficient mice.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether chronic cold exposure would increase the aerobic capacity of skeletal muscle in UCP-dta mice, a transgenic line lacking brown adipose tissue (BAT). Wild type and UCP-dta mice were acclimated to either warm (23 °C), or cold (4 °C) conditions. Cold increased muscle oxidative capacity nearly equivalently in wild-type and UCP-dta mice, but did not affect the respiratory function of isolated mitochondria. Summit metabolism ( V ˙ O2summit ) and norepinephrine-induced thermogenesis ( V ˙ O2NST ) were significantly lower in UCP-dta mice relative to wild-type mice regardless of temperature treatment, but both were significantly higher in cold relative to warm acclimated mice. BAT mass was significantly higher in the cold relative to warm acclimated wild-type mice, but not in cold acclimated UCP-dta mice. BAT citrate synthase activity was lower in transgenic animals regardless of acclimation temperature and BAT citrate synthase activity per depot was significantly higher only in the cold acclimated wild-type mice. Muscle citrate synthase activity was increased in both genotypes. As defects in muscle oxidative function have been observed with obesity and type 2 diabetes, these results suggest that chronic cold exposure is a useful intervention to drive skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in mouse models of obesity.
Multimedia content protection

Multimedia content protection is a controversial topic. Content owners want to protect their rights while consumers want flexible usage, privacy and seamless content flow. In this tutorial we cover from cryptography fundamentals, to history, emerging standards, state-of-the-art approaches and live demos.
Control of crystal orientation of CdTe epitaxial layers grown on (0 0 1) GaAs with ZnSe buffer layer by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract CdTe layers were grown on (0 0 1) GaAs substrates with a ZnSe buffer layer by molecular beam epitaxy. The high-quality ZnSe (0 0 1) epitaxy on GaAs allows us to control the II–VI/III–V heterovalent interface prior to the CdTe deposition. By subsequently adjusting the interface between ZnSe and CdTe, it was possible to selectively obtain the growth of either (0 0 1) or (1 1 1) CdTe epitaxial layers on the (0 0 1) ZnSe/GaAs substrate. Reflection high energy electron diffraction indicates that the nucleation of the CdTe epitaxial layers turns two-dimensional within a few seconds of initiating the growth. X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence measurements indicate that both the (1 1 1) and the (0 0 1) CdTe films are of high structural quality despite the large lattice constant mismatch of 14.6% between CdTe and the (0 0 1) ZnSe/GaAs substrate.
WHAMMing into the Golgi

A new paper from Campellone et al. in a recent issue of Cell identifies WHAMM, a multifunctional protein that stimulates Arp2/3-mediated actin polymerization, binds and organizes microtubules, and influences the structure and efficiency of the Golgi complex. WHAMM's membrane localization at the entry face of the Golgi complex is novel for an actin nucleation-promoting factor, and highlights the importance of the cytoskeleton in organizing the secretory pathway.
Cervical disk prolapse.

Objective To correlate the findings on computed tomographic myelography (CTM) with surgically and pathologically proven prolapsed cervical disks, mention other pertinent cross-sectional imaging studies, and note the clinical relevance of certain CTM features. Design We retrospectively reviewed the medical and radiologic records of Mayo patients with suspected degenerative cervical disk disease during a 4-year period. Material and Methods Between January 1986 and December 1989, 734 patients with possible cervical disk disease underwent assessment by CTM. An extruded disk was noted in 297 of these patients. In this study group, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was also done in 28 patients and plain computed tomography was performed in 14, and we summarized those findings. Results Of the 297 study patients, 280 had a cervical radiculopatby and 17 had a myelopathy. CTM identified more than 90% of the extruded cervical disks. CTM could not distinguish between an osteophytic cartilaginous cap and a disk, and CTM could not identify the source of a cervical radiculopathy in 102 patients. Although only a few imaging studies other than CTM were performed, those modalities were less sensitive in the detection of prolapsed disks. Conclusion Imaging of cervical disk prolapse continues to be difficult, and the results are not always specific. CTM is the most sensitive imaging examination, but the number of MR studies in the current series of patients was insufficient for a reasonable comparison between the two modalities.
Decreased ligand binding to the hepatic glucocorticoid and epidermal growth factor receptors after 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran and 1,2,3,4,7,8-hexachlorodibenzofuran treatment of pregnant mice.

Abstract 2,3,4,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) and 1,2,3,4,7,8-hexachlorodibenzofuran (HCDF) are environmental contaminants which mimic many of the toxic effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Like TCDD, these polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) induce hepatic benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase activity (BPH) and possess high affinity for the Ah receptor. Another similarity of these PCDFs to TCDD is their ability to induce teratogenic effects such as cleft palate and hydronephrosis in mice. Recent studies have shown that TCDD modifies the equilibrium binding kinetics of the rat liver cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor (GRc) and the hepatic plasma membrane epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. To gain a better understanding of the action of halogenated hydrocarbons on these cytosolic and membrane-bound receptor systems during pregnancy, we investigated the biochemical effects of PeCDF and HCDF on the binding kinetics of maternal mouse liver GRc and EGF receptors and the induction of BPH activities. Pregnant C57BL/6N mice were treated once daily on gestation Days 10 through 13 with PeCDF (0–30 μg/kg) or HCDF (0–300 μg/kg). Hepatic [3H]dexamethasone and [125I]EGF equilibrium binding studies indicated that all doses of PeCDF tested (10, 20, and 30 μg/kg) significantly reduced the GRc and EGF receptor maximum binding capacities but did not affect the binding affinities of these receptors when compared to corn oil-treated control pregnant mice. Similar effects were observed for doses of HCDF ≥ 100 μg/kg. These data suggest that the dibenzofuran-mediated decreases in GRc and EGF receptor binding capacities are similar to those caused by TCDD. Although the mechanism of action is not yet clear, our results indicate that halogenated aromatic compounds in addition to TCDD have profound effects on both steroid and growth factor receptor systems.
Design Considerations for Single-Chip Computers of the Future

In the mid 1980's it will be possible to put a million devices (transistors or active MOS gate electrodes) onto a single silicon chip. General trends in the evolution of silicon integrated circuits are reviewed and design constraints for emeging VLSI circuits are analyzed. Desirable architectural features in modem computers are then discussed and consequences for an implementation with large-scale integrated circuits are investigated. The resulting recommended processor design includes features such as an on-chip memory hierarchy, multiple homogeneous caches for enhanced execution parallelism, support for complex data structures and high-level languages, a flexible instruction set, and communication hardware. It is concluded that a viable modular building block for the next generation of computing systems will be a self-contained computer on a single chip. A tentative allocation of the one million transistors to the various functional blocks is given, and the result is a memory intensive design.
Subacute sensory neuropathy associated with Epstein–Barr virus

A 35-year-old man experienced severe sensory loss, pseudoathetosis, and areflexia during recovery from a severe viral illness. Sensory nerve action potentials were absent, motor conduction velocities were mildly slowed, and blink reflexes were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormal signal within the central and dorsal aspects of the thoracic cord. Acute and convalescent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) titers suggested EBV as the etiology. Subacute sensory neuropathy, with peripheral and central nervous system involvement, is a rare complication of EBV infection.
Models and abstractions in design

Abstract The use of abstractions and models helps designers to focus on interesting characteristics of a design and to simplify the complex relationship among behaviour and form. Designers create and utilize incomplete models which capture limited aspects of the design's behaviour. A designer might, for example, create a kinematic model, a stress model, or a geometric model at different stages in the design process. Designers create these abstract models of incomplete designs to test design decisions and to provide a framework for making design refinements The quality of the completed design depends on the ability of the designer to select useful abstractions, to use them to model the performance of the design, and to use the results of the evaluation to guide further design refinements. We review the evidence for the uses and effectiveness of abstractions in the design process. Based on these findings, we review how abstractions can be created and used during the design process.
WE‐D‐330A‐06: Dual Projection Imaging System for Small Animal Research

Purpose: The use of small mammals as models of human diseases has increased in the last several years. These models provide a valuable research tool to characterize these diseases and to evaluate new therapies. Dedicated imagingsystems, with the resolution and sensitivity to allow in vivo studies in small animals, reduce the number of animals required for a given study and offer the possibility of serial studies in the same animal. A dual two‐dimensional imagingsystem has been developed to monitor tumor development in mice and other small animals.Method and Materials: This imagingsystem combines functional information gained from projection nuclear emission imaging with the anatomical context provided by an x‐ray transmission image. The system captures a nuclear image in one side of a single computed radiographydetector(CR plate) and then the plate is moved to acquire an x‐ray image in the opposite side. The nuclear image is formed by using a parallel hole collimator. Four fiducial markers, that are visible in both images, are attached to the system. A transformation algorithm uses the information from the fiducial markers to align the images. The nuclear emission image is color coded and overlaid onto the gray‐scale x‐ray image.Results: For the assessment of the imagingsystem, a tissue‐equivalent phantom was manufactured. Initial investigations used I‐125. The spatial resolution, contrast, and detected scattered photon levels have been measured for both x‐ray and nuclear imaging, and the sensitivity of the nuclear imagingsystem was also measured. Conclusion: The lower radiation levels, faster throughput, and lower cost of this imagingsystem would allow the evaluation of functional activity more frequently in serial studies. This imagingsystem would complement tomographic systems by allowing rapid pre‐screening of animals when a complete 3D volume data set is not necessary.
Overexpression of glutathione S-transferase pi messenger RNA and its relationship to gene amplification in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Human glutathione S-transferase pi has been known to be a good marker for several tumor types because of the high frequency with which it is overexpressed. In order to determine whether GST pi is useful as an indicator for head and neck cancers, expression of GST pi was investigated by Northern analysis. Overexpression of mRNA was detected in 9 of 36 primary head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. To examine the relationship between overexpression and amplification of GST pi gene, Southern analysis was performed on all samples. Only 3 of the 36 tumors showed amplification GST pi genes, indicating that gene amplification may not play a key role in GST pi mRNA overexpression in these cancers.
Crumpling transition in polymerized membranes.

The effect of a finite bending rigidity \ensuremath{\kappa}' on flexible, polymerized surfaces without self-avoidance is studied via the Monte Carlo method. Unlike linear polymers or liquid membranes, these surfaces undergo a remarkable finite-temperature crumpling transition, with a diverging specific heat. For small \ensuremath{\kappa}'/${\mathrm{k}}_{\mathrm{B}}$T, the surface is crumpled, and the radius of gyration ${\mathrm{R}}_{\mathrm{G}}$ grows as ln${\mathrm{L}}^{1/2}$, where L is the linear size of uncrumpled membrane. For large \ensuremath{\kappa}'/${\mathrm{k}}_{\mathrm{B}}$T, we find that the surface remains flat, i.e., ${\mathrm{R}}_{\mathrm{G}}$\ensuremath{\sim}L. Our results strongly suggest a finite-temperature crumpling transition in polymerized self-avoiding membranes as well.
Genetics of Hybrid Incompatibility Between Lycopersicon esculentum and L . hirsutum

We examined the genetics of hybrid incompatibility between two closely related diploid hermaphroditic plant species. Using a set of near-isogenic lines (NILs) representing 85% of the genome of the wild species Lycopersicon hirsutum (Solanum habrochaites) in the genetic background of the cultivated tomato L. esculentum (S. lycopersicum), we found that hybrid pollen and seed infertility are each based on 5–11 QTL that individually reduce hybrid fitness by 36–90%. Seed infertility QTL act additively or recessively, consistent with findings in other systems where incompatibility loci have largely been recessive. Genetic lengths of introgressed chromosomal segments explain little of the variation for hybrid incompatibility among NILs, arguing against an infinitesimal model of hybrid incompatibility and reinforcing our inference of a limited number of discrete incompatibility factors between these species. In addition, male (pollen) and other (seed) incompatibility factors are roughly comparable in number. The latter two findings contrast strongly with data from Drosophila where hybrid incompatibility can be highly polygenic and complex, and male sterility evolves substantially faster than female sterility or hybrid inviability. The observed differences between Lycopersicon and Drosophila might be due to differences in sex determination system, reproductive and mating biology, and/or the prevalence of sexual interactions such as sexual selection.
CARBON DIOXIDE PRODUCTION AND DURATION OF LIFE OF DROSOPHILA CULTURES.

The total CO(2) produced by aseptic Drosophila cultures during the entire duration of life has been determined at 15 degrees , 26 degrees , and 30 degrees C. in the dark and at 22-26 degrees C. in the light. The total amount of CO(2) produced is not constant but is greater at 15 degrees than at 26 degrees or 30 degrees , and is much greater in the light than in the dark. The total duration of life, therefore, is not determined by the time required to produce a limiting amount of CO(2).
Impasse points. Part I: Numerical aspects

Impasse point is an important phenomenon found in many non-linear circuits and systems. Among other things, the presence of an impasse point Q implies that the circuit model is defective and must be remodelled by augmenting it with parasitic inductances and/or capacitances at appropriate locations in order to predict the bifurcation from slow to rapid motions (jump phenomenon) widely observed in practice. the presence of an impasse point Q also implies that a numerical simulation of the associated system of implicit differential-algebraic equations would give rise to an extraneous and random small-amplitude oscillation in the vicinity of Q. the wave-form associated with this ‘fake’ oscillatory phenomenon depends on the error-controlled mechanism of the integration routine and can be detected using the results from this paper. Impasse points in high-order circuits (n > 2) need not be isolated. In fact, they often form an impasse set made of impasse curves, impasse surfaces, impasse manifolds, etc. In order to detect the impasse set associated with the implicit differential-algebraic system. An analytical characterization of an impasse point (X0,y0) is derived and proved to be equivalent to that of solving for the limit-points of an associated static bifurcation problem. Interpreting this as the parametric equation of a space curve in the y-space, an impasse point (X0,y0) is simply a ‘turning point’ of this curve.
Structural and magnetic properties of RTiFe11 and their hydrides (R Y, Sm)

Abstract The intermetallic compounds YTiFe 11 and SmTiFe 11 and their hydrides have been prepared and studied. All are found by X-ray diffraction analysis to occur in the tetragonal ThMn 12 structure. The X-ray diffraction characteristics of aligned powders indicate a uniaxial material with magnetization directed along the c axis. The host metals and hydrides are all ferromagnetic. Hydrogenation increases T c from 520 and 584 K to 567 and 627 K for YTiFe 11 and SmTiFe 11 respectively. Magnetization is increased by 3%–5% by hydrogenation. The enhanced moment is ascribed to charge transfer from the rare earth and titanium to iron. Hydrogenation expands the lattice. It is suggested that the rise in T c for the hydride arises from the reduction in negative exchange for the expanded lattice. The anisotropy field ( H A ) is increased by hydrogenation; this is in striking contrast to the behavior of hydrogenated R 2 Fe 14 B systems. The increase in H A is very evident for SmTiFe 11 but not so clear for the yttrium system. The pressure-composition isotherm for the hydrogenated systems indicates solid solution behavior. The maximum hydrogen content is about 1.2 g atoms per formula unit.
The PASADENA effect at a solid surface: high-sensitivity nuclear magnetic resonance of hydrogen chemisorption.

The use of parahydrogen as a high-sensitivity spin label for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was first proposed and then demonstrated to provide orders-of-magnitude signal enhancement in species which are formed from the molecular addition of hydrogen. The phenomenon known as the PASADENA effect (parahydrogen and synthesis allow dramatically enhanced nuclear alignment) derives from the fact that deviation of the parahydrogen mole fraction in a sample of H_2 from its statistical high-temperature limit of 1/4 is associated with an inherent form of spin order. Upon molecular addition of the two protons from a single H_2 molecule into coupled, magnetically inequivalent environments, this order is manifested as large nonequilibrium spin population differences across allowed NMR transitions.
Ignatov's theorem and correlated record values

Abstract For a sequence of i.i.d. random variables an upper (lower) k -record is a value which is k th largest (smallest) at its appearance. A consequence of Ignatov's theorem is that the event a value x ever appears as an upper k -record is independent of the event a value y ever appears as an upper j -record, when either j ≠ k or x ≠ y . We study the correlation between the event a value ever appears as an upper k -record and the event a value ever appears as a lower j -record, and show that it can be strictly positive or negative depending on simple criteria. We also show that these events are, as either j or k increases, asymptotically independent.
Echo-phonocardiographic features of regurgitant porcine mitral and tricuspid valves presenting with musical murmurs

Echophonographic findings of three patients with spontaneous degeneration of porcine tricuspid and mitral valves presenting with musical murmurs are reported. Echocardiography in all these patients revealed systolic or diastolic cusp flutter similar in frequency to the musical murmur on simultaneously recorded phonocardiogram. Porcine tricuspid regurgitation is usually well tolerated and can be followed clinically for many years. However, patients with mitral porcine valves usually become symptomatic or present with congestive heart failure and usually require valve surgery soon after clinical or echo-phonocardiographic findings of valve regurgitation appear.
Gender differences in the associations of self esteem, stress and social support with functional health status among older adults with heart disease.

ABSTRACT This study explored and compared the role of self esteem, stress and social support in maintenance or improvement in physical and psychosocial functioning over 12 months in older men and women with cardiovascular disease. Data from 502 adults over 60 years of age showed that self esteem and stress were both significantly associated with functioning when demographic and clinical factors were controlled. Men were significantly more likely than women to maintain or improve in functioning. Self esteem, stress, compliance with medication regimens, and marital status were significantly associated with maintenance or improvement of functioning among women. Only age and stress were significantly associated with maintenance or improvement in functioning among men. Findings indicated that: (1) stress and self esteem were stronger predictors of functioning, especially among women, than demographic and clinical factors; and (2) women in the highest quartile of the self esteem distribution were approximately ...
Thermal racemization of spiropyrans: implication of substituent and solvent effects revealed by computational study

The thermal racemization of spiropyrans has been investigated by computational study at the density functional theory and MP2 levels. Two possible reaction mechanisms for the thermal racemization of spiropyrans were found. One reaction mechanism is a three-step reaction, the other represents a four-step reaction. The competition between these two mechanisms is dependent on the strengths of the substituents, as well as the polarities of the solvents. Different substituents and solvents change the rate-determining step and lead to various pathways. The solvent effect is found more pronounced on the electron-withdrawing substituted spiropyrans. In addition, bond length alternation (BLA), a structural parameter, has been employed in this study. It has been proven that BLA is a useful parameter to correlate the effect of substituents and solvents with the racemization mechanism of spiropyrans. The relationship between BLA and activation energies clearly explains the origin of the competition between the two reaction mechanisms. The results from this work would be valuable for selecting substituents and solvents for development of desired optical properties of spiropyrans.
Investigation of pulse dispersion in a carrier-based UWB system with LO leakage cancellation

Local oscillator (LO) leakage in a carrier-based ultrawideband (UWB) system is a major design concern. In many cases, mixer LO-RF isolation is not sufficient and the LO leakage is well above the useful UWB signal. However, this leakage can be substantially reduced by using a notch filter located before the UWB transmitting antenna as long as it will not lead to unacceptable signal distortion. Therefore, various filter parameters, such as the filter order and 3 dB rejection bandwidth, have been studied to see their effects on providing sufficient band rejection level to reduce the unwanted LO leakage while minimizing the transmitted pulse dispersion. Time domain simulations and measurements have been utilized to evaluate the pulse dispersion using both the relative signal's first pulse amplitude and the pulse time delay spread. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2009.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the 1:1 enzyme‐ligand complex between porcine pancreatic elastase and acetyl‐alanine‐proline‐alanine

A 31.5 picosecond (ps) MD calculation has been completed for the 1:1 enzyme-ligand complex between porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and acetyl-alanine-proline-alanine (APA). The 1:2 complex studied crystallographically at product saturation conditions precludes the study of a 1:1 complex (PPE and APA1); this objective has been achieved by computational methods described here. The acetyl group of the ligand was found to occupy two neighboring sites, one within the primary specificity site and the other out into solution. The primary change of the ligand structure is ψ1 torsion angle being 171.5°. Supported by an interactive graphic display, the dynamical fluctuations of a smaller ligand compared with the width of the active site as PPE were observed by the MD simulation, although the complex has not been detected by any spectroscopic method.
Photopolymerized phospholipid vesicles Stability and retention of hydrophilic and hydrophobic marker substances

Abstract Multilamellar vesicles were formed from photopolymerizable analogs of phosphatidylcholine. The polymerized vesicles differed markedly from conventional vesicles in terms of their stability to mechanical and chemical perturbations. Thus, polymerized vesicles, but not conventional ones, retained their overall physical integrity subsequent to ultrasonication or to exposure to organic solvents or detergents. Treatment of photopolymerized vesicles with detergents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate caused the release of entrapped hydrophilic solutes; however, lipophilic solutes were retained by the polymerized vesicles under circumstances in which conventional vesicles were completely solubilized. Thus, photopolymerized phospholipid membranes represent hybrid entities which seem to blend some of the characteristics of conventional lipid bilayers with properties more typical of polymer membranes.
Species Recognition in Anolis grahami (Sauria, Iguanidae): Evidence from Responses to Video Playbacks of Conspecific and Heterospecific Displays

The visual displays of male anoles (Anolis sp.) are usually viewed as characters that facilitate species recognition. This presumption stems largely from the extensive variation in the head bobbing movements and dewlap colouration in males of this genus. However, few experimental data exist that illuminate the importance of these visual signals for species recognition. We presented adult male Anolis grahami with colour-videotaped sequences of displays from conspecifics and from three heterospecific species of anoles. The congenerics (A. carolinensis, A. conspersus, and A. sagrei) were chosen on the basis of their phylogenetic and geographical relationships with A. grahami. Stimulus males were filmed at a constant distance and orientation from the video camera, and edited sequences of their displays were presented at a standard distance from subjects. Video playbacks allowed us to equalize the quantity of display performed by each stimulus species, and to eliminate stimulus/subject interactions as well as inter-trial variation in stimulus behaviour. Results revealed that the subjects responded more strongly to conspecific than to heterospecific displays on all behavioural variables examined, but there was no indication of discrimination among the displays of the three congeneric species.
Extended-release metformin does not reduce the clomiphene citrate dose required to induce ovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Context: When used for ovulation induction, higher doses of clomiphene may lead to antiestrogenic side effects that reduce fecundity. It has been suggested that metformin in combination with clomiphene can restore ovulation to some clomiphene-resistant anovulators with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Objective: Our objective was to determine if cotreatment with extended-release metformin (metformin XR) can lower the threshold dose of clomiphene needed to induce ovulation in women with PCOS. Design: A secondary analysis of data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Cooperative Multicenter Reproductive Medicine Network prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter clinical trial, Pregnancy in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, was performed. Setting: Study volunteers at multiple academic medical centers were included. Participants: Women with PCOS and elevated serum testosterone who were randomized to clomiphene alone or with metformin (n = 209 in each group) were included ...
Susceptibility of Skin and Throat Strains of Group A Streptococci to Rosamicin and Erythromycin

The minimal inhibitory concentrations of rosamicin and erythromycin were compared for 210 strains of group A streptococcus isolated from a diverse spectrum of streptococcal diseases. Of these strains, 97.6% were inhibited by 0.1 to 0.2 μg of rosamicin per ml, whereas 90.9% were inhibited by 0.025 to 0.05 μg of erythromycin per ml. The minimal inhibitory concentration of rosamicin for 154 strains exceeded that of erythromycin by at least fourfold. Five group A strains of streptococcus that were highly resistant to erythromycin were even more resistant to rosamicin.
Kaon decay amplitudes with staggered fermions

A status report is given of an attempt, using staggered fermions, to calculate the real and imaginary parts of the amplitudes for K → ππ. Semi-quantitative results are found for the imaginary parts, and these suggest that ∊’ might be smaller than previously expected in the standard model.
US-style hospitalists are unlikely to improve delivery of patient care in the NHS.

Editor – Over the last 15 years, I have watched the increasing impact of physician specialists, known as hospitalists, on the delivery of patient care at the institution where I have my principal appointment. More recently, I have had the opportunity to interact with hospitalists at two other
Cyclic Methyldopa Analogs as Potential Antihypertensive and Antineoplastic Agents

Three cyclic methyldopa analogs (IIIa, b, and c) were synthesized by hydrolysis of the appropriate spirohydantoins (V), which were obtained through the Bucherer synthesis. Amino acids (IIIa and b) and hydantoins (Va and c) were inactive against experimental tumors. The 5 hydantoins tested were devoid of anticonvulsant effect.
Fast algorithms for computing the largest empty rectangle

We provide two algorithms for solving the following problem: Given a rectangle containing n points, compute the largest-area and the largest-perimeter subrectangles with sides parallel to the given rectangle that lie within this rectangle and that do not contain any points in their interior. For finding the largest-area empty rectangle, the first algorithm takes O(n log3n) time and O(n) memory space and it simplifies the algorithm given by Chazelle, Drysdale and Lee which takes O(n log3n) time but O(n log n) storage. The second algorithm for computing the largest-area empty rectangle is more complicated but it only takes O(n log2n) time and O(n) memory space. The two algorithms for computing the largest-area rectangle can be modified to compute the largest-perimeter rectangle in O(n log2n) and O(n log n) time, respectively. Since O(n log n) is a lower bound on time for computing the largest-perimeter empty rectangle, the second algorithm for computing such a rectangle is optimal within a multiplicative constant.
Quantitative Raman and ESCA characterization of titania supported tungsten catalysts

The distribution of supported species in a series of W/TiO2 catalysts (1.8 – 28 wt% WO3) has been determined by Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, ESCA). The results show that three tungsten species are present on oxidic W/TiO2 catalysts. A tungsten interaction species is formed almost exclusively for catalysts with W loadings lower or equal to 6.7 wt% WO3. WO3 is observed above 6.7 wt% WO3. For W loadings higher than 10 wt%, a disordered W species WDS is also present. The amounts of WDS and WO3 increase with increasing W content above 10 wt% WO3.
Pluvial climatic episodes in North America and North Africa: types and correlation with global climate

Abstract Differences in Late Quaternary pluvial chronologies among the world's deserts can be related to fundamental differences in the climatology of those pluvial episodes. Paleoenvironmental records and climate model simulations for two Northern Hemisphere desert regions are used to illustrate two types of pluvial climatic regime. In the higher-latitude deserts of the American Southwest, pluvial conditions during the last glacial maximum were caused by the southward displacement of the westerly jet stream, in turn caused by the blocking effect of Laurentide Ice Sheet and a steepened arctic-equator pressure gradient. Winter seasonality of precipitation and substantially lower mean annual temperatures are reflected in the paleoenvironmental record, and simulated by models of 18,000 yr B.P. climate. A second pluvial climate type which strongly influences the lower-latitude deserts of North Africa is characterized by enhanced summer monsoons, and occurs during interglacials and, perhaps, interstadials. The primary forcing mechanism of the last pluvial episode in the Sahara and Libyan Deserts appears to have been increased solar radiation (Milankovitch forcing), causing thermally enhanced ocean-land pressure gradients and increased flow of maritime tropical air into the interior of the continent. Poleward displacement of the summer monsoon is consistent with floristic evidence for summer seasonality of precipitation, and replicated by model simulations of 9000 and 6000 yr B.P. climate. Chronologies from some deserts, such as the southern portion of the American Southwest, suggest the consecutive occurrence of both types of pluvial climatic regime. Pluvial conditions during the last glacial maximum were brought about by the equatorward displacement of the prevailing westerlies. A subsequent, more subdued pluvial period occurred later, between ∼ 12,500 and 8000 yr B.P., caused by the poleward displacement of summer monsoons. Characterization of the climatology of pluvial episodes generates explanations for their temporal distribution and, therefore, this approach may be useful in assessing the Quaternary chronology of pluvial episodes in other desert regions.