cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Imaging the PM/AICD patient; fancy or fanatical?

Background Imaging patients with a pacemaker or AICD has always been taboo in the MRI environment. However, with current improvements in pacemaker lead and generator development along with very vigilant and knowledgeable personnel in pacemaker safety, MRI procedures can be implemented successfully. However, safe performance, not withstanding the risks, leads one to question if the results from the scans provide additional valuable clinical information to warrant the risk. Hypothesis: We propose that MRI imaging patients with a pacemaker can be crucial to establish clinical diagnosis. Methods A total of 25 patients were imaged on a GE CV/i Excite Version 12, 1.5 T system (GE, Milwaukee, WI). Three patients had an AICD, 4 patients had an AICD/Pacemaker, 2 patients had a single pacemaker lead and the remaining 16 patients had a complete pacemaker implantation. Each patient was performed in the dedicated Cardiac MRI Imaging Suite under the strict supervision of the Cardiologist. EP Lab personnel were present and reconfigured the pacemaker into an appropriate asynchronous mode under the guidance of the Cardiologist. The MRI scan sequences were selected such that the SAR level was lower or equal to 2.0 W/kg. to reduce additional heating to the device. Results All patients completed the procedure with no adverse events and the pacemaker was interrogated after the procedure by EP Lab and reprogrammed under the direction of the Cardiologist. Impedance, thresholds, amplitudes and shock impedances were unchanged pre to post scanning. The average MRI scan time was 20±55min. Regarding the population, of the 25 patients imaged, 17 (68%) were neurology cases and 8(32%) were cardiac cases. After reviewing the results from the 17 neurology cases and comparing the results from prior studies (CT, angio and/or myelogram) 14 (82%) out of the 17 patients benefited from having this procedure. 12 (70%) out of the 17 patients altered the diagnosis for a better outcome in patient care. The remaining 3(18%) patients did not show additional information that enhanced the diagnosis. The 8 cardiac cases were also compared to prior studies (heart cath, TEE, TTE and stress) and the outcome of all patients’ diagnosis was shown to be enhanced by the MRI imaging. In 4(50%) of the 8 patients CMR altered the prevailing clinical diagnosis. Thus, a total of 22 patients (88%) benefited by enhancement or alteration of the original diagnosis while 3(12%) patients did not provide any additional information. Conclusions The use of PM/AICD imaging in MRI remains controversial but as the lead/generator technology has improved, increased confidence in its use is found. Herein, we show that MRI procedures on carefully selected patients with pacemakers/AICD’s are beneficial and substantially enhance or alter patient diagnosis. We propose that not only are Pacemakers/AICD’s no longer taboo in the MRI environment but they can be markedly efficient with lifealtering and life-saving consequences. Funding None.
Requirement of multiple protein domains and residues for gating K(ATP) channels by intracellular pH.

ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP) are regulated by pH in addition to ATP, ADP, and phospholipids. In the study we found evidence for the molecular basis of gating the cloned KATP by intracellular protons. Systematic constructions of chimerical Kir6.2-Kir1.1 channels indicated that full pH sensitivity required the N terminus, C terminus, and M2 region. Three amino acid residues were identified in these protein domains, which are Thr-71 in the N terminus, Cys-166 in the M2 region, and His-175 in the C terminus. Mutation of any of them to their counterpart residues in Kir1.1 was sufficient to completely eliminate the pH sensitivity. Creation of these residues rendered the mutant channels clear pH-dependent activation. Thus, critical players in gating KATP by protons are demonstrated. The pH sensitivity enables the KATP to regulate cell excitability in a number of physiological and pathophysiological conditions when pH is low but ATP concentration is normal.
Retinal pigment epithelial hypersensitivity, an association with vision loss: RPE hypersensitivity complicating paraneoplastic retinopathies.

PURPOSE: Paraneoplastic retinopathies are currently identified and classified according to specific anti-retina antibody reactions. These cancer-induced retinal degenerations can be accompanied by changes in the character of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) indicative of additional, and superimposed, pathologic activity. The antibody reactions of 11 paraneoplastic retinopathy patients were evaluated to identify those whose immunologic abnormalities included indications of RPE hypersensitivity. The pathologic significance of this anomaly was evaluated upon viable monolayers of RPE, in the presence and absence of complement. METHODS: Comparisons of antibody reactions were made using: (1) indirect immunohistochemistry on sections of rhesus monkey eyes; (2) Western blot reactions on extracts of rhesus monkey retina and in vitro-propagated rhesus RPE; and (3) an evaluation of antibody influence upon the metabolic activity of viable monolayers of rhesus RPE cells. RESULTS: Indirect immunohistochemistry on s...
Using polymers to minimize corrosion of steel in concrete

Efforts to restrict chloride transport can lead to changes in the corrosion rate of steel in cement-based materials, such as concrete. Two potential methods have been examined for several years. They include: the addition of polymer fibers to the concrete at the time of mixing; and the encapsulation of previously contaminated concrete using polymer resin or polymer composites. It has been reported that the first method could minimize initial chloride intrusion and that the latter method could prevent additional chloride intrusion if concrete is already salt-contaminated. The effectiveness of these methods in minimizing corrosion was evaluated based on changes in corrosion rates determined using polarization resistance measurements. The results, which have been observed over a period of several years, will be reported. Limitations of polarization resistance measurements to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods as means of minimizing corrosion will also be discussed.
Small and Medium Sized Entities Management's Perspective on Principles-Based Accounting Standards on Lease Accounting

Lease accounting is viewed as one of the top priorities for the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) convergence. Small and medium sized entities are an important part of the economy, and this research investigates the management’s perspective on the adoption of principles-based IFRS about lease accounting. This researcher interviewed four managers from three different small and medium sized entities, and found the management to be more concerned about their long-term business success than the change of accounting standards. Only when the entities have a loan with the bank, then the management focuses on the lease classification. The interview also suggests that the managers and business owners in the small and medium sized entities have limited knowledge and skills in accounting reporting standards. These firms outsource their accounting needs to local accountants rather than having their own in-house departments. The other aspect of focus for management of these firms is tax consequence of IFRS adoption. The research suggests other regulatory agencies, i.e., Internal Revenue Service, should also be involved in enhancing financial statement transparency and usefulness after the adoption of accounting standards.
Responsible web caching

Putting the distribution control of the Web's intellectual content in the hands of those who created it.
β-catenin mediates stress resilience through Dicer1/microRNA regulation

β-catenin is a multi-functional protein that has an important role in the mature central nervous system; its dysfunction has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. Here we show that in mice β-catenin mediates pro-resilient and anxiolytic effects in the nucleus accumbens, a key brain reward region, an effect mediated by D2-type medium spiny neurons. Using genome-wide β-catenin enrichment mapping, we identify Dicer1-important in small RNA (for example, microRNA) biogenesis--as a β-catenin target gene that mediates resilience. Small RNA profiling after excising β-catenin from nucleus accumbens in the context of chronic stress reveals β-catenin-dependent microRNA regulation associated with resilience. Together, these findings establish β-catenin as a critical regulator in the development of behavioural resilience, activating a network that includes Dicer1 and downstream microRNAs. We thus present a foundation for the development of novel therapeutic targets to promote stress resilience.
Tight-binding studies of bulk properties and hydrogen vacancies in KBH4

Abstract We present computational studies of the bulk properties and hydrogen vacancies in KBH 4 using tight-binding (TB) calculations. The NRL-TB method was used to construct a TB Hamiltonian by fitting the density-functional theory (DFT) data for the electronic energies for the tetragonal and cubic phases of KBH 4 as a function of volume. Our approach allows for computationally efficient calculations of phonon frequencies and elastic constants, mean-square displacements, and formation energies of hydrogen vacancies using the static and molecular dynamics modules of the NRL-TB code. We find that the results for the bulk properties and hydrogen vacancies given by TB calculations are comparable to those given by DFT calculations.
Integrated optical toxin sensor

We have developed a method for simple and highly sensitive detection of multivalent proteins using an optical waveguide sensor. The optical biosensor is based on optically tagged glycolipid receptors imbedded within a fluid phospholipid bilayer membrane formed on the surface of a planar optical waveguide. The binding of multivalent toxin initiates a fluorescence resonance energy transfer resulting in a distinctive spectral signature that is monitored by measuring emitted luminescence above the waveguide surface. The sensor methodology is highly sensitive and specific, and requires no additional reagents or washing steps. Demonstration of the utility of protein-receptor recognition using planar optical waveguides is shown here by the detection of cholera toxin.
Optimized Magnetic Components Improve Efficiency of Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Further improvements in the efficiency of compact fluor escent lamps can be achieved by optimizing the magnetic components in the electronic ballast. Resonant inductors were evaluated in several commercial integrally ballasted lamps. Winding optimization programs were used to redesign the windings of an example inductor. Two of the proposed winding designs were built and confirmed to provide reductions in winding loss of over 40%.
Controls over mycorrhizal uptake of organic nitrogen

Abstract Mycorrhizal plants from a variety of ecosystems have the capacity to take up organic forms of nitrogen, yet the fraction of plant nitrogen demand met by organic N (ON) uptake remains unclear. ON uptake by mycorrhizal plants is a biochemical process that involves multiple steps, including breakdown and uptake of soil ON by mycorrhizal fungi, internal transformation of ON, and transfer of N to the host plant. We present hypothetical mechanisms controlling each of these steps and outline predictions for how these mechanisms structure patterns of ON uptake by mycorrhizal plants in ecosystems. Using a synthesis of published data, we found that uptake of amino acids by mycorrhizal fungi is related to the relative abundance, N content, and carbon structure of the amino acid. We hypothesize that the bond strength and structural diversity of soil ON controls the breakdown of polymeric ON by mycorrhizal fungi. In addition, the availability of carbon resources for the mycorrhizal fungus influences the capacity for mycorrhizal fungi to assimilate amino acids and produce extracellular enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of polymeric ON.
Assessing usefulness, availability of NASA data

With the data volume that is returned by NASA missions expected to increase by as much as one to two orders of magnitude over the next five years, a recent report recommends measures for improved data management so that archival data can be used for potential scientific advances. Among the recommendations in the report by the Space Studies Board of the National Research Council are that budgets for mission operations and data analysis be uniformly included as an integral part of mission and/or program funding.
Application of the nucleophilic substitution reaction to the synthesis of No-carrier-added [18F]fluorobenzene and other 18F-labeled aryl fluorides

No-carrier-added (NCA) [18F]fluorobenzene was prepared in a multistep synthesis with a radiochemical yield of 20-30%. A series of NCA and CA 18F-labeled aryl fluorides which are important precursors of 18F-labeled butyrophenone neuroleptics have also been synthesized in radiochemical yields of 30–50%. The direct synthesis of [18F]spiroperidol and [18F]benperidol from the parent compounds and/or nitro and/or chloro compound using the nucleophilic substitution reactions were also investigated.
Patients need safer hospitals, every day of the week

Hospital acquired conditions must be reduced throughout the week, not just at weekends In the United States, efforts to improve patient safety have focused, in part, on reducing hospital acquired conditions, or HACs. Hospital acquired conditions include healthcare associated infections, iatrogenic complications, and other adverse events occurring during treatment for another condition. Historically, the additional costs incurred by these adverse events led to greater payments by the government.1 To encourage a reduction in these potentially preventable conditions, the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2008 decided not to pay for the higher costs of care resulting from 14 specific hospital acquired conditions.2 Starting this year, the CMS’s HAC Reduction Program will levy considerable financial penalties on hospitals scoring poorly on a composite measure of performance regarding hospital acquired conditions, which is derived from a review of administrative claims and medical record data.3 4 In a linked paper, Attenello and colleagues (doi:10.1136/bmj.h1460) determined whether weekend admission is associated with a greater likelihood of developing these adverse events,5 as weekend admission has been associated with worse outcomes for a large number of life threatening conditions, such as myocardial infarction,6 pulmonary embolism,7 and intracerebral haemorrhage.8 …
The Strategic Implications Of Automation In Public Sector Human Resource Management

The proliferation of microcomputer based software now permits the partial automation ofpersonnel operations. Future applications of information systems technology to public sectorhuman resource management depend on a knowledge of public management informationrequirements and of the organizational effects of automating personnel operations. There is some possibility, however, that careful planning regarding the application of a rich store ofpersonnel management software to work force information system development will pay dividends in terms of effective human resource management.
Emerging Challenges for Theory and Psychology

With the waning of empiricist foundationalism, theoretical commitments become a focus of critical concern. For psychologists, the post-empiricist shift presents challenges of immense scope and significance for future inquiry. For purposes of centering further dialogue, this article outlines five major challenges for a theoretically sophisticated psychology. First, because concepts of knowledge rest on assumptions about human functioning, psychologists should take an active role in exploring successors to empiricism. Realism and constructionism are among the most prominent candidates; others remain for critical contrast and comparison. Second, attention is invited to the cultural contexts favoring or inimical to various theoretical standpoints. Third, self-reflexive analyses are encouraged, not only in terms of isolating unspoken but implicit ideology, but as well in assessing the conceptual and rhetorical properties of various theoretical commitments. Fourth, there is now an opening to bold adventures in ...
8: Analytic Methods in Studies of Educational Effects

The publication of Equality of Educational Opportunity (Coleman, Campbell, Hobson, McPartland, Mood, Weinfeld, & York, 1966) and the controversy that it touched off (e.g., Bowles & Levin, 1968a, 1968b; Cain & Watts, 1968, 1970; Coleman, 1968, 1970; Mosteller & Moynihan, 1972a; Smith, 1968) have underscored the lack of agreement among social scientists about analytic methods appropriate for the study of educational effects. Applying different analytic methods to the same data, researchers have often reached different, and occasionally contradictory, conclusions. It is not surprising that the general public and policymakers have not had confidence in the research findings of educational researchers. Moreover, the conflicting conclusions have enabled some policymakers to select those findings that are in accord with their own preconceptions and biases. While the widespread availability of computer facilities and "package" programs has liberated researchers from the drudgery of computations required by complex analytic methods, the relative ease with which they can now be executed has increased the danger of applying them blindly. Moreover, it seems, some researchers believe that the absence of theoretical formulations can be masked, or compensated for, by the use of complex and sophisticated analytic techniques. It is a truism that methods per se mean little unless they are integrated within a theoretical context and are used to test hypotheses derived from theory.
Bank Integration and Transmission of Financial Shocks: Evidence from Japan*

This paper investigates whether banking integration plays an important role in transmitting financial shocks across geographical boundaries by using a dataset on the branch network of nationwide city banks and a prefecture-level dataset on the formation and collapse of the real estate bubble in Japan. The results show that the credit and economic cycle of financially integrated prefectures exhibits higher sensitivity to fluctuation in land prices in cities relative to financially isolated ones. These results suggest nationwide banks can be a source of economic volatility when they pass on the impacts of financial shocks to host economies. {JEL E44, G21, R30) relation between banking integration and the vulnerability of economies to financial shocks has been one of the most important issues in the field of macroeconomics and finance. In theory, geographical diversification of banking across local economic boundaries can cause both higher and lower volatility in the economy. On the one hand, the financial health of large diversified banks does not depend on idiosyncratic local conditions as much as the health of local banks does. Hence, the large diversified banks might be able to take up the slack when local financial shocks undermine the health of local banks and their ability to satisfy local financing needs. In this case, the presence of large diversified banks helps mitigate a local credit crunch. On the other hand, adverse financial shocks reduce the value of borrowers' collateral and thus worsen their creditworthiness, which might prompt large financial institutions to shift capital away from the affected market to the other markets where the perceived quality of borrowers is higher. It follows that large institutions' access to a large pool of borrowers in different geographical areas might raise the likelihood of a "flight to quality," which, in turn, might result in a volatile flow of capital from one economy to the others and potentially magnify the local credit cycle.
Prevalence and Treatment of Selective Mutism in Clinical Practice: A Survey of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists

This study investigates the use of medications by child and adolescent psychiatrists for treating selective mutism. In 1993, a one-page survey was mailed to 962 child and adolescent psychiatrists s...
Mass-Spectrometric 230Th-234U-238U Dating of the Devils Hole Calcite Vein.

The Devils Hole calcite vein contains a long-term climatic record, but requires accurate chronologic control for its interpretation. Mass-spectrometric U-series ages for samples from core DH-11 yielded 230 Th ages with precisions ranging from less than 1,000 years (2σ) for samples younger than ∼140 ka (thousands of years ago) to less than 50,000 years for the oldest samples (∼566 ka). The 234 U/ 238 U ages could be determined to a precision of ∼20,000 years for all ages. Calcite accumulated continuously from 566 ka until ∼60 ka at an average rate of 0.7 millimeter per 10 3 years. The precise agreement between replicte analyses and the concordance of the 230 Th/ 238 U 234 U/ 238 U ages for the oldest samples indicate that the DH-11 samples were closed systems and validate the dating technique in general.
The impact of the gut microbiota on human health: an integrative view.

The human gut harbors diverse microbes that play a fundamental role in the well-being of their host. The constituents of the microbiota—bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotes—have been shown to interact with one another and with the host immune system in ways that influence the development of disease. We review these interactions and suggest that a holistic approach to studying the microbiota that goes beyond characterization of community composition and encompasses dynamic interactions between all components of the microbiota and host tissue over time will be crucial for building predictive models for diagnosis and treatment of diseases linked to imbalances in our microbiota.
Selective Use of TBP and TFIIB Revealed by a TATA-TBP-TFIIB Array with Altered Specificity

Interaction between the TATA box-binding protein TBP and TFIIB is critical for transcription in vitro. An altered-specificity TBP-TFIIB interaction was rationally designed and linked in sequence to an altered-specificity TATA box-TBP interaction to study how TBP and TFIIB function together to support transcription in human cells. The activity of this altered-specificity TATA-TBP-TFIIB array demonstrated that many activators use the known TBP-TFIIB interaction to stimulate transcription. One activator, however, derived from a glutamine-rich activation domain of Sp1, activated transcription independently of this interaction. These results reveal that selectivity in activator function in vivo can be achieved through differential use of TBP and TFIIB.
Rapid Fluid Removal During Dialysis Is Associated With Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality

Patients receiving hemodialysis have high rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that may be related to the hemodynamic effects of rapid ultrafiltration. Here we tested whether higher dialytic ultrafiltration rates are associated with greater all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and hospitalization for cardiovascular disease. We used data from the Hemodialysis Study, an almost-7-year randomized clinical trial of 1846 patients receiving thrice-weekly chronic dialysis. The ultrafiltration rates were divided into three categories: up to 10 ml/h/kg, 10–13 ml/h/kg, and over 13 ml/h/kg. Compared to ultrafiltration rates in the lowest group, rates in the highest were significantly associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.59 and 1.71, respectively. Overall, ultrafiltration rates between 10–13 ml/h/kg were not associated with all-cause or cardiovascular mortality; however, they were significantly associated among participants with congestive heart failure. Cubic spline interpolation suggested that the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality began to increase at ultrafiltration rates over 10 ml/h/kg regardless of the status of congestive heart failure. Hence, higher ultrafiltration rates in hemodialysis patients are associated with a greater risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death.
A breast-feeding assessment score to evaluate the risk for cessation of breast-feeding by 7 to 10 days of age

Abstract Objectives: To develop a succinct and comprehensive breast-feeding assessment score (BAS) to accurately identify infants at risk for early cessation of breast-feeding before initial hospital discharge. Study design: Mothers who intended to breast-feed their infants were solicited from 9 suburban hospitals. Two detailed data forms covering 107 items were completed before hospital discharge. A third form was completed at 7 to 10 days of age after telephone contact with the mother. Results: Cessation of breast-feeding occurred in 113 of 1075 infants (10.5%). A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed 8 variables that were significant ( P Conclusions: The BAS was easily and quickly performed before hospital discharge for near term and term infants, which accurately predicted the risk of breast-feeding cessation within 7 to 10 days of age in the population studied. (J Pediatr 2002;141:659-64)
Perioperative outcomes of bariatric surgery in adolescents compared with adults at academic medical centers.

Abstract Background To compare the perioperative outcomes of bariatric surgery between adolescent (12–18 years) and adult (>18 years) patients for the treatment of morbid obesity using an administrative database. Methods Using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis and procedural codes, we obtained data from the University HealthSystem Consortium for 55,501 morbidly obese patients (309 adolescents and 55,192 adults) who had undergone laparoscopic or open gastric bypass, laparoscopic gastric banding, or laparoscopic gastroplasty from 2002 to 2006. The outcome measures included demographics, length of hospital stay, intensive care unit stay, 30-day readmission, morbidity, and observed and expected (risk-adjusted) mortality. Results The overall 30-day complication rate was significantly lower in the adolescent group (5.5% adolescents and 9.8% adults). The in-hospital and observed/expected mortality ratios were similar between groups. The greatest morbidity was associated with open gastric bypass procedures (7.6% for adolescents and 11.1% for adults) followed by laparoscopic gastric bypass (4.3% and 7.5%, respectively). Open gastric bypass in adults had the greatest observed/expected mortality ratio (1.0). In adolescents, the 30-day morbidity and mortality rate was 0% for restrictive procedures (laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and gastroplasty). Conclusion Bariatric surgery in adolescents represents a small subset of all bariatric operations performed at academic centers, although the number has increased threefold since 2002. Gastric bypass is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in adolescents. The outcomes of bariatric surgery in adolescents appear to be as safe as those in adults, with lower 30-day morbidity.
A computational study of the thermoelectric performance of ultrathin Bi2Te3 films

The ballistic thermoelectric performance of ultrathin films of Bi2Te3, ranging in thickness from 1 to 6 quintuple layers, is analyzed using density functional theory combined with the Landauer approach. Our results show that the thinnest film, corresponding to a single quintuple layer, has an intrinsic advantage originating from the particular shape of its valence band, leading to a large power factor and figure-of-merit exceeding bulk Bi2Te3. The interaction between the top and bottom topological surface states is key. The thinnest film yields a six-fold increase in power factor compared to bulk.
Tandem MS analysis of model peptide adducts from reactive metabolites of the hepatotoxin 1,1-dichloroethylene.

Dichloroethylene (DCE) is a hepatotoxin that undergoes cytochrome P450-catalyzed bioactivation in hepatocytes to form 2-chloroacetyl chloride and 1,1-dichloroethylene oxide. 2-Chloroacetyl chloride reacts with nucleophilic residues and with N-terminal amines to produce 2-chloroacetylated residues and with glutathione to form the reactive electrophile S-(2-chloroacetyl)glutathione (ClCH2COSG), which, in turn, is capable of sulfhydryl alkylation. 1,1-DCE oxide can bind to cysteine sulfhydryl groups and subsequently hydrolyze to form an S-carboxymethylated cysteine residue. S-Carboxymethylated, 2-chloroacetylated, and GSCOCH2-S-Cys−peptide adducts of model cysteine-containing peptides were synthesized, and their fragmentation patterns were characterized by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Synthesis of GSCOCH2-S-Cys−peptide adducts was achieved via a novel tert-butoxycarbonyl (tBOC) derivative of ClCH2COSG. CID of GSCOCH2-S-Cys−peptide adducts resulted in product ions and neutral losses indicative of th...
Ab initio and in situ comparison of caffeine, triclosan, and triclocarban as indicators of sewage-derived microbes in surface waters.

Three organic wastewater compounds (OWCs) were evaluated in theory and practice for their potential to trace sewage-derived microbial contaminants in surface waters. The underlying hypothesis was that hydrophobic OWCs outperform caffeine as a chemical tracer, due to their sorptive association with suspended microorganisms representing particulate organic carbon (POC). Modeling from first principles (ab initio) of OWC sorption to POC under environmental conditions suggested an increasing predictive power: caffeine (0.2% sorbed) < triclosan (9–60%; pH 6–9) < triclocarban (76%). Empirical evidence was obtained via analysis of surface water from three watersheds in a rural-to-urban gradient in Baltimore, MD. Mass spectrometric OWC detections were correlated to microbial plate counts for 40 monitoring sites along 14 streams, including multiple chronic sewage release sites and the local wastewater treatment plant. Consistent with ab initio calculations, correlation analyses of 104 observations for fecal colifor...
Family limitation in pre-industrial England: a reappraisal.

T HE causes and nature of British population growth in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries have been debated for nearly two decades. The relative importance of changes in the birth-rate and death-rate has been one of the principal disputes. Two major sides of this altercation have been represented by the demographic transition theorists and E. A. Wrigley, with his work on preventive checks. According to the traditional view of the demographic transition theorists there was a "mechanism for keeping population in line with resources".' The first stage of this Malthusian-type mechanism was the age and extent of marriage. If resources were scarce, marriages were delayed, there were a greater number of never-married adults, and the population growth slowed or ceased. However, when changes in the age and length of marriage were insufficient to hold the population in line with resources, "it was the death rate which varied and by its variation determined the size of the population; it was variations in the death rate which adjusted the population to the means available for supporting human life."2 However, others such as E. A. Wrigley have attempted to demonstrate the importance of preventive checks. Wrigley states that "more commonly societies adopted modes of behaviour which reduced fertility in such a way as to produce a point of balance between births and deaths some way short of the maximum possible."3 Wrigley's contribution has been perhaps the most significant development in the British demographic revolution controversy, as well as the most damaging to the demographic transition theorists. His principal findings (based largely on his family reconstruction research into the Devonshire village of Colyton) can be summarized as follows. Dividing the period into three parts (I560-i646, i647-I7I9, I720-I837), he finds relatively much lower fertility in the middle sub-period. Colyton's population history, then, "was very varied during these three centuries. The changes in fertility which occurred are especially striking. . . The new pattern established itself very quickly after i647 in Colyton. The change was abrupt and decisive."4 This suggests to Wrigley that "a very flexible response to economic and social
The synthesis of chemotherapeutic agents. III.: The synthesis of certain thio compounds

Five new sulfa compounds possessing possible medicinal value have been synthesized and characterized.
Pleasure Acts Upon Us: Discussion of Commentaries by Dean and González

In discussing these generous and generative commentaries, I note points of agreement and divergence with an eye toward clarifying my positions on perversity. As such, I explore the implications of my interlocutors’ formidably concise articulations (Gonzalez: perversion permits “the materialization of intergenerational too-muchness” [this issue, p. 282] and Dean: psychoanalysis is like “getting royally fucked by a dubious stranger” [this issue, p. 274]). Productively pressed by their queries, I refine the difference between sexuality and perversion and, drawing on Deleuze (1971), I flesh out important distinctions between sadism and the masochistic contract.
Predicted mean corpuscular volume as an indicator of bone marrow iron in anemic dogs.

A predicted mean corpuscular volume (pMCV) was calculated from the reticulocyte percentage and compared to the actual mean corpuscular volume for the purpose of determining bone marrow iron depletion in the dog. A difference of greater than 10 fi between the pMCV and the actual measured MCV accurately predicted the absence of stainable iron in bone marrow aspirates (sensitivity 86%, specificity 93%). The difference (Diff) between the predicted and actual measured MCV may also be a valuable method for following response to iron therapy in dogs with iron deficiency anemia without the necessity for repeated bone marrow examination. The predicted MCV may be useful in determining which patients are not at risk for canine iron deficiency.
Mixed Configurations in Nuclei

The role of mixed configurations in nuclear states is discussed and illustrated by various examples; it is discussed in particular for $\ensuremath{\beta}$ transitions with anomalous $\mathrm{ft}$ values and as a qualitative explanation of the empirically-found smooth variations of the first excited states of even-even nuclei. It is shown by various examples that a nucleon of one kind (neutron or proton) with a given $j$ has a "stabilizing" influence on pairs of the other kind with a given ${j}^{\ensuremath{'}}$. This stabilization effect is calculated on simplified assumptions for different $j$ and ${j}^{\ensuremath{'}}$.
Home Hygiene Practices and Infectious Disease Symptoms Among Household Members

Public health programs are generally targeted to communitywide, population-based prevention strategies, with little attention focused on the home environment as one potential source of transmission of infectious diseases. The purpose of this correlational prevalence survey was to describe the relationship between home hygiene practices and prevalence of infectious disease symptoms among household members. Three hundred and ninety-eight households with 1,662 members in an inner-city population (96.4% Hispanic) were surveyed to examine hygiene practices and determine the presence of transmission of infection, defined as the presence of the same symptom(s) in two or more household members for which at least one individual sought medical attention and received treatment. At least one individual in 78.6% of households reported symptoms of infection in the previous 30 days, and 37.9% of households met the definition of disease transmission. In univariate analyses, five factors were significantly associated with risk of household transmission, but in the logistic regression model, only use of communal laundry (p = 0.009) and lack of bleach use (p = 0.04) were significantly predictive of increased risk of transmission. This is the first comprehensive survey of home hygiene practices and the first study to identify a potential link between laundry and risk of disease transmission in homes. This potential link warrants further study in clinical trials.
A rapidly acquired avoidance response in rats

A technique is described whereby rats acquired a one-way avoidance response within four training trials and less than 1 min. of total training time. Ninety-eight percent of 500 animals met an avoidance learning criterion and less than 1% of the animals failed to avoid shock in subsequent repeated tests of avoidance performance.
Fluctuations in Levels of Cytosol and Nuclear Estrogen Receptors in Rat Mammary Tumors during the Estrous Cycle

Levels of cytosol estrogen receptors (R) and nuclear estrogen-receptor complexes (ER) in rat mammary tumors induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz-(a)anthracene were estimated during the host's estrous cycle. Cytosol R was measured by the method of charcoal absorption employing the principle of Scatchard. Nuclear ER was determined by a [3H]estradiol exchange method. Levels of cytosol R were low at proestrus and estrus and increased significantly during metestrus-diestrus. Levels of nuclear ER were slightly elevated at diestrus-2, substantially higher at proestrus, and relatively low during other stages of the cycle. The high levels of nuclear ER during diestrus-2 and proestrus coincided with the reported rising levels of circulating estrogen in the host animals. Furthermore, rates of [3H]leucine incorporation by the tumor tissue correlated significantly with levels of nuclear ER in the corresponding tumors. The low level of cytosol R observed at proestrus could be explained by a depletion of R following the high le...
Negative ENDOR study of the radiation damage in triglycine sulphate

Abstract An ENDOR study of irradiated TGS crystals was conducted, and it was found that in the ferroelectric phase the splitting of a proton signal decreased with increasing doses of irradiation. This decrease was interpreted in terms of a reduction in a parameter σ  ΔE° 2Γ , where ΔE° is the energy difference between the two minima of the effective tunneling potential for the proton and Γ is the exchange (tunneling) integral. Furthermore, it was shown that the reduction in σ originates predominantly from the paramagnetic centers resulting from irradiation.
Strategies and prospects for finding insulin resistance genes

In this paper I review the evidence that human sensitivity to insulin is influenced by heredity, in particular by one or more genes with relatively large effects. Even granting the existence of such genes, however, the best route toward identifying them — and the related genes that are presumed to affect an individual’s risk of obesity or type 2 diabetes — remains unclear. Thus, the phenotype of insulin resistance can be assessed either directly, with techniques such as the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, or indirectly, using various proxy measures such as serum insulin concentrations. In addition, several different genotyping strategies might be employed. These alternatives raise both practical and theoretical questions: Which of the available phenotypic traits offers the most promising approach to identifying insulin resistance genes? Which methodologies are most powerful, and which best exploit the anticipated continued successes of the Human Genome Project? Finally, is it more realistic to search for genes influencing “intermediate” phenotypes such as insulin sensitivity, or to seek the related disease genes directly?
An empirical rule relating fundamental to harmonic frequencies

Abstract An empirical approach to estimate harmonic frequencies from experimental fundamental vibrational frequencies is presented. It is based on a partitioning of the eigenvectors of each normal mode, s = 1, 2, 3,…, 3N − 6, into internal motion components involving bond stretching, Bs, angle bending, As, torsional motion, Ts, and out-of-plane motion, Os. This is called the BATO method. An empirical function, f s = (1250B s + 2000A s + 1300T s + 1600O s ) A , is developed to assign relative anharmonic contributions to each kind of internal motion by relating harmonic frequencies, ωs, to the anharmonic or fundamental frequencies, νs, with νs = ωs + 2χs = ωs(1 − fsωs). The anharmonic states are assumed to satisfy a Morse expression, ν sn = ω s (n s + 1 2 ) + χ s (n s + 1 2 ) 2 , where ns = 0, 1, 2, ⋯ denote the vibrational states of mode s. The coefficients of fs are calibrated with the available experimental data for νsexp and ωsexp with isotopes of 19 molecules which contain bonds and groups required for biochemical applications. The objective is to use the BATO method to estimate empirical harmonic frequencies, ωsemp, from experimental fundamental frequencies, νsexp, in a self-consistent procedure in cases where ωsemp are not known. Of the 394 states in 19 molecules studied, the method yields results within 10 cm−1 for 232 states. 11–20 cm−1 for 86 states, 21–30 cm−1 for 45 states, 31–40 cm−1 for 19 states, 41–60 cm−1 for 9 states, and 61–81 cm−1 for 3 states tested. Detailed results are presented for the molecule containing the most common isotope. The maximum errors occur in C2H6 and C3H8, for which the method tends to overestimate the CH stretch in several cases where the comparison is against Dennison's rule. All molecules studied satisfy the product and summation rules well.
Elasticity and stress relaxation of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) vocal folds.

Fundamental frequency is an important perceptual parameter for acoustic communication in mammals. It is determined by vocal fold oscillation, which depends on the morphology and viscoelastic properties of the oscillating tissue. In this study, I tested if stress–strain and stress–relaxation behavior of rhesus monkey ( Macaca mulatta ) vocal folds allows the prediction of a species' natural fundamental frequency range across its entire vocal repertoire as well as of frequency contours within a single call type. In tensile tests, the load–strain and stress–relaxation behavior of rhesus monkey vocal folds and ventricular folds has been examined. Using the string model, predictions about the species' fundamental frequency range, individual variability, as well as the frequency contour of ‘coo’ calls were made. The low- and mid-frequency range (up to 2 kHz) of rhesus monkeys can be predicted relatively well with the string model. The discrepancy between predicted maximum fundamental frequency and what has been recorded in rhesus monkeys is currently ascribed to the difficulty in predicting the behavior of the lamina propria at very high strain. Histological sections of the vocal fold and different staining techniques identified collagen, elastin, hyaluronan and, surprisingly, fat cells as components of the lamina propria . The distribution of all four components is not uniform, suggesting that different aspects of the lamina propria are drawn into oscillation depending on vocal fold tension. A differentiated recruitment of tissue into oscillation could extend the frequency range specifically at the upper end of the frequency scale. * A : cross-sectional area ![Graphic][1] : mean cross-sectional area AB : Alcian Blue stain CV : coefficient of variation EVG : elastica van Gieson stain F : force f : fundamental frequency H&E : hematoxylin and eosin stains L : string (or vocal fold) length l : specimen length l : original mounting length m b : body mass t : time TRI : trichrome stain ϵ : tensile strain ϵ1 : linear strain limit σ : tensile stress σ : peak stress at time point zero [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif
Sticky Wages, Efficiency Wages, and Market Processes

ainstream macroeconomics is in disarray. Perusal of commonly used textbooks in macroeconomics will con- firm that impression without much difficulty. Unfortu- nately, the same statement could have been made, and often was made, fifteen years ago. While in this sense little has changed in recent years, the disarray is now more fundamental and severe than at any time since the 1930s. Amidst this disarray a variant of Keynesianism identified as Neo- or New Keynesianism emerged in which the workings of labor markets are analyzed to a degree that is uncharacteristic of the orthodox Keynesian tradition. The key element in the New Keynesian analysis of the labor market is the concept of "efficiency wages." In what follows, the concept will be criticized, though criticisms that have been offered by main- stream economists will largely be ignored. Instead, this essay will focus on the criticism that follows from an Austrian perspective on entrepreneurship and the business cycle. It will be argued that the concept of efficiency wages provides an poor answer to the question of why wages are not sufficiently flexible so as to elmi- nate fluctuations in unemployment, and that from an Austrian perspective the question is not all that relevant.
Synchronized activation and refolding of influenza hemagglutinin in multimeric fusion machines

At the time of fusion, membranes are packed with fusogenic proteins. Do adjacent individual proteins interact with each other in the plane of the membrane? Or does each of these proteins serve as an independent fusion machine? Here we report that the low pH–triggered transition between the initial and final conformations of a prototype fusogenic protein, influenza hemagglutinin (HA), involves a preserved interaction between individual HAs. Although the HAs of subtypes H3 and H2 show notably different degrees of activation, for both, the percentage of low pH–activated HA increased with higher surface density of HA, indicating positive cooperativity. We propose that a concerted activation of HAs, together with the resultant synchronized release of their conformational energy, is an example of a general strategy of coordination in biological design, crucial for the functioning of multiprotein fusion machines.
Aged men display blunted biorhythmic variation of muscle performance and physiological responses.

Aging is known to disrupt the “biological clock” that governs physiological variables at rest. This study sought to determine whether aged men demonstrated biorhythmic variation in muscle performan...
Quasi-science and public policy: A reply to robin room about details and misrepresentations in science

A so-called “consensus document,” based on minuscule and questionable evidence, was submitted to World Health Organization as basis for recommendations about alcohol control policies throughout Latin America. That typifies a broader problem whereby scientific findings are not so much ignored as misrepresented for political convenience. Room and Heath agree that reliance on legislative controls may not be effective as a means of reducing alcohol-related problems, and could pose a danger of increasing authoritarianism.
Visual and Phonetic Memory in Preschool Children: Evidence for Coding Flexibility

This study examined visual and verbal (phonetic) memory coding in 22 preschool children 4 to 5 yr. of age. A major goal was to determine whether these children would code visual items phonetically during input in a short-term memory task as older children and adults often appear to do. Items to be remembered were visually presented letters that varied in visual as well as phonetic similarity. Subjects labeled each letter during presentation, and serial recall was probed either visually or verbally. Recall scores were analyzed according to planned individual comparisons and a 4-factor analysis of variance: probe modality (visual, verbal) × visual similarity (low, high) × phonetic similarity (low, high) × serial position (1, 2, 3, 4). Data indicated (1) a significant detrimental effect of high phonetic similarity for subjects whose recall was probed verbally, (2) a significant facilitating effect of high visual similarity, and (3) significant interactions indicating differential effects of phonetic similari...