cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of accumulation resulting from taxes and changes in motility of micro-organisms.

An analysis is made of the development of patterns of accumulation of micro-organisms, as governed by tactic responses, changes in motility, and the effects of diffusion. When a soluble crystal is placed in a suspension of micro-organisms, the first manifestation is the development of a clear zone surrounding the crystal. This effect is a physical one, produced by a transfer of momentum from the solute molecules to the organisms. As the solute spreads and its boundary moves more slowly, the organisms are distributed in patterns which depend upon the occurrence of tactic responses and the influence of the solute upon motility. A congregation in the zone occupied by the solute can correspond either to a positive chemotaxis or to an inhibition of motility by the solute. Conversely, a withdrawal from the solute can signal either a negative chemotaxis or an enhancement of motility by the solute. The proper interpretation of the patterns described in Figs. 10 and 11 requires a microscopic study of individual organisms, in which the effect of the reagent upon motility is noted.
Millennials, narcissism, and social networking: What narcissists do on social networking sites and why

The rise in levels of narcissism among Millennials together with the increased usage of social networking sites (SNSs) raises the question of whether there is a connection between the two. The current study examined the link between narcissism and both SNS activities and motivation for SNSs activities. Results indicated that narcissism did not relate to the amount of time spent on SNS, frequency of status updates, posting picture of others, or checking up on SNS friends. However, narcissism predicted reasons why Millennials use SNSs, such as having as many SNS friends as possible, wanting their SNS friends to know what they were doing, believing their SNS friends were interested in what they are doing, and having their SNS profiles project a positive image. Findings suggest that Millennials’ general usage of SNSs is a sign of the times. While narcissists in the Millennial generation do not appear to use SNSs more often than non-narcissists, their reasons for doing so are different.
American fertility in transition: new estimates of birth rates in the United States, 1900-1910.

This article presents new estimates of age-specific overall and marital fertility rates for the entire United States for the period 1900‐1910. The estimation techniques are the two-census parity increment method and the own-children method. The data sources are the 1900 census public use sample and tabulations of 1910 census fertility data published with the 1940 census. Estimates are made for the total population, whites, native-born whites, foreign-born whites, and blacks. Low age-specific marital fertility at younger ages is consistent with a view of a distinctive American fertility pattern at this time.
Amphibolite tools of the Portuguese Copper Age (3000–2000 B.C.): A geoarchaeological approach to prehistoric economics and symbolism

One of the factors that may have contributed to the emergence of elites during the Copper Age (3000–2000 B.C.) of lowland Portugal was differential access to amphibolite. Amphibolite is a metamorphic rock found in the uplands of western Iberia and was used to make groundstone tools. In order to determine whether lowland communities had unequal access to amphibolite, source areas in western Iberia were analyzed, and groundstone artifacts from four Copper Age sites were studied. At the settlements, amphibolite was found to be the primary raw material used for groundstone tools. However, the proportion of tools made from amphibolite was significantly different among these sites, suggesting that the inhabitants of the sites did not enjoy equal access to amphibolite. Amphibolite tools were rarely found in burials, probably owing to their high value and/or use as heirlooms. Petrographic and geochemical analyses of amphibolites collected in the field demonstrate that the west Iberian source regions, specifically the Morais-Braganca Ophiolite Zone and the Ossa Morena Metavolcanic Zone, are distinctive. The artifacts analyzed were found to be most similar geochemically to the amphibolites collected in the Ossa Morena Zone, particularly from the areas of Arronches and Montemor-o-Novo. These areas were also significant ritual centers during the Neolithic and Copper Ages, suggesting that amphibolite had important symbolic meaning as well as economic value. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Assessment of Challenges Facing the Implementation of Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) in Revenue Collection in Tanzania

This study aimed to assess the challenges facing the implementation of using Electronic Fiscal Device (EFD) in tax collection in Tanzania. The system to a great extent assisted in sealing loopholes of tax evasion in Tanzania. The system had also assisted in improvement on tax compliance. It was however established that the system is yet to be fully institutionalized in the TRA system. The study established that the Authority is still experiencing some resistance to change from both internal and external customers. Thus, through major findings of the study; it has been indicated that EFD system had a lot of challenges which hinder the implementation of using the machine though the system enhanced tax collection in business premises in Tanzania. Those challenges include regular break down, fairness of tax estimated from tax payers, lack of education on the use of EFDs machines, maintenance of machines and under pricing of tax from traders. The study recommends that stakeholders need more awareness of the system and friendly environment of using EFD machines in which they suggest strongly strategies for improvements of the system.
The importance of interfacial design at the carbon nanotube/polymer composite interface

This research focuses on the need for interfacial engineering at the carbon nanotube/polymer composite interface in the effort to obtain enhanced mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)/poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites were studied as a function of both nanotube concentration and surface treatment. One method, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), was successfully used to produce a PMMA conformal coating (using methyl methacrylate monomer) on multiwall carbon nanotubes. Excellent suspensions of MWNTs in organic solvents were achieved via the PMMA coating. The coated-MWNTs were dispersed into PMMA via melt mixing and orientation was achieved by melt drawing. The overall set of mechanical properties indicates that while the conformal polymer coating had a significant effect on the mechanical properties at a 1% concentration of nanotubes as compared to the uncoated nanotube composites, suggesting improved interfacial adhesion between the nanotube and the matrix material. However, the mechanical properties of the 1% coated nanotube composite were not significantly better than those for pure PMMA. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102:1413–1418, 2006
Treatment of Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder With Intravesical Interleukin-2: A Pilot Study

Human recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) administered systemically can mediate the regression of solid tumors in some patients. IL-2 has been detected in the bladder effluent from patients treated with intravesical BCG for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCC), suggesting that IL-2 may be an effector molecule in the mechanism of action of BCG. The purpose of the pilot study was to determine the response rate, duration of response and toxicity of rIL-2 (Cetus) administered intravesically to previously untreated patients and patients who had failed prior intravesical therapy with other agents. Fourteen patients with biopsy proven transitional cell carcinoma (13 Stage TIS/Ta/T1, 1 Stage T2) were treated with 8 weekly instillations of 12 x 10(6) IU of rIL-2. An index lesion was followed with cystoscopy, biopsy and cytology at three months, with identical follow up every three months thereafter if a response was noted in the index lesion at the first evaluation. There were 3 complete responses (duration of response measured from start of treatment to date of progression) of 9+, 3, 9 months; one patient with TIS, and 2 patients with Ta disease. There were 11 non-responders for an overall response rate of 21%. One patient with extensive CIS had a dramatic partial response and was converted to a complete response with a second 8-week course of rIL-2. All of the complete responders had failed prior intravesical therapy with standard agents. Toxicity from rIL-2 given intravesically was minimal. One patient reported malaise for 24 hours after each treatment and two patients developed asymptomatic lower UTIs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ginzburg-Landau theory of deformable superconductors

A Ginzburg-Landau theory is presented for a superconductor that can also sustain a weakly first-order structural phase transition. The distortion and the superconducting order parameters are coupled so that the distorted system tends to favor superconductivity. The equations are solved for a variety of situations. It is found that for some range of the parameters a distorted, superconducting equilibrium bulk could have, when superconductivity is locally destroyed (e.g., by the presence of a magnetic field), an undistorted surface layer, discontinuously superimposed on the bulk; and that for a different range of parameters a nonsuperconducting, undistorted equilibrium bulk can sustain surface superconductivity in the presence of a local, surface distortion. The discontinuous changes in the distortion parameter introduce, in effect, an additional coherence length, not calculable from dimensional arguments. The theory could be applicable to the new ceramic high-temperature superconductors, and may perhaps serve as a basis for the description of the appearance and disappearance, repeatedly observed, of nonequilibrium very-high-temperature superconductivity in some oxides.
Comparative susceptibilities of Klebsieila species, Enterobacter species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to 11 antimicrobial agents in a tertiary-care university hospital

The in vitro activity of cefepime was compared versus that of 10 antimicrobial agents commonly used in the treatment of serious infections caused by common aerobic gram-negative bacteria: aztreonam, cefoperazone, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, imipenem, piperacillin, ticarcillin-clavulanic acid, and tobramycin. We tested 302 clinical isolates representing a cross section of Klebsiella and Enterobacter species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa collected at our tertiary-care university hospital. The most potent β-lactams were imipenem and cefepime, which demonstrated significant activity against the majority of strains in all 3 genera of bacteria tested, as did ciprofloxacin and tobramycin. Ceftazidime was active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa but was less potent against Klebsiella and Enterobacter spp. Cefoperazone and ceftriaxone were less active than ceftazidime against Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Cefepime was found to be highly active against many resistant organisms that traditionally have been difficult to treat.
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Blocks Nitric Oxide-Mediated Alcohol-Stimulated Cilia Beating

The airway epithelium is exposed to alcohol during drinking through direct exhalation of volatized ethanol from the bronchial circulation. Alcohol exposure leads to a rapid increase in the cilia beat frequency (CBF) of bronchial epithelial cells followed by a chronic desensitization of cilia stimulatory responses. This effect is governed in part by the nitric oxide regulation of cyclic guanosine and adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinases (PKG and PKA) and is not fully understood. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, is implicated in the pathogenesis of several pulmonary disorders. We hypothesized that the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase by ADMA blocks alcohol-stimulated increases in CBF. To test this hypothesis, ciliated primary bovine bronchial epithelial cells (BBEC) were preincubated with ADMA (100 µM) and stimulated with 100 mM ethanol. CBF was measured and PKA assayed. By 1 hr, ethanol activated PKA, resulting in elevated CBF. Both alcohol-induced PKA activation and CBF were inhibited in the presence of ADMA. ADMA alone had no effect on PKA activity or CBF. Using a mouse model overexpressing the ADMA-degrading enzyme, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), we examined PKA and CBF in precision-cut mouse lung slices. Alcohol-stimulated increases in lung slice PKA and CBF were temporally enhanced in the DDAH mice versus control mice.
The reinforcement value of schedule-induced drinking

The effect of food reinforcement schedules on the reinforcement value of drinking water was evaluated. Food-deprived rats were exposed to concurrent, identical variable-time schedules of food presentation, the food thus being delivered independently of the rats' behavior. When the relative amount of time spent in a schedule component stabilized, an opportunity to drink water was introduced into one schedule component. The value of the variable-time schedules was varied from 60 to 90 to 270 sec. The relative amount of time spent in the schedule component associated with drinking water was a decreasing function of food frequency for two animals and remained constant for the third. Drinking rates were direct functions of food frequency, and the amount of water drunk per pellet was an inverse function of food frequency. The reinforcement value of drinking water, according to the Matching Law, was a direct function of the frequency of food presentation. It was concluded that food reinforcement schedules indirectly influence rates of drinking by altering the reinforcement value of drinking water and that certain properties of schedule-induced drinking can be accounted for in terms of the reinforcement value of drinking water, the rate of drinking, and the frequency of food presentation.
Acetaminophen toxicity in children.

To the Editor .— After reviewing the position statement on “Acetaminophen Toxicity in Children” by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Drugs,1 we were left with a question regarding treatment. Why does the Committee recommend the use of activated charcoal if treatment is initiated within 6 to 8 hours of ingestion? The position statement on the use of activated charcoal by the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and the European …
A Maxwell Stress for Material Interactions

Abstract A Maxwell stress is identified to quantify the continuum average effect of molecules arising from two-particle central force interactions. The negative of the divergence of the Maxwell stress gives the body force due to such interactions. Such a stress was introduced previously but was interpreted as a surface traction to represent these effects (C. Argento et al., J. Mech. Phys. Solids 45, 1161 (1997)). The spatial scale of body force interactions among molecules is determined by the size of the bodies interacting and the size of the gaps between them, so that the Maxwell stress approach is necessary since forces of attraction cannot be guaranteed to isolate themselves to a vanishingly thin layer at the free surface. The Maxwell stress is directly useful in calculations of the total stress field within the body. A few examples for simple geometries are given.
Uncertain environmental costs and the optimum rate of oil recovery

The socially optimal rate of oil recovery from a known reservoir is analyzed when environmental costs are uncertain and planners are either risk neutral or risk averse. It is shown that the rate of oil recovery has the same characteristics whether environmental costs are certain or uncertain. In either case, the rate of oil recovery falls monotonically to zero over the time horizon. However, the planner's attitude toward risk is an important consideration. Risk averse planners, as a rule, begin oil recovery at a higher rate, reduce the rate of recovery more rapidly, and complete the oil recovery in a shorter time than risk neutral planners.
A View of Research From Practice: Voices of Teachers

The dynamics of the teacher–researcher relationship–whether embodied in a real time school in quiry or in a writer–reader connection through a piece of literature—are complex and have a significant impact on the meaningful transmission of knowledge between researchers and practitioners. Studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that teachers have a belief system that can be resistant to thinking differently; however, researchers contribute to underlying tensions when they do not pay sufficient attention to the needs of the schools and teachers they study, speak and write in researcher language, or leave the work of professional development to education bureaucrats. This article gives voice to novice and veteran teachers as they talk about the effects of research and researchers on their practice and the obstacles that prevent stronger connections. Teachers' expectations for a mutually respectful professional learning short relationship figure prominently in the reflections they offer about what works and wha...
Does palliative sedation always relieve symptoms

Palliative sedation is commonly used to treat refractory symptoms. A systematic review of guideline for palliative sedation suggested that mild sedation is preferred and the minimum amount of medication should be used. There is little objective evidence that sedation relieves symptoms because assessment of response is limited by the therapy. However, patient awareness during surgery occurs in 2%-3% of individuals of which the anesthesiologist is unaware. This results in a sense helplessness, acute fear, and panic. Awareness can occur in up to 17% of those undergoing conscious sedation. Seventeen percent of individuals who undergo palliative sedation fail to have symptoms relieved by sedation. Routine use of sedation scales should be used during palliative sedation to minimize treatment failure.
An optical study of PZT thin film capacitors

Abstract PZT thin film capacitors with the composition Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3 were deposited via metallo-organic decomposition (MOD) and rapid thermally processed (RTP) at a substrate temperature of 825°C. The photo-response of these capacitors was determined by measuring the change in saturation polarization and resistance as a function of incident photon energy prior to and after fatigue testing. We propose that photo-generated free carriers can screen and/or recombine with trapped charge which restores local charge equilibrium within the PZT capacitor and hence, temporarily restores polarization.
Effect of sex and gender on drug-seeking behavior during invasive medical procedures1

Abstract Rationale and objectives To assess how sex affects patients’ drug-seeking, pain, and anxiety during interventional procedures. Materials and methods Data from 159 patients were derived from two control groups of a prospective randomized trial. Seventy-six patients were male, 83 female. Patients in the standard group (n = 79) received the standard care typical for the institution; patients in the attention group (n = 80) had an additional empathic provider who stayed with them throughout the procedure. All patients were asked every 15 minutes to rate their pain and anxiety on 0–10 self-rating scales. All had access to intravenous sedatives and narcotics through a patient-controlled analgesia model. Univariate analysis of variance with a between-patient factor for group and another between-patient factor for sex was used. Results There was a significant interaction between group attribution and sex with regard to drug request and pain and anxiety ratings. Patients in the attention group requested significantly fewer drugs than patients in the standard group. Men asked for more drugs than women under standard care, but for less in the attention group. Pain and anxiety ratings for women were significantly lower in the attention group compared with standard treatment, but for men, there was no significant difference. Conclusion Although both men and women benefit from the presence of an empathic provider during invasive medical procedures, men benefit more in terms of medication reduction, whereas women benefit more in terms of pain and anxiety reduction. Awareness of these gender-specific differences can aid in formulation of patient-specific treatment plans.
New places — New identities: Settings in the lives of the old

This paper addresses the relationship between meaning attached to settings by social actors and their self-identities. In the context of research on the social worlds of old widows the author identifies “ideal type” self-designated identities, namely that of “resident” vs. “newcomer” in a setting. These self-identities are considered in light of the bearing upon them of the non-human or physical aspects of settings as well as of the people who share the settings. Finally, strategies for maintaining “resident” status are shown to be more limited for the old than for the younger members of society.
Explorations of Atmosphere–Ocean–Ice Climates on an Aquaplanet and Their Meridional Energy Transports

Abstract The degree to which total meridional heat transport is sensitive to the details of its atmospheric and oceanic components is explored. A coupled atmosphere, ocean, and sea ice model of an aquaplanet is employed to simulate very different climates—some with polar ice caps, some without—even though they are driven by the same incoming solar flux. Differences arise due to varying geometrical constraints on ocean circulation influencing its ability to transport heat meridionally. Without complex land configurations, the results prove easier to diagnose and compare to theory and simple models and, hence, provide a useful test bed for ideas about heat transport and its partition within the climate system. In particular, the results are discussed in the context of a 1978 study by Stone, who argued that for a planet with Earth’s astronomical parameters and rotation rate, the total meridional heat transport would be independent of the detailed dynamical processes responsible for that transport and depend ...
Design and fabrication of diffusive solar cell window

Abstract A diffusive solar cell window was designed and fabricated with uniformly distributed nanocomposite particles in a light diffusive plate that was sandwiched between two glass layers. The entire composite construction transfers light radiation to solar cells at the edge of the windows. It is based on a new combination of existing technologies because of it uses mature, mass-produced components - solar cells - as well as nanocomposite particles that are embedded inside the light-guide plate. They are integrated using an inexpensive and widely used method for making building windows. The result is an inexpensive, strong, stable, view quality-preserving solar energy-harvesting window that has no close competition. The diffusive solar cell window does not suffer from aging, and products that are made using diffusive solar cell window technology will be new entries to the solar power generation window market.
Modeling of Size Exclusion Parametric Pumping

Abstract Sephadex G and Biogel P, well-known gels in size exclusion chromatography, show a large change in their elution behaviors as temperature changes. These phenomena were exploited to separate the binary model solutes Blue Dextran 2000 and nickel nitrate. A series of batch size exclusion parametric pumping experiments in the direct thermal mode was carried out previously to separate binary mixtures. In this paper the experimental separations in batch size exclusion parametric pumping are compared with the predictions of both a local equilibrium model and a dispersion model. The dispersion model, which includes an axial dispersion term, gives a better fit of the experimental data. Experimentally obtained adsorption isotherms are used in the dispersion model to predict the separation performance of nickel nitrate in the Sephadex gel column. The resulting simultaneous partial differential equations are solved by quasilinearization of the equations followed by numerical integration. For both models, all ...
STX11 mutations and clinical phenotypes of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in North America.

Background Mutations in STX11 are responsible for Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (FHLH) type 4, a rare primary immunodeficiency which has previously been observed only in patients of Kurdish, Turkish, and Lebanese ethnic background. Methods We reviewed our experience with STX11 mutations among North American patients and studied the impact of patient mutations upon syntaxin 11 expression and NK cell function. Results Between 2007 and 2008, 243 patients with HLH (lacking disease-causing mutations in PRF1 and UNC13D) were referred for STX11 mutational analysis. We observed 1 novel homozygous nonsense mutation, 73 G > T (E25X), occurring in Hispanic siblings, and 2 novel biallelic heterozygous missense mutations, 106G > C (E36Q) and 616G > A (E206K), occurring in 1 Caucasian patient. The N-terminal nonsense mutation resulted in absence of detectable syntaxin 11 and abrogation of in vitro NK cell degranulation and function, while the biallelic heterozygous missense mutations resulted in detectable mutated syntaxin 11 and preservation of in vitro NK cell degranulation and cytotoxicity. The two sibling patients with the nonsense mutations presented with HLH during infancy, whereas the patient with biallelic heterozygous missense mutations presented at 5 years of age. Conclusion We conclude that mutations in STX11 are responsible for HLH in approximately 1% of North American patients and can cause variable defects in syntaxin 11 expression and function with resultant impact on clinical phenotype. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;55:134–140. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of intracerebroventricular picrotoxin and muscimol on intravenous bupivacaine toxicity. Evidence supporting central nervous system involvement in bupivacaine cardiovascular toxicity.

Background: The authors have previously shown that administration of bupivacaine into the cerebral ventricles of rabbits results in CNS-mediated cardiac dysrhythmias and that these CNS-mediated dysrhythmias could be terminated by CNS administration of a drug (midazolam) that enhances GABAergic activity. The goal of the current investigation was to determine whether the CNS-mediated cardiotoxicity that occurs after direct CNS administration of bupivacaine contributes to bupivacaine's cardiovascular toxicity following intravenous administration. Methods: Three groups of rabbits were pretreated by intracerebroventricular administration of mock CSF (control), muscimol (a GABA agonist), or picrotoxin (a GABA chloride channel blocker). A fourth group received intravenous hexamethonium as a pretreatment. After pretreatment, all groups received intravenous bupivacaine at 1.5 mg · kg−1· min-1 and the bupivacaine dose and plasma concentration at the onset of dysrhythmias and cardiovascular collapse were determined. It was hypothesized that pretreatment with muscimol and hexamethonium would increase the threshold for cardiac dysrhythmias, while pretreatment with picrotoxin would decrease the threshold for dysrhythmias. Results: The bupivacaine plasma concentration required to produce cardiac dysrhythmias was significantly greater in the muscimol and hexamethonium groups compared to control. The bupivacaine plasma concentration at the onset of dysrhythmias was not different from control in the picrotoxin group. The bupivacaine plasma concentration that produced cardiovascular collapse did not differ from control in any of the groups. Conclusions: It was concluded that the data generally support the hypothesis that bupivacaine-mediated cardiac dysrhythmias are, at least in part, mediated by CNS actions of the drug.
The Funding Dilemma for Rural Water Infrastructure on Tribal Nations

Safe drinking water is the most capital intensive of all utility services. Paying for water infrastructure improvements is a particular problem for small, rural communities, such as those on Native American reservations. These communities often rely on federal grant programs for capital improvements; however, granting agencies face difficulties deciding who to fund. By evaluating water infrastructure projects for 10 Native American communities, the authors show advantages and limitations of three methods for awarding grants—traditional benefit—cost analysis, social benefit—cost analysis, and funding criteria used for the Tribal Set-Aside grants program. Results suggest that the choice of prioritization method leads to very different results. As an example, fire protection benefits can change the viability of a water system project, but the Environmental Protection Agency does not directly consider these benefits for statutory reasons. From a life cycle perspective, mission agencies may want to reevaluate ...
Studies on the proteins from skeletal muscle of the bullfrog Rana catesbiana.

Abstract Actin was isolated and characterized from the skeletal muscle of the bull frog, Rana catesbiana. Frog G-actin polymerizes rapidly with 0.1 M KCl, has an s200 = 3.1S, Vapp = 0.730 ± .006 and MW = 64,000 ± 8000 as determined by ultracentrifugation. A preliminary amino acid analysis suggests that the pattern obtained from frog G-actin is similar to that reported for the rabbit protein. The protein binds 1 mole of nucleotide per 59,780 ± 2000 gm. Sulfhydryl titrations with PMB and NEM indicate 2 moles of —SH per mole protein are reacted initially and 4 maximally. This latter value is 2 less than that observed for rabbit G-actin under the same conditions. The —SH groups which are readily accessible are not directly involved in polymerization. Bound Ca46 of frog G-actin exchanged with Ca, Mg, and Mn to the same degree whereas it was refractory to free Ba, K, and Na. In all cases, the nucleotide retained its mole/mole relationship and the protein was polymerized. The rate of exchange of C14ATP bound to frog G-actin is influenced by the type of divalent cation present; i.e., exchange proceeded maximally with Mg, Ca, and “no cation” following in that order. The end point of exchange is the same, however. The labeled nucleotide (C14ADP) of frog F-actin is refractory to both ADP and ATP. G-Actin nucleotide exchange is specific for ATP and possibly ADP. Nucleotide specificity is not a function of the cationic species. It is concluded that frog actin is like that of rabbit in the physical and chemical parameters analyzed except for a difference in the —SH groups; i.e., the frog has 4 maximally titrated with PMB whereas the rabbit has 6.
Electrophysiological evidence for a presynaptic mechanism of morphine withdrawal in the neonatal rat spinal cord.

Abstract Dorsal and ventral root depolarizing responses to capsaicin (1 μM) and substance P (SP; 1 μM) were measured from the isolated, hemisected spinal cord of the neonatal rat. Capsaicin depolarized the dorsal and ventral roots. The mechanism of ventral root depolarization was presynaptic; since dorsal root depolarization preceded the ventral, and the ventral depolarization was eliminated when synaptic transmission was blocked in the absence of calcium. SP depolarized the ventral root without affecting the dorsal root. The SP-induced depolarization of the ventral root was reduced but not abolished by blocking synaptic transmission with low calcium, suggesting that SP acted postsynaptically on motoneurons and excitatory to depolarize the ventral root. Morphine (10 μM) abolished the capsaicin-induced ventral root depolarization, but only slightly suppressed the SP response (30%). The capsaicin-induced depolarization of the ventral root was enhanced greatly (238%) when morphine, which had been in the superfusion for 1 h, was removed and naloxone (1 μM) was added to the superfusion solution, whereas the SP response was not augmented during withdrawal from acute morphine. Furthermore, a putative SP antagonist ([ D -Arg 1 , D -Pro 2 , D -Tryp 7,9 , Leu 11 ]-SP) prevented the augmented capsaicin ventral root response during precipitated withdrawal. These data provide electrophysiological evidence for a presynaptic mechanism of acute morphine withdrawal in the neonatal rat spinal cord.
Gender Differences in Nonverbal Correlates of Social Status

Previous attempts to find the theoretically predicted association between nonverbal communication skills and social status have been inconsistent, especially among adults. It was hypothesized that these inconsistencies were produced by a failure of earlier research to differentiate the two genders and different emotions. Hypothesizing that various emotions may be differentially important in male and female friendships, the current study investigated the ability of 146 men and women to nonverbally communicate (encode) three emotions. Results showed that women are better able to encode happiness and that men are better able to encode anger. Additionally, ability to encode happiness is correlated with the sociometric status of women, whereas ability to encode anger is correlated with the sociometric status of men. Together, these results suggest that happiness and anger play different roles in the social lives of men and women.
Similarity versus liking as determinants of interpersonal attractiveness

In a 2 by 2 design, Ss were led to believe that a person with whom they had interacted either liked them or disliked them and that his attitudes on several issues were either similar or dissimilar to the S’s own attitudes. The results indicated that “liking” had a significant effect upon the S’s feelings for the other person — regardless of attitude similarity or dissimilarity. The results were discussed in terms of a possible alternative explanation for the bulk of the data showing a positive relationship between attitude similarity and interpersonal attraction.
Acute aortic abnormalities.

Summary Aneurysm and type B dissections account for most acute abdominal aortic abnormalities. The postsurgical aorta deserves special attention owing to the risk of complications. Most aortic abnormalities presenting acutely are emergencies that carry a high risk of mortality, and imaging plays a critical role in patient evaluation. Modern helical CT scanners provide excellent spatial resolution, are readily available, and allow for rapid imaging. For these reasons, helical CT angiography is the imaging modality of choice for initial evaluation of the acute aorta.
Assessment of the technology readiness of post-combustion CO2 capture technologies

Abstract The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has an active program to review and conduct technical due diligence on emerging post-combustion CO 2 capture technologies. The capture technology types include absorption, adsorption, membrane separation, mineralization and biofixation based capture processes for either new or retrofit applications with coal fired power plants. In addition to collecting and characterizing key process and performance data, each of the ninety two processes reviewed was assigned a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and, when possible, the progression of the technology through TRL steps was recorded. The resulting body of work provides a unique perspective on the relative rates of maturity of capture technologies across all classes. More important, it provides insights into the actual rates of commercialization. This information helps stakeholders better understand the rate at which capture technologies develop and when capture technologies at different stages of development might reach the market.
Urinary Excretion of Fluoride Following Ingestion of MFP Toothpastes by Infants Aged Two to Six Years

The absorption and excretion of fluoride in a group of 25 infants (<6 years of age) were followed for up to seven hours after the ingestion of a known quantity of either sodium monofluorophosphate alone in solution, or toothpastes with sodium monofluorophosphate and an abrasive of either hydrated silica or dicalcium phosphate dihydrate. Fluoride appeared to be well-absorbed based on the excretion patterns found. From the results, it was concluded that parents of pre-school-aged children should now be given appropriate advice regarding their children's use of fluoride toothpaste. Such use of fluoride toothpaste should be closely supervised by the parents, and only a smear of paste, about the size of a pea, should be used, particularly where fluoride supplements are used. Because of the likelihood of toothpastes with even higher amounts of fluoride being marketed, it would also appear that toothpaste manufacturers and researchers in caries prevention should look further at the problem of fluoride absorption...
Women and Smoking: The Effect of Gender on the Epidemiology, Health Effects, and Cessation of Smoking

Smoking is still the leading cause of premature morbidity and mortality. This paper examines new research on gender differences and the epidemiology of smoking, smoking-related morbidity and mortality, and factors that affect smoking cessation. The rate of decline in the prevalence of smoking has been slowing, especially among adolescent girls. New research suggests that, compared with men, women may be more susceptible to smoking-related morbidity and mortality. Gender-related barriers to smoking cessation include weight gain, sex hormones, and mood. Furthermore, the sensory aspects of smoking may have more of an effect on smoking treatment for women than for men. We discuss new studies that examine smoking-cessation interventions that may be particularly beneficial for women, including exercise (as an adjunct intervention), very low nicotine content cigarettes, and a variety of pharmacotherapy. Further research is needed to identify and target the gender-specific needs of smokers.
Pencils and Photos as Tools of Communicative Research and Praxis Analyzing Minga Perú’s Quest for Social Justice in the Amazon

The present article analyzes the communication for social change activities of Minga Peru, a non-governmental organization in the Peruvian Amazon. Minga Peru broadcasts a popular radio program, Bienvenida Salud (Welcome Health), in the Amazonas, and carries out several community-based empowerment activities for local women. The authors’ data-collection procedures in the Peruvian Amazon included ordinary communicative tools, such as pencils and photographs. The respondents, comprising children and women, used these tools to ‘visually’ record their perceptions of Minga Peru contributions to reproductive health, gender equality and social change in the Peruvian Amazon. The authors argue that pencil sketches and photos represent important tools for communication research and praxis, providing an alternative to ‘textocentrism’ - the privileging of text, writing and the lettered word as a mode of comprehension and expression. However, in recognizing the value of visuals as an alternative mode of expression, the...
Effects of sotalol on ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation produced by programmed electrical stimulation: Comparison with other antiarrhythmic agents

Sotalol, a beta blocker, is now recognized as an important class III agent. The drug lengthens the action potential in most cardiac tissues without affecting conduction. Several studies have shown that sotalol is very effective in treating life-threatening arrhythmias. One hundred thirty-eight patients with inducible and clinically sustained tachycardia were retrospectively analyzed. With the use of the S1S2S3 stimulation protocol for ventricular tachycardia (VT) induction, sotalol prevented VT/ventricular fibrillation (VF) induction in 45% of the patients; other class I agents prevented VT/VF induction in only 15 to 22%. Data were also analyzed from a prospective multicenter study comparing sotalol with procainamide in suppressing sustained VT in 153 patients with symptomatic sustained VT/VF. With the use of the S1S2S3S4 stimulation protocol, sotalol prevented VT/VF induction in 35% of the patients, whereas procainamide prevented VT/VF induction in only 22% (difference not significant). When patients whose VT induced by the triple-stimuli protocol were excluded, sotalol prevented VT induction in 53%. These findings indicate that the antiarrhythmic effects of sotalol are comparable to those of class I agents in treating malignant arrhythmias. Although more data are needed on the comparative effects of sotalol, available data establish sotalol as an important addition to available antiarrhythmic agents.
A new value for mol percent guanine + cytosine of DNA for the salmonid fish pathogen Renibacterium salmoninarum.

The mol% G + C of DNA extracted from seven different isolates of Renibacterium salmoninarum was determined. Organisms studied were from selected geographical areas (U.S.A., Canada, England and France) and were isolated from five different species of salmonid fish. The mol% G + C was determined to be 55.5, higher than the currently reported value of 53.
Excitation transport and trapping on spectrally disordered lattices.

It is widely assumed that the decay of fluorescence in photosynthetic systems can be described as a sum of exponential components and that the amplitude of each component is directly related to the absorption cross-section of the antenna pigments coupled to the fluorescing species. We present exact calculations of excited state decay in two-dimensional regular lattices of different geometries containing multiple spectral forms of antenna pigments. We illustrate by these calculations that there is no simple relation between the decay amplitudes (and resulting time-resolved excitation spectra) and the steady-state absorption spectra. Only in the limit that the electronic excitations reach a rapid equilibrium among all antenna spectral forms does the excitation spectrum depend uniquely on the spectral features of the array. Using the simulations in conjunction with our recent fluorescence studies, we examine excitation transport and trapping dynamics in photosystem I and the limitations imposed by the finite time resolution in single photon counting experiments. In particular, we show that rising components, associated with excitation transfer among different spectral forms, with lifetimes
Evolution of a partnership to improve K-16 science education.

This article grew out of a presentation at the 82nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Pacific Division in Irvine, California in June 2001. The symposium “Sha...
5α-reductase inhibitors: what role should they play?

The development of finasteride (PROSCAR, Merck & Co., Whitehouse Station, NJ) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has had variable results. Numerous short-term and long-term studies comparing finasteride with placebo have been reported. The results suggest that, physiologically, treatment with finasteride significantly decreases levels of both serum and intraprostatic dihydrotestosterone about 70% to 80% from baseline. In addition, total gland size decreases significantly-about 15% to 25% from baseline-particularly in the area of the periurethral zone of the prostate after finasteride treatment. Baseline prostate size has been found to have a relation to efficacy of finasteride treatment. The larger the prostate at baseline, the greater the urinary flow rate increase and symptom score decrease compared with placebo. Health-related quality-of-life parameters improved in those taking finasteride. In studies evaluating combination therapy, no significant differences were noted between those treated with an alpha blocker, such as terazosin or doxazosin in combination with finasteride, and those receiving an alpha blocker alone. Long-term finasteride versus placebo studies, such as the PROSCAR Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Study (PLESS), suggest that long-term medical therapy with finasteride affects the natural history of the disease as manifested by the decrease in rates of acute urinary retention and surgery. In patients who are "therapeutic responders," the degree of symptomatic improvement in those treated with finasteride appears to be equal to that seen in patients receiving alpha blockers. Prostate cancer detection rates did not differ between those treated with finasteride and those receiving a placebo. The results of these studies suggest that physicians must evaluate what role finasteride plays in the spectrum of available options for the treatment of BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms. Baseline parameters, such as prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen values, and whether to administer finasteride in combination with alpha blockers, are among the factors that will determine the appropriateness of such therapy.
Comparison theorems using general cones for norms of iteration matrices

We prove comparison theorems for norms of iteration matrices in splittings of matrices in the setting of proper cones in a finite dimensional real space by considering cone linear absolute norms and cone max norms. Subject to mild additional hypotheses, we show that these comparison theorems can hold only for such norms within the class of cone absolute norms. Finally, in a Banach algebra setting, we prove a comparison theorem for spectral radii without appealing to Perron–Frobenius theory.
A Neural Network Retrieval Technique for High-Resolution Profiling of Cloudy Atmospheres

The synergistic use of microwave and hyperspectral infrared sounding observations gives rise to a rich array of signal processing challenges. Of particular interest are the following elements which are combined for the first time in the retrieval technique presented here: (1) radiance noise filtering and redundancy removal (compression) using principal components transforms and canonical correlations, (2) data fusion (infrared plus microwave at possibly different spatial and spectral resolutions) and stochastic cloud clearing (SCC), and (3) geophysical product retrieval from spectral radiance measurements using neural networks. In this paper, we describe the algorithm and demonstrate performance using the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU). We show that performance is improved by approximately 25%-50% using the neural network method relative to other common techniques. Furthermore, we quantify the improvement in the vertical resolution of the retrieved products.