cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of the Linear Logistic Test Model to Misspecification of the Weight Matrix

Under the linear logistic test model, a weight is assigned to each cognitive operation used to respond to an item. The allocation of these weights is open to misspecification that can result in faulty estimates of the basic parameters. The effect on root mean squares (RMSS) of the differ ence between the parameter estimates obtained under misspecification conditions and those obtained under correct specification conditions was examined. Six levels of misspecification and four sample sizes were used. Even a small number of errors in the weight specifications resulted in large RMS values. However, weight matrices with a high proportion of nonzero elements tended to yield RMSs that were approximately half as large as those with a small number of nonzero elements. Although sample size had some effect on the RMS values, it was quite small compared to that due to the level of misspecification of the weights. The results suggest that because specifying the elements in the weight matrix is a subjective process, i...
Enantioselective heterogeneous catalysis I. A working model for the catalyst:modifier:substrate interactions in chiral pyruvate hydrogenations

Abstract The room temperature and atmospheric pressure hydrogenation of ethyl pyruvate over Pt/Al2O3 catalysts modified by varying amounts of dihydrocinchonidine was examined. Data were obtained which showed that the hydrogenation occurred on the corner atoms and adatoms on the Pt crystallites in the catalyst. The formation of (S) ethyl lactate was observed when very low concentrations of the alkaloid modifier were used while at higher modifier concentrations the (R) lactate was produced. The formation of the (R) lactate was accompanied by an increase in the hydrogenation rate. A working hypothesis was formulated to explain these results and to serve as a model for the design of future experiments. This model suggested that the initial adsorption of the dihydrocinchonidine takes place on the face atoms adjacent to the corner atoms on the metal crystallite. This will place the chiral portion of the alkaloid close to the corner atom active site. Enantioselective pyruvate adsorption would be facilitated by a hydrogen bond between the C9 OH of the alkaloid and the ethoxy oxygen of the pyruvate and hydrogenation of the keto group will lead to (S) lactate formation. In order to place the chiral portion of the modifier near an adatom it is proposed that the alkaloid is adsorbed in an edge-on manner on the face near the adatom active site. In this way the modifier can interact directly with the pyruvate to change its adsorption characteristics. This will lead to an increase in reaction rate and the formation of the (R) lactate.
Fusing Mechanism of Nichrome Thin Films

(1) Conduction electrons in nichrome have a short mean-free path. This maximizes E2R heating and precludes electromigration in the direction of electron flow as a fusing mechanism. (2) Transmission electron microscopy is the only effective analytical tool to characterize the programmed fuse gap structure. (3) Nichrome fuses program by molten metal (nickel, chrome) ions moving in the presence of an electric field. The final structure resembles a frozen splash and is described by fluid dynamics. (4) Thermal analysis coupled with empirical programmed fuse data indicate a threshold power density for fusing. If this power density is exceeded, which can be assured if the programming time utilized is as specified, the fuse gap will be wide and reliable. If this power density threshold is only matched, it is possible to create a marginal fuse. (5) Life test results indicate programmed PROM reliability is equivalent to devices of the same complexity that do not utilize fusible links.
Toward an Alternative Biology

Genetics provides a mechanism for molecular memory and thus the basis for Darwinian evolution. It involves the storage and propagation of molecular information and the refinement of that information through experience and differential survival. Heretofore, the only molecules known to be capable of undergoing Darwinian evolution were RNA and DNA, the genetic molecules of biology. But on page 341 of this issue, Pinheiro et al. ( 1 ) expand the palette considerably. They report six alternative genetic polymers that can be used to store and propagate information; one of these was made to undergo Darwinian evolution in response to imposed selection constraints. The work heralds the era of synthetic genetics, with implications for exobiology, biotechnology, and understanding of life itself.
Site of stimulation by mannosyl-P-dolichol of GlcNAc-lipid formation by microsomes of embryonic chick retina

Mannosyl-P-dolichol (man-P-dol) has been shown to stimulate the early reactions of the dolichol pathway, specifically, the biosynthesis of GlcNAc-P-P-dol and GlcNAc-GlcNAc-P-P-dol, and thus may play a regulatory role in glycoprotein biosynthesis. The site of action of man-P-dol has previously been suggested to be the GlcNAc-transferase concerned with the formation of the monoglucosaminyl derivative. Since the concentration of the chitobiosyl compound also increases as a result of the presence of man-P-dol, the immediate site of the activation was reexamined. The effect of man-P-dol on the formation of GlcNAc-GlcNAc-P-P-dol using GlcNAc-P-P-dol synthesized in situ or added exogenously as the substrate was investigated. In addition, the distribution of radioactivity in the glucosaminyl constituents of the products under the stimulatory conditions was determined. The results of these studies supported the conclusion that the stimulation of GlcNAc-lipid synthesis by man-P-dol is due to the enhanced synthesis of GlcNAc-P-P-dol. It is not a result of the activation of the GlcNAc-transferase catalyzing the attachment of the second GlcNAc residue for the biosynthesis of the chitobiosyl derivative.
Anticipatory Anxiety Patterns for Male and Female Public Speakers.

In previous research, physiological and psychological anxiety patterns have been established for public speakers. In a recent study (Behnke & Sawyer, 1999) reported state and trait patterns of anticipatory anxiety for public speakers for two weeks preceding the actual presentation. In the present study, gender differences in anticipatory state anxiety and narrowband trait anxiety patterns were investigated. Significant gender‐based pattern differences were discovered with higher anxiety patterns reported by female speakers. Both female and male speaker groups exhibited the hypothesized quadratic v‐shaped pattern of mean anxiety scores for the anticipatory period. Theoretical and pedagogical implications of the findings are discussed.
Solid carriers for a Clostridium acetobutylicum that produces acetone and butanol

Abstract Several high strength solids have been tested as carriers for acetone-butanol production by Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824. In batch fermentation, coke, kaolinite and Gel White ( a montmorillonite clay ) appeared to have a beneficial effect on this fermentation, although the effectiveness appeared to be dependent on the medium used. One of the least expensive materials, coke, was found to be suitable for use in continuous culture. Steady state conditions could be maintained for more than 30 days with total solvent production, productivity and yield of 12 g/l, 1.12 g l −1 h −1 and 0.3 g TS/g glucose used, respectively .
Myocardial perfusion imaging for detection of silent myocardial ischemia.

Despite the widespread use of the exercise stress test in diagnosing asymptomatic myocardial ischemia, exercise radionuclide imaging remains useful for detecting silent ischemia in numerous patient populations, including those who are totally asymptomatic, those who have chronic stable angina, those who have recovered from an episode of unstable angina or an uncomplicated myocardial infarction, and those who have undergone angioplasty or received thrombolytic therapy. Studies show that thallium scintigraphy is more sensitive than exercise electrocardiography in detecting ischemia, i.e., in part, because perfusion defects occur more frequently than ST depression and before angina in the ischemic cascade. Thallium-201 scintigraphy can be performed to differentiate a true- from a false-positive exercise electrocardiographic test in patients with exercise-induced ST depression and no angina. The development of technetium-labeled isonitriles may improve the accuracy of myocardial perfusion imaging.
Choosing among alternative trees of multigene families.

Estimation of gene trees is the first step in testing alternative hypotheses about the evolution of multigene families. The standard practice for inferring gene family history is to construct trees that meet some objective criteria based on the fit of the character state changes (nucleotide or amino acid changes) to the gene tree. Unfortunately, analysis of character state data can be misleading. In addition, this approach ignores information about the relationships of the species from which the genes have been sampled. In this paper I explore using statistics of fit between the character data and gene trees and the reconciliation of the gene and species trees for choosing among alternative evolutionary hypotheses of gene families. In particular, I advocate a two-pronged strategy for choosing among alternative gene trees. First, the character data are used to define a set of acceptable gene trees (i.e., trees that are not significantly different from the minimum length tree). Next, the set of acceptable gene trees is reconciled with a known species tree, and the gene tree requiring the fewest number of gene duplications and losses is adopted as the best estimate of evolutionary history. The approach is illustrated using three gene families: BMP, EGR, and LDH.
Movements, Connectivity, and Resource Selection of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Abstract Species that exist in naturally fragmented subpopulations can maintain long-term viability through interpopulation connectivity and recolonization of suitable habitat. We used radiotelemetry to study movements of 3 herds of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) that recently colonized previously unoccupied parts of western Montana. These herds also provided a unique opportunity to compare resource-selection patterns in newly colonized habitats, and we used logistic regression in a global information system framework to generate predictive models for females in each herd. We detected relatively long (19- to 33-km) extra–home range movements by males in all 3 herds, and connectivity with nearby bighorn and domestic sheep herds. An information-theoretic approach to model selection revealed greater differences in resource selection among herds than anticipated. Initial evaluation of resource-selection models by resubstituting data showed excellent predictive accuracy (P ≤ 0.002), but testing models across ...
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYALKYLATED PB(C5ME4R)2 PLUMBOCENES, INCLUDING THE X-RAY CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF PB(C5ME4H)2

The reaction of 2 equiv of LiC5Me4R (R = H, iPr, nBu) with PbCl2 affords the Pb(C5Me4R)2 metallocenes in good yields. Pb(C5Me4iPr)2 and Pb(C5Me4nBu)2 were isolated as red oils, while Pb(C5Me4H)2 wa...
Atomic Vacancy Distributions Produced by Inner-Shell Ionization

Average $L$- and $M$-shell-vacancy distributions produced in the deexcitation of atoms that have been singly ionized in the $K$ shell or one of the $L$ subshells are derived from a comprehensive set of available experimental and theoretical data on radiative- and Auger-transition rates. The data are supplemented by new calculations in $j\ensuremath{-}j$ coupling from nonrelativistic screened hydrogenic wave functions of the following radiationless transition rates: $K\ensuremath{-}LL$, $K\ensuremath{-}LM$, and $K\ensuremath{-}LN$ for selected elements with $20\ensuremath{\le}Z\ensuremath{\le}81$, and ${L}_{i}\ensuremath{-}MM$, ${L}_{i}\ensuremath{-}MX$, and ${L}_{i}\ensuremath{-}XY$ for $26\ensuremath{\le}Z\ensuremath{\le}93$. Experimental and theoretical data on Auger- and radiative-transition probabilities are critically compared. Auger-electron intensity ratios and $\frac{K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{2}}{K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}}$ and $\frac{K\ensuremath{\beta}}{K\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ x-ray intensity ratios from a best fit to experimental data are tabulated for even atomic numbers from 20 to 94. The probability, per initial $K$ vacancy, of vacancy production in each ${L}_{i}$ subshell is derived from experimental data and tabulated for $20\ensuremath{\le}Z\ensuremath{\le}94$; components due to Auger and x-ray transitions are listed separately. These probabilities agree well with purely theoretical vacancy distributions also derived here. The probability of $M$-shell-vacancy production in the decay of $K$ and ${L}_{i}$ vacancies is derived from theory and tabulated for selected atoms with $16\ensuremath{\le}Z\ensuremath{\le}93$.
Dynamic model and adaptive tracking controller for 4-Powered Caster Vehicle

A new approach for adaptive torque distribution of 4-Powered Caster Vehicle (4-PCV) is presented on complex terrain without any additional sensor. The objective is that torques applied to wheels are dynamically redistributed based on the real time conditions of the whole wheel-ground interactions in order to track the desired trajectory. A novel approach based on the redundant actuated wheels is proposed to identify the status of the vehicle and the wheel slip ratio by only observing the velocity feedback from motors encoders. A dynamic model considering the wheel-ground interaction is described. Based on the slip ratio of the wheel joints and the null space of the operational space, control strategies are employed to redistribute the torques applied to the wheel joints so that each wheel can be self-adapted to meet a complex wheel-ground condition to eliminate slippage with high rate. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed estimation approach and the performance of the torque distribution schemes.
Effects of early weaning and social isolation on the expression of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2 mRNAs in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of piglets

Pigs weaned at young ages show more abnormal and aggressive behaviors and cognitive deficits compared to later weaned pigs. We investigated the effects of age, weaning and/or social isolation on the expression of genes regulating glucocorticoid response [glucocorticoid receptor (GR), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases 1 and 2 (11beta-HSD1 and 11beta-HSD2)] in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Early- (EW; n = 6) and conventionally-weaned (CW; n = 6) piglets were weaned at 10 and 21 days after birth, respectively. Non-weaned (NW) piglets of both ages (NW; n = 6/group) remained with their dams. Immediately before euthanasia, half of CW, EW and NW animals were socially isolated for 15 min at 12 (EW, NW) and 23 (CW, NW) days of age. Differences in amounts of 11beta-HSD1, 11beta-HSD2, GR and MR mRNA were determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and data subjected to multivariate linear mixed model analysis. When compared with NW piglets at 12 days of age, the hippocampi of EW piglets showed decreased gene expression (P < 0.01). Social isolation decreased gene expression (P < 0.05) in the frontal cortex of all piglets. Twelve-day-old piglets showed higher MR mRNA in the frontal cortex (P < 0.01) and lower 11beta-HSD2 and GR mRNA (P < 0.05) in the hippocampus compared to 23-day-old animals. Results indicate that EW affected the hippocampus of piglets at 12 days of age, while social isolation affected frontal cortex regardless of age. These results may be correlated with behavioral and cognitive changes reported in EW piglets.
Design of an Endoscopic Biopsy Needle With Flexural Members

As a minimally invasive means of extracting a tissue sample from a patient, current endoscopic biopsy needles generally do not preserve tissue histology and often require multiple attempts to obtain a tissue sample. This paper presents an endoscopic biopsy needle with internal flexures that enables tissue to enter the hollow needle and then be severed from the surrounding tissue when the needle is withdrawn. Using force-deflection and sample weight data from 10 scaled prototypes, variations of a flexural design captured 1.1 grams of a tissue phantom on average, as compared to wedge-type designs that averaged 0.7–0.8 grams. Sample mass exhibited an increase in mass as the feature angle decreased. Peak entrance forces (P2) for the flexure design were lower than for both wedge and extended wedge designs, and resistance forces (S2) were higher upon needle extraction. A low-angle (15 and 30 deg) feature also produced a lower entrance friction (S1) and higher exit resistance (S2) compared with 45 and 60 deg features. These results suggest that a biopsy needle with 15 deg flexures could increase sample length and mass as well as sampling success rates for core biopsy procedures. Future tests of the flexural biopsy needle design will use this information to determine dimensions for laser cut features of 1 scale needles. DOI: 10.1115/1.2355693
Cyclodiene resistance at the insect GABA receptor/chloride channel complex confers broad cross resistance to convulsants and experimental phenylpyrazole insecticides

This study investigated the pharmacological profile of cyclodiene resistance in Drosophila melanogaster and the mode of action of a phenylpyrazole insecticide, JKU 0422. Toxicological studies were performed with a sucrose bait assay containing the synergist piperonyl butoxide. The Maryland strain of D. melanogaster was resistant to dieldrin, lindane, picrotoxinin, TBPS, p-CN-TBOB, and JKU 0422. In contrast, this strain was susceptible to cypermethrin and the avermectins MK-243, abamectin, and abamectin 8,9-oxide. Neurophysiological studies showed that both TBPS and JKU 0422 reversed the inhibitory action of GABA in central nerve preparations from susceptible D. melanogaster. However, the response to these compounds was attenuated in nerve preparations from the resistant Maryland strain, which indicated that the resistance was expressed at the level of the nerve. Topical toxicity bioassays with JKU 0422 on susceptible (CSMA) and cyclodiene-resistant (LPP) strains of German cockroach revealed a resistance ratio of 553-fold for this compound. These studies demonstrate that cyclodiene resistance in D. melanogaster confers broad cross resistance toward compounds thought to block the GABA-gated chloride channel in a manner similar to the cyclodienes. Moreover, the cross resistance extends to JKU 0422, and resistance to this compound is also present in a strain of cyclodiene-resistant German cockroach. These toxicological results, along with the neurophysiological studies, confirm that JKU 0422 has a mode of action that is similar to the cyclodienes and TBPS. These findings suggest that the introduction and use of new chloride channel antagonists as insecticides should be managed carefully in order to prevent the rapid development of resistance in the field.
The Drosophila takeout Gene Is a Novel Molecular Link between Circadian Rhythms and Feeding Behavior

Abstract We report the characterization of a novel Drosophila circadian clock-regulated output gene, takeout ( to ). The to amino acid sequence shows similarity to two ligand binding proteins, including juvenile hormone binding protein. to mRNA is expressed in the head and the cardia, crop, and antennae—structures related to feeding. to expression is induced by starvation, which is blocked in all arrhythmic central clock mutants, suggesting a direct molecular link between the circadian clock and the feeding/starvation response. A to mutant has aberrant locomotor activity and dies rapidly in response to starvation, indicating a link between locomotor activity, survival, and food status. We propose that to participates in a novel circadian output pathway that conveys temporal and food status information to feeding-relevant metabolisms and activities.
Catecholamine cell groups innervating infant rat somatosensory cortex.

Abstract HRP was injected into somatosensory cortex of rats 2–8 days of age. In locus coeruleus, ipsilateral to the injection, neuronal somata were retrogradely labeled. A few neurons located in the region of cranial nerve VII, ipsilaterally, were also labeled and may represent neurons from cell group A5. No other cell groups in mid- and hindbrain contain labeled cells. The labeled cell bodies are likely to represent a major source of brainstem afferents to infant neocortex, demonstrated by other workers. Since these cell bodies are located amidst known catecholaminergic neurons, it is proposed that these neurons give rise to the monoaminergic (MA) pre-synaptic cortical inputs that have been described using ultrastructural cytochemical techniques.
Biological Activity of the Hypolipidemic Agent, N2-n-Butylindazolone

Previously, a series of N-substituted indazolone derivatives proved to be effective hypolipidemic agents in rodents. The most effective agent, N2-n-butylindazolone, at 20 mg/kg/d was shown to suppress the levels of cytoplasm acetyl coenzyme A required for cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis as well as sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase and phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activities. Lipid content of the liver, small intestine, and serum lipoprotein fractions was lowered, whereas lipid content was increased in fecal excretions by drug treatment for 14 d. The absorption of orally administered cholesterol from the intestine was severely reduced after drug administration. The mode of action of N2-n-butylindazolone appears to be similar to cyclic imides possessing hypolipidemic activity.
Environmental and behavioral circumstances associated with falls at home among healthy elderly individuals

Abstract Objective: To conduct an in-depth examination of the environmental and behavioral circumstances associated with falls and near-falls experienced by elderly individuals and to evaluate the usefulness of reenactment as a method for studying falls. Design: Observational and self-report data of incidents were obtained through a reenactment procedure. Environmental characteristics were documented with physical measurements, visual inspection, and photography. Setting: Incidents occurred inside participants' homes, and reenactments were conducted at incident sites. Participants: Subjects were 15 community-dwelling, relatively healthy individuals, age 70 to 81 years. Main Outcome Measures: Incidents were analyzed to determine patterns of interaction of individuals' personal characteristics, environmental use behaviors, and environmental characteristics. Results: Seven patterns were identified: collisions in the dark, failing to avoid temporary hazards, preoccupation with temporary conditions, frictional variations between shoes and floor coverings, excessive environmental demands, habitual environmental use, and inappropriate environmental use. Conclusions: There is a dynamic interaction between environmental conditions and behavior involving use of the environment and its implications for falls in older people. Although some incidents involved familiar environmental and behavioral risk factors, less familiar factors also were critical contributors to the incidents. Successful elimination of these factors is likely to be closely related to an individual's perception that an environmental or environmental use problem is correctable, motivation to undertake changes in the environment, and a desire to integrate changes into daily activities.
ToppCluster: a multiple gene list feature analyzer for comparative enrichment clustering and network-based dissection of biological systems

ToppCluster is a web server application that leverages a powerful enrichment analysis and underlying data environment for comparative analyses of multiple gene lists. It generates heatmaps or connectivity networks that reveal functional features shared or specific to multiple gene lists. ToppCluster uses hypergeometric tests to obtain list-specific feature enrichment P-values for currently 17 categories of annotations of human-ortholog genes, and provides user-selectable cutoffs and multiple testing correction methods to control false discovery. Each nameable gene list represents a column input to a resulting matrix whose rows are overrepresented features, and individual cells per-list P-values and corresponding genes per feature. ToppCluster provides users with choices of tabular outputs, hierarchical clustering and heatmap generation, or the ability to interactively select features from the functional enrichment matrix to be transformed into XGMML or GEXF network format documents for use in Cytoscape or Gephi applications, respectively. Here, as example, we demonstrate the ability of ToppCluster to enable identification of list-specific phenotypic and regulatory element features (both cis-elements and 3'UTR microRNA binding sites) among tissue-specific gene lists. ToppCluster's functionalities enable the identification of specialized biological functions and regulatory networks and systems biology-based dissection of biological states. ToppCluster can be accessed freely at http://toppcluster.cchmc.org.
Absorption, transmission, and scattering of expanded polystyrene at millimeter-wave and terahertz frequencies

Conventional material measurements of transmission and reflection in the millimeter-wave and terahertz frequency range do not differentiate between scattering and absorption, grouping effects from both mechanisms together into "loss". Accurate knowledge of the balance between scattering and absorption is critical in applications such as radiometric scene modeling for concealed object detection, where evaluation of object detectability depends strongly on the amount of scattering due to concealers such as clothing. We describe an experimental setup for the measurement of spatial bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF). Previous measurements have shown extremely low-level grating lobes from periodic clothing materials such as corduroy, around 30 dB below the transmitted beam. To adequately address this issue of high dynamic range, we utilize a cryogenic antenna-coupled microbolometer for detection. We present data on several types of expanded polystyrene, a common structural material for systems and experiments in this frequency range. In these measurements of BRDF, transmission agrees with previous measurements, and the balance between low and high angle scattering, specular reflectance, and absorption is examined.
Controlled trial of botulinum toxin injections in the treatment of spasmodic torticollis

We administered local injections of botulinum toxin to 20 patients with torticollis in a blinded, placebo-controlled study. Each patient received four sets of injections: three different doses of botulinum toxin and one placebo. The order of the sessions was random and unknown to the patients. Sixteen of the patients (80%) reported subjective improvement to at least one dose of botulinum toxin; 11 (55%) reported substantial improvement. No objective benefit was documented. Side effects were minor and transient, although dysphagia occurred in four. Some patients reported that the effect waned despite persistent relaxation or even flaccidity of previously overactive muscles, suggesting a change in the pattern of muscle activity after botulinum toxin injections.
Anisotropic cross talk in an optical interconnection by using a self-pumped phase-conjugate mirror at the Fourier plane.

Experimental evidence that the cross talk that is due to Bragg degeneracy of the multiplexed volume holograms in a self-pumped phase conjugator at the Fourier plane is reduced along the horizontal direction but not the vertical direction is described. A qualitative explanation is given, and its implication on other anisotropic properties of Fourier-transformed volume holograms under broad conditions is discussed.
Humanized Monoclonal Antibody for Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to stand out as a compelling target for prevention. This ubiquitous virus is responsible for tens of thousands of pediatric hospitalizations per year in the United States, and is a dangerous land mine lying in the path of tenuously balanced premature infants, especially those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Although research directed at developing an RSV vaccine is in progress and candidates are undergoing testing in selected children,1 a vaccine for widespread use is not on the immediate horizon. Recent preventive efforts have focused on passive protection with preparations of RSV antibodies. Although RSV infections typically occur in infants and children with RSV antibodies in their blood, derived either from the mother or from previous RSV infection, there is now convincing evidence that RSV antibodies can protect against RSV infection. First, infants with RSV have lower levels of RSV neutralizing activity in their blood than comparison infants.2 Second, serum from RSV-immune animals protects recipient animals from RSV challenge, and the level of protection is correlated with the titer of neutralizing antibody transferred.3 Third, RSV-enriched human immune globulin (RSV-IVIG) protects human infants from RSV infection. Two major clinical trials, one sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID),4 and the other sponsored by the manufacturer and termed the PREVENT trial5 demonstrated that RSV-IVIG (RespiGam, Medimmune, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD) given by intravenous infusion in a dose of 750 mg/kg monthly during the RSV season reduced RSV hospitalizations by 41% to 63%. A common theme of all of these studies is that protection requires the right antibody at a protective level. Despite the reported efficacy of RSV-IVIG, several concerns have diminished enthusiasm for the product. Initially, licensure was delayed because of concerns at the Food and Drug Administration concerning the NIAID …
Partnership Patterns: Addressing Emotional Needs in Early Intervention:

Home visiting in early intervention is the primary model for delivering services and building partnerships with children and families. Using interviews with early interventionists and family member...
Atomic force microscope–force mapping and profiling on a sub 100‐Å scale

A modified version of the atomic force microscope is introduced that enables a precise measurement of the force between a tip and a sample over a tip‐sample distance range of 30–150 A. As an application, the force signal is used to maintain the tip‐sample spacing constant, so that profiling can be achieved with a spatial resolution of 50 A. A second scheme allows the simultaneous measurement of force and surface profile; this scheme has been used to obtain material‐dependent information from surfaces of electronic materials.
Chlorofluorocarbons in the Atmosphere

THE chlorofluorocarbon CCl3F (trichlorofluoromethane) occurs in the atmosphere1, and seems especially attractive for use as a tracer of air and water mass movements2,3. Its use as a propellant-solvent for aerosol dispensers results in its entry to the atmosphere where, due to its stability, it can accumulate. There has been an exponential increase in the use of this compound in recent years. Its residence time in the atmosphere has been estimated to be greater than ten years3.
Hand construction of quadrifilar wire electrodes for electromyography

Array electrodes have become increasingly popular for making surface and indwelling electromyographic (EMG) recordings. We describe a method for in-house construction of indwelling quadrifilar fine-wire electrodes. Quadrifilar electrodes facilitate the mapping of vector myoelectric signatures of motoneuron firing activities of the motor nucleus, a procedure referred to as EMG decomposition. The finished electrode has four detectors, each 50 μm in diameter, arranged in a rhombus pattern. Motor unit recruitment and firing information are aids to better understanding control deficits and behaviors evidenced in the final common pathway of the central nervous system.
Chemical librarianship: a kind of 'women's work' in America.

Depuis 1890, les femmes ont obtenu des diplomes de haut niveau en chimie aux Etats-Unis. Cependant, jusqu'en 1910, il etait difficile pour elles de travailler en industrie. Certaines furent techniciennes dans des laboratoires de recherche, d'autres, nombreuses, furent recrutees en tant que bibliothecaire dans le secteur de la chimie
Effect of chiropractic intervention on small scoliotic curves in younger subjects: A time-series cohort design

Abstract Background: Chiropractors have long claimed to affect scoliotic curves, and case studies abound reporting on successful outcomes. No clinical trials exist, however, that evaluate chiropractic's effectiveness in the management of scoliotic curves. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of chiropractic intervention in the management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in curves less than 20°. Design: Cohort time-series trial with all subjects electing chiropractic care. Entry-level Cobb angle was compared with postmanagement curve. Methods: Forty-two subjects completed the program of chiropractic intervention. Age range at entry was 6 to 12 years, and patients were included if their entry-level x-ray films revealed curves of 6° to 20°. Participants had adjustments performed for 1 year before follow-up. Full-spine osseous adjustments were the major form of intervention, but heel lifts and postural and lifestyle counseling were used as well. Results: There was no discernable effect on the severity of the curves as a function of age, initial curve severity, frequency of care, or attending physician. Conclusion: Full-spine chiropractic adjustments with heel lifts and postural and lifestyle counseling are not effective in reducing the severity of scoliotic curves. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2001;24:385-93)
The differential conditionability of two components of the skin conductance response.

The dual effector basis of the skin conductance response (SCR) was investigated in an experiment in which responses from both the dorsal and palmar surfaces of the hand were classically conditioned using a delayed, discrimination conditioning paradigm. Orienting (OR), anticipatory (AR) and unconditional responses (UCR) were distinguished on the basis of latency. Both the anticipatory response and the response which occurred when the unconditional stimulus (UCS) was omitted (CR) were conditional. The magnitude of the response from the dorsal and palmar placements was similar for the ORs, UCRs, and CRs, but the palmar ARs were significantly greater than the dorsal. A conditioning index which took into account the magnitude of the UCR, revealed that the palmar AR differentiated between reinforced and non-reinforced conditional stimuli to a greater degree than the dorsal response. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the epidermal component of the SCR, reflected in measurements from the dorsum of the hand, accompanies the alerting or orienting response of the organism, whereas the sweat gland component of the SCR, represented largely in measurements from palmar sites, is primarily associated with a defensive, anxiety-like response.
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Meets Immunology: Friend or Foe? A Little of Both

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has long been studied by toxicologists as a ligand-activated transcription factor that is activated by dioxin and other environmental pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The hallmark of AHR activation is the upregulation of the cytochrome P450 enzymes that metabolize many of these toxic compounds. However, recent findings demonstrate that both exogenous and endogenous AHR ligands can alter innate and adaptive immune responses including effects on T-cell differentiation. Kynurenine, a tryptophan breakdown product, is one such endogenous ligand of the AHR. Expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase by dendritic cells causes accumulation of kynurenine and results in subsequent tolerogenic effects including increased regulatory T-cell activity. At the same time, PAHs found in pollution enhance Th17 differentiation in the lungs of exposed mice via the AHR. In this perspective, we will discuss the importance of the AHR in the immune system and the role this might play in normal physiology and response to disease.
Perceived stress, reproductive hormones, and ovulatory function: a prospective cohort study.

Stress among women is common, with 23% of U.S. women reporting high levels of stress and nearly 69% reporting stress levels above what is considered healthy.1 Psychosocial or perceived stressors, defined as challenges that individuals view as taxing or exceeding their coping abilities,2 are of particular concern for women's health, as they can increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, depression, and autoimmune disorders.2 Among premenopausal women, prolonged physical stressors such as excessive dieting or intensive exercise have been linked to reproductive dysfunction (e.g., hypothalamic amenorrhea),3 but the effects of short-term perceived stress on reproductive hormones and ovulatory function among healthy eumenorrheic women are unknown. Multiple pathways have been proposed linking perceived stress with reproductive function, including activation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis leading to a delay or inhibition of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge3, and activation of the sympathetic medullar system leading to altered blood flow through the fallopian tubes and interrupted gamete transport.4 While both nonhuman primate and experimental studies in humans have helped inform mechanistic hypotheses,5, 6 few studies have assessed the effects of stress on reproductive hormones and menstrual cycle function among premenopausal women; none of these prospectively assessed perceived stress or used more than one stress instrument.7, 8 Global measures of psychosocial stress, such as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS),9 have been used for decades to study relationships between stress and adverse health outcomes. However, recent evidence indicates that daily perceived stress captured via diary designs have the added advantage of not only reducing memory bias by minimizing the time elapsed between an experience and the account of the experience, but also of capturing within-person changes in perceived stress over time.10,11 Additionally, capturing perceived stress via a daily diary is particularly relevant when exploring the temporal relationship between stress and menstrual cycle function.12 To better understand the potential effects of multiple psychosocial stressors on reduced female fecundity, 4, 13 larger population-based studies with repeated measurements of daily stressors, hormones, and ovulation over more than one menstrual cycle are needed. To address this gap, we evaluated the association between perceived stress, captured via both a daily diary and the PSS, and reproductive function among a cohort of healthy premenopausal women.
Retinofugal and retinopetal projections in the cichlid fish astronotus ocellatus

The retinofugal and retinopetal projections of the cichlid fish Astronotus ocellatus were studied by applying cobaltous-lysine to the optic nerve. Retinal axons terminate bilaterally in a preoptic-suprachiasmatic region between the base of the third ventricle and the anterior genu of the horizontal commissure and among periventricular cells along the sides of the ventricle. Other retinal axons innervate the tuberal region of the hypothalamus anterior to the infundibulum. Targets innervated in the pretectum include nucleus lateralis geniculatus and dorsal, medial, and ventral pretectal nuclei. Three other targets (nucleus opticus dorsolateralis, nucleus opticus commissurae posterior, nucleus opticus ventrolateralis) are innervated by fibers that leave the medial edge of the dorsal optic tract. Two other targets (basal optic nucleus and accessory optic nucleus) are innervated by fibers from the ventral optic tract. These retinal projections are similar to those previously reported for goldfish in an experiment that used the cobaltous-lysine method (Springer and Gaffney, J. Comp. Neurol. 203:401–424, 1981). Retinotectal optic axons were found in a superficial lamina just above the stratum opticum, in the stratum opticum, in three layers of the stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale, in a lamina just beneath the stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale, and in the stratum album centrale just above the stratum periventriculare. This result is similar to that previously reported for goldfish; however, the spatial relationships between the various retinorecipient laminae differ for goldfish and Astronotus ocellatus. Efferents to the retina originate in two nuclei and both project contralaterally. The first is the nucleus olfactoretinalis, which is located ventrally between the olfactory lobe and telencephalon. It consists of about 400 cells, of which, approximately 200 cells project to the retina. The second retinopetal nucleus, nucleus thalamoretinalis, is a diffuse group of about 200 cells that project to the retina.
Pressure-Assisted Sintering of Nanocrystalline Silver Lines Produced by Laser Ablation of Microparticle Aerosols

The Laser Ablation of Microparticle Aerosol (LAMA) process provides a method for generating high yields of aerosolized nanoparticles (NPs) that are then accelerated through a nozzle and impacted onto substrates. The process allows nanostructured films and patterned lines to be directly written onto substrates at room temperature. Using the LAMA process, we have demonstrated the ability to produce thick patterned deposits with densities ranging from 60–70% in the as-deposited state. After deposition, the lines were densified using pressure-assisted sintering and the microstructures and strengths of the films were investigated. Pressure-enhanced sintering resulted in densification and strong bonding at processing temperatures of 100–175°C and pressures of 100–600 MPa. Mechanisms for sintering at low temperatures are discussed.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Seeking better Web searches.

The article discusses how Internet users will soon benefit from improved search engines that deliver customized results. Now that "Googling" has become synonymous with doing research, online search engines are poised for a series of upgrades that promise to further enhance how we find what we need. New search engines are improving the quality of results by delving deeper into the storehouse of materials available online, by sorting and presenting those results better, and by tracking your long-term interests so that they can refine their handling of new information requests. In the future, search engines will broaden content horizons as well, doing more than simply processing keyword queries typed into a text box. They will be able to automatically take into account your location--letting your wireless PDA, for instance, pinpoint the nearest restaurant when you are traveling. New systems will also find just the right picture faster by matching your sketches to similar shapes. They will even be able to name that half-remembered tune if you hum a few bars. Another big change in Web searching will revolve around new business deals that greatly expand the online coverage of the huge amount of published materials, including text, video and audio, that computer users cannot currently access. INSETS: Overview/Beyond Google;PLACING ALL MEDIA ON THE NET.
The exchange boundary framework: understanding the evolution of power within collaborative decision-making settings.

Many community decision-making bodies encounter challenges in creating conditions where stakeholders from disadvantaged populations can authentically participate in ways that give them actual influence over decisions affecting their lives (Foster-Fishman et al., Lessons for the journey: Strategies and suggestions for guiding planning, governance, and sustainability in comprehensive community initiatives. W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Battle Creek, MI, 2004). These challenges are often rooted in asymmetrical power dynamics operating within the settings (Prilleltensky, J Commun Psychol 36:116–136, 2008). In response, this paper presents the Exchange Boundary Framework, a new approach for understanding and promoting authentic, empowered participation within collaborative decision-making settings. The framework expands upon theories currently used in the field of community psychology by focusing on the underlying processes through which power operates in relationships and examining the evolution of power dynamics over time. By integrating concepts from social exchange theory (Emerson, Am Soc Rev 27:31–41, 1962) and social boundaries theory (Hayward, Polity 31(1):1–22, 1998), the framework situates power within parallel processes of resources exchange and social regulation. The framework can be used to understand the conditions leading to power asymmetries within collaborative decisionmaking processes, and guide efforts to promote more equitable and authentic participation by all stakeholders within these settings. In this paper we describe the Exchange Boundary Framework, apply it to three distinct case studies, and discuss key considerations for its application within collaborative community settings.
Smokeless tobacco-exposed oral keratinocytes increase macromolecular efflux from the in situ oral mucosa.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether supernatants of cultured human oral keratinocytes (HOK) exposed to an aqueous extract of smokeless tobacco (STE) increase macromolecular efflux fr...
Integrating heterogeneous high-throughput data for meta-dimensional pharmacogenomics and disease-related studies

The current paradigm of human genetics research is to analyze variation of a single data type (i.e., DNA sequence or RNA levels) to detect genes and pathways that underlie complex traits such as disease state or drug response. While these studies have detected thousands of variations that associate with hundreds of complex phenotypes, much of the estimated heritability, or trait variability due to genetic factors, remain unexplained. We may be able to account for a portion of the missing heritability if we incorporate a systems biology approach into these analyses. Rapid technological advances will make it possible for scientists to explore this hypothesis via the generation of high-throughput omics data - transcriptomic, proteomic and methylomic to name a few. Analyzing this 'meta-dimensional' data will require clever statistical techniques that allow for the integration of qualitative and quantitative predictor variables. For this article, we examine two major categories of approaches for integrated data analysis, give examples of their use in experimental and in silico datasets, and assess the limitations of each method.
Frequency acquisition with photorefractive two-wave mixing.

We describe how two-wave mixing of light scattered at the entrance face of a photorefractive crystal can be used to measure the frequency difference between two independent lasers. This method can be used to accomplish initial frequency acquisition in coherent optical homodyne receivers.