cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epicardial adipose tissue volume as a marker of coronary artery disease severity in patients with diabetes independent of coronary artery calcium: findings from the CTRAD study.

Aims The association between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and coronary artery disease (CAD) severity was evaluated, independent of traditional risk factors and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores, in patients with diabetes type 2 (DM-2) using cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA).
Special Hematologic Issues in the Pregnant Patient

Bleeding disorders in pregnancy may be inherited or acquired. While not all bleeding disorders are pregnancy specific, the hemostatic stressors of pregnancy can unmask the diagnosis. Bleeding disorders in pregnancy may be inherited or acquired and can manifest as disorders of primary and secondary hemostasis. This chapter will discuss the impact of the physiologic changes of pregnancy on hemostasis, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic options.
Effect of adenosine on concanavalin A agglutination of human erythrocytes

Abstract We have attempted to correlate the functional activity of protein 3 with its activity as a receptor for concanavalin A. The concanavalin A agglutination of human erythrocytes is enhanced by adenosine. It varies with time of storage of the blood and is dependent on the concentration of adenosine in the medium. Adenine and/or inosine, which increase cellular ATP, do not substitute for adenosine in enhancing agglutination, and adenosine enhances agglutination of fresh erythrocytes with normal levels of ATP. Thus, it appears that cellular ATP levels are not directly involved in modulation of concanavalin A agglutination by adenosine. Trypsin, which hydrolyzes most of the exposed proteins of the cell surface but does not alter protein 3, enhances concanavalin A agglutination without altering the relative response of the cell to adenosine. Glucose, as well as the glucose transport inhibitors maltose and cellobiose, inhibits agglutination. High concentrations of adenosine reverse the inhibition by glucose and enhance agglutination in the presence of maltose and cellobiose. Treatment of erythrocytes with 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid disodium salt, which selectively inhibits the anion transport function of protein 3, substantially inhibits adenosine-supported concanavalin A agglutination. Treatment of erythrocytes with iodoacetate under conditions in which it selectively reacts with glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibits agglutination. Adenosine protects this dehydrogenase in erythrocytes from inactivation by iodoacetate, over the same concentration range in which it enhances agglutination.
The strategy and motivational influences on the beneficial effect of neurostimulation: a tDCS and fNIRS study.

article Working memory (WM) capacity falls along a spectrum with some people demonstrating higher and others lower WM capacity. Efforts to improve WM include applying transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), in which small amounts of current modulate the activity of underlying neurons and enhance cognitive function. However, not everyone benefits equally from a given tDCS protocol. Recent findings revealed tDCS-related WM benefits for individuals with higher working memory (WM) capacity. Here, we test two hypotheses regard- ing those with low WM capacity to see if they too would benefit under more optimal conditions. We tested whether supplying a WM strategy (Experiment 1) or providing greater extrinsic motivation through incentives (Experiment 2) would restore tDCS benefit to the low WMcapacity group. We also employed functional near in- frared spectroscopy to monitor tDCS-induced changes in neural activity. Experiment 1 demonstrated that sup- plying a WM strategy improved the high WM capacity participants' accuracy and the amount of oxygenated blood levels following anodal tDCS, but it did not restore tDCS-linked WM benefits to the low WM capacity group. Experiment 2 demonstrated that financial motivation enhanced performance in both low and high WM capacity groups, especially after anodal tDCS. Here, only the low WM capacity participants showed a generalized increase in oxygenated blood flow across both low and high motivation conditions. These results indicate that ensuring that participants' incentives are high may expand cognitive benefits associated with tDCS. This finding is relevant for translational work using tDCS in clinical populations, in which motivation can be a concern.
Teleneurosonology: a novel application of transcranial and carotid ultrasound.

Background To demonstrate the technical feasibility of interfacing transcranial Doppler (TCD) and carotid "duplex" ultrasonography (CUS) peripherals with telemedicine end points to provide real-time spectral waveform and duplex imaging data for remote review and interpretation. Methods We performed remote TCD and CUS examinations on a healthy, volunteer employee from our institution without known cerebrovascular disease. The telemedicine end point was stationed in our institution's hospital where the neurosonology examinations took place and the control station was in a dedicated telemedicine room in a separate building. The examinations were performed by a postgraduate level neurohospitalist trainee (M.N.R.) and interpreted by an attending vascular neurologist, both with experience in the performance and interpretation of TCD and CUS. Results Spectral waveform and duplex ultrasound data were successfully transmitted from TCD and CUS instruments through a telemedicine end point to a remote reviewer at a control station. Image quality was preserved in all cases, and technical failures were not encountered. Conclusions This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the technical feasibility of interfacing TCD and CUS peripherals with a telemedicine end point to provide real-time spectral waveform and duplex imaging data for remote review and interpretation. Medical diagnostic and telemedicine devices should be equipped with interfaces that allow simple transmission of high-quality audio and video information from the medical devices to the telemedicine technology. Further study is encouraged to determine the clinical impact of teleneurosonology.
Consumer perceived value of environmentally friendly apparel: an empirical study of Chinese consumers

This empirical study responded to the need for better understanding of consumer-desired values from environmentally friendly apparel (EFA) consumption to support effective product development and marketing. A multi-dimensional consumer perceived value (CPV) model (i.e. social, emotional, quality, and price values) was utilized to identify the desired EFA values among Chinese consumers. From a national survey of Chinese consumers, 1388 eligible returns were collected. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted for data analysis. The scales of each value construct were proven reliable and valid and the CPV model exhibited a satisfactory model-to-data fit. Four value constructs accounted for most of the variance of CPV (78%). Social value is the most desired value, followed by price, emotional, and quality values. Communicating the social contribution of EFA consumption to consumers is crucial as the social responsibility movement in China favors a fundamental consumer lifest...
Incomplete excision of the gallbladder during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Dissection and transection of the cystic duct close to the gallbladder has been advocated as a means of avoiding common bile injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). We present three cases in which inadequate identification of the gallbladder—cystic duct junction resulted in incomplete cholecystectomy. In two patients an unsecured gallbladder infundibulum presented as cystic duct leaks and one patient developed recurrent symptomatic cholelithiasis. These cases emphasize the need for complete dissection and visualization of the cystic duct at the gallbladder prior its division and secure ligation during LC.
Cognitive function in manics with associated neurologic factors

Researchers studying cognition in mania have assumed that mania is a homogeneous entity. Recent preliminary evidence indicates that some manic syndromes may be preceded by medical, pharmacological, and neurologic antecedents. While DSM-III suggests that mild cognitive impairment may be associated with these manic syndromes, studies to date have not documented this assertion. We compared bipolar patients with antecedent neurologic factors (neurologic manics, NM) to bipolar patients without such histories (primary manics, PM) on standard neuropsychological measures and clinical parameters to ascertain whether cognitive testing could be used as an adjunctive diagnostic tool in defining this subgroup of patients. Results indicated that the NM group was more dysfunctional in intellectual functioning and course of psychiatric illness than the PM group.
Global change: Leads, lags and the tropics.

A method that circumvents the problems of correlating different data sets has allowed the sequence of events at the last great deglaciation to be seen in finer detail.
Novel receptor mechanisms for heroin and morphine-6β-glucuronide analgesia☆

The rapid metabolism of heroin to 6-acetylmorphine and its slower conversion to morphine has led many to believe that heroin and morphine act through the same receptors and that the differences between them are due to their pharmacokinetics. We now present evidence strongly implying that heroin and two potent mu drugs, fentanyl and etonitazine, act through a unique receptor mechanism similar to morphine-6 beta-glucuronide which is readily distinguished from morphine. Heroin, 6-acetylmorphine and morphine-6 beta-glucuronide show no analgesic cross tolerance to morphine in a daily administration paradigm, implying distinct receptors. Strains also reveal analgesic differences among the drugs. CXBK mice, which are insensitive to morphine, retain their analgesic sensitivity to heroin, 6-acetylmorphine, morphine-6 beta-glucuronide, fentanyl and etonitazine. Antisense mapping of the mu opioid receptor MOR-1 reveals that oligodeoxynucleotide probes against exon 2, which are inactive against morphine analgesia, block morphine-6 beta-glucuronide, heroin, fentanyl and etonitazine analgesia. Finally, an antisense probe targeting Gi alpha 1 blocks both heroin and morphine-6 beta-glucuronide, but not morphine, analgesia. These results indicate that heroin, 6-acetylmorphine, fentanyl and etonitazine all can produce analgesia through a novel mu analgesic system which is similar to that activated by morphine-6 beta-glucuronide.
Microcomputer‐Based incontinence data management system for elderly inpatients

The quantitative measurement of urinary incontinence in elderly inpatients presents a complex problem of clinical assessment. The characteristics of incontinence data in chronic care patients include incontinence episodes. volume of urine loss, and time of events. The objective of an incontinence data management system was the integration of incontinence characteristics with the information sequence from the data source to develop an interactive filing system that will allow useful output presentations of data. A microcomputer-based incontinence data management system is described which was developed from commercially available software as a specific software application for incontinence information management in elderly chronic care inpatients. Data management requirements of data recording, quality control, report formats, and statistical analysis interfacing can be accomplished using microcomputer products.
Short-term results of bilateral S2-S4 sacral neuromodulation for the treatment of refractory interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome, and chronic pelvic pain.

We evaluated the efficacy of bilateral caudal epidural sacral neuromodulation for the treatment of refractory chronic pelvic pain (CPP), painful bladder syndrome, and interstitial cystitis (IC). Thirty consecutive patients (21 female, 9 male) with severe refractory symptoms underwent bilateral S2–S4 sacral neuromodulation for CPP/IC. Patients were evaluated with the O’Leary IC symptom and problem index (ICSI, ICPI), the short form of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), and the RAND 36-item health survey (SF-36) preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The mean and minimum follow-up were 15 and 6 months, respectively. Of the 30 patients, 23 (77%) had a successful trial stimulation and were permanently implanted. Among these patients, the ICSI and ICPI scores improved by 35 (p = 0.005) and 38% (p = 0.007), respectively. The pain score improved by 40% (p = 0.04) and the UDI-6 score by 26% (p = 0.05). On average, patients reported a 42% improvement in their symptoms. SF-36 scores did not improve significantly. In refractory patients, bilateral caudal epidural sacral neuromodulation is another possible mode of treatment, which appears to improve both pelvic pain and voiding symptoms.
Simulation Model of Cephalonomia waterstoni (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) Parasitizing the Rusty Grain Beetle (Coleoptera: Cucujidae)

We have developed a simulation model of parasitic grain wasp, Cephalonomia waterstoni (Gahan), parasitizing the rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens). The model predicts host and parasitoid phenology based on grain temperature, using a distributed– delay method to simulate variance in developmental rate. The model accurately predicted both the time and magnitude of peak parasitoid density. Changing the timing of parasitoid release had a greater effect than releasing more parasitoids. Releasing parasitoids at day 20 instead of day 40 reduced the maximum host population by 75%. Parasitoids are most effective when releases are timed so that parasitoids find the 1st–produced 4th–instar. This model should be a valuable tool for developing a biological control program for C. ferrugineus on stored wheat. It can be used to predict the optimum time of release, the number of parasitoids to release, and the effects of other controls such as fall aeration.
Getting a grasp on domain III/IV responsible for Auxin Response Factor-IAA protein interactions.

Auxin Response Factors (ARFs) and Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) proteins contain a similar carboxyl-terminal domain (domain III/IV) that facilitates interactions among these transcription factors as well as other proteins. The specificity of these interactions is controversial, and the mechanisms involved in these interactions have not been investigated. Here, we review some of the controversies about the specificities and requirements for ARF and IAA interactions and discuss some of the technical problems that might contribute to differences reported for these interactions. We make some preliminary conclusions that ARF activator–IAA, ARF activator–ARF activator, and ARF repressor–ARF repressor interactions are favored over ARF repressor–IAA and ARF repressor–ARF activator interactions, and we suggest that IAA–IAA interactions are largely indiscriminant. Based upon the predicted secondary structure of domain III/IV, we introduce a model for how ARF and IAA proteins might interact with one another through a ubiquitin-like β-grasp fold.
Some mathematical aspects on syntactic discription

The purpose of this paper is to help linguists contruct a consistent, sufficient and less redundant syntax of language.An acceptable string corresponds to an expression or an utterance: it may be a natural text, a string of morphemes, a tree structure or any kind of representation. A sharp distinction is made between the syntactic function which is an attribute of string and the distribution class which is a set of strings. Syntactic function of a continuous or discontinuous string is defined as the set of all the acceptable contexts of the string, and is called a complete neighborhood. Two contexts are equivalent if they accept or reject any given string at the same time. An elementary neighborhood is the set of all contexts equivalent to one context.Four simple distribution classes are proposed and their properties are discussed.Concatenation rules of a language can be described in terms of concatenated complete neighborhoods or concatenated distribution classes. Some possible representations and their consequences are discussed.Transformational rules are also described in a similar way. However, there is another problem of correspondence of original strings to their transforms. It is useful to establish subsets of elementary neighborhoods and this subclassification may contribute to a simplification of the clumsy representation of derivational history.Finally, some trivial but practically useful conventions are described.
Incidence of type II diabetes in a cohort with substantial exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid.

Abstract Background Research suggests an increased type II diabetes mortality risk among workers occupationally exposed to PFOA. However, a cross-sectional study of highly exposed Mid-Ohio Valley community residents did not demonstrate an association between PFOA and type II diabetes. Objectives We examined the relationship between exposure to PFOA over time and incidence of type II diabetes in a cohort of community residents and workers exposed to high levels of PFOA via contaminated drinking water. Methods Community residents and workers were interviewed in 2008–2011 to obtain medical history and other demographic information. Cumulative serum PFOA exposure estimates were calculated based on residence and occupation locations, and a history of plant emissions. We estimated the risk of developing type II diabetes using Cox proportional hazard models, controlling for demographic characteristics and family history. Results Out of 32,254 survey respondents, there were 4434 cases of self-reported type II diabetes, of which 4129 were validated through medical record review. In analyses based on validated type II diabetes, there was no trend of increased risk with increased cumulative PFOA serum levels (HRs compared to lowest exposure decile: 0.91 (95% CI: 0.76–1.08), 1.18 (95% CI: 0.99–1.40), 0.96 (95% CI: 0.81–1.15), 1.04 (95% CI: 0.87–1.24), 1.11 (95% CI: 0.93–1.32), 1.06 (95% CI: 0.89–1.26), 1.00 (95% CI: 0.85–1.19), 1.03 (95% CI: 0.86–1.23), 1.01 (95% CI: 0.84–1.20)). There was no association between fasting glucose level and cumulative serum levels of PFOA, after excluding diabetics. Conclusions We do not find an association between PFOA exposure and incidence of type II diabetes.
THEORETICAL STUDIES OF DIELS-ALDER REACTIONS OF ACETYLENIC COMPOUNDS

Activation barriers in the Diels−Alder reactions of acetylenic systems have been calculated and discussed using the ab initio G2MS and IMOMO(G2MS:MP2) methods. Activation energies for the reaction of acetylene + butadiene and acetylene + cyclopentadiene are predicted to be 25.8 and 22.0 kcal/mol, respectively. Although the acetylene + butadiene transition state is more favorable in the interaction energy than the ethylene + butadiene transition state by about 3 kcal/mol due to secondary π orbital interactions, the stiffer acetylene + butadiene system requires about 5 kcal/mol more reactant distortion energy. Thus, overall, the acetylene + butadiene barrier is about 2 kcal/mol higher and the predicted rate is slower than ethylene + butadiene, consistent with experiment. For the reaction of acetylenedicarboxylic acid and cyclopentadiene, which possesses a very asymmetric transition state, the best IMOMO(G2MS:MP2) method predicts an activation barrier of 9.2 kcal/mol and reveals significant electronic effect...
Language, identity, and study abroad: sociocultural perspectives

Language, identity, and study abroad: sociocultural perspectives, by Jane Jackson, London, Equinox Publishing Company, 2008, 267 pp., £65/US$125 (hardback), ISBN 978-1-8455-3141-6, £16.99/US$29.95 ...
The fermi surface of ruthenium as determined by the de Haas-van Alphen effect

The many de Haas-van Alphen frequencies observed in the hcp transition metal ruthenium have been investigated using the field modulation method in conjunction with a Fourier analysis technique. The observed frequency spectrum is explained in terms of the band structures calculated by Mattheiss for rhenium (also hcp) by invoking the “rigid-band” model. While the correct rhenium band structure is inadequate, that calculated without relativistic corrections can account quantitatively for all the observed frequencies. The details of the size and shape of the smaller pieces of Fermi surface provide a sensitive test for any band structure calculated for ruthenium. The model also explains qualitatively the amplitude behavior of the various frequencies except for some details when magnetic breakdown is operative.
Reining in Rogues: The Role of Economic Tools

Economic Instruments of Security Policy: Influencing Choices of Leaders. By Gary M. Shiffman Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave MacMillan, 2006. 256 pp., $75.00 cloth (ISBN: 1-4039-4953-0), $29.95 paper (ISBN: 1-4039-4964-6). Despite the slim size of Economic Instruments of Security Policy , Gary Shiffman promises readers that he will undertake a “thorough examination” of (1) basic economic behavior at the level of the individual; (2) decision making under different political systems; and (3) the utility of a range of economic tools in promoting national security. Shiffman's basic theses are that individuals, not states, make decisions, that dictators behave differently than democrats, and that economic tools can be used to promote national security by influencing those individuals. Each of these elements is discussed separately. Unfortunately, Shiffman's efforts to connect them in a coherent and systematic way are largely unsuccessful. Economic Instruments of Security Policy reads like a series of loosely connected university lectures, which Shiffman says was in fact the genesis for the project. As one would expect under these circumstances, Shiffman draws selectively on the existing literature in various areas and breaks little new ground. As a result, undergraduate college students interested in international economic policy are the book's most likely audience, not the policymakers that Shiffman seeks to reach. The effort to stitch together and amplify a series of lectures on international trade and finance also results in a confusing structure. Shiffman begins Economic Instruments of Security Policy with brief chapters discussing the economic behavior of the individual and various types of autocracies. He then jumps to a case study of Cuba that combines an application of his model for predicting the behavior of dictators with a truncated summary of the literature on economic sanctions. Shiffman then jumps back …
Retardation of fast axonal transport in wobbler mice.

To investigate axonal function in a model of early motor neuron disease, we examined fast and slow components of anterograde axonal transport in the less-affected hindlimb motor neurons of wobbler mice. To study the fast component (FC), we injected tritiated amino acids into the lumbar spinal cord and retrieved the sciatic nerve after 2 or 3 h. The transport distance was the extent of the plateau of labeling; regression analysis indicated that FC was 25% slower in wobbler mice than in unaffected littermates (P < 0.01). To study slow component (SC), [35S] methionine was injected. Transport distances were to the peaks of labeling for structural proteins after 2 or 3 weeks. Rates for each subcomponent (SCa and SCb) were unaffected by wobbler disease. Because the rate of retrograde FC is also unaffected (Mitsumoto et al., Muscle & Nerve 13:121–126, 1990), we conclude that wobbler disease specifically retards anterograde FC in less-affected hindlimb motor neurons, whereas all components of axonal transport are retarded in forelimb motor neurons. © 1993 John Wiley & Soncs, Inc.
Proinflammatory Macrophage-activating Properties of the Novel Phospholipid Diacylglycerol Pyrophosphate

We have found that the novel phospholipid diacylglycerol pyrophosphate (DGPP), identified in bacteria, yeast, and plants, but not in mammalian cells, is able to potently activate macrophages for enhanced secretion of arachidonate metabolites, a key event in the immunoinflammatory response of leukocytes. Macrophage responses to DGPP are specific and are not mediated by its conversion into other putative lipid mediators such as phosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidic acid, or diacylglycerol. The responses to DGPP are compatible with a receptor-recognition event because they are blocked by suramin. Intracellular signaling initiated by DGPP includes phosphorylation and activation of the Group IV cytosolic phospholipase A2 and of the extracellular-signal regulated p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p44 MAPK, and membrane translocation of the protein kinase C isoenzymes alpha, epsilon, delta. These results establish DGPP as a novel macrophage-activating factor and suggest a potential role for this compound in triggering homeostatic cellular responses.
Bit Error Rate Measurement For Evaluation Of A Fiber Optic Link

Digital fiber-optic data-link terminal modules are being developed in a number of laboratories, and often the modules take the form of black boxes without convenient access to internal signals. This paper discusses types of measurements which can be made using only the digital terminals of the link. Bit-error-rate (BER) vs signal-power data can, of course, provide a means for proving overall link performance, but it can also be used to determine certain internal parameters of the receiver. The theoretical dependence of the BER-vs-light-signal-power curve shape on receiver input-noise equivalent power and comparator slicing level is discussed. BER-vs-light-signal-power measurements obtained with an experimental link are presented and interpreted with the aid of the theoretical curves. The effects of other problems, such as hum or oscillation, on the BER data are mentioned. Sensitivity of the system BER to bit rate is also discussed, with application to determining system operating limits. Since BER measurements are simple to make and can easily be automated, they may prove to be a useful means for either laboratory evaluation or production-line acceptance testing of sealed terminal modules.
Tell Me Lies Confronting the Preschool Closet

This case explores the impact of being closeted on a gay, male preschool educator and the ways in which homophobic culture is fostered in one early learning center. Although sometimes protective, being challenged to hide one’s sexual orientation most always has negative consequences for the individual and society. Internalized homophobia silences and devalues individuals, and maintains a dominant homophobic culture. The complicated relationships between sexual orientation, race, class, and gender are also illuminated. This case encourages education administration students to consider the impact of homophobia on individual staff members and to imagine possibilities for advocacy and adequate staff support.
Traumas and posttraumatic stress disorder in a community population of older adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective The prevalence of DSM-III-R traumas and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their impact on psychosocial functioning were examined in a community population of older adolescents. Method Subjects were 384 adolescents participating in an ongoing longitudinal study. When subjects were aged 18 years, the NIMH Diagnostic Interview Schedule, Version IIIR, was used to identify lifetime traumatic events and diagnoses of PTSD, major depression, phobias, and substance dependence. Behavioral, emotional, and academic functioning in later adolescence was evaluated through self-report measures and school records. Results More than two fifths of adolescents experienced at least one DSM-III-R trauma by age 18 years; PTSD developed in 14.5% of these affected youths or 6.3% of the total sample. Youths with PTSD demonstrated widespread impairment at age 18, including more overall behavioral-emotional problems, interpersonal problems, academic failure, suicidal behavior, and health problems, as well as an increased risk for additional disorders. An equally striking finding was that youths who experienced traumas but did not develop PTSD also showed deficits in many of these areas when compared with their peers who had not experienced traumas. Conclusions The substantial risk faced by youths in community settings for experiencing traumas and PTSD, along with associated impairments in later adolescence, underscores the need for programs of prompt intervention.
Lymphoid suspension cultures from patients with viral hepatitis.

Abstract Long-term lymphoid suspension cultures have been established with relative ease from peripheral blood of heterophile-negative icteric patients with the typical symptoms and clinical and laboratory findings of viral hepatitis. These cell systems may be the ideal tissue for isolation and propagation of the aetiological agent of viral hepatitis which has thus far eluded more usual methods of recovery. Significant titres of anti-H.L.V. (herpes-like virus, Epstein-Barr virus) antibody have been found uniformly in these patients. Presence of H.L.V. antigen has been detected in two cell lines by direct immunofluorescence but was absent in another despite demonstration of herpes-like particles in this line by ultrastructure analysis. These findings suggest that circulating cells from a number of presumed viral diseases associated with a lymphoproliferative phase have increased potential for long-term in-vitro proliferation and that the presence of H.L.V. in these systems may not be of aetiological significance.
Family and Nonfamily Components of Social Support as Buffers of Stress for College Women1

Two samples of college women (N= 273 and N= 99) were administered a stress inventory, a social support scale, and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist. Separate measures of family and nonfamily social support were obtained as well as separate measures of types of social support: social availability, tangible support, information/guidance, and emotional support. With the total symptom score used as the dependent variable, nonfamily social support showed a clear buffering effect on life stress in both samples, whereas family social support showed significant buffering only in Sample 2. Multiple regression analyses indicated that nonfamily emotional support was more effective as a buffer than family social support in both samples. There were no clear differences among the types of social support in their buffering effectiveness All four symptom subscales showed buffering trends, but depression was the only subscale that was significantly buffered in both samples by nonfamily social support. The greater effectiveness of nonfamily social support as a buffer of stress is discussed in terms of the possible greater availablity, both physically and psychologically, of nonfamily friends for late adolescent and young adult women.
Some aspects of the kemp families of distributions

Two families of discrete distributions, one with the probability generating function (p.g.f) and the other with the p.g.f. have been examined. Under certain restrictions on the parameters, some members of the former class can be interpreted as compound distributions. These resulting distributions have the property of being over-, under-, or equi-dispersed. These properties are also examined for the latter class of distributions. Relationships among different members of the latter class are considered graphically by means of a criterion based on successive probabilities.
Neural activation differences in amputees during imitation of intact versus amputee movements.

The mirror neuron system has been attributed with increased activation in motor-related cortical areas upon viewing of another’s actions. Recent work suggests that limb movements that are similar and dissimilar in appearance to that of the viewer equivalently activate the mirror neuron system. It is unclear if this result can be observed in the action encoding areas in amputees who use prosthetic devices. Intact subjects and upper extremity amputee prosthesis users were recruited to view video demonstrations of tools being used by an intact actor and a prosthetic device user. All subjects were asked to pantomime the movements seen in the video while recording electroencephalography. Intact subjects showed equivalent left parietofrontal activity during imitation after watching the intact or prosthetic arm. Likewise, when prosthesis users imitated prosthesis demonstrations, typical left parietofrontal activation was observed during planning. When prosthesis users imitated intact actors, a new pattern was revealed which showed greater bilateral parietal and occipital activity during movement planning (p<0.001). This change may be required for prosthesis users to imitate movements in which the limb states between the observed and the observer do not match. The finding that prosthesis users imitating other prosthesis users showed typical left parietofrontal activation suggests that these subjects engage normal planning related activity when they are able to imitate a limb matching their own. This result has significant implications on rehabilitation, as standard therapy involves training with an intact occupational therapist, which could necessitate atypical planning mechanisms in amputees when learning to use their prosthesis.
Hypoxic chemosensitivity of the cardiorespiratory regions of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM)

Recently, unique cardiorespiratory regions in the RVLM have been found to be oxygen sensitive [1,2]. However, the mechanism of sensing O2 in these RVLM regions is unknown. Since heme oxygenase (HO) has been shown to be involved in the hypoxic responses of the carotid body and pulmonary artery, the aim of our work has been to determine if HO is present in the RVLM, whether expression of HO is altered by chronic hypoxia, and whether HO is necessary for the excitatory response of RVLM neurons. RT-PCR of the RVLM of rats exposed to hypoxia (10% O2) or normoxia for 10 days, revealed that HO-2 is expressed in the RVLM constitutively during both normoxia and hypoxia and that HO-1 is induced during chronic hypoxia [3]. Immunocytochemistry localized these HO isoforms to the C1 region and pre-Botzinger complex (pre-Bot) of the RVLM. Thus, HO isoforms are present in the RVLM cardiorespiratory regions under control and hypoxic conditions, consistent with a potential role for HO in the O2 sensing function of these cardiorespiratory regions. To determine whether HO is important for the oxygen sensitivity of the RVLM, we examined the response of cultured RVLM neurons to chemical hypoxia (NaCN), before and after blocking HO with SnPP-IX, and correlated the hypoxia-excited response with the expression of HO-2 using immunocytochemistry. Primary cultures were prepared from neonatal rats and studied using the whole-cell perforated patch clamp technique. The hypoxia-induced depolarization of these RVLM neurons in response to NaCN was abolished after blocking HO. Examination of these hypoxia-excited neurons showed that they were immunoreactive for HO-2. Further phenotyping found that RVLM neurons that express HO are located in the tyrosine hydroxylase rich C1 sympathoexcitatory region as well as within the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) rich pre-Bot. In fact, 70% of the neurons expressing HO-2 in the pre-Bot co-express NK-1R suggesting that oxygen sensitivity may reside in some respiratory rhythm generating neurons in the pre-Botzinger complex. Thus, HO is present in the cardiorespiratory regions of the RVLM, HO-1 is induced by chronic hypoxia, and HO is necessary for the excitatory response to chemical hypoxia in RVLM neurons consistent with the presence of HO-2 in these excited neurons. These findings support an important role for HO in the oxygen sensitivity of cardiorespiratory neurons in the RVLM.
Reactivation of human neurotropic JC virus expressing oncogenic protein in a recurrent glioblastoma multiforme

Examination of the primary tumor of glioblastoma multiforme and its recurrence for their association with JC virus revealed that, while the viral genome is present in both initial and recurrent tumors, expression of the viral oncoprotein T-antigen occurs only in the recurrent tumor cells. Accordingly, the level of inducible cellular transcription factors, including the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB and YB-1, which have the ability to stimulate JCV gene expression, was found to be higher in the recurrent tumor cells. These observations suggest that induction of the regulatory factors after resection of the primary tumor may have reactivated JC virus gene expression and led to redevelopment of the tumor in brain.
Measuring sensory nerve action potential electrical power

Sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitudes are frequently examined for evidence of axonal loss. Because digital nerves have parallel fibers, and parallel voltages do not add, SNAP amplitude may not accurately reflect axonal loss. In contrast, electrical power can be measured for digital nerves, and is additive. In this study we explore the ability of SNAP electrical power (SELP) to discriminate the increased number of axons in fingers with two median digital nerves versus fingers with only one median digital nerve. Antidromic SNAP amplitudes and SELPs were obtained for 15 fingers. Seventeen external resistors, R(ext), were sequentially connected from electrode to ground for SELP determination. The resulting bell-shaped power vs. R(ext) plot was regressed to the power transfer equation, which has a peak that defines SELP. SELPs of two-digital-nerve (median) fingers were 360-670 femtowatts (mean 525 fW). For one-digital-nerve fingers, SELP was 90-230 fW (mean 190 fW). Evaluation of one- vs. two-median-digital-nerve statistics showed the SNAP amplitude difference-of-means to be insignificant, whereas the SELP difference-of-means was 3.3 SD (P < 0.01). Using a criterion of 2 SDs, SNAP amplitude did not discriminate any one-median-digital-nerve fingers, whereas SELP discriminated all with no false positives. Because parallel voltages do not add, SNAP amplitudes may not reflect axonal loss. In contrast, electrical power is additive. We describe the SELP technique and demonstrate its ability to discriminate different numbers of axons as reflected by one digital nerve vs. two digital nerves.
Plasma annealing state of semiconductors; plasma condensation to a superconductivity- like state at 1000 K?

Abstract The high reflectivity, fluid “plasma annealing” phase of semiconductors, particularly Si, subjected to short, intense pulses of laser or electron or ion beam irradiation is known to exhibit a combination of properties for which no adequate explanation has previously been given. These include an almost crystalline Raman spectrum, a lattice temperature that is an extremely non-linear function of absorbed energy density, an optical band gap with no detectable free carrier absorption, a flat absorption spectrum above the gap. We propose a bose condensation of the carriers excited by the irradiation into a state having properties similar to those of a superconductor to explain these anomalies.
α4-Containing GABAA Receptors are Required for Antagonism of Ethanol-Induced Motor Incoordination and Hypnosis by the Imidazobenzodiazepine Ro15-4513

Alcohol (ethanol) is widely consumed for its desirable effects but unfortunately has strong addiction potential. Some imidazobenzodiazepines such as Ro15-4513 are able to antagonize many ethanol-induced behaviors. Controversial biochemical and pharmacological evidence suggest that the effects of these ethanol antagonists and ethanol are mediated specifically via overlapping binding sites on α4/δ-containing GABAA-Rs. To investigate the requirement of α4-containing GABAA-Rs in the mechanism of action of Ro15-4513 on behavior, wildtype (WT) and α4 knockout (KO) mice were compared for antagonism of ethanol-induced motor incoordination and hypnosis. Motor effects of ethanol were tested in two different fixed speed rotarod assays. In the first experiment, mice were injected with 2.0 g/kg ethanol followed 5 min later by 10 mg/kg Ro15-4513 (or vehicle) and tested on a rotarod at 8 rpm. In the second experiment, mice received a single injection of 1.5 g/kg ethanol +/- 3 mg/kg Ro15-4513 and were tested on a rotarod at 12 rpm. In both experiments, the robust Ro15-4513 antagonism of ethanol-induced motor ataxia that was observed in WT mice was absent in KO mice. A loss of righting reflex (LORR) assay was used to test Ro15-4513 (20 mg/kg) antagonism of ethanol (3.5 g/kg)-induced hypnosis. An effect of sex was observed on the LORR assay, so males and females were analyzed separately. In male mice, Ro15-4513 markedly reduced ethanol-induced LORR in WT controls, but α4 KO mice were insensitive to this effect of Ro15-4513. In contrast, female KO mice did not differ from WT controls in the antagonistic effects of Ro15-4513 on ethanol-induced LORR. We conclude that Ro15-4513 requires α4-containing receptors for antagonism of ethanol-induced LORR (in males) and motor ataxia.
Social monogamy in the noki or dassie-rat (Petromus typicus) in Namibia

The noki or dassie-rat (Petromus typicus) is a little-studied diurnal hystricognath rodent endemic to rocky outcrops in south-western Africa. An intermittent study in Namibia of 11 radio-tagged individuals, with over 250 h of direct observation, was done between 2000 and 2004 to document their basic natural history, including their social organization. The study was terminated when noki numbers collapsed, probably due to predation by an expanding population of black mongooses (Galerella nigrata) that was unintentionally provisioned with food at a nearby eco-tourist lodge. Male and female adults were distributed as monogamous pairs on home ranges that were similar in size and shape. The pair bond was strong, with many coordinated behaviours. Reproduction was seasonal with litters of single highly precocial young. Multiple generations remained on the parental home range without significant aggression. Most aggression was between adult males, while adult females showed tolerance towards each other and intruding adult males. Although noki social monogamy is probably the result of male mate guarding, considerable paternal care was observed, including allogrooming and vigilance against predators. Nokis have a relatively low metabolic rate and numerous thermoregulatory behaviours that suggest that nocturnal huddling by the male with his mate and young may be an important factor in the evolution of their social monogamy.
Withholding Artificially Provided Nutrition and Hydration from Disabled Children-Assessing Their Quality of Life

This article focuses on quality of life determinations and limitation of treatment decisions for children with physical and mental disabilities. Issues are addressed through one pediatric convalescent center's ethical dilemma, deliberations and process for decision-making when the organization's definition of quality of life differed from that of the parents wishing to place their child there. The Ethics Committee suggested revised admission criteria to include provision of hydration and nutrition for future admissions.
DEVELOPMENT OF A VAGINAL RING FOR ACHIEVING PHYSIOLOGIC LEVELS OF 17β-ESTRADI0L IN HYPOESTROGENIC WOMEN1

The ability of polysiloxane vaginal rings containing 17β -Estradiol (E2) to deliver E2 into the systemic circulation at a steady rate over long periods of time was evaluated in castrate and postmenopausal volunteers. Standard laminar designs, used to release contraceptive gestagens, deliver low levels of E2 (about 50 pg/ml) and only for 1 month. With a modified design, E2 levels of 109 to 159 pg/ml were maintained for at least 3 months, and circulating gonadotropins were suppressed to values approaching the premenopausal range. This homogeneous design provides for physiologic replacement of E2 as well as a practical research tool for studying chronic effects of E2 in human subjects.
Does Oil Hinder Democracy

Some scholars suggest that the Middle East's oil wealth helps explain its failure to democratize. This article examines three aspects of this “oil impedes democracy” claim. First, is it true? Does oil have a consistendy antidemocratic effect on states, once other factors are accounted for? Second, can this claim be generalized? Is it true only in the Middle East or elsewhere as well? Is it true for other types of mineral wealth and other types of commodity wealth or only for oil? Finally, if oil does have antidemocratic properties, what is the causal mechanism?The author uses pooled time-series cross-national data from 113 states between 1971 and 1997 to show that oil exports are strongly associated with authoritarian rule; that this effect is not limited to the Middle East; and that other types of mineral exports have a similar antidemocratic effect, while other types of commodity exports do not.The author also tests three explanations for this pattern: a “rentier effect,” which suggests that resource-rich governments use low tax rates and patronage to dampen democratic pressures; a “repression effect,” which holds that resource wealth enables governments to strengthen their internal security forces and hence repress popular movements; and a “modernization effect,” which implies that growth that is based on the export of oil and minerals will fail to bring about die social and cultural changes that tend to produce democratic government. He finds at least limited support for all three effects.
Computationally efficient updating of a weighted Welch periodogram for nonstationary signals

In this paper we introduce a computationally efficient method for updating a weighted Welch periodogram for nonstationary signals. Non-parametric spectral estimation techniques, such as the Welch periodogram, are highly mature topics in signal processing. They have a wide variety of applications in signal analysis including real-time applications with modern test and measurement systems. In many of these real-time applications the data is nonstationary having a power spectrum that is changing over time. This paper introduces a method of generating a weighted update of the Welch periodogram as more data becomes available. We find that for a certain class of weighting functions a computationally efficient algorithm can be found. The paper also presents calculations of the computational complexity of the updating algorithm and simulations for nonstationary signals.
Longitudinal Trajectories in Guilford–Zimmerman Temperament Survey Data: Results From the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

We examined developmental trends in personality traits over a 42-year time period by using data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging (N = 2,359; individuals aged 17-98), collected from 1958 to 2002. Hierarchical linear modeling analyses revealed cumulative mean-level changes averaging about 0.5 SD across adulthood. Scales related to extraversion showed distinct developmental patterns: General Activity declined from age 60 to 90; Restraint increased; Ascendance peaked around age 60; and Sociability declined slightly. Scales related to neuroticism showed curvilinear declines up to age 70 and increases thereafter. Scales related to agreeableness and openness changed little; Masculinity declined linearly. We found significant individual variability in change. Although intercepts differed, trajectories were similar for men and women. Attrition and death had no effect on slopes. This study highlights the use of lower order traits in providing a more nuanced picture of developmental change.
Onset of GaAs Homoepitaxy and Heteroepitaxy

We present scanning tunneling microscopy images and atomic models for a variety of GaAs(100) reconstructed surfaces. For homoepitaxial material we show the sequence of phases from c(4×4) through c(8×2) as the As surface concentration is reduced. For the heteroepitaxial GaAs/Si(100) growth we show the first two stages of film development, namely, Si(100):As-(1×2) monolayer coverage followed by adsorption of a submonolayer of Ga dimers. The next stages of film development are discussed.