cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Background and Objectives: Depression in patients with Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is extremely common, with a prevalence of 17–47%, and is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Treatment of depression has been hypothesized to reduce cardiac mortality. Pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions have been studied and appear to be safe and in some studies effective in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with cardiac disease. The impact on cardiac outcomes remains unclear. This review briefly focuses on the prevalence of depression in patients with CVD, the physiological links between depression and CVD, and largely is concerned with the clinical trials that seek to demonstrate efficacy and safety of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy in this patient population. Methods: PubMed and PsycINFO databases were searched through July 2012. Publications were included if they were in English, a review article, or a clinical trial in the CVD population with comorbid depression. The search was completed with key words of antidepressants, CVD, coronary artery syndrome, SSRIs, depression, treatment of depression, post-MI (where MI is myocardial infarction), major depression, and cardiac disease. Trials were included if the patients were above the age of 18, both male and female genders, and had cardiac comorbidity. No trials were excluded. Results: A total of 61 articles and/or book chapters were included. The majority were from North America and Europe. There were 7 clinical trials of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), one of TCAs and bupropion, and 10 trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). We also evaluated five trials involving psychotherapeutic techniques and/or collaborative care. Conclusions: There is considerable evidence from randomized controlled clinical trials that antidepressants, especially SSRIs, are safe in the treatment of major depression in patients with CVD. Although efficacy has been demonstrated in some, but not all, trials for both antidepressants and certain psychotherapies, large, well-powered trials are urgently needed. There are virtually no data available on predictors of antidepressant response in depressed patients with CVD. Whether successful treatment of depression is associated with a reduction in cardiac morbidity and mortality remains unknown. Depression and Anxiety 30:328–341, 2013. C
A differential scanning calorimetry study of the setting reaction of MTA

Chedella SCV, Berzins DW. A differential scanning calorimetry study of the setting reaction of MTA. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 509–518, 2010. Abstract Aim To evaluate the setting of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) at various time intervals using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Methodology Hydrated MTA and Portland cement were examined with DSC at the following intervals: immediate (0 h), 2 h, 4 h, 12 h, 24 h, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 1 year. DSC analysis consisted of a temperature scan from 37 to 640 °C, resulting in thermograms with reaction product decomposition endotherms. The thermogram peak attributed to calcium hydroxide product formation was identified and quantified to serve as an indicator of reaction product formation over time. Unmixed powders of both cements and individual components of MTA were also studied using DSC. The results were analysed with repeated measures anova between time intervals and a t-test between cements. Results A low temperature endotherm attributed to various calcium silicate hydrates showed continual maturation of MTA up to 1 year. The rate of calcium hydroxide formation was greatest between 4 and 24 h after mixing with maximum amounts present at 7 days. Specimens aged greater than 1 month showed a decrease in calcium hydroxide content, presumably because of carbonation reactions. Portland cement had similar thermogram peaks, although the amount of calcium hydroxide formed was generally smaller compared to MTA. The endothermic peaks from the various powders and components were helpful in corroborating the peaks formed in the hydrated cements. Conclusions Hydration reactions and structure maturation in MTA continue well beyond clinically observed setting times.
Determining Minimum Ion Exchange Resin Usage for NOM Removal

AbstractFor the design and analysis of an ion exchange (IEX) process, it is necessary to know the minimum IEX resin usage defined thermodynamically. Anion exchange resin sorption of dissolved natural organic matter (NOM) may follow an isotherm of either Type I or Type II, which are noticeably different at high surface coverage. The charge density of NOM, which monotonically increases with the pH, appears to play a critical role. Basic pH (high charge density) favors a Type I isotherm and acidic pH (low charge density) may change the isotherm to Type II. The Langmuir equation and the Wiegner-Jenny-Summers-Roberts (WJSR) equation can be used to quantify the Type I and Type II isotherms, respectively. Explicit relationships between minimum resin usage and desired level of removal are subsequently developed and the isotherm constants, along with the non-removable NOM fraction, are simultaneously estimated by an innovative least-squares regression (LSR) approach. The Langmuir isotherm-based model accurately de...
Effects of Aroclor 1254 on disposition and hepatotoxicity of ethylene in the rat.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the disposition of ethylene (C 2 H 4 ) in the F344 rat and to determine the effects of pretreatment of animals with Aroclor 1254 on the disposition and hepatotoxicity of ethylene. Control or Aroclor 1254-pretreated (500 mg/kg, 5 days before exposure) male rats were exposed to 14 C 2 H 4 (10,000 ppm, 0.04–0.11 μCi/μmol) for 5 hr. Urine, feces, expired CO 2 , and expired 14 C 2 H 4 were collected for 36 hr following the exposure. Aroclor pretreatment did not affect the amount of C 2 H 4 expired (17–18 μmol/rat) but did cause a 4-fold increase in expired 14 CO 2 and a doubled urinary excretion of radioactivity. In control animals the blood, gut, kidney, liver, and lung all had detectable 14 C concentrations (20, 83, 14, 77, and 6 nmol-eq of C 2 H 4 , respectively) 36 hr after exposure. Aroclor pretreatment increased the concentrations in these tissues by factors of 1.5-, 8-, 6-, 17-, and 6-fold, respectively. In contrast to control rats. Aroclor-pretreated animals had detectable concentrations of radioactivity in brain, fat, heart, and muscle. Rats exposed to 10,000 ppm C 2 H 4 exhibited no light microscopic evidence of hepatotoxicity. However, Aroclor-pretreated animals had centrolobular hepatic necrosis as assessed microscopically 36 hr after exposure to C 2 H 4 . These results demonstrate that the metabolism of C 2 H 4 is stimulated by Aroclor pretreatment, and that the hepatic necrosis seen in Aroclor-pretreated rats is the result of a greater amount of metabolism or the production of a metabolite(s) not seen in control animals.
Electrochemical investigations on several dimethylbenzo[a]pyrenes.

Abstract Electrochemical studies on several dimethylbenzo[a]pyrene (DMBP)1 derivatives were carried out at a platinum disk electrode employing cyclic voltammetric and chronopotentiometric techniques in (1:1) acetonitrile-benzene mixed solutions with tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate as a supporting electrolyte. The results indicate that DMBPs undergo reversible one-electron oxidations and reductions to form the cation radical and the radical anion respectively as electrode products. The stability of the cation radicals of 1,3-, 2,3-, and 3,6-DMBPs is determined by the current reversal chronopotentiometric method in the medium studied at room temperature, and the pseudo-first-order decay rate constants of these radical species are 0.00046, 0.061, and 0.090 s−1, respectively. Reactions of cation radicals with nucleophiles such as water and pyridine were also studied electrochemically and the result is described.
Differential Predation on Gerbils (Meriones) by the Little Owl, Athene brahma

Predation on experimental groups of desert rodents by the owl, Athene brahma , was differentially successful. Owls sought to capture all types, but adult Meriones libycus were never caught, whereas juvenile M. libyens were always seized. The data support the hypothesis that hearing plays a significant role in the avoidance of owls, but direct experiments comparing owl success in capturing adults with normal and surgically impaired hearing are needed to confirm the hypothesis. Mechanisms that may influence the evolution of behavioral patterns and anatomical structures of desert rodents for evading owls are suggested.
Assessing longitudinal quality of life in prostate cancer patients and their spouses: a multilevel modeling approach

Purpose This study aimed at examining the relationship between quality of life (QOL) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients and partners and how baseline demographics, cancer-related factors, and time-varying psychosocial and symptom covariates affect their QOL over time.
Millimeter-wave detection using resonant tunnelling diodes

A lattice-matched InGaAs/InAlAs resonant tunnelling diode is studied as a video detector in the millimeter-wave range. Tangential signal sensitivity and video resistance measurements are made as a function of bias and frequency. A tangential signal sensitivity of -37 dBm (1 MHz amplifier bandwidth) with a corresponding video resistance of 350 ohms at 40 GHz has been measured. These results appear to be the first millimeter-wave tangential signal sensitivity and video resistance results for a resonant tunnelling diode.
Author's Responses

Abstract In this rejoinder I briefly summarize my thoughts on appropriate measures of performance for evaluating change-point detection schemes, particularly the false alarm criterion. Then I address some specific issues in the light of the discussion pieces from eight experts in this field.
A Close Look at Wiggly Chromosomes

In a recent issue of Cell, Fisher et al. (2013) use high-resolution time-lapse imaging to peer into bacterial genome (nucleoid) structure. The nucleoid, an elastic filament confined via an internal network, undergoes periodic fluctuations critical in relieving tension. Programmed tethers and their release highlight a primordial mechanical cycle for chromosome segregation.
The DeMarco factor: interview with a health policy advocate.

An interview with Vincent DeMarco, President of the Maryland Citizen’s Health Initiative, reviews the history and strategies used to win victories for public health on gun policy and tobacco taxes ...
Activity-dependent depression of monosynaptic fast IPSCs in hippocampus: contributions from reductions in chloride driving force and conductance

Whole-cell recordings techniques were used to record pharmacologically isolated fast inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in CA1 pyramidal neurons from rat hippocampal slices. Repetitive extracellular stimulation up to 10 Hz progressively reduced steady-state fast IPSC amplitude. At low stimulation frequencies (up to 1 Hz), this attenuation was characterized by a positive shift of IPSC reversal potential with no change in IPSC conductance. Above 1 Hz stimulation, fast IPSC depression was associated with changes in both reversal potential and IPSC conductance. Use-dependent depression at low frequencies was prevented when cells were chloride-loaded using cesium chloride based intracellular solutions. These findings suggest that activity-dependent depression of fast IPSCs at low stimulus frequencies results entirely from a reduction in chloride driving force, stemming from intracellular chloride accumulation. Activity-dependent changes in fast IPSC conductance occur only at stimulation rates above 1 Hz.
A Brief Overview of Iatrogenic Akathisia

Akathisia is a significant and serious neurological side effect of many antipsychotic and antidepressant medications. It is most often expressed as a subjective, uncomfortable, inner restlessness, which produces a constant compulsion to be in motion, although that activity is often not able to relieve the distress. Because it can be extremely upsetting to the patient, akathisia is a common cause of nonadherence to psychotropic treatment. Unfortunately, its subjective nature makes quantitative assessment difficult. Although its pathophysiology is not well-established, a decrease in dopaminergic activity appears to be an important etiological factor. In addition to reducing the dose of the offending drug, the most effective treatment of akathisia includes administration of either a beta-adrenergic antagonist or a serotonergic 5HT2 receptor antagonist. The therapeutic effect of monoaminergic antagonists is believed to result from blockade of inhibitory noradrenergic and serotonergic inputs onto dopaminergic ...
Alpha-thalassaemia and population health in Southeast Asia

Alpha-thalassaemia mutations are common. In Southeast Asia, they cause Hb H disease and Hb Barts hydrops fetalis. Fetuses with the devastating Hb Barts hydrops fetalis due to the complete lack of alpha-globin gene die in utero or shortly after birth, often during the second or third trimesters. Recent findings on patients with Hb H disease who have only one active alpha-globin gene suggest that it is not necessarily a benign disorder as previously thought. The disease burden of these syndromes and their public health importance have been largely neglected. We review the population carrier frequencies of alpha-thalassaemia, and summarize the clinical features, diagnostic approaches, counselling and management of these common genetic disorders. Several practical proposals are made that, if implemented, can begin to address the issues of collaboration and improvement for care of these common diseases in the region.
Medical Technologist Core Job Tasks Still Reign

In 1993, the ASCP Board of Registry began a 10-year prospective study of the career patterns of 412 newly MT(ASCP)-certified persons. The Board examined the changes in core, advanced technical, and management job tasks of these MTs during their first 5 years of work. In the first year, the MTs did core tasks more frequently than advanced technical or management tasks. Five years later, they still did core tasks frequently and had acquired additional advanced technical and management tasks. The entry-level task mix of MTs was the same regardless of gender, ethnicity, job title, facility location, or degree.
Organization-, supervisor-, and workgroup-directed commitments and citizenship behaviours: A comparison of models

The purpose of this study was to test two competing theoretical models explaining the relationships between affective commitment to the organization, the supervisor, and the workgroup, and organizational citizenship behaviours (OCB) specifically directed toward these foci. Drawing on cohesion theory, the first model stated that commitment to the organization is a key mediating variable intervening between “local” commitments and OCB (Hunt & Morgan, 1994). Building on Lewin's (1943) field theory and the notion of psychological proximity, the second model proposed that commitment to the most proximal focus should mediate the effect of commitment to more distal entities on OCB. Data drawn from a sample of blue-collar workers and their supervisors in an iron and steel company indicated that the model of a proximal mediation best represented the relationships between commitments and OCB.
THE ESCALATION OF COMMITMENT IN SEQUENTIAL DECISION MAKING: SITUATIONAL AND PERSONAL MODERATORS AND LIMITING CONDITIONS*

Two laboratory studies manipulated variables in order to observe their effect on the escalation of individuals' commitment to earlier investment decisions. The experimental results indicated that escalation of commitment to a failing course of action is not a general phenomenon. Information pertinent to the future prospects of reinvestment and to decision alternatives provided main effects. Neither study showed a main effect for initial success vs. failure. Decision-maker gender consistently influenced decisions in both studies through interactions with success/failure feedback and through the communicated attributions of “powerful others” regarding the causes of previous decision outcomes. Implications for theory and research are discussed.
Requirement of Stat3 signaling for HGF/SF-Met mediated tumorigenesis.

Hepatocyte Growth Factor/Scatter Factor (HGF/SF) mediates a wide variety of cellular responses by acting through the Met tyrosine kinase receptor. Inappropriate expression of HGF/SF and/or Met has been found in most types of solid tumors and is often associated with poor prognosis. Importantly, constitutional and sporadic activating mutations in Met have been discovered in human papillary renal carcinomas and other cancers, while autocrine and paracrine signaling of this receptor/ligand pair has been shown to contribute to tumorigenesis and metastasis. Numerous downstream signaling molecules have been implicated in HGF/SF-Met mediated tumorigenesis and metastasis. Stat3 is a downstream signaling molecule activated by HGF/SF-Met signaling, and is reported to contribute to cell transformation induced by a diverse set of oncoproteins. Stat3 is constitutively activated in many primary tumors and tumor cell lines, suggesting that signaling by this molecule may be important for cell transformation. To address whether Stat3 is required for HGF/SF-Met mediated tumorigenesis and metastasis, we introduced a dominant-negative form of Stat3, Stat3β into the human leiomyosarcoma cell line SK-LMS-1. We found that Stat3β has no effect on the transformed morphology, proliferation, invasion or branching morphogenesis in vitro. By contrast, expression of Stat3β affected HGF/SF-Met mediated anchorage-independent colony formation and prevented tumorigenic growth in athymic nu/nu mice. Thus, Met signaling through Stat3 provides an essential function for tumorigenic growth, which is manifested in vitro by loss of anchorage-independent growth.
The influence of risky and conservative mental sets on cerebral activations of cognitive control.

Mental set is known to influence cognitive functioning. Risk-seeking and risk-aversive mental sets alter cerebral responses to conflicting events. Here, building on our previous imaging work of the stop signal task, we introduced a “reward uncertainty” condition to elicit changes in participants' mental sets and examined how individual differences altered the neural responses to salient events. Approximately half of 27 adult participants – the Conservatives – became more risk-aversive in the “reward” as compared to the “standard” condition, by slowing down in go reaction time. We hypothesized that stop errors were more salient for these participants, as compared to the other subjects – the Riskys – who speeded up in go reaction time in the reward as compared to standard condition. With statistical parametric mapping, we showed greater activation of the retrosplenial cortex, somatosensory cortex, pre-supplementary motor area, and thalamus during stop error, in contrast to stop success trials, in the Conservatives as compared to Riskys. These results provided evidence that mental set influences cerebral activations during stop signal performance and extended the potential utility of the stop signal task in elucidating the contextual effects on cognitive control.
Bioinspired noncovalently crosslinked “fuzzy” carbon nanotube bundles with superior toughness and strength

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) constitute a prominent example of structural nanomaterials, with many potential applications that could take advantage of their unique mechanical properties. Utilizing the inherent strength of CNTs at larger length-scales is, however, hindered by the inherently weak inter-tube bonding interactions, allowing slippage of nanotubes within a bundle before large macroscopic stresses are reached. Many lamellar biological materials crosslink stiff fibrous components via the introduction of a soft binding matrix to achieve a combination of high strength and toughness, as seen in cellulosic wood, silk, or collagenous bone fibrils. Here we present atomistic-based multi-scale simulation studies of bundles of carbon nanotubes with the inclusion of a binding polymer (polyethylene chains with functional end groups) to demonstrate the control of mechanical properties via variations of polymer structure, content and fiber geometry. A hierarchical approach (coarse–grain molecular modelling) is implemented to develop a framework that can successfully integrate atomistic theory and simulations with material synthesis and physical experimentation, and facilitate the investigation of such novel bioinspired structural materials. Using two types of nanomechanical tests, we explore the effects of crosslink length and concentration on the ultimate tensile stress and modulus of toughness of a carbon nanotube bundle. We demonstrate that the ultimate tensile stress can be increased four-fold, and the modulus of toughness five-fold, over an uncrosslinked bundle with the inclusion of 1.5 nm long crosslinking polymer at 17 wt% concentration, providing the structural basis for a fibre material that combines high levels of stress at high levels of toughness. These noncovalently crosslinked carbon nanotube bundles exhibit residual strengths after initiation of failure that depend on the crosslink length, and are similar to plastically sheared wood cells. Our work demonstrates the implementation of a wood-inspired carbon nanotube based fibre material with superior mechanical properties.
The transverse acoustic response of superfluid3He-B

For both normal and superfluid3He, the propagation of a collisionless transverse sound mode is predicted. The study of this mode in the normal fluid has been problematic: it travels only slightly faster than the Fermi velocity and is very highly attenuated. Early theoretical results suggested that transverse sound would not propagate in the superfluid and the experimental study of this mode was not actively pursued. However, recent theoretical work has predicted that this mode should indeed propagate, at sufficiently high frequencies and low temperatures, due to the interaction with the imaginary squashing mode. We present here an extensive experimental study of the transverse acoustic response in the B phase of superfluid3He. These measurements were performed on a short path length (30.5 microns) acoustic cavity, using a continuous wave, single ended, acoustic impedance technique. Simultaneous measurements were made of the longitudinal acoustic response, on an adjacent acoustic cavity of similar geometry. Both sound modes were excited at a frequency of 61 MHz. With this arrangement, well understood features in the longitudinal acoustic response were used as fiducial points for the study of heretofore ambiguous or unobserved features in the transverse acoustic response. As predicted by recent theoretical calculations, the transverse acoustic response was markedly different when the sound frequency was greater than the imaginary squashing mode frequency, as compared to when the sound frequency was less than the imaginary squashing mode frequency. At lower pressures the transverse acoustic response clearly exhibited the signatures of an evolving standing wave pattern (with the transverse sound velocity much less than the longitudinal sound velocity), and as such provides convincing evidence of a propagating transverse mode.
Cellular and molecular events in a newly organizing lateral root meristem

Spontaneous or auxin-induced lateral root formation in radish and Arabidopis provides an efficient system in which to examine molecular and cellular events associated with the initiation of a new meristem. Subtracted cDNA libraries made at different times in lateral root initiation were used as a source of genes that are expressed differentially during this developmental process, and expression studies on a small gene family of ribosomal protein genes were conducted. From analysis of cell division patterns in pericycle cells the number of founder cells for lateral roots was established. By the use of in vitro growth assays lateral root formation was determined to be a two-stage process. First a primordium is formed, and subsequently a subset of primordial cells begins to function as the lateral root apical meristem. This mode of root development has implications for pattern formation in newly organizing organs.
Testbed evaluations of a controlled-delivery power grid

We present two testbeds and experimental evaluations of the controlled-delivery power (CDP) grid. In the CDP grid, energy is addressable and the amount of power is allocated to users in real time. The energy supplier grants the amount of energy supplied to a user and at the same time, ensures that the total supplied energy is within a fixed cap. Energy amounts are discretized to minimize management complexity and optimized for digital control. One of our testbeds mimics the present grid and the other emulates a grid provisioned with energy storage. In the presented experiments, users request and receive grants through power access points implemented with low-cost computers. The management and control plane of a supplier was implemented with a workstation, and users and supplier communicated through a data network. Alternating current (AC) at 120 V power lines were controlled by the server and delivered power to the access points. The supplier was able to maintain a high satisfaction ratio in terms of requests granted and energy delivered under limited capacity conditions.
Deformation of biological cells by electric fields: Theoretical prediction of the deformed shape

Abstract Biological cells, sickled human erythrocytes in particular, have been observed to undergo pronounced shape changes (deformation) when subjected to low frequency electrical fields. It has been suggested that the observed deformation is due to the mechanical stresses induced by the electrical field on the cell membrane. These mechanical stresses and their surface distribution can be calculated by means of the Maxwell Stress Tensor (MST). The cellular deformation due to the electric field is computed here by modelling a ‘typical’ cell as an ellipsoid with a thin shell. The cell membrane is assumed to be an incompressible material whose deformation is associated with both bending and shear energies. The principle of virtual work is then employed to compute the cellular shape and volume as a function of the external field strengths and the orientation of the cell with respect to the field.
Effects of pinealectomy in the newborn female rat.

That pinealectomy in the rat is followed by ovarian hypertrophy is an assumption which is rather widely accepted and which is fundamental to much contemporary pineal research. Nevertheless an analysis of the alleged supporting literature shows it to be surprisingly weak and limited to animals operated at three to four weeks of age. In several mammals young pineals have been shown to equal or exceed older pineals in certain metabolic activities, but the effect of pineal ablation in the newborn rat is unknown. This report is based on Holtzman female rats pinealectomized at three days, and sacrificed at 60 days of age. The animals comprise a littermate series of eight normal, eight sham operated and eight pinealectomized; and a non littermate series of 18 normal, 17 sham operated, and ten pinealectomized rats. Pinealectomy was proved complete by microscopy of serial sections. Pinealectomized animals in both series did not differ from normals in the weight of the body, ovary, uterus, adrenal, or hypophysis; nor was there a difference in time of vaginal opening, estrous cycle, or 24 hour urinary sodium and potassium output.
Apoptosis and metastasis: a superior resistance of metastatic cancer cells to programmed cell death

We studied the response to different external signals leading to apoptosis of several poorly and highly metastatic cell lines employing a murine B16 melanoma experimental metastasis model. We found that highly metastatic cells exhibit a superior survival ability and resistance to apoptosis compared to poorly metastatic cells which would give the former an obvious selective growth advantage during tumor progression. Our results indicate that there is a genetic link between aggressive metastatic phenotype and resistance to apoptosis.
Using comparative genomics to uncover new kinds of protein-based metabolic organelles in bacteria

Bacterial microcompartment (MCP) organelles are cytosolic, polyhedral structures consisting of a thin protein shell and a series of encapsulated, sequentially acting enzymes. To date, different microcompartments carrying out three distinct types of metabolic processes have been characterized experimentally in various bacteria. In the present work, we use comparative genomics to explore the existence of yet uncharacterized microcompartments encapsulating a broader set of metabolic pathways. A clustering approach was used to group together enzymes that show a strong tendency to be encoded in chromosomal proximity to each other while also being near genes for microcompartment shell proteins. The results uncover new types of putative microcompartments, including one that appears to encapsulate B12-independent, glycyl radical-based degradation of 1,2-propanediol, and another potentially involved in amino alcohol metabolism in mycobacteria. Preliminary experiments show that an unusual shell protein encoded within the glycyl radical-based microcompartment binds an iron-sulfur cluster, hinting at complex mechanisms in this uncharacterized system. In addition, an examination of the computed microcompartment clusters suggests the existence of specific functional variations within certain types of MCPs, including the alpha carboxysome and the glycyl radical-based microcompartment. The findings lead to a deeper understanding of bacterial microcompartments and the pathways they sequester.
"Let me show you what i want": engaging individuals with cognitive disabilities and their families in design

In this paper I describe an ongoing multi-stage, participatory design study with individuals with cognitive disabilities and their family caregivers. I use a technology probe to inspire families to co-design a picture-based remote communication system. The technology platform is a PDA.smart phone.. I will present early findings from this study and discuss how it was a successful approach to engage with individuals with significant cognitive disabilities as co-designers of their own technology.
Maximal oxygen intake and body composition of female dancers.

Complete paucity of any data regarding the influence of habitual dance on cardiovascular-pulmonary fitness and body composition of female dancers prompted this study in which 12 female dancers and 12 sedentary female students of the same age range participated as subjects. Maximal oxygen intake was determined on the treadmill, body composition was calculated from skinfolds and vital signs were determined besides measurements of height and weight.
Anholonomic Configuration Spaces and Metric Tensors in Finite Elastoplasticity

Abstract Deformation mappings are considered that correspond to the motions of lattice defects, elastic stretch and rotation of the lattice, and initial defect distributions. Intermediate (i.e., relaxed) configuration spaces associated with these deformation maps are identified and then classified from the differential-geometric point of view. A fundamental issue is the proper selection of coordinate systems and metric tensors in these configurations when such configurations are classified as anholonomic. The particular choice of a global, external Cartesian coordinate system and corresponding covariant identity tensor as a metric on an intermediate configuration space is shown to be a constitutive assumption often made regardless of the existence of geometrically necessary crystal defects associated with the anholonomicity (i.e., the non-Euclidean nature) of the space. Since the metric tensor on the anholonomic configuration emerges necessarily in the definitions of scalar products, certain transpose maps, tensorial symmetry operations, and Jacobian invariants, its selection should not be trivialized. Several alternative (i.e., non-Euclidean) representations proposed in the literature for the metric tensor on anholonomic spaces are critically examined.
Rat Olfactory Mucosa Displays a High Activity in Metabolizing Methyl tert-butyl Ether and Other Gasoline Ethers

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a widely used gasoline oxygenate. Two other ethers, ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) and tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME), are also used in reformulated gasoline. Inhalation is a major route for human exposure to MTBE and other gasoline ethers. The possible adverse effects of MTBE in humans are a public concern and some of the reported symptoms attributed to MTBE exposure appear to be related to olfactory sensation. In the present study, we have demonstrated that the olfactory mucosa of the male Sprague-Dawley rat possesses the highest microsomal activities, among the tissues examined, in metabolizing MTBE, ETBE, and TAME. The metabolic activity of the olfactory mucosa was 46-fold higher than that of the liver in metabolizing MTBE, and 37- and 25-fold higher, respectively, in metabolizing ETBE and TAME. No detectable activities were found in the microsomes prepared from the lungs, kidneys, and olfactory bulbs of the brain. The observations that the metabolic activity was localized exclusively in the microsomal fraction, depended on the presence of NADPH, and was inhibitable by carbon monoxide are consistent with our recent report on MTBE metabolism in human and mouse livers (Hong et al., 1997) and further confirm that cytochrome P450 enzymes play a critical role in the metabolism of MTBE, ETBE, and TAME. The apparent K(m) and Vmax values for the metabolism of MTBE, ETBE, and TAME in rat olfactory microsomes were very similar, ranging from 87 to 125 microM and 9.8 to 11.7 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively. Addition of TAME (0.1 to 0.5 mM) into the incubation mixture caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the metabolism of MTBE and ETBE. Coumarin (50 microM) inhibited the metabolism of these ethers by approximately 87%. Further comparative studies with human nasal tissues on the metabolism of these ethers are needed in order to assess the human relevance of our present findings.
Government and Politics in Northern Europe: An Account of Recent Developments

War-time government in Sweden was marked by the formation of a National Coalition, the enlargement of the Cabinet, the holding of three elections, the maintenance of all essential liberties, and the manifestation of a remarkable degree of national unity. There was no serious questioning of the policy of neutrality, the substantial rearmament had the support of all parties, and both government and people were conscious of the plight of Sweden's neighbors as well as other countries of Europe. As an isolated area within German-dominated territory, Sweden was both a fortress within a fortress and an island in the Axis sea. Always keeping the country's geographical position in mind, the Swedish government throughout the war steered its middle course rather successfully and, although naturally subjected to many pressures and much criticism, at the end had the satisfaction of hearing each one of the belligerents admit that their own interests were favored by Sweden's staying out of the war. With the outbreak of the war, the formation of a national government was proposed-the Agrarians and some Conservatives in particular favoring such a course. For the time being, however, the Social Democratic-Agrarian Cabinet which was formed in 1936 carried on. With the Soviet attack on Finland and the increasingly precarious position of Sweden, however, a coalition ministry was organized. As constituted on December 13, 1939, it contained the leaders of all four major parties. Per Albin Hansson remained as premier and the government contained five Social Democrats, two members from each of the other three large parties, and two non-partisans. Long parliamentary ex-
Perceptions of mediated presence in an asynchronous online course: Interplay of communication behaviors and medium

This investigation of student perceptions of mediated presence in an online college class yielded two key findings. First, perceptions of the instructor's mediated presence were significantly higher than perceptions of the other students' presence. Second, students identified a set of communication behaviors that influenced their perceptions of whether other participants in the class were "real" or present: frequency of interaction, responsiveness, use of non-verbal communication channels, and participants' tone or communication style. Theoretical and pedagogical implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
A Yersinia Effector Protein Promotes Virulence by Preventing Inflammasome Recognition of the Type III Secretion System

Bacterial pathogens utilize pore-forming toxins or specialized secretion systems to deliver virulence factors to modulate host cell physiology and promote bacterial replication. Detection of these secretion systems or toxins, or their activities, by nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain leucine-rich repeat proteins (NLRs) triggers the assembly of inflammasomes, multiprotein complexes necessary for caspase-1 activation and host defense. Here we demonstrate that caspase-1 activation in response to the Yersinia type III secretion system (T3SS) requires the adaptor ASC and involves both NLRP3 and NLRC4 inflammasomes. Further, we identify a Yersinia type III secreted effector protein, YopK, which interacts with the T3SS translocon to prevent cellular recognition of the T3SS and inflammasome activation. In the absence of YopK, inflammasome sensing of the T3SS promotes bacterial clearance from infected tissues in vivo. These data demonstrate that a class of bacterial proteins interferes with cellular recognition of bacterial secretion systems and contributes to bacterial survival within host tissues.
Hydrogen bond directed assembly of oligothiophene/fullerene superstructures on Au(1 1 1)

Abstract We previously reported that a branched quaterthiophene donor chromophore functionalized with a phthalhydrazide hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) unit (MeBQPH) gives twofold more efficient bulk heterojunction organic solar cells (with C60 acceptors) compared to a nearly identical donor incapable of H-bonding (MeBQPME). Here, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) studies confirm the formation of MeBQPH trimer rosettes on Au(1 1 1) through phthalhydrazide H-bonding interactions that are sufficiently strong to compete with adsorbate/substrate interactions. The MeBQPME comparator molecule void of hydrogen bonding functionality does not similarly assemble on the metal surface. Complementary density functional theory (DFT) calculations facilitate a structural understanding of the MeBQPH donor assemblies and their strong stabilization through formation of six hydrogen bonds. STM studies also reveal the templated growth of C60 on ordered MeBQPH monolayers with C60 molecules preferentially occupying the threefold interstitial sites of the MeBQPH monolayer. This work supports the idea that H-bonding interactions can be used to control the morphology of organic donor–acceptor blends to potentially create efficient and stable bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices.
Measuring performance of material handling systems: a conveyor system analysis

Operational efficiency of systems is generally measured by key performance indicators (KPIs). A complete set of KPIs for material handling systems are not readily available. The lack of KPIs makes it harder to assess efficiency and track progress in systems. We develop a list of KPIs to measure the efficiency of a material handling system and specifically discuss the case of a conveyor system. Also, considering a single KPI and ignoring others will lead to a myopic approach to improvement. To combat such a shortfall, we propose a simple weighted approach to obtain a wholesome assessment of a system with KPIs.
Sequence analysis of the URA1 gene encoding orotidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase of Schizophyllum commune

Abstract The URA1 gene (encoding orotidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase) of the basidiomycete fungus Schizophyllum commune was mapped to a 1.4-kb Bgl I- Bam HI fragment of two independent phage λ clones previously isolated from a Schizophyllum genomic library. The fragment was identified by its ability to complement Schizophyllum ura1 mutants via transformation. The complete nucleotide sequence of the fragment containing the URA1 gene was determined. Sequence analysis revealed that the coding region of the URA1 gene encompasses a polypeptide of 279 amino acids (aa) interrupted by two small introns. The deduced aa sequence corresponds to 30.3 kDa and is substantially similar to the sequences of analogous polypeptides from other organisms. No canonical 5 ' -TATA sequence nor 3 ' -AATAAA polyadenylation signal are evident in the flanking regions of the URA1 gene.
Dentin matrix protein 1 and phosphate homeostasis are critical for postnatal pulp, dentin and enamel formation

Deletion or mutation of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) leads to hypophosphatemic rickets and defects within the dentin. However, it is largely unknown if this pathological change is a direct role of DMP1 or an indirect role of phosphate (Pi) or both. It has also been previously shown that Klotho-deficient mice, which displayed a high Pi level due to a failure of Pi excretion, causes mild defects in the dentinal structure. This study was to address the distinct roles of DMP1 and Pi homeostasis in cell differentiation, apoptosis and mineralization of dentin and enamel. Our working hypothesis was that a stable Pi homeostasis is critical for postnatal tooth formation, and that DMP1 has an antiapoptotic role in both amelogenesis and dentinogenesis. To test this hypothesis, Dmp1-null (Dmp1−/−), Klotho-deficient (kl/kl), Dmp1/Klotho-double-deficient (Dmp1−/−/kl/kl) and wild-type (WT) mice were killed at the age of 6 weeks. Combinations of X-ray, microcomputed tomography (μCT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histology, apoptosis and immunohistochemical methods were used for characterization of dentin, enamel and pulp structures in these mutant mice. Our results showed that Dmp1−/− (a low Pi level) or kl/kl (a high Pi level) mice displayed mild dentin defects such as thin dentin and a reduction of dentin tubules. Neither deficient mouse line exhibited any apparent changes in enamel or pulp structure. However, the double-deficient mice (a high Pi level) displayed severe defects in dentin and enamel structures, including loss of dentinal tubules and enamel prisms, as well as unexpected ectopic ossification within the pulp root canal. TUNEL assay showed a sharp increase in apoptotic cells in ameloblasts and odontoblasts. Based on the above findings, we conclude that DMP1 has a protective role for odontoblasts and ameloblasts in a pro-apoptotic environment (a high Pi level).
A quantum mechanical curvature theorem

Abstract A general quantum mechanical curvature theorem of the form d 2 ϵ/dχ 2 ⩽ 〈ψ¦d 2 H /dλ 2 ¦ψ〉 is established by means of perturbational-variational theory; here, ψ and ϵ are the exact eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of the Schrodinger time-independent equation, H is the Hamilton operator, and λ is any real parameter occurring in H . The theorem is also established for arbitrary optimum variational solutions to the Schrodinger equation. Several applications of the curvature theorem are discussed in conjunction with perturbation theory and the stability of approximate wave functions.
Differences in Illness Representation among Pulmonary Patients and their Providers

This investigation examined how patient and provider groups represent 11 descriptors (concepts) of breathing and breathlessness. Two patient groups, those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and those with asthma, and two provider groups, pulmonologists and nurse specialists (PNS), rated the dissimilarity between each of 55 pairs of concepts on visual analogue scales (VAS). The results demonstrate differences between the groups in illness representation. The findings have implications for understanding differences in illness representation between patient groups and providers.
Adolescent males' coping responses to domestic violence: A qualitative study

Abstract This article explores the coping strategies of 10 adolescent males, ages 14 through 17, who were exposed to domestic violence perpetrated by a male parent. In-depth interviews provide the foundation for understanding their experiences, suggesting that environmental stressors, which produce psychosocial difficulties, warrant clinical intervention, and in turn influence coping. It is noteworthy that such behavioral problems, which are sometimes seen as pathological, can also be adaptive.
Marital Happiness and Psychological Well‐Being Across the Life Course*

Using data from six waves of the Study of Marital Instability over the Life Course (N = 1,998), we conducted a latent class analysis to test for distinct marital happiness trajectories. We found three distinct marital happiness trajectories: low, middle, and high happiness. Initial levels of life happiness were strongly associated with membership in the marital happiness trajectories and with various demographic and attitude-related control variables. Using fixed effects regression with time-varying covariates, we also found that marital happiness trajectory membership was associated with subsequent changes in both life happiness and depressive symptoms. All respondents experienced a decrease in life happiness between Wave 1 and the end of their observed time in their marriage, but respondents in the high marital happiness trajectory experienced the smallest decline. Respondents in both the high and middle marital happiness trajectories also experienced a decline in depressive symptoms across time. Intervention and policy implications are discussed.
Comparison of the chemical stability of the high energy density cathodes of lithium-ion batteries

Abstract With an objective to assess the chemical stabilities and their consequences in cell performance, the variations of oxygen content with lithium content (1− x ) in chemically delithiated Li 1− x CoO 2 , Li 1− x Ni 0.85 Co 0.15 O 2 , and Li 1− x Mn 2 O 4 cathodes have been monitored with redox titrations. The Li 1− x CoO 2 system tends to lose oxygen from the lattice at deep lithium extraction, while the Li 1− x Ni 0.85 Co 0.15 O 2 system does not lose oxygen at least for (1− x )>0.3. The chemical instability with a tendency to lose oxygen at deep lithium extraction could be the reason for the limited practical capacity of the Li 1− x CoO 2 system (140 mA h/g) compared to that realized with the Li 1− x Ni 0.85 Co 0.15 O 2 system (180 mA h/g). The Li 1− x Mn 2 O 4 spinel maintains an oxygen content of 4.0 without losing any oxygen for 0.15⩽(1− x )⩽1.
Incubation in one-trial passive avoidance learning: A cautionary note

Sixty rats were tested in a step-down passive avoidance learning situation in an attempt to define an incubation gradient when the effects of the heightened activity following the training trial were controlled. At training test intervals of 5 sec, 10 sec, and 3 h 1-trial learning was observed in the experimental groups in which the effects of activity were controlled, while the typical incubation gradient was observed in the absence of control over activity.