cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Premature menopause and aortoiliac occlusive disease.

Abstract As ascertained from a mail questionnaire, premature menopause (defined as cessation of menses before age 43) was more frequent among women with arteriosclerotic occlusion confined to the aorta or iliac arteries than among: 1. (a) women with arteriosclerosis obliterans of other sites, or 2. (b) women with normal peripheral arterial circulation. The difference was present for both bilateral oophorectomy and other types of premature menopause, and was unaffected when cigarette smoking was taken into account. Patients with aortoiliac occlusion have previously been shown to differ in age distribution and smoking habits from patients with occlusions of other sites; the present paper provides additional evidence that arteriosclerosis obliterans comprises more than one etiologic entity.
Associative asymmetry in paired associates

Pairs of trigrams were presented in the usual anticipatory manner, except that the second member of each pair consisted of two items, B and C. On the delayed recall test, the association tested for symmetry was that between B and C. Forward association was found to be superior to backward association, indicating that equal availability of terms may not be sufficient for symmetrical associations.
Lambda Curve of Liquid He 4

We have measured the pressure ${P}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$ and the derivatives ${(\frac{\mathrm{dP}}{\mathrm{dT}})}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$ and ${(\frac{d\ensuremath{\rho}}{\mathrm{dT}})}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$ of the lambda curve of ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ as a function of temperature from the upper lambda point to the lower lambda point, using an apparatus of very high resolution. Empirical equations for ${P}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$ are presented which represent our data very well and agree generally with previous measurements. These equations define the position and slope of the lambda curve in the $\ensuremath{\rho}$, $P$, $T$ space to a higher order of accuracy and detail than has been possible before.
Sonochemically Produced ZnS-Coated Polystyrene Core−Shell Particles for Use in Photonic Crystals

Zinc sulfide films were grown on carboxyl-modified polystyrene microspheres (PS-CO2) through sonochemical deposition in an aqueous bath containing zinc acetate and sulfide, released through the hydrolysis of thioacetamide. The resulting particles were “optically hollow”, due to a large refractive index contrast between the core and shell materials. Continuous, uniform films were obtained after 3−4 h and reached a maximum thickness of 70−80 nm after 13 h of growth, as characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Aggregation was minimized by subsequent modification of the core−shell particles with mercaptoacetic acid to increase their surface charge and produce good colloidal suspensions. Oscillations in the optical spectra of dilute suspensions of the particles were indicative of interference patterns as expected from Mie light scattering calculations. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns match the zinc blende structure of ZnS and indicate a compression in the crystal lattice (a = 5.305 ± 0.037 A),...
Synthesis of skeletal diamonds: Implications for microdiamond formation in orogenic belts

Diamond was synthesized at high temperature and pressure in a Walker-style multianvil apparatus from various supercritical C-O-H-rich fluid compositional systems. Depending on the type and amount of impurities added to the system, diamonds of vary- ing morphology and bearing solid oxide inclusions were found within the run product. These characteristics bear a striking re- semblance to metamorphic microdiamonds recovered from the Kokchetav massif, Kazakhstan; these natural diamonds share mor- phological traits with our synthesized diamonds, and both the nat- ural and synthesized diamonds contain similar solid oxide inclu- sions. Our data favor formation of Kokchetav diamonds via crystallization from a supercritical C-O-H fluid, rather than from carbonate or carbonatite melt, as others have suggested.
Hot explosive compaction of Mo-Ti alloys

The hot explosive compaction (HEC) technique developed for tungsten-titanium (W-Ti) alloys has been applied to molybdenum-titanium (Mo-Ti) alloys as well. The Mo+Ti powders were mixed and surrounded by an exothermic Ti+C mixture. The TiC reaction, when ignited, released a large amount of heat via a self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction. Heat from the SHS reaction diffused into the Mo+Ti powder bed, causing the interior temperature to rise above 1500 °C. When the powder bed became isothermal, it was consolidated to high density by pressure waves generated by the detonation of an explosive. The amount of explosive charge and the molar ratio of exothermic mixture to sample were adjusted to produce full-density Mo-Ti alloy billets. The billets were sectioned and examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and microhardness measurements. In the context of the original fabrication process, the evolution of the resultant microstructure of the Mo-Ti product is described.
Migration of Precocious Male Hatchery Chinook Salmon in the Umatilla River, Oregon

Abstract Between 1993 and 2000, precocious yearling males of hatchery-produced fall and spring chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha composed 3.6-82.1% of chinook salmon runs to the Umatilla River, Oregon. These yearling males are smaller than typical jack salmon, which spend a full winter in the ocean, and are commonly referred to as “minijacks.” Minijack fall chinook salmon are characterized by enlarged testes and an increased gonadosomatic index. Our goal was to determine if minijacks migrated to saltwater between the time they are released from the hatchery and the time they return to the Umatilla River, a period of 4-6 months. During 1999-2000, we collected otoliths from an adult male fall chinook salmon, 12 spring chinook salmon minijacks, and 10 fall chinook salmon minijacks. We measured strontium:calcium (Sr:Ca) ratios from the age-1 annulus to the edge of the otolith to determine whether these fish had migrated to the ocean. The Sr:Ca ratios increased from low values near the age-1 annulus, sim...
Kratos: Automated Management of Cooling Capacity in Data Centers With Adaptive Vent Tiles

In data centers with raised floor architecture, the floor tiles are typically perforated, delivering the cold air from the plenum to the inlets of equipment located in racks. The environment of these data centers is dynamic in that the workload and power dissipation fluctuate considerably over both short-term and long-term time scales. As such, airflow requirements vary continuously. However, due to labor costs and lack of expertise, the tiles are adjusted infrequently, and many data centers are grossly over provisioned for airflow in general and/or lack sufficient airflow delivery in certain local areas. This wastes energy and reduces data center thermal capacity. We have previously introduced Kratos, an Adaptive Vent Tile (AVT) technology that addresses this problem by automatically adjusting mechanical louvers mounted to the tiles in response to the needs of nearby IT equipment. Our initial results were limited to a 3-tile test bed that allowed us to prove concept but did not provide for scalability. This paper extends the previous work by expanding the size of the test bed to 28 tiles and 29 racks located in multiple thermal zones. We present experimental modeling results on the MIMO (Multi-Input Multi-Output) system and provide insights on the external behavior of the system through CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamic) analysis. We develop an MPC (Model-based Predictive Control) controller to maintain the temperatures of racks below the thresholds through vent tile tuning. Experimental results show that the controller can maintain the temperature below the thresholds while reducing overall cooling air requirements.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The erythrocyte–immune complex–glomerulonephritis connection in man

Over the past five years there has been a groundswell of evidence from numerous laboratories indicating that the erythrocytes of humans and other primates may play a key role in the handling of immune complexes (IC) in the circulation. Most of this work has been reported outside the traditional nephrology literature and, to date, there has been no comprehensive review of this rapidly expanding subject from the nephrology perspective. However, there have been two excellent reviews stressing the basic immunology aspects of this topic [1, 2]. It is the goal of this review to examine the experimental evidence suggesting an important role for erythrocyte/IC interactions in the primate and to discuss their potential clinical implications. The erythrocytes of man and other primates appear to play a key role in the handling of circulating IC by providing a "clearing" mechanism and a "processing" mechanism. The essential first step in the handling of IC by the erythrocyte is the binding of the IC to the erythrocyte. Once bound to the erythrocyte, the evidence indicates that the IC can then be transported to liver and spleen for safe disposal (the "clearing" function of the erythrocyte). IC bound to the erythrocyte may also be acted on by specific plasma components which alter the IC and cause the IC to be released from the erythrocyte (the "processing" function of the erythrocyte). Released IC may have reduced pathogenicity and may provide a signal to the immune system. Although the biological importance of the IC "clearing" and "processing" function of the primate erythrocyte remains to be proven, the evidence accumulated to date strongly suggests that the normal operation of these erythrocyte functions may be important in protecting against the development of IC-mediated disease.
Using Popular Media to Reduce New College Students’ Mental Illness Stigma

In response to evidence that mental illness stigma is especially prevalent among college students, an innovative seminar was developed that mixed popular films and other media with lectures and class discussions to reduce new college students’ stigma. Multivariate analyses showed students in the seminar had more negative attitudes toward people with schizophrenia at the beginning of the seminar but possessed significantly more positive attitudes at the end when compared to a control group. Most notably, seminar students showed greater improvements in their feelings of fear, perceived dangerousness, and desire for segregation from people with schizophrenia than control group students. Implications for college students and anti-stigma programming are discussed.
Reduced bandwidth chirped-pulse microwave spectroscopy for analysis of weakly bound dimers: Rotational spectrum and structural analysis of CH2ClF⋯FHCCH2

Abstract A reduced bandwidth (480 MHz) chirped-pulse Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer has been used to record the rotational spectrum of the weakly bound complex between chlorofluoromethane and fluoroethylene (CH2ClF⋯FHC CH2). Spectra of both the 35Cl and 37Cl isotopologues were assigned from a 7 to 18 GHz broadband scan. Derived rotational constants (35Cl: A = 5602.82(28) MHz, B = 918.5894(4) MHz, C = 795.1888(4) MHz; 37Cl: A = 5453.14(9) MHz, B = 913.6372(5) MHz, C = 788.4024(4) MHz) are consistent with a Cs symmetry structure in which the CH2ClF is angled toward the fluorine and hydrogen atoms at the end of the fluoroethylene subunit. The CH2ClF hydrogen atoms straddle the fluorine atom on fluoroethylene, while the chlorine atom from CH2ClF points towards the geminal hydrogen atom on fluoroethylene. Dipole moment components of μa = 2.342(6) D, μb = 0.022(7) D and μtot = 2.342(7) D were also determined.
The Low Molecular Weight Heparin, Tinzaparin, in Thrombosis and Beyond

Standard unfractionated heparin (UFH) has been in clinical use for over 50 years. The commercial use of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) began in the mid 1980s for hemodialysis and the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Initially, the clinical development of LMWHs was concentrated on the European continent. Subsequently, LMWHs were introduced in North America as well. In the initial stages of development of these drugs only nadroparin, dalteparin and enoxaparin were used. Subsequently, several other LMWHs such as ardeparin, tinzaparin, reviparin and parnaparin were introduced. LMWHs constitute a group of important medications with total sales reaching nearly 2.5 billion dollars with expanded indications reaching far beyond the initial indications for the prophylaxis of post-surgical DVT. This review highlights the pharmacology of tinzaparin. Unlike other LMWHs, tinzaparin is prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis with heparinase, while various chemical depolymerization methods are used for the synthesis of other LMWHs. As compared with the standard heparin, LMWHs have different pharmacodynamic, and pharmacokinetic properties; they also differ in clinical benefits.
Context-specific tolerance to the ataxic effects of alcohol

Tolerance to alcohol and many other drugs can become conditioned to specific contextual cues present at the time of drug administration. Context-specific tolerance occurs to a variety of alcohol's effects, including changes in hormone levels, body temperature and locomotor activity. The present study investigated whether context-specific tolerance can occur to the ataxic effects of alcohol. Baseline levels of motor coordination were assessed using a tilting plane apparatus. During a 7-day tolerance acquisition phase, subjects received an injection of either alcohol (1.5 g/kg ip) or saline (15 ml/kg ip) in a novel testing room and were then placed in the tilting plane apparatus for a period of 20 min. Approximately 5 h after the first injection, subjects received a second injection in the colony room and were then placed in their home cages. One group of subjects, the paired group, received alcohol in the testing room and saline in the colony room. An unpaired group received saline in the testing room and alcohol in the colony room. A no alcohol control group received saline in both environments. Following the tolerance acquisition phase, all subjects were injected with alcohol (1.5 g/kg ip) and tested for ataxia in the tilting plane apparatus. Subjects in the paired group were less ataxic than subjects in the control group during all four testing blocks following alcohol administration. In contrast, subjects in the unpaired group were less ataxic than the control subjects only during the 15-min testing block. Relative to baseline scores, the paired group exhibited deficits only during the 5- and 10-min testing blocks, while subjects in the unpaired and control groups exhibited deficits during all four testing blocks. These data strongly suggest that tolerance to the ataxic effects of alcohol can become conditioned to contextual cues present at the time of alcohol administration.
Calving Difficulty and Stillbirths of Pure Holsteins versus Crossbreds of Holstein with Normande, Montbeliarde, and Scandinavian Red

Pure Holstein cows and Normande/Holstein, Montbeliarde/Holstein, and Scandinavian Red/Holstein crossbred cows were compared for calving difficulty and stillbirth rates. Scandinavian Red was a combination of Norwegian Red and Swedish Red. All cows calved from June 2001 to August 2004 at 7 commercial dairies. Statistical models for analysis included effects of herd-year-season of calving and sex of calf in addition to breed of sire and breed group of dam. Male calves had significantly more calving difficulty and stillbirths than heifer calves. First-calf Holsteins bred to Holstein, Brown Swiss, Montbeliarde, and Scandinavian Red bulls were used to determine effects of breed of sire. Calves sired by Scandinavian Red bulls (5.5%) and Brown Swiss bulls (12.5%) had significantly less calving difficulty than calves sired by Holstein bulls (16.4%) from Holstein first-calf heifers. Also, fewer stillbirths resulted from use of Scandinavian Red bulls (7.7%) compared with use of Holstein bulls (15.1%) for first-calf Holstein heifers. Scandinavian Red-sired calves (2.1%) had significantly less calving difficulty than Holstein-sired calves (8.4%) for multiparous Holstein dams. Non-Holstein breeds of sire had significantly fewer stillbirths than Holstein sires when mated to multiparous Holstein dams. To determine the effects of breed of dam, 676 pure Holsteins, 262 Normande/Holstein, 370 Montbeliarde/Holstein, and 264 Scandinavian Red/Holstein crossbred virgin heifers that had been bred to Brown Swiss, Montbeliarde, and Scandinavian Red bulls were utilized. All groups of crossbred cows had significantly less calving difficulty at first calving than pure Holsteins (3.7 to 11.6% vs. 17.7%). Furthermore, Montbeliarde/Holstein (6.2%) and Scandinavian Red/Holstein (5.1%) crossbreds had significantly lower stillbirth rates at first calving than pure Holsteins (14.0%).
Causality: Its characterization in system dynamics and KSIM models of socioeconomic systems

Abstract Two methodologies—Kane's KSIM and Forrester's system dynamics—for modeling socioeconomic systems are compared and contrasted with regard to the manner in which each characterizes and classifies casuality in socioeconomic systems. The equivalence of the so-called casual diagram used in system dynamics to the cross-impact matrix used in KSIM is indicated. Each method identifies exactly two classes of casual links—the similarity between the classes distinguished in system dynamics with those employed in KSIM is suggested. Then the assumptions regarding the nature of causality that are implicit within the two methodologies are compared. In this context techniques for translating linear system-dynamics models to KSIM-like models (and vice versa) are provided. Examples are provided to illustrate the notions discussed in the article.
Aberrant induction of Par-4 is involved in apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in presenilin-1 M146V mutant knock-in mice.

Abstract Mutations in presenilin-1 (PS-1) have been shown to increase neuronal vulnerability to apoptosis in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Par-4 is a novel cell-death-promoting protein associated with neuronal degeneration in AD. We previously reported that, in transfected PC12 cells, Par-4 seems to be involved in the neurodegenerative mechanisms of PS-1 mutations. However, direct evidence for a necessary role of Par-4 in the pathogenic mechanisms of PS-1 mutations in neurons is lacking. We recently generated and characterized presenilin-1 mutant M146V knock-in (PS-1 M146V KI) mice. We now report that expression of the mutant presenilin-1 in these mice induces early and exaggerated increase in Par-4 expression in hippocampal neurons following glucose deprivation (an insult relevant to the pathogenesis of AD). Importantly, inhibition of Par-4 expression by antisense par-4 oligonucleotide treatment counteracts neuronal apoptosis promoted by M146V mutation of PS-1. Mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase-3 activity induced by glucose deprivation was significantly exacerbated in hippocampal neurons expressing the mutant PS-1. Antisense par-4 treatment largely suppressed the adverse effect of the mutant PS-1 on mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase activation. These results provide evidence in hippocampal neurons that Par-4 is involved in the neurodegenerative cascades associated with PS-1 M146V mutation by acting relatively early in the apoptotic process before mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase-3 activation. Since levels of Par-4 are significantly increased in the hippocampus in human AD brain, the results of this study may provide a significant link between aberrant induction of Par-4 and the neurodegenerative cascades promoted by PS-1 mutations in AD.
Synthetic signals for signal processing

Modern signal processing algorithms exploit spatial and temporal features of signals and such algorithms can be highly sensitive to structured noise. Measured data is routinely used to evaluate algorithms but this approach is often limited by the expense and impracticality of collecting data and the presence of unknown events in the data. It is often necessary to use simulated signals as an interim stage. The paper introduces a method to generate spatially correlated noise as a first step towards developing a fast and efficient scheme to generate non-stationary, spatially and temporally correlated noise. This method is tested on standard (Bartlett) and high resolution (minimum variance) beamforming algorithms to demonstrate how the performance is changed and the advantage to using correlated noise to evaluate signal processing algorithms which require more realistic test signals. (4 pages)
A Continuous Pneumo Apparatus: Hospital and Portable Models*

A newly designed model of the familiar two-bottle Cutler-Robinson pneumo apparatus is described. The new model incorporates the principle of a continuous and unlimited air reservoir independent of the volume of the bottles and features single valve control. Two models have been developed, one for institutional use and a portable model for treatment at the bedside or in the home.
The effects of sheephead (Semicossyphus pulcher) predation on red sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) populations: an experimental analysis.

An experimental evaluation of the effect of sheephead (Semicossyphus pulcher) predation on red sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) was initiated at San Nicolas Island, California in Sept. 1980. All sheephead (N=220) were removed from an area of approximately 12,700 m2 and subsequent changes in sea urchin numbers and microhabitat utilization were monitored along permanent transects for 24 months. The sea urchins within the transects were also measured in situ to determine changes in the size frequency distribution of the population. Although sea urchins rank only seventh in relative importance in the sheephead's diet at San Nicolas Island, there has been a significant increase in sea urchin numbers in the experimental area (26% increase/year) but there has been no change in the control site. Further, there has been a slight increase in the proportion of sea urchins occupying exposed versus sheltered microhabitats in the removal site. Changes in the size frequency distribution of the urchins were minimal (probably due to an observation period of only one year); the size frequency distribution was unimodal and skewed to the left, indicating weak recruitment of urchins. Comparisons of sheephead densities and the percent of sea urchins in exposed microhabitats (i.e. available to predation by sheephead) were also made at four areas around San Nicolas Island and three areas in Baja California. In areas with low sheephead densities (0–35/hectare) sea urchins were highly exposed, and in areas where sheephead densities were high (200–500/hectare), no urchins were exposed.
The arginine methyltransferase PRMT2 binds RB and regulates E2F function.

Abstract The retinoblastoma gene product (RB) is an important regulator of E2F activity. RB recruits a number of proteins, including HDACs, SWI/SNF complex, lysine methyl transferase (SUV39H1) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1), all of which negatively regulate E2F activity with RB. Here, we show that RB interacts with PRMT2, a member of the protein arginine methyltransferase family, to regulate E2F activity. PRMT2 directly bound and interacted with RB through its AdoMet binding domain, in contrast to other PRMT proteins, including PRMT1, PRMT3 and PRMT4. In reporter assays, PRMT2 repressed E2F1 transcriptional activity in an RB-dependent manner. PRMT2 formed a ternary complex with E2F1 in the presence of RB. To further explore the role of endogenous PRMT2 in the regulation of E2F activity, the PRMT2 gene was ablated in mice by gene targeting. Compared with PRMT2+/+ mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), PRMT2−/− MEFs demonstrated increased E2F activity and early S phase entry following release of serum starvation. Vascular injury to PRMT2−/− arteries results in a hyperplastic response, consistent with increased G1–S phase progression. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a novel mechanism for the regulation of E2F activity by a member of the protein arginine methyltransferase family.
The aqueous pore through the translocon has a diameter of 40-60 A during cotranslational protein translocation at the ER membrane.

Abstract Eukaryotic secretory proteins are cotranslationally translocated through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane via aqueous pores that span the lipid bilayer. Fluorescent probes were incorporated into nascent secretory proteins using modified Lys-tRNAs, and the resulting nascent chains were sealed off from the cytosol in fully assembled translocation intermediates. Fluorescence quenching agents of different sizes were then introduced into the ER lumen in order to determine which were small enough to enter the pore and to quench the fluorescence of probes inside the ribosome and/or the pore. These accessibility studies showed that the aqueous pore in a functioning translocon is 40–60 A in diameter, making it the largest hole observed to date in a membrane that must maintain a permeability barrier.
Direct embryogenesis from single mesophyll protoplasts in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

We used a tetraploid clone derived from an anther culture operation of ‘Ladak’ alfalfa to study the pathway of direct embryogenesis from leaf-mesophyll protoplasts. About 72% of the protoplasts divided, and 7% of those produced proembryos. Approximately 38% of the proembryos developed into green embryos, and 33% initiated calluses. Other proembryos dedifferentiated into calluses which later redifferentiated embryos. Sixteen percent of the embryos developed directly into plants, whereas 81% produced plants indirectly via secondary embryos. The remaining 3% of the primary embryos failed to develop into plants. The lowest plating efficiency for direct embryogenesis was 0.3%. The high percentage of direct embryogenesis observed was related to the genetic nature of the clone, low density of liquid medium, low protoplast culture density, and the composition of culture media.
A radial gradient of fibril density in the gerbil tectorial membrane

The tectorial membrane plays a key role in the transduction of mechanical to neural energy in the inner ear. To better understand the transduction process the composition of the tectorial membrane needs to be elucidated. This study was done to determine if Type A collagen fibrils are distributed homogeneously in the tectorial membrane or if there are longitudinal or radial gradients of fibril concentrations. Our results suggest that while there is no longitudinal gradient, there is a radial gradient of fibril concentration. The concentration of fibrils in the limbal (inner) zone of the tectorial membrane exceeds that in the marginal (outer) zone in all cochlear locations examined. This gradient is most marked in the basal, high frequency coding region of the cochlea. While fibril gradients in the tectorial membrane have not been the focus of previous investigations, several findings by other authors support the proposition that the marginal zone of the tectorial membrane is more compliant than the limbal zone. This radial gradient of tectorial membrane stiffness is likely to contribute to the characteristics of movement of the cochlear partition.
Incident ESRD Among Participants in a Lead Surveillance Program

Background Very high levels of lead can cause kidney failure; data about renal effects at lower levels are limited. Study Design Cohort study, external (vs US population) and internal (by exposure level) comparisons. Settings & Participants 58,307 men in an occupational surveillance system in 11 US states. Predictor Blood lead levels. Outcome Incident end-stage renal disease determined by matching the cohort with the US Renal Data System (n=302). Measurements Blood lead categories were 0- 51μg/dL, defined by highest blood lead test result. One analysis for those with data for race (31% of cohort) and another for the whole cohort after imputing race. Results Median follow-up was 12 years. Among those with race information, the end-stage renal disease standardized incidence ratio (SIR; US population as referent) was 1.08 (95% CI, 0.89-1.31) overall. The SIR in the highest blood lead category was 1.47 (95% CI, 0.98-2.11), increasing to 1.56 (95% CI, 1.02-2.29) for those followed up for 5 or more years. For the entire cohort (including those with race imputed), the overall SIR was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.82-1.03), increasing to 1.36 (95% CI, 0.99-1.73) in the highest blood lead category (SIR of 1.43 [95% CI, 1.01-1.85] in those with ≥5 years' follow-up). In internal analyses by Cox regression, rate ratios for those with 5 or more years' follow-up in the entire cohort were 1.0 (0- 51μg/dL categories, respectively (P for trend=0.003). The effect of lead was strongest in nonwhites. Limitations Lack of detailed work history, reliance on only a few blood lead tests per person to estimate level of exposure, lack of clinical data at time of exposure. Conclusions Data suggest that current US occupational limits on blood lead levels may need to be strengthened to avoid kidney disease.
Experimental Test for the Suhl-Nakamura Interaction in Mn 1 − x Co x O and Mn 1 − x Ni x O

The ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{55}$ zero-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) linewidth has been studied as a function of concentration in the antiferromagnetic compounds ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{1\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Co}}_{\mathrm{x}}$O and ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{1\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ni}}_{\mathrm{x}}$O. The results suggest that if the Suhl-Nakamura interaction is the principal NMR linewidth mechanism, then its range in MnO is of the order of one lattice constant.
From Party Voting To Regional Fragmentation: The House of Representatives, 1933-1956

An examination of House roll call voting from 1933 to 1956 shows that heavily partisan voting during the 1930s gave way by the early 1950s to voting strongly influenced by region. The regional fragmentation is, in part, due to the development of new, party- splitting issues. The Republican split on international involvement and the Democratic split on civil liberties can be accounted for by historic differences in regional culture. The change in voting alignments on the government management and social welfare dimen sions cannot be explained by a change in the type of legislation coming to a vote. In these issue domains the 1930s were the period of nonincremental policy change. The blurring of party lines occurs during a period of normal politics. Burnham's theory offers the most satisfactory explanation. Party realignments are characterized by highly partisan voting alignments in the Congress. Once the crisis which precipitated the realignment is per ceived to be over, however, centrifugal constituency r...
β-2-adrenergic stimulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity in porcine granulosa cells in vitro

Abstract Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and isoproterenol produced dose-dependent stimulation of ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.7) activity in isolated porcine granulosa cells maintained under defined conditions in vitro. β- but not α-receptor-blocking agents prevented enzyme stimulation by catecholamines. Application of preferential β-1 and β-2-receptor antagonists and agonists localized the epinephrine effect to β-2-adrenergic mediation. Epinephrine action was enhanced by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 1-methyl-3-isobutyl-xanthine, but not by saturating concentrations of the cyclic AMP analogue, 8-bromocyclic AMP, of follicle-stimulating hormone, or of prostaglandin E 2 . However, stimulation by epinephrine was additive to that of luteinizing hormone. Follicular fluid obtained from immature Graafian follicles contined concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine active in vitro. Thus, catecholamines may participate in the regulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity in the ovary. Catecholamine effects may be mediated by β-2-receptors linked to the adenylate cyclase system.
Local staging of rectal cancer using combined pelvic phased-array and endorectal coil MRI.

Purpose To assess the accuracy of MRI, using a pelvic phased-array coil and an endorectal coil, for preoperative local staging of rectal cancer. Materials and Methods Fifty-one patients (26 males and 25 females) with adenocarcinoma of the rectum underwent preoperative MRI and surgical resection of their tumors. Surgical pathology staging was compared to MRI staging (using the TNM classification) obtained both retrospectively by a reader blinded to surgical findings and prospectively (radiological reports). In addition, patients were stratified according to surgical treatment groups (stage I = T1-2/N0, stage II = T3/N0, stage III = Tx/N1-2). Results At pathology, 36 of 51 (68%) tumors were classified as T0-T2, and 15 (32%) were classified as T3. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of MRI readings for T3 staging were 93% and 86%, respectively (positive predictive value (PPV) = 74%, negative predictive value (NPV) = 97%, accuracy = 88%). MRI correctly predicted lymph node metastases in 11 of 13 patients with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 69% (PPV = 58%, NPV = 90%, accuracy = 74%). MRI correctly predicted surgical treatment groups in 33 of 39 (85%) patients. Interobserver agreement between the retrospective and prospective readings was excellent (κ = 0.85) for prediction of T3 tumor and good (κ = 0.80) for prediction of nodal involvement. Conclusion Combined endorectal and pelvic phased-array coil MRI can be used reliably to select which patients should receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy. It is highly predictive in terms of excluding T3 tumors, but still has limitations in predicting lymph node metastasis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hydrolytic Gene Expression during Oroesophageal and Gastric Candidiasis in Immunocompetent and Immunodeficient Gnotobiotic Mice

To investigate whether host immunocompetence influences hydrolytic gene expression, we compared secretory aspartyl proteinase gene (SAP) and phospholipase B gene (PLB) expression during gastric candidiasis in immunocompetent and defined immunodeficient gnotobiotic mice, by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The use of immunodeficient gnotobiotic mice with combined defects in T cells and natural killer cells enabled a comprehensive study of virulence gene expression in various mucosal sites during lethal oroesophageal (tongue, palate, and esophagus) and gastric candidiasis. All 10 SAP and both PLB genes were expressed in both immunocompetent and specific immunodeficient mice, which suggests that the absence of important components of the host defense did not alter gene expression during gastric candidiasis. Although similar patterns of gene expression were evident in different oral tissues, we detected specific differences between Candida albicans-infected oroesophageal and gastric tissues and differences at various time points during the progression of gastric candidiasis.
Piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers with increased coupling coefficient via series transduction

This work demonstrates a new electrode configuration for piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) with increased electromechanical coupling coefficient (k t 2). The electrodes, a center electrode surrounded by a ring electrode, are identical to those used in differential PMUTs. Unlike a differential PMUT, where the two top electrodes (TEs) are referenced to a common ground electrode, here only the two TEs are used, effectively putting the two piezoelectric transducers in series. The benefit of series readout is that the transducer's electrical capacitance is halved, doubling the receive sensitivity and electromechanical coupling coefficient k t 2.
Maternal benzene exposure and low birth weight risk in the United States: a natural experiment in gasoline reformulation.

We investigate the relationship between maternal exposure to benzene and birth weight outcomes for resident births in the United States in 1996 and 1999, taking advantage of a natural experiment afforded by the regulation of benzene content of gasoline in various American cities. Regression results show that a unit increase (mg/m 3 ) in maternal exposure to benzene reduces birth weight by 16.5 g (95% CI, 17.6 to 15.4). A unit increase in benzene exposure increases the odds of a low birth weight event by 7%. Similarly, a 1 mg/m 3 increase in benzene concentration increases the odds of very low birth weight event by a multiplicative factor of 1.23 (95% CI, 1.19 to 1.28). Difference-in-differences analyses show that birth weight increased by 13.7 g (95% CI, 10.7 to 16.8) and the risk of low birth weight decreased by a factor of .95 (95% CI, .93 to .98) in counties experiencing a 25% decline in benzene concentrations from 1996 to 1999. Public health policy and economic implications of results are discussed.
Software process as a foundation for teaching, learning, and accrediting

This paper describes experiences over ten academic terms in teaching a course on software development processes. Significant lessons learned include: (1) supplementing general information on processes with a hands-on in-class process (personal software process, in this case); (2) using a tool to assist in collecting and managing process data to meet the learning needs (Excel spreadsheets, in this case); and (3) using the process data obtained in the course as a means of supporting accreditation objectives.
Dynamic equalization during charging of serial energy storage elements

A technique is described that equalizes the amount of charge in a serial string of energy-storage cells during charging by using DC-to-DC converters to divert portions of the charging current past selected cells (or groups of cells). When no converters are operating, the charging current through the string is equal to that of the charging source. As the string charges, one cell eventually reaches a threshold voltage V/sub A/. At threshold, a shunt converter is activated to divert current around the cell, thus maintaining it at V/sub A/. The diverted current extracts energy, which is returned to the charging bus and appears as an additional charging current to the source. This positive feedback increases the current available for charging the string and allows the least charged cells, or cells of larger capacity, to be charged at higher rates than available directly from the source. During discharging, the converters across the remaining cells supply energy to the bus, while the converter across the open cell maintains a constant terminal voltage. The maximum current gain of the system is equal to the number of converters used in the system. >
A nanotube-on-insulator (NOI) approach toward scalable and integratable nanotube devices on sapphire

We present a novel nanotube-on-insulator (NOI) approach to produce high-yield nanotube devices based on aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes. First, we managed to grow aligned nanotube arrays with controlled density on crystalline, insulating sapphire substrates, which bear analogy to industry-adopted silicon-on-insulator substrates. Based on the nanotube arrays, we demonstrated registration-free fabrication of both top-gated and polymer-electrolyte-gated field-effect transistors with minimized parasitic capacitance. In addition, we have successfully developed a way to transfer these aligned nanotube arrays to flexible substrates. Our approach has great potential for high-density, largescale integrated systems based on carbon nanotubes for both micro- and flexible electronics.
Somatosensory phenomena in Huntington's disease

Summary: Sensory symptoms are generally not associated with Huntington’s disease (HD). We describe two patients with HD who had painful somatosensory symptoms. One patient also had auditory hallucinations. No other cause was found for these symp toms. Both patients also had significant depression and one patient committed suicide. Somatosensory symptoms may be a marker for depression in HD. Key Words: Huntington’s disease-Somatosensory symptoms-Depression. Huntington’s disease (HD) is characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance of neuropsychiatric dysfunction, chorea, and other movement disorders. Sensory phenomena have not been associated with HD, although pathologic abnormalities have been documented in the thalamus and posterior columns of HD cases (1-3). Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) are also abnormal in HD (4). In Bruyn and Went’s recent review of HD, sensory phenomena are not mentioned (5); Hayden, in his monograph, states that “there have been no reports of obvious sensory defects in Huntington’s chorea” (6). Folstein et al. have reported two patients with auditory hallucinations and interpreted these aural symptoms as the manifestation of an associated psychiatric disturbance (7). We have encountered two HD patients with signifcant somatosensory symptoms and no other evident explanation for the occurrence of these symptoms. One of these patients also had auditory hallucinations. These two patients represent a small fraction of the approximately 150 HD patients seen in our movement disorders clinic over the past 8 years.
A study of two onramp metering schemes for congested freeways

We investigate the stability of a nonlinear (piecewise linear and possibly discontinuous) model of a freeway onramp, controlled by two popular onramp metering schemes: alinea and percent-occupancy. The freeway model is based on Daganzo's cell-transmission model and can be understood as a hybrid system switching among several discrete-time linear dynamics equations. It is shown, under conditions placed on the upstream mainline demand and on the controller parameters, that both of these controllers are capable of rejecting congestion near the onramp. In addition, we illustrate how the use of downstream measurements allows alinea to robustly drive the freeway to a predetermined uncongested desired state.
An integrative definition of coaching effectiveness and expertise.

The purpose of the current paper is to present an integrative definition of coaching effectiveness and expertise that is both specific and conceptually grounded in the coaching, teaching, positive psychology, and athletes' development literature. The article is organized into six sections. The first section is used to situate the proposed definition in the predominant conceptual models of coaching. The second, third, and fourth sections provide detailed discussion about each of the three components of the proposed definition of coaching effectiveness: (a) coaches' knowledge, (b) athletes' outcomes, and (c) coaching contexts. The proposed definition is presented in the fifth section along with a clarification of common terminology and guiding postulates. The final section includes implications for practice and research.
Evaluating markers for treatment selection based on survival time.

For many medical conditions, several treatment options may be available for treating patients. We consider evaluating markers based on a simple treatment selection policy that incorporates information on the patient's marker value. For example, colon cancer patients may be treated by surgery alone or surgery plus chemotherapy. The c-myc gene expression level may be used as a biomarker for treatment selection. Although traditional regression methods may assess the effect of the marker and treatment on outcomes, it is more appealing to quantify directly the potential impact on the population of using the marker to select treatment. A useful tool is the selection impact (SI) curve proposed by Song and Pepe for binary outcomes (Biometrics 2004; 60:874–883). However, the current SI method does not deal with continuous outcomes, nor does it allow to adjust for other covariates that are important for treatment selection. In this paper, we extend the SI curve for general outcomes, with a specific focus on survival time. We further propose the covariate-specific SI curve to incorporate covariate information in treatment selection. Nonparametric and semiparametric estimators are developed accordingly. We show that the proposed estimators are consistent and asymptotically normal. The performance is assessed by simulation studies and illustrated through an application to data from a cancer clinical trial. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Down regulation of stem cell colony formation by purified CD8 lymphocytes and CD8 conditioned medium: potential importance for bone marrow transplantation in leukemia.

A methodology for selection of the CD8 cell subset from the peripheral blood and bone marrow mononuclear cells was developed using anti-T8 (CD8) antibody and magnetic microspheres coated with anti-mouse IgG. Following optimization of antibody: cell binding ratio and microsphere : cell ratios, CD8+-cells in the peripheral blood and bone marrow were effectively removed, with an overall final recovery of 34.9% ± 8.6%, and 56% ± 8.5% respectively with complete recovery of stem cells and very little contamination with effector cells.CD8+-depleted cell preparations demonstrated a 3-4 fold increase in CFU-C and CFU-E colony formation over non-depleted preparations when stimulated with G-CSF, GM-CSF or IL-3 and erythropoietin. The largest increase in colony formation was evident when IL-3 was used to stimulate colony formation. Purified autologous CD8+ T-cells or culture supernatant from in vitro cultures of purified autologous CD8+ T-cells added back to CD8 depleted preparations, induced 20%-90% suppression of C...
Diallyl sulfide, a flavor component of garlic (allium sativum), inhibits dimethyihydrazine-induced colon cancer

Diallyl sulfide, a thioether found naturally in garlic, when given by gavage to C57BL/6J mice inhibited by 74% the incidence and reduced the frequency of colorectal adenocarcinoma induced by 20 weekly injections of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. This result was predicted from a short-term assay measuring defects in nuclear morphology in mouse colon epithelial cells. This chemical is representative of a class of naturally occurring sulfur compounds with profound pharmacologic activity, one aspect of which may be cancer prevention.
Developmental changes in the neural basis of interpreting communicative intent

Understanding the intended meaning of a remark beyond what is explicitly stated is an integral part of successful social interactions. Here, we examined the neural circuitry underlying the interpretation of communicative intent in children and adults using irony comprehension as a test case. Participants viewed cartoon drawings while listening to short scenarios ending with a potentially ironic remark and were asked to decide whether the speaker was being sincere or ironic. In both children and adults, instructions to attend to the cues provided by the speaker's facial expression or tone of voice modulated the activity in visual and language cortices, respectively. Overall, children engaged the medial prefrontal cortex and left inferior frontal gyrus more strongly than adults, whereas adults recruited the fusiform gyrus, extrastriate areas and the amygdala more strongly than children. Greater involvement of prefrontal regions in children may subserve the integration of multiple cues to reconcile the discrepancy between the literal and intended meaning of an ironic remark. This developmental shift from a reliance on frontal regions to posterior occipitotemporal regions may reflect the automatization of basic reasoning about mental states. This study is the first to examine developmental changes in the neural circuitry underlying natural language pragmatics.
High-Q electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection devices for use at radio frequency (RF) and broad-band I/O pins

Radio frequency and broad-band I/O circuit designers may compensate for the capacitance of electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection elements by designing them into tuned resonators or matched filters, thereby requiring that the protection device capacitance have a high quality factor (Q). In this paper, we explore several ESD protection device options, focusing on improvement in Q. We show that surrounding a grounded-gate nMOS transistor with a deep trench increases its Q, while adding a trigger circuit decreases it. We also show that SiGe diodes are preferred over SiGe n-p-n devices. A detailed analysis of experimental results is provided.