cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High‐resolution Al and Fe data from the Atlantic Ocean CLIVAR‐CO2 Repeat Hydrography A16N transect: Extensive linkages between atmospheric dust and upper ocean geochemistry

[1] Trace element sampling and shipboard flow injection analysis during the June–August 2003 Climate Variability and Predictability (CLIVAR)-CO2 Repeat Hydrography A16N transect has produced a high-resolution section of dissolved Fe and Al in the upper 1000 m of the Atlantic Ocean between 62°N and 5°S. Using the surface water dissolved Al and the Model of Aluminum for Dust Calculation in Oceanic Waters (MADCOW) model we have calculated the deposition of mineral dust to the surface ocean along this transect and compare that to dissolved Fe concentrations. The lowest mean mineral dust depositions of ≤0.2 g m−2 a−1 are found to the north of 51°N; a region which also exhibits characteristics of biological Fe limitation through its low dissolved surface water Fe (∼0.1 nM) and residual macronutrients, e.g., nitrate >2 μM. To the south of this region, mean dust deposition increases by an order of magnitude reaching ∼3 g m−2 a−1 at 10°N, underneath the Saharan dust outflow. Surface water Fe values also increase along this section to >1 nM. Distinct minima in Fe concentrations at the depth of the chlorophyll maximum in the vertical profiles between 18 and 4°N illuminate the role that active biological uptake plays in Fe cycling. An extensive subsurface zone of enhanced dissolved Fe concentrations (>1.5 nM) underlying this region is a result of the biological vertical transport and remineralization of the surface water Fe and is coincident with the intermediate nutrient maximum and oxygen minimum of this region. Elevated concentrations of dissolved Al in subsurface waters seen between 30 and 20°N coincide with the domain of the subtropical mode waters (STMW) which result from the sinking of surface waters in late winter in regions imprinted by dust deposition. The magnitude of the Al enrichment observed in this water mass implies that the predominant source to the STMW is from the more dust-impacted western Atlantic, with only limited contributions from the STMW formation region near Madeira. A deeper subsurface Al enrichment (30–45°N) is associated with the outflow from the Mediterranean, another heavily dust-impacted basin. These two regions of Al enrichment show the widespread geochemical connection between atmospheric transport processes and the North Atlantic and underscore its susceptibility to imprinting by atmospherically borne materials, natural as well as anthropogenic.
How Does Photoreceptor UVR8 Perceive a UV-B Signal?

UVR8 is the only known plant photoreceptor that mediates light responses to UV-B (280-315 nm) of the solar spectrum. UVR8 perceives a UV-B signal via light-induced dimer dissociation, which triggers a wide range of cellular responses involved in photomorphogenesis and photoprotection. Two recent crystal structures of Arabidopsis thaliana UVR8 (AtUVR8) have revealed unusual clustering of UV-B-absorbing Trp pigments at the dimer interface and provided a structural framework for further mechanistic investigation. This review summarizes recent advances in spectroscopic, computational and crystallographic studies on UVR8 that are directed toward full understanding of UV-B perception at the molecular level.
Principles of Trauma Therapy: A Guide to Symptoms, Evaluation, and Treatment

INTRODUCTION PART I: TRAUMA, EFFECTS, AND ASSESSMENT Ch 1. What is Trauma: Major Types of Trauma The Problem of Combined and Cumulative Traumas Ch 2. The Effects of Trauma What Makes Trauma Responses More Likely, More Intense, or More Complicated Types of Posttraumatic Responses Ch 3. Assessing Trauma and Posttraumatic Outcomes Assessment in the Clinical Interview Psychological Tests PART II: CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS Ch 4: Central Issues in Trauma Treatment A Basic Philosophy of Trauma, Recovery, and Growth Central Treatment Principles Gender Issues Cultural Issues Therapist Countertransference Ch 5: Psychoeducation Handouts and Other Media General Focus Constraints Ch 6: Distress Reduction and Affect Regulation Training Dealing With Acute Intrusion - Grounding Intervening in Chronic Affect Dysregulation Ch 7: Cognitive Interventions Cognitive Reconsiderations Cognitive Processing Developing a Coherent Narrative Cognitive Changes Arising From Non-Overwhelming Emotional Activation During Treatment Insight Ch 8: Emotional Processing Reexperiencing as Trauma Processing The Therapeutic Window Constraints on Trauma Processing The Components of Trauma Processing Processing "Hot Spots" Emotional Processing and Substance Abuse: Suggested modifications Emotional Processing From Another Perspective: A Note on EMDR Sequence and Session-Level Structure Ch 9: Increasing Relational Functioning and Other Self-Capacities Relational Disturbance Identity Problems Ch 10: Treating the Effects of Acute Trauma Acute Traumatic Stress Brief Review of the Acute Trauma Intervention Literature Intervention Strategies Ch 11: Biology and Psychopharmacology of Trauma The Psychobiology of Trauma Principles of Trauma Psychopharmacology Medications for PTSD Antipsychotics for Trauma-Related Psychosis Sleep Medications Medication, Pregnancy, and Lactation Ch 12: Conclusions References Appendix I: The Brief Interview for Posttraumatic Stress Disorders (BIPD) Appendix 2: The Initial Trauma Review (ITR) Appendix 3: Breath Training Protocol
A novel functional module detection algorithm for protein-protein interaction networks

The sparse connectivity of protein-protein interaction data sets makes identification of functional modules challenging. The purpose of this study is to critically evaluate a novel clustering technique for clustering and detecting functional modules in protein-protein interaction networks, termed STM. STM selects representative proteins for each cluster and iteratively refines clusters based on a combination of the signal transduced and graph topology. STM is found to be effective at detecting clusters with a diverse range of interaction structures that are significant on measures of biological relevance. The STM approach is compared to six competing approaches including the maximum clique, quasi-clique, minimum cut, betweeness cut and Markov Clustering (MCL) algorithms. The clusters obtained by each technique are compared for enrichment of biological function. STM generates larger clusters and the clusters identified have p-values that are approximately 125-fold better than the other methods on biological function. An important strength of STM is that the percentage of proteins that are discarded to create clusters is much lower than the other approaches. STM outperforms competing approaches and is capable of effectively detecting both densely and sparsely connected, biologically relevant functional modules with fewer discards.
Social Justice as a Wider Lens of Support for Childbearing Women

The ecological model is used as a framework for applying social justice concepts to the care of childbearing women and families. In this model, the environment of childbearing women has 3 distinct levels: macrosystem, mesosystem, and microsystem. Two scenarios are described and examples of nursing actions to promote social justice at each level are provided. This article demonstrates how maternal/infant nursing practice can be expanded to promote health equities, social justice, and support.
The Dynamics of Shock Correlations Between the Old and New Members of the European Union

This paper examines the convergence of shocks in new member states (NMSs) to their European counterparts through time. The decision to adopt the euro is associated with higher implicit costs for NMSs with a more asymmetric shock structure. I employ rolling regressions and the Kalman (1960) filter to calculate time-varying regression coefficients relating previously identified structural shocks in NMSs and the European Monetary Union. In general, the results show no evidence of convergence and therefore imply limited merits of accession. Additionally, they suggest that the catching-up process in NMSs is slowing down.
The Z-Score Discrepancy Method for Identifying Reading Disabled Children:

Scores on the Slosson Intelligence Test (SIT) and the Slosson Oral Reading Test (SORT) were compared for reading disabled children from two samples of third grade children selected by three objective methods. The Years Below and the Bond and Tinker methods selected children whose SIT and SORT scores were below the means for the entire samples. The third method, the Z-score method, identified children with SIT scores above the sample means and SORT scores below the sample means. The Z-score method was discussed as a useful additional technique for identifying reading disabled children in the early elementary grades.
The determination of dynamic fracture toughness of AISI 4340 steel by the shadow spot method

Abstract Dynamic crack propagation experiments have been performed using wedge loaded double cantilever beam specimens of an austenitized, quenched and tempered 4340 steel. Measurements of the dynamic stress intensity factor have been made by means of the optical method of caustics. The interpretation of experimental data, obtained from the shadow spot patterns photographed with a Cranz-Schardin high speed camera, is based on an elastodynamic analysis. The instantaneous value of the dynamic stress intensity factor KdI is obtained as a function of crack tip velocity. Finally, the interaction of reflected shear and Rayleigh waves with the moving crack tip stress field is considered.
AIDS: Maximin vs. Expected Profit and the Faithful Newsboy Problem

Abstract This note provides valuable insight with respect to the expected value criterion (i.e., best on the average) by comparing it with the maximin criterion (best that can be guaranteed). The vehicle used is the standard newsboy problem of inventory management.
The role of extended pelvic lymphadenectomy with radical prostatectomy for high-risk prostate cancer

Abstract Introduction The role of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa) is controversial. Despite extensive research in both patterns of lymphatic drainage and the clinical effect of lymph node involvement, the exact role of PLND in PCa is yet to be defined. Methods A systematic search of the MEDLINE database was performed, and all relevant articles were reviewed in depth. Results We included 84 relevant articles in our review and subdivided the information into the following categories: preoperative patient evaluation, procedure/extent of dissection, complications, and robotic surgery era. Most authors agree that the greatest benefit is seen in patients with high-risk PCa undergoing RP. Multiple imaging modalities have been evaluated for assistance in patient selection, but the use of preoperative nomograms appears to be the most helpful selection tool. The role of limited PLND vs. extended PLND (e-PLND) is yet to be defined, though many authors agree that e-PLND is preferred in the setting of high-risk PCa. Although PLND is associated with a higher incidence of complications, especially lymphocele formation, it is unclear whether e-PLND leads to more complications than limited PLND. The introduction of minimally invasive surgery may have had a negative effect on implementation of PLND in the appropriate patients undergoing RP. Conclusion Despite a lack of prospective, randomized trials evaluating PLND in RP, there does appear to be a consistent benefit in patients with high-risk disease.
Erythrocyte-derived photo-theranostic agents: hybrid nano-vesicles containing indocyanine green for near infrared imaging and therapeutic applications

Development of theranostic nano-constructs may enable diagnosis and treatment of diseases at high spatial resolution. Some key requirements for clinical translation of such constructs are that they must be non-toxic, non-immunogenic, biodegradable, with extended circulating lifetime. Cell-based structures, particularly those derived from erythrocytes, are promising candidate carrier systems to satisfy these requirements. One particular type of theranostic materials utilize light-sensitive agents that once photo-activated can provide diagnostic imaging capability, and elicit therapeutic effects. Here we demonstrate the first successful engineering of hybrid nano-scale constructs derived from membranes of hemoglobin-depleted erythrocytes that encapsulate the near infrared chromophore, indocyanine green. We show the utility of the constructs as photo-theranostic agents in fluorescence imaging and photothermal destruction of human cells. These erythrocyte-mimicking nano-structures can be derived autologously, and may have broad applications in personal nanomedicine ranging from imaging and photo-destruction of cancerous tissues to vascular abnormalities, and longitudinal evaluations of therapeutic interventions.
REGULATION OF THE MURINE ADIPOCYTE FATTY ACID TRANSPORTER GENE BY INSULIN

A cDNA encoding a novel fatty acid transport protein (FATP) was identified recently using expression cloning methodologies. We have studied the expression of FATP in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells and adipose tissue in vivo. When 3T3-L1 preadipocytes are treated with a combination of methylisobutylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin to induce differentiation, the abundance of FATP mRNA decreases within 24 h to less than one-third that of preadipocytes and increases subsequently, such that mature adipocytes have 5-7 times more FATP mRNA than fibroblastic precursors. In fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, insulin alone is sufficient to down-regulate FATP mRNA levels 10-fold. The concentration of insulin necessary for half-maximal repression (I0.5) is approximately 1 nM and is specific for insulin; insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) has little effect at similar concentrations. Kinetic analysis indicates that the reduction in expression of FATP mRNA by insulin is rapid (t1/2 = approximately 4 h) and reversible upon withdrawal of insulin. The half-lives of FATP mRNA are 2.9 h and 4.4 h in the absence and presence of insulin, respectively. The insulin-mediated decrease in FATP steady state mRNA level correlates with a decrease in its transcription rate as measured by nuclear run-on transcription assay. To determine whether physiological conditions that alter insulin concentration in vivo affect adipose FATP levels, feeding/fasting studies are employed. Fasting of C57BL/6J mice for 48 h results in an 11-fold up-regulation of FATP mRNA expression in adipose tissue. Refeeding of fasted animals for 72 h results in a return of FATP mRNA to basal levels. In sum, these results indicate that the expression of FATP gene is negatively regulated by insulin at the transcriptional level in cultured adipocytes and that transporter mRNA expression in murine adipose tissue is altered in a manner consistent with insulin being a negative regulator of gene activity.
Hegemony or diversity in film and television? The United States, Europe and Japan

Abstract In October 2005 UNESCO produced its Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. This was largely a response to the worries of countries, especially in Europe and not least of which France, which feared the damaging effects to their cultures if trade in entertainment products remained too one-sided. Generally the argument of this paper is that while initial tensions between the United States and Europe were motivated by the usual commercial concerns, Europeans were increasingly worried about the cultural impact of this commerce. The Japanese, however, have not been nearly so concerned as the Europeans about becoming ‘Americanized’. This lack of tension between the United States and Japan in the area of film and television is due to several factors. First, there is a complementarity between American entertainment and the Japanese electronics industry. Second, the Japanese are major players in some aspects of the entertainment industry, most especially in the area of animation, and they are especia...
D'Alembert's critique of probability theory

Summaries This paper seeks to understand d'Alembert's critique of conventional probability theory in terms of a broader philosophical program aimed at achieving a closer match between mathematics and physical and psychological experience. D'Alembert's discussions of the St. Petersburg and inoculation problems are reinterpreted in light of this philosophical objective.
Design of a diffractive variable magnification telescope

For applications in Doppler radar processing, it is necessary to convolve a one-dimensional signal with spatially scaled versions of a single reference. To achieve this one can expand the reference in one dimension, image it though a system that has variable-magnification in this dimension, and perform a one- dimensional convolution with the input signal in the orthogonal direction. To realize the variable magnification imaging system, we consider the construction of a telescope that uses two hybrid diffractive-refractive elements. The refractive component for the elements is a cylindrical lens that provides bias focussing power. The diffractive component for the first element provides the modulation of the optical power necessary to achieve variable- magnification. The second diffractive component is used to correct the phase of the output image and produce a collimated output. Closed form and iterative designs are presented.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Daunorubicin cardiac toxicity in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia

Daunorubicin (DNR) cardiac toxicity was documented in 17 (9.9%) of 172 children with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Group IIB (7/87) received twice weekly methotrexate (MTX) and pulse dose of vincristine, DNR, and prednisone (Pred). Group IIIB (10/85) received methotrexate (MTX), 6-MP, and the same pulse dose. Groups IIA, 88 patients, and IIIA, 79 patients, were treated similarly to IIB and IIIB, but without DNR. The latter were all free of cardiac toxicity. This is the first random controlled study to demonstrate DNR cardiotoxicity. The 17 children were in complete remission at onset of cardiac symptoms. The range of DNR administered was 360-1260 mg/m2. All 17 patients had onset of congestive heart failure that responded well initially to anticongestive treatment. Electrocardiograms were abnormal showing a variety of changes. In three patients, systolic time intervals indicated severe myocardial dysfunction. Postmortem cardiac studies on two patients demonstrated myocardial interstitial edema with cellular degeneration manifested by irregularity and separation and loss of some myofibrils. DNR demonstrated no advantage as a supplement to VCR and Pred reinforcement with regard to remission duration. DNR used in this described schedule causes significant and debilitating cardiac toxicity in 10% of patients treated.
Impact of Optimal Discharge Air Temperature and Minimum Airflow

Airflow and discharge air temperature can be varied to maintain room temperature setpoint according to heating load. Increasing discharge air temperature and the decreasing airflow can save energy, but it causes reduced air circulation as supply air temperature rises above the space temperature. On the other hand, increasing airflow can improve air circulation; however, it may waste energy. The objective of this study is to identify the correlation between the minimum airflow and discharge air temperature that will maintain room thermal comfort. Optimal room airflow and discharge air temperature were analyzed, and the impact of room airflow and discharge air temperature on thermal stratification was evaluated and potential energy savings was estimated. Its performance was conducted through field experiment.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Stability analysis of a two-dimensional vortex pattern

A normal mode analysis of perturbations on a stationary pattern formed by two-dimensional point vortices is carried out. The pattern is comprised of N equal vortices on a circle and one vortex of arbitrary strength in the center. The influence of an outer circular boundary is taken into account. The complete eigenfrequency spectrum is derived. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Market games with differential information and infinite dimensional commodity spaces: the core

We provide an alternative proof of the existence of core allocations in exchange economies with differential information and infinite dimensional commodity spaces. We also identify a critical feature of information sharing rules that ensures nonemptiness of the core. In essence, the only condition we require on the sharing rules is that profitable “insider trading” be prohibited. In the absence of insider trading, balancedness is guaranteed and core nonemptiness follows.
Effect of spin disorder on magnetic properties of nanostructured Ni-ferrite

This work presents a structural and magnetic study of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles. Powder samples with different particle sizes were made by annealing the fine powder at different temperatures. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and low temperature SQUID magnetometry experiments were carried out to characterize the samples. Results support a previously proposed model that the NiFe2O4 nanoparticle has a core/shell structure due to surface disorder. However, a detailed analysis of the data reveals that although the structural disorder in the surface of the particle is the major cause for forming a shell, the superexchange coupling is the driving force for the magnetic configuration, which creates a magnetically immobilized region near the surface region with thicknesses significantly larger than that of the structurally inhomogeneous layer on the surface. Also, the ease of magnetization of the core can be significantly affected. Since the crystalline and magnetic disorders commonly exist in the ...
Gas chromatographic separation of phenols on a polyphenyl ether with six rings. I

Abstract The separation of C 7 –C 15 monohydric alkylphenols, C 9 and C 10 indanols, C 10 and C 11 naphthols, and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-naphthol on a column packed with 5% (w/w) of a polyphenyl ether with six rings on Chromaton N AW HMDS has been studied. The retention indices for the column temperatures used (140 and 160°) were determined. It was found, that a relationship between retention index and number of C atoms can find only limited use in the identification of individual phenols.
Fourier Spectrometry from Balloons

Balloon-borne high resolution Fourier interference spectrometers analyzed in terms of IR Michelson interferometer and near IR cats- eye interferometer
Prediction of nonsentinel lymph node status in melanoma.

Background: Most melanoma patients with a positive sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) undergo a completion lymph node dissection (CLND) that does not yield additional positive nonsentinel lymph nodes (NSLN). This study was designed to determine if NSLN status can be predicted using patient, primary tumor, and sentinel lymph node (SLN) characteristics.
The role of family of origin food-related experiences in bulimic symptomatology.

Objective With the goal of developing a model relating family of origin experiences to maladaptive cognitions to bulimic symptom formation, the authors developed a measure of family of origin food-related experiences called the Family History Inventory. Method A number (N = 662) of sixth to eighth-grade adolescents completed the inventory, eating and dieting expectancy measures, and the Bulimia Test-Revised (BULIT-R). Results Fourteen scales were identified in the inventory. They emphasized family teasing about weight, negative maternal modeling regarding food, and family rules concerning eating. Eleven of the 14 scales correlated with the BULIT-R. Two superordinate factors called Family Teasing and Negative Maternal Modeling summarized 8 of the 14 subscales. Statistical tests were consistent with the hypothesis that eating and dieting expectancies mediate the influence of Family Teasing and Negative Maternal Modeling on bulimic symptomatology. Discussion There was good evidence for the validity of the Family History Inventory. The theoretical implications of the mediation tests are discussed. © 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 30: 149–160, 2001
Differential epigenome-wide DNA methylation patterns in childhood obesity-associated asthma

While DNA methylation plays a role in T-helper (Th) cell maturation, its potential dysregulation in the non-atopic Th1-polarized systemic inflammation observed in obesity-associated asthma is unknown. We studied DNA methylation epigenome-wide in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 8 obese asthmatic pre-adolescent children and compared it to methylation in PBMCs from 8 children with asthma alone, obesity alone and healthy controls. Differentially methylated loci implicated certain biologically relevant molecules and pathways. PBMCs from obese asthmatic children had distinctive DNA methylation patterns, with decreased promoter methylation of CCL5, IL2RA and TBX21, genes encoding proteins linked with Th1 polarization, and increased promoter methylation of FCER2, a low-affinity receptor for IgE, and of TGFB1, inhibitor of Th cell activation. T-cell signaling and macrophage activation were the two primary pathways that were selectively hypomethylated in obese asthmatics. These findings suggest that dysregulated DNA methylation is associated with non-atopic inflammation observed in pediatric obesity-associated asthma.
Noise analysis of the glutamate-activated current in photoreceptors.

The glutamate-activated current in photoreceptors has been attributed both to a sodium/glutamate transporter and to a glutamate-activated chloride channel. We have further studied the glutamate-activated current in single, isolated photoreceptors from the tiger salamander using noise analysis on whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. In cones, the current is generated by chloride channels with a single-channel conductance of 0.7 pS and an open lifetime of 2.4 ms. The number of channels per cell is in the range of 10,000–20,000. Activation of the channels requires the presence of both glutamate and sodium. The single-channel conductance and the open lifetime of the channel are independent of the external concentration of glutamate and sodium. External glutamate and sodium affect only the opening rate of the channels. D,L-Threo-3-hydroxyaspartate (THA), a glutamate-transport blocker, is shown to be a partial agonist for the channel. The single-channel conductance is the same regardless of whether glutamate or THA is the ligand, but the open lifetime of the channel is only 0.8 ms with THA as ligand. The glutamate-activated current in rods has a similar single-channel conductance (0.74 pS) and open lifetime (3 ms). We propose a kinetic model, consistent with these results, to explain how a transporter can simultaneously act both as a sodium/glutamate-gated chloride channel and a glutamate/sodium cotransporter.
Social support as a protective factor in suicide: Findings from two nationally representative samples

Background Suicide is a problem of worldwide concern and research on possible protective factors is needed. We explored the role of social support as one such factor. Specifically, we hypothesized that increased social support would be associated with decreased likelihood of a lifetime suicide attempt in two nationally representative samples as well as a high-risk subsample.
Immediate Test-Retest Changes in WAIS Scores among College Males

The WAIS was administered twice, in immediate succession, in standardized fashion, to 35 undergraduate male introductory psychology students. The effects of having just immediately completed the test were reflected in the amount of change in scores from test to retest. On the average, the Verbal IQs increased by 3.1 IQ points and the Performance IQs increased by 14.2 IQ points. Full Scale IQ increased by an average of 8.3 IQ points on retest. Subtests most susceptible to gain on immediate retest were Object Assembly, Picture Arrangement, Digit Symbol, Arithmetic, and Block Design, all of which are timed. Verbal subtests were less affected by prior testing than were Performance subtests. Test-retest reliability coefficients for the Verbal IQ, Performance IQ, and Full Scale IQ were .86, .86, and .88, respectively. Subtest reliabilities ranged from a low of .61 for Object Assembly to a high of .91 for Vocabulary. Retest effects were discussed in terms of previous findings, relevant variables, and the need fo...
Diabatic Initialization Tests Using the Naval Research Laboratory Limited-Area Numerical Weather Prediction Model

Abstract Diabatic forcing has been incorporated into a nonlinear normal-mode initialization scheme to provide more realistic initial conditions and to alleviate the problem of the spinup time of the Naval Research Laboratory Limited-Area Numerical Weather Prediction Model. Latent heating profiles are computed from the observed rainfall and from the model-generated convective rainfall at locations where there were no observations. The latent heating is distributed in the vertical according to the cumulus convective parameterization scheme (Kuo scheme) of the model. The results of a case study from the Genesis of Atlantic Lows Experiment indicated that model spinup of forecast rainfall can be reduced when diabatic initialization with merging of heat and/or rain is used.
Consequences of misspecifying assumptions in nonlinear mixed effects models

The nonlinear mixed effects model provides a framework for inference in a number of applications, most notably pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, but also in HIV and other disease dynamics and in a host of other longitudinal-data settings. In these models, to characterize population variation, individual-specific parameters are modeled as functions of fixed effects and mean-zero random effects. A standard assumption is that of normality of the random effects, but this assumption may not always be realistic, and, because the random effects are not observed, it may be difficult to verify. An additional issue is specifying the form of the function relating individual-specific parameters to fixed and random effects. Again, because this relationship is not observed explicitly, it may be difficult to specify. Popular methods for fitting these models are predicated on the normality assumption, and past studies evaluating their performance have assumed that normality and the form of the model are correct specifications. We investigate the consequences for population inferences using these methods when the normality assumption is inappropriate and/or the model is misspecified.
A Crack Very Close to a Bimaterial Interface

This paper presents the plane elastostatics analysis of semi-infinite crack perpendicular to a perfectly bonded bimaterial interface. Both cases of the crack approaching the interface and penetrating the interface are addressed. The distance from the tip of the crack to the interface is 6. A singular integral equation approach is used to calculate the stress intensity factor, K 1 , and the crack-opening displacement at the interface, η, as functions of 6, the Dundurs parameters a and β, and the stress intensity factor k 1 associated with the same crack terminating at the interface (the case δ = 0). The results are presented as K I = k 1 δ 1/2-λ f(α, β) and η = Ck 1 δ 1-λ η(α, β) where λ is the strength of the stress singularity associated with δ = 0, f and η are functions calculated numerically and C is a material constant. These results can be used to determine the stress intensity factor and crack opening displacement of cracks of finite length 2a with one tip at a distance 6 from the interface for δ/a << 1. The selected results presented for a crack loaded by a uniform far-field tension in each half-plane show that the stress intensity factors approach their limits at a relatively slow rate.
Comparison of the antinociceptive effect of acute morphine in female and male Sprague–Dawley rats using the long-lasting mu-antagonist methocinnamox

Male rats are more sensitive than female rats to the antinociceptive action of morphine. The present study used age-matched (9–10 weeks old) male and female Sprague–Dawley rats to investigate whether this difference is due to variation in mu-opioid receptor binding and G protein activation. In the warm-water tail-withdrawal assay at both 50 -C and 55 -C, morphine was 2–3 times more potent in males than females. In contrast, mu-opioid receptor number and the binding affinity of the mu-opioid agonists morphine and DAMGO in membranes from whole brain, cortex, thalamus, and spinal cord were not different between males and females. Similarly, morphine and DAMGO stimulation of G protein, determined using GTPase and [ 35 S]GTPgS binding assays, did not show a difference between the sexes. The long-lasting mu-opioid receptor antagonist methocinnamox (0.32 mg/kg), given 24 h prior to morphine, reduced mu-opioid receptor number by approximately 50% in thalamic and spinal cord tissue from female and male rats and reduced the antinociceptive potency of morphine. Pretreatment of male rats with 0.32 mg/kg methocinnamox reduced the antinociceptive potency of morphine to that observed in female rats expressing a full complement of mu-opioid receptors. However, with increasing pretreatment doses of methocinnamox, the maximal antinociceptive effect of morphine was decreased in females but not males. The results suggest that pathways downstream of the mu-opioid receptor and G protein are more efficient in male rats than in female rats such that there is a larger receptor reserve for morphine-mediated antinociception. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Theme: Neurotransmitters, modulators, transporters, and receptors Topic: Opioid receptors
When "rare" is no excuse for progress.

In this issue of Blood , Gadner et al provides data from the third Histiocyte Society trial (LCH III).[1][1] ![Figure][2] (A) Response rates of initial therapy of LCH compared with childhood ALL and AML. (B) Overall 5-year survival percentages. RO+ is defined as patients with LCH that
Neutrophils from pregnant women produce thromboxane and tumor necrosis factor-α in response to linoleic acid and oxidative stress

Objective Preeclampsia is associated with oxidative stress, neutrophil activation, neutrophil infiltration into systemic vasculature, and elevated plasma levels of linoleic acid, the fatty acid precursor to arachidonic acid and its metabolite, thromboxane. In this study we evaluated whether linoleic acid under conditions of oxidative stress would stimulate neutrophil production of thromboxane and tumor necrosis factor-α. Study design Neutrophils were isolated from 14 normal pregnant women. Western blot demonstrated cyclooxygenase-2 expression at 18 hours of incubation, so this incubation time was used for experiments. Neutrophils (2 × 106 cells/mL) were incubated in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/F-12 with: (1) linoleic acid control; (2) an oxidizing solution enriched with linoleic acid; (3) oxidizing solution enriched with linoleic acid plus indomethacin; (4) oxidizing solution enriched with linoleic acid plus aspirin; (5) oxidizing solution enriched with linoleic acid plus NS-398, a specific inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2; or (6) oxidizing solution enriched with linoleic acid plus pinane thromboxane, a thromboxane synthase inhibitor and receptor blocker. Results Oxidizing solution enriched with linoleic acid significantly increased oxidative stress in neutrophils. Compared with linoleic acid, oxidizing solution enriched with linoleic acid significantly increased neutrophil production of thromboxane and tumor necrosis factor-α. Indomethacin and aspirin inhibited oxidizing solution enriched with linoleic acid stimulation of thromboxane, but NS-398 was equally effective implicating cyclooxygenase-2 in the thromboxane response. Indomethacin inhibited oxidizing solution enriched with linoleic acid stimulation of tumor necrosis factor-α, but so did pinane thromboxane implicating thromboxane in the tumor necrosis factor-α response. Conclusions These data demonstrate that exposure of neutrophils from normal pregnant women to conditions present in preeclamptic women results in neutrophil activation with release of thromboxane and tumor necrosis factor-α. Newly synthesized thromboxane is cyclooxygenase-2 dependent and plays a role in the tumor necrosis factor-α response. Our data suggest a mechanism for maternal vasoconstriction and vascular inflammation in preeclampsia because activated, thromboxane-secreting neutrophils migrate across endothelium into the microenvironment of the vasculature in which they could promote vasoconstriction, whereas release of tumor necrosis factor-α could cause vascular inflammation.
Rupture of aortic aneurysm into the superior vena cava.

Abstract 1. 1. There have been reported 104 cases of rupture of an aortic aneurysm into the superior vena cava, including two reported for the first time. 2. 2. The incidence, etiology, pathology, and physiology of rupture of an aortic aneurysm into the superior vena cava are reviewed. 3. 3. The objective findings are due to an arteriovenous aneurysm and are not due to organic disease of the aortic valve.
A PROBLEM CHECK‐LIST FOR TEACHERS

Summary. The Teacher Operational Problems-Identification is a self-administering check-list of 445 problems faced by teachers in eight main areas of their work: persons in authority, peers and staff, the community, students and discipline, working conditions, methods and curriculum, personal and social, and professional role. The instrument is intended to help teachers identify and confront their problems as a first step towards solving them, and can be used in the counselling of teachers, in-service education and research. The list of problems was validated by 500 secondary classroom teachers, each item requiring a minimum of five responses for inclusion. The coefficient of reliability based on a retest of 25 teachers was ·96. Suggestions are made for further research and the development of norms.
Training nonsexist counselors

Traditional counselors have helped to perpetuate sex role stereotypes which prescribe restrictive behaviors for both women and men. One of the most logical places to begin helping counselors overcome their own sex biases and stereotypic behaviors is during the time of their training—in their counselor education programs in universities.
Methodology for random surface-initiated crack growth prediction in asphalt pavements

Pavement cracking can be considered to be an irreversible step-by-step fracturing process induced by cyclic truck load applications. Hence, pavement crack propagation depends primarily on the accumulated axle loads (ESALs) and also on asphalt mixture stiffness and fatigue characteristics as well as pavement support conditions. This paper presents a model which can predict the distribution of longitudinal surface initiated wheel path crack depths in a family of in-service pavements based on cumulative ESALs. To formulate the primary model, the crack depth versus cumulative ESAL relationship throughout any construction cycle of a given pavement is analytically represented. Pavement failure is tracked by terminal crack indices on record in the Florida Dept. of Transportation's pavement management database. The random variation of ESALs needed for any given pavement family to reach a specified crack depth is determined based on the variation of life spans of its members and the above analytical relationship. Then, a Markov model is utilized to predict the probability distribution of crack depths at any given cumulative ESAL count. The transitional probabilities associated with specific crack stages are evaluated from the above determined ESAL statistics. A stochastic relationship is also developed between the crack width/depth ratio and cumulative ESALs based on measurements obtained from a large number of core samples. The secondary model can be used to further refine the initial crack depth predictions by utilizing crack width measurements and Bayesian estimation. Model predictions are validated using measured data from field core samples. Finally, it is illustrated how the above models can be used to improve estimation of pavement milling depths prior to rehabilitation.
Ultrasound evaluation of the inferior epigastric artery.

Abstract Color-flow Doppler ultrasound was used to assess the anatomic characteristics of the inferior epigastric artery (IEA) bilaterally in 20 nonatherosclerotic (group I; mean age, 28 years) and 20 atherosclerotic (group II; mean age, 57 years) subjects. Forty-nine percent of the IEAs were located laterally within the rectus sheath with 34% in a mid and 17% in a medial location. Seventeen percent had a large branch within 5 cm of the origin. Average length of the IEA was 10.7 ± 3.2 cm. Average proximal and distal internal diameters were 3.0 ± 0.45 and 1.9 ± 0.35 mm, respectively. Neither length nor vessel diameter showed any correlation with age or body surface area. Sixty-two percent of the IEAs were greater than or equal to 9 cm in length and 1.5 mm in distal diameter. Stenosis of the vessel (more than 50% diameter) was noted at the proximal 1 cm segment in 20% of the IEAs in the atherosclerotic group but none of the IEAs in the nonatherosclerotic group. Beyond this proximal segment, there was freedom from atherosclerotic stenosis as demonstrated by the IEAs' similarity of length and diameter irrespective of age in these atherosclerotic and nonatherosclerotic populations.
Changes in estrogen receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in sheep fetal and maternal tissues during late gestation and labor

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to investigate whether there is an increase in messenger ribonucleic acid for estrogen receptor in critical maternal or fetal tissues in the last third of pregnancy and during labor in sheep. STUDY DESIGN: Estrogen receptor messenger ribonucleic acid was measured by Northern hybridization analysis in fetal-placental and maternal uterine tissues during the last third of pregnancy and during spontaneous or cortisol-induced labor in sheep. Statistical differences were assessed with two-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: No estrogen receptor messenger ribonucleic acid was observed in amnion or chorion in any animal studied. There were no gestational age related changes in estrogen receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in any tissues between 100 and 145 days' gestation. During spontaneous and cortisol-induced labor estrogen receptor messenger ribonucleic acid increased significantly (p < 0.05) in myometrium, endometrium, and cervix. No increase was observed in the fetal placental cotyledon and mesometrium. Estrogen receptor messenger ribonucleic acid was markedly decreased (p < 0.05) in myometrium and endometrium after fetal adrenatectomy. CONCLUSION: An increase in estrogen receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in association with labor may contribute part of the mechanism by which estrogens exert their influence on the process of parturition.
Time domain identification of proper discrete systems from measured impulse response data

The authors consider the problem of identification of discrete domain transfer functions from the measured impulse response data. Unlike the existing techniques that require that the degree of numerator polynomial be strictly less than that of the denominator, the authors develop a theoretical basis for the case when both the numerator and the denominator have the same degree. Based on the proposed theoretical basis, an efficient computational algorithm is developed and illustrated by means of several examples. >
The effect of intracellular current pulses on membrane potentials in the moth heart

Abstract 1. 1. A single microelectrode was used for simultaneously passing current pulses and recording bioelectric activity in single cells of the moth heart. 2. 2. The cell membrane responds to depolarizing and hyperpolarizing pulses as an ohmic resitor, showign no rectification with current flows up to 5 × 10−9 A. 3. 3. A polarization resistance of 3.8±1 M Ω was measured and a specific membrane resistance of 1360Ω cm2 was calculated. 4. 4. Action potential height was attenuated by depolarization and augmented by hyperpolarization. 5. 5. Although the slope of the prepotential declined in response to depolarizing pulses and increased in response to hyperpolarizing pulses, the rhythm of the spontaneous beat was not altered. 6. 6. The average rate of fall of the action potential was increased by hyper- polarization and diminished so markedly by depolarization that a plateau phase appeared where none had previously been detectable. The initial rising phase and the falling phase of the action potential could thus be altered by manipulating the membrane voltage.
Manganese cycling in the Newport River estuary, North Carolina

Abstract Dissolved Mn was measured in the Newport River estuary, North Carolina, in October 1974, February 1975 and April 1975 by extraction on Chelex-100 resin and subsequent analysis by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Dissolved Mn concentrations at intermediate salinities were in excess of those predicted by conservative mixing of inflowing river and ocean water, with maxima between 4 and 14‰ salinity. Reduction and solubilization of Mn in bottom sediments in the upper estuary probably supplies much of the added dissolved Mn. Fixation of dissolved Mn on particles takes place in the lower estuary with subsequent upstream recycling. The export of dissolved Mn from the estuary in excess of that input by the river is probably balanced by continuous traction flows of river-derived bed sediment or pulse inputs of suspended sediment in storm runoff followed by partial solubilization.
Intergovernmental grants and successful tax limitation referenda

Analyses of fiscal limitation referenda have typically ignored the role of institutional structure in referenda outcomes. This article demonstrates the importance of such structure through the investigation of intergovernmental grants in a model of federal tax rate determination. Tax limitation referenda are shown to depend upon both the use of tax rates as a grant disbursement criterion as well as the size of the proposed tax cut.
Emergency Physician Terminations: Doing It Right

Emergency physicians (EPs), like other specialists in medicine, can be terminated from their positions. Little has been written about the process of physician termination. It is important that this process be well thought-out and performed in a professional manner to ensure that there is no undue damage to the physician or to the institution. The institution must be aware of the effects of terminations on its ability to recruit and retain EPs. To properly terminate a physician employee, the physician manager must use the appropriate termination rationale, ensure appropriate performance evaluations, provide for remediation, understand the psychology of termination, and address the alternatives to termination prior to the termination. Indeed, the hiring process itself must address the grounds on which termination may occur. Successful terminations are performed by planning the process, reviewing the file and the contract, arranging the meeting, examining the termination process, and considering the legal implications and due process issues.