cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the megakaryocyte glycoprotein IX promoter identifies positive and negative regulatory domains and functional GATA and Ets sites.

Abstract The glycoprotein (GP) Ib-V-IX multisubunit complex binds to von Willebrand factor and mediates the adhesion of platelets to the subendothelium of damaged blood vessels. Expression of the GPIX subunit is required for stability of the complex, and its absence in platelets is associated with the rare bleeding disorder Bernard-Soulier syndrome. Comparative analyses indicate that the four GPIb-V-IX subunits are members of the leucine-rich repeat family and suggest that GPIX resembles a possible primitive progenitor of this group. To characterize GPIX transcriptional regulation, a series of 5′ deletion constructs was made linking the GPIX upstream flanking sequence to the luciferase marker gene, and promoter activity was measured in transiently transfected human erythroleukemia cells. This analysis identified two negative regulatory domains between −686 to −423 and −311 to −203 and two positive regulatory domains at −323 to −311 and −151 to −100 relative to the GPIX transcription start site. In addition, site-directed mutagenesis experiments and in vitro gel retardation assays identified Ets and GATA elements at −42 and −65, which positively regulate GPIX promoter activity and specifically bind nuclear factors derived from human erythroleukemia cells. DNase I protection experiments identified a protein-dependent “footprint” and hypersensitive site within the GPIX Ets sequence. These results provide a framework for comparison of the GPIX promoter with others of the GPIb-V-IX system, other megakaryocyte-specific genes, and other members of the leucine-rich repeat family.
Potential factors impacting season-long expression of Cry1Ac in 13 commercial varieties of Bollgard cotton

Thirteen commercial varieties of transgenic Cry1Ac Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) cotton were examined across two sites in 2000 for potential factors that impact endotoxin expression. In all cases, two varieties (NuCOTN 33B and DP 458B/RR, Delta & Pineland Co., Scott, MS) expressed more Cry1Ac than the other 11 varieties in various plant structures. These two varieties share the same parental background (DP 5415). Furthermore, when the next generation of plants were tested in the greenhouse, the same varietal patterns were exhibited. These data strongly suggest that factors such as parental background had a stronger impact on the expression of Cry1Ac than the environment.
Amygdala and hippocampal activity during acquisition and extinction of human fear conditioning

Previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have characterized brain systems involved in conditional response acquisition during Pavlovian fear conditioning. However, the functional neuroanatomy underlying the extinction of human conditional fear remains largely undetermined. The present study used fMRI to examine brain activity during acquisition and extinction of fear conditioning. During the acquisition phase, participants were either exposed to light (CS) presentations that signaled a brief electrical stimulation (paired group) or received light presentations that did not serve as a warning signal (control group). During the extinction phase, half of the paired group subjects continued to receive the same treatment, whereas the remainder received light alone. Control subjects also received light alone during the extinction phase. Changes in metabolic activity within the amygdala and hippocampus support the involvement of these regions in each of the procedural phases of fear conditioning. Hippocampal activity developed during acquisition of the fear response. Amygdala activity increased whenever experimental contingencies were altered, suggesting that this region is involved in processing changes in environmental relationships. The present data show learning-related amygdala and hippocampal activity during human Pavlovian fear conditioning and suggest that the amygdala is particularly important for forming new associations as relationships between stimuli change.
Protein-rich flours from palm kernels.

A method is proposed for recovering protein-rich flour suitable for human consumption from palm kernels. The method combines grinding, extraction, and screening. A mathematical model of the process, which is based on surface cleaning, is presented.
Levels of genetic variability in sculpins (Cottidae: Teleostei) of the North American Pacific coast and an assessment of potential correlates

Abstract We examined levels of allozymic variation in intertidal sculpins of the genera Oligocottus, Clinocottus and Artedius . Variability in these species, as assessed by the proportion of loci polymorphic and average heterozygosity per locus, was generally low but within the range of values observed for other fish groups. In reviewing the ecological and lift-history attributes of these sculpins, we found only one outstanding correlate of allozyme variability—larger-bodied species tended to have lower levels of variation. Also, the level of heterozygosity was not related in any obvious way to historical/evolutionary aspects such as position in phylogenetic trees or the inferred relative ages of species. Our study of a relatively well-defined lineage of fishes that co-occur in the same geographical region and in the same, or broadly similar, habitats, underscores the difficulty of detecting correlations between genetic variability and seemingly relevant ecological features of species.
South Dakota's abortion script--threatening the physician-patient relationship.

Under a new law, physicians in South Dakota must tell any woman seeking an abortion that she is terminating the life of “a whole, separate, unique, living human being.” Zita Lazzarini argues that these provisions mark a substantial inroad into the physician–patient relationship — one that ought to worry any practicing physician.
Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy of superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-δ films on strontium titanate and magnesium oxide substrates

Thin sputtered films of the high-T c material YBa 2 CuO 3 O 7−δ were investigated using 180° back-scattering geometry with Fourier transform (FT) Raman spectroscopy. It is established that the main bands in the spectra of a YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ film on strontium titanate substrate exhibit similarity with those obtained for oriented untwinned crystallites of the superconductor having their c-axis perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. No degradation or excessive heating of the film was observed with 1.064 μm excitation for low laser powers. The film on a magnesium oxide substrate gives unique evidence of the isolated strong, featureless, almost flat continuum, producting a broad maximum near the region of the antiphase axial bending O(2)-Cu(2)-O(3) motions of planar oxygens at very low excitation energy. This appears to be the first application of FT-Raman spectroscopy using near-infrared excitation (1.064 μm) to the field of high-temperature superconducting films and their detailed-characterization
Raman excitation profile of a sterically protected diphosphene [ArPPAr]

Abstract The resonance Raman excitation profile (RREP) of the bis[2,6-di( m -xylyl)phenyl]P 2 diphosphene (DxpPPDxp) in CDCl 3 was measured in the region of overlap between the π–π ∗ (368 nm) and n + –π ∗ (459 nm) UV/visible electronic absorption bands. The PP stretch (622 cm −1 ) was enhanced much more strongly in resonance with the allowed π–π ∗ than with the symmetry-forbidden n + –π ∗ . The observed differences are attributed to differences in the geometries of the excited states and to the different mechanisms of enhancement for resonance with allowed and forbidden electronic absorptions.
Investigation on effectiveness of series gate resistor in CDM ESD protection designs

The impact of gate series resistor on CDM protection effectiveness is systematically evaluated using SPICE simulation and verified with a modified VF-TLP test method. It is shown that the effectiveness of the resistor to a MOS input device is highly dependent on the size of the protected MOS device as well as on the types of ESD protection circuits. Larger MOS devices require smaller resistance values than smaller devices.
Coskewness and cokurtosis in futures markets

Abstract The contribution of the third and fourth moments in explaining the return-generating process in futures markets remains unresolved. This study attempts to resolve this issue by using a four-moment model and by sampling 28 futures contracts and nine market proxies. Such sampling provides wide representation of futures markets and lends a high degree of robustness to the results. Our results show that the second, third and fourth moments are all important in explaining futures returns. Evidence from regression tests show increases in explanatory power as the third and fourth moments are included. The results are robust to the market proxy used.
Evaluation of an Automated Airport Ground Transportation Information System

Described are the results of an evaluation study of a demonstration program sponsored by the Division of Aeronautics of the California Department of Transportation, in which computer-based ground transportation information kiosks were installed in four California airports, in conjunction with a similar program undertaken by the Los Angeles Department of Airports. The study included an analysis of kiosk-use patterns derived from the logfiles of user keystrokes and various system actions, which are automatically maintained by the kiosks, and surveys of both kiosk users and airport users in general to determine traveler awareness of the new information kiosks, identify passenger ground transportation information needs, evaluate user satisfaction with the information provided, and determine general travel characteristics of kiosk users. Finally, the costs involved in routine operation and in maintenance of the kiosks are examined and a number of recommendations are made on the future use of the kiosks and on ...
Nowhere to hide

Who Owns Information? From Privacy to Public Access. by Anne Wells Branscomb BasicBooks: 1994. Pp. 241. $25.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Family History of Hypertension in Healthy Men and Women

Background Family history of hypertension is a primary predictor of high blood pressure (BP). This study attempted to determine whether there is a gradual increase in BP between individuals with two hypertensive parents, one hypertensive parent, and normotensive parents and whether this increase is apparent with both ambulatory and casual BP assessments in men as well as in women. Methods A total of 220 healthy men and women, aged 22 to 50 years, completed two 24-h ambulatory BP sessions (one work day and one off work day). Based on family history information obtained from parents, three groups were formed: subjects with two hypertensive parents, one hypertensive parent, and normotensive parents. Work and off work days did not differ; analyses were based on mean values of the 2 days. Results Men with two hypertensive parents had higher daytime and night-time ambulatory BP than men with normotensive parents. Those with one hypertensive parent had intermediate BP levels. Ambulatory BP was not associated with family history in women. Also, men with one or two hypertensive parents had higher ambulatory BP than women with hypertensive parents, whereas offspring of normotensive parents exhibited no sex differences in BP. Conclusions Elevated systolic and diastolic BP throughout the day and night seems to characterize men with two hypertensive parents. In evaluating the relationship between family history of hypertension and BP, it is important to use ambulatory BP measures, differentiate between individuals with one and with two hypertensive parents, and focus on gender differences in BP.
DA rat NK(+)CD3(-) cells inhibit autoreactive T-cell responses.

Abstract We isolated natural killer (NK) cells from DA rat bone marrow (BM) by staining with PE anti-NKR-P1A and FACS sorting (>98% NK + ). The purified NK cells inhibit T-cell proliferation in a dosage-dependent fashion and suppressed production of the proinflammatory Th1 cytokine, IFN-γ. When activated in vitro with Con A supernatant (CAS), the purified NK cells secrete the β-chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and upregulate MCP-1 mRNA. The activated NK cells also express IFN-γ mRNA. Sorted NK + CD3 − cells, from which NKT cells have been excluded, also inhibit autoreactive T-cell responses to myelin basic protein (MBP). These findings are consistent with a role for conventional NK cells in maintaining immune homeostasis, by eliminating autoreactive T cells that have inadvertently become activated.
Racial differences in prevalence of a supratypic HLA-genetic marker immaterial to pre-employment testing for susceptibility to chronic beryllium disease.

Background A beryllium materials manufacturer is conducting a limited pilot program that offers testing for HLA-DPβ1E69 with genetic counseling through a third party to applicants for employment. An important consideration in this regard is the prevalence of this marker in the general population, and its consequent positive predictive value of disease susceptibility. Methods Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses were used to determine HLA-DPβ1E69 population frequencies. Estimation of positive predictive values assumed a disease frequency among beryllium workers of either 5 or 15% and used an odds ratio for disease risk of 35 for the HLA-DPβ1E69 marker. Results Allelic/carrier frequencies were found to be 0.21/0.33, 0.24/0.40, 0.27/0.47, and 0.38/0.59 for Caucasians, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Chinese, respectively. Ranges of positive predictive values for a genetic test based on HLA-DPβ1E69 in these populations were calculated to be 8.3–14.3% for carriers with an assumed disease frequency of 5%. For high risk subgroups with disease frequencies of 15%, the range of positive predictive values was found to span between 24.9–43.0%. Conclusions These estimates suggest that using HLA-DPβ1E69 genotyping for general pre-employment screening in the beryllium industry has a low positive predictive value, which varies little among racial groups where carrier frequencies differ significantly. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:457–465, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On a Theorem of Szegoe on Univalent Convex Maps of the Unit Circle.

Abstract : There is a fine interplay between two fundamental notions of geometry: Convexity and Conformal Mapping. The subject belongs to Geometric Function Theory. In 1928 Gabor Szegoes showed that if a power series converges in the unit circle absolute value z 1 and maps it onto a convex domain, then all its finite sections map the circle absolute z 1/4 onto convex domains. The present paper shows that Szegoes theorem reduces to a study of the finite sections of the geometric series 1 + 1/4 z + 1/16 z squared + ... = 1/4 to the (n) power ... z to the (n) power. The main tool is a result conjectured in 1958 by Polya and Schoenberg, but only established in 1973 by St. Ruscheweyh and T. Sheil-Small.
Speech as a stimulus for differential vocal behavior in the mynah bird (Gracula a religioso)

Discrimination of auditory inputs and consequent vocal control in the mynah bird is an important preliminary to speech acquisition. The highly specialized sound isolation chambers may restrict the development of a vocal discriminated operant. In two related studies, a discriminated vocal operant was produced by reinforcing vocal behavior in the presence of specific auditory input (Hello, Hello) and non-reinforcing others (I talk and/or silence).
Cross sections for quenching of Cd(3PJ) as determined by resonance radiation flash photolysis

Abstract Absolute quenching cross sections of several gases for the equilibrated set of excited states Cd( 3 P 0 , 3 P 1 ) have been determined at 280°C. The excited atoms were generated by 3261 A resonance radiation flash photolysis of cadmium vapor in excess bath gas, and monitored by kinetic absorption spectroscopy. Cadmium monohydride and cadmium monofluoride have been detected in absorption as primary products in certain CD( 3 P 0 , 3 P 1 ) quenching reactions.
Uptake and interconversion of the Z and E isomers of 17α-iodovinyl-11β-methoxyestradiol in the immature female rat

This study compares the specific uptake and retention of the Z and E isomers of 17 alpha-iodovinyl-11 beta-methoxyestradiol (IVME2) in estrogen target tissues in immature female rats following intraperitoneal injection. Estrogen receptor binding studies in vitro showed that the Z-IVME2 had greater affinity than the E-IVME2, but our initial in vivo data, comparing 125I-labeled E- or Z-IVME2 in separate studies showed no difference between the two isomers in either uptake or retention. These results were confirmed when the two isomers, labeled either with 123I or 125I, were injected simultaneously, allowing direct comparison of uptake and retention patterns in the same animal. Analysis of the nature of the radioiodinated estrogens in estrogen target tissues showed that at all time points, the estrogen target tissues contained mainly the E isomer, even at short times after injection of Z isomer. Although the Z-IVME2 was reasonably stable in the injectant, analysis of a peritoneal lavage soon after intraperitoneal injection of Z-[125I]-IVME2 showed that mainly the E isomer was present, suggesting that the conversion occurred prior to uptake by the tissues. In vitro studies with intraperitoneal fluid and serum showed that denaturing by heating at 65 degrees C substantially reduced their ability to affect the conversion of Z to E isomer, suggesting a possible enzymatic conversion.
Early and Late Age of Seizure Onset have a Differential Impact on Brain Resting-State Organization in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is associated with abnormalities which extend into the entire brain. While the age of seizure onset (SO) has a large impact on brain plasticity, its effect on brain connectivity at rest remains unclear, especially, in interaction with factors such as the presence of mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS). In this context, we investigated whole-brain and regional functional connectivity (FC) organization in 50 TLE patients who underwent a resting-state fMRI scan, in comparison to healthy controls, using graph-theory measures. We first classified TLE patients according to the presence of MTS or not. Then, we categorized the patients based on their age of SO into two subgroups (early or late age of SO). Results revealed whole-brain differences with both reduced functional segregation and increased integration in the patients, regardless of the age of SO and MTS, relative to the controls. At a local level, we revealed that the connectivity of the ictal hippocampus remains the most impaired for an early SO, even in the absence of MTS. Importantly, we showed that the impact of age of SO on whole-brain and regional resting-state FC depends on the presence of MTS. Overall, our results highlight the importance of investigating the effect of age of SO when examining resting-state activity in TLE, as this factor leads different perturbations of network modularity and connectivity at the global and local level, with different implications for regional plasticity and adaptive organization.
SU-FF-T-19: Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation With Shielded MammoSite-Type Applicator

Purpose: We propose a method to improve delivery of APBI and therefore improve patient access to BCT. Method and Materials: BCT in conjunction with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), using for instance the Hologic MammoSite applicator, is becoming popular due to the good dose distribution, and relatively short five day treatment procedure. Brachytherapy‐based APBI procedures typically work by implanting a double lumen balloon catheter in the lumpectomy cavity of breast following surgery. The balloon is inflated with an iodine‐based material mixed with saline. If the skin to balloon distance is less than 7mm, the procedure may not be recommended due to adverse skin reactions leading to poor cosmesis. This problem could be avoided by partially shielding the radiation dose to the skin by introducing a thin layer of high density material (high Z powder) inside the balloon catheter. In this case, the metalpowders may be controlled by a relatively weak external magnetic field applied externally to the patient to form an internal shielding layer inside the balloon in the region of concern, thus avoiding radiation damage to the skin.Results: Our preliminary results indicate that if, for example, the skin‐to‐balloon spacing is only 4 mm, when about 2 mm thin layer of ironpowders arranged internally under that segment of surface of the MammoSite balloon will decrease the skindose to an acceptable level. Our laboratory tests show that only a slight magnetic filed is required to bring such a small amount of ferrous powders to controllable configuration. Conclusion: The suggested approach will improve cosmetic outcome for all APBI patients treated, in addition to increasing survival expectancy and minimizing negative side effects.
Current Status of Superpave Binder Specification

(2009). Current Status of Superpave Binder Specification. Road Materials and Pavement Design: Vol. 10, SPECIAL ISSUE ON ASPHALT MATERIALS (ICAM 2009—China), pp. 13-24.
Effects of temperature on L-leucine transport in toadfish liver in vivo

The effect of body temperature in the 4–30°C range on L-leucine uptake by toadfish liver in vivo was examined by means of a single-injection pulse technique. The ratio of [14C]leucine to [3H]mannitol or [3H]inulin in blood leaving the liver was measured as a function of time after hepatic portal vein injection. Recoveries of the two isotopes in liver and [14C]leucine incorporation into protein were determined. The Q10 value for influx was 3.8, that for efflux 2.8. At all temperatures, the leucine influx was 8–10-times higher than its incorporation into protein. The directly energy-linked reactions appear to be the main site of increased temperature sensitivity at low temperatures.
The lack of importance of Lanwei point in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Abstract Fifty patients with a presumptive diagnosis of acute appendicitis based on usual Western medicine criteria (e.g., McBurney point tenderness, increase WBC, history of nausea, etc.) were examined prospectively for tenderness of the Lanwei acupoint, just prior to the administration of general anesthesia, to evaluate this well known ‘Appendix’ point as a useful aid to diagnosing appendicitis. The presence or absence of tenderness was statistically not a good indicator of appendicitis.
Thriving locally in the global economy.

More and more small and midsize companies are joining corporate giants in striving to exploit international growth markets. At the same time, civic leaders worry about their communities' economic future in light of the impact of global forces on the operation and survival of business. How can communities retain local vitality yet still link their business to the global economy? Harvard professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter addresses that question in this classic HBR article, orginally published in 1995. To avoid a clash between international economic interests and local political interests, globalizing business must learn how to be responsive to the communities in which they operate, Kanter says. And communities must determine how to create a civic culture that will attract and retain footloose companies. The author surveyed five U.S. regions with direct connections to the global economy--Boston, Cleveland, Miami, Seattle, and the Spartanburg-Greenville region of South Carolina--to determine their business and civic leader's strategies for improving their constituent's quality of life. She identified ways in which the global economy can work locally by capitalizing on the resources that distinguish one place from another. Kanter argues that regions can invest in capabilities that connect their local populations to the global economy in one of three ways: as thinkers, makers, or traders. She points to the Spartanburg-Greenville region as a good example of a world-class makers, with its exceptional blue-collar workforce that has attracted more than 200 companies from 18 countries. The history of the economic development of this region is a lesson for those seeking to understand how to achieve world-class status and bring local residents into the world economy.
Potassium loss with thiazide therapy.

Abstract Nonedematous patients with essential hypertension were studied by metabolic techniques while hospitalized. Hydrochlorothiazide therapy resulted in a transient natriuresis which subsequently was partially compensated for by renal sodium retention. Urinary potassium loss accompanied the natriuresis and continued during the period of the compensatory renal retention. Evidence was presented that indicate a slight but statistically significant increase in aldosterone excretion during the period of hydrochlorothiazide therapy.
Microelectrode targeting of the subthalamic nucleus for deep brain stimulation surgery.

Though microelectrode recordings likely increase the risks and costs of DBS, incremental improvement in accuracy may translate into improved outcomes that justify these risks and costs. Clinically based, controlled studies to resolve these issues are problematic. Until such studies are reported, physicians must rely on indirect evidence. The spatial variability of physiologically defined optimal targets, as determined by microelectrode recording (MER), necessary for targeting the STN was calculated. Study of the effectiveness of a MER algorithm was based on the number of penetrations required. The radius of the volume with a 99% chance of including the physiologically defined optimal target, based on 108 cases, was 4.5 mm. This is larger than the estimated radius of the DBS effect, which is variously estimated to be 2 to 3.9 mm. The 99% confidence radius in the plane orthogonal to the lead was 3.2 mm. In 70% of cases, the imaging-based trajectories corresponded to the physiologically defined optimal target. For the remaining 30% of cases, 70% required only a single additional MER tract. The radii of the 99% confidence volume and area may be larger than the effective radius of stimulation. Surveying within those volumes or areas is therefore necessary to assure that at least 99% of cases will cover the physiologically defined target. The MER algorithm was robust in detecting the physiologically defined optimal target. However, there are significant caveats in interpretation of the data. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Simultaneous determination of total polychlorinated biphenyl and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) by dechlorination with Fe/Pd and Mg/Pd bimetallic particles and flame ionization detection gas chromatography

Abstract Simultaneous measurement of total dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT, technical mixture) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB-Aroclors 1248 and 1260) is facilitated by quantitative dechlorination to diphenylethane and biphenyl. The two-stage dechlorination reaction utilizes a palladium catalyst deposited onto iron and magnesium particles. The treatment has the advantage of converting the complex chromatographic pattern that arises from the multiple congeners and degradation products of PCB and DDT into peaks corresponding to their representative hydrocarbon skeletons. The limit for quantitative measurement (LOQ) using this treatment and GC-FID analysis is 40 parts-per-billion (ppb, μg/l) for Aroclor 1260 and 100 ppb for DDT with a linear response extending to 100 times the LOQ. The calibration was successfully tested with triplicate water samples fortified at 15 (DDT) and 10 (Aroclor 1260) times the LOQ. Accuracy (mean percent) and precision (percent relative standard deviation) were 92% and 6.2% for DDT and 96% and 5.2% for Aroclor 1260. Accuracy and RSD for 35 ppm triplicate spiked soil samples were 76% and 18% for Aroclor 1260 and 68% and 26% for DDT. These results are comparable to the published single laboratory results for EPA method 8082 ‘Polychlorinated Biphenyls by Gas Chromatography’. However, the single laboratory results for EPA method 8081A ‘Organohalide Pesticides by Gas Chromatography,’ failed to resolve DDT and therefore could not be compared with this method.
Examining Alignment between State Performance Assessment and Mathematics Classroom Activities.

The authors describe research on the extent to which mathematics classroom activities in Maryland were aligned with Maryland learning outcomes and the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP; Maryland State Department of Education, 1995, 2000). The study was part of a larger research project (S. Lane, C. S. Parke, & C. A. Stone, 1999) that focused on the overall impact of MSPAP on schools, teachers, and students. The authors collected 3,948 instruction, assessment, and test-preparation activities from a statewide stratified random sample of 250 teachers in the tested grades (3, 5, and 8) and nontested grades (2, 4, and 7). The authors describe the methods used to collect, code, and analyze teachers' classroom activities concerning 7 components: (a) mathematics process outcomes; (b) mathematics content outcomes; (c) student response types; (d) interpretation of charts, tables, and graphs; (e) use of manipulatives and calculators; (f) integration with other subject areas; and (g) overall simil...
Population pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Sources of individual variation in plasma methylphenidate (MP) concentrations during usual clinical use are not established. This was evaluated in a series of patients receiving clinical treatment with MP. A single plasma MP concentration was determined in each of 273 children and adolescents ages 5 to 18 years (mean: 11.1 years) who were clinically good responders to MP for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. MP was given on a twice-daily schedule (mean dose: 25 mg/day) in 40% of patients and three times daily (mean dose: 39.3 mg/day) in 60%. A nonlinear regression model was applied to estimate overall population values of MP clearance and elimination half-life (t1/2), assuming a one-component model with first-order absorption and elimination, and further assuming that clearance is linearly related to body weight. The model incorporated each patient's dosage size and schedule, body weight, and time of the plasma sample. Iterated solutions of best fit were: t1/2, 4.5 hours (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.1-8.1 hours), and apparent clearance, 90.7 ml/min/kg (95% CI: 74.6-106.7 ml/min/kg). The model explained 43% of the overall variance in MP concentrations (r2 = 0.43, p < .001). In a small subsample (N = 16), a second plasma sample was drawn at the same time of day and at the same dose; the correlation between the two concentration values was 0.83. The relatively noninvasive approach used in this study allows the assessment of pharmacokinetic properties of medications under conditions of appropriate clinical use in special populations such as children, adolescents, and the elderly.
Interpretation of heterogeneity effects in synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microprobe data

Heterogeneity effects often limit the accuracy of synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microprobe elemental analysis data to ± 30%. The difference in matrix mass absorption at Kα and Kβ fluorescence energies of a particular element can be exploited to yield information on the average depth-position of the element or account for heterogeneity effects. Using this technique, the heterogeneous distribution of Cu in a simple layered sample could be resolved to a 2 × 2 × 10 (x, y, z, where z is the depth coordinate) micrometer scale; a depth-resolution limit was determined for the first transition metal series and several other elements in calcite and iron oxide matrices. For complex heterogeneous systems, determination of average element depth may be computationally limited but the influence of heterogeneity on fluorescence data may still be assessed. We used this method to compare solid-state diffusion with sample heterogeneity across the Ni-serpentine/calcite boundary of a rock from Panoche Creek, California. We previously reported that Ni fluorescence data may indicate solid state diffusion; in fact, sample heterogeneity in the depth dimension can also explain the Ni fluorescence data. Depth heterogeneity in samples can lead to misinterpretation of synchrotron X-ray microprobe results unless care is taken to account for the influence of heterogeneity on fluorescence data.
social strategies and the fiesta complex In an Otavaleño community

The relationship between family and cargo festivals is analyzed in the context of village interaction patterns in Ahuango, an Otavaleno Indian community in northern highland Ecuador. In Ahuango, dyadic relationships of trust and continuity are established, reaffirmed, and enacted in the context of family festivals. Individuals with relatively large land-holdings tend also to maintain more of these ties (i.e., to have larger “alliances”) than other Ahuanguenos do. In the context of cargo festivals, alliances centered on more prosperous individuals act as factions. The fiesta complex is an arena in which individual interests coincide and compete. [social strategies, social networks, fiesta systems, Ecuadorian Indians, Otaveleno Indians]
Understanding Differences in Self-Reported Expenditures between Household Scanner Data and Diary Survey Data: A Comparison of Homescan and Consumer Expenditure Survey

Household scanner data contain rich information on household demographics and transactions in actual markets over a long time period. To more fully understand the characteristics of these data, we conducted an analysis to determine whether household expenditures in the Nielsen Homescan panel are similar to the Bureau of Labor Statistic's Consumer Expenditure Diary Survey. We found that many differences in reported expenditures across the two datasets can be explained by such household demographics as female head, income, and household size, for example. The largest degrees of discrepancies across datasets occur for food categories containing more random-weight foods without universal product codes.
Measuring Bilingual Children's Receptive Vocabularies

Receptive vocabulary of Hispanic children in Miami was tested in both English and Spanish with complementary standardized tests, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT-R) and the Test de Vocabulario en Imagenes Peabody (TVIP-H). 105 bilingual first graders, of middle to high socioeconomic status relative to national norms, were divided according to the language(s) spoken in their homes. Both groups, whether they spoke only Spanish in the home (OSH) or both English and Spanish in the home (ESH), performed near the mean of 100 in Spanish receptive vocabulary (TVIP-H means 97.0 and 96.5); in contrast, ESH group children scored more than 1 SD higher in English than OSH group children (PPVT-R means 88.0 and 69.7, respectively). It appears, therefore, that learning 2 languages at once does not harm receptive language development in the language of origin, while it does lay the groundwork for superior performance in the majority language. Furthermore, an analysis of translation equivalents, items shared by both tests, shows that a statistically significant portion of bilingual children's lexical knowledge does not overlap in their 2 languages and is therefore not reflected in single-language scores.
The organizational choice between evolutionary and revolutionary capability regimes: theory and evidence from European air transport

Resource- and capability-based models of firm strategy gain in analytical power by incorporating some of the organizational trade-offs that firms face in choosing between alternative capability building strategies. Based on the well-documented trade-off between flexibility and commitment inherent in social systems, this paper argues that firms must choose between evolutionary and revolutionary "capability regimes". Empirical evidence drawn from the race of European airlines to develop critical revenue management capabilities is cited to illustrate the theory and practical relevance of capability regimes. Copyright 2000 by Oxford University Press.
The Well-Tempered Architecture

Virtually all well-structured music, music that pleases the ear and moves the spirit, is full of patterns. Music is a primal medium of expression, and while some musicians in every age push the envelope of contemporary practice, there have emerged over the centuries common patterns of song structure, motifs, and even scales to which our ears have become accustomed. As it turns out, these musical patterns aren't so much constraining as they are liberating. Each level of structure imposes a discipline that limits a musical work from being something else and thus distinguishes one music piece from another. Similarly, all well-structured software-intensive systems are full of patterns. Architectural patterns serve the same role as song structure; design patterns and musical motifs are at the same level of abstraction; programmatic idioms and musical rhythms and scales are isomorphic.
Potential energy landscape for proton transfer in (H2O)3H+: comparison of density functional theory and wavefunction-based methods

Abstract Predictions of the BLYP density functional are compared with wavefunction-based calculations for several structural and dynamical properties of (H2O)3H+. We focus attention on properties important for proton transfer in this cluster. Good agreement between density functional theory (DFT) calculations and all-electron MP2 results is found for energies, structures, and vibrational properties of both transition states and stable states. Good agreement between DFT and MP2 results is also observed for the potential experienced by the transferring proton in the transition state region. Structural predictions of empirical models compare well with the ab initio results.
On boundary regularity of proper holomorphic mappings

We show that a proper holomorphic mapping $f:D\to D'$ from a domain $D\Subset{\mathbb C}^n$ with real-analytic boundary to a domain $D'\Subset{\mathbb C}^n$ with real-algebraic boundary extends holomorphically to a neighborhood of $\overline D$ .
Multimodal delivery of irinotecan from microparticles with two distinct compartments

In the last several decades, research in the field of drug delivery has been challenged with the fabrication of carrier systems engineered to deliver therapeutics to the target site with sustained and controlled release kinetics. Herein, we report the fabrication of microparticles composed of two distinct compartments: i) one compartment containing a pH responsive polymer, acetal-modified dextran, and PLGA (polylactide-co-glycolide), and ii) one compartment composed entirely of PLGA. We demonstrate the complete release of dextran from the microparticles during a 10-hour period in an acidic pH environment and the complete degradation of one compartment in less than 24 h. This is in congruence with the stability of the same microparticles in neutral pH over the 24-hour period. Such microparticles can be used as pH responsive carrier systems for drug delivery applications where their cargo will only be released when the optimum pH window is reached. The feasibility of the microparticle system for such an application was confirmed by encapsulating a cancer therapeutic, irinotecan, in the compartment containing the acetal-modified dextran polymer and the pH dependent release over a 5-day period was studied. It was found that upon pH change to an acidic environment, over 50% of the drug was first released at a rapid rate for 10 h, similar to that observed for the dextran release, before continuing at a more controlled rate for 4 days. As such, these microparticles can play an important role in the fabrication of novel drug delivery systems due to the selective, controlled, and pH responsive release of their encapsulated therapeutics.
Reflective random indexing for semi-automatic indexing of the biomedical literature

The rapid growth of biomedical literature is evident in the increasing size of the MEDLINE research database. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), a controlled set of keywords, are used to index all the citations contained in the database to facilitate search and retrieval. This volume of citations calls for efficient tools to assist indexers at the US National Library of Medicine (NLM). Currently, the Medical Text Indexer (MTI) system provides assistance by recommending MeSH terms based on the title and abstract of an article using a combination of distributional and vocabulary-based methods. In this paper, we evaluate a novel approach toward indexer assistance by using nearest neighbor classification in combination with Reflective Random Indexing (RRI), a scalable alternative to the established methods of distributional semantics. On a test set provided by the NLM, our approach significantly outperforms the MTI system, suggesting that the RRI approach would make a useful addition to the current methodologies.
The transient problem of a mode-III Interface crack

Abstract A transient solution of the problem of a mode-III crack propagating along the interface between two different media is obtained. The compound body is loaded by a constant shear traction at infinity such that it is under antiplane deformation. The method of self-similar potentials is introduced to solve the self-similar problem. It is assumed that the speed of the crack tip is less than the minimum of the SH-wave speed of these two materials. For this subsonic case, the singularities of velocities and stresses occurring at crack tips are always of inverse square root type. The dynamic stress intensity factor and crack tearing displacement are found. Asymptotic solutions near wave fronts are also obtained for this problem.
Destruction of carbon disulfide in aqueous solutions by sonochemical oxidation.

Carbon disulfide (CS(2)) is toxic to animals and aquatic organisms, and can also decompose to carbonyl sulfide (OCS) and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) in aqueous environment. The kinetics of the sonochemical degradation of aqueous CS(2) was studied in a batch reactor at 20kHz and 20 degrees C, and the effects of process parameters (e.g. concentration, ultrasonic intensity, irradiating gas) investigated. The concentrations of unbuffered CS(2) solutions used were (6.4-7.0) x 10(-4), 10.5 x 10(-4) and (13.2-13.6) x 10(-4)M and the intensities were varied from 14 to 50W. The reaction rate was found to be zero-order and the rate constant for the degradation at 20 degrees C and 14W in air was 21.1 microM/min using the largest initial concentration range studied. At the same initial concentration range but at 50W (39.47W/m(2)) the degradation rate of CS(2) was 46.7 microM/min, more than two times that at 14W (11.04W/m(2)). The rate of CS(2) sonochemical degradation in the presence of the different gases was in the order of He>air> or =N(2)O>Ar; the rate with helium was found to be about three times that of argon. The formation of sulfate (SO(4)(2-)) as reaction product with air as the irradiating gas was enhanced in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and inhibited in the presence of 1-butanol. The sonochemical oxidation of CS(2) may prove to be an efficient and environmentally benign way for the removal of this hazardous pollutant from natural water and wastewater.
Structural Basis for Uncoupling of Force Generation in the F506A Dictyostelium Myosin Revealed by Time-Resolved EPR and FRET

We have used dipolar electron-electron resonance (DEER) and time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) to investigate the role of the myosin relay helix in coupling between the active site and the force-generating region of myosin II. Two double-Cys Dictyostelium myosin constructs have been engineered, and the structure of the relay helix was monitored by measuring interprobe distances in MSL/MSL or IAEDANS/Dabcyl-labeled myosin. Experiments were performed on WT myosin and on F506A, a functional mutant that has close to normal enzymatic activity but completely lacks motor functions (e.g. unable to move actin filaments or support cell development). We found that the WT myosin relay helix adopts two distinct states (straight and bent), with the bent conformation populated when ATP and ADP.Pi analogs are bound at the active site. In contrast, binding of nucleotide analogs had very little effect on relay helix conformation in the F506A mutant. In addition, the width of the distance distribution was significantly larger in the F506A compared to WT myosin, indicating loss of structural organization. Our results demonstrate that the relay helix plays a key role in coupling of myosin ATPase and motor activities. Loss of functionality observed in F506A myosin can be explained by the disruption of the relay helix-relay loop interactions that normally stabilize well-defined conformations of the myosin force-generating region allowing it to switch between distinct structural states.
MARKOV PROCESSES AND DISPERSION THEORY

Abstract It is shown that the forward Kolmogorov equation, as applied to dispersion processes, can be deduced as a special case from general non-equilibrium statistical mechanics in which there is a non-negative constant of the motion. For Markov processes, this constant can be taken as the integral over the whole system of the joint-probability density, and hence a master equation, identical to the forward Kolmogorov equation, follows for the latter.
Algorithms for simulation of speckle (laser and otherwise)

The speckle phenomenon is observed in any coherent imaging modality such as synthetic aperture radar, optical coherence tomography, ultrasound, or any number of measurement schemes involving laser illumination. Quantitative interpretation of the data from such measurement schemes (whether imaging or non-imaging) often hinges on accurate knowledge of the statistical behavior of the speckle phenomenon. To complement experimental measurements, researchers often turn to computer simulation of the phenomenon of interest. Over the years we have developed a variety of algorithms for simulating objective and subjective speckle for static and dynamic object fields. In this paper we detail the implementation of these algorithms and illustrate their use in a range of applications that include Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI), Laser Speckle Imaging (LSI), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), etc.
Coarse Resolution Turbulence Simulations With Spectral Vanishing Viscosity—Large-Eddy Simulations (SVV-LES)

We present a new implementation of the spectral vanishing viscosity method appropriate for alternative formulations of large-eddy simulations. We first review the method and subsequently present results for turbulent incompressible channel flow