cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Black Suicide in the Seventies: Current Trends

In the most recent decade, the suicide rate among young blacks has risen to the point where it is nearly as high as that of their white peers. The data in this analysis reflect the striking contrast in age distribution in the suicide patterns of whites and blacks. Whereas white suicide increases in direct relation with advancing chronological age, suicide among blacks reaches its peak in the youthful years. Current statistics fail to reflect a "dramatic" or significant increase in the suicide rate of black women. Contrary to popular belief, black men in their twenties represent the most suicide-prone group. Young black males have been committing suicide at a steadily increasing rate during the past six years. Regionally, black suicide rates are highest in the North and West and lowest in the South. White suicide rates reflect a slightly different regional distribution. The highest rates occur in the West and the lowest in the North.
Estimating the Ratio of Two Amplitudes in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Data

Probability theory is applied to the problem of estimating the ratio of the amplitudes of two sinusoids in nuclear magnetic resonance data. The posterior probability-density for the amplitude ratio is derived independent of the phase, frequencies, decay-rate constants, variance of the noise, and the amplitude of the other sinusoid. This probability-density function is then applied in an illustrative example, and the results are contrasted with those obtained by traditional analysis.
A model for development of customizable applications

A model is presented that recognizes a multilevel development paradigm with participation of system developers (vendor), application specialists (vendor or customer), and end users (customer). Within this paradigm, the authors utilize several reusability technologies but adapt them to a range of developer skill levels. This model can be used for tools that allow reusability while facilitating customization of software applications and software products. It is also shown how the Application Development Toolkit and its underlying application development model address these issues to provide a real solution to the customization problem. >
Genomic analysis in Escherichia coli demonstrates differential roles for polynucleotide phosphorylase and RNase II in mRNA abundance and decay.

Summary Previous work has shown that simultaneous inactivation of polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) and RNase II (both 3′→ 5′ exonucleases) in Escherichia coli leads to the loss of cell viability and the accumulation of partially degraded mRNA species. In order to help to distinguish how these two enzymes globally affect the abundance and decay of mRNAs, we have carried out a genome-wide analysis of the steady-state levels of E. coli transcripts using deletion mutations in either rnb or pnp. The data show that, in exponentially growing cells, inactivation of PNPase leads to an increase in the steady-state level of more expressed mRNAs (17.3%) than inactivation of RNase II (7.3%). In contrast, the steady-state levels of a large number of E. coli mRNAs (31%) are decreased in the absence of RNase II, including almost all the ribosomal protein genes, suggesting that a major function of this enzyme is to protect specific mRNAs from the activity of other ribonucleases. Array data were confirmed by Northern analysis of 12 individual mRNAs. A comparison between the steady-state levels and the half-lives of individual mRNAs indicates that there may be a direct interaction between transcription and mRNA decay for some of the transcripts. In addition, results are presented to show significant phenotypic differences between the pnp-7 point mutant and the pnpΔ683 deletion allele.
Optimal Provision and Finance of Ecosystem Services: the Case of Watershed Conservation and Groundwater Management

Payments for ecosystem services should be informed by how both the providing-resource and the downstream resource are managed. We develop an integrated model that jointly optimizes conservation investment in a watershed that recharges a downstream aquifer and groundwater extraction from the aquifer. Volumetric user-fees to finance watershed investment induce inefficient water use, inasmuch as conservation projects actually lower the optimal price of groundwater. We propose a lump-sum conservation surcharge that preserves efficient incentives and fully finances conservation investment. Inasmuch as proper watershed management counteracts the negative effects of water scarcity, it also serves as adaptation to climate change. When recharge is declining, the excess burden of non-optimal watershed management increases.
Protein and energy requirements of fingerling channel catfish for maintenance and maximum growth

In two separate experiments, purified diets containing 25% crude protein and 2.85 kcal/g and 35% crude protein and 3.99 kcal/g were fed at incremental rates [0-5% of body weight (BW)/d] to fingerling channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in aquaria for 8 wk. Linear (r2 = 0.95) increases in growth rate were observed in each experiment with increases in feeding rate up to 8.75 g protein/(kg BW X d) and 99.75 kcal energy/(kg BW X d). Regressing growth rate back to zero resulted in maintenance requirement values of 1.32 g protein/(kg BW X d) and 15.06 kcal energy/(kg BW X d) for experiment 1 and 1.32 g protein/(kg BW X d) and 15.08 kcal energy/(kg BW X d) for experiment 2. Net gains in body protein and energy also increased linearly (r2 = 0.93) with increasing feeding rates up to 8.75 g protein/(kg BW X d) and 99.75 kcal energy/(kg BW X d) in both experiments. Regression equations from these data predicted 1.07 g protein/(kg BW X d) and 17.00 kcal energy/(kg BW X d) in experiment 1 and 1.00 g protein/(kg BW X d) and 17.33 kcal energy/(kg BW X d) in experiment 2 was required to maintain a constant amount of protein and energy in catfish tissue. These requirement values for maintenance and maximum gain agree closely with those predicted from growth data.
Abundance-Distributions in Artificial Life and Stochastic Models: "Age and Area" Revisited

Using an artificial system of self-replicating strings, we show a correlation between the age of a genotype and its abundance that reflects a punctuated rather than gradual picture of evolution, as suggested long ago by Willis. In support of this correlation, we measure genotype abundance distributions and find universal coefficients. Finally, we propose a simple stochastic model which describes the dynamics of equilibrium periods and which correctly predicts most of the observed distributions.
Black Hunger: Soul Food and America

Black Hunger: Soul Food and America. Doris Witt. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2004. 292 pp.
NOTES ON HYLPOXYLON CANKER OF ASPEN IN ALBERTA

The rate of canker growth, caused by HYPOXYLON PRUINATUM (Klotzsch) Cke. (H. MAMMATUM (Wahl.) Miller) and the intensification of the disease were investigated on trembling aspen, POPULUS TREMULOIDES Michx. in Elk Island National Park, Alberta. In 1963, 45.1 per cent of the trees on a 1/3-acre plot were either killed or infected. This number increased to 49.0 per cent during the following three years. All stem cankers were located below the 9 foot level and 75.0 per cent were facing north or northeast. The disease was not confined to a particular crown class. Infected, trees were killed in 4 to 8 years. Fifteen cankers were sectioned to study the nature of canker growth. The rate of girdling was not related to either the diameter or dominance of the tree. The cankers grew at a faster rate on dominant and co-dominant trees during the initial year of infection than on intermediate and overtopped trees. The disease did not cause increment loss during the infection period.
Population Dynamics of Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Other Thrips Species on Two Ornamental Host Plant Species in Southern Florida

Since its 2005 introduction into the United States, chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), has become a problematic pest of agronomic, vegetable, fruit, and ornamental plants. Knowledge of its population dynamics may help managers better monitor and control S. dorsalis. Population estimates were recorded for S. dorsalis and other thrips species on Knock-Out rose (Rosa 'Radrazz') and green buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus L.) from July 2007 to September 2008 in two field plots (one per plant species) in Homestead, FL. Yellow sticky card traps and samples of terminals, flowers, buds, and leaves were collected. S. dorsalis accounted for 95% of all thrips individuals collected from plants and 84% from traps with the remainder including at least 18 other thrips species. More thrips were caught on or flying near rose plants (47,438) than on or near buttonwoods (5,898), and on-plant densities of S. dorsalis appeared higher for rose than for buttonwood. Compared with rose leaves, rose buds, terminals, and flowers each had higher numbers of S. dorsalis, and buds and terminals had higher densities. On each host plant species, S. dorsalis density fluctuated over time with peaks in the late spring, summer, and fall, but populations were consistently low in the late winter and early spring. On roses, increased plant damage ratings correlated with reduced numbers of flowers and buds, reduced mean flower areas, and increased on-plant number and density of S. dorsalis. There were positive correlations over time between S. dorsalis density and plant damage rating for rose flowers (R = 0.78; P = 0.0003) and for buttonwood terminals (R = 0.90; P = 0.0001). Yellow sticky card traps were effective for monitoring S. dorsalis and may be especially useful and economically justified for the most susceptible hosts, but they also work well for less susceptible hosts. A good S. dorsalis scouting program should hence consider trap catches and symptoms such as leaf distortion, small flower area (size), and thrips population concentrations near buds and terminals.
Attitudes toward homosexual activity and gays as friends: A national survey of heterosexual 15‐ to 19‐year‐old males

Heterosexual adolescent males’ negative attitudes toward gays were examined using data from a 1988 national survey of male youth 15 to 19 years of age. Results indicated that the vast majority of young males, 89%, found sex between two men “disgusting,” and only 12% felt confident that they could befriend a gay person. Multivariate analyses revealed, as expected, that respondents with more traditional male role attitudes, a religious fundamentalist orientation, and a parent who had completed fewer years of education were significantly more likely to express homophobic views. However, these models also indicated that homophobic attitudes were not associated with the absence of a religious affiliation, placing greater importance on religion, or frequency of worrying about AIDS. The discussion underscores the importance of conducting future research that will facilitate a better understanding of the processes underlying how young males acquire, maintain, and change their attitudes toward gays.
Phosphorescence and Fluorescence Measurements of Human Tissues Using UV LED Excitation

Using UV LED excitation, fluorescence and phosphorescence measurements were performed on normal and malignant breast tissues. Cancerous tissues demonstrated a weaker ratio of phosphorescence to fluorescence intensity compared to normal glandular and adipose tissue.
Pressure dependence of radical densities in various gas discharges

Pressure dependence of radical densities in various gas discharges is investigated using a simple plasma kinetics model. Modifications and corrections were made to the previous formulation of the model. For this purpose the dissociation degree of feed gas was addressed in terms of the pressure, and empirical expressions for the dissociation degree were suggested for further analysis. Some speculations on the lifetime of the radicals in the discharge for mixed gas discharges were also made. Experimental data presented in the literature were analyzed based on this modified and corrected model. The validity of the model for a global application was testified by comparing the expectations of the model with the experimental result published in the literature.
Investigation of lens glycolytic enzymes: species distribution and interaction with supramolecular order.

Distribution of several glycolytic enzymes in the lenses of different vertebrate species and theirorganization in the calf lenses were studied. Though no general pattern of enzyme activities in different species is discernible, high activities of TPI followed, in decreasing order, by GAPDH, enolase, PK, LDH and aldolase appear to be more common. Our observation on the unusually high activities of aldolase in the pig, enolase in the sheep and LDH in the duck lens are interesting in view of the already known dual function of LDH as an enzyme and a structural protein ( e -crystallin) in duck. Controlled treatment with detergents Brij-58 and Triton X-100 caused distinctly differential purturbations in the lens cells. In spite of fiber membrane disruption and partial actin dissolution by Brij-58, no significant increase in the release of glycolytic enzymes compared to control was observed. This suggests that none of the enzymes existed as a completely soluble and freely diffusible fraction. But treatment with a strong detergent (Triton X-100) caused the release of higher amounts of enzymes suggesting either a direct or indirect interaction with the cytomatrix components. Aldolase appears to be maximally bound in the cytosol followed by TPI, GAPDH, LDH and PK in decreasing order. Although thin lens slices were incubated with the detergents for a total period of 40 min and the loss of fiber architecture and organization confirmed by light microscopy, in the Triton- X-100 treated tissues less than 25% of the total activity of any enzyme except TPI appeared in the bathing medium. Such a restricted diffusion of enzymes from the tissues suggests significant protein-protein interactions. The present study indicates highly variable activities of glycolytic enzymes in different species and an ordered array of these enzymes in the cytomatrix.
Evaluation of a Nasal Cannula in Noninvasive Ventilation Using a Lung Simulator

BACKGROUND: Nasal noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a common form of noninvasive respiratory mode used in newborn infants. A next-generation nasal cannula (Neotech RAM cannula) has recently been used to provide nasal NIV. The impact of the Neotech RAM cannula on the delivery of pressure needs to be studied. METHODS: In this ex vivo experimental design, a lung simulator (IngMar ASL 5000, version 3.4) was programmed to model a neonate (∼1–3 kg of body weight) with normal-to-moderately affected lungs. We used a Covidien PB840 ventilator with NIV software activated to compensate for leaks. Nasal NIV was set at peak airway pressures of 15, 20, and 25 cm H2O and PEEP of 5, 6, and 7 cm H2O. Three sizes of the Neotech RAM cannula were used (prong outer diameters of 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 mm). The nose was designed to keep the leak of the nares by the prongs to 30%. We also created a worst case leak (58% leak) by using the largest simulated nostril diameter with the smallest diameter Neotech RAM cannula prong. The outcome measure was the difference in pressures, referred to as leak effect, measured by the lung simulator relative to the set peak airway pressure and PEEP on the ventilator. RESULTS: For the interface with 30% leak, leak effects of peak airway pressure during simulated nasal NIV were similar with all Neotech RAM cannula sizes, with 63–75% of peak airway pressure and 70–90% of PEEP being transmitted across the nasal interface. The worst case scenario produced a 92% leak effect in peak airway pressure and PEEP. CONCLUSIONS: When used with ≤ 30% leak, the Neotech RAM cannula interface results in clinically acceptable transmission of pressures. With > 50% leak, a clinically negligible amount of pressure is transmitted to the artificial lungs.
Application of expert systems to productivity measurement in companies/organizations

Abstract During the last several years, company-level productivity measurement has become important as companies deal with deregulation, international competition, uncertain economic conditions, and complex technological environments. Various productivity measurement models have been proposed in the literature. One such model is the Total Productivity Model (TPM), developed in 1979. Computer programs have already been developed for this model in FORTRAN and BASIC to be used on various hardware configurations such as PRIME 400, UNIVAC 1100/80, IBM PC XT, and Apple Macintosh. Some earlier papers dealt with these programs in previous conferences for Computers and Industrial Engineering. In this paper, we demonstrate the feasibility of using an Expert System for the TPM to measure productivity of individual operatioonal units of a firm as well as the firm itself as a whole. Such an experience of productivity measurement with an AI/Expert System has been rarely documented in the literature, and hence, is expected to contribute to new knowledge. This paper presents an example of the proposed system and highlights its advantages and limitations. Future scope for research is indicated. The proposed methodology is generic enough for both manufacturing and service-oriented organizations.
CD34+ cell adhesion molecule profiles differ between patients mobilized with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor alone and chemotherapy followed by granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor.

BACKGROUND: High-dose therapy with autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell support is widely utilized but requires successful CD34+ cell mobilization and collection. Chemotherapy plus growth factors appear to mobilize more CD34+ cells than growth factors alone. Because alterations in expression of adhesion molecules are important in the trafficking of hematopoietic progenitors, the possibility was explored that the mechanism of this superior mobilization may be greater down regulation of adhesion molecules. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The expression of eight adhesion molecules (CD11a, b, and c; 15s; 49d and e; 54; and 62L) on the collected CD34+ cells from 15 patients undergoing mobilization with chemotherapy plus granulocyte–colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was compared with those of 14 concomitant patients receiving G-CSF alone. RESULTS: Patients receiving chemotherapy plus G-CSF mobilized more CD34+ cells and did not differ in prior chemotherapy or radiation. There were no significant differences in the percentage of CD34+ cells expressing any of the adhesion molecules examined between the two groups. The chemotherapy plus G-CSF–mobilized cells consistently showed higher expression intensity, and this showed significance or a strong trend for CD11a and c, CD15s, and CD54. Despite these higher expression levels, there were no differences in engraftment kinetics. CONCLUSIONS: CD34+ cells mobilized by chemotherapy plus growth factors appear to have higher intensities of expression of several adhesion molecules. The significance of this observation will require further study.
Abstract 5639: Preoperative concurrent paclitaxel and radiation in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC): Five-year outcomes on 105 patients

Purpose: A prospective trial of preoperative concurrent paclitaxel and radiation for patients with LABC was conducted at three academic institutions. Five-year local and systemic control rates are reported. Patients and Methods: 105 patients with LABC were treated with concurrent neoadjuvant paclitaxel and radiation. Paclitaxel was administered at 30 mg/m2 intravenously twice a week for 10-12 weeks. Daily radiotherapy was delivered to the breast, axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes during weeks 2-7, at 1.8 Gy per fraction to a total dose of 45 Gy followed by a boost of 14 Gy at 2 Gy per fraction to the originally palpable tumor. Weekly trastuzumab (2mg/kg) was added for 8 more recent patients whose tumor over-expressed Her-2/neu. At one of the three institutions preoperative paclitaxel (3 cycles of 175 mg/m2 q 3 weeks) was also administered prior to chemo-radiation to 36 patients. Pathologic response was defined as complete response (pCR) in the absence of invasive cancer in breast or lymph nodes; partial response (pPR) as the persistence of Results: Pathological response (pCR and pPR) after neoadjuvant chemo-radiation was achieved in 36/105 patients (34.3%, 95% confidence interval: 25.3% - 44.2%). 30/105 patients underwent breast-conserving surgery after neoadjuvant chemo-radiation (28.6%), while 74 underwent mastectomy. One patient progressed during therapy and did not undergo surgery. With a median follow up of 60 months and a maximum of 137 months, the median survival has not been reached. The estimated 5-year overall cumulative survival (OS) is 71.6% (95% confidence interval: 60.5% - 80.1%). Local recurrence occurred in 4/105 patients (3.8%): in 3/4 synchronously with or following systemic recurrence. Five patients (4.8%) developed contra-lateral breast cancer. Patients without a pathologic response had a higher risk of recurrence or death than patients who had a pathologic response (hazard ratio = 2.86, logrank p-value=0.009); similarly, survival was shorter (hazard ratio = 4.28, logrank p-value=0.003). The 5-year estimated OS for non-responders was 61.6% compared with 87.9% for responders. A separate analysis of patients who received additional preoperative paclitaxel before chemo-radiation showed a pathologic response rate of 41.7% (15/36 patients, 95% confidence interval: 25.5% to 59.2%); with an estimated 5-year OS of 63.9% (95% confidence interval: 46.1% - 77.2%). Conclusion: This series of 105 patients with LABC treated with concurrent paclitaxel and radiation demonstrated a 71.6% 5-year OS and 96% local control rate. Pathological response to concurrent paclitaxel and radiation was associated with a significantly better 5-year survival. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5639.
Oxidative stress and innate immunity in feline patients with diabetes mellitus: the role of nutrition

This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that oxidative stress is increased and neutrophil function is decreased in cats with diabetes mellitus (DM). Measures of oxidative stress and neutrophil function were evaluated in 20 control and 15 diabetic cats. Cats were then fed a diet designed specifically for feline diabetics (Purina DM Dietetic Management Feline Formula) for 8 weeks, after which all assays were repeated. Cats with DM had significantly less plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) than control cats, consistent with a greater degree of oxidative stress in the DM group. Following 8 weeks of consuming a diabetes-specific diet glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme increased significantly in both groups. Other parameters of oxidative stress, as well as neutrophil function, were similar between groups and did not change following dietary intervention. The DM cats were significantly older and heavier than the control cats, which may have contributed to differences in parameters of oxidative stress and levels of antioxidant enzymes between these groups, but the decreased level of SOD enzyme in the diabetic group would appear to support the continued development of targeted antioxidant supplementation for this cats with this disease.
Central projection of sensory fibers from the cat knee joint.

The dorsal column projections of individual primary afferent fibers from the posterior articular nerve innervating the cat knee have been studied. The majority of fibers not projecting to cervical levels in the dorsal columns supply slowly adapting receptors. These fibers undergo a reduction in conduction velocity shortly after entering the dorsal columns and terminate in the upper lumbar to lower thoracic region of the spinal cord.
Surface structure of epitaxial Gd(0001) films on W(110) studied by quantitative LEED analysis

The surface structure of thick (400 A) Gd(0001) films, epitaxially grown on W(110), is investigated by low-energy electron-diffraction (LEED) {ital IV} measurements in combination with dynamical LEED calculations. A first-layer contraction of 2.4% and a second-layer spacing expansion of 1% is found. These findings are in good agreement with literature values determined for the (0001) surface of bulk Gd crystals. No significant difference in the LEED {ital IV} data is found between films grown at room temperature and films grown at elevated temperatures.
Wave forecasting and longshore sediment transport gradients along a transgressive barrier island: Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana

Louisiana barrier islands, such as the chain surrounding the southeast region of the state, are experiencing rapid loss of land area, shoreline erosion, and landward migration due to transgression and in-place drowning, and the landfall of several major hurricanes in the last decade. Observations of migration rates and overall impacts to these barrier islands are poorly understood since they do not respond in a traditional way, such as barrier rollover. This paper aims to verify how wave energy and potential longshore sediment transport trends have influenced the recent evolution of the Chandeleur Islands, by direct comparison with recent observations of migration and erosion trends. The Chandeleur Islands are characterized by a bidirectional transport system, with material moving from the central arc to the flanks. The longshore sediment transport along the barrier islands was calculated after propagation and transformation of waves to breaking (generated using observed winds), and through the use of a common longshore sediment transport formula. Seasonal variations in wind climate produced changes in the transport trends and gradients that agree with migration and rotation patterns observed for this barrier island system. Results suggest that wind dominance produces seasonal oscillations that cause an imbalance in the resulting transport gradients that over time are responsible for higher rates of transport in the northward direction. These results and data from other works verify the evolutionary model previously suggested, and qualitatively confirm the recent observations in asymmetric shoreline erosion.
Human papillomavirus vaccine update

With the approval of Gardasil® (Merck and Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ) in June of 2006 and the pending approval of Cervarix® (GlaxoSmithKline, London, UK), two prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines will be available for clinical use. Randomized controlled trials have shown that both vaccines are safe and highly effective in preventing persistent infection and lesions caused by HPV 16 and 18—the types responsible for 70% of cervical cancers worldwide. Determining an effective vaccination strategy is now the most pressing issue facing clinicians, parents, public health officials, and policy makers. We discuss the appropriate age of vaccination, vaccine acceptance, implementation strategies in low resource settings, and the future of screening.
Distribution of Immunoreactive Prolactin in the Male and Female Rat Brain: Effects of Hypophysectomy and Intraventricular Administration of Colchicine

Immunohistochemical studies have identified immunoreactive prolactin (IR-PRL) in the hypothalamus and other areas of the rat brain. However, immunocytochemical techniques make it difficult to quantify
Ongoing investigations and new uses of radioimmunotherapy in the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Studies in radiation oncology are focusing on the optimal use of systemic targeted radionuclide therapy (STaRT) in the treatment of patients with cancer. The two approved radioimmunotherapy agents, yttrium-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan and iodine-131 tositumomab, are being studied in a range of lymphoid malignancies, from low-grade to aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Studies of standard- and escalated-dose radioimmunotherapy with or without stem cell support are reviewed, as are radioimmunotherapy with other therapeutic modalities in these settings. The results of these trials have important implications for clinical practice, and it is hoped that they will further clarify the optimal timing and dosing of these agents.
Nonnarcotic Antidiarrheal Action of Clonidine and Lofexidine in the Rat

: Clonidine (0.01 to 0.16 mg/kg) and lofexidine (0.01 to 0.64 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent inhibition of diarrhea induced by castor oil treatment in the rat. Both drugs were more potent and longer acting than diphenoxylate. Pre- and posttreatment with naloxone (5 mg/kg) failed to prevent or antagonize the antidiarrheal effect of clonidine and lofexidine. These data suggest that clonidine and lofexidine may provide potent antidiarrheal activity of a nonnarcotic nature.
The bases of paleodemography

Accurate identification of every skeleton (age, sex, health, female fecundity) in a fully sampled cemetery provides data on adult longevity, infant and child death ratios, sex ratio, fertility and birth, death, and natural increase rates, population density, family structure and microevolutionary selection.
Transverse Mass and Width of the W Boson

The possibility that both the mass and the width of the W boson can be measured by the Jacobian peak in the transverse mass distribution is proposed and examined.
Outbreak of Serratia Marcescens Associated with the Flexible Fiberbronchoscope

An outbreak of pulmonary infection due to Serratia marcescens was traced to the use of the flexible fiberbronchoscope. Three patients in two different intensive care units were infected after therapeutic bronchoscopies with a fiberbronchoscope which had been used on a patient identified as having a pulmonary infection from Serratia marcescens . Fluid aspirated through the biopsy channel of the fiberbronchoscope subsequently yielded a heavy growth of the same organism. Cleaning the bronchoscope with 70 percent alcohol and periodic ethylene oxide gas sterilization was found to be inadequate and a sterilization procedure utilizing povidine iodine (Betadine solution) subsequently rendered the bronchoscope aseptic.
Association constants and nmr association shifts for several chloroform-base hydrogen-bonded complexes

Abstract The chemical shifts of chloroform in solutions with several hydrogen bonding bases in either cyclohexane or carbon tetrachloride as solvent were measured at 25° with a precision of ±0.002 ppm. Chloroform-base association constants and association shifts were calculated by fitting the data using an IBM 709 nonlinear least squares program. Corrections were applied for the effects of dispersion interaction and self- and solvent association. Listing the base, association constant, and association shift in ppm to low field in that order, the resulting values are: triethylamine, 4.70, 1.472; diethyl ether, 3.76, 0.905; diethyl ether, 1.46, 1.266; isopropyl ether, 2.06, 1.126; acetonitrile, 1.14, 0.973; acetone, 2.07, 1.419; and pyridine, 1.90, 2.271. The first two are in cyclohexane, the rest in CCl 4 . The difference between the association constants of diethyl ether in the two solvents is noted as being anomalously large. The effect of the anisotropy of the base can readily be seen in the association shifts of the pyridine and acetonitrile complexes.
On strategies for processing relative clauses: A comparison of children and adults

Adults were tested for the way in which they process four types of subject and object relative clauses. The results support an anti-interruption and anti-rearrangement constraint that has been proposed by Slobin. The reason why interruption and rearrangment of linguistic units is hard for adults is explained in terms of language-processing strategies that they are hypothesized to be using, in particular the Adjacency strategy. Adult behavior is compared to the performance of 4- and 5-year-old children in a previous study. The results of these two studies support the claim that children and adults are following the same strategies in processing these sentences, and that the difference between them is in which strategies they rely most heavily on, and, consequently, which sentences they make the most mistakes on.
Slack matching mode-based asynchronous circuits for average-case performance

This paper addresses the problem of slack matching conditional asynchronous circuits for average-case performance. The behavior of the circuit is modeled using a Markov chain which governs switching between distinct modes of operations with potentially different performance requirements. Given the probability of mode switchings and desired cycle times for each mode, a minimum number of slack-matching buffers is inserted into the circuit such that an upper bound on the overall average cycle time is achieved. The problem is formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Program and solved through relaxation. Experimental results on a new benchmark of circuits show a significant savings of slack matching buffers compared with the traditional approach and illuminate the type of circuits for which this new formulation is most beneficial.
EFFECT OF ORIENTATION, INCLINATION, AND LENGTH OF DIAGONAL OF NECKER CUBES ON PERSPECTIVE DOMINANCE

Orientation of the diagonal in a Necker cube drawing was shown to affect the first perspective reported and the relative amount of time that each perspective was dominant. Length and inclination of...
Apparent distinctiveness of the actions of gibberellic acid in aleurone layers.

Abstract The relationship of some of the many responses that are induced by gibberellic acid in barley (Hordeum vulgare var. Betzes) was investigated by comparing how some enzymes whose secretion is elicited by the hormone were affected, quantitatively, by various treatments. The effect of heating half seeds at 55° for varying short periods prior to treatment with the hormone as well as the effects of cycloheximide, of dinitrophenol and of abscisic acid on the relative amounts of various enzymes secreted in the presence of the growth factor were observed. All of the hormonal responses were affected differently by all of the diverse treatments. Since the patterns of inhibition and of stimulatin exhibited by the responses were clearly dissimilar, it appears that the hormonal actions on the enzymes are distinct.
Relationship between pretrial publicity and trial outcomes

Research suggests that pretrial publicity influences trials. Past research has relied heavily on experimental methods. Several commentators have questioned the ecological validity of the studies, and hence the value of the findings. The present study, one of the first to examine actual trials, focused on all federal murder trials over a 3-year period. The results suggested that (a) greater probability of conviction was associated with low rather than high levels of publicity; (b) defendants fared better under moderate rather than no publicity levels; and for defendants who were convicted, any degree of pretrial publicity was associated with longer sentences. In general, the results obtained from studying actual trials differed in important ways from the results obtained in laboratory research.
Explaining Life Course and Cohort Variation in the Relationship between Education and Health: The Role of Income.

Researchers have attempted to explain the relationship between education and health by incorporating mediators-such as income--through which schooling affects health. Research has also shown that the education-health relationship varies across age and cohort. This article integrates these themes in an investigation of the role income plays in the changing relationship between education and health. Using data from the 1972-2001 National Health Interview Surveys, I find that the direct relationship between education and health is weakening across cohorts, while the indirect effect of education through income is strengthening across cohorts. Cohort change in this indirect effect is equally attributable to change in the relationships between education and income and between income and health. Life course differences in direct and indirect relationships vary in shape, suggesting that a substantive explanation---one that does not rely solely on selective mortality--is warranted. The results suggest that future research should continue to employ a life course framework.
ADH1A variation predisposes to personality traits and substance dependence.

Human personality traits are strong predictors or characteristics of many psychiatric disorders including substance dependence (SD). Recently, significant associations between alcohol dehydrogenase type 1A gene (ADH1A) and SD have been reported, which led us to investigate the impact of ADH1A variation on personality traits and risk of SD. Five hundred fifty-eight subjects with SD [398 European-Americans (EAs) and 160 African-Americans (AAs)], 517 college students (384 EAs and 133 European-origin Hispanics), and 448 healthy subjects (385 EAs, 48 AAs, and 15 European-origin Hispanics) participated. Personality traits were assessed in 247 subjects with SD (179 EAs and 68 AAs), all 517 college students, and 332 healthy subjects (285 EAs, 40 AAs, and 7 European-origin Hispanics). The relationships between ADH1A and personality traits were comprehensively examined using stepwise multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), and then decomposed by stepwise analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The relationship between ADH1A and SD was examined using stepwise logistic regression analysis. Admixture effects on analyses were considered. Overall, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness were associated with the diplotypes, haplotypes, genotypes, and/or alleles of ADH1A in three of four phenotype groups including EA SD subjects, healthy subjects, and AA SD subjects (1.7 × 10−4 ≤ P ≤ 0.055), but not college students. Neuroticism was associated with diplotype, haplotypes and genotypes in AA SD subjects (0.001 ≤ P ≤ 0.031). In addition, SD was associated with diplotypes, haplotypes, genotypes, and/or alleles of ADH1A (0.008 ≤ P ≤ 0.060). The present study demonstrates that the ADH1A variation may contribute to the genetic component of variation in personality traits and SD. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Patroklos's Funeral and Habermas's Sentence

Between Facts and Norms is something more than the last work in the series of massive works written by Habermas; it clearly is (after Knowledge and Human Interest and The Theory of Communicative Action) the third great landmark in his intellectual career. Its lines of continuity and change with respect to his previous works are not easily traceable. Most of the ideas exposed in Between Facts and Norms actually are not unfamiliar to his readers; the book synthesizes intellectual developments already presented, although nonsystematically, in different writings. Yet, the focus according to which they are here organized is peculiar to this text. All of this enormously rich and complex text revolves around one single, and rather simply formulable, question: What is a valid law? or more precisely, how is a legitimate law, which necessarily involves a claim to transcendent validity, possible in a postmetaphysical context? Although not absent from previous works, never did the category of law occupy such a central place in Habermas's philosophical system. In trying to deal with it, he found himself forced to revise some of the concepts hitherto basic for his theory of communicative action. This does not neces-
Hypoxic/ischemic insult alters ferritin expression and myelination in neonatal rat brains.

Ferritin is expressed very early in the development of oligodendrocytes. This protein makes iron available within cells while providing some protection from iron-induced oxidative damage. In the developing rat brain, ferritin is found initially in microglia followed by oligodendrocytes in a temporal and spatial pattern that coincides with the expression of myelin. In this study, we test the hypothesis that hypoxic/ischemic (H/I) insult will alter the expression of ferritin in microglia and oligodendrocytes, resulting in a delay in the appearance of myelin markers. Seven-day-old rat pups were exposed to H/I insult. Within 24 hours, after the insult, there is an increase in ferritin-positive amoeboid microglia and a decrease in immunohistochemical reaction for the myelin marker Rip in the brain. The oligodendrocyte marker 2′-3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase is elevated in the H/I hemisphere relative to the hypoxia-only hemisphere between 8 and 15 days after insult. By 23 days after the insult, the subcortical white matter segregates into areas that contain ferritin-positive microglia and are devoid of Rip-positive oligodendrocytes or areas with Rip-positive cells and no ferritin-positive microglia. The H/I insult also affects the ratio of H-rich to L-rich ferritin expression at most of the time periods. These results demonstrate that the type of ferritin, its cellular distribution and the normal pattern of subcortical white matter myelination is affected by H/I. We propose that the absence of ferritin in oligodendrocytes prohibits them from storing sufficient iron to meet the synthetic and metabolic demands associated with myelination. J. Comp. Neurol. 431:382–396, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Percolation theory of two phase flow in porous media

The simultaneous flow of two phases through porous media has long lacked a sound theoretical description, due, in large measure, to the complex geometry and topology of the pore space, and the chaotic, nearly random spatial distribution of the fluids. For some 20 years, a theory of flow through random media, percolation theory, has existed in the field of mathematical physics. In this paper, it is demonstrated that percolation theory describes the distribution of non-wetting fluid in common sandstones and limestones during capillary pressure and relative permeability measurements. In particular, the theory predicts the relative amounts of non-wetting fluid in each of three distinct fluid configurations: isolated, dead-end, and flow effective fluid. Porous media are herein idealized as random mixtures of solid and void to which concepts of percolation theory apply. For sinter-bodies a critical porosity, φc ⋍ 112, exists, below which the void space is not continuous across the sample. For many natural porous materials, e.g. sandstones and limestones, the dependence of residual non-wetting saturation upon porosity is roughly that which corresponds to the existence of a critical porosity, whose value is again 112. The distribution of the non-wetting phase during two phase flow, in particular, the amount of isolated and dead-end fluid, can be qualitatively predicted by simple graph models. The concepts of dead end and isolated fluid must be considered if relative permeability, capillary pressure, and other descriptors of two phase flow are to be understood.
Optimized norm-conserving Vanderbilt pseudopotentials

Fully nonlocal two-projector norm-conserving pseudopotentials are shown to be compatible with a systematic approach to the optimization of convergence with the size of the plane-wave basis. A reformulation of the optimization is developed, including the ability to apply it to positive-energy atomic scattering states and to enforce greater continuity in the pseudopotential. The generalization of norm conservation to multiple projectors is reviewed and recast for the present purposes. Comparisons among the results of all-electron and one- and two-projector norm-conserving pseudopotential calculations of lattice constants and bulk moduli are made for a group of solids chosen to represent a variety of types of bonding and a sampling of the periodic table.
An efficient particle tracking equation with specified spatial step for the solution of the diffusion equation

The traditional diffusive particle tracking equation provides an updated particle location as a function of its previous location and molecular diffusion coefficient while maintaining a constant time step. A smaller time step yields an increasingly accurate, yet more computationally demanding solution. Selection of this time step becomes an important consideration and, depending on the complexity of the problem, a single optimum value may not exist. The characteristics of the system under consideration may be such that a constant time step may yield solutions with insufficient accuracy in some portions of the domain and excess computation time for others. In this work, new particle tracking equations specifically designed for the solution of problems associated with diffusion processes in one, two, and three dimensions are presented. Instead of a constant time step, the proposed equations employ a constant spatial step. Using a traditional particle tracking algorithm, the travel time necessary for a particle with a diffusion coefficient inversely proportional to its diameter to achieve a pre-specified distance was determined. Because the size of a particle affects how it diffuses in a quiescent fluid, it is expected that two differently sized particles would require different travel times to move a given distance. The probability densities of travel times for plumes of monodisperse particles were consistently found to be log-normal in shape. The parameters describing this log-normal distribution, i.e., mean and standard deviation, are functions of the distance specified for travel and the diffusion coefficient of the particles. Thus, a random number selected from this distribution approximates the time required for a given particle to travel a specified distance. The new equations are straightforward and may be easily incorporated into appropriate particle tracking algorithms. In addition, the new particle tracking equations are as accurate and often more computationally efficient than the traditional particle tracking equation.
Thermal response in acute porcine malignant hyperthermia

This study was designed to evaluate how vital organ and skin-surface temperatures correlate with other clinical signs of a malignant hyperthermia (MH) episode. Six susceptible swine were anesthetized with thiopental and nitrous oxide and kept normothermic (approximately equal to 38 degrees C). After a 30-min control period, halothane (1 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration) was administered, followed in 5 min by a bolus of succinylcholine (2 mg/kg intravenously). Monitoring included: 1) ETCO2; 2)PaO2, PaCO2, pHa; 3) cardiovascular function; 4) core temperatures (esophagus, pulmonary artery, and rectum); 5) organ temperatures (brain, kidney, liver, and four skeletal muscles); and 6) skin temperatures (forehead, neck, and axilla). Within 10 min after exposure to halothane and succinylcholine, all animals developed fulminant MH. Kidney, liver, and brain temperatures increased more rapidly than pulmonary artery temperature with the onset of MH. Temperatures significantly increased in the visceral organs prior to the detection of contractures within skeletal muscles. The masseter, longissimus dorsi, quadriceps, deltoid, and extensor digiti II intramuscular temperatures were 1-2 degrees C less than pulmonary artery and esophageal temperatures during the episodes, whereas those of the kidney, liver, and brain were the same or slightly greater. When it occurs, core hyperthermia during acute MH results largely from heat produced in central organs, not in skeletal muscle per se. In these swine, changes in axilla skin surface temperatures correlated well with core temperature trends, whereas those of the neck and forehead did not. Unless a skin-surface probe can be placed in close proximity to a major vessel, cutaneous temperatures should not be substituted for measurements at an appropriate core site.
The Outline of Mark

study of a book of the Bible gives or assumes some kind of outline of that book. If that outline is well constructed it is one that grows naturally out of the book itself rather than one superimposed upon it by modern interests. It should be one which, as nearly as can be determined, the author himself, consciously or unconsciously, has followed in writing his book. As we turn to the Gospel of Mark we note an anomalous situation. Mark has been