cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Field theoretic methods in critical phenomena with boundaries

Recent work on field theoretic methods in critical phenomena with boundaries by the author and collaborators is described. The presence of interfaces and boundaries in critical systems produce a much richer set of phenomena than that of infinite sized systems. New universality classes are present and interesting crossover behavior occurs when there is a relative variation of additional length scales associated with either the size of the system or the boundary conditions (BC) satisfied by the order parameter on the limiting surfaces. A recently proprosed crossover renormalization group approach is very well suited to study these rich crossovers. Since functional integrals provide an indefinite integral representation of field theories, Feynman rules in configuration space are independent of geometry and BC. Renormalization of field theories with boundaries is discussed and various geometries and BC are considered. Application of field theoretic techniques are described for studying conformational properties of long polymer chains in dilute solution near interfaces or in confined domains. Also, related problems in quantum field theories with boundaries are presented.
Moral Reform in Comedy and Culture, 1696–1747. By Aparna Gollapudi. (Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2011. Pp. 198. $99.95.)

In an adroitly executed study, Aparna Gollapudi argues persuasively that readers ought to redirect their attention away from a concentration on the emotional effects of sentiment and morality in la...
Reflex penile erection in anesthetized mice: An exploratory study

Ejaculatory-like rhythmic contractions of the bulbospongiosus (BS) muscle and penile erection can be elicited in the urethane-anesthetized rat, following spinal cord transection, upon electrical stimulation (ES) of the dorsal penile nerve (DPN). The aim of this work was to investigate this reflex in anesthetized mice. Adult C57BL6 mice were anesthetized with isoflurane. The BS muscle and corpus cavernosum were instrumented to allow quantification of the BS muscle electromyographic activity (BS EMG) and intracavernosal pressure respectively. The femoral artery and jugular vein were catheterized to allow measurement of blood pressure and compound administration. ES of the DPN, via bipolar silver electrodes, reliably evoked erectile responses in mice with intact spinal cords. The overall amplitude of the erectile response was frequency- and pulse duration-dependent. Erectile responses were abolished by bilateral cut of the sensory branch of the pudendal nerve. Transection of the spinal cord potentiated the erectile responses and increased the area under the curve of the BS EMG when compared with those animals with intact spinal cords. However, no coordinated rhythmic contractions of the BS muscle during or after the ES could be observed, with or without spinal transection. Melanotan-II failed to enhance the erectile response induced by ES of the DPN, in mice with intact spinal cords. ES of the DPN in isoflurane-anesthetized mice could be a useful model in which to study the interplay between brain and spinal cord in the control of reflex penile erection, and could take advantage of knockout mice models. However, the lack of efficacy of Melanotan-II suggests that further experiments are necessary to confirm the future utility of this model. In contrast to rats, the expulsion reflex could not be reliably elicited in mice with or without spinal transection. This latter finding suggests the existence of fundamental differences in the organization of the spinal network controlling sexual reflexes between rats and mice.
Regulation of Postnatal Trabecular Bone Formation by the Osteoblast Endothelin A Receptor

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor that also stimulates cells in the osteoblast lineage by binding to the endothelin A receptor (ETAR). ET-1 ligand is widely secreted, particularly by the vasculature. However, the contributions of ETAR signaling to adult bone homeostasis have not been defined. ETAR was inactivated in osteoblasts by crossing ETAR-floxed and osteocalcin-Cre mice. Histomorphometric analyses were performed on 4-, 8-, and 12-week-old osteoblast-targeted ETAR knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) male and female mice. Tibial trabecular bone volume was significantly lower from 12 weeks in KO versus WT mice in both males and females. Bone-formation rate, osteoblast density, and in vitro osteoblast differentiation were reduced by targeted inactivation of ETAR. A separate longitudinal analysis was performed between 8 and 64 weeks to examine the effect of aging and castration on bone metabolism in ETAR KO mice. Hypogonadism did not change the rate of bone accrual in WT or KO females. However, eugonadal KO males had a significantly larger increase in tibial and femoral bone acquisition than WT mice. Male mice castrated at 8 weeks of age showed the reverse: KO mice had reduced rates of tibial and femoral BMD acquisition compared with WT mice. In vitro, ET-1 increased osteoblast proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Dihydrotestosterone also increased osteoblast differentiation using a mechanism distinct from the actions of ET-1. These results demonstrate that endothelin signaling in osteoblasts is an important regulator of postnatal trabecular bone remodeling and a modulator of androgen effects on bone. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Interactive Scenegraph Performance Analysis, Diagnosis, and Enhancement

In recent years scenegraphs have emerged as the most preferred way to represent and interact with large models in the field of computer graphics. The performance of any scenegraph application depends critically on the underlying structure of the data. Since there are many sources of 3D models and methods for constructing scenegraph data structures, poorly structured input is common. This work presents the design and implementation of an extensible performance monitoring system for a popular open source scenegraph, OpenSG. Several methods for interrogating the various factors which can affect the performance of a scenegraph are presented. A software implementation of these methods provides a tool that enables interactive exploration and diagnosis of a scenegraph to identify potential performance bottlenecks. The tool also implements some optimization techniques that can be applied to improve the structure of the scenegraph and thus the performance of the application.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Undiagnosed myasthenia gravis masquerading as eclampsia

This case describes an apparently healthy 21-year-old parturient who presented at term with a prolapsed cord requiring immediate cesarean section. She experienced postoperative seizures. After a presumptive diagnosis of eclampsia, magnesium sulfate was given. During a complicated postoperative course, ventilatory failure necessitating multiple intubations eventually led to a new diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. This report describes how the signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis may mimic post-partum eclampsia as well as worsen the side effects of magnesium therapy.
Chaotic behavior of particle production in branching processes.

The notion of chaotic behavior is examined for particle production in branching processes. Two types of branching are considered: non-Abelian gauge interaction and an Abelian cascade model. Properties of the production processes are investigated by Monte Carlo simulation. The "temporal" behavior is studied by following the fluctuations in the multiplicities of each generation as the branching evolves. The "spatial" behavior is described in terms of the fluctuations of the normalized factorial moments from event to event. The information dimension and a new entropy index are determined. When all the measures are taken together, they collectively give a strong suggestion that the QCD branching process is chaotic, while the Abelian cascade model is not.
A Study of the Handedness of Some Left-Handed Writers

1Acknowledgments of helpful cooperation are made to Mrs. Williams, Principal, and to Mrs. Hazel Colyer, Second-Grade Teacher, of the Melrose Avenue School, Los Angeles.
The Montana Grayling

Abstract Montana grayling are now found, with few exceptions, only in the headwaters of the Big Hole River, Montana, and in lakes of that region. Despite their restricted distribution, the grayling make spirited spawning runs from these waters into various small inlets. Cultural operations have been successful in maintaining good populations in waters still frequented by grayling. Though apparently suitable spawning grounds are present in the West Gallatin, stocking must be continued to maintain satisfactory fishery under the present fishing pressure.
Anesthésie pour la chirurgie de l'aorte thoracique et thoraco-abdominale

Haemodynamic monitoring, anaesthetic technique and perioperative management were reported for a series of 317 consecutive patients who underwent graft replacement of descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms at the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (Texas) between january 1979 and june 1982. The surgical technique used was aortic clamping without shunt. The anaesthetic technique combined high dose fentanyl (50-100 micrograms X kg-1), oxygen ventilation, pancuronium bromide and vascular filing. The patients were monitored by Swan-Ganz catheters. The systemic blood pressure increased by 8% during the clamping of the aorta in spite of the use of sodium nitroprussiate, whereas the systemic vascular resistances did not increase significantly. The cardiac output increased by 19%, whereas the heart rate remained stable. After unclamping, the systemic blood pressure did not decrease significantly, whereas the systemic vascular resistances fell by 20%; the cardiac output increased by 64%, whereas the heart rate remained stable. The 30-day mortality was 10% (32 patients). Four of them died during surgery. The postoperative morbidity included 33 cases of paraplegia and paraparesis, 31 cases of renal insufficiency and 28 cases of postoperative pulmonary complications. The prevention of the consequences of aortic clamping and the management of the hypoxaemia occurring during one lung anaesthesia are discussed.
Hot electron microwave conductivity of wide bandgap semiconductors

Abstract Hot electron microwave conductivity of the wide bandgap semiconductors GaN, SiC and Diamond has been calculated using displaced Maxwellian approximation for the electron distribution function. The effects of both the energy and momentum relaxation times due to scattering by acoustical, optical intervalley phonons and by ionized impurities are included in the derivations. Numerical results for the microwave conductivity and the change in dielectric constant as a function of frequency and bias electric field are presented. It is found that significant change in the conductivity and dielectric constant contribution for a fixed bias field occurs at very high frequencies on the order of 10 12 Hz, which is well beyond the range of current microwave device interest.
Is desynchrony tolerance adaptable in the perceptual organization of speech

Speech signal components that are desynchronized from the veridical temporal pattern lose intelligibility. In contrast, audiovisual presentations with large desynchrony in visible and audible speech streams are perceived without loss of integration. Under such conditions, the limit of desynchrony that permits audiovisual integration is also adaptable. A new project directly investigated the potential for adaptation to consistent desynchrony with unimodal auditory sine-wave speech. Listeners transcribed sentences that are highly intelligible, with veridical temporal properties. Desynchronized variants were created by leading or lagging the tone analog of the second formant relative to the rest of the tones composing the sentences, in 50-msec steps, ranging from 250-msec lead to 250-msec lag. In blocked trials, listeners only tolerated desynchronies <50 msec, and exhibited no gain in intelligibility to consistent desynchrony. Unimodal auditory and bimodal audiovisual forms of perceptual integration evidently exhibit different temporal characteristics, an indication of distinct perceptual functions.
Human endogenous retrovirus-K18 Env as a risk factor in multiple sclerosis.

BackgroundThe human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K18 Env is an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated superantigen. Given the evidence for a role of EBV in the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), HERV-K18 Env is a plausible candidate for association with MS.ObjectiveTo assess whether variation in HERV-K18 Env is a risk factor for MS.MethodsWe developed a single nucleotide polymorphism-based genotyping method to determine the distribution of the three alleles of HERV-K18 env. We then conducted a nested case-control study including 207 MS cases and 403 matched controls. Analyses were replicated in an independent series of 909 MS cases and 339 controls.ResultsOverall, there was a significant association between HERV-K18 env genotype and MS risk (χ2 P = 0.03). As compared with K18.2/K18.2 individuals, risk of MS was three fold higher among K18.3/K18.3 individuals (P = 0.03). An increase in MS risk among carriers of the K18.3 allele was also observed in the replication study, but did not reach statistical signif...
Reflection of a shock wave into a density gradient

Shock wave reflection into ideal gas flow with linear density variation analyzed for flow field
The Prospects for Anti-corruption Law: Optimists versus Skeptics

The recent emphasis placed on anti-corruption laws as means of combatting corruption in low and middle-income countries reflects a great deal of optimism about the ability of law to effect social change. The more general literature on law and development suggests several reasons for skepticism on this front: the risk that legal institutions will be captured by powerful interests; the possibility that law plays only a limited role as a means of social control; and, in the case of transnational law, the limited power, will, knowledge, and legitimacy of foreign actors. This essay examines the extent to which these concerns provide grounds for skepticism about the potential efficacy of anti-corruption law.
Innovation through institutionalization: A service ecosystems perspective

Abstract This article explores the role of institutions in innovation from a service-ecosystems perspective, which helps to unify diverging views on innovation and extend the research regarding innovation systems. Drawing on institutional theories, this approach broadens the scope of innovation beyond firm-centered production activities and collaboration networks, and emphasizes the social practices and processes that drive value creation and, more specifically, innovation — the combinatorial evolution of new, useful knowledge. Based on this ecosystems view, we argue for institutionalization – the maintenance, disruption and change of institutions – as a central process of innovation for both technology and markets. In this view, technology is conceptualized as potentially useful knowledge, or a value proposition, which is both an outcome and a medium of value co-creation and innovation. Market innovation, then, is driven by the combinatorial evolution of value propositions and the emergence and institutionalization of new solutions.
Kinetics of nonspecific binding reactions of proteins with DNA flexible coils: Site‐based and molecule‐based association reactions

Domain effects on the pseudo-first-order kinetics of the reversible and irreversible association of proteins or other ligands with nucleic acids containing multiple binding sites are treated using the classical reaction-diffusion equation applied to a spherical cell model of the nucleic acid solution and a diffuse-sphere model for the nucleic acid chain molecule. Both uniform and Gaussian distributions of chain segments are analyzed. In general, the details of the segment distribution do not have a major effect on the kinetics of association. Domain effects are best examined experimentally by determining the effect of the molecular weight of the nucleic acid on the kinetics of the association reaction. A theoretical framework is presented that permits such data to be analyzed simply. Kinetic studies over a wide range of nucleic acid molecular weights are required in order to separate the contributions of diffusion and reaction to the observed kinetics, and to determine the contributions of site-based and molecule-based elements to the rate constants.
Computational Modeling of Silicon Nanoparticle Synthesis: I. A General Two-Dimensional Model

A two-dimensional model has been developed for silicon nanoparticle synthesis by silane thermal decomposition driven by laser heating in a tubular reactor. This fully coupled model includes fluid dynamics, laser heating, gas phase and surface phase chemical reactions, and aerosol dynamics which includes particle transport and evolution by convection, diffusion, thermophoresis, nucleation, surface growth, and coagulation processes. A moment method, based upon a lognormal particle size distribution, and a sectional method are used to model the aerosol dynamics. The simulation results obtained by the two methods are compared. The sectional method is capable of capturing the bimodal behavior that occurs locally during the process, while the moment method is computationally more efficient. The effect of operating parameters, such as precursor concentration, gas phase composition, inlet gas velocity and laser power input, on the characteristics of the particles produced are investigated. Higher temperature gene...
Error Assessment in the Universal Soil Loss Equation

Although nearly three decades of widespread use have confirmed the reliability of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), very little work has been done to assess the error associated with it. This study was conducted to develop a set of statistics that would measure the performance of the USLE. Estimates of soil loss using the USLE were compared with measured values on 208 natural runoff plots, representing >1700 plot years of data, to assess the error associated with the USLE predictions. The overall Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency was determined to be 0.75 on an average annual basis and 0.58 when compared on a yearly basis. The USLE overpredicted soil loss on plots with low erosion rates while the plots with higher rates were underpredicted. Of the USLE parameters, the topographic factor () and the cover and management factor () had the most influence on the model efficiency. Confidence intervals for USLE predictions were developed and showed that the accuracy of the USLE in terms of percentage difference between predicted and expected values increases with increasing values of total soil loss. It was also shown that there was no significant difference between the average magnitude of error for pre- and post-1960 data sets and that the use of rainfall and runoff factor () values instead of calculated erosion index (EI) values resulted in a drop in model efficiency of 0.02. One must use caution in applying the results of this error analysis to conditions in which they may not be applicable, due to the limited nature of this data set.
SU‐E‐T‐351: Investigation of Clinically Relevant Dose of Small Field Brain IMRT Using Planned Dose Perturbation

Purpose: Clinically relevant dose errors of small field brainIMRT were evaluated using planar per‐beam dosimetry and planned dose perturbation (PDP; used in the Sun Nuclear 3DVH+MapCHEKC2) algorithm. Methods: Ten BrainLAB IMRT plans were retrospectively selected. PTVs ranged from 0.5 to 29.0 cc and most of the field sizes were smaller than 4×4 cm2 (beamlets were much smaller). The Varian TrueBEAM STx with high‐definition MLC (2.5 mm width at isocenter) was employed to deliver treatment plans. The conventional per‐beam IMRT QA was performed using the 2D diode array (diode detector size of 0.7×0.7 mm2). Two shifted QA measurements were merged for each plan to achieve a grid spacing of 5 mm. The 3DVH reconstructed a ‘true’ DVH of plans using the measured errors back‐projected on to 3D patient dose calculation. Dose coverage in PTVs and critical structures was compared between treatment planning and actual delivery. 2D (conventional planar QA) and 3D (PDP‐reconstructed dose) gamma analyses were also performed. Results: In DVH‐based analysis using 3DVH, the percent differences of maximum dose between planning and delivery for PTV were −0.4 to 20.2% (p‐value: 0.02) and for normal tissue −5.67 to 1.32% (brainstem), −2.50 to 2.51% (eye), and −4.9 to 4.9% (optic nerve). The D95 percent differences for PTV were −3.2 to −0.56% (p‐value: 0.0001). Average pass rates (1 standard deviation) of the gamma test with 3%‐3 mm criteria were 95.7 (4.9)% (2D) and 97.6 (3.4)% (3D), respectively. The correlation coefficients between 2D/3D gamma tests and the change in PTV coverage were 0.76/0.68 (Dmax of PTV) and −0.86/−0.96 (D95 of PTV), respectively. Conclusions: There was a strong correlation between the gamma analysis and the predicted PTV coverage in small field dosimetry. Using 3D reconstructed dose maps, statistically significant dose difference between planning and delivery was observed in PTVs for the small field IMRT.
Physiological and Clinical Correlates of Cardiorespiratory Reflexes in Diabetes Mellitus

Cardiorespiratory reflexes (CRRs) were studied by measuring heart-rate (HR) variation during 6 breaths/min respiration (delta R6) and Valsalva maneuver (VR) in 145 healthy and 417 type I (insulin-dependent) diabetic subjects. HR variation with breathing at 12 breaths/min and ventilatory response to hypercapnia/hypoxia were measured in fewer subjects. CRR results were compared with symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, the neurological examination, nerve conduction studies, and quantitative sweat testing. The objective was to compare the sensitivity of various methods of characterizing diabetic patients and to use this information when staging patients for clinical therapeutic trials. CRR responses were age dependent in both populations. Either delta R6 or VR was abnormal in 74% of diabetic patients, delta R6 being more sensitive. CRRs correlated well with the presence of symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, abnormalities on the neurological examination, results of nerve conduction studies, and sweating activity in the feet of the same patients. However, both CRRs and sweating were abnormal in a high proportion of patients without any clinical manifestations of neuropathy. The ventilatory reflex response to moderate hypercapnia/hypoxia was also measured. It was normal in most of the diabetic patients tested, including many with severe reduction of CRRs. We conclude from the combined results of CRR, ventilatory response, and other studies that the causative factors for abnormal CRR may not be confined to the vagus nerves, and that in most instances, the depressed CRR may be due to a decrease in the efficacy of sensorimotor nerve conduction around the reflex arc.
P.C.M. A-law decoder using a circulating method

This letter describes an algorithm for p.c.m. A-law decoding and a simple realisation based on the use of a circulating method. Results of initial measurements fall within the required p.c.m. specifications for speech.
The role of job assignment and human capital endowments in explaining gender differences in job performance and promotion

Abstract We test a job ladders theory of career progression within internal labor markets as developed by Lazear and Rosen (1990). The theory argues that gender promotion gaps are due to sorting of men and women into career tracks with different promotion opportunities based on ex ante quit probabilities. Analyzing US federal government employees using a dynamic unobserved panel data model, we find that job assignment is one of the strongest predictors of gender differences in promotion. We also find that women have to jump higher performance hurdles to promote across grades, but, within grades, their promotion probabilities are comparable to those of men. In this organization, women can be found in both fast- and slow-track jobs, based on their promotion history, suggesting that unobserved heterogeneity is revealed to the firm over the worker's career.
Direct Measurement of Hydrodynamic Cross Correlations between Two Particles in an External Potential

We report a direct measurement of the hydrodynamic interaction between two colloidal particles. Two micron-sized latex beads were held at varying distances in optical tweezers while their Brownian displacements were measured. In spite of the fact that fluid systems at low Reynolds number are generally considered to have no “memory,” the cross-correlation function of the bead positions shows a pronounced, time-delayed anticorrelation. We show that the anticorrelations can be understood in terms of the standard Oseen tensor hydrodynamic coupling.
Anionic synthesis and characterization of ω‐formyl‐functionalized polystyrenes

ω-Formyl-functionalized polystyrenes can be synthesized in quantitative yield by reacting poly(styryl)lithium (M n =2×10 3 -8×10 3 g/mol) in benzene with a 0- 1-0-4 molar excess of 4-morpholinecarboxaldehyde followed by methanol termination and precipitation into methanol. Narrow molecular weight distribution ω-formyl-functionalized polystyrenes were characterized by hydroxylamine end-group titration, thin layer chromatography and both 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy. The mechanism of the functionalization was studied by trapping the tetrahedral α-amino alkoxide intermediate with diphenylphosphinic chloride
Key adhesion molecules are present on long podia extended by hematopoietic cells.

Background: We recently reported that CD34+ hematopoietic cells and the KG1a cell line extend long, thin podia. These podia can dynamically extend and retract, often adhere to the substrate, and appear to connect cells up to 300 μm apart. The surface receptors found on these podia have not been described. Methods: By using time-lapse fluorescent microscoscopy and immunostaining techniques, we describe a method for detecting surface receptors on these podia. This includes an in situ antibody staining procedure without fixing cells. Results: We demonstrate, using CD34 selected mobilized peripheral blood cells and KG1a cells, that adhesion molecules known to play important roles in blood-cell migration and adhesion are present on these podia. These include: CD11a, CD18, CD29, CD34, CD45, CD49d, CD49e, and CD62L. Additionally, CD54 and CD44 were present on the podia extended by KG1a cells, but were not detectable on the primary CD34+ cells. The integrin CD49d localized at the base of these podia in a time-dependent manner in KG1a cells. The frequency and morphology of these long podia on three myeloid leukemia-cell lines (KG1a, MV4-11, and AML-193) and a CD34-negative T-cell line (CEM) are also compared. KG1a and CEM cell lines extend long, dynamic podia that are similar to the podia on primary CD34+ cells in morphology and adhesion molecule expression. The AML-193 and MV4-11 cell lines, however, did not extend these long podia. Conclusions: We describe a technique that provides a method of detecting surface receptors on thin cell membrane projections. These results support the likely role of these podia in cell migration and cell-cell communication. Cytometry 37:171–177, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Nutrition of the Newborn Dairy Calf. IV. The Minimum Riboflavin Requirement

Summary Nine male calves representing five dairy breeds were used to determine the minimum riboflavin requirement of the dairy calf up to 8 wk. of age. The basal riboflavin-deficient diet consisted of whole milk in which approximately 97 per cent of the riboflavin had been destroyed by photolysis. The photolyzed product contained an average of 0.04mg. of riboflavin per liter. This photolyzed milk was supplemented with vitamin A and the various levels of riboflavin studied. It was found that calves receiving 35 γ or less riboflavin per kilogram of body weight daily developed symptoms of riboflavin deficiency. The deficiency symptoms were more severe at the lower levels. The calves receiving 45 γ or more of riboflavin per kilogram body weight showed no symptoms that could be attributed to a deficiency of the vitamin. The data obtained indicate that the urinary excretion of riboflavin is a good index of the nutritional status of the calf as far as riboflavin is concerned. The data obtained indicate that the minimum daily riboflavin requirement of the male dairy calf up to 8 wk. of age is between 35 and 45 γ per kilogram of body weight.
On the existence of a stationary optimal stock for a multi-sector economy: A primal approach

Abstract Using a purely primal approach, we show the existence of a non-trivial stationary optimal stock for a multi-sector economy. Our result generalizes earlier work by dropping the δ-productivity assumption and by replacing the continuity hypothesis on the utility function by upper semicontinuity.
The effects of gender and age on REM-related sleep-disordered breathing.

Sleep disordered breathing occurring predominantly in rapid eye movement REM sleep (rapid-eye-movement-related sleep-disordered breathing, REM SDB) is present in 10 to 36% of patients undergoing polysomnography (PSG) for suspected obstructive sleep apnea (O'Connor et al. in Am J Respir Crit Care Med 161:1465-1472, 2000; Resta et al. in J Respir Medicine 99:91-96, 2005; Haba-Rubio et al. in Chest 128:3350-3357, 2005; Juvelekian and Golish, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, abstract, 2004). We hypothesize that REM SDB is an age-related condition in women and, additionally, more prevalent in women than in men. Subjects with REM SDB were identified retrospectively among 1,540 obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) >or= 5. Inclusion criteria for REM SDB were age >18, AHI >or= 5, NREM AHI 2. PSG data included sleep latency, REM latency, total sleep time (TST), AHI, REM AHI, NREM AHI, and sleep stage percentages. Demographic data and medical and psychiatric histories were also obtained. Statistical comparisons were made between men and women and women older and younger than 55 years, a marker for menopausal status. Two hundred twenty-one subjects fulfilled the criteria for REM SDB, yielding a prevalence of 14.4%. Overall, female apneics had a significantly higher prevalence of REM SDB than did men (24.5 vs 7.9%; p < 0.001). Younger women had a significantly higher prevalence than did older women (27.2 vs 18.6%; p = 0.008); younger men had a significantly higher prevalence of REM SDB than did older men (9.9 vs 4.5%; p = 0.002). Women were significantly older and more obese than were men. Younger women were more likely to be depressed and were significantly more obese than were older women. REM SDB is more prevalent in women than in men and more prevalent in men and women younger than 55 than those older than 55. In this population, women are more obese and older than men, while younger women were more obese than older women. These descriptive distinctions suggest differences in mechanism which may depend on gender and age.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of long‐term continuous‐infusion doxorubicin

Steady-state plasma levels of doxorubicin and doxorubicinol were analyzed in 32 patients with advanced cancer, each of whom was given doxorubicin by long-term continuous infusion at progressively increasing infusion rates. Patients received doxorubicin for 2 to 50 weeks at rates of 0.2 to 6.1 mg/m2/day. Dose-limiting stomatitis and leukopenia were observed. The mean maximum steady-state doxorubicin concentration was 6.04 ng/ml at a mean maximum infusion rate of 3.92 mg/m2/day. Clearance mechanisms did not appear to be saturated at the durations or infusion rates used in this study. The maximum steady-state doxorubicin level and the ln (initial WBC) were significant correlates of the ln (nadir WBC) (p = 0.002 and 0.02, respectively). A model was constructed according to these two parameters that significantly describes ln (nadir WBC) (p = 0.001). Neither age, infusion rate, nor doxorubicinol level correlated with nadir WBC. Stomatitis did not correlate with any of these parameters. The demonstration of this pharmacodynamic relationship highlights the potential importance of pharmacologic data collection in ongoing attempts to predict the clinical effects of anticancer drugs.
Adolescent girls' understanding of Papanicolaou smear results.

Abstract Study Objective Human papillomavirus (HPV) urogenital infections are common in sexually active adolescents. Previous research has indicated that adolescent girls do not reliably repoll histories of HPV infection. This study examined whether asking an adolescent girl if she had ever had an abnormal Papanicolaou (PAP) smear was a good screening question for evidence of HPV urogenital infection. Design The responses to the question about abnormal PAP smears were compared with their charts for documented abnormal PAP smear, HPV infection, and sexually transmitted infection. Setting An urban, hospital-based adolescent clinic. Participants Fifty adolescent girls (mean age, 14.8 years). Main Outcome Measures Degree of agreement (K statistic). Results Using a K statistic, repolled history of an abnormal PAP smear had “fair” agreement with documented dysplasia on PAP smear and “moderate” agreement with documented HPV infection (i.e., either condyloma on PAP smear or genital warts noted on examination). This reported history of an abnormal PAP smear agreed better with documented HPV infection than with documented dysplasia on PAP smear. Conclusions There appears to be considerable confusion among adolescent girls regarding their PAP smear results. Care providers need to be sensitive to this when they are collecting historical information and when they are diagnosing HPV infection or an abnormal PAP smear.
Integration of 1.3- $\mu{\rm m}$ Quantum-Dot Lasers With ${\rm Si}_{3}{\rm N}_{4}$ Waveguides for Single Mode Optical Interconnects

A single mode photonic integrated circuit, consisting of a monolithically integrated quantum-dot laser and a suitably designed ${\rm Si}_{3}{\rm N}_{4}$ waveguide, is demonstrated. The 1.3- $\mu{\rm m}$ quantum-dot laser incorporates a superlattice barrier, p-doping, and tunnel injection in the active region, demonstrating operation up to 85 $^{\circ}{\rm C}$ with excellent temperature stability (high ${\rm T}_{0}$ ). The two devices are optimally groove coupled to minimize the losses. Integration of the tapered waveguide with a quantum-dot cross laser is also demonstrated.
Toward A Positive Theory of Corporate Social Involvement

In this article the author attempts to explain why corporations engage in socially responsible activity. He examines how corporations have begun to focus on social and environmental problems and notes that previous authors have stated this is done simply for public relations-based purposes. He suggests that there is a need to determine the source of corporate morality and uncover the real motivational factors. He offers several reasons why corporations may engage in socially responsible activity such as being led by executives who are truly concerned about social problems, being concerned about what losses they may face if they do not, a form of public relations and advertising and a form of profit seeking behavior.
New topics in familial prion diseases

Abstract Major advances have been made in the understanding of the molecular basis of phenotypic variability in human prion diseases over the last few years. Strong evidence indicates that a complex interaction between specific mutations and the polymorphic codon 129 of the prion protein gene (PRNP) underlies the genetic control of phenotypic expression in familial human prion diseases. Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) and a subtype of familial CJD (CJD178), two prion diseases with different clinico-pathological features, the same mutation at codon 178 ofPRNPbut a different amino acid at codon 129 of the mutantPRNPallele, represent the best characterized example of this complex interplay between thePRNPgenotype and phenotypic variability. Protein studies have subsequently shown that the different genotype of the mutant allele in FFI and CJD178results in the formation of two different protease-resistant prion proteins (PrPres) which differ in size and glycosylation. These biochemical characteristics of PrPresas well as differences among distinct brain regions in the timing and rate of PrPresdeposition and in the vulnerability to PrPresalso appear to be major determinants of phenotypic expression in human prion diseases.
Touchpanel Assessment of Psychomotor Abilities

Innovations in touch-sensitive computer monitors as a methodology for relatively low-cost, highly-flexible test development, validation, and application of standard psychomotor tests are presented. The development and evaluation of five psychomotor test types are described including discrete response tests (Choice/Simple Reaction Time, Serial Reaction Time, and Tapping) and continuous-response tests (Maze Tracing and Mirror Tracing). Two empirical studies of the new psychomotor tests are reviewed, with a collection of perceptual speed abilities providing evidence for construct validity. In addition, the psychomotor tests are validated against a real-time simulation criterion (the Kanfer-Ackerman Air Traffic Controller Task. We discuss how these new innovations remove logistic barriers to efficient assessment of critically important abilities for predicting skilled performance.
An analysis of a class of telecommunications models

In this short note we outline a general method for characterizing the ergodicity and computing performance measures for a large class of telecommunications models. We also point out errors that have appeared in the literature when using the transform method to analyze such models.
A qualitative study: Clinical decision making in low back pain

Classification systems are available to subgroup patients with acute/nonspecific low back pain (LBP) to determine interventions. The use of classification systems by physical therapists (PT) has little published evidence. The aims of this study were to understand the process PTs use when assessing and determining interventions for patients with acute/nonspecific LBP in outpatient settings and what classification systems, if any, are used in clinical practice. Qualitative methods were used to investigate the decision-making process PTs use when managing patients with LBP. Semi-structured interviews focused on the decision-making process of examination and intervention selection for patients with LBP. Findings were verified through member checking, triangulation, and audit trail. Thirteen PTs were included in the study. Four decision-making preferences emerged from the data: (1) identifying the root cause, (2) eclectic approach, (3) experience-based management, and (4) evidence-based management. Experience, education, and other aspects of the PTs' backgrounds influenced their preferred decision-making style, and use of resources, such as classification systems, varied broadly.
Long-term changes in forest structure and species composition of an upland oak forest in Arkansas

Abstract Describing long-term dynamics in oak stands is hindered by a lack of archival data. In this study, archival data from the 1934 inventory of a 673-ha area within the Sylamore Experimental Forest were compared to a recent 2002 inventory to quantify changes in forest structure and species composition of this upland oak forest in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. When established in 1934, the Sylamore Experimental Forest was typical of the unharvested forests of the region that had a long history of frequent fires. Some improvement cutting was conducted after establishment and a fire prevention program was implemented, but little management occurred after 1960. From 1934 to 2002, total tree density increased from 364 to 1032 trees/ha and basal area from 10 to 23 m2/ha. Increases occurred among understory, midstory, and overstory trees for most species. However, declines were observed for Ozark chinkapin (Castanea ozarkensis Ashe.) and black oak (Quercus velutina Lam.). Chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica (Murrill) Barr.) is the most probable cause of the decline in chinkapin, but the decreases in black oak are less understood. In both inventories, oaks and shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) dominated the overstory and midstory. Species composition changes primarily occurred in the understory. Among these smaller trees, fire-intolerant and shade-tolerant species were more important in 2002 than in 1934, while most oaks and shortleaf pine decreased in importance over time. We attribute the changes in forest structure and species composition primarily to changes in the disturbance regime. Before the 1920s, the study area burned repeatedly for at least 100 years. Frequent fires reduced tree establishment and recruitment and resulted in the relatively understocked conditions observed in 1934. In contrast, effective fire suppression beginning in the 1920s facilitated tree establishment and recruitment, increased the importance of fire-intolerant species, and resulted in the overstocked conditions observed in 2002.
In vivo virus-based macrofluorogenic probes target azide-labeled surface glycans in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Chemical addressability of viral particles has played a pivotal role in adapting these biogenic macromolecules for various applications ranging from medicine to inorganic catalysis. Cowpea mosaic virus possesses multiple features that are advantageous for the next generation of virus-based nanotechnology: consistent multimeric assemblies dictated by its genetic code, facile large scale production, and lack of observable toxicity in humans. Herein, the chemistry of the viral particles is extended with the use of Cu-free strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction, or SPAAC reaction. The elimination of Cu, its cocatalyst and reducing agent, simplifies the reaction scheme to a more straightforward approach, which can be directly applied to living systems. As a proof of concept, the viral particles modified with the azadibenzylcyclooctyne functional groups are utilized to trigger and amplify a weak fluorescent signal (azidocoumarin) in live cell cultures to visualize the non-natural sugars. Future ada...
Preventing Pediatric Sudden Cardiac Death: Where Do We Start?

First steps first. Good medical practice begins with good history. The details of a disciplined, comprehensive patient and family history may provide the first clues to a patient-specific medical diagnosis that directs a patient-specific medical treatment. Patient and family history is critical for diagnosing diseases that cause pediatric sudden cardiac death (SCD). Pediatric SCD is uncommon. It is estimated that 500 to 1000 pediatric patients <21 years old will suffer SCD each year in the United States.1 However, each event is absolutely devastating to parents, families, neighbors, communities, and health care providers. Could the death have been prevented? Could the diagnosis have been made before the fatal event? The differential diagnosis for causes of pediatric SCD includes anatomic and structural abnormalities of the heart (eg, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, single right coronary artery with anomalous course of the left coronary between the aorta and pulmonary artery, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, etc), primary electrical cardiac disorders (including long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, short QT syndrome), stimulant use (eg, cocaine, ephedra), and trauma (commotio cordis). Importantly, because many of these disorders are genetic, the identification of a first-affected family member may unravel extensive family involvement. The impact of genetic evaluation was detailed recently in 2 publications. Tan et al2 … Address correspondence to Robert M. Campbell, MD, Sibley Heart Center Cardiology, 2835 Brandywine Rd, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30341. E-mail: campbellr{at}kidsheart.com
An electron diffraction study of the reorientation of certain alkali halides deposited on mica and on mica surfaces covered by organic films

Abstract In 1937 Bradley found that certain alkali halides deposited on organic films of considerable thickness covering fleshly cleaved mica surfaces were capable of reorientation by mica when exposed to steam. The reorientation observed by Bradley resulted in tetrahedral forms visible optically. We have investigated this phenomenon using electron diffraction, and have made a rather complete study of iodide layers deposited on mica, on organic films covering mica, and on organic films alone. Deposition was by evaporation in air, since iodide evaporated in vacuum penetrates thin organic films. In all cases, the reorientation was the same, and involved the presence of water vapor in limited quantity. Diffraction studies of iodide layers freshly deposited on mica show partial tetrahedral orientation; iodide layers on organic films show no such orientation whether the film is on mica or not. Exposure to water vapor produces complete tetrahedral orientation in iodide layers on bare or covered mica; none occurs on organic films alone. The reorientation may be due either to the propagation of mica surface forces through the intermediate film or to the diffusion of iodide through organic films which are not on mica, when water vapor is used. If diffusion is basic to the process, it is due to the mica.
Cutting tool strategies for multifunctional part configurations: Part I—analytical economic models for cutting tools

The optimisation problem of multifunctional cutting tools, including multistep and combination tools, has been investigated. The tools' concepts for their physical understanding are discussed in order to provide the necessary background for the reader. Since they are not available in the literature, the necessary mathematical models for the optimsation are analysed based on constant tool speed (rpm), constant surface speed and variable speed or feed for each tool step and/or function. The integration of the mathematical models in optimisation schemes results in an analytical design tool for modelling and simulation of the advanced multifunctional tools in an early part processing stage that refines the process and tooling approaches while determining the sensitivity of these tools to the performance and production cost of individual machines. The aforementioned problem has been theoretically analysed here, while heuristic optimisation algorithms for determining the optimum cutting speed(s) and feed(s) for the multifunctional tools are presented in Part II of this paper. Experimental results and analytical examples which demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed approach utilising the described mathematical models are presented in Part II.