cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of pelvic recurrence and elective pelvic irradiation on survival and treatment morbidity in early-stage Hodgkin's disease.

Abstract A retrospective analysis of patients with supradiaphragmatic Stage I–II Hodgkin's disease was performed to assess the impact of pelvic recurrence and elective pelvic irradiation on survival and treatment morbidity. One hundred twenty patients were treated with radiotherapy (RT) alone; 38 received total nodal (including pelvic) irradiation (TNI), 63 received modified total nodal (excluding pelvic) irradiation (MTNI), and 19 received involved-field or mantle irradiation only ( 2 years after completing salvage therapy, compared with 7 of 11 patients with recurrence after TNI.
The curious case of the Cu2+ electron paramagnetic resonance in high-Tc superconductors and related antiferromagnets

Abstract Possible reasons behind the total absence of EPR signals from divalent copper ions in copper oxide superconductors and related “two-dimensional” antiferromagnetic insulators are explored. The non-observability of the signal in the metallic states can plausibly be attributed to short spin-lattice relaxation times due to spinon-holon scatterings. However, the absence of resonance in the insulators at high temperatures suggests that either the correlation lengths have been grossly underestimated even for compounds with very low Neel temperatures, or straightforward application of the conventional theory of antiferromagnetism is not valid.
Ultrafast X-ray diffraction of laser-irradiated crystals

Abstract Coherent acoustic phonons have been observed in the X-ray diffraction of a laser-excited InSb crystal. Modeling based on time-dependent dynamical diffraction theory has allowed the extraction of fundamental constants, such as the electron-acoustic phonon coupling time. A dedicated beamline for time-resolved studies has been developed at the Advanced Light Source with special considerations toward high transmission, low scattering and a wide photon energy range. The facility combines a bend magnet beamline, time-resolved detectors and a femtosecond laser system.
Queering Community: Reimagining the Public Sphere in Northern Ireland

Abstract The ‘two communities’ model of Northern Irish culture has contributed to the erasure of a discursive space, a public sphere, to which Northern Irish subjects might have access. The essay suggests that these ‘two communities’ (unionist/loyalist and nationalist/republican) actually comprise at least four publics (unionist, nationalist, loyalist and republican). The rhetorical conflation of these publics as ‘two communities’ reifies their opposition, limits political discourse, and replaces a public sphere with a set of clashing ‘cultures’. The essay concludes by examining the Northern Irish queer counterpublic and suggesting the ways it constitutes a more imaginative and effective model for public discourse by imagining a public sphere.
Chromatin silencing protein and pachytene checkpoint regulator Dot1p has a methyltransferase fold

Although protein methylation has been observed for decades, its functional significance has remained largely unclear. Using sensitive profile searches and structural modeling, chromatin silencing protein and meiotic recombination checkpoint regulator Dot1p was identified as a putative protein methyltransferase. Along with recent results that link histone H3 methylation with chromatin silencing, this finding suggests that an expanded combinatorial repertoire of protein modifications affects transcriptional regulation.
Interaction of paramyxoviruses with human basophils and their effect on histamine release.

Abstract We have demonstrated that human peripheral blood basophils released histamine on direct incubation with paramyxoviruses in vitro . Most histamine release occurred during the first 15 to 30 minutes after challenge, depending on the dose of virus used; release initiated by virus was complete by 1 hour. At a virus/cell ratio of 1:1, Sendai virus caused 41 ± 9% histamine release, whereas parainfluenza type 3 (PI-3) virus caused 25 ± 5% release and respiratory syncytial (RS) virus caused 19 ± 5% release. Sendai, but not PI-3 or RS, also caused a decrease in cell number and release of lactic dehydrogenase; however, this apparent cell lysis did not account for all the histamine released. Incubation of cells with virus desensitized them to subsequent triggering by viruses but did not affect response of cells to other stimuli. Histamine release was dependent on the virus/cell ratio, temperature, and metabolic energy, but it was not strictly dependent on the presence of calcium in the extracellular medium. Histamine release was not affected by preincubation of cells with colchicine, suggesting that microtubules were not involved in the release process. Basophils desensitized by anti-IgE in the absence of calcium or treated with lactic acid to dissociate IgE molecules from membrane receptors released amounts of histamine similar to that of control basophils; thus, release was not initiated through Fc ϵ receptors. It was found, however, that histamine release by these viruses was greatly reduced when concanavalin A was used for desensitization. These data demonstrate that the respiratory viruses studied can cause direct nonimmunologic release of histamine from human basophils. Our findings provide evidence for another mechanism by which respiratory viruses can initiate inflammation.
Critical Delays in HIV Testing and Care The Potential Role of Stigma

When learning of a positive HIV test, individuals face a host of psychological and social stresses. HIV-related stigma is associated with psychological distress and can interfere with coping, adjustment, and management of HIV disease. Effective management of HIV disease requires timely testing for HIV infection so that persons who are infected can learn of their serostatus and gain access to care, therefore benefiting from available treatment options. This article discusses the impact that HIV-related stigma has on HIV testing and care. Specifically, problems associated with delays in testing, disclosure of seropositive status, and implications for health care are presented.
Marcus' 1961 Article as a Termination of Russellian Dominance in Analytic Philosophy

This essay argues that 20th century analytic philosophy can be fruitfully divided into two periods, the Russell-based extension list philosophy of the first half of the century and the Marcus-based intension list philosophy of the second half of the century. The difference between these two philosophical periods is illustrated by the different analyses Russell and Marcus give to the sentence “Scott is Scott” and the different meanings they assign to the sentence “Identity statements between names are necessarily true if true”. Russell's influential role in analytic philosophy in the first half of this century is well-known, but it has not been until the mid-1990s that the decisive role that Marcus' philosophy has played in analytic philosophy during the second half of the century has begun to be widely recognized.
Energy Transport in CdSe Nanocrystals Assembled with Molecular Wires

Continuous-wave photoluminescence studies on CdSe nanocrystals assembled with oligo-p-(phenylene-ethynylene)n-dibenzylthiols (n = 0,1,3) indicate long-range resonant energy transfer can be tuned by size-dependent control of the weak electromagnetic dipole−dipole coupling of the donor (molecular wire) and the acceptor (nanocrystal). These micron-scale free-standing inorganic−organic composite structures are composed of CdSe in the strongly confined regime with diameters between 2.8 nm to 8.0 nm assembled with rigid molecular wire lengths of 1.3 nm, 1.9 nm, and 3.1 nm. Evidence is presented which supports the possibility that interchain interactions of molecular wires within the assembly form two additional species that participate in the energy transfer process, dimers and aggregate excitons. Dimer states act as intermediate states for the migrating molecular exciton, and are selectively quenched by quantized CdSe electronic transitions (1S3/2−1Se, 1P3/2−1Pe), while aggregate excitons act as emissive excit...
Paleoclimatic Attractors: New Data, Further Analysis

Analysis of a high resolution record of climate change spanning the past 2.6 million years suggests that the dynamics of the climate is not high dimensional, similar to previous results using much shorter records [Nicolis & Nicolis 1984, Vautard & Ghil 1989]. The correlation dimension is significantly less than the dimension of a linear, Gaussian process with the same power spectrum (i.e., phase-randomized surrogate data) as the climate record. The climatic correlation dimension is similar to the dimension of a model of the solar forcing of climate, suggesting the possibility of a linear climate-system response to orbital forcing, consistent with frequency-domain analysis results [Hays et al., 1976, Imbrie & Imbrie, 1980]. Consequently, inferring an inherently nonlinear (possibly chaotic) climate system without considering the nonlinear (possibly chaotic) insolation forcing dynamics could be misleading.
Expression of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) Type III Receptor Restores Autocrine TGFβ1 Activity in Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells

While transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) type III receptor (RIII) is known to increase TGFβ1binding to its type II receptor (RII), the significance of this phenomenon is not known. We used human breast cancer MCF-7 cells to study the role of RIII in regulating autocrine TGFβ1activity because they express very little RIII and no detectable autocrine TGFβ activity. A tetracycline-repressible RIII expression vector was stably transfected into this cell line. Expression of RIII increased TGFβ1 binding to TGFβ type I receptor (RI) as well as RII. Treatment with tetracycline suppressed RIII expression and abolished TGFβ1 binding to RI and RII. Growth of RIII-transfected cells was reduced by 40% when plated at low density on plastic. This reduction was reversed by tetracycline treatment and was partially reversed by treatment with a TGFβ1neutralizing antibody. The activity of a TGFβ-responsive promoter construct when transiently transfected was more than 3-fold higher in the RIII-transfected cells than in the control cells. Treating the cells with tetracycline or the TGFβ1 neutralizing antibody also significantly attenuated the increased promoter activity. These results suggest that expression of RIII restored autocrine TGFβ1 activity in MCF-7 cells. The RIII-transfected cells were also much less clonogenic in soft agarose than the control cells indicating a reversion of progression. Thus, RIII may be essential for an optimal level of the autocrine TGFβ activity in some cells, especially in the transformed cells with reduced RII expression.
Spectral Radiance of Sky and Terrain at Wavelengths between 1 and 20 Microns. I. Instrumentation

A description is given of a mobile laboratory equipped with two spectrographs for radiance measurements of the sky and terrain between 1 and 20 μ. The laboratory has its own ac power supply and means for controlling its temperature. Procedures are described for calibrating the instrumentation and transforming the data into spectral radiance (in microwatts cm−2 steradian−1 micron−1) as a function of wavelength.
Frequency and efficacy of repeat enhanced external counterpulsation for stable angina pectoris (from the International EECP Patient Registry)

We assessed the frequency, efficacy, predictors, and long-term success of repeat enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy in relieving angina in a large cohort of patients who had chronic angina pectoris and had undergone a full course of EECP. Within 2 years of the initial course of EECP, the rate of repeat EECP was 18%, which occurred at a mean interval of 378 days after initial EECP. Of those who underwent repeat EECP, 70% had a decrease of ≥1 angina class at the end of repeat EECP with similar decreases in nitroglycerin use.
Sex-specific viability, sex linkage and dominance in genomic imprinting.

Genomic imprinting is a phenomenon by which the expression of an allele at a locus depends on the parent of origin. Two different two-locus evolutionary models are presented in which a second locus modifies the imprinting status of the primary locus, which is under differential selection in males and females. In the first model, a modifier allele that imprints the primary locus invades the population when the average dominance coefficient among females and males is and selection is weak. The condition for invasion is always heavily contingent upon the extent of dominance. Imprinting is more likely in the sex experiencing weaker selection only under some parameter regimes, whereas imprinting by either sex is equally likely under other regimes. The second model shows that a modifier allele that induces imprinting will increase when imprinting has a direct selective advantage. The results are not qualitatively dependent on whether the modifier locus is autosomal or X linked.
Parental influence on clinical management during neonatal intensive care: a survey of US neonatologists

AbstractObjective: Family-centered care (FCC), which includes involving parents in conversations about medical management, is increasingly employed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Our aim was to determine which care decisions are discussed by neonatologists with families most frequently and the percentage of clinicians influenced by such conversations.Methods: Anonymous web-based survey provided to 2137 neonatologists assessing information sharing and parental involvement.Results: Thousand and two neonatologists responded in which 893 fully completed the surveys. 88% practice FCC. Topics most frequently discussed with parents were blood transfusion, steroids for lung disease and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) surgery, each being reported and discussed by more than 90% of respondents. Many therapies, including aminoglycoisdes, total parenteral nutrition, and phototherapy, were discussed with parents by far fewer clinicians. Additionally, parents had most influence on clinicians in two categorie...
Computer modeling of the diurnal oxygen levels in a stillwater aquaculture pond

Abstract A dynamic model of dissolved oxygen behavior in a stillwater aquaculture pond is presented. Using theories and principles that have been established for aerobic waste-water treatment ponds and shallow lakes and reservoirs, equations were developed to describe the short-term dissolved oxygen fluctuations of an aquaculture pond. Components considered in this model include the consumption and production of oxygen by phytoplankton, fish, detritus, and the process of reaeration. Factors affecting these components can be specified by the user; these include meteorologic and geographic data, and phytoplankton, fish, and detrital characteristics. After comparing the model to field data and analyzing the sensitivity of its components, areas of research which may have an impact on pond management are identified.
The respective roles of perceived usefulness and perceived fun in the acceptance of microcomputer technology

Abstract This study examined the effects of two main factors affecting microcomputer technology acceptance: perceived usefulness and perceived fun. We examined whether users are motivated to accept a new technology due to its usefulness or fun. Results of this study suggest that perceived usefulness is more influential than perceived fun in determining whether to accept or reject microcomputer technology. We also examined the impact of computer anxiety on acceptance. Results showed that computer anxiety had both direct and indirect effects on user acceptance of microcomputer technology, through perceived usefulness and fun. We also found attitude (satisfaction) to be less influential than perceived usefulness and fun. Implications for the design and acceptance of microcomputer technology and future research are discussed.
Application of capillary electrophoresis-fluorescence line-narrowing spectroscopy for on-line spectral characterization of closely related analytes

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) interfaced with low-temperature (4.2 K) fluorescence line-narrowing spectroscopy (FLNS) is used for the separation and spectral characterization of closely related analytes. In this paper, the CE-FLNS system is applied to the analysis of a mixture of deuterated and protonated benzo[a]pyrene, a mixture of structurally similar benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[e]pyrene, and mixtures of dibenzo[a,l]pyrene-derived adenine DNA adducts. The CE-FLNS system provides on-line separation and high-resolution spectroscopic identification of CE-separated analytes, via fingerprint structure of vibrationally resolved FLN spectra at 4.2 K. The combination of the separation power of CE and the spectral selectivity of FLNS provide a methodology that has potential to become a powerful tool for molecular analyte characterization. The main applications of the CE-FLNS system, due to its selectivity, should be in the chemical analysis of structurally similar analytes and applications where analyte purity and detailed structural characterization are required.
Tasiamide, a cytotoxic peptide from the marine cyanobacterium Symploca sp.

The acyclic peptide tasiamide (1) has been isolated from the marine cyanobacterium Symploca sp. The planar structure and absolute stereochemistry of the peptide were deduced by 2D NMR techniques and chiral HPLC. Tasiamide (1) was cytotoxic against KB and LoVo cells with IC50 values of 0.48 and 3.47 μg/mL, respectively.
Tetracycline inhibits development of the infective-stage larvae of filarial nematodes in vitro.

Abstract Smith, H. L., and Rajan, T. V. 2000. Tetracycline inhibits development of the infective-stage larvae of filarial nematodes in vitro. Experimental Parasitology95, 265–270. In recent years, studies have linked tetracycline treatment of filaria-infected animals with reduced adult worm burdens and decreased levels of microfilaremia. These observations are believed to be attributable to clearance of Wolbachia, intracellular rickettsial-like organisms found within filarial tissues. Although maximal worm reductions were observed when treatment was initiated early in infection, it is not known whether tetracycline inhibits development of infective-stage larvae. To address this issue, we studied the effect of tetracycline on three different species of filarial nematodes, Brugia malayi, Brugia pahangi, and Dirofilaria immitis, in a serumfree in vitro system supporting molting to the fourth larval stage. Tetracycline was capable of inhibiting L3 to L4 molting within a dosage range similar to that reported for susceptible rickettsial organisms. However, Wolbachia DNA could still be detected in nematodes from tetracycline-treated cultures. In addition, three other antibiotics with anti-rickettsial and anti-chlamydial activity (chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin) failed to inhibit L3 to L4 molting. Although tetracycline is capable of completely blocking molting of infective-stage larvae, it remains possible that this effect is due to pharmacological activities unrelated to its anti-rickettsial functions.
Geometric conservation laws for flow problems with moving boundaries and deformable meshes, and their impact on aeroelastic computations

Abstract Numerical simulations of flow problems with moving boundaries commonly require the solution of the fluid equations on unstructured and deformable dynamic meshes. In this paper, we present a unified theory for deriving Geometric Conservation Laws (GCLs) for such problems. We consider several popular discretization methods for the spatial approximation of the flow equations including the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) finite volume and finite element schemes, and space-time stabilized finite element formulations. We show that, except for the case of the space-time discretization method, the GCLs impose important constraints on the algorithms employed for time-integrating the semi-discrete equations governing the fluid and dynamic mesh motions. We address the impact of these constraints on the solution of coupled aeroelastic problems, and highlight the importance of the GCLs with an illustration of their effect on the computation of the transient aeroelastic response of a flat panel in transonic flow.
The role of microbial adaptation and biodegradable dissolved organic carbon on the attenuation of trace organic chemicals during groundwater recharge

Abstract It is widely recognized that efficient biological attenuation of bulk organic matter and trace organic chemicals (TOrC) can occur in managed aquifer recharge (MAR) systems receiving reclaimed water. The heterotrophic microbial activity in these subsurface systems is a function of the availability of biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) present in reclaimed water. This study examined the influence of environmental factors, such as BDOC-rich (> 1.6 mg/L) and BDOC-starving ( 1.6 mg/L) can provide favorable microbial conditions resulting in TOrC removal, even for non-adapted systems. However, it is noteworthy that adapted MAR systems that were fed with low BDOC levels performed similarly or better with respect to TOrC biotransformation than systems that received BDOC levels above 1.6 mg/L. These findings are important for field-scale applications. They suggest that MAR facilities that are microbiologically active and are fed with highly treated water with effluent concentrations of less than 1 mg/L (i.e., nanofiltration permeate) can still attenuate biodegradable TOrC.
Peritoneal lavage as an aid in the surgical management of neutropenic colitis

Neutropenic colitis is a severe, often devastating complication of acute leukemia. The diagnosis can be difficult as the symptoms are often those of the leukemia itself or of the therapy being rendered. These anemic, thrombocytopenic, and severely immunosuppressed patients present great operative risks. Distinction between the surgical and nonsurgical abdomen can be a challenge for even the most experienced surgeon. Peritoneal lavage may serve as a means to help in this differentiation.
Maximizing “Minimal Effects” The Impact of Early Primary Season Debates on Voter Preferences

Previous research on televised presidential debates tends to minimize their effectiveness as agents of mass attitude change, suggesting that they serve merely to reinforce existing preferences. Muc...
The Prevalence of Abnormal Liver Enzymes and Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Adolescent Females with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Objectives We sought to determine the prevalence of abnormal liver enzymes suggestive of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and metabolic syndrome in obese adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome. Design A retrospective chart review. Participants Patients included 39 obese (body mass index Z score ≥ 2) adolescent females with a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical and biochemical data in these patients were reviewed. Main Outcome Measures Aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels, lipid panel, blood pressure, body mass index, and glucose intolerance were the main outcome measures of the study. Results The study showed that 15.4 % (6 of 39) of patients had elevated aminotransferase levels, suggestive of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and 43.6 % (17 of 39) of patients qualified as having metabolic syndrome. Finally, 10.2 % (4 of 39) of patients were found to have both liver dysfunction and metabolic syndrome. Conclusion Liver dysfunction consistent with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and metabolic syndrome are prevalent in obese adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, early screening and further work-up for both disease states are warranted in cases of young adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Hormonal control of the development of sexual behavior in androgen-insensitive (tfm) rats

Abstract Androgen-insensitive ( tfm ) male rats of the Stanley-Gumbreck strain castrated at birth display female mating responses in adulthood following treatment with estrogen or estrogen in combination with progesterone. Lordosis is not readily induced in these males if castration is delayed until 10 days postpartum or if these males are castrated and exposed to high levels of testosterone propionate (500 μg) or estradiol benzoate (25 or 250 μg) at birth. Thus, like wild-type littermate male rats, androgen-insensitive rats are defeminized by the presence of testes. This effect may be mediated by estrogens derived from testicular androgens.
Fiddler crab burrowing affects growth and production of the white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) in a restored Florida coastal marsh.

Positive plant–animal interactions are important in community ecology, but relatively little attention has been paid to their effect on the production of mangroves, dominant halophytic trees in tropical coastal marshes. Here, the role of fiddler crab (Uca spp.) burrowing on the growth and production of the white mangrove, Laguncularia racemosa (<2 years old), was examined in a restored marsh in Tampa Bay, Florida (27°41.65 N, 82°30.34 W) with manipulative experiments from June 2006 to May 2007. Fiddler crab burrowing significantly increased mangrove height by 27%, trunk diameter by 25%, and leaf production by 15%, compared to mangroves in crab exclusion enclosures. Additionally, the exclusion of fiddler crabs significantly increased interstitial water salinity from 32.4 to 44.2, and decreased the oxidation–reduction potential of the low organic sediments, but did not affect soil pH or sulfide concentration. Mangrove height, trunk diameter, and leaf production along a transect that varied in crab burrow density were positively associated with the number of crab burrows. Further, the density of sympatric Spartina alterniflora shoots was positively correlated with crab burrow density along the transect. As in temperate marshes, fiddler crabs can have significant ecological effects on mangrove communities, serving as ecological engineers by modulating the amount of resources available to marsh plants, and by altering the physical, chemical, and biological state of these soft sediment communities. In restored coastal systems that typically have very poor sediment quality, techniques such as soil amendment could be used to facilitate a more natural interaction between crabs and mangroves in ecosystem development.
Un enfoque de terapia ocupacional adaptada a la rehabilitación cognitiva de los efectos cognitivos colaterales asociados a la quimioterapia en pacientes supervivientes de cáncer de mama: dos estudios de mujeres postmenopáusicas afectadas

This article describes a tailored occupational therapy program to rehabilitate chemotherapy-related cognitive side effects. A literature review of cognitive rehabilitation as well as pharmacological trials used to improve cognition in breast cancer patients is included. Two outpatient case studies of young women premenopausally affected with breast cancer (both BRCA-1 gene mutation carriers) are used to discuss the role of tailored occupational therapy techniques for developing compensatory strategies and for delivering cognitive remediation. Neuropsychological evaluation pre and post occupational therapy is used to document the result of tailored occupational therapy on cognitive performance. The case studies illustrate the neuropsychological profile of chemotherapy-related cognitive changes and the course of deficits over 7-9 months. For younger, educated patients who must return to competitive, fast-paced jobs, cognitive side-effects post-treatment are especially noxious as young adult patients are building their professional lives and are not necessarily provided time to wait for the usual trajectory of recovery to take its course.
Energy modelling in practice: an application of spatial programming☆

Abstract This paper is focused on the practical aspects of energy modelling through the presentation of a case study involving spatial programming to analyze the problems of electric utilities in the northeastern United States. Emphasis is on the resolution of client-analyst problems in the context of a series of real world policy problems to which the model was applied. Attention is also given to the conceptual problems of applying linear programming techniques to location problems where capacity expansion takes the form of discrete rather than continuous units.
Extracellular Domain of Neurotrophin Receptor trkB: Disulfide Structure, N-Glycosylation Sites, and Ligand Binding

An extracellular domain of a human neurotrophin receptor trkB was expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells and isolated as a glycoprotein possessing binding activity for brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The extracellular domain contains 398 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 60.6 kDa according to laser desorption mass spectrometry, indicating that the extracellular domain of trkB contains 33.3% carbohydrate moieties. Six disulfide linkages were determined to be Cys1-Cys7, Cys5-Cys14, Cys121-Cys145, Cys123-Cys163, Cys187-Cys235, and Cys271-Cys314, respectively. Cys300 was detected as a free sulfhydryl residue. Cysteine clusters 1 and 2 located in the N-terminal domain possess a similar type of disulfide structure and two other disulfide bonds in the C-terminal region are homologous to that of the Ig-like C2 domain. Among 12 potential N-linked glycosylation sites proposed in the soluble domain of trkB, 10 sites are actually glycosylated.
ESTIMATION FOR THE FIRST‐ORDER DIAGONAL BILINEAR TIME SERIES MODEL

. The problem of estimation of the parameter b in the simple diagonal bilinear model {Xt}, Xt=et+bet-1Xt-1, is considered, where {et} is Gaussian white noise with zero mean and possibly unknown variance s2. The asymptotic normality of the moment estimator of b is established for the two cases when s2 is known and s2 is unknown. It is noted that the limit distribution of the least-squares cannot easily be derived analytically. A bootstrap comparison of the sampling distributions of the least-squares and moment estimates shows that both are asymptotically normal with the least-squares estimate being the more efficient.
Table-CI with macroconfiguration approach for describing electronic states of molecules in intense radiation fields

Modifications to the recently introduced table-driven multireference configuration interaction (CI) approach that uses macroconfigurations necessary for the efficient construction of electronic Floquet states are described. Adiabatic electronic Floquet states have recently shown promise as simplifying the description of the electronic structure of molecules in intense radiation fields. The algorithm for the table-driven multireference CI approach that uses macroconfigurations for the calculation of electronic energies needs two principal modifications to extend use to the calculation of Floquet states. First, it must be possible to calculate electronic states of several irreducible representations of the molecular point group simultaneously. Second, matrix elements of the electronic dipole operator are required. It is demonstrated that the modifications that enable these capabilities are possible and in fact do not lessen the high computational efficiency of the energy algorithm. The modifications are described in sufficient detail, with appropriate formulas, to facilitate implementation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Effects of Physical and Mental Demands on Muscle Activity of the Upper Extremity

Workplace tasks that involve multidimensional demands, such as physical and cognitive workloads, may increase the injury risks posed on workers. To aid in designing ergonomic guidelines for workpla...
Bee venom melittin is a potent toxin for reducing the threshold for calcium-induced calcium release in human and equine skeletal muscle.

The modulation of Ca2+ release by synthetic bee venom melittin was examined in equine and human terminal cisternae-containing fractions. Melittin (0.1 μM) decreased the threshold of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release by 20% in equine muscle and by 36% in human muscle. If terminal cisternae fractions were first preloaded with Ca2+ to greater than about 75% of the threshold of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release and then melittin added, an immediate and sustained release of Ca2+ occurred in preparations from both species. Addition of melittin after a Ca2+ preload of < 50% of the threshold of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release did not elicit sustained Ca2+ release. Ruthenium red (10 μM) antagonized all effects of melittin on Ca2+ release. Melittin (0.1–10 μM) did not affect [3H]ryanodine binding. Melittin (0.1 μM) slightly (10%) inihibited the Ca2+ pump and this action was not antagonized by ruthenium red. These findings suggest that melittin may be an important new probe of the Ca2+-modulated Ca2+ release process that does not act at the ryanodine binding site.
To intercalate or semiintercalate, or both?

Complexes of ruthenium have recently entered clinical trials owing to their potent anticancer activity (1), and those that are photoactive have shown great promise over the past 4 decades in a variety of applications that involve their interaction with DNA, including sensing, signaling, diagnostics, and therapeutics (2, 3). Numerous publications have appeared that focus on the determination of the manner in which these types of complexes interact with dsDNA using various techniques, but definitive crystal structure data with atomic resolution have only now been collected for the noncovalent interaction of duplex DNA with a polypyridyl ruthenium complex, Λ-[Ru(TAP)2(dppz)]2+ (TAP, 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenathrene; dppz, dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine), appearing in PNAS (4).
Output and price stability: An international comparison

Abstract The paper examines the behavior of output and prices for 10 different countries within the context of a rational expectations model with wage contracts. The model predicts that there is a policy tradeoff between output stability and price stability, and the estimated correlations and dynamic interactions are generally consistent with the model. For each of the countries the model is fit to the data using a maximum likelihood procedure which constrains the estimates to satisfy the rational expectations hypothesis. The estimated coefficients are compared across the countries in order to determine whether the structure of the model is systematically related to economic policy, and therefore whether it is reasonable to assume that the parameters of the model are policy-invariant. It is shown how the model can be used to calculate optimal tradeoffs when the policy-invariance assumption is satisfied.
Algal biofilm based technology for wastewater treatment

Widespread application of algal biofilm-based systems in wastewater treatment has been limited despite the potential benefits of a low cost nutrient removal option and a source of biomass for bioproduct production. The performance and processes involved with algal biofilm-based systems in wastewater treatment are not adequately addressed in the available literature, which hinders design and scale up of effective systems for applications to municipal, industrial, and agricultural waste streams. A critical review is presented, which examines nutrient removal trends, biomass productivity, growth requirements, and challenges for algal biofilm-based biotechnology as applied to wastewater treatment both at bench scale and at pilot scale operations. Information on algal biofilms in natural environments derived from ecology and limnology disciplines was utilized in areas of limited research with regard to wastewater treatment. This critical review identified key areas that need to be addressed for designing, building, and testing algal biofilm-based technologies that integrate both nutrient removal from wastewater and enhanced biomass production to improve the performance of engineered systems. The review identifies the need for research on factors that affect algal growth, mass transport, species selection, algal–bacterial interactions, and validation of laboratory research in field scale tests for the development of an algal biofilm based technology platform for integrating wastewater treatment and biomass production.
Advancing Methodological Knowledge Within State and Local Demography: a Case Study

Much of the academic literature dealing with state and local demography involves the development and evaluation of methods for estimating population. The focus on estimation methods is not surprising because they are used in many states to allocate resources. The quality control in regard to the validity and reliability afforded these methods by the traditional academic peer review process is important because, among other things, it serves to reduce the high potential for conflict that exists when resources are at stake. There are, however, methods being used by state and local demographers that have not been subject to peer review. While not necessarily unsound, these “fugitive” methods serve to keep the potential for conflict high because of the uncertainty regarding their validity and reliability. This paper examines just such a situation in the form of a case study. It is a discussion of a regression model developed in Nevada following the 2000 census that led to conflict over its use to estimate the population of Clark County, Nevada in 2002. The discussion reveals statistical and methodological shortcomings in this model that lead to an alternative model not subject to these shortcomings. This example illustrates how this type of analysis and discussion can lead to a wider understanding of methods on the part of practitioners through the corrective process of academic peer review. It also suggests that states in which estimates are used to allocate resources would be well-served by subjecting new methods being considered for use to academic peer review before they are adopted.
Application of the competency model to clinical health psychology.

In response to the growing emphasis on defining professional competence within applied psychology (e.g.,clinical, neuropsychology, counseling, school), in 2007 American Psychological Association Division 38(Health Psychology) sponsored a summit meeting with a specific focus on revisiting the standards of graduatecurricula and training in clinical health psychology. Using the cube model of core competency domains ofprofessional psychology as a framework, summit participants were charged with identifying the foundationaland functional competencies expected of a well-trained, entry-level clinical health psychologist. As a productof these discussions, the present article is presented as an initial effort to identify the competencies and beginthe discussion in clinical health psychology. As such it is likely to be of interest to a wide audience, includingclinical training programs with an existing or planned emphasis in clinical health psychology, practitionersinterested in acquiring the competencies required to practice as a clinical health psychologist, and studentsevaluating potential graduate and postgraduate training options in clinical health psychology.Keywords: clinical, health psychology, competencyC
Maternal Anthropometry and Weight Gain as Risk Factors for Poor Pregnancy Outcomes in a Rural Area of Southern Malawi

Poor pregnancy outcomes are frequent in developing countries. The commonly studied outcomes are low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth and intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR), both of which are related to LBW. Pregnancy outcomes are influenced by several maternal factors including malaria nutrition, psychological stress and socio-demographic factors. Apart from nutritional and psycho-socio factors, pregnancy outcomes are also influenced by maternal anthropometric indices. In developing countries, low prepregnancy body mass indexes are on the other hand predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Most important, poor pregnancy outcomes are not an end in themselves, but lead to increased neonatal morbidity and mortality, and must therefore be controlled. In pregnancy, weight gain is affected by prepregnancy weight, age, psychosocial stress and antenatal care advice. Weight gain in pregnancy is also known to influence pregnancy outcomes including LBW, preterm delivery, small for gestational age delivery (SGA) and cesarean delivery. In Malawi, and generally in the developing world, factors affecting weight gain and the effect of weight gain on pregnancy outcomes have not been studied. The aim of this study was to determine the anthropometric risk factors for pregnancy outcomes, risk factors for pregnancy weight gain and effect of weight gain on pregnancy outcomes. These risk factors are of public health significance because they affect human health throughout life.
Changes in the timing of reproduction following chronic exposure to ibuprofen in Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes

Effluents from wastewater treatment plants and untreated sewage constitute a low concentration but continuous source of pharmaceutical products to the aquatic environment. One such drug, ibuprofen, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that primarily acts through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) activity. Oryzias latipes (Japanese medaka) were exposed for 6 weeks via water to three concentrations of ibuprofen (1-100 microg/L nominal concentrations) and a water control. Reproductive parameters, including frequency of spawning, fecundity, egg size, and rate of fertilization, were measured for each pair of adult medaka following 6 weeks of exposure. Livers homogenates from exposed individuals were assayed for COX activity and whole individuals were histologically examined for tissue damage. Increasing exposure to ibuprofen significantly increased the number of eggs per reproductive event, but decreased the number of spawning events per week. Liver tissue collected from females had less variability in COX activity with increasing concentration of ibuprofen exposure, and tended to have elevated hepatosomatic indices. No pathological damage was evident the in the gills, livers and head kidneys of animals from the highest exposure group. The results of this experiment begin to show that exposure to chronic low levels of ibuprofen alter the pattern of reproduction and may produce sex-specific responses in teleosts.
The effect of weed control and fertilization on survival and growth of four pine species in the Virginia Piedmont

Abstract The growth response of loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.), shortleaf pine ( Pinus echinata Mill.), Virginia pine ( Pinus virginiana Mill.), and white pine ( Pinus strobus L.) to weed control and fertilization in the Piedmont of Virginia was assessed. Four different silvicultural treatments were evaluated: (1) check (no treatment); (2) weed control; (3) fertilization; (4) weed control plus fertilization. The weed control treatment included a series of herbicide and mechanical treatments to eliminate competing hardwoods. The fertilizer treatments added N, P, K, and S. Survival and growth was measured annually through age 5. There were significant differences in survival and growth among species. Survival was greatest for loblolly pine, lower in shortleaf and Virginia pine, and lowest in white pine. Fertilization without controlling the competing hardwoods decreased survival in all planted pines due to the increased hardwood competition. Loblolly pine was tallest through the 5-year period, shortleaf and Virginia pine were shorter and white pine was shortest. Silvicultural treatments had no impact on tree height but significantly affected DBH. Weed control increased DBH while fertilization did not. When applied in combination with weed control, there was no additional increase in growth of the pines due to fertilization beyond that from weed control only. Fertilization stimulated the growth of the competing hardwoods which were significantly taller in the fertilized plots.
A multiple baseline analysis of implementing components of the problem-oriented medical record

The use of a training procedure designed to increase recording of three components of the Problem-Oriented Medical Record was assessed in three replications of a multiple baseline across behaviors design. The components included the statement of the problem, the design of a treatment, and the design of an evaluation strategy. Results indicate reliable increases in recording the three components, with no relationships between changes in the components. Implications of the problem-Oriented Medical Record for improving patient care and accountability are discussed.
Esophageal, gastric, and intestinal disorders of young dogs and cats.

Digestive tract disorders are common diagnostic and therapeutic problems in young dogs and cats. Prompt and effective symtomatic therapy is necessary in all such cases and is sufficient in many. Some infectious, parasitic, and protozoal diseases require alterations in kennel management as well as individual treatment. Congenital disorders are frequently challenging diagnostic dilemmas.
Reinforcement Learning and Its Relationship to Supervised Learning

This chapter focuses on presenting some key concepts of machine learning, approximate dynamic programming, and the relationships between them. Discussion and comparisons are made based on various aspects of the two fields such as training information, behavioral variety, problem conversion, applicable tasks, and so forth. This chapter mentions many real-world examples to illustrate some of the important distinctions being made. The primary focus of this chapter is a discussion of the concepts and strategies of machine learning, not necessarily algorithmic details. This chapter provides high-level perspective on machine learning and approximate dynamic programming.
Ab initio analysis of electron currents through benzene, naphthalene, and anthracene nanojunctions

The current–voltage characteristics of benzene, naphthalene, and anthracene attached to three types of nanoelectrode conformations are calculated using a combined density functional theory and Green's functions approach, whereby the local chemistry and the extended physics of the problem are properly and fully incorporated. The selected molecules are important building units for a scenario of molecular devices to perform analog and logical operations. We find out that conductances are high and tunneling barriers are low when compared to saturated alkanes and unsaturated oligophenylene vinylenes. On the other hand, the conformation of the nanoelectrodes addressing the molecules has a strong effect on the current–voltage characteristics of the molecules. One of the studied conformations is able to eliminate the tunneling barrier by withdrawing electrons from the surface of the nanoelectrodes.
Primodial retention of carbon by the terrestrial planets

The thermodynamics of graphite, carbide, and carbonate formation in the presence of a solar-composition gas is examined, including the feasibility of producing solid solutions of carbon and carbides in metallic iron-nickel alloy. Gas-phase composition and graphite activities for a very wide range of nebular pressures and temperatures are calculated by a computer program that considers several hundred compounds, particularly all the important gaseous species containing H, C, O, N, S, Cl, P, and F. The results obtained indicate that CH4 and CO would be the dominant carbon compounds under all likely circumstances of temperature and pressure in the solar nebula, that graphite may have been the most abundant carbon species in certain cases, and that direct precipitation of graphite, carbides, or carbonates would have been impossible in the solar nebula. Carbon retention by the terrestrial planets is also investigated.