cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of weight loss on ventricular repolarization in normotensive severely obese patients with and without heart failure.

Abstract Background Obesity has been reported to be associated with delayed ventricular repolarization. The purpose of this study was to assess ventricular repolarization in normotensive severely obese subjects with and without heart failure (HF) and to assess the effect of weight loss on ventricular repolarization in such patients. Methods Twenty-eight patients with and 39 patients without HF (body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m 2 ) were studied before and after weight loss from bariatric surgery. Corrected QT interval (QTc) was measured on 12-lead electrocardiograms using Bazett’s formula. QTc dispersion was calculated by subtracting the minimum from the maximum QTc on each 12-lead electrocardiogram. Electrocardiograms and transthoracic echocardiograms were performed preoperatively and at the nadir of postoperative weight loss. Results Mean QTc and QTc dispersion were significantly longer/greater in subjects with HF than in those without HF ( P P 2.7 and presence or absence of HF independently predicted pre-weight loss QTc and QTc dispersion ( P 2.7 independently predicted weight loss-induced decreases in QTc and QTc dispersion ( P Conclusions HF independently predicts QTc and QTc dispersion in normotensive severely obese patients. Decrease in the LV mass resulting from weight loss independently predicts reduction in QTc and QTc dispersion in such patients.
Conservation of Residues Involved in Sugar/H+ Symport by the Sucrose Permease of Escherichia coli Relative to Lactose Permease

Building a three-dimensional model of the sucrose permease of Escherichia coli (CscB) with the X-ray crystal structure lactose permease (LacY) as template reveals a similar overall fold for CscB. Moreover, despite only 28% sequence identity and a marked difference in substrate specificity, the structural organization of the residues involved in sugar-binding and H+ translocation is conserved in CscB. Functional analyses of mutants in the homologous key residues provide strong evidence that they play a similar critical role in the mechanisms of CscB and LacY.
The Role of Social Support in Moderating the Relationship Between Psychological Distress and Willingness to Seek Psychological Help Among Black and Latino College Students

This study examined the role of social support in moderating the relationship between psychological distress and willingness to seek psychological help in 158 Black and Latino college students from a large, predominantly White university. The authors found that a social support network served as a significant moderator for Black college students but not for their Latino counterparts. Implications of the findings are presented.
Transition in the deformation mode of nanocrystalline tantalum processed by high-pressure torsion

We present quasi-static room temperature compression and nanoindentation data for nanocrystalline and ultrafine grained tantalum processed by high-pressure torsion. Because bulk samples possess an inherent gradient in properties, microstructures were characterized using site-specific transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Nanocrystalline Ta shows appreciable homogeneous plastic deformation in compression; however, specimens with the smallest grain sizes exhibit localized plastic deformation via shear bands. Microstructural changes associated with this transition in deformation mode are discussed.
Overexpression of the focal adhesion kinase (p125FAK) in the vascular smooth muscle cells of intimal hyperplasia.

Abstract Purpose: The migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are important events in the development of intimal hyperplasia (IH). The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) gene encodes a protein tyrosine kinase (p125 FAK ) involved in signal transduction pathways used in cell adhesion, motility, and proliferation. Because alterations in these cellular processes are thought to occur in VSMCs during IH, we studied FAK expression in healthy arteries and veins in comparison with that in pathologic vessels containing IH. Methods: To determine p125 FAK expression at the cellular level, we developed a monoclonal antibody that specifically detected FAK in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections (5 μm) and analyzed the levels of FAK expression in human arteries and veins. Specificity of monoclonal antibody 4.47 was demonstrated by means of immunofluorescence microscopy showing FAK-specific staining at focal adhesions of healthy human vascular smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs). By using immunohistochemistry techniques, we analyzed the expression of p125 FAK in 25 adult human vascular tissue samples from individual patients, which contained a histologically confirmed healthy artery, vein, or IH. Results: FAK expression in healthy and pathologic human vascular tissue was localized predominantly within VSMC cytoplasm. In healthy human artery and vein, borderline FAK expression was detected in the media of seven of 17 vessels and undetectable in the remainder of specimens. However, in vessels containing IH, FAK was overexpressed in the pathologic VSMC populations at moderate-to-strong levels in eight of eight specimens. The levels of FAK expression were directly correlated with structures containing IH, and the results of FAK staining intensity and the percentage of positive cells in these samples were significantly increased compared with normal vascular tissue levels ( P t test). Conclusion: These results provide the first evidence that FAK is overexpressed in VSMCs involved in IH and suggest that FAK upregulation may be part of a mechanism for migration and proliferation of VSMCs during this process. Furthermore, the dramatic upregulation of FAK in IH and the relative lack of expression in healthy vessels suggest that FAK may be a rational target for controlling IH. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:344-9.)
The heritability of risk and age at onset of Parkinson's disease after accounting for known genetic risk factors

We questioned if the evidence for the genetic component in PD in Caucasians could be explained by the causative and susceptibility genes that have already been identified. We estimated heritability of risk and age at onset of PD in a well-characterized sample of 504 nuclear families (2,828 individuals). After excluding families with known pathogenic mutations and accounting for the major susceptibility genes, the heritability of the risk of developing PD was 0.41 (P=0.01). These data suggest approximately 40% of the variation in susceptibility to PD is due to as yet unidentified genes, the remainder is likely environmental.
Measurement of cutoff wavelength of single-mode fibre with periodic perturbation of fibre axis

A new method for determining the cutoff wavelength of an optical single-mode fibre has been developed. This method is based on inducing strong coupling between the LP11 and the LP01 modes by distorting the fibre axis with a pair of corrugated plates, and measuring the beat length between the modes as a function of optical wavelength. At the point where the LP11 ceases to be guided (cutoff), an irregular change occurs in the beating length between the modes. Owing to the high mode selectivity of the coupling process, the technique is not affected by microbendings.
Profile of masculine norms and help-seeking stigma in college football.

This study represents an interdisciplinary endeavor between the fields of sport psychology and the psychological study of men and masculinity. The purpose of this study was to provide a greater understanding of the relationship between traditional masculine norms and help-seeking attitudes within th
Skew-grid dichroic plate with rectangular apertures for use on a Ka-Band beam waveguide antenna

The first Ka-Band Deep Space Network downlink demonstration was recently carried out by the Ka-Band Link Experiment (KABLE) in association with the Mars Observer spacecraft.
Diversity partitioning of a Late Ordovician marine biotic invasion: controls on diversity in regional ecosystems

Biotic invasions are a common feature of the fossil record, yet remarkably little is known about them, given their enormous potential to reveal the processes that regulate local and regional diversity over long time scales. We used additive diversity partitioning to examine how diversity structure changed as a result of a marine biotic invasion in tropical, shallow and deep subtidal environments spanning approximately 4 Myr in the Late Ordovician. The biotic invasion increased richness in the regional ecosystem by nearly 40%. Within-habitat turnover diversity accounts for most of the increase in richness, with between-habitat turnover diversity contributing a lesser amount. Increases in these components of diversity were accommodated by increased packing of species along a depth gradient and increased habitat heterogeneity. Diversity metrics that incorporate taxon abundance (Shannon information, Simpson's D) show similar patterns and reveal that many invading taxa were locally abundant and widespread in their occurrence. Extinction of incumbent taxa did not foster the invasion; rather the invasion appears to be linked to a regional or global warming event. Taken together, these observations indicate that these Late Ordovician marine communities were open to invasion and not saturated with species. Moreover, the increase in species diversity caused by the invasion was not ephemeral; instead it lasted for at least 1 Myr. Similar studies of other biotic invasions in the fossil record are necessary to determine (1) the factors, such as extinction of incumbents or resource limitation, that may facilitate or inhibit invasion in ancient ecosystems; (2) how local and regional ecosystems respond to invasion; and (3) the extent to which biotic invasions play a substantial role in ecosystem change through geologic time.
Race and the Psychological Health of African Americans

This study examined an array of race-related factors pertaining to psychological well-being and distress among 300 African American participants. Findings obtained via structural equation modeling pointed to the importance of having positive implicit ingroup attitudes for psychological health and underscored the significance of Black cultural immersion, particularly in shaping implicit attitudes. Support was obtained for three models: ingroup identity as an antecedent to perceived prejudice, which, in turn, was negatively associated with psychological health; ingroup identity as a consequence of perceived prejudice with positive implications for psychological health; and ingroup identity as a moderator of perceived prejudice, with stronger identity providing a buffer from prejudice. Findings illustrate the consequential and complex role of racial variables in African Americans' psychological health.
Latent hardening in aluminum

Abstract The flow stresses and the initial work-hardening slopes in all 24 slip systems were measured by isoaxial compression tests on plates out out of aluminum single crystals which had previously been deformed in single slip to a standard stress in stage III. The flow stress results fell into two groups: all slip systems with the same slip plane as the primary were, within the scatter, indistinguishable from the primary slip system; all other systems fell, with no further distinction discernible, into a large group with a flow stress raised by 10 to 30%. In the latter group, the initial hardening slope was usually lower than in the primary system. In only one system, corresponding to obtuse cross-slip, was a negative initial hardening slope ever observed. The rate sensitivity of flow stresses and of hardening slopes was measured in 9 secondary systems and was indistinguishable from that of the primary system. The results on flow stresses may be interpreted by postulating that the moving dislocations surround rather than overcome the obstacles in their path, and that the obstacles generated during the previous single slip are arranged in a pattern which distinguishes the slip plane. Furthermore, this arrangement must be polarized, since some initial hardening slopes were found to depend on the sign of the strain. A qualitative connection between the initial work-hardening slopes in secondary slip systems and the orientation dependence of primary work-hardening is established. These conclusions from the experiments are in accord with those from a recently proposed theoretical treatment, the Statistical Theory of Work-Hardening.
Combined Retinal Hamartomas Leading to the Diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis Type 2

Purpose: To report two cases of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) initially presenting with isolated bilateral combined hamartomas of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Methods: Retrospective observational case reports. Results: Two unrelated children presented to ophthalmology with isolated combined hamartomas of the retina and RPE. Patient one presented to ophthalmology at the age of 2 years; by 4 years, he developed what was thought to be a plexiform neurofibroma and, with more than 6 cafe au lait spots, was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). By the age of 5, he had developed bilateral vestibular schwannomas, and was diagnosed with NF2. Subsequent molecular testing revealed a truncating mutation in exon 13 (c.1396C > T; p.R466X) of the NF2 gene. Patient two presented to ophthalmology at the age of 7 months; by age 6 she had developed two subcutaneous masses on her forehead, a mass in her left lower abdomen, and in her gumline. Despite lack of pathological evidence of neurofibroma...
CHANGES IN PARTITION COEFFICIENTS of ALCOHOLS AS AFFECTED BY the PRESENCE of VARIOUS FOOD SOLIDS

Using homologous series of alcohols and varing temperatures, it has been demonstrated in this study that volatility of alcohols increases upon changes in the system which decrease their solubility in the liquid. Addition of solutes has various effects on volatility, depending upon their ability to interact with water and volatiles. Surface characteristics, including the number of binding sites and surface area, significantly affect interaction. When more than one type of solids is present, alcohols preferentially adsorb to the solid with higher affinity for alcohols, until all binding sites on the solid are occupied. Silica and soy protein increase solubility of alcohols in water by adsorbing them through hydrophobic association and/or hydrogen bonds. Sodium silicoaluminate, xanthan gum and, to some extent, maltodextrin show less interaction with alcohols than with water.
On a theorem of Schreier and Ulam for countable permutations

In 1933 J. Schreier and S. Ulam [3] gave the Jordan-Hiilder composition series for the group Sym(S) of all permutations of a countable set S. In particular, they showed that any normal subgroup containing a permutation P with infinite support must in fact be all of Sym(S). This is equivalent to the statement that the conjugacy class containing such a P must generate Sym(S), i.e., that every permutation T E Sym(S) can be represented as a finite product of permutations conjugate to P. More recently, in [2], it has been shown that if the disjoint-cycle decomposition of P consists of infinitely many infinite cycles (and no other cycles) then every permutation in Sym(S) can be represented as a product of two permutations, both conjugate to P. On the other hand the present author proved, in [l], that if the disjoint-cycle decomposition of P consists of precisely one infinite cycle (and no others) then every permutation in Sym(S) can be represented as a product of three permutations each conjugate to P; however, no finite odd permutation is a product of two such infinite cycles. In this paper we exhibit a new conjugacy class which has the property that every permutation of S is a product of two permutations from that class, and make use of this and a result from [l] in considering a more general question which now arises naturally: Given a permutation P of S with infinite support, is there an integer m(P) such that every permutation in Sym(S) can be represented as a product of m permutations, each conjugate to P ? Can such an m be found which is independent of P ? We answer both
Immunochemical detection with rabbit polyclonal and mouse monoclonal antibodies of different pools of phytochrome from etiolated and green Avena shoots.

While two monoclonal antibodies directed to phytochrome from etiolated oat (Avena sativa L.) shoots can precipitate up to about 30% of the photoreversible phytochrome isolated from green oat shoots, most precipitate little or none at all. These results are consistent with a report by J.G. Tokuhisa and P.H. Quail (1983, Plant Physiol. 72, Suppl., 85), according to which polyclonal rabbit antibodies directed to phytochrome from etiolated oat shoots bind only a small fraction of the phytochrome obtained from green oat shoots. The immunoprecipitation data reported here indicate that essentially all phytochrome isolated from green oat shoots is distinct from that obtained from etiolated oat shoots. The data indicate further that phytochrome from green oat shoots might itself be composed of two or more immunochemically distinct populations, each of which is distinct from phytochrome from etiolated shoots. Phytochrome isolated from light-grown, but norflurazon-bleached oat shoots is like that isolated from green oat shoots. When light-grown, green oat seedlings are kept in darkness for 48 h, however, much, if not all, of the phytochrome that reaccumulates is like that from etiolated oat shoots. Neither modification during purification from green oat shoots of phytochrome like that from etiolated oat shoots, nor non-specific interference by substances in extracts of green oat shoots, can explain the inability of antibodies to recognize phytochrome isolated from green oat shoots. Immunopurified polyclonal rabbit antibodies to phytochrome from etiolated pea (Pisum sativum L.). shoots precipitate more than 95% of the photoreversible phytochrome obtained from etiolated pea shoots, while no more than 75% of the pigment is precipitated when phytochrome is isolated from green pea shoots. These data indicate in preliminary fashion that an immunochemically unique pool of phytochrome might also be present in extracts of green pea shoots.
Party factionalism and cabinet durability

Most studies of coalition behavior have treated political parties as unitary actors. Building on extant literature, this paper relaxes the unitary actor assumption in order to develop a theory about the impact of party factionalism on cabinet duration. Specifically, cabinets composed of factionalized parties are expected to exhibit less stability. Cross-national data corroborate the hypothesis, demonstrating the importance of intra-party characteristics in determining coalition behavior.
Text, Textile, and the Body in Baudelaire's 'A une mendiante rousse' and Devi's Indian Tango

In her article "Text, Textile, and the Body in Baudelaire's 'A une mendiante rousse' and Devi's Indian Tango" Michelle C. Lee aims to rethink the post-romantic division between aesthetics and politics through a reconsideration of the idea of complicity in Charles Baudelaire's poem and Ananda Devi's novel. Lee argues against the claim that aesthetics needs to remain autonomous in order to be able to radically critique bourgeois society. Through a reading of the trope of clothing in each of the texts, Lee re-evaluates the formation of autonomous modernist aesthetics and attempts to show that avant-garde self-reflexivity engages in the very social questions that it had sought to abandon. Baudelaire's and Devi's employment of linguistic self-reflexivity blurs the boundaries between self and other, writer and character, as it constructs a socially informed relationship between speaker and interlocutor. Michelle C. Lee, "Text, Textile, and the Body in Baudelaire's 'A une mendiante rousse' and Devi's Indian Tango" page 2 of 9 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 15.1 (2013):
Potential mechanism for the additivity of pilocarpine and latanoprost.

Abstract PURPOSE: To determine the ocular hypotensive mechanism underlying the additivity of latanoprost and pilocarpine. METHODS: This randomized, double-masked study included 30 patients with ocular hypertension on no ocular medications for at least 3 weeks. On each of six visits to the clinic, measurements were taken of aqueous flow and outflow facility by fluorophotometry, intraocular pressure by tonometry, and episcleral venous pressure by venomanometry. Uveoscleral outflow was calculated. Clinic visits were scheduled on baseline day; on day 8 of four times daily pilocarpine (2%) to one eye and vehicle to the other; on day 8 of continued pilocarpine/vehicle treatment plus latanoprost (0.005%) once daily to both eyes; after a 3-week washout period; on day 8 of once-daily latanoprost to one eye and vehicle to the other; and on day 8 of continued latanoprost/vehicle treatment plus pilocarpine four times a day to both eyes. Drug-treated eyes were compared with contralateral vehicle-treated eyes and with baseline day by paired t tests. Combined pilocarpine and latanoprost–treated eyes were compared with individual drug-treated eyes and with baseline day using the Bonferroni test. RESULTS: Compared with baseline, pilocarpine reduced intraocular pressure from 18.9 to 16.2 mm Hg ( P = .001) and increased outflow facility from 0.18 to 0.23 μl per minute per mm Hg ( P = .03). No other parameters were affected. Adding latanoprost further reduced intraocular pressure to 13.7 mm Hg ( P P = .02). Latanoprost alone reduced intraocular pressure from 17.6 to 14.3 mm Hg ( P P = .05). Adding pilocarpine to the latanoprost treatment further reduced intraocular pressure to 12.7 mm Hg ( P P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Latanoprost and pilocarpine predominantly increase uveoscleral outflow and outflow facility, respectively, when given alone. These drugs are additive because pilocarpine does not inhibit the uveoscleral outflow increase induced by latanoprost.
SNS-314, a pan-Aurora kinase inhibitor, shows potent anti-tumor activity and dosing flexibility in vivo

Purpose The Aurora family of serine/threonine kinases (Aurora-A, Aurora-B, and Aurora-C) plays a key role in cells orderly progression through mitosis. Elevated expression levels of Aurora kinases have been detected in a high percentage of melanoma, colon, breast, ovarian, gastric, and pancreatic tumors. We characterized the biological and pharmacological properties of SNS-314, an ATP-competitive, selective, and potent inhibitor of Aurora kinases.
Synthesis of Ladder Polymers Via Soluble Precursor Polymers

Although ladder polymers have been known for some time, poor solubility and low molecular weights have prevented processing and have discouraged consideration of these materials for structural and electronic applications. Poor solubility can be associated with strong Van der Waals interactions between delocalized π-electron clouds on adjacent chains. The optimum orbital overlap along the polymer backbone existent for ladder polymers has motivated reexamination of these systems for electronic applications. We have pursued alternatives to the tradiational acid-catalyzed polycondensation of underivatized monomers at elevated temperatures by reacting derivatized (e.g., with alkyl or vinylamine substituents) monomers at reduced temperature in organic solvents (e.g., DMF) to produce open-chain precursors to ladder polymers. These are converted to fully-fused ladder polymers by thermal processing either in solution or as solid state (e.g., thin film) materials. The preparation of precursors of improved solubility greatly enhances processing options and has permitted the utilization of both Langmuir-Blodgett methods and the perparation of optical quality films by casting (including spin casting). By control of thermal processing conditions, both derivatized and underivatized ladder polymers have been prepared. Our approach offers obvious advantages for the investigation of the effect of conformation and of substituents upon electronic properties. The preparation of copolymers with rigid rod and flexible chain segments incorporated in the polymer backbone has also been investigated. For such materials, polymers with fully fused ladder segments can exhibit improved solubility in DMF relative to polymers with open chain segments due to the absence of favorable hydrogen bonding stuctures in the former. Finally, we are investigating the effect of electrochemical polymerization of Langmuir-Blodgett films prepared with derivatized diaminobenzene. Such an approach clearly takes advantage of improved solubility of the derivatized monomer and improved molecular order which can be realized with the Langmuir-Blodgett method. Free radical polymerization may facilitate the realization of improved molecular weight distributions.
Current flow across a sphere with volume and surface conduction

Abstract The solution of Laplace's equation is derived for the potential distribution in a sphere having current flow between opposite poles for the general case of combined volume and surface conduction. It reduces to the known solutions for the special cases of purely volume and purely surface conduction. The work is relevant to the problem of the contact resistance between spheres and the electromechanics of current-carrying particulate layers.
Automated-parameterization of the motor evoked potential and cortical silent period induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation

Objective: To standardize the characterization of motor evoked potential (MEP) and cortical silent period (CSP) recordings elicited with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Methods: A computer-based, automated-parameterization program (APP) was developed and tested which provides a comprehensive set of electromyography (EMG) magnitude and temporal measures. The APP was tested using MEP, CSP, and isolated CSP (iCSP) TMS stimulus–response data from a healthy adult population (N = 13). Results: The APP had the highest internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = .98) for CSP offset time compared with two prominent automated methods. The immediate post-CSP EMG recovery level was 49% higher than the pre-TMS EMG level. MEP size (peak amplitude, mean amplitude, peak-to-peak amplitude, and area) correlated higher with effective E-field (Eeff) than other intensity measures (r � 0.5 vs. r � 0.3) suggesting that Eeff is better suited for standardizing MEP stimulus–response relationships. Conclusions: The APP successfully characterized individual and mean epochs containing MEP, CSP, and iCSP responses. The APP provided common signal and temporal measures consistent with previous studies and novel additional parameters. Significance: With the use of the APP modeling method and the Eeff, a standard approach for the analysis and reporting of MEP–CSP complex and iCSP measurements is achievable.
Acute, subchronic, and chronic toxicity of the cardiotonic isomazole in rats.

Acute, subchronic, and chronic toxicity studies were conducted with isomazole, a new (investigational) inotropic agent with significant vasodilator properties. When given acutely to either young adult rats or mice, the oral median lethal dose was approximately 135 or 525 mg/kg, respectively. Clinical signs of toxicity were leg weakness, hypoactivity, tremors, clonic convulsions, and ataxia. Fischer 344 rats (15/sex/group) were fed diets containing isomazole in concentrations of 0, 0.03, 0.1, or 0.3% for 3 months with no resulting mortality or clinical signs of toxicity. The average daily intake of the compound was approximately 0, 20, 65, or 198 mg/kg in both sexes. Body weight gain, food consumption, and efficiency of food utilization were significantly reduced only in males in the 198 mg/kg dose group. There were no changes of toxicological significance in any of the hematology, clinical chemistry, or urine parameters. Isomazole produced significant increases in hepatic p-nitroanisole O-demethylase activity and relative liver weight primarily at the 65 and 198 mg/kg treatment levels. These effects were consistent with induction of the hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme system. Histopathologic findings consisted of centrilobular fat deposition in the livers of 9 of 15 males in the 198 mg/kg dose group, and periarteritis in the adventitia of small and medium-sized arteries in the mesentery in 3 of 30 and 12 of 30 animals from the 65 and 198 mg/kg dose groups, respectively. The plasma levels of isomazole had a tendency to drop after 90 days compared to Day 2 in all dose groups and was more apparent in male rats. There was no accumulation of either isomazole or the two metabolites in the serum over the 3-month period. The average daily intake of isomazole was 0, 12, 30, or 76 mg/kg/day in the 6-month rat study (10 animals/sex/group) and 0, 10, 26, or 68 mg/kg/day in the 1-year rat study (20 animals/sex/group). Qualitatively, no findings occurred in the 6-month and 1-year study which differed from those in the 3-month study.
Preschool externalizing behavior predicts gender-specific variation in adolescent neural structure.

Dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus is believed to underlie the development of much psychopathology. However, to date only limited longitudinal data relate early behavior with neural structure later in life. Our objective was to examine the relationship of early life externalizing behavior with adolescent brain structure. We report here the first longitudinal study linking externalizing behavior during preschool to brain structure during adolescence. We examined the relationship of preschool externalizing behavior with amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex volumes at age 15 years in a community sample of 76 adolescents followed longitudinally since their mothers’ pregnancy. A significant gender by externalizing behavior interaction revealed that males—but not females—with greater early childhood externalizing behavior had smaller amygdala volumes at adolescence (t = 2.33, p = .023). No significant results were found for the hippocampus or the prefrontal cortex. Greater early externalizing behavior also related to smaller volume of a cluster including the angular gyrus and tempoparietal junction across genders. Results were not attributable to the impact of preschool anxiety, preschool maternal stress, school-age internalizing or externalizing behaviors, or adolescent substance use. These findings demonstrate a novel, gender-specific relationship between early-childhood externalizing behavior and adolescent amygdala volume, as well as a cross-gender result for the angular gyrus and tempoparietal junction.
A nonlinear capacitance cancellation technique and its application to a CMOS class AB power amplifier

A nonlinear cancellation technique is developed specifically for MOS class AB power amplifiers. This technique utilizes a PMOS transistor at the amplifier input to cancel the variation of the input capacitance, thus improving the overall amplifier linearity. A monolithic CMOS RF power amplifier with this technique is designed and fabricated in a standard 0.6 /spl mu/m CMOS technology. The prototype single-stage amplifier has a measured drain efficiency of 40% and a power gain of 7 dB at 1.9 GHz. Linearity measurements show that the new amplifier has over 10 dB of IM/sub 3/ improvement and 6 dB of ACPR improvement compared with the traditional NMOS class AB power amplifier.
Aging in Prison: A Case Study of New Elderly Offenders

This exploratory study focuses on the experience of aging in prison among those classified as the new elderly offenders. Using a case study approach, in-depth interviews were conducted in the summer of 1992 at a maximum-security reception center in the Southeast. The sample consisted of 25 new elderly offenders, with a mean age of 68 years. Major variables assessed in the study include personal background and family life, criminal activities, physical health, and strategies for coping with prison life. It was found that the new elderly offender's initial reaction to incarceration later in life was often characterized by family conflict, depression, thoughts of suicide, and a fear of dying in prison. Findings from this research present evidence that prison programs should be expanded to accommodate the needs of this older offender subgroup.
Modern Economic Growth and Quality of Life: Cross Sectional and Time Series Evidence

This chapter provides a selective survey of ­cross-sectional and time series evidence on the empirical relation between quality of life and modern economic growth. The phenomenon of modern economic growth, so-named by Nobel Laureate Simon Kuznets (1966), marks a new epoch in the economic history of humankind, and first appeared on the world scene in the latter part of the eighteenth century in northwestern Europe. It may be defined as a rapid and sustained rise in real output per head and attendant shifts in production technology, factor input requirements, and the resource allocation of a nation. “Rapid and sustained” is taken here to mean an average growth rate of real GDP per capita that approaches 1.5% per year or more over at least half a century. A rate of 1.5% per year is about the average in the half century before World War I for the group of 15 nations that were the leaders in modern economic growth. It is unprecedented in human history—projecting real per capita output backward from, say 1850, at a 1.5% annual rate would in a matter of a few centuries yield income levels well below the margin for human survival. In the last half of the twentieth century, growth rates in many parts of the developed and developing world have substantially exceeded 1.5% per year.
Identification of Independent Streptococcus gordonii SspA and SspB Functions in Coaggregation with Actinomyces naeslundii

The initial stages of dental plaque formation involve the adherence of early colonizing organisms such as Streptococcus gordonii and Actinomyces naeslundii to the saliva-coated tooth surface and to each other. The S. gordonii surface proteins SspA and SspB are known to play a role in adherence to salivary proteins and mediate coaggregation with other bacteria. Coaggregation is the adhesin receptor-mediated interaction between genetically distinct cell types and appears to be ubiquitous among oral isolates. To define the function of SspA and SspB separately on the surface of their natural host, we constructed and analyzed the coaggregation properties of an isogenic sspB mutant of S. gordonii DL1, an sspAB double mutant, and a previously described sspA mutant. A. naeslundii strains have been previously classified into six coaggregation groups based on the nature of their coaggregations with S. gordonii DL1 and other oral streptococci. Coaggregation assays with the sspA and sspB mutants showed that SspA and SspB are the streptococcal proteins primarily responsible for defining these coaggregation groups and, thus, are highly significant in the establishment of early dental plaque. SspA exhibited two coaggregation-specific functions. It participated in lactose-inhibitable and -noninhibitable interactions, while SspB mediated only lactose-noninhibitable coaggregations. Accordingly, the sspAB double mutant lacked these functions and allowed us to detect a third coaggregation interaction with one of these organisms. These proteins may play an important role in development of S. gordonii-A. naeslundii communities in early dental plaque. Understanding these adhesin proteins will aid investigations of complex microbial communities that characterize periodontal diseases.
Splenectomy for Splenomegaly and Secondary Hypersplenism

Splenomegaly and secondary hypersplenism may be associated with acute and chronic infections, autoimmune states, portal hypertension or splenic vein thrombosis, and a number of infiltrative and neoplastic conditions involving the spleen. Our experience and that of others with these various conditions demonstrates that the decision to perform splenectomy should be based on well-defined and often strictly limited indications. Except for idiopathic splenomegaly, the presence and severity of secondary hypersplenism or severely symptomatic splenomegaly should be well documented. In each case, the potential for palliation and known mean duration of expected response must be weighed against the increased morbidity and mortality of splenectomy (as compared to operation for “primary” hypersplenism).
The European Employment Strategy: Towards More and Better Jobs?*

The European Employment Strategy (EES) is the employment policy of the European Union. According to its 2000 orientations, the EES was to promote ‘more and better jobs’. In fact, the EES has not lived up to this promise. First, the EES has not been able to put the quality of jobs firmly on its agenda. On the contrary, the EES argues in favour of more flexible jobs. Second, the EES criticizes countries such as Sweden and Denmark for their high levels of taxes and unemployment benefits, despite the results these countries achieve in terms of employment. The orientations of the EES can be understood as deriving from mainstream economics; it is argued that they go against the European social model.
Reliability assessment of fault-tolerant Dc-Dc converters for photovoltaic applications

A framework for integrating performance and reliability analysis of switch-mode, dc-dc power converters employed as front ends in photovoltaic energy processing applications is presented. The proposed approach acknowledges the influence of the converter's steady-state operation on device failure rates. Markov reliability models are derived to assess reliability-oriented metrics of the system. The conceptual background is elucidated in the context of a topologically-redundant dc-dc converter, and the dependence of the Mean Time to Failure on design parameters is explored. The subtle affiliation between power-electronics design and system reliability is assessed through several case studies.
Reliability and Validity of Scores on the Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale-Teacher Version (DBRS-T):

Reliability and construct and criterion-related validity of scores on the Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale-Teacher Version were studied. Factor analysis confirmed a four-factor structure underlying the scale. Internal consistency of the Distractible, Oppositional, and Impulsive-Hyperactive factors was excellent, whereas the Antisocial Conduct factor was moderately high. Evidence of strong convergent validity also is presented.
Ecotourism: The Modern Predator? Implications of Gorilla Tourism on Local Livelihoods in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

The role of ecotourism as a means of influencing the path of local development or encouraging conservation activities is not unproblematic. Indeed, an increasing body of literature not only challenges the assumed benevolence of ecotourism but critically questions the role of ecotourism in contributing to the greater social and economic justice so often assumed under these programs. This paper seeks to contribute to this growing body of critical literature through an analysis of the impact of ecotourism on the everyday lives of rural villagers adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, paying particular attention to the social forms of access to and control over the process through which decisions about ecotourism take place. Drawing on a year of ethnographic-based fieldwork, this paper focuses on how the commodification of Bwindi as a product of wilderness, a wild and unspoilt destination marketed to foreign visitors, promotes the external control of conservation spaces by international organi...
A gene-brain-cognition pathway for the effect of an Alzheimer׳s risk gene on working memory in young adults.

Abstract Identifying pathways by which genetic Alzheimer׳s disease (AD) risk factors exert neurocognitive effects in young adults are essential for the effort to develop early interventions to forestall or prevent AD onset. Here, in a brain-imaging cohort of 59 young adults, we investigated effects of a variant within the clusterin (CLU) gene on working memory function and gray matter volume in cortical areas that support working memory. In addition, we investigated the extent to which effects of CLU genotype on working memory were independent of variation in the strongest AD risk factor gene apolipoprotein E (APOE). CLU is among the strongest genetic AD risk factors and, though it appears to share AD pathogenesis-related features with, APOE, it has been far less well studied. CLU genotype was associated with working memory performance in our study cohort. Notably, we found that variation in gray matter volume in a parietal region, previously implicated in maintenance of information for working memory, mediated the effect of CLU on working memory performance. APOE genotype did not affect working memory within our sample, and did not interact with CLU genotype. To our knowledge, this work represents the first evidence of a behavioral effect of CLU genotype in young people. In addition, this work identifies the first gene−brain−cognition mediation effect pathway for the transmission of the effect of an AD risk factor. Relative to conventional pairwise associations in cognitive neurogenetic research, gene−brain−cognition mediation modeling provides a more integrated understanding of how genetic effects transmit from gene to brain to cognitive function.
Impact of temperature and prey shell thickness on feeding of the oyster drill Urosalpinx cinerea Say

Abstract Feeding rates and selection of the oyster drill Urosalpinx cinerea were investigated with several long term temperature alteration experiments. Oyster drill prey selection was assessed in terms of prey (oyster) size and shell thickness. Drills fed on oysters with thinner shells 86% of the time and selectively preyed on smaller (1 g wet weight) oysters during colder months and larger (10 g wet weight) oysters during warmer months. Analysis of U. cinerea seasonal feeding patterns showed virtually no feeding during winter months (January to March) and a significant increase to over 1 gram of prey tissue per week during summer (July to September). A nine month experiment compared feeding rates of U. cinerea at two different temperature levels: ambient seawater (control) and temperatures elevated 4 °C above ambient. Oyster drills showed a 60% increase in feeding rate in the warmer treatment, especially during late summer, fall and early winter. Both temperature manipulation and annual feeding experiments revealed a significant temperature dependence of U. cinerea feeding rates. Seasonal or long-term seawater temperature changes related to climate change could strongly affect the predator–prey relationship between U. cinerea and its prey.
Effects of temperature and transport conditions on calcite growth in the presence of Mg2+: Implications for paleothermometry

This study links direct measurement of Mg-calcite growth kinetics with high-spatial-resolution analysis of Mg contents in experimental crystals, with particular attention to the effects of temperature on growth rate and reactant transport conditions on Mg distribution. In contrast to previous experiments on Mg partitioning into calcite, here the layer-growth mechanism was observed in situ and step speeds precisely measured with fluid cell atomic force microscopy over a range of temperatures, degrees of supersaturation, and solution Mg concentrations. Data collected from 15° to 30°C yield an activation energy for calcite precipi- tation of 33 kJ/mol for solutions with (Mg) 5 10 5 molal. Electron microprobe analyses of large hillocks grown at corresponding conditions demonstrate that Mg has a strong preference for incorporation at negative (acute) step edges, rather than at positive (obtuse) edges when growth rate is limited by surface reactions. This preference is reversed when growth is instead limited by diffusion of reactants through a boundary layer at the mineral-solution interface. These findings show that temperature is not the only strong control on the extent of Mg incorporation and distribution in calcite; transport conditions during mineral growth may also be a first-order factor governing the compositions of natural calcite samples. Copyright © 2005 Elsevier Ltd
Millennial-scale climate origins for stratification in Cambrian and Devonian deep-water rhythmites, western USA

Abstract Basinal facies of the Middle Cambrian Marjum Formation (western Utah) and Middle Devonian Denay Limestone (central Nevada) are characterized by thin, rhythmically interbedded limestone and marl layers (deep-water rhythmites). Limestone layers (average thickness range of 4.3–5.5 cm) are composed of laminated to massive pelleted lime mudstone; marl layers (average thickness range of 0.7–1.7 cm) are characterized by laminated, argillaceous, dolomitic mudstone. The absence of current- or wave-reworked features, paucity of bioturbation and skeletal fossils, stratigraphic relationships with adjacent facies, and the dark color indicate that limestone and marl layers in both rhythmite successions were deposited in quiet, dysaerobic waters below storm-wave base. Both limestone and marl layers are composed of submillimeter-thick graded laminae which represent discrete depositional events from dilute density currents generated by high-frequency storms or distal turbidity currents. Fluctuations in primary pelagic productivity cannot account for variations in carbonate influx because calcareous microfossils did not evolve until the Mesozoic. Instead, the rhythmic interbedding is interpreted to reflect climatically controlled variations in fluvial and/or eolian influx, or changes in marine currents (storm or distal turbidity currents) which transported shallow platform-derived carbonate material into the deep-water region. Spectral analysis of carbonate time series were compared to lithologic rank series and, particularly for the Middle Cambrian rhythmites, were found to be statistically indistinguishable. The durations of significant spectral peaks were estimated from calculating the average sedimentation rates from the two biostratigraphically controlled stratigraphic sections; these rates range between 4.3 ± 4.1 cm/k.y. and 21.2 ± 29.2 cm/k.y. for the Cambrian, and 3.6 ± 1.8 cm/k.y. to 5.1 ± 7.4 cm/k.y. for the Middle Devonian. Application of these sedimentation rates to the Marjum couplets suggests that individual couplets represent between ∼190–2100 years of time. The Denay couplets represent ∼800–1900 years. The good agreement between empirical Holocene hemipelagic sedimentation rates and the sedimentologic evidence of relatively high depositional rates for the Paleozoic rhythmites supports this millennial-scale interpretation. These results, combined with that from previous work in Paleozoic evaporite and carbonate successions, suggest that millennial-scale paleoclimatic variations affected marine and marginal-marine sedimentation as far back in time as the Cambrian. Millennial-scale climatic change appears to be a permanent feature affecting the oceans and atmosphere, and is apparently largely unaffected by major changes in Phanerozoic paleogeography, tectonics and atmospheric composition.
Peer Relationships and Academic Adjustment during Early Adolescence.

Motivation, engagement, and achievement decline for many children during early adolescence. There is increasing attention to the role peer relationships play in changes in academic adjustment during this stage of life. The articles in this special issue advance knowledge on this topic. This introductory article provides an overview of the articles in the special issue, noting key findings and commenting on important contributions. Ideas for future research on peer relationships and academic adjustment are discussed.