cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abdominal pain: Paths over which it travels and ways in which these may be blocked

Abstract There are many patients with severe, as yet unexplainable, abdominal pain who might perhaps be relieved by some form of nerve blocking. The present article represents a brief summary of what is known about the ways in which such blocking might be done. The pathways of sensory fibers leaving the abdomen are outlined. Most of these fibers leave by way of the splanchnic nerves. The technique of cutting the various nerves or of blocking them with novocaine and alcohol is briefly described, and the results of such operations on animals and men are reported. Many difficulties remain to be overcome and much needs to be learned about the possibilities and limitations and disadvantages of nerve sectioning. Great care will have to be exercised in choosing patients for study or operation, and good sense and conservatism will later have to enter into the judgments made as to the results of the treatment.
Congenital absence and traumatic obliteration of the vagina and its treatment with inlaying thiersch grafts

Abstract A brief review of the operative procedures for the correction of congenital absence or traumatic stricture of the vagina is presented. Some of the disadvantages associated with pedicle grafts and the risk involved in using any part of the intestinal tract are stressed. The McIndoe procedure is the operation of choice by reason of its simplicity and practicability. I have added certain modifications to this procedure which seem to me to be sound and useful. Five patients with congenital absence of the vagina and two with traumatic stricture of the vagina were treated successfully and without mortality by this method.
Natural Pesticides and Bioactive Components in Foods

The purpose of exploring the potential naturally occurring toxic hazards in food plants is not to persuade a person to avoid these common foods. Rather, it is important to put some perspective on these chemicals (natural pesticides) in our foods, and to clearly show that their toxicology, which is unknown in most cases, needs to be better understood. Many natural pesticides function similarly to synthetic pesticides or other biohazard chemicals. The natural pesticide concentration in our foods may be as much as 10,000 times higher than that of synthetic pesticide residues (Ames 1983). In some cases, these natural chemicals are prime candidates to be monitored by plant producers and plant breeders.
Metal carbonyl-trifluorophosphine systems

Triruthenium dodecacarbonyl reacts with high pressure PF3 or with PF3/CO mixtures to yield two series of compounds. At high PF3 pressures, the mononuclear species Ru(PF3)x(CO)5−x (x = 5, 4 and 3) are the main products with only traces of Ru(PF3)2(CO)3 and Ru(PF3)(CO)4 being found. With high carbon monoxide pressure and less PF3, the species Ru3(PF3)y(CO)12−y (y = 0–6) are the main products. It is seen that Ru3(CO)12 can have up to six CO groups replaced sequentially before the cluster is broken followed by the formation of the mononuclear species. The evidence shows that the Ru(PF3)x(CO)5−x species are stereochemically non-rigid.
Group treatment improves trunk strength and psychological status in older women with vertebral fractures: Results of a randomized, clinical trial

Objectives: To assess whether group exercise and coping classes reduce physical and psychological impairments and functional disability in older women with prevalent vertebral fractures (VFs). Design: Randomized, controlled trial (modified cross-over) with site as unit of assignment; testing at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Setting: Nine North Carolina retirement communities. Participants: One hundred eighty-five postmenopausal Caucasian women (mean age 81), each with at least one VFs. Intervention: The intervention group had 6 months of exercise (3 meetings weekly, 45 minutes each) and coping classes (2 meetings weekly, 45 minutes each) in Phase 1, followed by 6 months of self-maintenance. The control group had 6 months of health education control intervention (1 meeting weekly, 45 minutes) in Phase 1, followed by the intervention described above. Measurements: Change in trunk extension strength, change in pain with activities, and change in psychological symptoms. Results: Between-group differences in the change in trunk extension strength (10.68 foot pounds, P<.001) and psychological symptoms (−0.08, P=.011) were significant for Phase 1. Changes in pain with activities did not differ between groups (−0.03, P=.64); there was no change in the pain endpoint. In Phase 2, controls showed significant changes in trunk strength (15.02 foot pounds, P<.001) and psychological symptoms (−0.11, P=.006) from baseline. Change in pain with activities was not significant (−0.03, P=.70). During self-maintenance, the intervention group did not worsen in psychological symptoms, but improved trunk extension strength was not maintained. Conclusion: Weak trunk extension strength and psychological symptoms associated with VFs can be improved in older women using group treatment, and psychological improvements are retained for at least 6 months.
Plastid Genes Encoding the Transcription/Translation Apparatus Are Differentially Transcribed Early in Barley (Hordeum vulgare) Chloroplast Development (Evidence for Selective Stabilization of psbA mRNA)

Chloroplast genomes encode rRNAs, tRNAs, and proteins involved in transcription, translation, and photosynthesis. The expression of 15 plastid genes representing each of these functions was quantitated during chloroplast development in barley (Hordeum vulgare). The transcription of all plastid genes increased during the initial phase of chloroplast development and then declined during chloroplast maturation. RNAs corresponding to rpoB- rpoC1-rpoC2, which encode subunits of a plastid RNA polymerase, and rps16, which encodes a ribosomal protein, reached maximal abundance early in chloroplast development prior to genes encoding subunits of the photosynthetic apparatus (rbcL, atpB, psaA, petB). Transcription of rpoB as well as 16S rRNA, trnfM-trnG, and trnK was high early in chloroplast development and declined 10-fold relative to rbcL transcription during chloroplast maturation. RNA hybridizing to psbA and psbD, genes encoding reaction center proteins of photosystem II, was differentially maintained in mature chloroplasts of illuminated barley. Differential accumulation of psbD mRNA relative to rbcL mRNA was due to light-stimulated transcription of psbD. In contrast, enhanced levels of psbA mRNA in mature chloroplasts were due primarily to selective stabilization of the psbA mRNA. These data document dynamic modulation of plastid gene transcription and mRNA stability during barley chloroplast development.
FAILURE OF ANIMAL PASSAGE TO INCREASE THE VIRULENCE OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

Silverman, Sidney J. (U.S. Army Biological Laboratories, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Md.), James F. Drawdy, and Donald A. Kautter. Failure of animal passage to increase the virulence of Listeria monocytogenes. J. Bacteriol. 86:92–94. 1963.—Three strains of Listeria monocytogenes, JHH, A4413, and 53P380, were serially passed through mice, guinea pigs, or monkeys via the intracerebral, intraperitoneal, and intraspinal routes, respectively. The first two strains had been maintained on laboratory medium for some time; strain 53P380, received in the brain of a sheep that had died of listeriosis, was never inoculated into laboratory media. The virulence of the strains was tested by the intraperitoneal or respiratory route. An apparent increase in virulence for mice of strain JHH was observed after animal passage. However, if the same strain maintained on Tryptose Agar and Brain Heart Infusion broth was injected in a suspension of normal mouse brain or spleen and liver, there was no difference in the virulence of the strain between animal-passaged and media-grown cells. An adjuvant effect was noted also with brothgrown cells suspended in mineral oil (Bayol F) or in alcohol or acetone extracts of normal mouse brain. A decrease in virulence for guinea pigs occurred with strain 53P380 after a series of passages by the intraperitoneal route in the same animal.
Visiting an old battleground in empirical industrial organization: SCP versus NEIO

There are two principal approaches to analysing market power – the new empirical industrial organization (NEIO) approach and the structure–conduct–performance (SCP) approach. The existing literature on market power shows that there is no unanimous agreement on which of these two methods should be used to analyse the market power. Users seem to select whichever method is best suitable to their situation, such as data availability. Here we compare these two methods of analysing market power using a single US brewing industry data set and hypothesize that both the methods would yield identical results. On the basis of the empirical results, we conclude that the debate over the use of the SCP approach versus the use of the NEIO approach to analyse market power will continue.
Are two-dimensional Yang-Mills gauge theories "color" dependent?

If the symmetry of the theory under global transformations generated by the charges is normal, the physical states of the system must be "color" singlets. (This is analogous to the physical states of two-dimensional quantum electrodynamics being neutral.) Consequently, the local color currents vanish in physical states. The (two-dimensional) inhomogeneous Lorentz invariance of the theory is also discussed.
Comparison of Neurologic Changes in 'Successfully Aging' Persons vs the Total Aging Population

Objective: To determine age-related changes in neurologic function in the general population. Design: To administer a neurologic examination to participants in such a way that it is possible to calculate the proportion of elderly persons in the population with each abnormal finding and the proportion of persons with each finding but without evidence of the medical and neurologic diseases likely to produce neurologic abnormalities (eg, stroke and diabetes). Setting: Individuals were selected from a communitydwelling population. Participants: A stratified random sample of 467 persons aged 65 years and older were evaluated. Results: Many neurologic abnormalities are increasingly common with advancing age and are present in a substantial portion of the elderly population. The prevalence of abnormal neurologic findings not attributable to disease, however, is substantially lower, typically one half to one third the total prevalence. Moreover, the increase with age in the prevalence of abnormal neurologic findings not attributable to major disease varies substantially among the different measures. Conclusions: Primitive reflexes and measures of gait show statistically significant increases with age in multiple measurement domains, suggesting a selective age-related vulnerability.
Deterministic and Stochastic Response of Linear Time Variable Systems

The solution of the equations which describe a linear system and its variable parameters is usually difficult enough to warrant the use of a computer. This paper discusses and illustrates the use of analog computers in obtaining deterministic and stochastic responses of single or multiple input-output, time-variable systems. Stochastic response is emphasized with attention focused on the output or response, auto and cross-correlations. The response correlation matrix R zz (t 1 ,t 2 ) which is evaluated from the adjoint system is also considered in terms of the general problem of random-initial values and random-forcing functions.
Case application suite: promoting collaborative case application in learning by design classrooms

Transfer means extending what has been learned in one context to new contexts. This paper addresses the application part of transfer. For novice problem solvers, applying cases can be a difficult task. Case-based Reasoning (Kolodner, 1993; Schank, 1982) makes some suggestions for promoting good case application. Learning By Design™ (LBD) (Kolodner et al., 1998) builds on case-based reasoning and constructivist approaches to learning as well as classroom practices from problem based learning and communities of learners, to support both collaborative learning and learning from hands-on activities (Kolodner & Nagel, 1999). The software component to LBD, SMILE (Supportive Multi-User Interactive Learning Environment), was designed to promote the kinds of reflection that case-based reasoning suggests are needed to learn from experience. Among other tools, SMILE consisted of a Case Authoring Tool, whose role was to scaffold student's reading of an expert case such that they could write it up to present to the rest of the class. Although this tool did approach students' understanding of an expert case, it did not approach students' application of that case to their challenge. This paper reports on the Case Application Tool Suite (CATS), which supports four stages of case application -- case interpretation, matching, solution application, and solution assessment. This tool suite builds on our experiences with scaffolding design discussions (with the Design Discussion Area (DDA)) and scaffolds both case application and collaborative learning in a project-based environment.
Predictive Trellis Encoding Of Imagery

An intraframe encoding system is described that uses trellis coded vector quantization in both open- and closed-loop configurations. In the open-loop case, a source (image) is blocked into vectors and encoded using an efficient trellis search. In the closed-loop configuration, the difference signal between a source (image) vector and a vector prediction is encoded. An algorithm is described for the design of codebooks for use in trellis coded vector quantization. The performance is evaluated by simulation for a variety of encoding rates and vector codebook dimensions.
Gwembe Valley Marriage Prestations in Historical Perspective: A Rejoinder to Colson and Scudder

Among the Zambezi Goba a clear picture has emerged with respect to the social significance of marriage prestations and the interesting changes that have been occurring. Before the turn of the century there were no cattle in most of the middle Zambezi valley. Following Colson and Scudder, I will call the Goba homeland along the Zambezi the lower Gwembe (Colson 1971:8-9). Raids were sometimes made on herds on the northern and southern highlands of present-day Zambia and Zimbabwe, but in the valley cattle succumbed to tsetse and were not used in marriage transactions. At that time the sequence of marriage prestations was simpler than it is today: an opening gift of love tokens (nhumbi) signaled a more or less casual engagement, depending upon approval by the girl's parents; if they approved, this was followed by a variable probationary period of bride service and sanctioned cohabitation in the
Preparation of Chickpea Curd by Heat‐Induced Gelation

The effect of compressing time, pH, and protein concentration on the texture of chickpea curds prepared by heat-induced gelation was assessed. The possible gelation mechanism was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), surface hydrophobicity, and viscometric analysis. Texture analysis showed that chickpea curd could be produced by steam cooking the protein fraction. DSC results indicated a decrease in the denaturation enthalpies (ΔH) for both legumin and vacilin as pH decreased from 6.5 to 6.0. Analysis of the surface hydrophobicity as a function of pH showed a sharp transition at pH 6.0. The viscosity of the protein fraction sharply increased at pH 5.2 producing an extremely hard curd. A mechanism for curd formation is proposed. L'effet du temps de compression, du pH et de la concentration en proteines sur la texture de gels de pois chiches induits par la chaleur est evalue. Le gel peut etre obtenu par cuisson a la vapeur de la fraction proteique. La calorimetrie differentielle a balayage indique une diminution des enthalpies de denaturation de la legumine et de la vaciline quand le pH passe de 6,5 a 6,0. La viscosite de la fraction proteique augmente a pH 5,2 produisant un gel extremement dur. Un mecanisme pour la gelification est propose.
Inhibition of cholesterol esterases by Δ1-tetrahydrocannabinol

Abstract Δ 1 -Tetrahydrocannabinol was found to inhibit the action of esterases derived from rat adrenal and luteinized ovary on exogenous cholesteryl palmitate. The drug was effective at a dose of 3.2μM causing greater than 30% inhibition; at 16μM almost complete inhibition occured. These findings are similar to those we have recently reported with mouse Leydig cells (1) showing that this is an effect common to steroidogenic tissues and raising the possibility that a variety of endocrine effects of this drug may be due to direct action on these tissues.
The primary tumor is the primary source of metastasis in a human melanoma/SCID model. Implications for the direct autocrine and paracrine epigenetic regulation of the metastatic process

Although previous autopsy and experimental studies had indicated that metastases can metastasize, the question of whether metastases from metastases increasingly contribute to the overall metastatic burden is crucial to the basic question of whether the metastatic process is more directly regulated by genetic or by epigenetic mechanisms. The highly metastatic human C8161 melanoma was transfected with either pSV2neo or pSV2hygro and clones of neo-C8161 and hyg-C8161 were injected intravenously and subcutaneously in SCID mice. In combination experiments, both the timing and the size of inoculum of tumor cells were titrated to ensure that the hematogenously injected cells disseminated almost exclusively to the lungs and that the overall pulmonary burden was equal to the primary tumor. In s.c. injection experiments, no spontaneous metastases ever developed when the primary tumor was extirpated before it had grown to more than 0.5 cm in diameter. When the primary tumor approached 1 cm in diameter, widely-disseminated metastases developed within lungs, liver, subcutaneous sites and other internal viscera. In the combination-injection experiments, while large numbers of both hematogenously and spontaneously metastatic clones were recovered from the lungs, a vast excess of only the latter clones was recovered from extrapulmonary sites. Both hematogenously and spontaneously metastatic pulmonary clones recovered showed similar levels of Matrigel invasion and collagenases by substrate gel electrophoresis, but significantly decreased levels when compared to the cell line. Primary tumor clones, in contrast, demonstrated increased invasion and increased collagenases. Our findings argue for the importance of paracrine (orthotopic) and autocrine (size) epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of metastasis. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Where is the Achilles Heel under Circuit Aging

The degradation of IC reliability is usually a gradual process, only causing moderate increase in the failure rate over time. However, under some specific circumstance, the degradation rate can be dramatically accelerated, leading to some catastrophic phenomena in digital and analog designs. Based on silicon data, this paper highlights such critical conditions, including severe frequency shift under DVS, asymmetric aging due to clock gating, and bias runaway. The analysis and solutions to these issues are vitally important to reliable IC design practice.
Comparison of maximum aerobic power, maximum anaerobic power, and skinfold thickness of elite and nonelite junior wrestlers.

The purpose of this investigation was to identify physiologic differences between elite high school-age wrestlers and nonelite wrestlers of comparable age, weight, and training experience. Two groups of junior wrestler, elite (n = 18) and nonelite (n = 18) were measured for maximum aerobic power (treadmill run), maximum anaerobic power of the arms and legs (Wingate test), and skinfold thickness. On the average (+/- SE) elite juniors had a VO2max of 52.6 +/- 2.0 ml/kg.min-1, 376 +/- 20 W for arm power, and 540 +/- 25 W for leg power. The nonelite group had a VO2max of 51.5 +/- 1.4 ml/kg.min-1 and 331 +/- 22 W and 467 +/- 29 W for arm and leg power, respectively. Ttests were computed to identify differences between the groups. The results revealed significant differences in four skinfold thicknesses, absolute anaerobic leg power, and relative anaerobic power of arms and legs. It was concluded that relative maximum anaerobic power is distinctly greater in elite high school wrestlers than less successful peers. In light of the results, it may be of benefit for wrestlers of lower caliber to decrease body fat, increase fat-free weight, and increase total body power through training.
Translation of virus mRNA: comparison of reovirus and brome mosaic virus single-stranded RNAs in a wheat germ cell-free system.

Summary Wheat germ cell-free extracts translate reovirus ssRNA as efficiently as brome mosaic virus ssRNA. The magnesium optima, kinetics, dependence on messenger RNA concentration, and high level amino acid incorporation are similar for the animal virus and plant virus messenger RNAs. With unfractionated mRNAs from either virus, the largest messengers are not translated, or are very poorly translated. The smaller mRNAs, including the reovirus messengers for polypeptides σ1, σ3, σ2 and μ1, are translated with fidelity. Evidence suggests that after several translation cycles, the ribosomes are not efficiently released, perhaps creating a “ribosome-jam” resulting in the synthesis of incomplete polypeptides.
A generalized procedure for reducing interferometric data

Abstract A general method for quantitative evaluation of interferometric data is presented. The analytical method is based on the realization that both bright and dark fringe results can be used and that the two are compatible. The spatial data density provided by full-fringe analysis is twice that of single-fringe analysis. Additionally, full-fringe analysis can often provide generality to the reduction process by allowing the governing physics to dictate the order of the polynomial for extrapolation to the surface. We demonstrate, by citing a cross section of the pertinent research, that in a large number of interferometric works half of the available information is overlooked. To demonstrate the compatibility of bright and dark fringe data, natural convection along an isothermal vertical surface is interferometrically investigated via our analytical method, and the results are compared with the similarity solution. The proposed method produces results with average errors of 3.82% and 7.05% in the extrapolated excess surface temperature and Nusselt number, respectively. When feedback in the form of thermocouple-measured surface temperature is used, the proposed method results in an average error of 4.62% in the Nusselt number, which is much lower than the expected range of 8–10% reported in the literature.
The effect of goal involvement on self‐regulatory processes

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the role that goal involvement may have in impacting aspects of self‐regulation under negative feedback conditions. In two separate experiments, athletes (N1 = 31; N2 = 37) were placed in either a task‐ or ego‐involving condition and engaged in three trials of a motor task in which they received negative feedback. At the end of the task, participants completed manipulation check items, a strategy use measure, and items representing self‐defeating thoughts. The achievement goal conditions and negative feedback were successfully manipulated. In the first experiment, a one‐way MANOVA revealed that those athletes receiving the task involvement induction used more self‐regulatory and self‐control strategies and fewer self‐defeating thoughts than participants under the ego involvement induction. In the second experiment, athletes in the task‐involving condition used more self‐regulatory strategies than those in the ego‐involving condition. These results suggeste...
Barack Obama and the nationalization of electoral politics in 2012

In 2012, the United States experienced the most partisan, nationalized, and president-centered federal elections in at least six decades. Record levels of party loyalty in the presidential contest carried over into the House and Senate elections, and the consistency in voting across offices, measured at both the individual and aggregate levels, was the highest observed since the requisite data have been available. In this article, I document these points, with special attention to how patterns of opinion and voting in 2012 compare with those in prior elections contested by sitting presidents. I then consider possible explanations for why Barack Obama's pursuit of reelection produced such remarkably coherent electoral politics, examining Obama's racially-tinged image among Republicans, sources of his extraordinarily high level of support among Democrats, and the vagaries of the Romney campaign. Finally, I explain why, under the current electoral configuration, electoral coherence delivers incoherent government.
Composition of gelatin from developmental stages of the sea nettle, chrysaora quinquecirrha

Abstract 1. 1. Gelatin, extracted by autoclaving animals after removing free amino acids with 80% ethanol, ranges from 43% of total protein in the scyphistoma to 80% in the adult medusa. 2. 2. Glutamic acid is predominant in gelatin from the scyphistoma, whereas adult gelatin is more typical of collagens from other cnidarians. 3. 3. Glycine, hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline are all lower than in other cnidarian collagens, suggesting a low degree of cross-linking in this species.
Friction Force, Contact Resistance, and Lubricant Shear Behavior at the Magnetic Head-Disk Interface During Starting

During the starting operation of magnetic rigid disks, a stiction phenomenon characterized by a high friction force may be encountered due to the smoothness of the contacting surfaces and the small thickness of the lubricant film. Since friction measurement using a force transducer yields a signal proportional to the slider displacement, the real friction force at the head-disk interface cannot be measured directly. In the present study, a dynamic data analysis scheme is developed to obtain the real friction force as a function of time based on the measured apparent friction force. Electric contact resistance measurements demonstrate that the transition from static to kinetic friction occurs before the apparent friction force reaches a maximum value. Assuming a constant acceleration of the disk, the relative slip velocity at the contact interface is obtained as a function of time. The relationship between the shear stress and shear strain rate for a relatively thick lubricant film is found to be approximately linear up to a critical value of the shear stress. Due to the extremely high shear strain rates, the maximum real friction force can be significantly greater than the maximum static friction force.
Neurokinin receptor gene expression in substantia nigra: localization, regulation, and potential physiological significance.

On a examine en detail l'expression genique des recepteurs de neurokinines dans le locus niger de l'humain et du rat. Chez le rat, les taux relatifs d'ARNm des recepteurs de neurokinines ont ete les suivants : neurokinine 3 > neurokinine 1 >> neurokinine 2. Les hauts taux d'ARNm de la neurokinine 3 ont ete localises dans les neurones dopaminergiques, tel que determine par des lesions des cellules dopaminergiques et une co-localisation avec l'ARNm de la tyrosine hydroxylase. La stimulation des recepteurs de neurokinine 3 a active les cellules dopaminergiques, tel qu'indique par des augmentations du metabolisme de la dopamine striatale et une mesure postsynaptique de la neurotransmission de dopamine (c.-a-d. ARNm codant pour la substance P striatale). Ces donnees, ainsi que d'autres donnees physiologiques et anatomiques, suggerent que, chez le rat, la substance P (liberee des neurones nigrostries) pourrait agir sur les cellules non dopaminergiques du locus niger via les recepteurs de neurokinine 1, alors que le co-transmetteur de la substance P, neurokinine A, pourrait agir de preference sur les neurones dopaminergiques via les recepteurs de neurokinine 3. Par ailleurs, on trouve de hauts taux d'ARNm des recepteurs de neurokinine 1 (mais non pas de neurokinine 3) dans les cellules dopaminergiques du locus niger de l'humain. Ainsi, les drogues ayant une interaction avec les recepteurs de neurokinines pourraient s'averer utiles dans le triatement de divers troubles neuropsychiatriques.
Memory search of simple sentences using unequal probe frequencies

Simple sentences in memory were to be searched for the word following a probe. An attempt was made to influence the starting point of the memory search by presenting the first word of the sentence as a probe more often than the other words. The manipulation resulted in significantly faster reaction times for this probe, but the other probes did not differ from their controls.
ATR-FTIR spectroscopic characterization of coexisting carbonate surface complexes on hematite

Abstract The speciation of carbonate adsorbed to hematite in air-equilibrated aqueous solutions has been studied using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Samples were measured over a range of pH conditions, at 0.1 M NaCl and at low ionic strength, and in H2O and D2O solutions to permit a multispecies analysis of the data. Second-derivative analyses and fits to the spectra indicate the presence of two major and two minor surface-bound carbonate species. The two major complexes coexist at near-neutral pH and low ionic strength. One of these two complexes is relatively sensitive to ionic strength, being displaced at 0.1 M NaCl, whereas the other is not. Comparison of experimental to DFT/MO-calculated frequencies suggest these two major species to be (a) a monodentate binuclear inner-sphere carbonate surface complex, and (b) a fully or partially solvated carbonate (CO32−) species that is symmetry broken and appears to reside in the structured vicinal water layers at the hematite-water interface, retained by hydrogen bonding and/or other forces. Minor carbonate complexes include diffuse layer CO32− and an unidentified inner-sphere species. Both of the dominant species observed here are likely to be significant controls of the surface charge and sorptive properties of Fe-oxides.
Professionalism in court: The neurologist as expert witness

Summary Serving as an expert witness can be a rewarding experience. It affords the neurologist the opportunity to contribute expertise to the legal system9s pursuit of justice and benefits the public interest. However, serving as an expert witness without understanding and incorporating relevant professional and specialty guidelines concerning expert witness testimony can place the neurologist at risk. The American Academy of Neurology has established standards governing expert witness testimony and a disciplinary process to respond to complaints of violation of its standards. Increased understanding of and adherence to these qualifications and guidelines, coupled with an awareness of how the legal system differs from clinical practice, will better equip neurologists serving as expert witnesses and minimize their professional risk when doing so.
Sulfur transformations in forest soils collected along an elevational gradient

Abstract 15S-labeled inorganic sulfate was incorporated into organic matter from A-horizon soils collected along an elevational gradient. These samples formed between 0.7 and 1.7 nmol S (as organic S) g−1 dry wt. Soils with high moisture (65%) and high carbon content (8.4%) exhibited higher rates of organic S formation. Of the organic S generated. 33–44% was mineralized (mobilized) during 24 h. Samples containing high concentrations of indigenous sulfate exhibited lower rates of mobilization and vice versa. Assays of samples collected over the gradient demonstrated that pH decreased as carbon content and sulfate adsorption (salt extractable S) increased. Total S, ester sulfate and inorganic sulfate content increased with increasing elevation.
PolyaPeak: Detecting Transcription Factor Binding Sites from ChIP-seq Using Peak Shape Information

ChIP-seq is a powerful technology for detecting genomic regions where a protein of interest interacts with DNA. ChIP-seq data for mapping transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) have a characteristic pattern: around each binding site, sequence reads aligned to the forward and reverse strands of the reference genome form two separate peaks shifted away from each other, and the true binding site is located in between these two peaks. While it has been shown previously that the accuracy and resolution of binding site detection can be improved by modeling the pattern, efficient methods are unavailable to fully utilize that information in TFBS detection procedure. We present PolyaPeak, a new method to improve TFBS detection by incorporating the peak shape information. PolyaPeak describes peak shapes using a flexible Polya model. The shapes are automatically learnt from the data using Minorization-Maximization (MM) algorithm, then integrated with the read count information via a hierarchical model to distinguish true binding sites from background noises. Extensive real data analyses show that PolyaPeak is capable of robustly improving TFBS detection compared with existing methods. An R package is freely available.
Epidemiology of holoprosencephaly and phenotypic characteristics of affected children: New York State, 1984-1989

Holoprosencephaly is a congenital defect of the median structures of the brain and face. The epidemiology is poorly known due to the paucity of population-based studies. This study describes the epidemiology of holoprosencephaly in a large population, using cases identified through the New York State Congenital Malformations Registry, and born in 1984-1989. We describe the craniofacial abnormalities present, their frequency, and their cooccurrence, and we examine the correspondence between the severity of craniofacial abnormalities, chromosomal abnormalities, and severity of the brain defect. Liveborn cases totaled 78, yielding a prevalence of 4.8 per 100,000 live births. Prevalence among girls was nearly double that in boys, and was 4.2 times higher among infants of mothers under age 18 compared to infants of older mothers. Only 9.8% of all cases had no craniofacial abnormalities other than the brain defect. Eye malformations were present in 76.8%, nose malformations in 69.5%, ear malformations in 50%, and oral clefts in 41.5%. These malformations arise at different times during gestation. The variability in patterns of cooccurrence suggests variability in the developmental pathways and/or timing of developmental derangements which result in holoprosencephaly. This, in turn, is consistent with a model of multiple causes. Children with alobar holoprosencephaly tended to have the most severe craniofacial anomalies, but the correspondence was not 100%. Craniofacial phenotype does not consistently discriminate between cytogenetically normal and abnormal cases.
The genomic clone G-21 which resembles a β-adrenergic receptor sequence encodes the 5-HT 1A receptor

The recent cloning of the complementary DNAs and/or genes for several receptors linked to guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins including the adrenergic receptors (α1, α2A, α2B, β1, β2)1–7 several subtypes of the muscarinic cholinergic receptors8,9, and the visual 'receptor' rhodopsin10 has revealed considerable similarity in the primary structure of these proteins. In addition, all of these proteins contain seven putative transmembrane α-helices. We have previously described a genomic clone, G-21, isolated by cross-hybridization at reduced stringency with a full length β2- adrenergic receptor probe11. This clone contains an intronless gene which, because of its striking sequence resemblance to the adrenergic receptors, is presumed to encode a G-protein-coupled receptor. Previous attempts to identify this putative receptor by expression studies have failed. We now report that the protein product of the genomic clone, G21, transiently expressed in monkey kidney cells has all the typical ligand-binding characteristics of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1A) receptor.
The aging of glassy polymers as determined by scanning calorimeter measurements

A model successfully applied to explain the volumetric relaxation of amorphous polymers near the glass transition has been used to predict the behavior in a scanning calorimeter of amorphous polymers annealed or aged below their glass transition. Although the predictions are incomplete because of the uncertainty of several critical parameters, the calculations indicate that caution is needed in interpreting scanning calorimeter data. Possible problems interpreting such data include (1) underestimation of the conformational heat capacity, (2) incorrect comparison of specimens aged at different temperatures, and (3) uncertain energy of the quenched state, against which aging is often compared.
DNA-DNA INTERACTIONS

The forces that govern DNA double helix organization are being finally systematically measured. The non-specific longer-range interactions--such as electrostatic interactions, hydration, and fluctuation forces--that treat DNA as a featureless rod are reasonably well recognized. Recently, specific interactions--such as those controlled by condensing agents or those consequent to helical structure-are beginning to be recognized, quantified and tested.
Self-esteem and optimism in men and women infected with HIV.

BACKGROUND Self-esteem and optimism have been associated with appraisal and outcomes in a variety of situations. The degree to which the contribution of self-esteem and optimism to outcomes over time is accounted for by the differences in threat (primary) or resource (secondary) appraisal has not been established in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). OBJECTIVES To examine the longitudinal relationship of personality (self-esteem and optimism) on primary and secondary appraisal and outcomes of well-being, mood, CD4+ T-lymphocyte count, and selected activities. METHODS Men (n = 56) and women (n = 42) infected with HIV completed eight self-report measures twice over 18 months. Hierarchical Multiple Regressions were used to examine the relationship of personality variables on appraisals and outcomes. The mediating effects of primary and secondary appraisals were explored. RESULTS Self-esteem uniquely accounted for 6% of the variance in primary appraisal and 5% in secondary appraisal. Optimism accounted for 8% of the unique variance in secondary appraisal. Primary and secondary appraisal mediated differently between personality and outcome variables. A strong predictor of well-being, mood disturbance, and activity disruption at Time 2 was participants' initial level of these variables. Socioeconomic status was a strong predictor of mood. CONCLUSIONS Self-esteem and optimism are important but different resources for adapting to HIV disease. Strategies for reducing threats and increasing resources associated with HIV may improve an individual's mood and sense of well-being.
Cytology of Endolymphatic Sac Tumor

A 77-year-old man presented with decreased mental status and an enhancing partially cystic tumor along the left tentorium on magnetic resonance imaging after mastoidectomy and petrosectomy for an "auditory canal tumor." Smears of the aspirated cyst fluid revealed rare epithelial cell clusters, some with papillary features, foamy macrophages, and blood. The cells were orderly, with fairly bland nuclei and well-defined cell borders. The cell block contained similar epithelium, with cells containing eosinophilic and focally vacuolated cytoplasm, some with pigmented granules resembling hemosiderin. Numerous foam cells were also present. Review of the patient's previous and concurrent resection material showed an endolymphatic sac tumor, a rare neoplasm that arises in the endolymphatic sac in the temporal bone. The previously undescribed cytologic features of this rare neoplasm are discussed.
Diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer risk among older men: population-based case–control study

We investigate the relation between diabetes mellitus and risk of prostate cancer among older (age 65-79 years) men in a population-based case-control study of 407 incident histologically confirmed cases registered in the South Carolina Central Cancer Registry between 1999 and 2001 (70.6% response rate); controls were 393 men identified through the Health Care Financing Administration Medicare beneficiary file for South Carolina in 1999 (63.8% response rate). After adjusting for age, race, and prostate cancer screening in the past 5 years, a history of diabetes mellitus was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.45, 0.91). The protective effect was stronger for those with complications associated with diabetes (aOR=0.61; 95% CI=0.42, 0.90) and for African-American men (aOR=0.36; 95% CI=0.21, 0.62). Additional research is needed to understand the biologic mechanisms by which diabetes may influence prostate cancer risk; genetic factors may play an important role in understanding this association.
Effects of Climate Change on Range Forage Production in the San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area in California, USA is a highly heterogeneous region in climate, topography, and habitats, as well as in its political and economic interests. Successful conservation strategies must consider various current and future competing demands for the land, and should pay special attention to livestock grazing, the dominant non-urban land-use. The main objective of this study was to predict changes in rangeland forage production in response to changes in temperature and precipitation projected by downscaled output from global climate models. Daily temperature and precipitation data generated by four climate models were used as input variables for an existing rangeland forage production model (linear regression) for California’s annual rangelands and projected on 244 12 km x 12 km grid cells for eight Bay Area counties. Climate model projections suggest that forage production in Bay Area rangelands may be enhanced by future conditions in most years, at least in terms of peak standing crop. However, the timing of production is as important as its peak, and altered precipitation patterns could mean delayed germination, resulting in shorter growing seasons and longer periods of inadequate forage quality. An increase in the frequency of extremely dry years also increases the uncertainty of forage availability. These shifts in forage production will affect the economic viability and conservation strategies for rangelands in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Serum Opacity Factor, a Streptococcal Virulence Factor That Binds to Apolipoproteins A-I and A-II and Disrupts High Density Lipoprotein Structure

Serum opacity factor (SOF) is a virulence determinant of group A streptococci that opacifies mammalian sera. We analyzed the specificity and mechanism of the opacity reaction using a recombinant form of the amino-terminal opacification domain of SOF, rSOF. Our data indicate that rSOF is neither a protease nor a lipase, but rather it is the binding of rSOF to high density lipoprotein (HDL) that triggers the opacity reaction. rSOF did not opacify plasma from apoA-I(-/-) mice or purified low or very low density lipoproteins but readily opacified HDL. rSOF binding to HDL was characterized by two high affinity binding sites; it bound to apoA-I (K(d) = 6 nm) and apoA-II (K(d) = 30 nm), and both apoA-I and apoA-II blocked the binding of rSOF to HDL. Electron microscopic examination and biochemical analyses of HDL treated with rSOF revealed the formation of lipid droplets devoid of apolipoproteins. Thus, SOF interacts with HDL in human blood by binding to apoA-I and apoA-II and causing the release of HDL lipid cargo, which coalesces to form lipid droplets, resulting in opacification. The disruption of HDL may attenuate its anti-inflammatory functions and contribute to the pathogenesis of group A streptococcal infections.
Mass transfer in annuli of grooved or splined microporous tubing twisted to generate swirl

Abstract Annuli have been built with longitudinal grooves or splines on both inner and outer tube surfaces, using microporous teflon tubing with appropriate extruded cross-sections. Axial twisting of the tubes (which makes the splines helical) gave enhanced mass transfer, counter-twisting being more effective than co-twisting.
Effect of seed immersion in organic solvents on germinability

Studies on the effects of solvents on germinability of seeds of various crops established the optimum conditions for immersing seeds in several solvents. Reduction in germinability, in vitro and in soil, of seeds of cotton, bean, pea, soya bean, and sugar beet after immersion in acetone, dichloromethane, or ethanol for various periods up to 24 h depended upon the length of immersion and the seed type and solvent used. Soya-bean and sugar-beet seeds were the least sensitive to the solvents whereas bean and cotton seeds were the most sensitive. Various cultivars of the same crop behaved similarly. The amount of seed germination in vitro was similar to that in soil. Solvent combinations consisting of acetone with dimethylsulphoxide, dichloroethane. polyethylene glycol, or triethanolamine did not affect cotton-seed germination in soil whereas soya-bean seeds were adversely affected by some materials. The amount of solvent taken up by the seeds and the amount of oxidizable matter extracted by the solvent depended upon the solvent and the crop. Maximum absorption of solvent occurred within 1 h. The amount of oxidizable material diffusing from seeds immersed in solvents was not correlated with the amount of solvent uptake or extent of seed germination.
Onset of convection in dilute superfluid 3He4He mixtures

Abstract The onset of convection in a thin slab (thickness d) of dilute superfluid 34He mixture is analyzed with the two-fluid equations. The nonzero hydrodynamic flow in the conducting state introduces several new dimensionless ratios, the largest being (ϱn/ϱ)dv0n/ν. Although this parameter is small (≲ 10−2) for current experiments, a reduced thickness should render its presence observable.
ARPES features of the AF insulators Sr2CuO2Cl2 and Ca2CuO2Cl2 close to the AF zone boundary

Abstract ARPES studies on Sr 2 CuO 2 Cl 2 and Ca 2 CuO 2 Cl 2 are presented. The integrated spectral weight of the low energy feature shows a drop across the AF zone boundary, suggesting a remnant Fermi surface. Along the remnant Fermi surface the dispersion fits the functional from of |cos( k x a ) - cos( k y a )| remarkably well. However, additional experiments with improved angular resolution demonstrate that the dispersion near (π/2, π/2) does not contain a cusp as would be expected from a simple d-wave theory predicting the above functional form. The rounded node region and the total dispersion of approximately 350meV is shown to be independent of photon energy.
Congenital anomalies, labor/delivery complications, maternal risk factors and their relationship with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)-contaminated public drinking water.

Background We have previously examined the associations between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure, birth weight and gestational age in individuals exposed to PFOA-contaminated residential drinking water from the Little Hocking Water Association (LHWA). In this investigation, we expand the scope of our analysis to examine the associations between PFOA, congenital anomalies, labor and delivery complications and maternal risk factors.