cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Marital Status and Gender Associated with Sleep Health among Hispanics/Latinos in the US: Results from HCHS/SOL and Sueño Ancillary Studies.

Poor sleep and different patterns of marital status among Hispanics/Latinos have been documented, yet the extent to which marital status is associated with sleep health and the moderating role of gender in this association among Hispanics/Latinos is poorly understood.Demographic and sleep data were obtained from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL: n= 16,415), an epidemiological cohort study, and the Sueno Study (n= 2,252) that is an ancillary to HCHS/SOL. Sleep duration, insomnia symptoms, daytime sleepiness, napping, and snoring were self-reported and drawn from HCHS/SOL. Sleep efficiency, sleep fragmentation, and inter-day stability were objectively assessed in the Sueno Study.Complex sample analyses indicated that being married or cohabiting was associated with better sleep health in general, including having normal sleep duration, fewer insomnia symptoms, and higher sleep efficiency (F> 2.804, p< .044). These associations were more prominent in objectively measured sleep indices and among females.Findings suggest being in a committed relationship associated with better sleep health in Hispanics/Latinos in the US, a diverse and under-represented population. Findings may have implications for tailoring sleep health interventions to at-risk populations who may less likely to be in a committed relationship.
Tissue transfer techniques in reconstructive urology

Tissue transfer techniques are an essential part of the reconstructive urologist's armamentarium. Flaps and graft techniques are widely used in genital and urethral reconstruction. A graft is tissue that is moved from a donor site to a recipient site without its native blood supply. The main types of grafts used in urology are full thickness grafts, split thickness skin grafts and buccal mucosa grafts. Flaps are transferred from the donor site to the recipient site on a pedicle containing its native blood supply. Flaps can be classified based on blood supply, elevation methods or the method of transfer. The most used flaps in urology include penile, preputial, and scrotal skin. We review the various techniques used in reconstructive urology and the outcomes of these techniques.
Adherence with intravenous zoledronate and intravenous ibandronate in the United States medicare population

Objective To evaluate adherence to drug therapy among new users of zoledronate and intravenous (IV) ibandronate among US Medicare enrollees. Methods We used data from the Medicare 5% random sample to evaluate new users of IV zoledronate and IV ibandronate with continuous Part A and Part B fee-for-service coverage. The outcome was adherence as quantified by the proportion of days covered (PDC) measured continuously and dichotomously (≥80%). Followup time extended from 18–27 months for all individuals. Factors associated with low adherence to zoledronate were evaluated with logistic regression. Results We identified 775 new users of zoledronate and 846 new users of IV ibandronate. For both drugs, 30–48% of the first infusions were given in an outpatient infusion center, not in a physician's office. The mean PDC for zoledronate users was 82%, which was greater than the mean PDC for the IV ibandronate users (58–62% depending on the time period; P < 0.0001). Approximately 30% of zoledronate users did not receive a second infusion. Factors associated with low adherence to zoledronate included older age and receipt of the first infusion in an outpatient infusion center rather than a physician's office. Conclusion Less frequently dosed IV bisphosphonates have not resolved the problem of suboptimal adherence with prescription osteoporosis medications. Interventions continue to be warranted to improve long-term adherence to osteoporosis treatments.
Following the Money: European Union Funding of Civil Society Organizations

This article presents analyses from an original database of 1,164 civil society groups that received funding from the European Commission from 2003 to 2007, compiled from funding documents recently released through the European Transparency Initiative, and identifies the empirical patterns behind Commission funding behaviour. Based on the literature on input legitimacy, one would expect the Commission to seek to achieve balance across Member States and across diffuse and specific interests. Based on the literature on European integration which argues the EU has preferentially supported Euro groups, one would expect the Commission to support groups that promote pan-Europeanism and are organized at the European Union (EU) level. The data analysis shows that groups which promote a European identity, democracy and civic engagement and intercultural exchange, as well as those that are organized at the EU level, receive stronger support from the Commission. Additionally, groups based in the old Member States of western Europe receive significantly more funding than those in central and eastern Europe. The database is freely available to scholars online.
Out to Lunch: Saks & Koehler Reply to Rudin & Imman’s Commentary

At several points in their comment on our article in Science (1), Rudin & Inman (2, 3) asserted or clearly implied that we had been dishonest in our presentation. In each of those instances Rudin & Inman’s charges are groundless, as we demonstrate below. Had Rudin & Inman examined the actual source [see Fig. 1, right], they would have discovered that the words were indeed those of Moenssens, that they were consistent with the context in which they appeared, that Moenssens was not quoting Zain or anyone else, and that Saks & Koehler had accurately attributed the statement to its author, Andre Moenssens.
Plasma acetylcholinesterase activity

Abstract ChE activity in plasma from normal adult nonmenstruating, nonpregnant women, from women during normal pregnancy, and from patients with toxemia of pregnancy was determined manometrically. Significant differences were observed among the three groups. This difference was independent of medication (Sodium Amytal), and could not be attributed to the effect of inhibitors or activators in the blood. The significance of these changes is discussed.
CATALOGUE OF SHIP PRODUCIBILITY IMPROVEMENT CONCEPTS

This catalogue is the product of a multi-year project to organize information relating to the improved producibility of Navy ships. This information is largely of a qualitative nature, and deals with all aspects of ship design and construction. Individual suggestions are presented in the form of very short abstracts. These are organized according to the Navy ship Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) coding system. The catalogue is intended to provide a ready reference of producibility information for the student and naval designer. This report has been prepared under the Memorandum of Understanding to Support Program Development in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering between the United States Naval Sea Systems Command and the University of Michigan. It has been funded by an Office of Naval Research Grant (Number N00014-90-J-1404).
Model Checking and Transitive-Closure Logic

We give a linear-time algorithm to translate any formula from computation tree logic (CTL or CTL*) into an equivalent expression in a variable-confined fragment of transitive-closure logic FO(TC). Traditionally, CTL and CTL* have been used to express queries for model checking and then translated into μ-calculus for symbolic evaluation. Evaluation of μ-calculus formulas is, however, complete for time polynomial in the (typically huge) number of states in the Kripke structure. Thus, this is often not feasible, not parallelizable, and efficient incremental strategies are unlikely to exist. By contrast, evaluation of any formula in FO(TC) requires only NSPACE[logn]. This means that the space requirements are manageable, the entire computation is parallelizable, and efficient dynamic evaluation is possible.
Robust computation of path constrained time optimal motions

An algorithm is presented for the computation of path-constrained time-optimal motions of robotic manipulators exploring the nature of so-called critical points and critical arcs. At critical points the reflected inertia at one of the joints is zero, and the feasible acceleration range at the velocity limit is not unique. Time-optimal motions along critical arcs may be singular in the sense that the acceleration is neither maximum nor minimum. This is in contrast to existing motion optimization methods along specified paths which assume maximum acceleration or deceleration at all times. The consideration of critical arcs makes this algorithm robust near the switching points, which are potential points of failure in the other methods. Critical points can be anticipated along the path by mapping the locus of critical arcs to the position space. Examples are presented to demonstrate the algorithm and the existence of singular critical arcs. >
3D Printing of Personalized Artificial Bone Scaffolds.

Abstract Additive manufacturing technologies, including three-dimensional printing (3DP), have unlocked new possibilities for bone tissue engineering. Long-term regeneration of normal anatomic structure, shape, and function is clinically important subsequent to bone trauma, tumor, infection, nonunion after fracture, or congenital abnormality. Due to the great complexity in structure and properties of bone across the population, along with variation in the type of injury or defect, currently available treatments for larger bone defects that support load often fail in replicating the anatomic shape and structure of the lost bone tissue. 3DP could provide the ability to print bone substitute materials with a controlled chemistry, shape, porosity, and topography, thus allowing printing of personalized bone grafts customized to the patient and the specific clinical condition. 3DP and related fabrication approaches of bone grafts may one day revolutionize the way clinicians currently treat bone defects. This ar...
AR as Digital Ekphrasis: The Example of Borsuk and Bouse’s Between Page and Screen

With the development of ubiquitous computing, the Web 3.0, and the so-called “internet of things,” the implications of augmented reality (AR) for our understanding of digital storytelling and posthuman subjectivity have begun to preoccupy a number of cultural theorists and artists. AR routinely elicits ambivalent responses of fascination and fear. This uneasiness recalls one that has been attached to the rhetorical trope of ekphrasis, the verbal representation of a visual representation. Augmented reality offers a platform for developing and understanding the complexities of what Cecilia Lindhe has termed digital ekphrasis, and the AR text Between Page and Screen, by Amaranth Borsuk and Brad Bouse, exploits this digital ekphrasis to examine the metamorphosis of posthuman subjectivity in an age of pervasive data.
KSΛ PHOTOPRODUCTION ON THE NEUTRON WITHIN THE RESONANCE REGION

We report some preliminary differential cross section results for the γd → KSΛ(p) reaction using a circularly-polarized photon beam and an unpolarized LD2 target. The data was collected at the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) at Jefferson Lab. For this study the photon energy ranged from 1.3 to 2.53 GeV, which covers from the reaction threshold through the nucleon resonance regimes. The acceptance- and flux-corrected yields show peaks at the center-of mass energies W = 1.7 and W = 1.9 GeV. These first-time results will aid in unraveling the spectrum of non-strange excited baryons.
Case Files of the University of California San Francisco Medical Toxicology Fellowship: Lamotrigine Toxicity

A 56-year-old man was brought to the emergency department (ED) after he was found seizing on the floor by his family. His brother described hearing a thump in his room and witnessed him having a full body clonic seizure that lasted approximately 2 min. When emergency medical service arrived, he was found on the floor with altered mental status and with signs of facial trauma. No medications were administered en route to the hospital. On arrival to the ED, he was initially confused and mumbling incoherently. He was noted to be only oriented to self, and would not reliably follow commands. Approximately 1 h after arrival, he became agitated, seemed more confused, and would not follow any commands. Initial vital signs were: blood pressure, 147/76 mmHg; pulse, 81/min; respiratory rate, 18/min; temperature, 35°C by tympanic measurement; and oxygen saturation was 100% on room air. On physical exam, his pupils were 4 mm and reactive bilaterally. Extraocular movements appeared intact by observation only and there was no nystagmus. He had a nasal deformity and laceration to the right side of his tongue. The chest exam was normal with the exception of a large median sternotomy scar. His abdomen was soft, nontender, and there were no signs of bladder distension. Bowel sounds were noted to be present. There was no evidence of bowel or bladder incontinence. The neurological exam was notable for decreased attention, inability to follow commands, inability to repeat examiner’s phrases, and markedly reduced language skills. The patient had spastic muscle tone with resistance to motion both with flexion and extension of all extremities. Deep tendon reflexes were noted to be 2+ in bilateral upper extremities and 3+ in bilateral lower extremities without clonus.
DNA base changes and RNA levels in N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene-induced dihydrofolate reductase mutants of Chinese hamster ovary cells☆

Abstract Formerly, we isolated a series of dihydrofolate reductase-deficient Chinese hamster ovary cell mutants that were induced by N -acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene. Deletions and complex gene rearrangements were detected in 28% of these mutants; 72% contained putative point mutations. In the present study, we have localized the putative point mutations in the 25,000 base dhfr gene by RNase heteroduplex mapping. Assignment of a position for each mutation was successful in 16 of 19 mutants studied. We cloned DNA fragments containing the mapped mutations from nine mutants into a bacteriophage λ vector. In the case of 11 other mutants, DNA was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction procedure. Sequence analysis of cloned and amplified DNA confirmed the presence of point mutations. Most mutants (90%) carried base substitutions; the rest contained frameshift mutations. Of the point mutations, 75% were G · C to T · A transversions in either the dhfr coding sequence or at splice sites; transition G · C to A · T mutations were found in two mutants (10%). In one of these transition mutants, the base substitution occurred at the fifth base of the third intron. Of the frameshift mutations, one was a deletion of a G · C pair and the other was an insertion of an A · T pair. Of the mapped mutants, 38% exhibited greatly reduced (approximately 10-fold) steady-state levels of dhfr mRNA. All eight sequenced mutants displaying this phenotype contained premature chain termination codons. Normal levels of dhfr mRNA were observed in five missense mutants and in five mutants carrying nonsense codons in the translated portion of exon VI. Taken together with the results of other mutagens at this locus, we conclude that the low dhfr mRNA phenotype is correlated with the presence of nonsense codons in exons II to V but not in the last exon of the dhfr gene.
Phosphorylation and Recycling Kinetics of g Protein-Coupled Receptors

The rate of ligand-induced phosphorylation of the V2 and V1a vasopressin receptors was characterized in HEK 293 cells. Both receptors were phosphorylated predominantly by GRKs, and the V1a receptor was also phosphorylated by protein kinase C regardless of the presence or absence of ligand. Phosphorylation of the V1aR catalyzed by GRKs reached maximal values at the shortest measured time: 15 seconds, and decayed rapidly with a t1/2 of 6 min in the continuous presence of AVP. In agreement with the hypothesis that dephosphorylation must precede receptor recycling to the cell surface, the V1aR returned rapidly to the cell surface after removal of the hormone from the medium. Phosphate incorporation into the V2R proceeded at a slower pace, and the internalized phosphorylated receptor failed to recycle to the cell surface and retained its phosphate for a long time in the presence or absence of ligand. A single mutation in the carboxy terminus of the V2R accelerated de-phosphorylation of the protein and conferred recycling properties to the V2R. These experiments provided molecular evidence for the hypothesis that internalization is required for de-phosphorylation and recycling of reactivated G protein coupled receptors to the cell surface.
Quantification of optical absorption coefficient from acoustic spectra in the optical diffusive regime using photoacoustic microscopy

Photoacoustic (PA) tomography (PAT) can image optical absorption contrast with ultrasonic spatial resolution in the optical diffusive regime. Multi-wavelength PAT can noninvasively monitor hemoglobin oxygen saturation (sO2) with high sensitivity and fine spatial resolution. However, accurate quantification in PAT requires knowledge of the optical fluence distribution, acoustic wave attenuation, and detection system bandwidth. We propose a method to circumvent this requirement using acoustic spectra of PA signals acquired at two optical wavelengths. With the acoustic spectral method, the absorption coefficients of an oxygenated bovine blood phantom at 560 and 575 nm were quantified with errors of &gt<5%.
Visualisation of material flow in autogenous friction stir welds

AbstractMaterial flow in friction stir welds has been visualised using embedded marker materials. The fidelity of the visualisation technique has also been demonstrated. Results from the flow visualisation show that the friction stir welding process can be roughly described as an in situ extrusion process wherein the tool shoulder, the weld backing plate, and the cold base metal outside the weld zone form an ‘extrusion chamber’ which moves relative to the workpiece. Deviation from this description occurs primarily at the top surface of the weld where significant material transport occurs owing to the action of the rotating tool shoulder. The transport caused by the shoulder leads to a small amount of circulation about the longitudinal axis of the weld with material moving primarily from trailing to leading sides at the top of the weld and primarily from leading to trailing near the middle and bottom of the weld.
Antigen-specific TGF-β1 Secretion with Bovine Myelin Oral Tolerization in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a presumed autoimmune disease, associated with inflammation in the CNS white matter, mediated by autoreactive T cells. We previously reported that oral myelin tolerization of relapsing-remitting MS patients resulted in fewer attacks, as compared to a placebo-fed group. Here, we examined whether oral tolerization with bovine myelin resulted in altered autoreactive T-cell populations or altered T-cell fraction. We generated 4,620 T-cell lines from 34 relapsing-remitting MS patients (17 were fed bovine myelin daily), and each line was examined for proliferation to MBP, PLP, and TT and for secretion of IL-4, IFN-gamma, and TGF-beta1. The frequency of TGF-beta1-secreting T-cell lines after MBP and PLP stimulation in fed patients was greater than that of nonfed patients. These experiments demonstrate that oral tolerization with autoantigen results in altered cytokine secretion in a human autoimmune disease with the generation of TGF-beta1-secreting T cells that may regulate the inflammatory response at the site of the demyelinating lesions in multiple sclerosis. These data provide the first evidence of antigen-specific modification of cytokine secretion in a human autoimmune disease.
Use of antiemetics in children with acute gastroenteritis: are they safe and effective?

The use of antiemetics is a controversial topic in treatment of pediatric gastroenteritis. Although not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, antiemetics are commonly prescribed by physicians. A review of the literature shows side effects of promethazine, prochlorperazine, and metoclopramide are common and potentially dangerous. Ondansetron has recently been studied as an adjunct to oral rehydration therapy in treatment of acute gastroenteritis with mild to moderate dehydration. Although studies are limited, early research suggests the medication is safe when used in a single dose and can be effective to prevent vomiting, the need for intravenous fluids, and hospital admission.
Combined endoscopic endonasal transorbital approach with transconjunctival-medial orbitotomy for excisional biopsy of the optic nerve: technical note.

Background Access to the intraorbital optic nerve segment can be facilitated via a transcranial approach that allows access to the entire orbital cavity. The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) combined with a transconjunctival-medial orbitotomy represents an alternative technique to achieve the same goal. Objective Report a surgical technique that allows total resection of the intraorbital optic nerve with minimal trauma and excellent results. Further extend and define the limits and indications of the EEA to orbital surgery. Methods A patient with rapidly progressive, but asymmetric, vision loss underwent EEA for optic nerve biopsy. Due to the undetermined histopathological diagnosis and complete unilateral vision loss, diagnostic total optic nerve resection was indicated. The entire intraorbital length of the nerve was resected via an endoscopic endonasal transorbital approach combined with transconjunctival-medial orbitotomy. Results A 2-cm intraorbital nerve segment was sent for pathological examination. The patient maintained normal extraocular movements and experienced no complications. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged the next day. Conclusion The EEA provides another option for access to the entire optic nerve. It is a safe and effective technique lacking cosmetic defects and providing an alternative corridor to traditional transcranial approaches to the orbit.
Biomass accumulation and radiation use efficiency of honey mesquite and eastern red cedar

Abstract Rangeland models that simulate hydrology, soil erosion and nutrient balance can be used to select management systems which maximize profits for producers while they minimize adverse impacts on water quality. Values are needed for parameters that describe the growth of invading woody species in order to allow simulation of their competition with grasses. Three attributes useful for describing and quantifying plant growth are: the potential leaf area index (LAI) or ratio of leaf area divided by ground area; the light extinction coefficient ( k ) that is used to calculate the fraction of light intercepted by leaves, applying Beer’s law; and the radiation-use efficiency (RUE) or amount of dry biomass produced per unit of intercepted light. Objectives in this study were to measure LAI, k , and RUE for eastern red cedar ( Juniperus virginiana L.) and honey mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa Torr. var. glandulosa ), without competing plants, as a first step toward simulating their growth. Seedlings were planted in the field at Temple, Texas, USA in early 1992 and kept free of competition from herbaceous plants. During 1993, 1994 and 1995 data were collected on biomass, leaf area and intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) for individual trees. Both tree species showed exponential biomass increases. At the end of the 1995 growing season, mean LAI values were 1.16 for cedar and 1.25 for mesquite. Mean k values were 0.34 for mesquite and 0.37 for cedar. Radiation use efficiency for aboveground biomass was 1.60±0.17 (mean±standard deviation) g per MJ of intercepted PAR for cedar and 1.61±0.26 for mesquite. The rapid growth in 1995 was accompanied by greater leaf area and thus greater summed intercepted PAR. These values are critical for quantifying growth of these two species.
Election Roll-Off: A Test of Three Explanations

The authors use the 1993 municipal election in Atlanta, Georgia, and a special election to fill two vacancies on the Fulton County (Georgia) Commission to test ballot-confusion, saliency-of-the-con...
Elevation of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels in symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE Recent data suggest that the increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in atherosclerotic plaque taken from the carotid bifurcation correlates with the development of neurological symptoms. As a result, the authors sought to compare the serum levels of soluble forms of ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) in patients who were asymptomatic with those who were symptomatic for carotid artery stenosis as well as in patients who were matched in terms of sex, age, and risk factors who did not have carotid artery disease. METHODS Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, serum sICAM-1 levels were prospectively determined in 54 patients scheduled to undergo carotid endarterectomy for either symptomatic or asymptomatic high-grade stenosis (> or =60%) and in 5 additional patient controls. Data are expressed as mean +/- standard error of the mean, with significance defined as P < 0.05 using the Mann-Whitney two-tailed test for two-column comparison or analysis of variance and Fisher protected least significant difference test. RESULTS Using a univariate model, serum sICAM-1 levels were significantly elevated in patients with carotid artery stenosis as compared with control patients without stenosis (347 +/- 15 ng/ml versus 216 +/- 8.2 ng/ml) (P < 0.01). When the asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis were considered separately, these levels were still elevated relative to those of control patients (asymptomatic [312 +/- 18 ng/ml] and symptomatic [376 +/- 22 ng/ml] patients; P = 0.06 for asymptomatic versus control patients, P < 0.01 for symptomatic versus control patients). Symptomatic patients also had significantly elevated sICAM-1 levels as compared with asymptomatic patients (P < 0.05). Despite the fact that female patients demonstrated higher ICAM-1 levels than male patients (P < 0.05), sex, age, and risk factors such as the presence of hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hypertension, or a history of smoking did not confound these findings. CONCLUSION Levels of sICAM-1 are higher in patients with carotid stenosis than in control patients. Symptomatic patients demonstrate significantly elevated levels as compared with asymptomatic patients. These data support the contention that ICAM-1 is a reliable marker of carotid disease progression and suggest that serum levels may be useful in following certain asymptomatic patients.
Efficiency of a radiating element in circular cylindrical arrays

The general theory interrelating active reflection coefficient and element efficiency or realized gain for arbitrary antenna arrays is applied to circular cylindrical arrays. An upper bound corresponding to the exclusion of supergain is obtained.
Grain boundary grooving at finite grain size

Summary Simple analytical solutions have been obtained for the linearized partial differential equations which describe grain boundary grooving by evaporation or by surface diffusion in finite systems. It is found that the groove profile shape predicted by infinite geometry solutions is closely approximated in the early. stages of groove formation, but that this shape is distorted toward a shape of constant surface curvature at long times as expected by equilibrium considerations.
Room-temperature injection molding of aqueous alumina-polyvinylpyrrolidone suspensions

Abstract Room-temperature injection molding, a novel, environmentally benign ceramic processing method, produced dense, near-net shape alumina rings by utilizing unique flow properties of aqueous, highly loaded (>50 vol.%) ceramic suspensions with ≤5 vol.% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) dispersed using Darvan 821A. The rheological behavior of suspensions along with microstructural and mechanical properties of resulting specimens were evaluated by varying PVP content to determine the optimal composition for forming. Parallel-plate rheometry revealed that suspensions containing ≤5 vol.% PVP were yield pseudoplastic at room temperature, which facilitated processing without heating or complex chemical reactions. Alumina rings with high green densities (>60% true density (TD)) were machined before binder removal, and increasing PVP content was observed to enhance green machinability. After binder burnout and sintering, bulk densities were ∼98%TD with
Defect disorder in UO2

A defect disorder model has been developed to determine equilibrium off-stoichiometry and its spatial variations in UO2 crystals. The model gives the concentrations of atomic defects and electronic carriers as functions of oxygen partial pressure and temperature in the bulk and near crystal surfaces subject to an oxygen environment. Energetic parameters from published density functional theory calculations have been integrated into the defect disorder model for an accurate determination of the defect density and off-stoichiometry. The ionosorption theory has been used to couple the oxygen environment with the defect state in the crystal as we solved for the defect disorder near crystal surfaces. Contrary to the common belief that hyper-stoichiometry of UO2 is dominated by oxygen interstitials, the current model predicts that this regime is rather dominated by uranium vacancies. The model predictions also show that, in the presence of surfaces, the point defect concentrations vary by orders of magnitude in the subsurface region relative to the bulk region.
Surpassing the Temple lower bound

A non-traditional derivation of the Temple lower bound formula shows how the Temple bound can be improved using expectation values of H3. Improved upper bounds result as a byproduct as well. Since expectation values of H2 are already quite difficult in analytical calculations we also introduce an approximate lower bound which avoids the need for H3 but which is rigorous only in a limiting sense. Examples of the two bounds are given using the lithium and perturbed hydrogen atoms.
Immunochemical and Spectroscopic Evidence for Protein Conformational Changes in Phytochrome Transformations

Phytochrome was examined by immunochemical and spectroscopic techniques to detect differences between the protein moieties of red- and far red-absorbing phytochrome (P(r) and P(fr)). No differences in the reaction of P(r) and P(fr) with phytochrome antibody were discernible on Ouchterlony double diffusion plates. However, the microcomplement fixation assay showed a greater degree of antibody reaction with P(fr) than with P(r), indicating some difference in the surface characteristics of the two forms. Circular dichroism spectroscopy between 300 and 200 nanometers revealed differences between P(r) and P(fr) which may reflect differences in the protein conformation. The circular dichroism spectrum of P(r) showed a negative band at 285 nanometers which was not present in the spectrum of P(fr), and the large negative circular dichroism band at 222 nanometers with P(fr), associated with the alpha-helical content, was shifted 2 nanometers to shorter wave length with P(r) although there was no change of magnitude of this band. The absorbancy of P(r) and P(fr) is very nearly the same in the 280 nanometer spectral region, but sensitive difference spectra between P(r) and P(fr) did reveal spectra which were similar to solvent perturbation spectra obtained by others with different proteins. In total, the experiments indicate that there are conformational differences between the protein moieties of P(r) and P(fr) but that these differences are rather slight from a standpoint of gross structure.
Design and experimental validation of a robust CFAR distributed multifrequency radar data fusion system

A robust constant false alarm rate (CFAR) distributed detection system that operates in heavy clutter with unknown distribution is presented. The system is designed to provide CFARness under clutter power fluctuations and robustness under unknown clutter and noise distributions. The system is also designed to operate successfully under unbalanced power distributions among sensors, and exhibits fault-tolerance in the presence of sensor power fluctuations. The test statistic at each sensor is a robust (in terms of signal-to-noise ratio distribution across sensors) CFAR t-statistic. In addition to the primary binary decisions, confidence levels are generated with each decision and used in the fusion logic to robustify the fusion performance and eliminate weaknesses of the Boolean fusion logic. The test statistic and the fusion logic are analyzed theoretically for Weibull and lognormal clutter. The theoretical performance is compared against Monte-Carlo simulations that verify that the system exhibits the desired characteristics of CFARness, robustness, insensitivity to power fluctuations, and fault- tolerance. The system is tested with experimental target-in-clear and target-in-clutter data. The experimental performance agrees with the theoretically predicted behavior when the target is visible by all three radars. When the target is not visible in two out of the three radars, due to a possible undetected misalignment, the fusion performance is compromised. Robustification of the fusion performance against unpredictable and undetectable degradation of data quality in the majority of the sensors is then achieved using geometric filtering. Geometrical filtering is accomplished by using the Hough transform and additional information in the fusion design about the shape of the target trajectory(ies).© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Could a Caveman Do It? The Surprising Potential of Simple Attacks

The research projects our investigations have spawned span topics in attack modeling, quantifying the effects of attacks on network performance and robustness, and the construction of computational tools for managing our simulation experiments. We hope, however, that our work's meta-contribution is to show, by proof of concept, that you must consider simple, sideways system attacks before you can rely on a system. We encourage engineers of mission-critical systems to look for then cavemen (or squirrels) and to study carefully what actions these adversaries might take against the products they roll out. In this paper we examine simple attacks on routing protocols for wireless networks. In our study, the system was to be a wireless ad hoc network, a collection of independent, possibly mobile computing devices that communicate using radio frequency technology.
Genetic mapping of prophage Mu

Abstract The gene order of several independently isolated Mu prophages has been determined by deletion mapping. The prophages in which deletions were produced were located in the lacI gene, the lacZ gene, and the trp operon of Escherichia coli . The Mu deletions were tested for marker rescue against a set of sixteen Mu amber mutants. Marker rescue tests were done by constructing strains lysogenic for both cryptic Mu prophages and Mu amber mutants and then examining the resulting heterogenotes, partially diploid for Mu, for spontaneous production of wild-type Mu particles. The gene order of all Mu prophages was identical, although prophages were found in either of the two orientations with respect to the host markers. It can be inferred therefore that the temperate bacteriophage Mu, which inserts randomly into the chromosome of E. coli , uses a specific site on its own DNA for integration.
A short-term longitudinal examination of young adolescent functioning following divorce: the role of family factors

The purposes of this study were to examine young adolescent functioning over a 2-year period after divorce and to assess the role of two family factors, interpersonal conflict and the parent-adolescent relationship, in predicting such functioning. One hundred and twelve young adolescents, their mothers, and their social studies teachers served as participants. One-half of the adolescent were from recently divorced families and one-half were from married families. Mothers completed measures concerning interparental conflict and the parent-adolescent relationship, adolescents completed a measure of the relationship, and teachers completed measures assessing four areas of adolescent functioning. The results indicated that adolescents from divorced families were functioning less well than those from married families. There were no changes in adolescent functioning and the parent-adolescent relationship from the first to second year postdivorce. High levels of interparental conflict in divorced families were associated with more parent-adolescent relationship problems. In turn parent-adolescent relationships problems served as the best predictor of concurrent and subsequent difficulty in adolescent functioning.
Compressive deformation of ultralong amyloid fibrils

Involved in various neurodegenerative diseases, amyloid fibrils and plaques feature a hierarchical structure, ranging from the atomistic to the micrometer scale. At the atomistic level, a dense and organized hydrogen bond network is resembled in a beta-sheet rich secondary structure, which drives a remarkable stiffness in the range of 10–20GPa, larger than many other biological nanofibrils, a result confirmed by both experiment and theory. However, the understanding of how these exceptional mechanical properties transfer from the atomistic to the nanoscale remains unknown. Here we report a multiscale analysis that, from the atomistic-level structure of a single fibril, extends to the mesoscale level, reaching size scales of hundreds of nanometers. We use parameters directly derived from full atomistic simulations of Aβ (1–40) amyloid fibrils to parameterize a mesoscopic coarse-grained model, which is used to reproduce the elastic properties of amyloid fibrils. We then apply our mesoscopic model in an analysis of the buckling behavior of amyloid fibrils with different lengths and report a comparison with predictions from continuum beam theory. An important implication of our results is a severe reduction of the effective modulus due to buckling, an effect that could be important to interpret experimental results of ultra-long amyloid fibrils. Our model represents a powerful tool to mechanically characterize molecular structures on the order of hundreds of nanometers to micrometers on the basis of the underlying atomistic behavior. The work provides insight into structural and mechanical properties of amyloid fibrils and may enable further analysis of larger-scale assemblies such as amyloidogenic bundles or plaques as found in disease states.
Developmental Aspects of Children's Ability to Understand Mathematical Proof.

There is little doubt of the importance of developing an ability to write correct proofs in the study of advanced mathematics. However, at many levels proper training in creating mathematical proofs is generally lacking. Educators and mathematicians agree that the study of proof should enter the school curriculum at the earliest possible time that is consistent with children's intellectual development (e.g., The Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences, 1966; Smith & Henderson, 1959; Swain, 1963). Thus, in order to prepare students to study mathematics seriously, it is important that every effort be made to determine the most appropriate places at which to introduce students to the various aspects of proof. One approach is to analyze the simplest elements of writing mathematical proofs by considering the making of a proof as a complex problemsolving task. Clearly, the psychological processes that are at the base of mathematical proof are as complex and intellectually involved as any in all of human behavior. However, a careful analysis of the simplest aspects of learning to make mathematical proofs can provide a framework for the analysis of more complicated mathematical activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the development of the ability to write a correct mathematical proof by investigating certain developmental aspects of problem-solving abilities in a specific mathematical system.
Testosterone substitution and the prostate

Abstract Testosterone substitution is reported to produce a wide range of benefits for men with hypogonadism that include improvements in muscle mass, body composition, mood, bone density, libido, and cognition. Understanding the actions of exogenous testosterone on the prostate gland is important since testosterone is the major regulator of growth and function of this organ. To date, clinical studies of the effects of testosterone substitution on prostate health suggest that testosterone substitution does not exacerbate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), although it may increase prostate volume. The greatest concern associated with testosterone substitution is the possibility of increased risk of prostate cancer. The relationship between prostate cancer and testosterone is not completely understood. While there is currently no compelling evidence that the use of testosterone substitution in men with hypogonadism increases the risk of prostate cancer, close monitoring of the levels of testosterone and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) along with regular digital rectal examination (DRE) are advised to detect early signs of prostate cancer in subjects receiving long-term testosterone substitution. This review considers the physiological and pharmacological actions of testosterone on the prostate gland, and the risks of BPH and prostate cancer in ageing males receiving testosterone substitution for the treatment of hypogonadism.
Effect of bulk structure of amino silane primer on the strength and durability of aluminum/epoxy joints

The strength and durability in wet environment of aluminum/epoxy/aluminum joints are investigated as a function of structural changes of γ aminopropyltriethoxy silane (γ-APS) primer at the interface. Both dry and wet strengths exhibit strong dependencies on both the thickness and the extent of drying of γ-APS prior to joint formation. Generally, dry strength decreases with increasing thickness of γ-APS primer, and increases with dehydration of γ-APS at any given thickness. Strength retention of the joints after exposure to water at 55°C also improves dramatically when the adsorbed γ-APS is extensively dried. These results are analogous to earlier observations with α-Al2O3/polyethylene joint system. In aluminum joints, porous oxide substrate facilitates the mechanical interlocking mechanism, and its interplay with both the thickness and the extent of cure of γ-APS is analyzed by characterizing the fractured surfaces using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA).
Adsorptive potentiometric stripping analysis of nucleic acids at mercury electrodes

Abstract The application of adsorptive stripping potentiometry to the reductive detection of nucleic acids at mercury electrodes is reported. Compared to analogous voltammetric stripping modes, constant current potentiometric stripping analysis (PSA) effectively addresses the hydrogen discharge background problem, and hence greatly improves the characteristics of the superimposed cytosine/adenine (CA) reduction peak. Compared to earlier schemes for trace measurements of nucleic acids at mercury or carbon electrodes that rely on anodic signals arising from the guanine residue, convenient quantitation can now be carried out in connection with the cytosine and adenine residues. Variables influencing the adsorptive PSA response are explored and optimized. With five minute accumulation, the detection limits for tRNA, ssDNA and dsDNA are 30 μg 1 −1 , 60 μg 1 −1 and 2 mg 1 −1 , respectively. Such different values reflect the strong dependence of the PSA CA signal upon the nucleic-acid structure. This allows the quantitation of ssDNA or tRNA in the presence of dsDNA, and offers new possibilities for electrochemical studies of DNA structure and interactions.
A new design strategy to access zwitterionic metal-organic frameworks from anionic viologen derivates.

Two isostructural microporous zwitterionic metal–organic frameworks (ZW MOFs), {[M(bdcbpy)(OH2)4]·4H2O}n with M = Mn (1) and Ni (2), were synthesized by the rational design of the flexible anionic viologen derivate, 1,1′-bis(3,5-dicarboxybenzyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium dibromide dihydrate solvate (H4bdcbpyBr2·2H2O), and its self-assembly with metal(II) acetates in an aqueous medium. Single-crystal structure analyses revealed that both compounds exhibit three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded supramolecular frameworks with one-dimensional channel pores. Significantly, the pore surfaces are lined with charge gradients employed by the ZW ligand bdcbpy2– leading to the adsorption of hydrogen attributed to polarization effects. The thermostabilty and activation conditions were systematically investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and powder X-ray diffraction experiments. Furthermore, repeating cycles of reversible color changes are observed in air upon irradiation with UV light attr...
Electron-impact excitation cross sections for Fe 16 + in the configuration-average distorted-wave approximation

Electron-impact excitation cross sections for the $2{p}^{6}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2{p}^{5}3l$ transitions in ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{16+}$ are calculated in a configuration-average distorted-wave approximation. Resonant-excitation contributions from the $2{p}^{5}3pn{l}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, $2{p}^{5}3dn{l}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, and $2{p}^{5}4ln{l}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ series are included in the isolated resonance approximation. The accuracy of the distorted-wave calculations is determined by comparison with previous 139 level resolved $(n\ensuremath{\leqslant}5)$ fully relativistic $R$-matrix calculations. Excellent agreement is found between the configuration-average distorted-wave and $R$-matrix total rate coefficients for the strong $2{p}^{6}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2{p}^{5}3p$ and $2{p}^{6}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2{p}^{5}3d$ transitions, while differences found for the relatively weak $2{p}^{6}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2{p}^{5}3s$ transition are mainly attributed to close-coupling effects.
As Inundações e Memória Social: Algumas Medidas De Prevenção e Controlo da Biodegradação Dos Documentos e Arquivos (Floods and Social Memory: Some Measures for the Protection and Control of Biodegradation in Records and Archives)

This paper is written in Portuguese. It identifies common problems related to preventing and dealing with disasters in underdeveloped countries in tropical climates. Professional and trained staff are key to dealing with disasters, such as the effects of floods (moisture, water infiltration and biodegradations) caused by nature and human action. The paper contributes some strategies that could be used to fight the consequences of disasters threatening governmental and photographic records, microfilms and films. It is the opinion of the writer that every small action in this area is important, if done in scientific ways. ESARBICA Journal Vol.23 2004: 93-105