cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Young adult follow-up of hyperactive children: antisocial activities and drug use

Background: Hyperactive/ADHD children are believed to be a greater risk for adolescent and young adult antisocial activity and drug use/abuse, particularly that subset having comorbid conduct problems/disorder. Method: We report on the lifetime antisocial activities and illegal drug use self-reported at young adult follow-up (mean age 20–21 years; 13+ year follow-up) for a large sample of hyperactive (H; N = 147) and community control (CC; N = 73) children. Parent reports of childhood hyperactivity and conduct problems at study entry, parent and self-reports of ADHD and conduct disorder at adolescence, and parent reports of ADHD at young adulthood are examined for their contribution to antisocial behavior and drug use at adulthood. Results: More of the H group committed a variety of antisocial acts and had been arrested for doing so (corroborated through official arrest records) than did the CC group. The H group also committed a higher frequency of property theft, disorderly conduct, assault with fists, carrying a concealed weapon, and illegal drug possession, as well as more arrests. These activities reduced to two dimensions corresponding to predatory-overt and drug-related antisocial conduct. The H group differed from the CC group only on the latter dimension. Childhood, adolescent, and adult ADHD predicted higher drug-related activities, as did childhood conduct problems. The H group with conduct disorder (CD) reported greater use of most substances than did the H only or CC groups, who did not differ from each other. Severity of teen ADHD and especially lifetime CD predicted use of hard drugs while just lifetime CD predicted marijuana/LSD use. Teen drug use seemed to potentiate increased drug-related antisocial activities beyond the contribution made by teen CD. Conclusions: Hyperactive children are at greater risk for antisocial activities and arrests by young adulthood that appear to be principally associated with illegal drug possession, use, and sale. Those having CD, however, appear to engage in greater and more diverse substance use.
Detailed characteristics of a pulsed H 2 +F 2 laser. 2: Theory

A theoretical investigation of a pulsed, flash photolytically initiated, HF laser pumped by the H2 + F2 chain reaction is presented. The results of computer simulations of the laser kinetic mechanisms are compared to small signal gain, total pulse energy, and time-resolved spectral measurements. These comparisons show that a model assuming vibrational-to-translational (V–T) energy transfer as the dominant HF deactivation channel more closely predicts gain and spectroscopic durations, initiation, peak and termination times, plus peak gain magnitudes and total pulse energies than a similar model assuming vibrational-to-rotational (V–R) energy transfer as the dominant deactivation channel. This is contrary to the current understanding of HF kinetic mechanisms. It is concluded that the current understanding of these mechanisms is not sufficient to quantitatively predict either the time-resolved spectra or gain of the H2 + F2 laser. Model results also indicate that rotational relaxation is fast compared to other deactivation processes, but slow compared to stimulated emission. Finally, the model gives an estimated lower bound for the experimental [F]/[F2] ratio of 0.0025%.
Experience from clinical trials in cancer prevention.

Conduct of randomized, controlled, large-scale prevention trials is fundamental to the full assessment of the efficacy of interventions to prevent cancer. Clinical trials in cancer prevention, which include dietary modification and chemoprevention, are based on leads from epidemiological and laboratory studies. Dietary intervention trials involve the modification of overall eating patterns, whereas chemoprevention trials involve the administration of natural or synthetic substances reported to have anti-carcinogenic properties, e.g. vitamins, minerals, and pharmaceuticals. Clinical/ metabolic studies can help advance knowledge of the role of diet in the etiology and prevention of cancer by investigating the metabolism of factors thought to influence cancer risk; thus, these studies have the potential to provide a stronger scientific base for progression to randomized, controlled clinical trials. Cancer prevention trials supported by the National Cancer Institute include the Polyp Prevention Trial, which i...
Nierenfunktion bei Probanden Publizierte Ergebnisse und klinische Relevanz

Bei Kontakt von Sevofluran mit den CO2- Absorbern der Narkosekreisteile entsteht Compound A, welches beim Menschen ein nephrotoxisches Potential besitzen konnte. Mehrere Studien wurden kurzlich bei freiwilligen Probanden durchgefuhrt, welche die Analyse der Wirkungen von Compound A auf die Nierenfunktion zum Ziel hatten. Dabei erforschten insgesamt drei Studien bei Probanden die Auswirkungen 8stundiger Narkosen mit einer Sevofluran-Konzentration von 3 Vol.%, wobei Frischgasflusse von jeweils ca. 2 L/min verwendet wurden. Die zuerst publizierte Studie von Eger et al. beschrieb erhohte Ausscheidung von Protein, Glucose und Enzymen aus den Nierentubuluszellen im Urin der Probanden nach Sevofluran. Die nachfolgenden Untersuchungen fanden dann entweder nicht relevante oder sogar gar keine Veranderungen in der renalen Ausscheidung dieser Parameter der Nierenfunktion. Eine weitere Studie untersuchte ebenfalls bei Probanden 3 Vol.% Sevofluran welches uber 4 Stunden mit einer Frischgas-Flusrate von 1 L/min verabreicht worden war. Hierbei wurde keine signifikante Exkretion von Protein, Glucose oder renalen Enzymen gefunden. Bei der Ubertragung dieser Ergebnisse in die klinische Praxis mus in jedem Fall der experimentelle Charakter der in diesen Studien durchgefuhrten Narkosen berucksichtigt werden. Obgleich das Thema der Niedrigflusnarkosen mit Sevofluran immer noch kontrovers diskutiert wird, deuten die Studien bei den freiwilligen Probanden, ebenso wie die Ergebnisse neuer klinischer Untersuchungen darauf hin, das sich die Nierenfunktion nach chirurgischen Eingriffen unter Niedrigflusbedingungen ahnlich verhalt, wie nach Isofluran.
An open-circuit method for determining lung diffusing capacity during exercise: comparison to rebreathe

To avoid limitations associated with the use of single-breath and rebreathe methods for assessing the lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DlCO) during exercise, we developed an open-circui...
Metabolic Interactions of Pesticides

Publisher Summary This chapter illustrates the interactions of pesticides, which act as either enzyme inducers or inhibitors, affecting the metabolism of other xenobiotics, such as drugs, as well as the metabolism of endogenous compounds, such as steroid hormones. Knowledge of the metabolism of pesticides is essential and further knowledge is still needed for several reasons, including the development of more selective insecticides and for providing, in part, the fundamental basis for science-based risk assessments for human and environmental health. Until relatively recently, and as a matter of necessity, this research was carried out almost exclusively on experimental animals, and the results, particularly in the case of human health risk assessments, were extrapolated to humans. Although the mechanisms of enzyme inhibition and induction are investigated by a variety of biochemical and molecular biological techniques, it is important, for consideration of the implications of these phenomena in human health risk assessment, to demonstrate them in vivo. Molecular techniques also permit the study of genetic polymorphisms that will enable the identification of populations at increased risk and allow studies to be carried out at the level of specific isoforms of the XMEs involved. The interaction of pesticides and clinical drugs, although long a subject for speculation, has been the subject of little investigation.
Spdeadringer, a sea urchin embryo gene required separately in skeletogenic and oral ectoderm gene regulatory networks

The Spdeadringer (Spdri) gene encodes an ARID-class transcription factor not previously known in sea urchin embryos. We show that Spdri is a key player in two separate developmental gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Spdri is expressed in a biphasic manner, first, after 12 h and until ingression in the skeletogenic descendants of the large micromeres; second, after about 20 h in the oral ectoderm, where its transcripts remain present at 30–50 mRNA molecules/cell far into development. In both territories, the periods of Spdri expression follow prior territorial specification events. The functional significance of each phase of expression was assessed by determining the effect of an αSpdri morpholino antisense oligonucleotide (MASO) on expression of 17 different mesodermal genes, 8 different oral ectoderm genes, and 18 other genes expressed specifically during endomesoderm specification. These effects were measured by quantitative PCR, supplemented by whole-mount in situ hybridization and morphological observations. Spdri is shown to act in the micromere descendants in the pathways that result in the expression of batteries of terminal skeletogenic genes. But, in the oral ectoderm, the same gene participates in the central GRN controlling oral ectoderm identity. Spdri is linked in the oral ectoderm GRN with several other genes encoding transcriptional regulators that are expressed specifically in various regions of the oral ectoderm. If its expression is blocked by treatment with αSpdri MASO, oral-specific features disappear and expression of the aboral ectoderm marker spec1 encompasses the whole of the ectoderm. In addition to disappearance of the oral ectoderm, morphological consequences of αSpdri MASO treatment include failure of spiculogenesis and of correct primary mesenchyme cell (pmc) patterning in the postgastrular embryo, and also failure of gastrulation. To further analyze these phenotypes, chimeric embryos were constructed consisting of two labeled micromeres combined with micromereless 4th cleavage host embryos; either the micromeres or the hosts contained αSpdri MASO. These experiments showed that, while Spdri expression is required autonomously for expression of skeletogenic genes prior to ingression, complete skeletogenesis also requires the expression of oral ectoderm patterning information. Presentation of this information on the oral side of the blastocoel in turn depends on Spdri expression in the oral ectoderm. Failure of gastrulation is not due to indirect interference with endomesodermal specification per se, since all endomesodermal genes tested function normally in αSpdri MASO embryos. Part of its cause is interference by αSpdri MASO with a late signaling function on the part of the micromere descendants that is needed to complete clearance of the Soxb1 repressor of gastrulation from the prospective endoderm, but in addition there is a nonautonomous oral ectoderm effect.
Haemoglobin concentration and the risk of death in older adults: differences by race/ethnicity in the NHANES III follow‐up

Mildly low haemoglobin concentration is associated with increased mortality in older adults. However, this relationship has not been well characterized in racial/ethnic minorities. Therefore, this study determined the haemoglobin threshold below which risk of death is significantly increased in older non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican Americans. Data on 4089 participants of the 1988-94 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who were > or =65 years of age were analyzed with mortality follow-up through December 31, 2000. Mean haemoglobin in non-Hispanic whites (n = 2686) and Mexican Americans (n = 663) was 140 g/l, while in non-Hispanic blacks (n = 740) the mean was 10 g/l lower. A total of 1944 (47.5%) participants died. Among non-Hispanic whites and Mexican Americans, age- and sex-adjusted models showed that the haemoglobin thresholds below which mortality risk was significantly increased were 4 and 2 g/l respectively, above the World Health Organization (WHO) cut-off points for anaemia. In contrast, the threshold for non-Hispanic blacks was 7 g/l below the WHO criteria. Similar threshold effects were observed when analyzing haemoglobin in categories and adjusting for multiple confounders. In conclusion, the haemoglobin threshold below which mortality rises significantly is a full g/dl lower in non-Hispanic blacks than in non-Hispanic whites and Mexican Americans.
Enantioselective synthesis of a novel trans double bond ceramide analogue via catalytic asymmetric dihydroxylation of an enyne. The role of the trans double bond of ceramide in the fusion of semliki forest virus with target membranes

Intensive interest is currently focused on the role of ceramide (1), a key lipid molecule that functions as a second messenger. The first asymmetric synthesis of a D-erythro-ceramide analogue that contains a C(5)-C(6) trans double bond (3), together with its biological evaluation in a viral-liposome fusion system, is described. Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation of 4'-methoxyphenyl trans-5-octadecyn-2-enyl ether (enyne 8a), prepared by the coupling reaction of 1-[(E)-(4'-bromo-2'-butenyl)oxy]-4-methoxybenzene (7) with Lithium tetradecyne, generated yne-diol 9 in 96% yield with the desired stereochemistry at the C(2)and (3) positions and high enantiomeric purity (95% enantiomeric excess). Birch reduction (Li/EtNH2) of yne-diol 9 furnished (2R,3R,5E)-octadecene-1,2,3-triol (10) stereospecifically. The latter was converted to 2 azido derivative 13 in three steps (via a 2-O-triflate-1,3-O-benzylidene intermediate) and 55% overall yield. Reduction of azide 13 and in situ N-acylation with p-nitrophenyl cis-hexadec-4-enoate provided D-erythro-Delta(5)-trans-ceramide (3) in 91% yield. The role of the trans double bond of ceramide in mediating fusion of an alphavirus (Semliki Forest virus) was assessed in a liposomal model system, using target phospholipid/cholesterol vesicles containing either D-erythro-ceramide 1 or 3. The kinetics of virus fusion, as monitored by a change in pyrene excimer fluorescence over a period of 60 s, showed that Delta(5)-trans-ceramide 3 was completely inactive, indicating that there is an absolute requirement for the trans double bond to be located between C(4) and C(5). These data indicate that the molecular determinants on the viral envelope glycoprotein are highly specific for recognition of the unsaturated site in the ceramide molecule.
Efficient CNS gene delivery by intravenous injection

We administered recombinant SV40-derived viral vectors (rSV40s) intravenously to mice with or without prior intraperitoneal injection of mannitol to deliver transgenes to the central nervous system (CNS). We detected transgene-expressing cells (mainly neurons) most prominently in the cortex and spinal cord; prior intraperitoneal mannitol injection increased CNS gene delivery tenfold. Intravenous injection of rSV40s, particularly with mannitol pretreatment, resulted in extensive expression of multiple transgenes throughout the CNS.
High-dose dextromethorphan in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: phase I safety and pharmacokinetic studies

Much interest has focused on the role of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in the etiopathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We therefore conducted a phase I study of high-dose dextromethorphan (DM) in ALS. DM is a selective, noncompetitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate subtype of the glutamate receptor. Thirteen patients were given DM in an escalating dose fashion, to a target of 10 mg/kg/day or the maximum tolerable dose, and then maintained on this dose for up to 6 months. Total daily doses ranged from 4.8 to 10 mg/kg (median, 7 mg/kg). Side effects were dose limiting in most patients. The most common side effects were light-headedness, slurred speech, and fatigue. Detailed pharmacokinetic and neuropsychology studies were performed. This study demonstrates the feasibility of long-term administration of high-dose DM in ALS, as well as in other conditions associated with glutamate excitotoxicity.
Controllable Surface Expression of Bioactive Peptides Incorporated into a Silica Thin Film Matrix

Mammalian cell culture platforms often require biomolecular modification to enhance cell adhesion and proliferation. Often, these modifications are performed using self-assembled monolayers or whole protein coatings, such as collagen. These protocols are inherently useful but generally suffer from repeatability. Undesirable conditions during self-assembly can lead to complications in the surface presentation of the biological ligands. Whole proteins are often unstable and derived from animal sources, making them less attractive for tissue engineering applications. As the biological effect of the material often depends strongly on the concentration of the integrated ligand(s), any complication due to synthesis or stability can lead to unexpected biological results. In this research, we expand upon previous work in peptide−silane modifications to sol−gel derived silica matrixes, demonstrating that the surface density of the peptide can be calibrated by simply modifying the starting liquid precursor concentr...
Alveolar recruitment versus hyperinflation: A balancing act.

Purpose of reviewTo address lung recruitment according to pressure/volume curves, along with regional recruitment versus hyperinflation evidence from computed tomography and electrical impedance tomography.Recent findingsCyclical tidal volume recruitment of atelectatic lung regions causes acute lung
Geographic Aspects of Population Aging in the Russian Federation

An American demographer specializing in the former USSR and Russia examines the demographic aspects of aging and the age structure of Russia's population across its regions, covering urban versus rural areas, and ethnic homelands versus non-ethnic (Russian) regions. The paper also assesses the implications of aging for Russia's pension and electoral systems, by examining regional differences in the real value of pensions and the emergence of a rather durable, conservative "red belt" strongly correlated with older, more agrarian, and rural populations. A final section examines the future of aging in Russia using recent population projections by Goskomstat Rossii demographers. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: J10, J11, J14. 10 figures, 2 tables, 39 references.
The Purdue Consumer Education Study: Some Findings and Implications*

marked by a growing interest in the responsibility and potentials of consumer education. If the 1930's were the formative years for con sumer education in America, that educational effort came of age in the 1960's and entered a new phase of maturation. This paper attempts to provide an overview of the research effort, highlighting the major findings and recommendations. It is orga nized into four sections: (1) the purposes of the study and methods used in the research; (2) some troublesome conceptual problems en countered in the study; (3) findings and recommendations concern ing consumer education in the schools; and (4) results and implica tions of the analysis of adult consumer education programs.
Electronic Fetal Monitoring and The Law

: This paper concerns whether electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) has become a standard of care, such that physicians who do not use it can be held liable for injury to the offspring which would have been avoided by the use of EFM. Several defenses against potential liability are described. These include the “respectable minority rule” whereby physicians are protected when they choose between competing regimens of treatment; the “best judgement rule” by which it is the duty of a physician not to follow standards of care which show evidence of being erroneous; and the questioning of a standard of care as negligent in and of itself. These defenses, and the potential liability of a physician for over-utilizing a technology, or taking a course of action which unnecessarily causes surgery, hospitalization or increased cost, are illustrated with court decisions. Hospitals may be liable for loss or injury which results from failing to inform prospective patients that necessary staff and/or facilities are unavailable to complete an offered treatment and handle its complications. The potential impact of the new FDA medical device regulation, and of any future state or local regulations on EFM are discussed.
INHERITANCE OF MERISTIC VARIATION AND THE EVOLUTION OF DEVELOPMENTAL STABILITY IN RAINBOW TROUT.

We found relatively high heritabilities in the narrow sense for seven of eight meristic characters in a population of rainbow trout using regression of mean progeny values on mid-parent values. In sharp contrast, there is no statistically significant additive genetic variance controlling developmental stability, as measured by fluctuating asymmetry (h2 = 0.02). However, there is a significant correlation between the average heterozygosity of each family at isozyme loci and the average number of asymmetric traits per individual. We have previously reported a strong correlation between heterozygosity at protein loci and decreased fluctuating asymmetry in this and other salmonid populations. Thus, there is little or no additive, but substantial dominance, genetic variation affecting fluctuating asymmetry. This suggests that there has been directional selection for increased developmental stability.
Brief cognitive-behavioral audiotape interventions for cancer-related pain: Immediate but not long-term effectiveness.

BACKGROUND Few studies have evaluated cognitive-behavioral interventions as an adjunct treatment for chronic cancer-related pain. A randomized clinical trial was performed evaluating the efficacy of 3 brief cognitive-behavioral techniques: relaxation, distraction, and positive mood interventions. METHODS Fifty-seven patients with chronic cancer-related pain taking opioid medications were randomly assigned to either the relaxation, distraction, positive mood, or waiting-list control group. The patients in the 3 intervention groups received audiotapes of the cognitive-behavioral technique and were asked to practice regularly at home. The tapes were supplemented with written instructions and follow-up telephone calls. RESULTS Patients in the relaxation and distraction groups reported significantly reduced pain intensity immediately after listening to the tapes. The pain reduction was not maintained, however. At the 2-week follow-up assessment, no significant differences in pain intensity or interference were found among the treatment groups. The groups also did not differ with regard to secondary outcome measures assessing quality of life, mood, self-efficacy, and other symptoms. The results of qualitative interviews indicated that patients often had difficulty focusing on the audiotapes and preferred their own methods of pain reduction. CONCLUSIONS Brief relaxation and distraction audiotape interventions produced immediate pain reductions but not longer-term pain relief. Additional research with a more individualized intervention is needed to evaluate cognitive-behavioral interventions for cancer pain control. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Directions for hypertext research: exploring the design space for interactive scholarly communication

This paper is a "call to arms" for the community to take up Van Bush's original challenge of effecting a transformation of scholarly communications and record keeping. It argues for the necessity of an interactive scholarly communication research agenda by briefly reviewing the rapid development of alternative authoring and publishing models. Seven dimensions of interactive communication that delineate a design space for the area are described. Previous work and existing new media are used to initially populate the design space and show opportunities for new research directions. VKB spaces, Synchrony PADLs, and Walden's paths are used as foils for describing new media for interactive scholarly communication. This leads to a brief discussion of uncovered areas in the design space and open research questions. A community developed framework for future interactive scholarly communications would be a major contribution and is put forth as the overall goal.
Roles of testosterone in the growth of keratinocytes through bald frontal dermal papilla cells.

A coculture of dermal pappilla cells (DPCs) from the balad frontal scalp of stumptailed macaques with keratinocytes derived from human neonatal foreskin revealed that testosterone inhibited keratinocyte proliferation, and that the antiandrogen RU58841 abolished this response. This testosterone-induced keratinocyte growth inhibition was not observed when either type of cells was cultured alone. We also examined conditioned media from the coculture system and demonstrated the identical testosterone-induced growth inhibition on keratinocytes, and this inhibitory effect was conditioned media concentration-dependent. These results suggested that the testosterone-mediated suppression on keratinocyte proliferation might proceed through some diffusible growth mediators in conditioned media. Differential display reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction allowed us to isolated several genes from frontal DPCs that can be either suppressed or induced by testosterone. Supervillin, a membrane-associated, F-actin-binding protein, was identified as one of the testosterone downregulated genes in frontal DPCs. Further characterization of these testosterone-target genesmay reveal the mechanism by which testosterone inhibits the growth of follicular cells in androgenetic alopecia.
Spontaneous central retinal artery occlusion in hemoglobin sickle cell disease

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe a case of spontaneous central retinal artery occlusion in a young man with hemoglobin sickle cell disease. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: A 31-year-old African-American man with a history of hemoglobin sickle cell disease developed sudden painless loss of vision in the right eye. Medical history was remarkable for the recent history of a mild painful crisis, but no other systemic illness or contributing factors. Central retinal artery occlusion was diagnosed with retinal whitening, cherry red spot, and delayed arteriovenous transit on fluorescein angiography. Over the ensuing week, the patient had visual recovery to 20/60 in the absence of therapeutic intervention. CONCLUSION: Central retinal artery occlusion has been reported in sickle cell hemoglobinopathies (ie, SS, S-thal, sickle trait, and sickle cell), but the association with sickle cell disease is rare. Most reports have described additional contributing factors, such as trauma or concomitant systemic illness, to help account for the central retinal artery occlusion. The present case suggests that sickle cell disease alone is sufficient for the development of central retinal artery occlusion.
Characterization of the stretch-activated chloride channel in isolated human atrial myocytes.

Macroscopic and unitary currents through stretch-activated Cl− channels were examined in isolated human atrial myocytes using whole-cell, excised outside-out and inside-out configurations of the patch-clamp technique. When K+ and Ca2+ conductances were blocked and the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+] i ) was reduced, application of positive pressure via the pipette activated membrane currents under whole-cell voltage-clamp conditions. The reversal potential of the current shifted by 60 mV per 10-fold change in the external Cl− concentration, indicating that the current was Cl− selective. The current was inhibited by bath application of 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS) and 9-anthracenecarboxylic acid (9-AC). β-Adrenergic stimulation failed to activate a Cl− current. In single channel recordings from outside-out patches, positive pressure in the pipette activated the unitary current with half-maximal activation of 14.7 mm Hg at +40 mV. The current-voltage relationship of single channel activity obtained in inside-out patches was linear in symmetrical Cl− solution with the averaged slope conductance of 8.6 ± 0.7 pS (mean ±sd, n= 10). The reversal potential shift of the channel by changing Cl− concentration was consistent with a Cl− selective channel. The open time distribution was best described by a single exponential function with mean open lifetime of 80.4 ± 9.6 msec (n= 9), while at least two exponentials were required to fit the closed time distributions with a time constant for the fast component of 11.5 ± 2.2 msec (n= 9) and that for the slow component of 170.2 ± 21.8 msec (n= 9). Major changes in the single channel activity in response to pressure were caused by changes in the interburst interval. Single channel activity was inhibited by DIDS and 9-AC in a manner similar to whole-cell configuration. These results suggest that membrane stretch induced by applying pressure via the pipette activated a Cl− current in human atrial myocytes. The current was sensitive to Cl− channel blockers and exhibited membrane voltage-independent bursting opening without sensitive to β-adrenergic stimulation.
Divergent effects of α- and β-myosin heavy chain isoforms on the N terminus of rat cardiac troponin T

Divergent effects of α– and β–myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms on contractile behavior arise mainly because of their impact on thin filament cooperativity. The N terminus of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) also modulates thin filament cooperativity. Our hypothesis is that the impact of the N terminus of cTnT on thin filament activation is modulated by a shift from α- to β-MHC isoform. We engineered two recombinant proteins by deleting residues 1–43 and 44–73 in rat cTnT (RcTnT): RcTnT1–43Δ and RcTnT44–73Δ, respectively. Dynamic and steady-state contractile parameters were measured at sarcomere length of 2.3 µm after reconstituting proteins into detergent-skinned muscle fibers from normal (α-MHC) and propylthiouracil-treated (β-MHC) rat hearts. α-MHC attenuated Ca2+-activated maximal tension (∼46%) in RcTnT1–43Δ fibers. In contrast, β-MHC decreased tension only by 19% in RcTnT1–43Δ fibers. Both α- and β-MHC did not affect tension in RcTnT44–73Δ fibers. The instantaneous muscle fiber stiffness measurements corroborated the divergent impact of α- and β-MHC on tension in RcTnT1–43Δ fibers. pCa50 (-log of [Ca2+]free required for half-maximal activation) decreased significantly by 0.13 pCa units in α-MHC + RcTnT1–43Δ fibers but remained unaltered in β-MHC + RcTnT1–43Δ fibers, demonstrating that β-MHC counteracted the attenuating effect of RcTnT1–43Δ on myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity. β-MHC did not alter the sudden stretch–mediated recruitment of new cross-bridges (ER) in RcTnT1–43Δ fibers, but α-MHC attenuated ER by 36% in RcTnT1–43Δ fibers. The divergent impact of α- and β-MHC on how the N terminus of cTnT modulates contractile dynamics has implications for heart disease; alterations in cTnT and MHC are known to occur via changes in isoform expression or mutations.
Architecture and synthesis for multi-cycle communication

For multi-gigahertz designs in nanometer technologies, data transfers on global interconnects take multiple clock cycles. In this paper, we propose a regular distributed register (RDR) micro-architecture for multi-cycle on-chip communication. An RDR architecture structurally consists of a two-dimensional array of islands, each of which contains a cluster of computational logic and local register files. We also propose a new synthesis methodology based on the RDR architecture. Novel layout-driven architectural synthesis algorithms have been developed for RDR. Application of these algorithms to several real-life benchmarks demonstrates 44% improvement on average in terms of the clock period and 37% improvement on average in terms of the final latency.
Sport, Culture, and the Status of Social Sciences: Intellectual Reflections

During the past two decades a host of subdisciplines dedicated to the study of sport and physical education have emerged. Sport sociology was one of the most prolific among them in producing resear...
Direct assimilation of altimetric differences using the Kalman filter

Abstract One method that has been proposed for avoiding the effects of geoid error in the use of satellite altimeter data in oceanography is the use of temporal differences of the data, either along repeat tracks or at points where ascending and descending orbital passes cross. Here, the Kalman filter for this special case is derived and its properties examined. The special form of the data does not lead to additional computational workload, as one might expect. The question of observability, i.e., whether temporal differences alone are sufficient to determine the model state uniquely, is discussed, and criteria for observatility are derived in terms of the properties of the dynamical model.
Cosmic rays underground

Cosmic rays undergound are treated as entirely caused by the electromagnetic interactions of μ-mesons. Simple approximations are given for the underground spectra of μ-mesons, virtual photons, soft showers, and nucleons. Comparison with experimental data is satisfactory on the absolute rate of slow neutron and nuclear star production, and on the charge ratio of star primaries, if the charged primaries are at least half protons. Disagreement is found with the observed variation of star production with depth. Comparison with observation suggests that the cross section for nuclear excitation by γ-rays decreases on the average more slowly than 1/E from its large measured value σ v /A∽1·10−28 cm2 per nucleon atE=200÷300 MeV. This mechanism therefore predominates over meson-proton knock-on in production of the underground nucleonic component. Measurement of slow neutron or star production over large differences in depth would yield more detailed information on the behavior of σ v /A at high energies. Measurement of the size-frequency distribution of soft showers at high energies would yield information about the production of neutral π-mesons.
Chondrichthyan life history styles as revealed by the 320 million years old Mississippian of Montana

Chondrichthyans comprise 55 of the 94 vertebrate species found to date in the Mississippian marine Bear Gulch Limestone 6 km by 19 km tropical bay. The chondrichthyan-osteichthyan faunal proportions differ strongly from those of modern marine fish faunas. Secondary sexual dimorphism, size partitioning, life period segregation, and sexual segregation, reinforce the considerable morphological specializations among the chondrichthyans that were involved in the maintenance of this diversity. The large number of rare species suggests that many species are represented only by occasional recruitment, reflecting differential life history styles as well as habitat limitations for these species. Repeated fluctuations in environmental parameters through time, producing fine-scale spatial and temporal non-equilibrium, were probably ultimately responsible for the maintenance of this broad-scale high diversity community.
Sliding Contact Loading Improves the Tensile Properties of MSC-Based Engineered Cartilage

Articular cartilage is a load-bearing surface whose mechanical function arises from its unique properties. The structural and mechanical properties of mature cartilage are inhomogeneous through the depth and anisotropic. Tissue maturation is directed by mechanical forces; loading induces remodeling of the immature matrix, leading to increases in compressive and tensile properties and the development of tissue anisotropy [1, 2]. Limitations in cartilage repair strategies have engendered numerous efforts to engineer functional replacements. As mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergo chondrogenesis in 3D culture, this cell type has been increasingly utilized in these efforts [3]. Despite their initial promise however, generating MSC-based constructs with the mechanical complexity and integrity of cartilage remains a challenge; the properties of MSC-seeded hydrogels are consistently lower than those of the native tissue [4, 5]. As mechanical stimulation is critical to cartilage development and maturation, bioreactor systems that simulate the native mechanical environment of cartilage may bridge these functional disparities. Indeed, dynamic axial compression enhances the compressive properties of both chondrocyte- and MSC-based engineered cartilage, though collagen content remains low [6, 7]. While promising, these studies were not designed to generate either depth-dependence or constructs with improved tensile properties. We therefore developed a new sliding contact bioreactor system that can better recapitulate the mechanical stimuli arising from joint motion (two contacting cartilage layers). In previous experiments using this system, we demonstrated improved expression of chondrogenic genes with short-term sliding contact of MSC-seeded agarose; these changes in gene expression were dependent on both axial strain and TGF-β supplementation [8]. Furthermore, FEM analysis of sliding contact showed that tensile strains (parallel to the sliding direction) and fluid efflux/influx were depth-dependent and highest in the region closest to the construct surface [8]. In the current study, we applied long-term sliding contact to MSC-seeded agarose constructs using the optimized parameters previously determined. We hypothesized that sliding contact would improve tensile properties and direct depth-dependent matrix remodeling.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Office Ladies and Salaried Men: Power, Gender, and Work in Japanese Companies

Office Ladies and Salaried Men: Power, Gender, and Work in Japanese Companies. YUKO OGASAWARA. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998. xill. 221 pp., appendixes, notes, glossary, references, index.
Infrared spectrum of hydrogen fluoride: line positions and line shapes. Part II. Treatment of data and results

The spectrometer and experimental methods described in a companion paper were used to measure the center frequencies of some absorption lines in the HF fundamental and first-overtone bands and to measure the pressure-broadened shapes of some lines in the fundamental. The centers of both bands were calculated, and strongly J-dependent, pressure-induced line center shifts were measured for the fundamental. A method for correcting the measured shape of a spectral line for the effects of instrumental broadening in order to obtain the “true shape” is explained. It was possible to obtain the true shape of lines whose pressure broadened half-width was as small (0.03 cm−1) as several times the Doppler half-width.It was found that the true line shape could be represented quite satisfactorily by a modified form of the Lorentz expression, i.e., α=α0(Δν)2[|ν−ν0|η+(Δν)2]−1. For spectral lines whose half-width at one-half the maximum percent absorptance was less than 2.25 cm−1, η=2 gave good agreement between the true shape and that predicted by the Lorentz expression. If this width was greater than 3 cm−1 then η=1.85 allowed the best fit to the true line shape. No pressure dependence of η could be measured in the range of pressures used (0–5 atm).
Using Virtual Confederates to Research Intergroup Bias and Conflict

Virtual confederates–i.e., three-dimensional virtual characters that look and act like humans–have been gaining in popularity as a research method in the social and medical sciences. Interest in th...
Bounded distance coset decoding of convolutional codes

The paper presents a maximum-likelihood consistent bounded distance decoding algorithm for convolutional codes. The algorithm correctly decodes all error sequences which fall within the error-correcting sphere. A class of codes is defined, in which the decoder exploits the fact that only certain error sequences need to be corrected. For these codes the decoding is based on a reduced encoder state diagram. Thus, only a subset of the trellis or tree has to be searched in order to find the error pattern. An exact characteristication of the reduced state diagram is given in the paper along with an example.
Trade Flows, Financial Linkage, and Business Cycles in Latin America

This paper studies co-movements in real output growth across countries of Latin America in the sample period 1970-2007. To detect the change over time, correlations in real growth are analyzed over two sub-samples: 1970-1986 and 1987-2007. Correlation coefficients detect co-movements in real growth across five regional groups: Andean, Caribbean, Central America, LAC7(Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela) and Mercosur. In addition, growth in each of the EU, the U.S., and Brazil are assumed to be common sources of co-movements in real output growth in Latin America. Business-cycle comovements within and across regions have varied over time. We also examine the impact of trade flows and financial linkage on co-movements in real growth within and across regions. The effect of trade flows is not conclusive. Business cycles may diverge, converge, or not vary significantly in response to trade flows across countries. More recently, co-movement in real growth appears to be tracking comovement in short-term interest rates across Latin America.
Scalability of quantum computation with addressable optical lattices

We make a detailed analysis of error mechanisms, gate fidelity, and scalability of proposals for quantum computation with neutral atoms in addressable (large lattice constant) optical lattices. We have identified possible limits to the size of quantum computations, arising in three-dimensional (3D) optical lattices from current limitations on the ability to perform single-qubit gates in parallel and in 2D lattices from constraints on laser power. Our results suggest that 3D arrays as large as 100×100×100 sites (i.e., ∼106 qubits) may be achievable, provided two-qubit gates can be performed with sufficiently high precision and degree of parallelizability. The parallelizability of long-range interaction-based two-qubit gates is qualitatively compared to that of collisional gates. Different methods of performing single-qubit gates are compared, and a lower bound of 1×10−5 is determined on the error rate for the error mechanisms affecting 133Cs in a blue-detuned lattice with Raman-transition-based single-qubit gates, given reasonable limits on experimental parameters.
Rare craniofacial clefts.

I present a review of the pattern of rare Craniofacial clefting in patients presenting to a tertiary referral Craniofacial unit. Patients with an isolated rare cleft were uncommon; most had multiple axes of disruption. Midline and paramedian facial clefts, although occasionally occurring alone, ofte
Robustness and generalization of structure-based models for protein folding and function

Functional dynamics of native proteins share the energy landscape that guides folding into the native state. Folding simulations of structure-based protein models, using an minimally frustrated energy landscape dominated by native interactions, can describe the geometrical aspects of the folding mechanism. Technical limitations imposed by the fixed shape of conventional contact potentials are a key obstacle toward advanced applications of structure-based models like allostery or ligand binding, which require multiple stable conformations. Generalizations of existing models, commonly using Lennard-Jones-like potentials, lead to inevitable clashes between their repulsive branches. To resolve these challenges, a new contact potential is developed that combines an attractive part based on Gaussians with a separate repulsive term allowing flexibility for adjustments of the potential shape. With this new model multiple minima for studies of functional transitions can be introduced easily and consistently. A sensitivity analysis for five small proteins confirms the robust behavior of structure-based models with our adaptable potential and explores their capacity for quantitative adjustment of the folding thermodynamics. We demonstrate its ability to incorporate alternative contact distances in simulations of structural transitions for the well-studied ROP dimer. Individual contact pairs can switch between distinct states to match the competing syn and anti structures. The flexibility of the new potential facilitates advanced uses of structure-based models. Depending on the application, features can be chosen from physical considerations or to match experiments. Generalized models can be built from multiple structures to study structural transitions or effects of disorder. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the validity of methods for determining the shape strain in deformation twinning and martensitic transformations

Abstract The validity and accuracy of three methods of shape strain analysis are examined by applying these methods to the experimental determination of the shape strain in a system in which this strain is precisely known-deformation twinning in β-tin. Single-, two- and three surface methods are used to determine the twinning (habit) plane, direction and magnitude, and the results are compared with the known values and are used to assess the relative merits of the three methods. Analytical versions of the methods are presented and the maximum information obtainable from different combinations of input data is given; in some cases the results are overdetermined and statistical assessment is possible. The experimental results of all three methods are shown to be in excellent agreement with theoretical values, and the results obtained from surface measurements are considered to be truly representative of twins forming within the bulk. The significance of the results is examined in terms of the application of these methods to martensitic transformations.
Pacific Island Countries - Possible Common Currency Arrangement

This paper examines the potential advantages and disadvantages of adopting a common currency arrangement among the six IMF member Pacific island countries that have their own national currency. These countries are Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu. The study explains that the present exchange rate regimes - comprising pegging to a basket of currencies for five countries and the floating arrangement for Papua New Guinea - have generally succeeded in avoiding inflationary, balance of payments, external debt, and financial system problems. The study concludes that adopting a common currency in the Pacific would require greater convergence of domestic policies and substantial strengthening of regional policies, which would take time to achieve.
Solubility products of metal sulfides in molten salts: II. Measurements and calculations for lead sulfide in the LiCl-KCl and the LiCl-LiF eutectic compositions

The solubilities of lithium sulfide and the solubility products of lead sulfide in the LiCl-KCI and LiCI-LiF eutectic mixtures have been measured by an electrochemical titration method in the temperature range from 673 to 823 K. At 823 K, the solubility of Li2S in the LiCI-LiF eutectic was much larger than in the LiCI-KCI eutectic (1.95 × 10−1 compared with 3.50 × 10−3). The measured solubility product of PbS in the LiCI-KCI eutectic (1.0 × 10−10 at 823 K) did not differ greatly from that in the LiCI-LiF eutectic (6.8 × 10−11 at 823 K).A priori calculations were made of the solubility products of PbS and several transition and heavy metal Sulfides in the molten LiCI-KCI eutectic at 723 K. Fundamental theories of reciprocal and additive ternary molten salt solutions are used to explain the influence of the solvent on the solubilities of Li2S and on the solubility products of PbS. The correlation of experiments with theory illustrates the utility of known theories of ionic systems in making predictions of solubilities and solubility products in ionic systems.