cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supporting students on school buses: Results from a nationally representative sample of head transportation officials

Although research suggests that student misconduct on school buses is pervasive, little is known about the strategies drivers use to promote safe buses. We consulted with more than 40 professionals...
Buffering Lidocaine 1%/ Epinephrine with Sodium Bicarbonate in a 3:1 Ratio Is as Effective and Less Painful than a 9:1 Ratio

Lido/Epi buffered with NaHCO3 in a 3:1 ratio is significantly less painful during infiltration than unbuffered Lido/Epi and buffered Lido/Epi in a 9:1 ratio.
Discovering a Learning Module for Poker’s Rule through Data Mining Algorithms

Data mining classification methods can be a powerful tool when it comes to learning card game rules such as Poker. There are millions of possible combination in the game and making a decision tree to cover all the rules is not desirable. We used the J48 decision tree model of data mining software Weka and made parameter analysis. Then we show experimentally how the number of instances is affecting the correctness of the classification, and propose an equation to determine accuracy based on the number of instances in a data set. We examine several different attributes and the experiment shows high performance.
Exploration of Aberrant E3 Ligases Implicated in Alzheimer’s Disease and Development of Chemical Tools to Modulate Their Function

The Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS) is responsible for the degradation of misfolded or aggregated proteins via a multistep ATP-dependent proteolytic mechanism. This process involves a cascade of ubiquitin (Ub) transfer steps from E1 to E2 to E3 ligase. The E3 ligase transfers Ub to a targeted protein that is brought to the proteasome for degradation. The inability of the UPS to remove misfolded or aggregated proteins due to UPS dysfunction is commonly observed in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). UPS dysfunction in AD drives disease pathology and is associated with the common hallmarks such as amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation, among others. E3 ligases are key members of the UPS machinery and dysfunction or changes in their expression can propagate other aberrant processes that accelerate AD pathology. The upregulation or downregulation of expression or activity of E3 ligases responsible for these processes results in changes in protein levels of E3 ligase substrates, many of which represent key proteins that propagate AD. A powerful way to better characterize UPS dysfunction in AD and the role of individual E3 ligases is via the use of high-quality chemical tools that bind and modulate specific E3 ligases. Furthermore, through combining gene editing with recent advances in 3D cell culture, in vitro modeling of AD in a dish has become more relevant and possible. These cell-based models of AD allow for study of specific pathways and mechanisms as well as characterization of the role E3 ligases play in driving AD. In this review, we outline the key mechanisms of UPS dysregulation linked to E3 ligases in AD and highlight the currently available chemical modulators. We present several key approaches for E3 ligase ligand discovery being employed with respect to distinct classes of E3 ligases. Where possible, specific examples of the use of cultured neurons to delineate E3 ligase biology have been captured. Finally, utilizing the available ligands for E3 ligases in the design of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) to degrade aberrant proteins is a novel strategy for AD, and we explore the prospects of PROTACs as AD therapeutics.
Structural, molecular, and genetic analysis of the kilA operon of broad-host-range plasmid RK2.

The kil loci (kilA, kilB, kilC, and kilE) of incompatibility group P (IncP), broad-host-range plasmid RK2 were originally detected by their potential lethality to Escherichia coli host cells. Expression of the kil determinants is controlled by different combinations of kor functions (korA, korB, korC, and korE). This system of regulated genes, known as the kil-kor regulon, includes trfA, which encodes the RK2 replication initiator. The functions of the kil loci are unknown, but their coregulation with an essential replication function suggests that they have a role in the maintenance or host range of RK2. In this study, we have determined the nucleotide sequence of a 3-kb segment of RK2 that encodes the entire kilA locus. The region encodes three genes, designated klaA, klaB, and klaC. The phage T7 RNA polymerase-dependent expression system was use to identify three polypeptide products. The estimated masses of klaA and klaB products were in reasonable agreement with the calculated molecular masses of 28,407 and 42,156 Da, respectively. The klaC product is calculated to be 32,380 Da, but the observed polypeptide exhibited an apparent mass of 28 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. Mutants of klaC were used to confirm that initiation of translation of the observed product occurs at the first ATG in the klaC open reading frame. Hydrophobicity analysis indicated that the KlaA and KlaB polypeptides are likely to be soluble, whereas the KlaC polypeptide was predicted to have four potential membrane-spanning domains. The only recognizable promoter sequences in the kilA region were those of the kilA promoter located upstream of klaA and the promoter for the korA-korB operon located just downstream of a rho-independent terminatorlike sequence following klaC. The transcriptional start sites for these promoters were determined by primer extension. Using isogenic sets of plasmids with nonpolar mutations, we found that klaA, klaB, and klaC are each able to express a host-lethal (Kil+) phenotype in the absence of kor functions. Inactivation of the kilA promoter causes loss of the lethal phenotype, demonstrating that all three genes are expressed from the kilA promoter as a multicistronic operon. We investigated two other phenotypes that have been mapped to the kilA region of RK2 or the closely related IncP plasmids RP1 and RP4: inhibition of conjugal transfer of IncW plasmids (fwB) and resistance to potassium tellurite. The cloned kilA operon was found to express both phenotypes, even in the presence of korA and korB, whose functions are known to regulate the kilA promoter. In addition, mutant and complementation analyses showed that the kilA promoter and the products of all three kla genes are necessary for expression of both phenotypes. Therefore, host lethality, fertility inhibition, and tellurite resistance are all properties of the kilA operon. We discuss the possible role of the kilA operon for RK2. Images
The Politics of Extremism in South Asia: Afghanistan's changing fortunes

After September 11, Afghanistan became almost synonymous in the popular mind with terrorism and religious extremism. The image of a wild ungovernable region shot through with warlordism and ethnic warfare became established and, along with it, an underlying assumption that such a state of affairs had been a historical inevitability. The curious absence of any Afghans among the 19 suspected hijackers of September 11 went unnoticed by most commentators. With the fall of the Taliban and the rise of Hamid Karzai's government, however, there is now a new image of an Afghanistan transformed into a “success story,” thanks to international intervention. Neither perception – of the historical inevitability of the preceding violence or of a country about to be saved from itself – is wholly accurate. Much like its neighbors in South Asia, the Afghan identity is made up of diverging secular, religious and geopolitical identities. To understand the rise of extremism in Afghanistan and forecast its future, it is necessary to see how these different tendencies have interacted to produce religious militancy and the excesses of the Taliban and beyond. The US invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001 turned the spotlight on the key political and military actors in Afghanistan who had long been shielded from international sight: first during the covert anti-Soviet war; then through the dizzying civil wars; and finally under the Taliban's self-inflicted isolation.
Fast tomographic reconstruction using chirp-z interpolation

The authors present a computationally efficient direct Fourier tomographic reconstruction algorithm based on chirp-z interpolation. Computer simulation is used to compare the proposed algorithm to the convolution-backprojection algorithm for the parallel-beam geometry case. The proposed algorithm was used to reconstruct the Shepp and Logan head phantom. The simulations demonstrate that high-quality tomographic reconstructions of an N*N image can be quickly generated using the chirp-z interpolation algorithm with computational complexity O(N/sup 2/ log/sub 2/N). >
Volumetric and Viscometric Properties of Methanol, Ethanol, Propan-2-ol, and 2-Methylpropan-2-ol with a Synthetic C6+ Mixture from 298.15 K to 318.15 K

Densities and viscosities were measured for the systems of methanol, ethanol, propan-2-ol, and 2-methylpropan-2-ol separately with a synthetic C6+ mixture at temperatures from 298.15 K to 318.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The synthetic C6+ is a five-component hydrocarbon mixture. Densities were determined using a vibrating-tube densimeter. Viscosities were measured with an automatic Ubbelohde capillary viscometer. The estimated uncertainties are less than ±0.0004 g·cm-3 for density and ±0.8% for viscosity. By considering the six-component mixture as a pseudobinary system, excess volumes and viscosity deviations as a function of mole fraction average were derived, and the computed results were fitted to the Redlich−Kister equation.
Bit-1 is an essential regulator of myogenic differentiation.

Muscle differentiation requires a complex signaling cascade that leads to the production of multinucleated myofibers. Genes regulating the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway also function in controlling cell differentiation. How such signaling pathways are regulated during differentiation is not fully understood. Bit‐1 (also known as PTRH2 ) mutations in humans cause infantile‐onset multisystem disease with muscle weakness. We demonstrate here that Bit‐1 controls skeletal myogenesis through a caspase‐mediated signaling pathway. Bit‐1 ‐null mice exhibit a myopathy with hypotrophic myofibers. Bit‐1 ‐null myoblasts prematurely express muscle‐specific proteins. Similarly, knockdown of Bit‐1 expression in C2C12 myoblasts promotes early differentiation, whereas overexpression delays differentiation. In wild‐type mice, Bit‐1 levels increase during differentiation. Bit‐1 ‐null myoblasts exhibited increased levels of caspase 9 and caspase 3 without increased apoptosis. Bit‐1 re‐expression partially rescued differentiation. In Bit‐1 ‐null muscle, Bcl‐2 levels are reduced, suggesting that Bcl‐2‐mediated inhibition of caspase 9 and caspase 3 is decreased. Bcl‐2 re‐expression rescued Bit‐1‐mediated early differentiation in Bit‐1 ‐null myoblasts and C2C12 cells with knockdown of Bit‐1 expression. These results support an unanticipated yet essential role for Bit‐1 in controlling myogenesis through regulation of Bcl‐2.
Feasibility of calibrating elongated brachytherapy sources using a well-type ionization chamber.

Recently, elongated brachytherapysources (active length > 1 cm ) have become commercially available for interstitial prostate implants. These sources were introduced to improve the quality of brachytherapy procedures by eliminating the migration and seed bunching associated with loose seed-type implants. However, the inability to calibrate elongated brachytherapysources with the Wide-Angle Free-Air Chamber (WAFAC) used by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) hinders the experimental determination of dosimetric parameters of these source types. In order to resolve this shortcoming, an interim solution has been introduced for calibration of elongated brachytherapysources using a commercially available well-type ionization chamber. The feasibility of this procedure was examined by calibrating RadioCoil ™ Pd 103 sources with active lengths ranging from 1 to 7 cm .
New Serologic Tests for Early Detection of Coccidioidomycosis

Arizona college students suspected of having recently acquired coccidioidomycosis were tested for anticoccidioidal antibodies and circulating fungal antigens using conventional antibody detection methods and new ELISA procedures. Of 233 patients with compatible symptoms, 26 had anticoccidioidal antibodies detected by conventional tests. ELISA detected antibodies in sera from 20 of these patients and also from another 25 patients. Patients with antibodies detected by either conventional or ELISA procedures were significantly more likely to have abnormal chest radiographs, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, or absent upper respiratory symptoms than were other patients. Circulating antigen was found in sera from 35 patients, 33 of whom had no detectable anticoccidioidal antibodies at that time. Detectable antigen was noted frequently in sera obtained within the first month after the onset of symptoms and was infrequently detected later when more patients exhibited antibodies. These results indicate the feasibility of developing ELISA procedures using spherule-derived antigens for earlier detection of coccidioidal infections.
Treatment of a Murine Cytomegalovirus Infection with Exogenous Interferon, Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid, and Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid–Poly-l-Lysine Complex

Treatment of a cytomegalovirus infection of mice with exogenous murine interferon did not alter final mortality or mean day of death. Pretreatment with two interferon inducers significantly reduced mortality, but treatment initiated after infection was not effective.
Differences in virulence of Phytophthora capsici isolates from a worldwide collection on host fruits

Phytophthora capsici causes root, crown, and fruit rot of vegetable and tropical hosts. Cucumber, zucchini, tomato, and pepper fruits were inoculated using 6-mm-diameter agar plugs of P. capsici, incubated in clear plastic boxes at room temperature (25 ± 2°C and 100% relative humidity), and virulence was estimated by measuring the lesion diameter, pathogen growth diameter, and pathogen sporulation density three (cucumber, zucchini) or four (tomato, pepper) days later. When isolates were grouped by genetic cluster, significant differences in virulence were observed on cucumber and zucchini, with isolates belonging to genetic cluster five causing larger lesions than isolates from genetic cluster six. On tomato, no significant differences were observed for isolates grouped by genetic cluster, but isolates from vegetable crops were generally more virulent than isolates from tropical hosts. Isolates from fabaceous hosts sporulated better on cucumber fruits than isolates from solanaceous hosts. Isolates from vegetable hosts sporulated better on zucchini than isolates from tropical hosts. No significant differences in lesion diameter were noted on pepper when isolates were grouped by host family of origin or genetic cluster, but differences in pathogen sporulation were apparent by host family. Our findings suggest that isolate characteristics such as host family of origin and genetic cluster membership may be used to guide initial isolate selection for cucurbit fruit resistance screening. Final isolate selection should incorporate the phenotypic and genetic diversity of P. capsici, including isolates with differing virulence to the host organ of interest.
A dentist's dilemma: Nonsurgical endodontic therapy or periapical surgery for teeth with apparent pulpal pathosis and an associated periapical radiolucent lesion

First presented is a brief review of nonsurgical versus surgical treatment of radicular cysts. This is followed by a consideration of the use of radiographs for differential diagnosis of periapical radiolucent lesions. Some of the nonendodontic local and systemic lesions that can occur periapically are then presented. Next examined are the fallibilities of pulp vitality testing methods. The need for histopathologic examination of periapical lesions is the subject of the next discussion. The dentist's dilemma is then examined: should teeth with apparent pulpal pathosis and an associated periapical radiolucent lesion have routine surgical treatment including biopsy or should they be treated nonsurgically and have periodic follow-ups? A possible resolution of this dilemma is the final consideration.
Urinary tract infections and reduced risk of bladder cancer in Los Angeles.

We investigated the association between urinary tract infections (UTIs) and transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in a population-based case–control study in Los Angeles covering 1586 cases and age-, gender-, and race-matched neighbourhood controls. A history of bladder infection was associated with a reduced risk of bladder cancer among women (odds ratio (OR), 0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.46–0.96). No effect was found in men, perhaps due to power limitations. A greater reduction in bladder cancer risk was observed among women with multiple infections (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.18–0.78). Exclusion of subjects with a history of diabetes, kidney or bladder stones did not change the inverse association. A history of kidney infections was not associated with bladder cancer risk, but there was a weak association between a history of other UTIs and slightly increased risk among men. Our results suggest that a history of bladder infection is associated with a reduced risk of bladder cancer among women. Cytotoxicity from antibiotics commonly used to treat bladder infections is proposed as one possible explanation.
Oral estrogen retains potency as an aversion agent in eggs: Implications to studies of community ecology and wildlife management

The first of two experiments with laboratory rats demonstrated that oral estrogen (17 alpha-ethinylestradiol) can remain in the albumen of eggs at room temperature for up to 8 days with undiminished capacity to produce conditioned taste aversion. The second experiment showed that estrogen remains potent in the yolk of eggs for at least 4 days. There is now greater assurance that egg prey placed into the field will induce reliable CTA among mammalian predators. Community ecologists interested in such processes as competitive release and the responses of prey populations to reduced predation upon their eggs can selectively factor predation out of field experiments without the need for physically excluding predators. Wildlife biologists interested in reducing predation upon the eggs of endangered species now have greater assurance that estrogen-treated egg baits will suppress predation in a more cost-effective manner and with less likelihood of discrimination between treated eggs and those of endangered species.
Re)modeling the transcriptional enhancer.

Transcriptional cis-regulatory modules have a fundamental role in regulating eukaryotic gene expression. A new study shows how computational modeling can test hypotheses about how regulatory elements function, with results that challenge conventional views of their organization.
Using k-Nearest Neighbor and Speaker Ranking for Phoneme Prediction

Speech recognition systems are either based on parametric approach or non-parametric approach. Parametric based systems such as HMMs have been the dominant technology for speech recognition in the past decade. Despite a lot of advancements and enhancements in the design of these systems: key problems such as long term temporal dependence, etc. Has not yet been solved. Recently due to availability of large amount of data and cheap computing resources (processing power and memory) non-parametric based approach to solve speech recognition and classification task is becoming popular and feasible. The key advantage of non-parametric based approach is that all the information from the training data is retained as we don't approximate our data with specific statistical models resulting in more speaker specific information. In this paper we propose a k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) phoneme prediction scheme using speaker ranking vector. Speaker ranking vector is calculated by finding the similarity of the given TEST speaker with the Instance Space using k-NN. The results were compared with nearest neighbor and k-NN majority voting approach. Our proposed scheme gives a better prediction accuracy as compare with nearest neighbor and k-NN majority voting scheme. This approach can help speech recognizer to customize on the fly for a given talker and customize training data on the basis of similarity measure. In this preliminary research we are using a small amount of data to train our phoneme prediction classifier engine. Performance can be further increase by increasing the training data for finding speaker ranking.
Dehydroepiandrosterone intra vaginal administration for the management of postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy

The effects of intravaginal administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for the management of symptomatic vulvovaginal atrophy are reviewed. A literature search related to vulvovaginal atrophy, vaginal atrophy, atrophic vaginitis, estrogen, dehydroepiandrosterone, vulvar itching, burning, dryness, dyspareunia, and libido was performed. Relevant articles addressing the incidence, management, and outcome of DHEA therapy were identified and used for this Expert Opinion. DHEA compared to a placebo is an effective treatment improving symptoms of vaginal atrophy: dyspareunia, burning, itching, and dryness. Objective parameters of vaginal atrophy, specifically pH, vaginal maturation index (VMI), and investigator-evaluated changes in the vagina: moisture, epithelia integrity and color were improved compared to baseline and placebo. There were significant improvements in libido and dyspareunia with the intravaginal use of DHEA that contribute to improved quality of life for postmenopausal women. Dehydroepiandrosterone administered intravaginally on a daily basis is an effective treatment for symptoms, and signs of vulvovaginal atrophy along with libido in postmenopausal women. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Essential role of DHEA'.
FT-IR/ATR and SEM study of colloidal particle deposition

Abstract Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FT-IR/ATR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used to study the deposition of 406 nm diameter amidine functionalized latex particles at silica surfaces at pH 6.6 and 22.0. SEM micrographs were used to determine the area fraction of the surface covered by latex particles as a function of solution concentration and time. At pH 10.6 no deposition was observed. At pH 6.6 the maximum coverage reached at all concentrations was approximately 48% and the time necessary to reach the maximum coverage increased with decreasing concentration of latex particles. The deposited latex particles were not removed from the surface by removing the latex particles from solution and increasing the pH from 6.6 to 10.6. These results are in agreement with the expected deposition mechanism. For the FT-IR/ATR results fused silica ATR elements were used. These crystals exhibit a window in the mid-IR between 3100 and 2800 wavenumbers. The latex particles have several bonds which absorb IR light in this frequency range. The absorbance of the asymmetric –CH 2 stretching band of the polystyrene latex was chosen to follow the deposition kinetics. The kinetics of deposition followed in this manner were similar to the deposition studied by SEM. In particular, the final surface coverage was equivalent in both cases. However, the time taken to reach the maximum was slightly greater for the FT-IR/ATR experiments. Finally, the maximum coverage was used to determine the interparticle spacing and hence the interaction distance of the overlapping double layers between particles. The maximum coverage expected for noninteracting particles is 54.7% if the random sequential adsorption (RSA) model is used or 61.1% if ballistic deposition is active. The average distance between particles was found to be 2.6 times the Debye length assuming RSA and 5.2 times the Debye length assuming ballistic deposition. This seems to indicate that ballistic deposition is occurring in the system studied.
Pancreatic zymogen granules differ markedly in protein composition

The activities of both chymotrypsin and amylase in individual zymogen granules of rat pancreas were measured by means of micromanipulation and microfluorometric methods. The enzyme content and the ratio of amylase to chymotrypsin varied widely among granules taken from the same animal. These results are compatible with short-term nonparallel bulk secretion of the two enzymes through exocytosis. The distribution of each enzyme activity in a population of granules suggests quantal packaging of amylase and chymotrypsinogen into the granules.
The transition to aperiodic behavior in turbulent systems

Some systems achieve aperiodic temporal behavior through the production of successive half subharmonics. A recursive method is presented here that allows the explicit computation of this aperiodic behavior from the initial subharmonics. The results have a character universal over specific systems, so that all such transitions are characterized by noise of a universal internal similarity.
Juvenile Delinquency in the USSR: Social Structural Explanations

This paper looks at juvenile delinquency in the Soviet Union in the context of certain social structural theories of delinquency. These theories attempt to explain the behavior in terms of broad socio-cultural aberrations and socio-economic inequities in the society. It is just these aberrations and inequities which have been consistently ignored or denied by Soviet authorities. As part of the research for the paper, the author spent two months in the USSR in the summer of 1986 conducting interviews with Soviet criminologists and officials and visiting juvenile justice agencies.
Kinetic and spectral resolution of two components of delayed emission from Chlorella pyrenoidosa

1. Decay kinetics of delayed emission from Chlorella pyrenoidosa have been determined with a higher degree of precision than has previously been possible. The decay in the msec-to-sec interval after excitation can be represented accurately by the sum of two exponential decays--a "fast component" whose intensity- dependent lifetime ranges between 3 msec and 10 msec and a "slow component" whose lifetime ranges between 170 msec and 215 msec. 2. The slow component can be isolated by monitoring the emission at 685 nm for long times (> 30 msec) after high or low intensity excitation, or at any time in the msec to sec interval following low intensity (< 0.9 mW/cm^2) excitation. Saturation of the slow component occurs in the low intensity region where oxygen evolution is linear with light intensity. The temperature sensitivity of the slow component indicates involvement of an enzymatic and/or diffusion-limited process. 3. The emission spectrum of the fast component is identical to the fluorescence emission spectrum of the cells, with a peak at 685 nm and a shoulder between 710 and 730 nm. The intensity of the fast component parallels the reduction of System 2 electron acceptors and reaches a maximum level when photochemistry is light saturated. This fact was established by simultaneous measurements of oxygen evolution and delayed emission. 4. The fast component can be selectively inhibited by 3(3, 4-dichlorophenyl)-1, 1-dimethylurea, heat or ultraviolet irradiation. The slow component can be selectively inhibited by hydroxylamine or low temperatures. 5. Possible mechanisms resulting in fast and slow component delayed emission are discussed in view of the experimental results.
Withdrawal from chronic nicotine fails to produce a conditioned taste aversion to saccharin in rats

Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on a daily regimen of nicotine, morphine or saline administration for 28 days. Following the discontinuation of the daily drug regimen, rats were given a choice of tap water or a saccharin-water solution. The rats previously receiving morphine drank significantly less saccharin-water solution than did the rats receiving nicotine or saline injections. The failure of the nicotine rats to display a conditioned aversion to the novel saccharin flavor suggests that nicotine did not produce a physiological withdrawal syndrome analogous to morphine withdrawal in this paradigm.
Optical–thermal characterization of cutaneous transilluminators

In recent years, there has been an increase in the popularity of light-emitting diode (LED)-based, battery-powered transilluminators (BPTs) for facilitating transdermal vascular access in adults and neonates. BPTs are believed to have lower potential for inducing skin burns than prior devices based on high-power broadband lamps; however, the optical and thermal outputs of BPTs are not well documented and safety limits for these devices are not well established. In this study, we characterize and assess the optical and thermal outputs of six BPTs that incorporate red, orange and white LEDs. Optical measurements included spectral irradiance and peak local irradiance. Thermal measurements included transient temperature readings for an exposure time of 4 min in ambient air and ex vivo tissue pre-heated to physiological temperatures. The greatest mean temperature rise produced in tissue by a non-white-light diode BPT was 2.5 °C, whereas a mean temperature rise of 9.1 °C was measured in a BPT that incorporated white-light diodes with relatively high irradiance levels. The dominant cause of temperature rise was most likely heat generation within the devices. Thermal damage analyses based on temperature limits and the Arrhenius equation indicate that although some of the devices studied approach the threshold for damage, none appear to exceed it under normal operating conditions. The results demonstrated that ambient air measurements may be suitable for identifying worst-case BPT temperatures. This study highlights the potential risk of LED-based medical devices as well as the need for additional research on related issues such as neonatal thermal injury thresholds.
Sterol metabolism. IV. Microbial disposition of 5β-cholestan-3β-ol

Cholesterol and 5β-cholestan-3β-ol have been detected by thin-layer and gas-chromatographic means in hexane extracts of domestic sewage. Cholesterol was detected in the clear effluent after activated sludge treatment of domestic sewage, but 5β-cholestan-3β-ol was undetectable in treated sewage. Attempts to detect either sterol in hexane extracts of marine bay water have not been successful because of the interference of other lipid-like material.
The use of the nonstress test in patients with premature rupture of the membranes

The value of the nonstress test in predicting the outcome of infection was determined by a retrospective analysis of 127 consecutive high-risk patients who presented with premature rupture of the membranes and no clinical signs of infection or labor. The last study performed within 48 hours of delivery was used for comparison with the outcome of pregnancy. The relationship between nonstress test results and the outcome of pregnancy, as reflected by the development of clinical amnionitis and/or neonatal sepsis, was determined. The sensitivity and specificity of the nonstress test in predicting infection outcome in patients with premature rupture of the membranes were 78.1% and 86.3%, respectively. These data suggest that the nonstress test is a useful tool for evaluating patients with premature rupture of the membranes.
A general theory of learning and conditioning: Part I

In the first of two parts in which a general mathematical theory of non-symbolic learning and conditioning is constructed, the sections of the theory dealing with non-symbolic learning and conditioning are presented, and a number of its qualitative implications are compared with available experimental results. In general, the agreement is found to be rather close.
On the variability of the exponent in the power law depth dependence of POC flux estimated from sediment traps

Using the power law relationship J(z)=J0(z/z0)-bJ(z)=J0(z/z0)-b relating the particulate organic carbon (POC) flux in the water column at depth z to the export flux J0J0 at z0=100m, I reanalyzed the sediment-trap data set compiled by Berelson [2001. The flux of particulate organic carbon into the ocean interior: a comparison of four U.S. JGOFS regional studies. Oceanography 14, 59–67]. The goal is to better understand the variability of the exponent b. I show that the usual approach of estimating parameters for each station separately and then pooling the estimates from all stations confounds within-station estimation errors with true regional variability and so tends to inflate the apparent variance of b. Furthermore, I show that the correlation between b and J0J0 observed by Berelson [2001. The flux of particulate organic carbon into the ocean interior: a comparison of four U.S. JGOFS regional studies. Oceanography 14, 59–67] is spurious and attributable to the fact that the estimation errors for b and J0J0 are correlated. A two level mixed-effects regression model is introduced to properly take into account the contribution to the variability of the POC fluxes of within- and between-station effects. The analysis shows that the variability of b across stations is only a small contributor to the POC flux variance in the sediment trap data set. In fact the additional POC flux variance captured by a model with regionally varying b in comparison to a simple model with a fixed b is not statistically significant. The best estimate for the fixed b applicable to all stations is 0.70±0.080.70±0.08 (95% C.I. 90 d.f.).
Effects of peripheral axotomy on presynaptic axon terminals with GABA-like immunoreactivity.

The facial nerve was unilaterally crushed at its exit from the stylomastoid foramen in three 3-month old male rats. After 10 days survival, before the regenerating axons had reinnervated their target muscles, the facial nucleus was examined to determine central patterns of response in material prepared to demonstrate the presence of GABA-like immunoreactivity with postembedding procedures using gold-labeled secondary antibody. The uninjured nucleus served as a control. In both control and injured nuclei, the GABAergic terminals synapse with all parts of the motor neurons, except the axon, and exhibit diverse morphologies. GABAergic axon terminals vary in their size and in the electron density of their axoplasm and the majority of the terminals contain pleomorphic vesicle profiles that display a range in their packing density and size. In both control and injured facial nuclei, only ∼40% of the axon terminal profiles with pleomorphic vesicles exhibit GABA immunoreactivity. A morphometric analysis of the synaptic vesicle profiles in the GABA-positive terminals reveals that following axotomy there is no change in the mean number of synaptic vesicle profiles per GABAergic terminal profile. However, the mean size of the synaptic vesicle profiles in these terminals shows an axotomy-induced 50% increase, without change in the shapes of the enlarged vesicle profiles. Also, the numerical density of gold particles associated with the GABA-positive terminals is consistently greater in the injured than the control axon terminals. In the control animals quantitative analysis of the relative distribution of all axon terminal profiles in the neuropil categorized by the shape of their vesicle profiles as round, pleomorphic, or flat is 57:37:6. Ten days after axotomy the ratio of these categories in the injured nucleus has shifted to 35:60:5. This study demonstrates that the functional state of a postsynaptic target can influence the morphology of vesicle profiles in presynaptic elements as well as patterns of its afferent input. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mechanisms of Accommodation among Emerging Adults in a University Setting

In accommodation contexts where dialects already contain extensive overlap, the processes of convergence/divergence may be better specified in terms of the “expansion” and “reduction” of linguistic variation. Among emerging adults at Southern Illinois University, contact between South Midland and Northern Cities speakers illustrates that accommodation of variation in the /u/, /o/, /ae/, and /ɔ/ vowels is expressed not through the wholesale adoption of new forms but rather through an expansion or reduction of the range of previously existing forms. By providing this alternative view, this study mitigates the competing discussions regarding the primary importance of speaker identity/attitudes versus frequency of interaction by allowing both a role in shaping the outcomes of dialect contact and accommodation. The author suggests that the mechanisms of expansion and reduction in accommodation are echoic of more general processes in language contact and language change.
Numerical modeling of suppression of stimulated Brillouin scattering due to finite laser bandwidth

We present numerical simulations of transverse stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in large aperture optical elements and investigate its suppression due to finite laser bandwidth. A specific model for the laser bandwidth, namely, a sinusoidal phase modulation of the electric field, is considered. Our calculations indicate that bandwidths larger than the SBS linewidth lead to significant reduction in the SBS gain. We also investigate the dependence of the SBS gain on the modulation frequency and find that for a fixed overall bandwidth, a modulation frequency of the order of the SBS linewidth leads to an optimal reduction of the SBS gain.
Combined Electrochemical Surface Plasmon Resonance for Angle Spread Imaging of Multielement Electrode Arrays

A surface plasmon resonance imaging system combined with a multielement electrode array is described. An optical system with shaping optics is used to direct a wedge of light onto a gold-coated sample. The reflected light is detected in the form of an angle-spread image of the surface, with one direction denoting a variable incident angle and the other showing a span of locations along one lateral direction of the sample surface. At the proper incident angle, the angle-spread image shows the complete surface plasmon resonance curve over a span of locations on the surface. This imaging system is combined with a sample configuration consisting of a series of gold microelectrode bands, each with independent electrochemical control. In solution, this system can be used to perform high-throughput and dynamic electrochemical experiments. Simultaneous measurement of electrochemical and surface plasmon resonance can be quantitatively performed on each of the electrode surfaces either by holding each electrode at a different potential value or by scanning the applied potential. The sensitivity of this configuration is demonstrated by monitoring oxide formation and removal at a gold electrode in an aqueous electrolyte. A second example, with the use of a thin poly(aniline) coating, illustrates the ability to monitor film changes, including thickness, dielectric properties, and associated electrochemically induced polymer oxidation/reduction on multiple electrodes. This represents a simple and compact method for combining the sensitivity of surface plasmon resonance into an array-based, high-throughput electrochemical system.
Experimentally driven verification of synthetic biological circuits

We present a framework that allows us to construct and formally analyze the behavior of synthetic gene circuits from specifications in a high level language used in describing electronic circuits. Our back-end synthesis tool automatically generates genetic-regulatory network (GRN) topology realizing the specifications with assigned biological "parts" from a database. We describe experimental procedures to acquire characterization data for the assigned parts and construct mathematical models capturing all possible behaviors of the generated GRN. We delineate algorithms to create finite abstractions of these models, and novel analysis techniques inspired from model-checking to verify behavioral specifications using Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) formulae.
In-situ reactive processing of nickel aluminides by laser-engineered net shaping

Nickel aluminide intermetallics (e.g., Ni3Al and NiAl) are considered to be attractive materials for high-temperature structural applications. Laser-engineered net shaping (LENS) is a rapid prototyping process, which involves laser processing fine metal powders into three-dimensional shapes directly from a computer-aided design (CAD) model. In this work, an attempt has been made to fabricate aluminide intermetallic compounds via reactive in-situ alloying from elemental powders using the LENS process. In-situ reactive alloying was achieved by delivering elemental Ni and Al powders from two different powder feeders, eliminating segregation observed in the samples deposited by using the premixed elemental powders. Nickel aluminides of various compositions were obtained easily by regulating the ratio of their feed rates. The aluminide deposits exhibited a high solidification and subsolidus cracking susceptibility and porosity formation. The observed porosity resulted from a water-atomized Ni powder and can be minimized or eliminated by the use of a N2-gas-atomized Ni powder of improved quality. Cracking was due to the combined effect of the high thermal stresses generated from the LENS processing and the brittleness of the intermetallics. Crack-free deposits were fabricated by preheating the substrate to a temperature of 450 °C to 500 °C during LENS processing. Compositionally graded Ni-Al deposits with a gradient microstructure were also produced by the in-situ reactive processing.
Strong biquadratic coupling and antiferromagnetic-ferromagnetic crossover in NiFe/Cu multilayers

We report clear manifestations of biquadratic exchange in the magnetoresistance (MR) of (110) single-crystal NiFe/Cu multilayers. Magnetoresistance curves show a low-field MR minimum which results from an asymmetric canting of the moments away from the applied magnetic field. The stability of these magnetic configurations indicates that the biquadratic coupling can be significantly stronger than the bilinear coupling. In samples with ferromagnetic (F) bilinear coupling the strength of both the bilinear and biquadratic coupling decays in the temperature range from 200 to 400 K. In samples that are coupled antiferromagnetically (AF) at room temperature, we observe a crossover from AF to F bilinear coupling as the temperature is lowered below 200 K. We attribute the strong biquadratic coupling and temperature dependence of the bilinear coupling to pinholes in the Cu spacer layers. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Symptom-Triggered Therapy for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in Medical Inpatients

Objective To assess the efficacy of symptom-triggered therapy vs usual care for alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in medical inpatients. Patients and Methods This study was a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to general medical services between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 1998, who experienced AWS during the admission. This study was conducted at Saint Marys Hospital, Rochester, Minn. Patients were identified from hospital discharge diagnoses and pharmacy data. Symptom-triggered therapy for AWS was initiated in 1997. Patients were divided into preimplementation (1995–1996) and postimplementation (1997–1998) cohorts. Age, sex, medical comorbid conditions, previous AWS (including seizures and delirium tremens), duration of treatment for AWS, benzodiazepine use and dose, complications of AWS, and adverse outcomes of treatment during the incident admission were abstracted from the medical records of eligible patients. Comorbid conditions were classified according to the Charlson comorbidity index. Differences between the cohorts were assessed with use of logistic regression models and analysis of covariance. Results Review of medical records from 638 admissions (536 patients) yielded 216 admissions eligible for this study. After adjustment for age, sex, Charlson comorbidity index, previous AWS, previous alcohol withdrawal seizures, and previous delirium tremens, we found no significant difference between cohorts for duration of treatment ( P =.16), benzodiazepine use ( P =.21), total dose of benzodiazepine ( P =.38), or total complication rate ( P =.053). We did observe a significant difference in the occurrence of delirium tremens between the 2 treatment groups ( P =.04). This was especially apparent for patients with no history of delirium tremens. Conclusions Symptom-triggered therapy is effective treatment for AWS in medical inpatients. In this retrospective study, it did not result in shorter duration of treatment but was associated with a decreased occurrence of delirium tremens, the most severe and life-threatening complication of AWS. This result was most apparent in patients with no history of delirium tremens.
All-optical devices realized by the post-growth processing of multiquantum-well structures

An inexpensive and reliable process for the area-selective disordering of MQW structures is reported. The method relies on the diffusion, by rapid thermal annealing, of surface vacancies into the quantum wells thereby intermixing the Ga and Al atoms between the wells and barriers. A silicon oxide cap that is formed by curing a spun-on solution of glass forming compound acts as porous layer that enhances the formation of surface vacancies by allowing out-diffusion of Ga and Al atoms. This technique has been applied to the fabrication of two integrated optical devices. One is the nonlinear zero-gap directional coupler with disordered input and output branching waveguides, and the other is the symmetric nonlinear integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer with one arm containing a non-intermixed MQW section. In both devices, the mechanism for the switching is the nonlinear refractive index that is caused by photo-generated carriers. Since this mechanism entails absorption of some of the pump beam, it is hence very important that the optical absorption be confined to the active sections only. Selective area disordering is shown to be very effective at defining regions of different bandgap energies. Hence it can be ensured that the energy of the pump laser beam is too low in comparison to the bandgap energy of the passive regions to be absorbed and the free carriers are only created in the non-intermixed active sections. The devices investigated using a pump-probe setup, exhibited strong all-optical switching behavior with a contrast ratio of better than 7:1. The controlled selective area intermixing of MQW structures will potentially play a significant role in the advancement of photonic integrated circuits.
On Testing the Utility Hypothesis.

In order to be able to conduct a test of the (core) utility hypothesis that is not confounded with tests of (subsidiary) hypotheses that economic agents all have the same preferences and that their preferences are weakly separable, it is necessary to use data that are disaggregated and complete. In order to carry out a utility hypothesis test with complete data, revealed preference theory must first be extended. The generalised axiom of revealed preference is extended to include labour supply and portfolio choice. Then a complete, disaggregated data set is used to test the utility hypothesis and two preference separability hypotheses.