cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Congenital supravalvular mitral stenosis in 14 cats.

Abstract Objectives To describe the clinical features of congenital supravalvular mitral stenosis (SVMS) in cats. Background Supravalvular mitral stenosis is an uncommon congenital cardiac defect that has not been previously reported in a series of cats. Animals 14 cats with SVMS. Methods Medical records, relevant diagnostic studies and preserved pathology specimens were reviewed. Results Cats were presented over a wide age range (5 months–10 years; median 3 years); males ( n = 9) and the Siamese breed were over-represented. Presenting complaints included respiratory distress ( n = 6), hindlimb paralysis due to aortic thromboembolism ( n = 5) and asymptomatic heart murmur ( n = 3). Echocardiographic examination often identified pulmonary hypertension (PHT) ( n = 7) and concurrent cardiac abnormalities ( n = 7), especially partial atrioventricular septal defect (PAVSD) ( n = 4). Status 12 months following diagnosis was known for 9 cats; 8 of these had died or were euthanized. Conclusions Cats with SVMS are usually presented as young adults for respiratory signs attributable to congestive heart failure, aortic thromboembolism or incidental murmur identification. Congestive heart failure, PHT and concurrent congenital cardiac abnormalities (specifically PAVSD) are common. Long-term prognosis for symptomatic cats is poor.
DiffServ pricing games in multi-class queueing network models

Introduction of differentiated services on the Internet has failed primarily due to many economic impediments. We focus on the provider competition aspect, and develop a multi-class queueing network game framework to study it. Each network service provider is modeled as a single-server multi-class queue. Providers post prices for various service classes. Traffic is elastic and there are multiple types of it, each traffic-type is sensitive to a different degree to Quality of Service (QoS). Arriving users choose a provider and a class for service. We study the pricing and service competition between the providers in a game-theoretic setting. We provide sufficient conditions for the existence of Nash equilibrium in the Bertrand (pricing) game between the multi-class queueing service providers. We also characterize the inefficiency (price of anarchy) due to strategic DiffServ pricing.
Growing Health Disparities for Persons Who Are Aging With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: The Social Work Linchpin

Similar to the general population, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are living into their 70s and beyond. Health care disparities have been well-documented for this vulnerable and underserved population. Social workers are often responsible for assessment, coordination of care, and negotiation of needed services for people with IDD. This article explores the challenges facing social workers in meeting the growing health and social needs of aging adults with IDD and their families. Trends in social work practice and gaps in education are discussed as they relate to addressing and reducing current health disparities.
Carbene olefin complexes and carbene philicity

Abstract The effect of carbene-olefin complexation on the relationship between absolute rates obtained by laser flash photolysis and product ratios are considered. The conditions needed to give linear Hammett plots in the complex mechanism are detailed.
Cocaine withdrawal produces behavioral disruptions in rats

There is currently no laboratory or clinical evidence from animal or human studies documenting a withdrawal syndrome associated with cocaine dependence, although many users report that withdrawal disturbances are responsible for their repeated use of the drug. In the present study rats self-administered i.v. cocaine and a sweetened drinking solution. When cocaine access was terminated there was a marked suppression in operant behavior reinforced by the sweetened solution, and this withdrawal disruption was immediately reversed when cocaine was reinstated. There were no physical signs of withdrawal, and food intake increased when cocaine was withdrawn. The results suggest that sensitive behavioral tests reveal aspects of drug dependence that may account for persistent abuse.
Projectile K-Auger-electron production by bare, one-, and two-electron ions

Projectile K-Auger-electron production measurements were performed for the bare, one-, and two-electron ions of C, N, O, and F incident on He, Ne, Ar, and Kr gases. The measurements were taken over an energy range of (1/4) to (2/3) MeV/amu using a cylindrical mirror analyzer. For the incident two-electron ions, single-electron capture to excited states of the (1s2s)/sup 3/S metastable component of the incident beam was the principal mechanism giving rise to the observed K-Auger transitions. For the bare and one-electron ions, double electron capture to excited states was the dominant mechanism leading to K-Auger-electron production. In addition to Auger-spectroscopy measurements, total K-Auger production cross sections were determined as well as the partial cross sections for electron capture to specific n levels of the projectile. The n distributions were also measured for double electron capture to excited states of the bare and one-electron ions.
Processing‐property relationships for pet sheet composites

Glass mat thermoplastics were produced with PET by both melt impregnation and slurry deposition. While both processes resulted in strong, impact resistant composites, the melt impregnated composites, which had longer fibers and higher fiber concentrations than the slurry formed composites, had the greater properties. An in-mold coating based on reversible crosslinked isocyanate copolymers produced a durable Class “A” finish in laboratory experiments.
CATALATIC ACTIVITY AS AN INDICATOR OF END‐POINT TEMPERATURES IN BREADED, HEAT PROCESSED CHICKEN PATTIES

Adequate heat-processing of meat and poultry products to destroy harmful pathogens is important to the consumer's safety. The catalatic activity, defined as the decomposition of H2O2 into H2O and O2, has been evaluated as a potential indicator of heat treatment adequacy for chicken patties. Commercially prepared breast and leg meat patties were processed through a belt type grill to various end-point temperatures (EPTs) and their catalatic activities monitored for up to 120 min. All breast samples heated to EPTs of ≤ 69C and all leg samples heated to ≥ 68C showed positive reactions after incubation for 10 min. As the EPT increased, fewer samples were positive, indicating a decrease in the catalatic activity. For EPTs of ≥ 73C, three of 12 breasts and one of 17 leg patties showed positive activity after 30 min incubation. The catalatic activity test may offer a simple and rapid procedure for estimating the EPT at 73C with 3-4C variation for commercially processed chicken patties.
Detecting abuse against women in the home.

Assault is the single major cause of injury to women. Between 1.8 and 4.0 million American women are abused in their homes each year. The perpetrator of domestic violence is usually male (95%), the victim usually female. Most domestic violence is a result of the learning and reinforcement of a power imbalance between partners. Home care providers are in a prime position to detect actual or potential abuse against women, but the dynamics of abuse often produce an artificial home atmosphere, with the occupants ill at ease with the home care provider. This makes detection more difficult. Although a direct inquiry about abuse is usually the best approach, both distinct and subtle signs of abuse can be detected by informed providers. Once physical abuse is detected, it is of paramount importance to select the most appropriate referrals, resources, and strategies to assist the woman in freeing herself of abuse. Emergency departments are recommended for immediate physical treatment, shelters for therapeutic and rehabilitative services. Language: en
True uncomplicated obesity is not related to increased left ventricular mass and systolic dysfunction.

I found the recent study by Peterson et al. ([1][1]) to be quite interesting. They found that obesity in young and otherwise healthy women is associated with increased left ventricle (LV) mass, LV concentric remodeling, and decreased systolic and diastolic function. I applaud that LV function and
Engel Analysis with Lorenz and Concentration Curves

Economic analysis of income transfer programs requires knowledge of how households with different incomes alter expenditure patterns as their incomes change. Classical demand theory, however, provides little guidance for quantifying these income response parameters. Consequently, researchers have relied on statistical approaches to find functional forms which "best" describe the relationship between expenditures and income. The most commonly used specifications (linear, semilogarithmic, and double-logarithmic) imply that the Engel (expenditure) elasticities are monotonically increasing, decreasing, or constant across the income spectrum. However, serious errors may occur if actual elasticities do not adhere to one of these patterns. This paper utilizes a nontraditional approach, based on income and expenditure distributions, to estimate expenditure elasticities. The method places less emphasis on the mathematical specification of the Engel relation and allows for increased flexibility in elasticity patterns. The primary purposes of this article are to examine household income and expenditure distributions in order to deduce the underlying Engel relationship and to measure inequality within each distribution. When other relevant factors (e.g., prices) are held constant, the expenditure distribution on a commodity is directly related to the income distribution via the commodity's Engel function. A recently proposed technique for the estimation of Lorenz and concentration curves is employed (Kakwani and Podder). These curves are directly related to the cumulative distributions of income and expenditures. Expenditure elasticities and measures of income and expenditure inequality can be calculated from the estimated parameters of the Lorenz and concentration curves (Kakwani). Elasticities thus estimated are not constrained to be monotonic or constant across the income spectrum, and may vary across commodities. Related objectives are to (a) introduce a generalized functional form to describe the Lorenz and concentration curves, (b) compare estimated expenditure elasticities among three urbanizations for several food groups using U.S. data, (c) examine elasticity patterns within each urbanization, and (d) examine inequality of food expenditure and income distributions for each urbanization.
Moyamoya Disease: The Disorder and Surgical Treatment

Objective To discuss the clinical features of moyamoya disease, the studies that aid in diagnosing this disorder, and the reported outcomes of surgical treatment. Design We review the manifestations of moyamoya disease in children and adults and the recent reports of the various surgical procedures. Material and Methods Moyamoya disease is a chronic cerebrovascular disorder in which stenosis of the major arteries of the circle of Willis at the base of the skull progresses to occlusion. The diagnosis is based on the angiographic findings of the "puff of smoke" appearance of the abnormal capillary vessels at the base of the skull. Three surgical procedures are used to manage this disease: anastomosis of the superficial temporal artery to the middle cerebral artery, encephalomyosynangiosis, and encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis. Results In children with this disease, cerebral ischemic events, including strokes, occur. In adults, the fragile abnormal vessels can rupture and cause intracerebral hemorrhage. The mortality rate for adults is higher than that for children. Most published reports support the efficacy of surgical treatment in children but not in adults. Conclusion The natural history of moyamoya disease is poor; neurologic deterioration due to strokes and hemorrhage is progressive. Seizures and intellectual deterioration can occur.
A FURTHER STUDY ON THE BIOLOGIC CLASSIFICATION OF PNEUMOCOCCI

1. At least three subgroups of Pneumococcus Type II may be recognized by specific immune reactions. They have been called Subgroups II A, II B, and II X. 2. That the organisms of these three subgroups are biologically related to Pneumococcus Type II is shown by the following facts: (a) Agglutination with Antipneumococcus Serum II. (b) Protection with Antipneumococcus Serum II, except Subgroup II X. (c) Absorption of Antipneumococcus Serum II with typical Type II pneumococcus removes the antibodies for all subgroups, (d) Absorption of Antipneumococcus Serum II with a member of Subgroups II A or II B removes only the antibodies for the homologous subgroup. Absorption of Antipneumococcus Serum II with any given member of Subgroup II X removes the antibodies for that particular strain only. 3. That the three subgroups, although biologically related to Pneumococcus Type II, possess, nevertheless, specific differential characterswhich separate them one from another, is evidenced by thefollowing facts: (a) The organisms of any subgroup are not agglutinated bythe antisera of the other two subgroups. (b) They are not protected against by the sera of the other subgroups. (c) They do not absorb from Antipneumococcus Serum II the specific immune bodies of the other subgroups. 4. Subgroups II A and II B are characterized by immunity reactions identical within the respective group. 5. Subgroup II X consists of heterogeneous strains which do not cross in their immunity reaction with each other or with Subgroups II A or II B.
Was Aristotle's biology sexist?

Marianne Cline Horowitz, in her interesting paper "Aristotle and Woman,"1 has drawn attention to the connection between Aristotle's antifeminism2 and "the standard Western arguments for the inferiority of womankind and for the political subordination of women to men in home and in society."3 She points out that "Aristotle's definition of a female as a 'multilated male' was transmitted into biological, obstetrical, and theological tracts"4 with the ultimate result that "many of the socalled Old Wives' Tales on such subjects as the differences between male and female embryos have their origin not in women's self-deprecation but in the embryology of Aristotle and his followers."5 Horowitz defends the double claim that "Aristotle's biological sexism influenced many human beings' perceptions of themselves and their offspring [and that] his political sexism influenced their beliefs on the proper distribution of roles in society."6 In this paper I shall be primarily concerned with the charge of biological sexism. I shall explore the question of whether or not and in what sense Aristotle's biology was sexist. By way of preface I shall say something about the relationship between his biological sexism and his political sexism.
Aβ42 is More Rigid than Aβ40 at the C Terminus: Implications for Aβ Aggregation and Toxicity

Abstract Aβ40 and Aβ42 are the major forms of amyloid β peptides (Aβ) in the brain. Although Aβ42 differs from Aβ40 by only two residues, Aβ42 is much more prone to aggregation and more toxic to neurons than Aβ40. To probe whether dynamics contribute to such dramatic difference in function, backbone ps–ns dynamics of native Aβ monomers were characterized by 15N spin relaxation at 273.3 K and 800 MHz. Aβ42 aggregates much faster than Aβ40 in the NMR tube. The effect of Aβ aggregation was removed from the relaxation measurement by interleaved data collection. R1, R2 and nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) values are similar in Aβ40 and Aβ42, except at the C terminus, indicating Aβ42 and Aβ40 monomers have identical global motions. Comparisons of the spectral density function J(0.87ωH) and order parameters (S2) indicate that the Aβ42 C terminus is more rigid than the Aβ40 C terminus. At 280.4 K and 287.6 K, the Aβ42 C terminus remains more rigid than the Aβ40 C terminus, suggesting such a dynamical difference is likely present at the physiological temperature. The Aβ42 monomer likely has less configurational entropy due to restricted motion in the C terminus and may pay a smaller entropic price to form fibrils than the Aβ40 monomer. We hypothesize that the entropic difference between Aβ40 and Aβ42 monomers might partly account for the fact that Aβ42 is the major Aβ species in parenchymal senile plaques in most Alzheimer's diseased brains in spite of the predominance of Aβ40 in plasma. The increased rigidity of the Aβ42 C terminus is likely due to its pre-ordering for β-conformation present in soluble oligomers and fibrils. The Aβ42 C terminus may therefore serve as an internal seed for aggregation.
The origin of nonlinear current–voltage behavior in fiber-reinforced cement composites

Abstract Two distinct slopes (resistances) are obtained in current–voltage ( I – V ) plots of discontinuous, conductive fiber-reinforced cement composites. The low-field resistance correlates with the DC resistance ( R DC ) of each composite. The high-field resistance correlates with the intermediate frequency cusp resistance ( R cusp ) in Nyquist (− Z imag vs. Z real ) plots obtained using impedance spectroscopy (IS). A model is developed that is based on passive oxide film formation on copper or steel fiber surfaces at low fields ( I – V ) or low frequencies (IS) due to the high pH pore solution of cement paste. With increase of field, leading to film breakdown (active or transpassive corrosion behavior), or increase of frequency, leading to short-circuiting of the passive layer, the fibers act as short-circuiting elements in the composite microstructure, resulting in a decrease in overall resistance.
Localizer Flight Technical Error measurement and uncertainty

Recent United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wake turbulence research conducted at the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (The Volpe Center) has continued to monitor the representative localizer Flight Technical Error (FTE) associated with Instrument Landing System (ILS) arrivals. This work complements, extends, and improves on previously published localizer FTE results by calculating FTE from more recent Airport Surface Detection Equipment — Model X (ASDE-X) datasets with improved data quality characteristics, as well as providing a quantification of the FTE measurement uncertainty due to the geometry of the Remote Unit (RU) sensor array that provides the analysis data. The technical description of the ASDE-X system is published as [1]. This paper presents additional FTE results and improved uncertainty calculations for ILS arrivals at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), as well as comparisons with previous documented FTE results from Lambert — St. Louis International Airport (STL). The measurement uncertainty assessment provided insight on the level of confidence that can be placed in each runway specific dataset, and these localizer FTE results confirm the previously published observation that the observed FTE performance is consistently much tighter than the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) navigation tolerances commonly used in safety simulations.
On the location of the sulfhydryl group in bovine plasma albumin

A series of spin labels has been empolyed to explore the environment of the sulfhydryl group in bovine plasma albumin. The spin labels consist of the nitroxide-free radical and a maleimide (or iodoacetamide)-attaching group separated by varying chain lenghths. Both sets of spin labels preferentially bind to the sulfhydryl group under appropriate conditions. From the change in the electron spin resonance spectra of these nitroxides as a function of chain length, we conclude that the sulfhydryl group is located in a crevice approx. 9.5 A in depth.
Effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation in epilepsy patients A 12-year observation

A retrospective review of the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in 48 patients with intractable partial epilepsy was performed. Side effects were few and mild to moderate. Mean seizure frequency decreased by 26% after 1 year, 30% after 5 years, and 52% after 12 years with VNS treatment.
AIDS prevention in homosexual and bisexual men: results of a randomized trial evaluating two risk reduction interventions.

This study evaluates 2 AIDS risk-reduction interventions targeted at homosexual and bisexual men. Participants were randomized into 2 peer- led interventions: both involved a lecture on "safer sex" and 1 provided a skills-training component during which men could discuss and rehearse the negotiation of safer sexual encounters. Follow-up data collection assessed self-reported changes in sexual behavior at 6 and 12 months. Skills training increased condom use for insertive anal intercourse. In sessions providing skills training condom use increased on the average by 445 between pretest and 2nd follow-up compared with only 11% on the average in sessions which did not provide such training. (authors)
Linear algebra and quantum chemistry

(1991). Linear Algebra and Quantum Chemistry. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 98, No. 8, pp. 710-718.
Sexual dimorphism in autoimmunity: a focus on Th1/Th2 cytokines and multiple sclerosis

Abstract Many autoimmune diseases preferentially affect women. The underlying reasons for this gender bias are not clear, but are thought to relate to the effects of sex hormones on the immune system. Here we define many of the immune response differences between the genders that may contribute to the increased incidence of MS in females. There is extensive evidence that women respond more vigorously to immune stimuli than men. Increased inflammatory or Th1 cytokine secretion vs. regulatory or Th2 cytokine secretion in females could cause women with MS to have exaggerated immune reactions compared to men. Our previous studies and our preliminary data show that MS patients have a higher number of IFNγ secreting T cells in response to proteolipid protein (PLP) and that this appears to be strongly skewed toward MS females. We hypothesize that this elevated IFNγ response is due to increased IL-12 secretion in females, which has been suggested in animal models of MS. Since induction of IL-12 by antigen is costimulation dependent, we also propose that expression of costimulatory molecules has a strong likelihood of showing gender-specific upregulation. Here we review some of the controversy surrounding the role of sex hormones in regulating the immune response. One of our goals is to help define the role of sex hormones in promoting or suppressing autoimmune responses in MS. Ultimately, understanding the effect that gender plays in the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in MS patients may allow development of new therapies that capitalize on the different immunological responses in women versus men.
Wavelength Dependence of Laser-Induced Damage: Determining the Damage Initiation Mechanisms

A novel experimental approach is employed to understand the mechanisms of laser induced damage. Using an OPO (optical parametric oscillator) laser, we have measured the damage thresholds of deuterated potassium dihydrogen phosphate (DKDP) from the near ultraviolet into the visible. Distinct steps, whose width is of the order of ${k}_{B}T$, are observed in the damage threshold at photon energies associated with the number of photons ($3\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2$ or $4\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3$) needed to promote a ground state electron across the energy gap. The wavelength dependence of the damage threshold suggests that a primary mechanism for damage initiation in DKDP is a multiphoton process in which the order is reduced through excited defect state absorption.
Epistemic Contrastivism, Knowledge And Practical Reasoning

Epistemic contrastivism is the view that knowledge is a ternary relation between a person, a proposition and a set of contrast propositions. This view is in tension with widely shared accounts of practical reasoning: be it the claim that knowledge of the premises is necessary for acceptable practical reasoning based on them or sufficient for the acceptability of the use of the premises in practical reasoning, or be it the claim that there is a looser connection between knowledge and practical reasoning. Given plausible assumptions, epistemic contrastivism implies that we should cut all links between knowledge and practical reasoning. However, the denial of any such link requires additional and independent arguments; if such arguments are lacking, then all the worse for epistemic contrastivism.
S49 mouse lymphoma cells are deficient in hypoxanthine transport

The rate of uptake of hypoxanthine in S49 cells was only about 2-5% of the rate of hypoxanthine transport observed in many other types of mammalian cells, and of the rate of uridine transport in this and other cell types. Part of the slow entry of hypoxanthine seems to be due to non-mediated permeation, but the remainder is saturable, strongly inhibited by uridine, nitrobenzylthioinosine and dipyridamole and not detectable in a nucleoside-transport-deficient mutant of S49 cells (AE1). The inhibition of hypoxanthine transport in S49 cells by nitrobenzylthioinosine resembles the inhibition of nucleoside transport in these and other mammalian cells, whereas it contrasts with the resistance of hypoxanthine transport to nitrobenzylthioinosine in all types of mammalian cells that have been investigated. We conclude that S49 cells lack the hypoxanthine transport system common to other types of cells and that hypoxanthine entry into these cells is mediated, although very inefficiently, by the nucleoside transporter. In contrast, adenine transport in S49 and AE1 cells was comparable to that in other types of cells.
Family Structure Outcomes of Alternative Family Definitions

Although the family continues to be a critical unit in demographic and social analysis, perceptions of what constitutes the “family” vary across groups and societies. The standard definition of the family used in U.S. censuses and surveys (persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption, and living in the same residence) may limit description and analysis of family structure. Yet, it is what determines official data on the family. Because information on alternative family definitions is not available for the U.S., we use data from the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study to assess the effect of three definitions on dimensions of the family. We find significant differences across the three definitions and by stages of the life cycle, and we discuss implications for our understanding of family structure and functions in the U.S. and elsewhere, and some policy and programmatic consequences.
A 470μW clock-free current-controlled class D amplifier with 0.02% THD+N and 82dB PSRR

This paper presents a clock-free current-controlled class D audio power amplifier. The proposed audio amplifier is based on integral sliding mode control (ISMC) to ensure system robustness and to provide zero steady-state error. The proposed audio amplifier's hysteretic controller obviates the traditionally challenging triangle-wave carrier signal design task for pulse-width modulation (PWM). The IC prototype consumes at least 30% less static power than previously reported works and delivers 250mW of output power with 84% efficiency. The class D amplifier achieves up to 82dB of power supply rejection ratio (PSRR), more than 95dB of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over the entire audio band, and 0.02% of total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N). The audio amplifier was fabricated in 0.5μm CMOS standard technology, operates at 380kHz, and occupies 1.65mm2.
Remote sensing of ocean color: a methodology for dealing with broad spectral bands and significant out-of-band response.

A methodology for delineating the influence of finite spectral bandwidths and significant out-of-band response of sensors for remote sensing of ocean color is developed and applied to the Sea-viewing Wide-Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS). The basis of the method is the application of the sensor’s spectral-response functions to the individual components of the top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) radiance rather than the TOA radiance itself. For engineering purposes, this approach allows one to assess easily (and quantitatively) the potential of a particular sensor design for meeting the system—sensor plus algorithms—performance requirements. In the case of the SeaWiFS, two significant conclusions are reached. First, it is found that the out-of-band effects on the water-leaving radiance component of the TOA radiance are of the order of a few percent compared with a sensor with narrow spectral response. This implies that verification that the SeaWiFS system—sensor plus algorithms—meets the goal of providing the water-leaving radiance in the blue in clear ocean water to within 5% will require measurements of the water-leaving radiance over the entire visible spectrum as opposed to just narrow-band (10–20-nm) measurements in the blue. Second, it is found that the atmospheric correction of the SeaWiFS can be degraded by the influence of water-vapor absorption in the shoulders of the atmospheric-correction bands in the near infrared. This absorption causes an apparent spectral variation of the aerosol component between these two bands that will be uncharacteristic of the actual aerosol present, leading to an error in correction. This effect is dependent on the water-vapor content of the atmosphere. At typical water-vapor concentrations the error is larger for aerosols with a weak spectral variation in reflectance than for those that display a strong spectral variation. If the water-vapor content is known, a simple procedure is provided to remove the degradation of the atmospheric correction. Uncertainty in the water-vapor content will limit the accuracy of the SeaWiFS correction algorithm.
Oxidations of hydrocarbons by manganese(III) tris(hexafluoroacetylacetonate).

Mn(hfacac)3 is an easily prepared and reactive oxidant (hfacac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate). It forms stable solutions in benzene and methylene chloride but is rapidly reduced in acetonitrile, DMSO, acetone, and ethers. It is reduced by ferrocene to give the Mn(II) complex [Cp2Fe][Mn(hfacac)3], which has been structurally characterized. Mn(hfacac)3 also rapidly oxidizes 1-acetylferrocene, 1,1‘-diacetylferrocene, and tris(4-bromophenyl)amine. Based on an equilibrium established with tris(2,4-dibromophenyl)amine, a redox potential of 0.9 ± 0.1 V vs Cp2Fe+/0 is calculated. Mn(hfacac)3 oxidizes 9,10-dihydroanthracene (DHA) cleanly to anthracene, with a bimolecular rate constant of 6.8 × 10-4 M-1 s-1 at 25 °C in benzene solution. In the presence of small amounts of water, the manganese(II) product is isolated as cis-Mn(hfacac)2(H2O)2, which has also been structurally characterized. Mn(hfacac)3 also oxidizes xanthene to 9,9‘-bixanthene, 1,4-cyclohexadiene to benzene, and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol to the phenol di...
Methodologies for optimizing behavioral interventions: introduction to special section

An extensive literature has established the effectiveness of various behavioral interventions for a range of conditions [e.g., 1–3], but this literature often fails to isolate the intervention components that are more or less effective. Therefore, despite numerous controlled trials of various interventions for a given problem, the field has little guidance on how to improve upon previously studied interventions, adapt them to specific populations, contexts, or delivery mechanisms, or streamline them to facilitate use in real-world settings with constrained resources. Behavioral intervention research cannot become a cumulative science that builds upon prior research until intervention studies can answer not only if the intervention changed behavior, but also how it changed behavior, and which intervention components were most effective in changing behavior.
Precursor-mediated reactivity of vibrationally hot molecules: Methane activation on Ir(111)

Abstract Industrial steam reformers use temperatures greater than 1000 K to activate methane dissociation. At these temperatures, typical translational energies (Etrans) are much lower than the energy threshold for reaction, but the majority of methane molecules are vibrationally excited. A combination of molecular beam techniques and state-resolved infrared laser excitation allowed us to quantify reaction probability, S0, for vibrationally excited methane in v = 1 of the ν3 C–H stretching vibration (Evib = 36 kJ/mol) at Etrans ranging from 2 to 48 kJ/mol. On a 1000 K Ir(1 1 1) surface, ν3 excitation enhanced S0 at all Etrans studied, and two distinct reaction channels appeared. When Etrans > 15 kJ/mol, S0 increased with Etrans, as expected for direct dissociative chemisorption. When Etrans
Dimensional dependence of magnetic susceptibility in dilute magnetic semiconductor superlattices

A new planar DC SQUID with integrated pick-up loops and field coils has allowed detailed AC magnetic susceptibility measurements of Cd0.85Mn0.15Te/CdTe superlattices. Systematic dimensional studies show that reduced geometries can suppress the three-dimensional spin glass transition and produce nonequilibrium magnetic states.
Structure and mechanism of kynureninase

The kynurenine pathway is the major pathway of l-tryptophan catabolism in eukaryotes and some bacteria. In this pathway, kynureninase catalyzes the hydrolysis of l-kynurenine (in bacteria) or 3-hydroxy-l-kynurenine (in eukaryotes) to give anthranilic acid or 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, respectively, and l-alanine. Kynureninase is a member of the aminotransferase superfamily and contains pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) as cofactor. The enzyme is a dimer of two identical subunits, with the active site containing residues contributed from both subunits. The reaction of kynureninase is formally a retro-Claisen reaction, and thus requires extensive acid-base catalysis. The pH dependence of the reaction of Pseudomonas fluorescens kynureninase shows two pKa's, a base with 6.5 and an acid with 8.8, on kcat/Km, and one pKa of 6.8 on kcat. The effects of mutagenesis of Tyr-226 and (31)P NMR results suggest that the basic group with pKa of 6.5 is the phosphate group of the PLP, which accepts a proton from the amino acid substrate zwitterion to initiate transaldimination. The external aldimine of kynurenine and PLP is then deprotonated by the e-amino group of Lys-227 to give a quinonoid intermediate, which is reprotonated at C-4' to give a ketimine. Addition of water to the γ-carbonyl, assisted by Lys-227, then gives a gem-diol, which undergoes Cβ-Cγ cleavage to give the first product, anthranilic acid, and an enamine intermediate. The enamine is protonated at the β-carbon, resulting in a pyruvate ketimine. Deprotonation at C-4' and reprotonation of the α-carbon gives the external aldimine of l-alanine, which releases the second product, l-alanine. The reaction specificity of kynureninases is determined in part by active site residues, Trp64, Gly281, and Thr282 in P. fluorescens, and the homologous His102, Ser332, and Asn333 in human kynureninase. Asn333 can form a hydrogen bond to the 3-OH of 3-hydroxykynurenine in the human enzyme. Halogenation of kynurenine at C-5 increases activity with both enzymes, but halogenation at C-3 only increases activity for human kynureninase. The effect of halogenation at C-5 may be due to hydrophobic or van der Waals effects, and the effect of halogenation at C-3 for the human enzyme may be due to halogen bonding.
Remote Sensing of Evapotranspiration and Carbon Uptake at Harvard Forest

A land surface vegetation index, defined as the difference of microwave land surface emissivity at 19 and 37 GHz, was calculated for a heavily forested area in north central Massachusetts. The microwave emissivity difference vegetation index (EDVI) was estimated from satellite SSM/I measurements at the defined wavelengths and used to estimate land surface turbulent fluxes. Narrowband visible and infrared measurements and broadband solar radiation observations were used in the EDVI retrievals and turbulent flux estimations. The EDVI values represent physical properties of crown vegetation such as vegetation water content of crown canopies. The collocated land surface turbulent and radiative fluxes were empirically linked together by the EDVI values. The EDVI values are statistically sensitive to evapotranspiration fractions (EF) with a correlation coefficient (R) greater than 0.79 under all-sky conditions. For clear skies, EDVI estimates exhibit a stronger relationship with EF than normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Furthermore, the products of EDVI and input energy (solar and photosynthetically-active radiation) are statistically significantly correlated to evapotranspiration (R=0.95) and CO2 uptake flux (R=0.74), respectively.
Administration of prenatal betamethasone suppresses the adrenal-hypophyseal axis in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Abstract Background Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a condition that is characterized by pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Prenatal betamethasone often is administered to fetuses with CDH to improve pulmonary function. In this study, the authors investigate the possible role of the adrenal-hypophyseal axis in CDH in an animal model and subsequently in human infants with CDH. Methods Twin fetal sheep underwent creation of DH or a sham thoracotomy, and levels of plasma and lung ACTH and plasma cortisol were compared. For the human studies, plasma levels of ACTH, cortisol, and DHEA were measured in cord blood samples collected from 9 CDH (5 that received prenatal betamethasone) and compared with those of 14 normal newborns. In both studies, ACTH and cortisol levels were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Human (DHEA) levels were determined by ELISA. Results Plasma ACTH and cortisol levels were elevated in fetal DH sheep compared with sham-operated controls; however, levels of ACTH in lung tissues were not different. Human newborns with CDH who have been exposed to prenatal steroids have significantly lower plasma ACTH, cortisol, and DHEA levels than normal newborns and CDH newborns not exposed to prenatal betamethasone. Conclusions In an ovine model of CDH, the adrenal-hypophyseal axis appears up-regulated in DH fetuses compared with sham-operated animals. Conversely, the adrenal-hypophyseal axis in human CDH newborns appears normal but is suppressed by the administration of prenatal betamethasone.
Sequence analysis and expression of a mouse homolog of human IκBL gene

Abstract The family of transcriptional inhibitors, IκBLs, are critical to the regulation of cytokine and chemokine production. We have identified the complete cDNA sequence of the mouse IκbL gene. The predicted 381-amino-acid sequence showed evidence of two ankyrin repeats characteristic of Iκb family proteins and 92% identity to the IκBL human homolog. Although human IκBL has been reported to be ubiquitously expressed, here we show that mouse IκBL is transcribed in a more tissue-specific manner.
Low-dose melphalan-induced shift in the production of a Th2-type cytokine to a Th1-type cytokine in mice bearing a large MOPC-315 tumor

The current studies demonstrate that MOPC-315 tumor cells secrete large amounts of interleukin-10 (IL-10), which contributes to the inhibitory activity of MOPC-315 culture supernatants for the in vitro generation of antitumor cytotoxicity by MOPC-315-"immune" spleen cells. Moreover, addition of neutralizing monoclonal anti-IL-10 antibody to the in vitro stimulation cultures of cells from the tumor infiltrated spleens of mice bearing a large MOPC-315 tumor resulted in the generation of enhanced anti-MOPC-315 cytotoxicity. In contrast, addition of monoclonal anti-IL-10 antibody to the in vitro stimulation cultures of splenic cells from mice that are in the final stages of immune-mediated tumor eradication as a consequence of low-dose melphalan (L-phenylalanine mustard; L-PAM) therapy (and whose spleens no longer contain metastatic tumor cells) did not lead to enhancement in the in vitro generation of antitumor cytotoxicity. The cessation of IL-10 secretion as a consequence of low-dose L-PAM therapy of MOPC-315 tumor bearers was found to be accompanied by the acquisition of the ability to secrete interferon gamma (IFN gamma) by the splenic cells. In addition, by day 2 after low-dose L-PAM therapy a drastic decrease in the amount of IL-10 secreted by the s.c. tumor nodules was noted, which preceded the accumulation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes capable of secreting IFN gamma. Thus, low-dose L-PAM therapy of mice bearing a large MOPC-315 tumor leads to a shift in cytokine production from a Th2-type cytokine to a Th1-type cytokine, and it is conceivable that this shift in cytokine production plays an important role in the low-dose L-PAM-induced acquisition of antitumor immunity by hitherto immunosuppressed mice bearing a large MOPC-315 tumor.
Comment on "Effect of impurity bonding on grain-boundary embrittlement"

A Comment on the Letter by L. Goodwin, R. J. Needs, and Volker Heine, Phys. Rev. Lett. 60, 2050 (1988).
Expanded use of aggressive therapies improves survival in early and intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma

Background Despite the increasing annual incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the USA, now estimated at 2.7 cases per 100 000 population, only a small proportion of patients receive treatment and 5-year survival rates range from 9% to 17%.
Prolonged interferon-γ exposure decreases ion transport, NKCC1, and Na+-K+-ATPase expression in human intestinal xenografts in vivo

IFN-γ is elevated in intestinal inflammation and alters barrier and transport functions in human colonic epithelial cell lines, but its effects on normal human small intestinal epithelium in vivo a...
New concepts in organ site research on medulloblastoma: genetics and genomics

Medulloblastoma is the most common solid tumor in childhood, developing in the cerebellum, a hindbrain structure with origins from two distinct germinal zones. Therefore, medulloblastoma tumors show a diversity of signaling abnormalities and stem cell biologies. Sonic Hedgehog and Wnt pathways drive a substantial fraction of tumors; however, genetic pathways underlying the most aggressive subset of these tumors remain uncharted. The speakers of this session discussed the genetic diversity of both tumors and metastases, including forward genetic screens, molecular classifications and stem cell biology. They also addressed novel signaling pathways, mouse models and biomarkers, and clinical progress in targeting inappropriate activation of Shh signaling.
A node-centered local refinement algorithm for Poisson's equation in complex geometries

This paper presents a method for solving Poisson's equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions on an irregular bounded three-dimensional region. The method uses a nodal-point discretization and adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) on Cartesian grids, and the AMR multigrid solver of Almgren. The discrete Laplacian operator at internal boundaries comes from either linear or quadratic (Shortley Weller) extrapolation, and the two methods are compared. It is shown that either way, solution error is second order in the mesh spacing. Error in the gradient of the solution is first order with linear extrapolation, but second order with Shortley-Weller. Examples are given with comparison with the exact solution. The method is also applied to a heavy-ion fusion accelerator problem, showing the advantage of adaptivity.
A cooperative CDMA-based multi-channel MAC protocol for ad hoc networks

In this paper we present CCM-MAC, a cooperative CDMA-based multi-channel medium access control (MAC) protocol for multihop wireless networks. The protocol mitigates the multi-channel hidden and exposed terminal problems through cooperation from overhearing neighbours. By accounting for the multiple access interference obtained through cooperation, it also addresses the near-far problem of CDMA. We provide an analysis of the maximum throughput of CCM-MAC and validate it through simulation in Matlab. A significant improvement in network throughput is achieved over IEEE 802.11 and another multichannel MAC protocol.
It's Who You Know: Social Capital, Social Networks, and Watershed Groups

Social capital, usually conceptualized as trusting relationships among members of a group, is often discussed as playing an important role in watershed groups. This study is grounded in the social networks conceptualization of social capital and seeks to identify how access to social resources aids in achieving watershed group outcomes. Three comparative cases along a rural–urban continuum in the Midwest were studied using qualitative in-depth interviews (n = 38) and meeting observation. The major finding of this research is that purposive selection of watershed-group participants to provide the greatest access to human capital and social network ties aids watershed groups in achieving outcomes. Guidance provided by state agencies to newly formed watershed groups should include suggestions for what types of network ties might be most beneficial for different objectives and how such ties can be sought out.
Do all schizophrenia patients need antipsychotic treatment continuously throughout their lifetime? A 20-year longitudinal study.

Background The prevailing standard of care in the field involves background assumptions about the importance of prolonged use of antipsychotic medications for all schizophrenia (SZ) patients. However, do all SZ patients need antipsychotics indefinitely? Are there factors that help to identify which SZ patients can enter into prolonged periods of recovery without antipsychotics? This 20-year longitudinal research studied these issues. Method A total of 139 early young psychotic patients from the Chicago Follow-up Study, including 70 patients with SZ syndromes and 69 with mood disorders, were assessed, prospectively, at the acute phase and then followed up six times over the next 20 years. Patients were assessed with standardized instruments for major symptoms, psychosocial functioning, personality, attitudinal variables, neurocognition and treatment. Results At each follow-up, 30-40% of SZ patients were no longer on antipsychotics. Starting at the 4.5-year follow-ups and continuing thereafter, SZ patients not on antipsychotics for prolonged periods were significantly less likely to be psychotic and experienced more periods of recovery; they also had more favorable risk and protective factors. SZ patients off antipsychotics for prolonged periods did not relapse more frequently. Conclusions The data indicate that not all SZ patients need treatment with antipsychotics continuously throughout their lives. SZ patients not on antipsychotics for prolonged periods are a self-selected group with better internal resources associated with greater resiliency. They have better prognostic factors, better pre-morbid developmental achievements, less vulnerability to anxiety, better neurocognitive skills, less vulnerability to psychosis and experience more periods of recovery.
The Principal Pregnancy Complications Resulting in Preterm Birth in Singleton and Twin Gestations

Preterm birth is the major cause of perinatal mortality for both singleton and twin gestations in the United States; most preterm birth prevention programs are primarily structured to detect and treat preterm labor. Most of these programs have had limited success, and the preterm birth rate for twins has remained well above that for singletons. Little attention has been paid to the question of whether the frequency of conditions that result in preterm twin delivery differs from those that result in the delivery of preterm singletons. Delivery records were reviewed for all 1,976 preterm (24–36 completed gestational weeks) singleton pregnancies and 221 preterm twin pregnancies delivered at the University of Connecticut Health Center, 1980–1989, to determine the primary complication that resulted in preterm delivery. Premature rupture of membranes was responsible for 46% of these singleton preterm deliveries, while the other causes were preterm labor with intact membranes (20%), pregnancy-induced hypertensio...