cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
David P. Farrington and Brandon C. Welsh, Saving Children from a Life of Crime: Early Risk Factors and Effective Interventions

Older readers may remember a famous Quaker State Car Oil Advertisement that ended with the slogan ‘You can pay me now, or you can pay me later.’ There is perhaps no better phrase to summarize the topic under investigation by Farrington and Welsh—saving children from a life of crime. Investing in children now will pay dividends in the future. Fortunately for us, these two prominent criminologists have written a book on one of social science’s most important matters, and one that embodies the essence of good science: the development and articulation of good ideas, a solid discussion of theory and research, and appropriate policy proscriptions that are accessible and relevant to academics, policy-makers, and lay persons alike. Saving Children From a Life of Crime tackles one of criminology’s most important, yet controversial issues: how do we prevent crime early enough in life and how do we do so by minimizing and/or introducing any undue harm? By reviewing the knowledge base with respect to early risk factors for offending (which include impulsivity, criminal parents, low attainment, parental conflict, and residence in a high-crime neighborhood) as well as the evidence regarding the effectiveness of early crime prevention programs designed to thwart a trajectory of crime over the life course (which include preschool intellectual enrichment, child skills/parent management training, and home visitation programs), Farrington and Welsh lay the groundwork for a prevention strategy that can be used as a model to guide public policy efforts for early childhood crime prevention, one that is relevant, well-reasoned, and informed by objective and oftentimes experimental, evidence-based research. In any era where dealing with the crime problem follows a tough-on-crime approach, Farrington and Welsh remind readers that being smart about crime is more important and any decision about crime prevention should be made with the knowledge base of what works, and clearly several things do. The need for early prevention is clear, and the recognition that it is never too early to prevent crime could not be clearer, especially given the costs associated with early
Chemical class rotations for control of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on poinsettia and their effect on cryptic species population composition.

BACKGROUND Bemisia tabaci, a polyphagous insect with over 900 host plants, is an effective vector of more than 100 plant viruses. Being highly fecund, B. tabaci has the potential to develop insecticide resistance rapidly, as demonstrated by reports of use failures with MEAM1 and MED cryptic species (commonly known as biotypes B and Q respectively). Insecticide resistance management is a key component of pest management practices. The research herein studied season-long rotational management programs on poinsettia and their impact on the ratio of MEAM1:MED cryptic species in the surviving treated populations. RESULTS In all four experiments, only three of the treatments completely eliminated the adult or immature whiteflies, but all significantly reduced the populations. Out of 18 active ingredients tested, dinotefuran (applied as a soil drench) was the most efficacious against both MEAM1 and MED cryptic species compared with the other chemical or biorational insecticides evaluated. Reduced susceptibility of MED was reported against a variety of treatment regimes. CONCLUSION Rotations can be used to manage MEAM1 and MED cryptic species and maintain a very low population level or completely eliminate Bemisia on poinsettia. It is imperative to continue to emphasize the importance of rotating among different modes of action in pest management programs in order to retain effective chemistries for as long as possible in the market place. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia in mycosis fungoides: a retrospective case series.

The most common variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) is mycosis fungoides (MF), a malignant proliferation of atypical CD4 + CD45Ro + T-cells that initially proliferate in the skin and later invades lymph nodes and other organs including the blood (Sezary syndrome). The pathogenesis of CTCL is largely unknown. We present definitive data showing a correlation between degree and prevalence of hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia and clinical stage of MF. Hypomagnesemia was present in 22.2% of MF patients with early stage (n = 27), 38.5% of intermediate stage (n = 13), and 67.5% of advanced stage disease (n = 40). Hypocalcemia was present in 8.3% of MF patients with early stage (n = 24), 54.5% with intermediate stage (n = 11), and 61.0% with advanced stage disease (n = 41). The odds ratios for having hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia in patients with stage II or higher MF compared with stage I patients were 5.33 and 16.24, respectively. Hypomagnesemia has been associated with immune function abnormalities i...
Responses of the rat foetus to maternal injections of adrenaline and vasopressin.

Summary 1 Injection of 0·5–2·0 units of vasopressin or 25–100 μg of adrenaline into the peritoneal cavity of pregnant rats produced a transient slowing of the foetal heart. The bradycardia could be induced in foetuses after 15–21 days of gestation. Foetal heart rates dropped from normal values of 140–180 beats/min, often to less than 20 beats/minute. The period of bradycardia was dose dependent and ranged from 30 to 65 minutes. 2 Maternal injection of the hormones produced a fall in foetal blood pressure from an average of 54, often to less than 20 mm of water, in 17-day foetuses. Direct injection of the hormones into the pericardial sac of the foetuses had the opposite effect and pressures rose an average of 15 mm of water 1 min after the injection. 3 During the period of bradycardia, the potassium concentrations in foetal serum rose from an average value of 8·9 mequiv/1. to an average of 17·3 mequiv/litre. Concentrations of serum sodium fell from 126·2 to 121·4 mequiv/l. during the bradycardia. No changes were detected in the concentrations of either calcium or chloride. Foetal Po2 levels fell from 25 to 15, Pco2 rose from 61 to 89 or more, and pH fell from 7·19 to 6·86 during the bradycardia. 4 Maternal death and uterine clamping caused foetal bradycardia and a rise in foetal serum potassium to an average of 20·2 mequiv/litre. 5 It is concluded that interruption of normal uterine blood flow by vasoconstruction (adrenaline or vasopressin) or direct blockage (uterine clamping) results in a transient hypoxia, bradycardia, and serum ion changes in foetuses.
Soft biometric classification using periocular region features

With periocular biometrics gaining attention recently, the goal of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of local appearance features extracted from the periocular region images for soft biometrie classification. We extract gender and ethnicity information from the periocular region images using grayscale pixel intensities and periocular texture computed by Local Binary Patterns as our features and a SVM classifier. Results are presented on the visible spectrum periocular images obtained from the FRGC face dataset. For 4232 periocular images of 404 subjects, we obtain a baseline gender and ethnicity classification accuracy of 93% and 91%, respectively, using 5-fold cross validation. Furthermore, we show that fusion of the soft biometrie information obtained from our classification approach with the texture based periocular recognition approach results in an overall performance improvement.
Multiplexed tracking of combinatorial genomic mutations in engineered cell populations

Multiplexed genome engineering approaches can be used to generate targeted genetic diversity in cell populations on laboratory timescales, but methods to track mutations and link them to phenotypes have been lacking. We present an approach for tracking combinatorial engineered libraries (TRACE) through the simultaneous mapping of millions of combinatorially engineered genomes at single-cell resolution. Distal genomic sites are assembled into individual DNA constructs that are compatible with next-generation sequencing strategies. We used TRACE to map growth selection dynamics for Escherichia coli combinatorial libraries created by recursive multiplex recombineering at a depth 10(4)-fold greater than before. TRACE was used to identify genotype-to-phenotype correlations and to map the evolutionary trajectory of two individual combinatorial mutants in E. coli. Combinatorial mutations in the human ES2 ovarian carcinoma cell line were also assessed with TRACE. TRACE completes the combinatorial engineering cycle and enables more sophisticated approaches to genome engineering in both bacteria and eukaryotic cells than are currently possible.
Spatial downscaling of global climate model output for site-specific assessment of crop production and soil erosion

Abstract Spatial and temporal mismatches between coarse resolution projections of global climate models (GCMs) and fine resolution data requirements of ecosystems models are the major obstacles for assessing the site-specific climatic impacts of climate change on natural resources and ecosystems. The objectives of this study were to: (i) develop a simple method for statistically downscaling GCM monthly output at the native GCM grid scale to station-scale using transfer functions, and (ii) further demonstrate the site-specific impact assessment of climate change on water resources, soil erosion, and crop production at Kingfisher, OK, US using the water erosion prediction project (WEPP) model. Monthly precipitation and temperature projected by the UK Hadley Centre's Climate Model (HadCM3) under the GGa emissions scenario were downloaded for the periods of 1900–1999 and 2070–2099 for the grid box containing the target station. Univariate transfer functions were derived by calibrating probability distributions of GCM-projected monthly precipitation and temperature to match those of local climatology for the 1950–1999 period. Derived functions, which were tested for 1900–1949, were used to spatially downscale the HadCM3 monthly projections of 2070–2099 to the target station. Downscaled monthly data were further disaggregated to daily weather series using a stochastic weather generator (CLIGEN) for driving the WEPP model. Disaggregated daily series preserve the monthly means and variances of precipitation and temperature of the downscaled HadCM3 output. Simulated annual runoff under the changed climate, compared with the present climate, increased by 40–48% despite the projected 5% decrease in precipitation. Simulated plant transpiration, soil evaporation, and long-term soil water reserve decreased by 5, 16.5, and 5.5%, respectively. Simulated soil loss rates were increased by some 44% under conventional tillage and doubled under conservation tillage and no-till. Simulated wheat yield increased by approximately 14% in all three tillage systems. The overall results show that the proposed downscaling technique is simple and sound, which provides an effective alternative for assessing the site-specific impacts of climate change on soil erosion and crop production. Nevertheless, the technique suffers from the same shortcomings as all other statistical downscaling methods, as it largely relies upon the accuracy of GCM projections as well as the applicability of transfer functions to future climate.
Can Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) larvae be weaned faster onto dry feed at higher temperatures

Live feed production is costly, labour intensive, and comprises a large proportion of the hatchery production cost. The cost of live food production required to culture marine finfish larvae such as Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) can be reduced by a shorter and more efficient weaning period. In this study, hatchery reared cod larvae were exposed to different temperatures while being weaned from Artemia (brine shrimp) to dry food from 45 days post-hatch (dph). In the first experiment, two temperatures were used: 11.5 and 7.5 °C. During weaning, the amount of Artemia fed to the larvae was gradually decreased while the dry feed was increased. Larval foraging behaviour and mortality were monitored. The growth rate and mortality of the larvae were not significantly different between the two treatments. However, the larvae in the 11.5 °C treatment showed a significant increase in the intake of dry feed. Thus, a second experiment was conducted at 11.5 and 14.5 °C to examine if weaning could be further improved. Results showed that the growth rate of larvae between the two temperatures did not differ significantly, however, mortality rate in 14.5 °C treatment was significantly higher than 11.5 °C treatment. Larval orientation towards and ingestion of dry feed were not significantly different in experiment two. Results of our experiments suggest that a possible optimal weaning temperature for larval cod between is 11.5 and 14.5 °C.
Monoamniotic twins in contemporary practice: a single-center study of perinatal outcomes.

Objective. The previous studies of monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA) twins reported perinatal mortality rates as high as 70–80%. The recent trends have been towards significantly improved outcomes, though results from all studies have not been consistent.Method. A retrospective cohort analysis of all MCMA pregnancies ≥20 weeks delivered in a single university institution from 2001 to 2009, using a computerised hospital database. MCMA twins are managed by a close antenatal surveillance program, preferably elective admission at 26–28 weeks, daily non-stress tests, regular assessment of fetal growth with the goal of cesarean delivery by 34 weeks.Results. Of the 25 MCMA pregnancies delivered, 98% (49/50) of twins were live-born. All women were delivered by cesarean section. There was one intrauterine fetal demise, which was secondary to anencephaly. There were three neonatal deaths, two in association with complex congenital heart disease. One twin died outside the neonatal period following cardiac surgery. I...
Multiple Solutions of a Nonlinear Boundary Value Problem with Application to Chemical Reactor Dynamics

Abstract A nonlinear boundary value problem is studied whose bifurcation structure yields an arbitrarily large number of solutions as the parameters are varied appropriately. The result is applied to certain model equations for chemical reactors of the plug flow type.
Fact or fiction: Diagnosing borderline personality disorder in adolescents.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) has long been considered a mental health problem that results in considerable costs in terms of human suffering and psychiatric expenses among adult patients. Although the diagnosis of BPD for adolescents is frequently used in clinical settings, the field of mental health has questioned whether one should diagnose BPD among adolescents. This paper reviews the recent empirical literature (identified through PsycINFO 1980 to present) to evaluate prevalence, reliability, and validity of a BPD diagnosis in adolescents. It is concluded that the features BPD diagnoses in adolescents are comparable to those in adults. Furthermore, there appears to be a legitimate subgroup of adolescents for whom the diagnosis remains stable over time as well as a less severe subgroup that moves in and out of the diagnosis. While caution is warranted, formal assessment of BPD in adolescents may yield more accurate and effective treatment for adolescents experiencing BPD symptomatology. More longitudinal research is necessary to further explicate the issues of diagnosing BPD in adolescents.
The use of GAP-43 mRNA quantification in high throughput screening of putative neuroprotective agents in dorsal root ganglion cultures

Large scale screening for neuroprotective drugs for peripheral neuropathies requires development of a high throughput system that is reliable and reproducible. Currently most accurate outcome measures of axonal degeneration are based on time-consuming, laborious measurement of morphological changes in neurites. In order to improve on the scalability of the screening procedure we developed a real-time RT-PCR based method of gene expression that correlates very well with morphological measures of neuritic degeneration. We examined the changes in GAP-43 expression in primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in vitro with exposure to a zalcitabine (ddC), an antiretroviral drug that causes neuropathy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals, with and without FK506, an immunophilin ligand with neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties. Similar to morphological measures of neuritic degeneration, in ddC-treated cultures there was a reduction in the expression of GAP-43 mRNA. This was prevented, in a dose-dependent manner, by co-administration of FK506. This assay, performed in a 96-well format, can easily be scaled for high throughput screening (HTS) using robotic systems.
Some minor-closed classes of signed graphs

Abstract We define four minor-closed classes of signed graphs in terms of embeddability in the annulus, projective plane, torus, and Klein bottle. We give the full list of 20 excluded minors for the smallest class and make a conjecture about the largest class.
Proteases of Euphorbiaceae.

Abstract From lactices of eight species of the family Euphorbiaceae a total of 17 proteases have been isolated. The major characterstics of these enzymes are collected here for comparisons which demonstrate that the proteases are all serine-centred and carry essential histidine residues. They have, however, different physical properties such as Mrs, amino acid compositions and charged forms, and different reactivities to ester and protein substrates, and to protease inhibitors.
Evaluation of prognosis one year after myocardial infarction

Three multivariate methods for predicting death within 1 year for patients discharged after acute myocardial infarction were evaluated: Cox model, discriminant function analysis and recursive partitioning. Discriminant function analysis was utilized to predict a new myocardial infarction (any new or nonfatal infarction). A Cox classification model developed in a population of 260 patients (group 1) discharged after myocardial infarction was tested in 886 patients from the same institution (group 2) and 582 patients from another institution (group 3). Discriminant function analysis and recursive partitioning were developed in group 2 and tested in group 3. Data gathered during the entire period of hospitalization were utilized. The important variables (ordered as selected by the analyses) for the end point death were: heart failure, ventricular tachycardia and atrioventricular block in the Cox model and heart failure, previous myocardial infarction, age and ventricular premature beats in the discriminant function analysis. For the end point new myocardial infarction, the important variables were: previous myocardial infarction, heart failure, extension of infarction during the acute phase and infarct site. For predicting death and survival within 1 year, each of the three schemes was comparable. For estimating the actual risk of death, the Cox model was best. Recursive partitioning had the advantage of using only one variable — heart failure. Total correct classification ranged from 65.4 (Cox model) to 71.6% (discriminant function analysis) for the original population (groups 1 and 2) and from 47.9 (discriminant function analysis) to 54.3% (recursive partioning) when the schemes were tested in patients in group 3. The Cox model and discriminant function analysis were able to correctly predict over half of the new infarctions within 1 year.
Doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in caspase-8-deficient neuroblastoma cells is mediated through direct action on mitochondria.

The induction of p53 expression and stimulation of the Fas/caspase-8 pathway represent major mechanisms by which cytotoxic drugs induce apoptosis, but in neuroblastomas, the caspase-8 gene is often not expressed. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether doxorubicin could induce apoptosis in caspase-8-deficient neuroblastoma cells and to define its mechanism of action. Methods: The caspase-8-deficient human neuroblastoma cell line, SKN-SH, was incubated with doxorubicin and the apoptotic response, as well as expression of apoptotic molecules in the p53/Fas/caspase-8 pathway, were determined. Results: SKN-SH cells incubated with doxorubicin readily underwent apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot analyses with specific antibodies demonstrated that both p53 and Fas ligand were endogenously expressed in SKN-SH cells, but their expression was not stimulated by doxorubicin. Fas receptor was not detected in these cells and caspase-8 was totally absent. Electron microscopic analyses of SKN-SH cells treated with doxorubicin revealed pronounced alterations in mitochondrial structure. This treatment also induced the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and activated the downstream apoptotic intermediate, caspase-3. Conclusion: These results indicate that the p53/Fas/caspase-8 system does not play a role in mediating the apoptotic action of doxorubicin in the human neuroblastoma cell line SKN-SH. Thus, mitochondria and downstream apoptotic signaling intermediates may be considered as key targets for doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in neuroblastoma tumors having deficiencies in the Fas/caspase-8 system.
Caregiving, Repetitive Thought, and Immune Response to Vaccination in Older Adults

Chronic stressors such as caregiving have been associated with reduced antibody production after vaccination and elevated interleukin (IL)-6 in older adults. However, individual differences in repetitive thought, that is, frequent or prolonged thought about oneself and one’s world, can modify perception and effects of stress. For example, worry during stressful circumstances has been associated with poorer immune outcomes, whereas cognitive processing has been associated with better outcomes. The present study tested the relationship of caregiving and two types of repetitive thought, negative (e.g., worry) and neutral (e.g., reflection), to pre- and post-influenza vaccine antibody and IL-6. Dementia caregivers (n = 14) and controls (n = 30) were interviewed and had blood drawn pre- and post-vaccine in a multi-wave study. Multi-level models found that caregivers had higher IL-6 than controls after vaccination (t(23) = 2.36, p < .05). There were several interactions between caregiver status and repetitive thought in predicting both depression and immune responses to vaccination. Among caregivers, negative repetitive thought predicted more depression and lower antibody titers, whereas neutral repetitive thought predicted less depression and higher antibody titers, but also higher post-vaccination IL-6. Among controls, negative repetitive thought predicted more depression but higher antibody titers, whereas neutral repetitive thought predicted less depression and lower post-vaccination IL-6. In mediational tests, depression did not account for the effects of repetitive thought. Results generally support beneficial effects of neutral repetitive thought and detrimental effects of negative repetitive thought, but those effects may be reduced or even reversed depending on life circumstances.
Integrated PDMS/CMOS Microsystem for Autonomous Incubation and Imaging in Cell Culture Studies

We discuss the design, fabrication and testing of a hybrid microsystem for stand-alone cell culture, incubation and imaging. The micro-incubator is engineered through the integration of two CMOS dies. The first for the heater and temperature sensor, and a second die for imaging. A multilayer PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) structures is used to create not only the fluidic structures but to encapsulate the CMOS dies. The microfluidic features include fluidic channels, a 4 mm diameter, 30muL, culture well and a 25 micron thick PDMS membrane that covers the top of the culture well, acting as barrier to contaminants while allowing the cells to exchange gases with the ambient environment. The micro-incubator interface includes with a flexible polyimide ribbon cable and four fluidic ports. The complete structure has a size of (2.5times2.5times0.6 cm3). We have employed the device to successfully culture BHK-21 cells autonomously over a sixty hour period in ambient environment
Combustion synthesis of single phase Ti5Si3

Ti[sub 5]Si[sub 3] is an important compound of the Ti-Si binary system with potential usage in high temperature aerospace applications. Silicides are important because of their superb oxidation resistance. Other characteristics for structural service temperatures of up to 1,600 C include low density, good strength at high temperature, good creep resistance, and microstructural stability over the temperature range between 25 C and the maximum service temperature. Because they are high temperature materials, the processing of the refractory silicides may not be easy. Typical processes for producing the silicides include chemical/ physical vapor deposition, rapid thermal processing for thin films and traditional casting or powder metallurgical processing. The drawbacks of these processes include high capital investments and an extended amount of time at high temperatures. As detailed in several reviews, Combustion Synthesis (CS) processing, provides several benefits, including the generation of substantial heat in situ, use of a simple reactor, ease of scaling up, tailoring of the composition, and reduction of impurities.
Impacts of Intercycle Demand Fluctuations on Delay

This paper demonstrates that in addition to intracycle demand fluctuation, which is already a consideration in many delay models, intercycle demand variance also impacts average delay at signalized intersections. Webster-type delay models treat demand fluctuation over the whole analysis period, often 15 min or longer, as if it were just within a single cycle. Such an approach is fine if used judiciously, one might presume. However, results from Monte Carlo simulations with the incremental queue accumulation (IQA) method indicate that Webster-type delay models will underestimate the average delay under heavy traffic conditions. As unutilized capacity at a signalized intersection cannot be saved or carried over to be used by succeeding cycles when demand surges due to normal fluctuation, better understanding of the patterns of intercycle demand variance is important. Simulation results demonstrate that different patterns of intercycle demand variance can result in different levels of average delay. A low-to-high demand pattern will cause a higher average delay than a high-to-low pattern would, even though the overall demand level is exactly the same. It is therefore clear that neglecting intercycle demand variance may lead to significant inaccuracy and, hence, suboptimal signal timing decisions.
Association Between Atrial Fibrillation and Silent Cerebral Infarctions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cause of stroke. Silent cerebral infarctions (SCIs) are known to occur in the presence and absence of AF, but the association between these disorders has not been well-defined. Purpose To estimate the association between AF and SCIs and the prevalence of SCIs in stroke-free patients with AF. Data sources Searches of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and EMBASE from inception to 8 May 2014 without language restrictions and manual screening of article references. Study selection Observational studies involving adults with AF and no clinical history of stroke or prosthetic valves who reported SCIs. Data extraction Study characteristics and study quality were assessed in duplicate. Data synthesis Eleven studies including 5317 patients with mean ages from 50.0 to 83.6 years reported on the association between AF and SCIs. Autopsy studies were heterogeneous and low-quality; therefore, they were excluded from the meta-analysis of the risk estimates. When computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were combined, AF was associated with SCIs in patients with no history of symptomatic stroke (odds ratio, 2.62 [95% CI, 1.81 to 3.80]; I(2) = 32.12%; P for heterogeneity = 0.118). This association was independent of AF type (paroxysmal vs. persistent). The results were not altered significantly when the analysis was restricted to studies that met at least 70% of the maximum possible quality score (odds ratio, 3.06 [CI, 2.24 to 4.19]). Seventeen studies reported the prevalence of SCIs. The overall prevalence of SCI lesions on MRI and CT among patients with AF was 40% and 22%, respectively. Limitation Most studies were cross-sectional, and autopsy studies were heterogeneous and not sufficiently sensitive to detect small lesions. Conclusion Atrial fibrillation is associated with more than a 2-fold increase in the odds for SCI. Primary funding source Deane Institute for Integrative Research in Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Interconversion between 3D molecular representations: some macromolecular applications of spherical harmonic-Bessel expansions about an arbitrary center.

Abstract An accurate interconversion of three-dimensional molecular spatial information between two alternative orthogonal representations is demonstrated. These alternative descriptions are useful for exhaustive six-dimensional grid searches of empirical energy functions and for estimating the contents of asymmetric units in sparsely packed, non-centrosymmetric crystalline arrays. To illustrate the fidelity of this interconversion, it is implemented to perform an exhaustive grid search in six-dimensional relative rotational and translational space (phase space) with the spherical harmonic-Bessel representation. This search is an extension of Crowther’s crystallographic fast rotational overlap function from Patterson space to direct, three-dimensional space. The search uses a three-dimensional spherical harmonic expansion about a single center to represent a probe molecule’s shape, charge and van der Waals parameters and numerous complete expansions about single centers to represent the complementary shape, electrostatic potential and van der Waals potential of several target sites about the complementary molecule. The rapid calculation of unique, complete expansions about numerous sites on a grid is made possible by application of the Fourier convolution theorem. Expansions from nearby grid points can be used to reconstruct the same molecular shape accurately, if this shape is contained entirely within the spherical zone of expansion about each grid point. This arbitrariness for the choice of origin, and the accuracy of interconversion between three-dimensional spherical harmonic-Bessel and Fourier representations, suggest a method for describing the contents of non-centrosymmetric, sparsely packed crystals. Incomplete Fourier representations (diffraction amplitudes) provide complex spherical harmonic-Bessel coefficients for a crystal packed with symmetry-enforced, non-centrosymmetrically arranged, non-overlapping spherical expansion zones.
Social-evaluative anxiety in panic disorder and agoraphobia.

18 agoraphobics with panic attacks had significantly higher scores on the Willoughby Personality Schedule, a measure of social-evaluative anxiety, than 18 matched patients with panic disorder. Resu...
Scattering and recoiling imaging code (SARIC)

Abstract A new classical ion trajectory simulation program based on the binary collision approximation has been developed in order to support the results of time-of-flight scattering and recoiling spectrometry (TOF-SARS) and scattering and recoiling imaging spectrometry (SARIS). The code was designed to provide information directly related to the TOF-SARS and SARIS measurements and to operate efficiently on small personal computers. The calculation uses the Ziegler-Biersack-Littmark (ZBL) universal screening function or the Moliere screening function to simulate the three-dimensional motion of atomic particles and includes simultaneous collisions involving several atoms. For TOF-SARS, the program calculates the energy and time-of-flight distributions of scattered and recoiled particles, polar (incident) angle α-scans, and azimuthal angle δ-scans. For SARIS, the program provides images of the scattering and recoiling intensities in polar exit angle and azimuthal angle (β, δ)-space. A two-dimensional reliability factor (R) has been developed in order to obtain a quantitative comparison of experimental and simulated images. Examples of simulations are presented for Ni{100}, {110} and {111} surfaces and a Pt{111} surface. The R-factor is used to quantitatively compare the simulated Pt{111} image to an experimentally emulated image.
Discovery of a significant optical chromatographic difference between spores of Bacillus anthracis and its close relative, Bacillus thuringiensis.

A significant difference between two closely related Bacillus spores has been discovered using optical chromatography. This difference can be harnessed for the separation of microscopic particles using opposing laser and fluid flow forces. Particles of different size, composition, and shape experience different optical and fluid forces and come to rest at unique equilibrium positions where the two forces balance. Separations in excess of 600 μm have been observed between Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain and its genetic relative, Bacillus thuringiensis. These findings open new possibilities for detection and characterization of the biological warfare agent, B. anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, the deadly mammalian disease. The large optical separation between these species is surprising given their close genetic relationship but may be explained by differences in their shape and exosporium morphology, which may result in differences in fluid drag force. The observation of large differences due to ...
Characterization of four human YAC libraries for clone size, chimerism and X chromosome sequence representation

Four collections of human X-specific YACs, derived from human cells containing supernumerary X chromosomes or from somatic cell hybrids containing only X human DNA were characterized. In each collection, 80 - 85% of YAC strains contained a single X YAC. Five thousand YACs from the various libraries were sized, and cocloning was assessed in subsets by the fraction of YAC insert-ends with non-X sequences. Cocloning was substantial, ranging up to 50% for different collections; and in agreement with previous indications, in all libraries the larger the YACs, the higher the level of cocloning. In libraries made from human - hamster hybrid cells, expected numbers of clones were recovered by STS-based screening; but unexpectedly, the two collections from cells with 4 or 5 X chromosomes yielded numbers of YACs corresponding to an apparent content of only about two X equivalents. Thus it is possible that the DNA of inactive X chromosomes is poorly cloned into YACs, speculatively perhaps because of its specialized chromatin structure.
Pore Width of Disease-Causing Connexin26 Containing Channels

Many point mutations of the gap junction protein connexin26 (Cx26) cause nonsyndromic or syndromic deafness. Some of these mutants form functional channels (Cx26deaf). Most Cx26 in the cochlea exists in heteromeric channels along with connexin30 (Cx30). Using a liposome-based assay of channel activity, we explored (a) the permeability of homomeric hemichannels composed of a Cx26deaf alone and of heteromeric hemichannels composed of both Cx26deaf and wild-type Cx30 (Cx26deaf/Cx30) to sucrose, raffinose, iohexol (NycodenzTM) and diatrizoate (HypaqueTM), and (b) concentration dependence of block of the permeability pathway by alpha-cyclodextrin [1-3]. These studies assess the permeability properties of open channels, and do not report differences in channel gating. None of the channels were permeable to diatrizoate, which is smaller than iohexol but negatively charged; all other compounds are uncharged. Consistent with earlier work, the pores of heteromeric Cx26/Cx30 channels (and most Cx26deaf/Cx30 channels) were more restrictive than either homomeric counterpart, a property shown to correlate with selectivity among signaling molecules [1-5]. In heteromeric channels, the data suggest that Cx26deaf mutations G12R and V95M dramatically narrow the pore relative to Cx26/Cx30, and T8M, V84L and N206S widen it to increasing degrees. G12R, V84L and N206S homomeric channels were less restrictive than homomeric Cx26 channels. T8 and G12 have high probability of being pore lining [6-7]. The other mutation sites are not positioned to directly interact with permeants, so likely exert their effects by other mechanisms. Support: R01NS056509 & R21DC07470.1. Locke, D. J. Biol. Chem. 279:228832. Harris, AL. in: Gap Junctions (ed. R. Werner) p.60, IOS Press3. Bevans, C. Biophys. J. 68:204a4. Ayad, WA. J. Biol. Chem. 281:167275. Bevans, C. J. Biol. Chem. 273:28086. Kwon, TK. J. Gen. Physiol. (in press)7. Oh, S. J. Physiol. 586:2445
Iron and the formation of astrophysical dust grains

Condensation of metallic iron or the iron carbide cohenite Fe3C is proposed as the source of the approximately 1000 K dust condensate in nova shells, Wolf-Rayet stars, and other objects. Iron grains may serve as nucleation sites for carbon in carbon-star ejecta; however, nucleation of graphite at its equilibrium saturation temperature is almost certainly kinetically inhibited. A gas phase rich in CO, C2H2, and HCN is produced instead.
Relaxation Dynamics of Entangled Polymer Liquids near Solid Substrates

We investigate relaxation dynamics of entangled 1,4-polybutadiene (PBD) melts and concentrated polystyrene/diethyl phthalate (PS/DEP) solutions near an attractive glass substrate. Narrow molecular weight distribution PBD melts and PS/DEP solutions covering a broad range of molecular weights (6.7 × 103 ≤ Mw,PBD ≤ 5.15 × 105; 1.3 × 105 < φMw,PD < 1.1 × 106 g/(mol)) were used in the study. A new experimental method, evanescent wave laser polarimetry (EWLP), was developed to investigate near-surface relaxation dynamics in these materials. The method relies on total internal reflection of phase-modulated laser light at an interface between a high refractive index transparent hemisphere and the polymer liquid to probe shear-induced changes in molecular orientation in a fluid layer within approximately 80 nm of the polymer/substrate interface. A characteristic near-surface relaxation time τsurface determined from step shear EWLP relaxation experiments using PBD melts was found to be a much stronger function of...
Gastrointestinal helminths from two species of skink from Papua New Guinea, including two new species of Skrjabinodon (Nematoda, Pharyngodonidae)

Skrjabinodon derooijae sp. nov. from the large intestine of Papuascincus stanleyanus (Scincidae) and Skrjabinodon sheai sp. nov. from the large intestine of Emoia pallidiceps (Scincidae) from Papua New Guinea are described and illustrated. Skrjabinodon derooijae sp. nov. and S. sheai sp. nov. represent the 27th and 28th species assigned to the genus and the 8th and 9th species from the Australo-Papuan Region. The new species differ from other species assigned to Skrjabinodon by egg and female tail morphology. The eggs of S. derooijae are spindleform with one truncate end and the female tail bears 13–16 tail spines in a defined pattern. The eggs of S. sheai are lagenoid and the female tail bears 12–16 tail spines in a random pattern. In addition to the new species, E. pallidiceps harboured Physalopteroides milnensis and P. stanleyanus harboured Mesocelium monas and Oswaldocruzia bakeri.
Surrogate decision-making: The elderly's familial expectations

This essay explores the preferences, anticipations and expectations of the elderly regarding the role of family members in making health care decisions for them should they become decisionally incapacitated. Findings are presented from a series of in-depth interviews of men and women aged 67–91 years. Following a discussion of the uncertain legal status of familial surrogate decision-making, we argue that the family unit's autonomy is sufficient to justify the elderly's preferred reliance on their own family. Further, we suggest that social and legal policy changes should facilitate, rather than impede, familial decision-making.
Regarding Refusals of Physically Ill People with Mental Illnesses at the End-of-Life

This paper explores decision making at the end-of-life for physically ill people with mental illnesses. I suggest reasons to make better use than we typically do of psychiatric expertise in complex cases. I offer one example of an ethically and clinically complex case and canvass some of the relevant ethical concerns including the need to distinguish carefully between the clinical standard of decision-making capacity from the legal standard of competency. I also draw attention to values such as dignity and honoring the patient's illness experience by arguing that we should add the concept epistemic authority to capacity and competency as standards by which we regard decisions, particularly refusals, about treating physically ill people with mental illnesses at the end-of-life.
Revisiting Computational Thermodynamics through Machine Learning of High-Dimensional Data

A new perspective on alloy thermodynamics computation uses data-driven analysis and machine learning for the design and discovery of materials. The focus is on an integrated machine-learning framework, coupling different genres of supervised and unsupervised informatics techniques, and bridging two distinct viewpoints: continuum representations based on solid solution thermodynamics and discrete high-dimensional elemental descriptions.
Take If from Me: The Epistemological Status of Testimony

Testimony consists in imparting information without supplying evidence or argument to back one's claims. To what extent does testimony convey epistemic warrant? C. J. A. Coady argues, on Davidsonian grounds, that (1) most testimony is true, hence (2) most testimony supplies warrant sufficient for knowledge. I appeal to Grice's maxims to undermine Coady's argument and to show that the matter is more complicated and context-sensitive than is standardly rocognized. Informative exchanges take place within networks of shared, tacit assumptions that affect the scope and strength of our claims, and the level of warrant required for their responsible assertion. The maxims explain why different levels of warrant are transferred in different contexts.
A critical examination of the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) sedimentation test for wheat meals

Sedimentation tests have long been used to characterise wheat flours and meals with the aim of predicting processing and end-product qualities. However, the use of the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) sedimentation test for durum wheat (AACC International Approved Method 56–70) has not been characterised for hexaploid wheat varieties with a diverse range of protein quality and quantity. This paper reports the variation associated with important method parameters: sample weight, SDS concentration, technician, grinder and screen aperture (particle size). Sedimentation volumes were recorded every 5 min for 30 min and expressed as specific volume, i.e. sediment volume in mL g−1 meal. Ten diverse hexaploid wheat samples of markedly different protein quality and quantity were examined. The SDS sedimentation assay was shown to be highly robust and reproducible, with ANOVA (analysis of variance) model R2 values greater than 0.98 (individual time points). The procedure delineated soft and hard hexaploid wheat samples based on a combination of protein quantity and quality. Sample weight (if corrected to unit weight basis), recording time of at least 10 min, SDS stock concentration of at least 10 g L−1 (final), grinder type and screen aperture were minor sources of variation in SDS sedimentation volume relative to the effects due to differences among wheat samples. Interactions among ANOVA model terms were of relatively minor importance. Published in 2007 by This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Attention, Task Difficulty, and ADHD.

Comments on analysis of attention tasks in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) provided by Wilding (2005) points out that whereas many regulatory functions, including alertness or arousal, appear to be impaired in ADHD, demonstrating basic attention deficits in selection or orienting functions in the disorder has proven difficult. Yet several issues remain to be addressed in the field with regard to attentional function in ADHD. These include the need for further scrutiny of effects of perceptual load, the psychometric problem of differential task difficulty and differential deficit, relative value of complex versus simple tasks, and consideration of heterogeneity in ADHD. Heterogeneity pertains both to additional analysis of ADHD subtypes, in light of speculation that the Inattentive type may be characterized by true attention problems, and to newer analyses of potential distinct etiological groups within subtype. New analyses of attentional operations have a role to play in these future directions.
Exposure to excess glucocorticoids alters dendritic morphology of adult hippocampal pyramidal neurons

We have used Golgi-impregnated tissue to demonstrate that exposure to excess glucocorticoids alters dendritic morphology in a specific population of neurons in the adult rat hippocampus. Daily injection of 10 mg of corticosterone for 21 days resulted in decreased numbers of apical dendritic branch points and decreased total apical dendritic length measured in a 100-microns-thick section in CA3 pyramidal cells compared to sham-injected and non-injected controls. In contrast, no changes were observed in CA3 pyramidal cell basal dendritic morphology. Furthermore, no changes were observed in the dendritic morphology of CA1 pyramidal cells or granule cells of the dentate gyrus. Cross-sectional cell body area of any of the 3 cell types examined in this study was unaffected by corticosterone treatment. Finally, qualitative analysis of Nissl-stained tissue from the same brains revealed increased numbers of darkly staining, apparently shrunken CA3 pyramidal cells in corticosterone treated compared to control brains. The changes in dendritic morphology we have observed may be indicative of neurons in the early stages of degeneration, as prolonged exposure to high levels of corticosterone has been shown by others to result in a loss of CA3 pyramidal cells. Additionally, these results suggest possible structural alterations which may occur under physiological conditions in which corticosterone levels are chronically elevated such as in aged animals.
Effects of Diuretic Drugs on the Lipid Profile

Thiazide-type diuretic drugs modify the lipoprotein profile when used in the short term treatment of hypertension. Total cholesterol increases by 6 to 7% on average because of raised concentrations of low density or very low density lipoprotein cholesterol or both. High density lipoprotein cholesterol does not change. Spironolactone has a lesser effect on lipids than do thiazides. In contrast, the methylindoline compound, indapamide, a diuretic with vasodilator activity, has produced no adverse effects on lipids or lipoproteins. Long term data on thiazide monotherapy are sparse but suggest a persistence of the lipid effect for as long as 6 years of treatment. The clinical impact of these lipid changes is unclear. Although clinical trials have proved the benefit of lowering cholesterol on the incidence of coronary heart disease, the clinical significance of these diuretic-induced increases is unknown. A clinical trial will be required to resolve the issue by comparing antihypertensive drugs with and without adverse effects on the lipid profile. Because coronary heart disease is the most common complication of mild hypertension, and as diuretic-based regimens have not succeeded in curbing it, resolution of this concern is important.