cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of financial conditions for physical and mental health. Evidence from a longitudinal survey and insurance claims data.

Abstract Background Both theory and empirical evidence suggest that financial conditions are influential for mental health and might contribute to physical health outcomes. Methods Using longitudinal survey data and health insurance claims data from 1209 employees in a large U.S. health insurance company, we examined temporal associations between measures of financial safety, financial capability, financial distress, their summary index (financial security) and six subsequently measured mental and physical health outcomes. Results We found that financial safety and financial capability were positively associated, while financial distress was negatively associated, with subsequent self-reported measures of physical and mental health, even after controlling for these health measures at baseline and other confounders. Additionally, financial conditions were associated with reduced risk of depression based on health insurance claims data. Financial safety was also associated with anxiety. Conclusions Policy-makers might consider the introduction of more effective measures for ensuring favorable financial conditions as an important contributor to better population health. Furthermore, policy could encourage teaching adequate financial management techniques and the importance of understanding of long-term consequences of financial decisions, as those might be pivotal for health outcomes.
Discrete-Event Simulation of Electric Transit Buses for Broome County Transportation

This paper evaluates the impact on route reliability of a New York Transit Agency transitioning from diesel to electric vehicles. The vehicles and transit routes were modeled in SIMIO using mapped routes and average vehicle performance metrics. The goal of the model was to determine the impact of vehicle parameters such as battery size, depot charger power, opportunity charger power, and system efficiency on transit reliability. The investigation results suggest investment into opportunity charging could maintain route reliability more than higher powered depot chargers or larger batteries. The simulation provides a strong case for Hybrid-electric vehicles, which ensure route reliability while significantly reducing emissions.
Space Shuttle Program (SSP) Shock Test and Specification Experience for Reusable Flight Hardware Equipment

As commercial companies are nearing a preliminary design review level of design maturity, several companies are identifying the process for qualifying their multi-use electrical and mechanical components for various shock environments, including pyrotechnic, mortar firing, and water impact. The experience in quantifying the environments consists primarily of recommendations from Military Standard-1540, Product Verification Requirement for Launch, Upper Stage, and Space Vehicles. Therefore, the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) formed a team of NASA shock experts to share the NASA experience with qualifying hardware for the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) and other applicable programs and projects. Several team teleconferences were held to discuss past experience and to share ideas of possible methods for qualifying components for multiple missions. This document contains the information compiled from the discussions
Faculty Workload Issues Connected to Undergraduate Research

This chapter delineates the consortial activities of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) to explore models of undergraduate research and to address the impact of undergraduate research on faculty workload. The significant progress made on the member campus of the University of Wisconsin-Superior over the last 10 years is highlighted as an example of the fortuitous impact of several concurrent factors in advancing undergraduate research.
Therapy for metastatic RCC--questions remain.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors delay tumor progression and have a favorable adverse effect profile in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma; however, the impact of these treatments on objective clinical outcomes remains unknown. Updated results from two landmark phase III randomized trials now demonstrate the effect of sunitinib and sorafenib on survival.
An interpolation technique for the numerical solution of the rate equations in extended defect simulation

Extended defects play an important role in the diffusion and electrical activation of dopants in silicon. All extended defects have been observed to have a range of sizes. The evolution of the size distribution can be calculated through a series of discrete rate equations. Since the extended defects can contain millions of atoms, the number of rate equations can become so large that it will be impossible to solve all of them. In this paper, we compare three different methods of reducing the number of equations for extended defect simulation: Linear interpolation, exponential interpolation, and linear rediscretization.
Category bounds for nonnegative Ricci curvature manifolds with infinite fundamental group

This brief note presents refinements of the bounds on the first Betti number and the polynomial growth degree of the fundamental group for manifolds with nonnegative Ricci curvature and infinite fundamental group. These refinements are then sharpened when applied to symplectic manifolds.
Luteinizing Hormone/Chorionic Gonadotropin Receptor

This article has no abstract. Keywords: luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor
Methods and configurations for improving photo-conductive switch performance

Linear, bulk photo-conductive switches have a number of theoretical advantages that have not been realized in real world switch embodiments. The desirable properties of picosecond closure, picosecond jitter, high voltage, high current, mid compact structures have been offset by the problems of low surface dielectric strength that limits operating voltage and increases optical control energy requirements, limited conduction times that also increases optical control energy requirements, high current densities that damage contacts and base material which limits switch lifetime. This paper describes new approaches and fabrication techniques for increasing the switch surface dielectric strength, controlling and reducing switch current densities, increasing the natural switch conduction times, and embodying a switch that can be used in a real world application.
Cognitive Theories of Stress and the Issue of Circularity

No issue in the psychology of health is of greater interest and importance than whether and how stress influences adaptational outcomes, such as well-being, social functioning, and somatic health. This issue has generated extensive research on stressful life events (see Thoits, 1983, for a recent review). More recently, researchers have been interested in the stressful events of day-to-day living, variously referred to as microstres-sors (McLean, 1976; Monroe, 1983), chronic role strains (Pearlin, 1983), and daily hassles (DeLongis, Coyne, Dakof, Folkman, & Lazarus, 1982; Kanner, Coyne, Schaefer, & Lazarus, 1981; Lazarus, 1984; Lazarus & DeLongis, 1983).
Performance‐based evaluation and strengthening of tall buildings in the Los Angeles region by using Bayesian structural reliability

SUMMARY This paper presents the motivation and the mathematics required for the introduction of Bayesian structural reliability theory into the process of evaluating and strengthening any tall building located in the Los Angeles region. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti-Semitism and Tsarist Theatre: The Smugglers Riots

All theatrical protests are political. This is manifest in such cases as the premieres of Chenier's Charles IX or Hauptmann's The Weavers, but even when protests seem to be about the cost of admission (the O.P. Riots at Covent Garden) or xenophobia (the burning of the Astor Place Theatre), literary fashion (Hernani) or artistic innovation (Le Sacre de printemps), baiting bigots (Tartuffe) or epater-ing the bourgeoisie (Ubu Roi), the root cause can always be construed as political. Unrest, demonstrated within the playhouse or without, marks the evolution of a social consciousness reactive to whatever regime or authority controls the situation. Resistance (the attempt to impose a new order), no matter in which direction it moves across the footlights, engages with an established order.For a brief survey of English examples, see Sir St. Vincent Troubridge, “Theatre Riots in London,” in M. St. Clare Byrne, ed., Studies in English Theatre History in Memory of Gabrielle Enthoven, O.B.E. (London: Society for Theatre Research, 1952), 84–97.
Plant Modifications for Mixed Oxide Fuel Use in U.S. Reactors

Duke Power’s McGuire Nuclear Station and Catawba Nuclear Station have been selected to aid in the disposal of weapons grade plutonium. In order for McGuire and Catawba to transition to a 40% MOX core, several plant modifications are required. Among these are: 1) transition to enriched soluble boron, 2) security enhancements due to presence of strategic special nuclear materials, 3) transportation interface modifications, and 4) reactor protection and control modifications. This paper describes the modifications that will enable the timely disposition of surplus weapons grade plutonium in the McGuire and Catawba reactors.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Electrical basis for the effects of ethyl alcohol on canine gastric corpus muscles.

The effects of ethyl alcohol (EtOH) on membrane potential and slow wave activity were tested in strips of canine corpus circular muscle. Previous studies have shown that EtOH (0.1-1%) reduced the force and frequency of phasic contractions of corpus muscles and increased tone. It was the intention of this study to determine whether the mechanical effects were due to an electrical mechanism. Intracellular recordings revealed that EtOH hyperpolarized resting membrane potential and reduced the amplitude, duration and frequency of slow waves. These changes were concentration-dependent over the same range of EtOH concentrations that inhibited phasic mechanism activity. Simultenous recordings of force and membrane potential demonstrated these effects. The tone produced by corpus muscles exposed to EtOH could not be explained by an electrical mechanism. The fact that membrane potential and several parameters of the slow wave depolarization are affected by EtOH might be explained by an increase in membrane conductance produced by EtOH.
The New O'Callahan Science Library at the College of the Holy Cross

Features of a new facility at the named institution are discussed. Special mention is made of a unique reference station, a mobile compact shelving unit, and a split-level bibliographic instruction space. The role of the library's permanent displats in shaping student awareness of research for publication is emphasized.
A Global Aerosol Model Forecast for the ACE-Asia Field Experiment

We present the results of aerosol forecast during the Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE-Asia) field experiment in spring 2001, using the Georgia Tech/Goddard Global Ozone Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model and the meteorological forecast fields from the Goddard Earth Observing System Data Assimilation System (GEOS DAS). The aerosol model forecast provides direct information on aerosol optical thickness and concentrations, enabling effective flight planning, while feedbacks from measurements constantly evaluate the model, making successful model improvements. We verify the model forecast skill by comparing model predicted total aerosol extinction, dust, sulfate, and SO2 concentrations with those quantities measured by the C-130 aircraft during the ACE-Asia intensive operation period. The GEOS DAS meteorological forecast system shows excellent skills in predicting winds, relative humidity, and temperature for the ACE-Asia experiment area as well as for each individual flight, with skill scores usually above 0.7. The model is also skillful in forecast of pollution aerosols, with most scores above 0.5. The model correctly predicted the dust outbreak events and their trans-Pacific transport, but it constantly missed the high dust concentrations observed in the boundary layer. We attribute this missing dust source to the desertification regions in the Inner Mongolia Province in China, which have developed in recent years but were not included in the model during forecasting. After incorporating the desertification sources, the model is able to reproduce the observed high dust concentrations at low altitudes over the Yellow Sea. Two key elements for a successful aerosol model forecast are correct source locations that determine where the emissions take place, and realistic forecast winds and convection that determine where the aerosols are transported. We demonstrate that our global model can not only account for the large-scale intercontinental transport, but also produce the small-scale spatial and temporal variations that are adequate for aircraft measurements planning.
An NMR Investigation of the Effect of Hydrogen Bonding on the Rates of Rotation about the C−N Bonds in Urea and Thiourea

The interaction between urea and tetrabutylammonium acetate was investigated in dimethylformamide/dimethyl sulfoxide solutions using ^1H and ^(15)N NMR. The chemical-shift behavior of the urea protons is consistent with a urea-acetate hydrogen-bonded complex involving both carboxylate oxygens and the urea hydrogens trans to the carbonyl oxygen with K_(assoc) = 120 ± 10. Line shape analysis of the temperature-dependent ^1H NMR spectra show that ΔG^⧧ for rotation about the C−N bond of urea changes only slightly from 11.0 ± 0.1 to 11.2 ± 0.1 kcal/mol on 1:1 molar addition of tetrabutylammonium acetate to a dilute solution of urea. A parallel investigation of the interaction of thiourea with tetrabutylammonium acetate gave a binding constant, K_(assoc) = 90 ± 10. The ΔG^⧧ for rotation about the C−N bond of thiourea was found to increase from 13.5 ± 0.1 to 14.0 ± 0.1 kcal/mol on 1:1 addition of tetrabutylammonium acetate to a dilute solution of thiourea in dimethylformamide/dimethyl sulfoxide. Measurements were also made of the self-association of several ureas and of ΔG⧧ for rotation about both C(O)−N bonds of 1,1-dimethylurea.
The effects of physostigmine on the electroretinogram in the beagle dog.

The purpose of the study was to correlate electroretinogram (ERG) parameters with increasing levels of plasma, erythrocyte and ocular tissue cholinesterase inhibition using the beagle dog as a model for human neurovisual toxicity. The anticholinesterase compound physostigmine was administered at various steady-state intravenous infusion rates based on pharmacokinetic estimates of plasma and red blood cell cholinesterase inhibition. The most sensitive parameter was the b-wave amplitude of the rod response, which was significantly depressed compared to pretreatment at all levels of acute cholinesterase depression. The overall maximal ERG response demonstrated a trend of declining a-and b-wave amplitudes, which corresponded with the increased levels of cholinesterase depression, but these differences were not significant. The depression of the electroretinogram rod and cone amplitudes appeared to parallel plasma cholinesterase inhibition more closely than erythrocyte cholinesterase activity. Ocular tissue cholinesterase activity was significantly depressed in the retina (70%), cornea (60%) and dorsal rectus extraocular muscle (46%). Electroretinography may be a useful physiological tool for evaluating the ocular toxicity of certain chemicals or pharmaceuticals associated with cholinesterase biomarker activity.
Bayesian methods for prevalence estimation from incomplete administrative lists.

Many studies aimed at estimating prevalence use several administrative lists from different sources in an attempt to enumerate all persons affected with the health condition of interest. Each list is ‘incomplete’ in the sense that none of them enumerates all persons affected with the health condition. Further, because the lists are drawn from different administrative sources the probability of enumeration varies from list to list. The goal is to use information from the lists to estimate the total number of affected persons in the population, but with some accounting for the different but unknown probabilities of enumeration on each list. This paper presents a Bayesian method to estimate prevalence when the probability of enumeration varies from list to list. Data from a survey of children with spina bifida illustrate the methodology.
Zooplankton Feeding Ecology: Contents of Fecal Pellets of the Copepod Undinula vulgaris from Continental Shelf Waters of the Gulf of Mexico

. The in situ diet of the copepod Undinula vulgaris was examined by comparing contents of fecal pellets produced on natural food with assemblages of available phytoplankton. Samples were collected in continental shelf waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico. U. vulgaris was an indiscrimi-nant suspension feeder, ingesting a broad size, shape, and taxonomic array of phytoplankters. Contents of fecal pellets generally matched those of available phytoplankton assemblages. The presence within the same fecal pellets of remains of microplankters ranging over two orders of magnitude in longest dimension suggests that feeding is nonselective, and that U. vulgaris may rapidly switch between several modes of feeding.
On the ecology and cirral behaviour of a new barnacle from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean

Tetrachthamalus oblitteratus is a small chthamalid found high up in the intertidal zone in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea and at Mauritius, Seychelles and Aldabra Island, Indian Ocean. The general behaviour and rate of cirral activity are described and shown not to differ greatly from those of other chthamalids. The species appears well-adapted to the life in the tropics, and the present restricted distribution is presumed to be the result of competition with larger chthamalids of Indo-Pacific distribution. The absence of the larger chthamalids from places where Tetrachthamalus is found may be due to geographical isolation reinforced by the effects of a small tidal range and other extreme environmental conditions. Summary Tetrachthamalus oblitteratus is found high up in the intertidal zone in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea and at Mauritius, the Seychelles and Aldabra Island, Indian Ocean. It is small compared even with other chthamalid barnacles. For this reason, and its apparently restricted distribution and our general lack of knowledge of island faunas, it has escaped notice until recently. The general behaviour and rate of cirral activity are described. The species does not differ significantly from other chthamalids, and seems as well adapted to life at high temperatures as the tropical forms previously investigated. The present restricted distribution of Tetrachthamalus is possibly due to competition with the larger chthamalids found in the Indian Ocean. The absence of these larger chthamalids from places where Tetrachthamalus is found may be due to geographical isolation, probably reinforced by the effects of small tidal range and other extreme environmental conditions in Continental situations.
High-resolution photoneutron study of E 1 and M 1 transitions in Pb 208

The photoneutron cross section of $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ was observed using a very high resolution time-of-flight spectrometer. The cross sections were observed in the photoneutron energy range 16 to 1000 keV and at reaction angles of 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 135\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The deduced ground-state radiative widths were calibrated to the well-known $^{2}\mathrm{H}$($\ensuremath{\gamma}$,$n$)$^{1}\mathrm{H}$ reaction cross section. The 7.99-MeV resonance, previously believed to be an $M1$ excitation, is shown to be an $E1$ resonance. Current progress in the search for the collective $M1$ resonance in $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ is reviewed. In addition, recent theoretical predictions of the properties of the giant $M1$ resonance are reviewed. Finally, the present high resolution observations in conjunction with previous photoneutron polarization measurements were employed in order to deduce the $s\ensuremath{-}d$-wave admixtures for eight $E1$ excitations.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$($\ensuremath{\gamma}$,$n$)$^{207}\mathrm{Pb}$, ${E}_{\mathrm{exc}}=7.4\ensuremath{-}8.4$ MeV, observed $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\theta})$, $\ensuremath{\theta}=90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 135\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$; deduced ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}0}$, ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}$.
The Hypothesis of Chromosomal Interference

IT has been known for a long time that both chromatid and chromosomal interference produce similar effects on recombinations recovered in classical genetical (Mendelian) analysis in which single chromatids are sampled. Although deviations from a unitary coincidence are probably due either to chromatid or chromosomal interference, the classical method does not permit one to determine whether one or the other, or both, processes are effective in producing the deviations. It is strange, therefore, that chromosomal interference has been the accepted explanation of non-unitary coincidence since the very beginning of modern genetical analysis. The utility of either hypothesis in the analysis of single-chromatid experiments may be demonstrated by considering the following map: The expected frequency of double-recombinations would be 16.7 × 14.5 × 10−4, or 2.4 per cent, whereas the actual frequency is only 0.9 per cent. The accepted conclusion has been that one cross-over actually interferes with the occurrence of another, the ‘strength’ of this interference being indicated by the coincidence value (in this case, 2.67). The hypothesis of chromatid interference is, however, equally applicable if one supposes that adjacent cross-overs form four-strand double exchanges at a frequency equal to or greater than 72 per cent.
A pattern approach to the study of leader emergence

Abstract Past research on the emergence of leaders in groups has typically examined relationships between individual trait variables and emergence. The current study extends work of the past by developing a multi-variable pattern approach, along with the traditional examination of individual trait measures, in the domain of emergent leadership. The personality pattern examined in this study uses the variables dominance, intelligence and general self-efficacy. All three trait variables were significantly positively associated with leader emergence. Individuals high in all three traits (HHH) emerged significantly more frequently than all other individuals while those low in all three traits (LLL) emerged significantly less frequently than all other individuals. This study demonstrates that the pattern approach is useful in the study of emergent leadership. Implications for the future research in emergent leadership are discussed.
Race is associated with discontinuation of active surveillance of low-risk prostate cancer: results from the Duke Prostate Center.

Active surveillance (AS) is increasingly utilized in low-risk prostate cancer (PC) patients. Although black race has traditionally been associated with adverse PC characteristics, its prognostic value for patients managed with AS is unclear. A retrospective review identified 145 patients managed with AS at the Duke Prostate Center from January 2005 to September 2011. Race was patient-reported and categorized as black, white or other. Inclusion criteria included PSA <10 ng ml−1, Gleason sum ⩽6, and ⩽33% of cores with cancer on diagnostic biopsy. The primary outcome was discontinuation of AS for treatment due to PC progression. In men who proceeded to treatment after AS, the trigger for treatment, follow-up PSA and biopsy characteristics were analyzed. Time to treatment was analyzed with univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and also stratified by race. In our AS cohort, 105 (72%) were white, 32 (22%) black and 8 (6%) another race. Median follow-up was 23.0 months, during which 23% percent of men proceeded to treatment. The demographic, clinical and follow-up characteristics did not differ by race. There was a trend toward more uninsured black men (15.6% black, 3.8% white, 0% other, P=0.06). Black race was associated with treatment (hazard ratio (HR) 2.93, P=0.01) as compared with white. When the analysis was adjusted for socioeconomic and clinical parameters at the time of PC diagnosis, black race remained the sole predictor of treatment (HR 3.08, P=0.01). Among men undergoing treatment, the trigger was less often patient driven in black men (8 black, 33 white, 67% other, P=0.05). Black race was associated with discontinuation of AS for treatment. This relationship persisted when adjusted for socioeconomic and clinical parameters.
786-5 Risk Factor Modification Improves Flow-Mediated Brachial Artery Vasoactivity but not Cold Pressor Vasoactivity in Men with Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary risk factors are associated with impaired endothelium-mediated vasoactivity in the peripheral and coronary circulation. To determine the effect of risk factor modification (RFM) on brachial artery vasoactivity, we studied 23 men with coronary artery disease (CAD). Using 7.5 MHz ultrasound, brachial artery diameter changes (%Δ Diam) in response to flow mediated (FM) and cold pressor (CP) stimuli were measured in 13 men 1 week after the initial presentation of ischemic heart disease and in another 10 men 1 year after aggressive risk factor modification, (smoking cessation, lipid lowering). Chronically managed patients had significantly lower total cholesterol and smoking frequency. Acute vs. Chronic CAD Age (yrs): 46 46 Chol (mg/dl): 219 171* HDL (mg/dl): 36 32 Smoking: 63% 6%* BP (mmHg): 123/71 130/80 FM (% Δ Diam): 4.8% 10.9* CP (% Δ Diam): -2.4% -2.3% *p < 0.01 Full-size table Table options View in workspace Download as CSV FM vasoactivity normalized with risk factor modification and was similar to our controls 11.5 ± 7.0%. CP response remained abnormal despite chronic RFM. This suggests that FM vasoactivity is dependent on risk factor status, but CP vasoactivity may be dependent on the presence of CAD.
The automorphism class group of the category of rings

This paper is motivated by the observation that the property of having a left identity cannot be described “categorically” in the category of rings, since the functor ( )OP which takes a ring into its opposite ring is a category automorphism but does not preserve this property. In general, a property of objects, morphisms, etc., in a category V can be characterized category- theoretically if and only if it is invariant under the automorphisms (self- equivalences) of ‘27. This makes it desirable to know whether ( )OP is the only nontrivial automorphism of the category of rings up to equivalence of func- tors. We shall show that the answer is yes, and that in the case of commutative rings, there are no nontrivial automorphisms. More generally, let
Charge cloud asymmetry in detectors with biased MCPs

The spatial resolution of current MCP based detector devices (<10micrometers ) has reached the point when such phenomena as charge cloud asymmetry becomes important for the ultimate detector performance. We present a systematic study of the MCP charge cloud spatial distribution at the plane of the readout element. Our new readout - cross strip (XS) anode combined with a set of preamplifiers for each anode finger - allowed us to measure directly the distribution of electrons at the anode. The measurements of the charge cloud profile were done with a high accuracy owing to the extremely high spatial resolution of the XS anode - about 5 micrometers FWHM. The asymmetry of the charge cloud related to MCP channel bias was observed directly in these measurements. Our charge cloud propagation model was used to simulate the observed charge cloud asymmetry. Results of our calculations were compared with the experimental data, and a good agreement between those proves the validity of the model, which can be used for simulation of the charge cloud distribution in a wide range of detector operating parameters.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Inhaled Flunisolide in the Management of Acute Asthma in Children

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) may provide benefit in the therapy of acute asthma. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that ICS are as effective as oral corticosteroids (OCS) in the management of acute childhood asthma. Methods: A randomized, masked, placebo-controlled study was conducted in children aged 6 to 16 years seeking emergent care for an acute exacerbation of asthma. Patients were randomized into one of two groups: group 1 (OCS), oral prednisone, 2 mg/kg (maximum of 60 mg/d) for 7 days, and placebo pressurized metered-dose inhaler with valved holding chamber, four inhalations bid; and group 2 (ICS), flunisolide, four inhalations (1 mg) bid for 7 days, and daily placebo tablets. Spirometry (FEV 1 ) was performed at baseline, day 3, and day 7 of the study. A symptom diary and twice-daily peak expiratory flow were recorded. Results: A total of 58 subjects receiving ICS (n = 27) or OCS (n = 28) were enrolled. Baseline asthma severity, race, gender, and age were balanced between the two groups. χ 2 showed no significant difference in symptom severity between the two groups at any time during the study. FEV 1 percentage of predicted was lower in the ICS group on day 3 (65% vs 78%, p = 0.03) and on day 7 (77% vs 95%, p = 0.002). Conclusion: ICS were found to be useful in the management of acute asthma in children; however, spirometry data suggested a more rapid resolution of asthma with OCS.
Cytotoxic metabolites from an Indonesian sponge Lendenfeldia sp.

The lipid extract of an Indonesian Lendenfeldia sp. sponge inhibited hypoxia-induced hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) activation in T47D breast tumor cells. Chromatographic separation yielded the new substituted naphthalene dimer 1, the new furanolipid 2, and three known homoscalarane sesterterpenes, 3–5. Compounds 1 and 3–5 inhibited hypoxia-induced HIF-1 activation (IC50 values: 0.64–6.9 µM), but also reduced the viability of T47D and MDA-MB- 231 breast tumor cells. Compound 4 was the most potent and showed a unique tumor cell line selectivity in the NCI 60-cell line panel. The general cytotoxicity of these compounds precluded their further consideration as HIF-1 inhibitors.
Altered RET gene mRNA expression in Hirschsprung's disease

Abstract The RET proto-oncogene is a major cause of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) as demonstrated by the experimentally produced intestinal aganglionosis in mice with a null mutation of this gene and by the increased evidence of RET mutations in patients with HD. To evaluate the possible implication of the RET gene for the development of HD, we examined mRNA expression level of the RET gene in the bowel specimen of seven HD patients by using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique. A significantly less intense signal for RET mRNA was found in the aganglionic bowel compared with the ganglionic bowel. In the hypoganglionic transitional zone, the RET mRNA level was higher than that of an angalionic segment but lower than that observed in the ganglionic portion. In two patients where semiquantitative analysis was performed, the RET mRNA level in the aganglionic bowels was estimated to be approximately 1500 of that in the ganglionic bowels. Because expression of RET mRNA plays an important role in establishing the enteric neuronal lineage, decreased RET mRNA expression in the aganglionic bowel may suggest maldevelopment of neural crest-derived cells in Hirschsprung's disease.
Multipass membrane air-stripping (MAS) for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from surfactant micellar solutions

Air-stripping is one of the most effective technologies for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from surfactant solutions, although the presence of surfactant poses some unique challenges. This study evaluated the effect of a mixed surfactant system on the apparent Henry's law constant of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and the efficiency of PCE removal from surfactant solutions using a lab-scale hollow fiber membrane contactor. Results show that the presence of surfactant significantly reduced the apparent Henry's law constant of PCE, and the reduction was proportional to the total surfactant concentration. PCE removal efficiency by membrane air-stripping (MAS) decreased as the surfactant system transitioned from solubilization to supersolubilization. Besides significantly reducing the apparent volatility of VOCs, the presence of surfactant brings additional mass transfer resistance in air-stripping, which makes it difficult to achieve high levels of contaminant removal, even at very high air/liquid (A/L) ratios. In contrast, multipass/multistage MAS operated at low A/L ratios could achieve near 100% contaminant removal because of less mass transfer limitation during each stripping pass/stage. Experimental results, together with model calculations demonstrate multipass (and multistage) air-stripping as a cost-effective alternative for removing VOCs from surfactant micellar solutions compared to the options of using large air strippers or operating at high A/L ratios.
A history of antipsychotic drug development

The history of antipsychotic drug development has had a long and torturous course, often based on chance findings that bear little relationship to the intellectual background driving observations. In 1891, Paul Ehrlich observed the antimalarial effects of methylene blue, a phenothiazine derivative. Later, the phenothiazines were developed for their antihistaminergic properties. In 1951, Laborit and Huguenard administered the aliphatic phenothiazine, chlorpromazine, to patients for its potential anesthetic effects during surgery. Shortly thereafter, Hamon et al. and Delay et al. extended the use of this treatment in psychiatric patients and serendipitously uncovered its antipsychotic activity. Between 1954 and 1975, about 15 antipsychotic drugs were introduced in the United States and about 40 throughout the world. Thereafter, there was a hiatus in the development of antipsychotics until the introduction of clozapine treatment in the United States in 1990 opened the era of "atypical" antipsychotic drugs, which show a reduced potential to induce extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), an increased efficacy for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, no elevation of prolactin after chronic use (except risperidone), and, at least for clozapine, effectiveness in some patients previously regarded as treatment-refractory. This review describes the available atypical antipsychotic drugs and their characteristics, and concludes by highlighting those in the pharmaceutical "pipeline."
The informational role of knowledge of results in motor learning

An experiment is reported that was set-up to examine the informational role of knowledge of results (KR) in the learning of a single-limb movement timing task. A group with KR practiced 200 trials a day for 5 days prior to receiving a sixth day of practice without KR. The performance of this group was contrasted to another group that practiced 200 trials without KR for one day. Traditional movement error and time series analyses revealed that KR serves to calibrate the movement outcome to the task demands and modulate the performance outcome relation between trials. The degree of systematic trial-to-trial modulation was strongly dependent upon the degree of error exhibited on any given trial, and was enhanced under no-KR conditions. Information in KR has both immediate and persistent influences on learning and performance that are dependent upon the task constraints and the skill level of the performer.
The structural context of executive information systems adoption

While some firms are developing computer-based Executive Information Systems EIS to support key executives and managers, a large number of organizations are presently not using EIS. Our focus here is on structural factors associated with the adoption of EIS capabilities that support managerial communication, coordination, control, and planning. A national survey was conducted to collect data for the empirical study. Our analysis uses data from 210 organizations representing adopters and non-adopters of key EIS capabilities. Adopters of each of the four EIS capabilities have higher levels of environmental dynamism, heterogeneity, and hostility than their non-adopting counterparts. EIS adopters with higher levels of environmental pressures appear to be implementing distributed architectures to deliver EIS applications. Furthermore, adopters of EIS capabilities for purposes of coordination, control, and planning have larger IS departments than non-adopters. It also appears that larger organizations are implementing EIS capabilities for planning purposes to a greater degree than smaller organizations. They also have a greater proportionate representation from the for-profit sector. Implications of these findings are discussed along with directions for future research
Outcome of infants born at 24–26 weeks' gestation: II. Neurodevelopmental outcome

Objective To assess the neurodevelopmental outcome of infants born at 24–26 weeks' gestation. Methods One hundred thirty-eight nonanomalous infants were born at our hospital after pregnancies of 24–26 weeks' gestation between 1990 and 1994. Ninety-four infants survived to discharge and 86 were followed in a nursery follow-up program for outcome. Associations between gestational age and neurodevelopmental outcome and risk factors and outcome were analyzed. Mean age at follow-up was 32 months. Results The frequency of cerebral palsy did not differ significantly in the three groups (11, 20, and 11% at 24, 25, and 26 weeks, respectively). The incidence of normal cognitive outcome was associated significantly with gestational age at birth (28, 47, and 71% normal at 24, 25, and 26 weeks, respectively). Poor neurologic outcome was associated with the medical risk factor of intracranial hemorrhage grade 3 or 4 or periventricular leukomalacia. Poor cognitive outcome was correlated with both medical and social risk factors; however, there was an association between poor cognitive outcome and lower gestational age ( P Conclusion Although the incidence of cerebral palsy was low in these three groups, the high percentage of infants born at 24 and 25 weeks' gestation with cognitive deficits is concerning.
Rapid Formation and Flow Around Staphylococcus Aureus Biofilm Streamers

Bacterial biofilms are surface-associated conglomerates of bacteria that are highly resistant to antibiotics. These bacterial communities can cause chronic infections in humans by colonizing, for example, medical implants, heart valves, or lungs. Staphylococcus aureus, a notorious human pathogen, causes some of the most common biofilm-related infections. Despite the clinical importance of S. aureus biofilms, it remains mostly unknown how physical effects, and in particular flow, shape the morphology and growth dynamics of biofilms. Here we use model microfluidic systems to investigate how environmental factors, such as surface geometry, surface chemistry, and fluid flow affect the biofilm development in S. aureus. We discovered that S. aureus rapidly forms flow-induced, filamentous biofilm streamers and that if surfaces are coated with human blood plasma, streamers appear within minutes and clog the channels more rapidly than if the channels are uncoated. We document and model the deformation of the flow field generated by the streamers. Understanding physical aspects of biofilm formation in S. aureus may lead to new approaches for interrupting biofilm formation of this pathogen.
Behavioral intentions in sexual partnerships following a diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis.

Abstract Objectives To describe behavioral intentions regarding notification of sex partners and continuation of sexual relationships after a Chlamydia trachomatis diagnosis among women. Methods Data are from a study of women diagnosed with C. trachomatis during 2005–2007 in Connecticut. Participants ( n = 135) reported their intentions to notify each of their sex partners in the past 3 months ( n = 187) of the infection and intentions to continue these relationships; generalized estimating equations were used to determine correlates of intentions. Reasons for these intentions were also described. Results Participants intended not to notify 25% of sex partners; correlates were partnership duration and relationship quality. Participants intended not to continue 59% of sexual relationships; correlates included partnership duration, beliefs about partner's monogamy, and relationship quality. Intentions to notify partners and continue relationships were statistically associated ( p = 0.002). Non-mutually exclusive reasons for intending not to notify partners included no perceived need (46%), unwillingness to discuss the issue (43%), fear/discomfort with potential consequences (19%), and inability to locate partner (8%). Reasons for intending not to continue relationships were often related to the diagnosis (48%). Conclusions Sex partnership characteristics are the most salient correlates for intentions not to notify partners and continue relationships. Clinicians can identify those who are less likely to notify their partners and explore reasons for these intentions to promote behaviors to reduce further C. trachomatis transmission.
MgxZn1−xO Thin-Film Transistor-Based UV Photodetector with Enhanced Photoresponse

ZnO and its ternary alloy Mg x Zn1−x O (MZO) are promising wide-band-gap semiconductor materials well-suited to UV detection. The Mg content of MZO facilitates energy band gap engineering, enabling fabrication of UV photodetectors that can operate in the deep-UV region. Different types of UV photodetector based on ZnO have been reported, including photoconductive, Schottky, and transistor types. Transistor-based photodetectors have the advantage of being three-terminal devices, thus enabling biasing control and implementation in addressable arrays. In this paper we report an MZO thin-film-transistor (TFT)-based UV photodetector. The device has a low dark current (2 × 10−14 A) and an ON/OFF ratio of 1011. We show that by using a small amount of Mg (5%) in the MZO TFT we can substantially improve the photoresponse recovery time of the photodetector to 15 ms compared with 42 ms for a similar TFT with 0% Mg. We also observed a shift in the cutoff wavelength from 377.21 nm for the 0% Mg TFT photodetector down to 370.96 nm for the MZO TFT photodetector. We attribute the enhanced recovery time improvement of the MZO TFT UV photodetector to suppression of oxygen vacancies as a result of incorporation of the Mg in the MZO.
Hunting the Fox of Word Learning: Why "Constraints" Fail To Capture It.

Developmental Review 20, 29–80 (2000) doi:10.1006/drev.1999.0494, available online at http://www.idealibrary.com on Hunting the Fox of Word Learning: Why ‘‘Constraints’’ Fail to Capture It Gedeon O. Dea´k Vanderbilt University It is often asserted that young children’s word learning is guided by constraints or internal biases. Constraints are broadly described as ‘‘any factor that favors some possibilities over others’’ (Medin et al., 1990). Researchers have argued that special- ized lexical constraints cause children to make some inferences about word mean- ings before others. An analysis shows that the concept constraint is not informative because it does not differentiate a circumscribed set of word learning behaviors. Defining constraints as innate and domain-specific does not remedy this problem. We cannot separate the effects of so-called constraints or biases from a wide range of cognitive and contextual influences on children’s inferences about novel word meanings. This conclusion is supported by a selective review of these influences. The summary highlights our need for an explanatory framework that is sufficiently rich to capture the flexibility and diversity of children’s word learning. The core of such a framework is summarized as a set of general characteristics of human word learning. These characteristics must serve as a starting point for any viable theory of word learning. Prescriptions for future development of a viable framework are suggested.  2000 Academic Press Word learning 1 is a complex and intractable problem for which researchers have offered a seemingly simple and powerful solution. The problem is that preschoolers’ prolific acquisition of new words (averaging a half dozen per day; Carey, 1978) seems impossible given the radical indeterminacy of word meanings. A novel word has an indefinite number of possible meanings, and it is unlikely that children regularly receive information that unambiguously specifies a single meaning. Yet children often infer new words’ correct or Preparation of the manuscript was supported by a postdoctoral fellowship from the Spencer Foundation. Thanks to Douglas Behrend, Ken Dodge, Michael Maratsos, Jean Mandler, Dan Schwartz, Tedra Walden, and two anonymous reviewers for helpful comments and discussion. Address correspondence to Gedeon Dea´k at the Department of Cognitive Science, 9500 Gilman Drive, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0515. E-mail: deak @cogsci.ucsd.edu. Word learning includes a phonological representation, assignment to a form class, designa- tion of intensional and extensional meaning, and associations among these components. For simplicity, however, ‘‘word meaning’’ will indicate mapping a lexeme onto a referent concept. We are typically interested in mappings that allow generalizing of the lexeme to novel refer- ents. Copyright  2000 by Academic Press All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.
Newer drug delivery systems

Recent advances in biopharmaceutical technology have produced sophisticated delivery systems that permit precise control of drug input into the body by unorthodox routes of administration. In addition, greater knowledge of the physiology of the skin and mucous membranes have led to the development of new drug formulations that permit systemic drug delivery by these routes. This review will examine some of these new systems and drug formulations as they relate to anaesthesia and anaesthetic adjuvants.
Predicting air travelers’ no-show and standby behavior using passenger and directional itinerary information

Abstract This is the first study of airline travelers’ no-show and standby behavior based on passenger and directional outbound/inbound itinerary data. The paper describes passengers’ behavior based on estimation of a multinomial logit model for domestic US itineraries departing in March 2001 or March 2002. This enables us to explore behavioral differences based on passenger and itinerary characteristics as well as identify differences in rescheduling behavior occurring after September 11, 2001. Benefits of using passenger data to improve forecasting accuracy and support a broad range of managerial decisions are described.