cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethnic and gender differences in smoking prevalence among a longitudinal sample of inner-city adolescents.

Abstract Purpose: To determine if ethnic and gender differences in smoking (lifetime prevalence and 30-day prevalence) exist among a cohort of Asian, black, Hispanic, and white inner-city adolescents during the 3-year middle school period. Methods: Students in 22 urban schools completed self-report questionnaires and provided carbon monoxide breath samples at three annual assessments. Chi-square analyses were conducted to test for associations between ethnic group (Asian, black, Hispanic, and white) and smoking and to test for gender differences in smoking within each ethnic group. Additional analyses examined differences in smoking between two Hispanic subgroups (Puerto Rican and Dominican). Results: Ethnicity was associated with lifetime smoking prevalence at all three assessment points but was only associated with 30-day smoking prevalence at the 2-year follow-up. However, there were no differences in smoking between Puerto Rican and Dominican youth. Black girls reported higher lifetime smoking prevalence than black boys at all three assessments. At the 2-year follow-up, Asian boys reported higher lifetime smoking prevalence than Asian girls; Hispanic girls reported higher 30-day prevalence than Hispanic boys. Conclusions: White and Hispanic adolescents were at higher risk for smoking relative to Asian and black adolescents. With the exception of white youth, gender differences were found within each ethnic group.
Mean lives of some excited levels in C II - C V

Abstract Mean lives of 16 excited levels in C II - C V were measured with the beamfoil technique.
Energy and angular distributions of particles desorbed from surfaces using multiphoton resonance ionization detection

Multiphoton resonance excitation has been employed to ionize neutral atoms and molecules desorbed from surfaces bombarded by 5 keV Ar+ ion beams. By positioning a laser beam above the target it is possible to image the ions onto a microchannelplate detector and to obtain energy and angle-resolved distributions. These distributions may be compared directly to classical dynamics computer simulations of the ion/impact event. Results are presented using the (001), (111) and (331) crystal faces of Rh to illustrate how the distributions contain specific structural information. Moreover, we compare the distributions from (111) to secondary ion angular distributions. This comparison suggests that there are special impact points which lead to ion formation from clean metal surfaces. Finally, we present preliminary measurements for the MPRI of pyrene molecules desorbed from polycrystalline gold surfaces. The results suggest this technique may be valuable for monitoring reaction intermediates present at very low concentration on catalyst surfaces.
The adaptor molecule Disabled-2 links the transforming growth factor β receptors to the Smad pathway

Using a genetic complementation approach we have identified disabled-2 (Dab2), a structural homolog of the Dab1 adaptor molecule, as a critical link between the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) receptors and the Smad family of proteins. Expression of wild-type Dab2 in a TGFbeta-signaling mutant restores TGFbeta-mediated Smad2 phosphorylation, Smad translocation to the nucleus and Smad-dependent transcriptional responses. TGFbeta stimulation triggers a transient increase in association of Dab2 with Smad2 and Smad3, which is mediated by a direct interaction between the N-terminal phosphotyrosine binding domain of Dab2 and the MH2 domain of Smad2. Dab2 associates with both the type I and type II TGFbeta receptors in vivo, suggesting that Dab2 is part of a multiprotein signaling complex. Together, these data indicate that Dab2 is an essential component of the TGFbeta signaling pathway, aiding in transmission of TGFbeta signaling from the TGFbeta receptors to the Smad family of transcriptional activators.
ATTRIBUTIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR A CHANCE EVENT AS A FUNCTION OF SEX AND PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS OF TARGET INDIVIDUAL

Summary.-To invertigate how attributions of responsibility would be affected by the outcome of a chance event, and the sex and physical attractiveness of individuals to whom that event had occurred, subjects rated the responsibility of an individual described in a story in which a chance event had either non-negative or negative outcome. This person was either male or female and was either physically attractive or physically unattractive. Results supported the hypotheses that attractive individuals would be attributed greater responsibility for chance events with non-negative outcomes and unattractive individuals would be attributed greater responsibility for chance events with n-gative outcomes. The hypothesis, that the relationship between the outcome of the event and the attractiveness of the individual in regards to attributions of responsibility would be considerably stronger for females than for males, was not c!early supported.
A spectrophotometric study of the iron(iii)-phenol reaction

Abstract Iron(III) reacts with phenol to form a weakly associated complex in the ratio of 1:1. The weak association of iron(III) with phenol necessitates a correction for significant interference by dimerization of iron (III) due to hydrolysis, particularly at pH 1.4 and 2.0. It seems probable that a slower secondary reaction between iron(III) and phenol proceeds with the formation of iron(II) and a phenolic oxidation.
Predicting the potential invasive range of light brown apple moth ( Epiphyas postvittana ) using biologically informed and correlative species distribution models

The light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana) is a highly polyphagous species that has invaded several geographic regions across the globe and has stimulated substantial concern over possible impacts for agriculture in the US. We aimed to predict the potential geographic range of E. postvittana to better understand the threat of this species in the US and globally. We used the mechanistic simulation modelling method CLIMEX and the correlative niche modelling method Maxent to predict the geographic distribution of E. postvittana in its native range and globally and tested model projections using known invasion data. Different predictor variable data sets and threshold dependent and independent measures of environmental suitability were considered in model evaluation. Models accurately predicted known invasive localities of E. postvittana across the globe. Overall predictions of environmental suitability were largely congruent across models, although there were some notable differences. Ephiphyas postvittana clearly has the potential to establish in many regions of the globe, although some previous analyses of the potential distribution of this species appear overly pessimistic. Additional studies of the biology of this species in invaded areas, including interactions with natural enemies and the capacity to adapt to novel climatic conditions, are ultimately needed to more fully understand its potential economic and environmental impacts.
Autoregressive Extrapolation Applied to Tomography In the Cross-Borehole Geometry

Autoregressive (AR) extrapolation is tested using a synthetic tomography example with a cross-borehole geometry. Previous work by Menke (1984) showed that cross-borehole tomography has a limited resolution in the cross hole direction. We first apply AR extrapolation to partial data and then compare tomographic inversions using the full data and the extrapolation data. Both the overall pattern of the extended data and the tomographic reconstruction with the extended data show that AR extrapolation can effectively extend the synthetic crossborehole tomographic data to a broader coverage and can improve the cross-hole resolution of the reconstruction.
Production and function of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and other beta-chemokines in murine glial cells.

Abstract Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), formerly termed JE, is a member of the β-chemokine (CC chemokine) family and has been shown to be produced by a variety of cell types. Recently, mRNA of JE/MCP-1 was detected in astrocytes during the acute phase of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). In addition, supernatants collected from human cultured astrocytes have recently been found to be chemotactic for monocytes. However, chemokine production and function in glial cells has not been fully examined. Using a sandwich ELISA assay, we have now quantitated MCP-1 levels and assessed MCP-1 function on murine glial cells. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced MCP-1 secretion by astrocytes, but not microglia. In addition, pretreatment with interferon (IFN)-y significantly augmented MCP-1 production by either LPS or the above cytokines. In contrast, LPS preferentially induced production of another β-chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) from microglial cells. MCP-1 induced chemotaxis of microglial cells and macrophages. Similarly, another β-chemokine, TCA3, which is produced by encephalitogenic T lymphocytes, also induced chemotaxis of microglia and macrophages. These findings suggested that astrocytes and microglial cells differentially produce chemokines in the central nervous system, and that both astrocytes and T cells may facilitate recruitment and activation of microglial cells via production of β -chemokines.
Periodontitis and Dental Caries Occur Together

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Prevalence and simultaneous occurrence of periodontitis and dental caries. Mattila PT, Niskanen MC, Vehkalahti MM, Nordblad A, Knuuttila ML. J Clin Periodontol 2010;37(11):962-7. Reviewer Anwar T. Merchant, ScD, MPH, DMD Purpose/Question To evaluate the simultaneous occurrence of periodontitis and dental caries in the Finnish population. Source of Funding Finland National Institute for Health and Welfare; partly supported by the Finnish Dental Society Apollonia and the Finnish Dental Association Type of Study/Design Cross-sectional study Level of Evidence Level 3: Other evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
Child abuse in blended households: reports from runaway and homeless youth.

Abstract Objective Building upon prior research that reveals an elevated risk of abuse to children in blended households, the study considers whether risk of abuse varies by the type of non-related parent figure (i.e., stepparent, adoptive parent, or cohabiting adult) in residence. Method A sample of 40,000 youths that sought services from runaway and homeless youth shelters in the US was examined. Holding constant the presence of a natural parent, the study evaluated the risk of abuse by the presence and type of an additional parent figure in the home. Results Compared with other household types, an elevated risk of sexual and physical abuse was observed for youths from homes with a non-related parent figure in residence. Among youths from blended homes, the risk of abuse was not found to vary as a function of the type of non-related parent figure in the home. Conclusions The study results are consistent with prior research that shows the presence of a non-related parent figure in a household is associated with a greater than expected risk of sexual or physical abuse to children. However, the findings suggest that the particular role or status of non-related parents may not be a meaningful risk factor when considering intervention strategies in suspected cases of abuse in blended households. The sample probably represents family conditions that are significantly worse for children than what would be found in the general population, and thus the results of this study should not be generalized to the population at large.
Toward a 1550 nm InGaAs photoconductive switch for terahertz generation

We report a terahertz (THz) photoconductive switch made from a composite of metal ErAs nanoparticles embedded in In0.53Ga0.47As and coupled to a square spiral antenna. The THz output power was measured in a 77 K cryostat by using a standard hyperhemisphere-lens package, a Golay cell outside the cryostat, and a quasi-optical filter bank for spot frequency spectral measurements. Results indicate an average output power of ~12 μW at 22 V bias using 140 mW of optical pump power from a subpicosecond fiber mode-locked laser. In addition, the THz spectra displayed invariance to bias voltage despite operating near impact ionization.
Sub-arcsecond observations of the solar X-ray corona

Results from a high-resolution multi-layer-coated X-ray imaging telescope, part of the Normal Incidence X-ray Telescope sounding rocket payload are presented. Images of the peak of a two-ribbon flare showed detailed structure within each ribbon, as well as the expected bright arches of emission connecting the ribbons. The number of X-ray bright points is small, consistent with predictions based on the previous solar cycle. Topology of the magnetic structure is complex and highly tangled, implying that the magnetic complexity of the photosphere is paralleled in the corona.
Specters of postmodernism: Derrida’s Marx, the New International and the return of situationism

In Specters of Marx, Derrida proposes a return to the spirit of Marxism as a way of dealing with the ‘repoliticization’ of contemporary realities. I suggest that Derrida’s rediscovery of Marx allows one to map out what I call the end(s) of postmodernism, that is to say, the point(s) where the cultural free-play characteristic of the postmodern mood is confronted with renewed questions of politics, ideology and technology. Through a micro-reading of Derrida’s text, two possible end(s) of post-modernism are identified. One is a ‘retro-(post)modernist’ discourse which turns liberal and provides the vision of a ‘New International’ as an end result. The other is a ‘(post)-postmodern’ approach which finds a way of tackling politics and ideology by rediscovering a mode of situationist engagement. By investigating the ‘specters’ of postmodernism through Derrida’s recent work, this paper contributes to the debate over what type of theoretical formations may emerge after postmodernism.
Pathophysiology of sudden coronary death in women. Implications for prevention.

Despite major progress in detection, prevention, and treatment, coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of death in the world. More than half of all coronary deaths are sudden and unexpected, occurring within 6 hours of the onset of symptoms and usually outside the hospital.1 Coronary artery disease is by far the most common pathology underlying the 300 000 cases of sudden cardiac death occurring in the United States each year.2 The insidious nature of sudden cardiac death and the finality of the outcome represent major barriers to development of effective preventative and therapeutic strategies. This is a particular problem in women, in whom the risk of coronary artery disease and of sudden death is lower than in men and in whom the index of suspicion of serious cardiovascular pathology remains low. Data from carefully conducted postmortem studies of victims of sudden cardiac death provide important insights into the pathogenesis of sudden cardiac death and the risk factors that predispose to it. In a study reported in the current issue of Circulation , Burke et al relate cardiac pathology in 51 female victims of sudden death identified at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the State of Maryland to antecedent symptoms and cardiac risk factors and compare these to findings in 15 female victims of fatal trauma as control subjects.3 Several striking findings emerge from the study: (1) Of the 36 deaths that were witnessed, only 8 (22%) were preceded by chest pain; 12 (33%) were preceded by other, nonspecific symptoms, including back pain, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, malaise, fatigue, fever and chills, stomach distension, and tingling of the left shoulder; and 16 (45%) were preceded by no symptoms whatsoever. (2) Only one patient was receiving hormone replacement therapy. (3) Coronary anatomy …
Over the Horizon

If there was a line of continuity throughout the various sessions of the Computer Elements Technical Committee meeting last June in Vail, Colorado, it was that we are entering a period of technology consolidation. Advances foreseen in the near future are predicted to be extensions of areas of application utilizing existing technologies. The stated need for higher speed or more powerful technologies was only obvious at this meeting by its absence.
Preparation of Large Transparent Silica Monoliths with Embedded Photoluminescent CdSe@ZnS Core/Shell Quantum Dots

Highly fluorescent transparent silica monoliths have been prepared with MPS-capped CdSe@ZnS quantum dots and TMOS precursor molecules by employing an inorganic−organic hybrid approach based on the sol−gel chemistry
Macroscopic singlet oxygen model incorporating photobleaching as an input parameter.

A macroscopic singlet oxygen model for photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used extensively to calculate the reacted singlet oxygen concentration for various photosensitizers. The four photophysical parameters (ξ, σ, β, δ) and threshold singlet oxygen dose ([ 1 O 2 ] r,sh ) can be found for various drugs and drug-light intervals using a fitting algorithm. The input parameters for this model include the fluence, photosensitizer concentration, optical properties, and necrosis radius. An additional input variable of photobleaching was implemented in this study to optimize the results. Photobleaching was measured by using the pre-PDT and post-PDT sensitizer concentrations. Using the RIF model of murine fibrosarcoma, mice were treated with a linear source with fluence rates from 12 - 150 mW/cm and total fluences from 24 – 135 J/cm. The two main drugs investigated were benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring A (BPD) and 2-[1-hexyloxyethyl]-2-devinyl pyropheophorbide-a (HPPH). Previously published photophysical parameters were fine-tuned and verified using photobleaching as the additional fitting parameter. Furthermore, photobleaching can be used as an indicator of the robustness of the model for the particular mouse experiment by comparing the experimental and model-calculated photobleaching ratio.
PHYLOGENETICALLY CONSERVED CK-II PHOSPHORYLATION SITE OF THE MURINE HOMEODOMAIN PROTEIN HOXB-6

In an effort to characterize the signal transduction mechanisms that operate to regulate homeodomain protein function, we have analyzed the phosphorylation state of two homeodomain proteins, Hoxb-6 and Hoxc-8, in vitro and in vivo. The baculovirus expression system was employed to demonstrate that Hoxb-6 is phosphorylated in Sf9 cells while Hoxc-8 is not. Using two-dimensional tryptic phosphopeptide mapping and purified protein kinases, we demonstrate that Hoxb-6 is phosphorylated in vitro by casein kinase II and cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The casein kinase II phosphorylation site was mapped to serine-214. Two-dimensional tryptic phosphopeptide mapping of immunoprecipitated Hoxb-6 from mouse embryonic spinal cords demonstrates that the same peptide phosphorylated in vitro and in Sf9 cells by casein kinase II is also phosphorylated in vivo. The conservation of this site in several homeodomain proteins from various species is discussed. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 285:76–84, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Translational hull of an inverse semigroup

The theory of ideal extensions of semigroups is dependent upon adequate knowledge of the translational hull. We characterize here certain basic structures in the translational hull, Ω(S), of an arbitrary inverse semigroup S: in particular, the semilattice of idempotents of Ω(S) and the group of units of Ω(S). An isomorphic copy of each of these structures is given in terms of the semilattice of idempotents of S.
Hyperbolic and plasmonic properties of Silicon/Ag aligned nanowire arrays

The hyperbolic and plasmonic properties of silicon nanowire/Ag arrays have been investigated. The aligned nanowire arrays were formed and coated by atomic layer deposition of Ag, which itself is a metamaterial due to its unique mosaic film structure. The theoretical and numerical studies suggest that the fabricated arrays have hyperbolic dispersion in the visible and IR ranges of the spectrum. The theoretical predictions have been indirectly confirmed by polarized reflection spectra, showing reduction of the reflection in p polarization in comparison to that in s polarization. Studies of dye emission on top of Si/Ag nanowire arrays show strong emission quenching and shortening of dye emission kinetics. This behavior is also consistent with the predictions for hyperbolic media. The measured SERS signals were enhanced by almost an order of magnitude for closely packed and aligned nanowires, compared to random nanowire composites. These results agree with electric field simulations of these array structures.
Electron holography reveals the internal structure of palladium nano-particles

Phase images of palladium particles 5–15 nm in diameter were reconstructed from electron holograms acquired using the coherent beam of a field emission transmission electron microscope. The Pd particles were supported on amorphous silica microspheres, 0.2 μm in diameter. A central contrast feature, suggestive of an internal void, was visible on most of the Pd particles. The phase profiles obtained from the holograms matched computed phase profiles confirming the existence of an internal void in these nano-particles. This is the first observation where internal morphology at the nano-scale has been unambiguously determined. While the observed voids are similar in scale to those occurring in recently reported hollow nanometre-sized particles, such as graphite polyhedra [9, 10], this represents the first report of such voids in metallic particles that are single crystals.
Citizen Contacting of Municipal Officials: Choosing Between Appointed Administrators and Elected Leaders

Although citizen-initiated contacting of municipal bureaucrats has been the subject of extensive research over the past quarter century, there has been relatively little research on the contacting of municipal elected officials or on why citizens might contact elected officials instead of appointed administrators. This research explores that question by using survey data on citizeninitiated contacts with various elected officials and appointed administrators in Atlanta, Georgia. The findings suggest a several-part answer: First, citizens-in Atlanta anyway-usually prefer to contact city departments directly rather than through
Impact of diabetes mellitus on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing surgical resection for pancreatic cancer: a retrospective, cohort study.

Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Surgical Resection for Pancreatic Cancer: A Retrospective, Cohort Study
Radiochemical Studies of the Fission of U 235 Induced by Helium Ions

The absolute fission yields of approximately twenty-five nuclides from the helium-ion-induced fission of ${\mathrm{U}}^{235}$ were determined with an accuracy of \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5-15% for several energies ranging from 20 to 40 Mev. Such features of fission as the symmetric-asymmetric modes of fission, the relation of total fission cross section to compound nucleus theory, fine structure in fission product distribution, valley to peak ratios, and neutron emission are discussed as well as some of the experimental detail involved.
Controlling the Shapes of Silver Nanocrystals with Different Capping Agents

This paper provides direct evidence to support the role of a capping agent in controlling the evolution of Ag seeds into nanocrystals with different shapes. Starting with single-crystal seeds (spherical or cubic in shape), we could selectively obtain Ag octahedrons enclosed by {111} facets and nanocubes/nanobars enclosed by {100} facets by adding sodium citrate (Na(3)CA) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), respectively, as a capping agent while all other parameters were kept the same. This research not only offers new insights into the role played by a capping agent in shape-controlled synthesis but also provides, for the first time, Ag octahedrons as small as 40 nm in edge length for optical and spectroscopic studies.
DC Web Women: Helping women who work in tech [Career Advisor]

When the Internet took off in 1995, opportunities for coding and developing for the Web were numerous. Many women frequented Web sites, message boards, and forums geared toward Web development, but they had difficulty finding a place that would help them learn how to code and write for the Web.
Repetitive paroxysms of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias triggered during pediatric cardiac interventions: suppression after short infusion of amiodarone.

Arrhythmias are the most common major complications encountered during pediatric cardiac catheterizations. This report describes the management of repetitive paroxysms of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias triggered by catheter manipulation during interventional procedures in two children. After 15 minutes, amiodarone infusion (25 μg/kg/min) eliminated further paroxysms in both patients, allowing both interventions to be completed safely and effectively.
The impact of outmigration of men on fertility and marriage in the migrant-sending states of Mexico, 1995–2000

Using the 2000 Mexican Census, we examined whether the level of migration was associated with total fertility and the proportion of women married in 314 municipalities from seven traditional sending states. Across these municipalities, we observe lower fertility in higher-migration areas. Municipalities in the quartile with the highest levels of migration have total fertility more than half a child lower than municipalities in the lowest migration quartile. However, there are no differences in marital fertility by level of migration, indicating that lower proportions of women married account for lower total fertility in high-migration municipalities. In municipal-level regression models, lower sex ratios are associated with a lower proportion of women married, while there is an inverse association between education and marriage. The level of migration also has an independent association with marriage, suggesting that there may be changing ideas surrounding family formation in high-migration areas.
Thermal expansion associated with the charge-density wave in K0.3MoO3.

Thermal expansion was measured in two crystals of blue bronze (${\mathrm{K}}_{0.3}$${\mathrm{MoO}}_{3}$). At the Peierls temperature, the expansion coefficients exhibited a small steplike decrease along the chain direction, a nearly negligible change perpendicular to the cleavage planes, and a large steplike increase in the third, mutually orthogonal direction. Substantial departures from mean-field behavior were attributed to fluctuations, the width of the critical region was 8 K, and the temperature dependence was consistent with the three-dimensional XY model. The anisotropy of the steps was interpreted in terms of a transverse-optical periodic lattice distortion in an anharmonic lattice. Specimen length did not vary with electrical bias.
Context learning in the rodent hippocampus

We present a Bayesian statistical theory of context learning in the rodent hippocampus. While context is often defined in an experimental setting in relation to specific background cues or task demands, we advance a single, more general notion of context that suffices for a variety of learning phenomena. Specifically, a context is defined as a statistically stationary distribution of experiences, and context learning is defined as the problem of how to form contexts out of groups of experiences that cluster together in time. The challenge of context learning is solving the model selection problem: How many contexts make up the rodent's world? Solving this problem requires balancing two opposing goals: minimize the variability of the distribution of experiences within a context and minimize the likelihood of transitioning between contexts. The theory provides an understanding of why hippocampal place cell remapping sometimes develops gradually over many days of experience and why even consistent landmark differences may need to be relearned after other environmental changes. The theory provides an explanation for progressive performance improvements in serial reversal learning, based on a clear dissociation between the incremental process of context learning and the relatively abrupt context selection process. The impact of partial reinforcement on reversal learning is also addressed. Finally, the theory explains why alternating sequence learning does not consistently result in unique context-dependent sequence representations in hippocampus.
Characterization of differentiation antigens of the mouse mammary epithelial cell (mme antigens) carried on the mouse milk fat globule.

Abstract The characterization of mouse mammary epithelial (MME) antigens from the mouse milk fat globule (MMFG) is described. Heterologous antisera against fat-free MMFG material identifies by indirect immunofluorescence techniques, cell-type-specific MME antigens on the surface of mouse mammary epithelial cells and MMFGs and not on cells of other tissues. Mammary epithelial cells of all mouse strains tested were positive. However, the intensity of staining differed. Specificity of anti-MME for MME antigens is demonstrated by competition and cross-absorption experiments. The MMFG is composed of 5 main proteinaceous components, 3 of which contain carbohydrate and which are shown to contain the specific MME antigens.
THE AFTERMATH OF THE VIOLENT DEATH OF A CHILD: AN INTEGRATION OF THE ASSESSMENTS OF PARENTS' MENTAL DISTRESS AND PTSD DURING THE FIRST 5 YEARS OF BEREAVEMENT

Mental distress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were assessed simultaneously among 173 parents bereaved by the accident, suicide, or homicide death of an adolescent or young adult child. Official death records were used to identify potential participants. Study data were collected prospectively 4, 12, 24, and 60 months post-death. T tests compared study parents and normative samples on mental distress and PTSD, whereas repeated measures analysis of variance compared mothers and fathers on the same two outcomes over time. The results showed that 5 years after the deaths, 61% of the study mothers and 62% of the fathers met diagnostic criteria for mental distress, and 27.7% of the mothers and 12.5% of the fathers met diagnostic criteria for PTSD. The hypothesized interactions between gender and trends over time were partially supported, and the hypothesized main effects for both time and gender were supported. Finally, parents' self-reports were that 3 to 4 years were required to reach loss accommod...
Classification of systemic therapies for potential stabilization of the vulnerable plaque to prevent acute myocardial infarction

In this editorial, a classification of systemic therapies for potential plaque stabilization of vulnerable plaque to prevent acute myocardial infarction is proposed based on both biologic plausibility (a potential mechanism to explain the effect) and clinical evidence (i.e., whether the agent reduced acute myocardial infarction in well-designed clinical trials). All therapies possess biologic plausibility but are classified into groups I to IV based on clinical data.
Bus scheduling for a multiple-processor system with shared buses

The operation and performance of a multiple-processor system with shared buses is analysed. The model developed is applicable to real-time computations consisting of two pipelined tasks in which the first task is partitioned into a number of independent subtasks on separate processors. These processors transmit their output data to the processor(s) executing the second task over shared buses. When the system has a single shared bus, it is shown that its operation becomes periodic after a number of task executions. Expressions for the cycle time and the system throughput are derived. Two schemes are then proposed for scheduling the data transmissions on a multiple-bus system so as to minimise the corresponding cycle times. The computational complexity of the scheduling problems is studied, and exact, approximate and heuristic algorithms are developed for their solution.
Revitalizing Academic Advisement.

Academic advisement has traditionally been thought of as limited to such routine functions as course registration and academic record-keeping. Advisement, however, should be redefined so that developmental functions are central. It would then perform a much-needed service in higher education, for students need assistance in planning academic programs and integrating academic, career, and life goals. Faculty and advisors will need to learn some unaccustomed roles (counselor, advocate, and guardian) as well as some new skills. With appropriate support, however, acceptance of developmental advising will be possible.
Glycation of calmodulin: Chemistry and structural and functional consequences

In the presence of Ca2+ and glucose, calmodulin incorporates 2.5 mol of glucose/mol of protein. In the absence of Ca2+, only 1.5 mol of glucose is incorporated per mole of calmodulin. Glycation of calmodulin is associated with variable reductions in its capacity to activate three Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent brain target enzyme systems, including adenylyl cyclase, phosphodiesterase, and protein kinase. In addition, glycated calmodulin exhibits a 54% reduction in its Ca2+ binding capacity. Isolated CNBr cleavage fragments of glycated calmodulin suggest that glycation follows a nonspecific pattern in that each of seven available lysines is susceptible to modification. A limit observed on the extent of glycation appears related to the accompanying increase in negative charge on the protein. Glycation results in minimal structural rearrangements in calmodulin, and the Ca2+-induced increase in alpha-helix content and radius of gyration is the same for glycated and unmodified calmodulin. Since glycated calmodulin's Ca2+ binding capacity is reduced, this implies that the Ca2+-induced conformational changes in calmodulin do not require all four Ca2+ binding sites to be occupied. Examination of the lysine positions in calmodulin suggests that Ca2+ binding to domains II and IV is sufficient to induce these changes. The functional consequences of calmodulin glycation therefore cannot be attributed to inhibition of these conformational changes. An alternative explanation is that the inhibition arises from interference at the target enzyme binding site by bound glucose. While glycation shows minimal structural effects, a large pH dependence is observed for the alpha-helix content of unmodified calmodulin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
An activated mTOR mutant supports growth factor-independent, nutrient-dependent cell survival

In yeast, TOR couples cellular growth and metabolism to the availability of extracellular nutrients. In contrast, mammalian TOR kinase activity has been reported to be regulated by growth factor stimulation via the PI3K/Akt pathway. Consistent with this, growth factor deprivation results in dephosphorylation of the mTOR target proteins p70S6k and 4EBP1 in the face of abundant extracellular nutrients. To determine whether the activation of mTOR was sufficient to support cell survival in the absence of other growth factor-mediated signal transduction, we evaluated the ability of a growth factor-independent mTOR mutant, ΔTOR, to protect cells from growth factor deprivation. ΔTOR- but not wild-type mTOR-expressing cells were protected from many of the sequelae of growth factor deprivation including amino-acid transporter degradation, reduction of the glycolytic rate, cellular atrophy, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and Bax activation. Furthermore, ΔTOR expression increased growth factor-independent, nutrient-dependent cell survival and enhanced the ability of p53−/− MEFs to form colonies in soft agar. These results suggest that activating mutations of mTOR can contribute to apoptotic resistance and might contribute to cellular transformation.
Comparative antimicrobial activity and kill-curve investigations of novel ketolide antimicrobial agents (HMR 3004 and HMR 3647) tested against Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis strains.

Abstract The activity of two ketolide compounds, HMR 3004 and 3647, were compared to those of five macrolides, quinupristin/dalfopristin, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin. The rate of killing for the ketolides was also assessed against Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. One hundred H. influenzae and 148 M. catarrhalis isolates were tested using broth microdilution and appropriate growth media. The killing rates of HMR 3004 and 3647 were analyzed using the time-kill method against five strains from each of the two species. Against H. influenzae, the activity of the ketolides (MIC 90 , 2 or 4 μg/mL) resembled that of azithromycin and quinupristin/dalfopristin and was more active than any tested macrolide. Against M. catarrhalis, HMR 3004 and 3647 were equally potent as azithromycin and clarithromycin (MIC 50 , 0.06 μg/mL and MIC 90 , 0.12 μg/mL) and more potent than all other macrolides or quinupristin/dalfopristin. Time-kill kinetic studies revealed that like the macrolide compounds, the ketolides are bacteristatic at or near the MIC for both H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis. This activity can be increased to a bactericidal level if the concentration is increased four- or eightfold the MIC for H. influenzae. In conclusion, HMR 3004 and 3647 have bacteristatic activity against tested respiratory pathogens and may prove to have an important role against macrolide-resistant isolates.
Effect of aging on testicular epoxide hydrolase and glutathione-s-transferase activities in mice

Abstract The effect of aging on epoxide hydrolase (EH) and glutathion- S -transferase (GST) activities was investigated in testes of C57BL/6 mice 1–30 months of age. Microsomal EH (mEH) activity, as monitored with cis -stilbene oxide (CSO), showed statistically insignificant changes throughout the lifespan of mice. Although cytosolic EH (cEH) was detected in testes by immunoblotting, the enzyme activity towards trans -stilbene oxide (TSO) could not be measured under the experimental conditions used. Gonadal GST monitored with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) as substrate displayed an increasing trend until the mice reached senescence, showing a 3.7-fold increase in the enzyme activity in old animals (30 months) when compared with that in young animals (2 months). However, with CSO as substrate, GST showed no change in activity in mice of different ages.
Sustained outgrowth of autotumor-reactive T lymphocytes from human ovarian carcinomas in the presence of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 2

Abstract Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) freshly isolated human from ovarian carcinomas were phenotyped (up to 70% CD3 + HLA-DR + cells) and cultured in the presence of recombinant interleukin 2 and tumor necrosis factor α. In short-term cultures, an initial outgrowth of CD3 + CD8 + T lymphocytes resulted in the enrichment of autotumor cytotoxicity under these culture conditions. The early peak of autotumor cytoxixicity was accompanied by interleukin 1β and interferon γ production. The RNA message for interferan γ was detected by in situ hybridization in TIL induced with interleukin 2 and tumor necrosis factor α but in not in freshly isolated TIL. A combination of interleukin 2 and tumor necrosis factor γ was also advantageous for selective outgrowth of CD3 + CD8 + T lymphocytes with autotumor reactivity in llong-term cultures of ovarian TIL. At days 30–40 of growth, total lytic units of autotumor cytoxixicity per culture increased from a mean of 59 to 2155, and the percentage of CD3 + CD8 + T lymphocytes rose to 98% in some of the cultures. Thus, the combination of interleukin 2 and tumor necrosis factor α provided conditions favorable for sustained growth of autotumor-reactive CD3 + CD8 + TIL in vitro.
Bottleneck Identification and Calibration for Corridor Management Planning

Corridor mobility improvements require a new approach to corridor management planning and operations. Recent investigations are aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of existing transportation systems by integrating state-of-the-art operational analysis (such as microsimulation) into more traditional corridor planning. One of the important elements in developing corridor management improvements is better bottleneck analysis. Such analyses play a crucial role in corridor management planning for both performance assessment and simulation model calibration. New approaches are proposed for bottleneck identification and calibration in simulation. Identification is conducted with percentile speeds based on data from multiple days. It turns out that this method is more appropriate for urban congested freeways than use of single-day data. The algorithm for bottleneck calibration represents the first attempt to rigorously calibrate bottlenecks in microsimulation. It is a three-step process—including visual ...
Ion implantation and thermal annealing of high-Tc single crystals of YBa2Cu3Ox☆

Abstract Rutherford backscattering spectrometry has been used to study the effects of ion implantation and thermal annealing on single crystals of YBa 2 Cu 3 O x . The structural disorder induced by ion implantation results in significant changes in the near-surface composition during subsequent thermal processing. Compositional changes in the near-surface region of the YBa 2 Cu 3 O x single crystals were observed after annealing oxygen- or copper-implanted crystals at temperatures of 500°C or higher in various atmospheres. Unimplanted crystals are not affected by identical processing conditions. Preliminary results show that sintered polycrystalline ceramic YBa 2 Cu 4 O x also undergoes compositional changes as a result of ion implantation and thermal annealing.
A comparative theoretical study of exciton-dissociation and charge-recombination processes in oligothiophene/fullerene and oligothiophene/perylenediimide complexes for organic solar cells

The exciton-dissociation and charge-recombination processes in donor–acceptor complexes found in α-sexithienyl/C60 and α-sexithienyl/perylenetetracarboxydiimide (PDI) solar cells are investigated by means of quantum-chemical methods. The electronic couplings and exciton-dissociation and charge-recombination rates have been evaluated for various configurations of the complexes. The results suggest that the decay of the lowest charge-transfer state to the ground state in the PDI-based devices: (i) is faster than that in the fullerene-based devices and (ii) in most cases, can compete with the dissociation of the charge-transfer state into mobile charge carriers. This faster charge-recombination process is consistent with the lower performance observed experimentally for the devices using PDI derivatives as the acceptor.
Changing profile of excimer laser coronary angioplasty: refinements in catheters

During more than five years of investigation with excimer laser angioplasty, several changes have been made in patient selection and laser catheters. It is unclear, however, whether these changes have improved the outcome of excimer laser angioplasty. A total of 2041 patients underwent treatment with excimer laser coronary angioplasty for 2324 lesions with clinical success in 89%, ischemic complications in 7.5%, and vessel perforation in 2.1%. When the entire 5-year period of investigation was divided into four discrete phases, as defined by the successive release of improved laser catheters (prototype, flexible, extremely flexible, and eccentric), clinical success was seen to improve from 86% to 95% (p<0.001) despite the increased incidence of advanced age (pequals0.01) and unstable angina (p<0.001). Multivariable analysis identified improved laser catheters, saphenous vein graft lesions, and unclarified stenoses as predictors of favorable outcome. Operator experience was associated with decreased complications. Reduced catheter size relative to vessel size was associated with decreased risk of vessel perforation. Thus, refinements in patient selection and in laser technique have been associated with enhanced safety and efficacy of excimer laser angioplasty.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Psychodynamics of Envy Development, Defenses, Consequences and Treatment

Abstract This study provides the reader with an in-depth look at the concept of envy. Distinctions are explored with reference to what constitutes envy as opposed to a variety of other closely related affect states. A review of how and when different theorists hypothesize envy originates and the defenses that it may utilize is provided. In addition a variety of views on the positive and negative effects that envy may have and the possibilities of treating it successfully are presented.
Normalization of Acquired QT Prolongation in Humans by Intravenous Potassium

Background QT interval prolongation and dispersion have been implicated in serious arrhythmias in congestive heart failure (CHF) and the congenital and drug-induced long-QT syndromes (LQTS). In a subset of the congenital LQTS, infusion of potassium can correct QT abnormalities, consistent with in vitro increases in outward currents such as I Kr or I K1 when extracellular potassium concentration ([K+]o) is increased. Furthermore, increasing [K+]o decreases the potency of I Kr-blocking drugs in vitro. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that increasing [K+]o corrects QT abnormalities in CHF and in subjects treated with quinidine. Methods and Results KCl (maximum, 40 mEq) was infused into (1) 12 healthy subjects treated with quinidine sulfate (5 doses of 300 mg/5 h) or placebo and (2) 8 CHF patients and age-matched normal control subjects. Mean [K+] increased from 4 to 4.2 mEq/L to 4.7 to 5.2 mEq/L. Potassium infusion significantly reversed QTUc prolongation, especially in the precordial leads (quinidine, 590±79 to 479±35 [±SD] ms1/2, P <.001; CHF, 521±110 to 431±47 ms1/2, P <.05). There was no effect in either control group. Similarly, potassium decreased QTUc dispersion (quinidine, 210±62 to 130±75 ms1/2, P <.01; CHF, 132±68 to 84±35 ms1/2, P =.07) and was without effect in the control subjects. QT morphological abnormalities, including U waves and bifid T waves, were reversed by potassium. Conclusions Potentially arrhythmogenic QT abnormalities during quinidine treatment and in CHF can be nearly normalized by modest elevation of serum potassium.
The pre-Cambrian igneous rocks of eastern Pennsylvania and Maryland

The Blue Ridge and Piedmont geomorphic provinces, topographically distinct but geologically a unit, extend southwestward across eastern Pennsylvania and central Maryland, in a belt with an average width in these States of some 50 miles. In these provinces are exposed the crystalline formations of the Atlantic belt. Gneisses (with sporadic interbedded graphitic schist and marble), quartz-schist, crystalline limestone, and scnlsts, constitute the pre-Cambrian sedimentary series which has been folded, overturned, and overthrust with faulting, to the northwest.
Effects of Biofinishing on Cotton /Wool Blended Fabrics

Enzymatic degradation, which improves surface properties by digesting protruding loose fibers, is gaining popularity because of its beneficial effects on the environment. In this study, two cotton / wool fabrics of different blend composition are treated with both cellulase and protease enzymes, applied at two different concentrations and con ditions. In general, the enzyme treatments have significant effects on the physical and aesthetic properties of the blended fabrics, which is statistically evident from a one- way analysis of variance. Subjective means of evaluations are also used to assess fabric hand and pilling resistance. The enzyme treatment reduces protruding fibers, and more direct evidence of their absence is provided by SEM examination.