cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variability in Adjustment of Children of Battered Women: The Role of Child Appraisals of Interparent Conflict

The present study evaluates relations between children's appraisals of interparent conflict and child adjustment problems in families characterized by extreme interparent violence. Participants were 154 children (age 8–12) and their mothers. Children completed measures of their appraisals of interparent conflict (self-blame, threat, fear of abandonment) and mothers and children completed indices of child adjustment. Our results indicate that child self-blaming for interparent conflict correlates positively with mothers' reports of externalizing child problems. Self-blame, threat, and fear of abandonment appraisals each correlate positively with child self-reports of anxiety/depression. In addition, child age moderates relations between each of the measured child appraisals and mothers' reports of child adjustment problems, with the appraisals being more positively related to problems of older children.
Writing Argentine Premodernity

Focusing on the writer–statesman Domingo F. Sarmiento (1811–88), this essay examines the functionality of medievalization in Argentina's internal colonialism. The extent to which allocation of medievality was employed by this foundational political figure, identifies this temporal trope as a core element in the civilizational mapping of post-independence Argentina and Spanish America. Sarmiento's settler postcolonial writing proposed, as part and parcel of his political activity, the colonization of lands that were occupied either by Amerindian tribes judged anachronistic, or by medievalized rural subjects whose atavistic culture had to be successfully domesticated or eradicated from the nation.
Positivism, Whiggism, and the Chemical Revolution: A Study in the Historiography of Chemistry:

L'interpretation post-positiviste et sociologique de la revolution chimique est analysee en soulignant la polarite dialectique entre le realisme du post-positivisme et le nominalisme du postmodernisme
Amino Acid Starvation and Colicin D Treatment Induce A-site mRNA Cleavage in Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli possesses a unique RNase activity that cleaves stop codons in the ribosomal aminoacyl-tRNA binding site (A-site) during inefficient translation termination. This A-site mRNA cleavage allows recycling of arrested ribosomes by facilitating recruitment of the tmRNA*SmpB ribosome rescue system. To test whether A-site nuclease activity also cleaves sense codons, we induced ribosome pausing at each of the six arginine codons using three strategies; rare codon usage, arginine starvation, and inactivation of arginine tRNAs with colicin D. In each instance, ribosome pausing induced mRNA cleavage within the target arginine codons, and resulted in tmRNA-mediated SsrA-peptide tagging of the nascent polypeptide. A-site mRNA cleavage did not require the stringent factor ppGpp, or bacterial toxins such as RelE, which mediates a similar nuclease activity. However, the efficiency of A-site cleavage was modulated by the identity of the two codons immediately upstream (5' side) of the A-site codon. Starvation for histidine and tryptophan also induced A-site cleavage at histidine and tryptophan codons, respectively. Thus, A-site mRNA cleavage is a general response to ribosome pausing, capable of cleaving a variety of sense and stop codons. The induction of A-site cleavage during amino acid starvation suggests this nuclease activity may help to regulate protein synthesis during nutritional stress.
Evaluation of Gait Characteristics and Ground Reaction Forces in Cognitively Declined Older Adults With an Emphasis on Slip-Induced Falls

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between gait adaptation and slip/fall risk of older adults with cognitive impairments. The study investigated the gait characteristics of six healthy older adults and five older adults with dementia. Participants walked on an instrumented walkway at their preferred walking speeds. After ensuring that the preferred walking speeds were consistent, participants' natural posture and ground reaction forces were measured. The results suggested that participants with dementia walked more cautiously yet demanded more friction at the shoe/floor interface at the time of heel contact, increasing the risk of slip initiation. To reduce the risk of slip-induced falls among older adults with dementia, specific gait training to reduce friction demand requirements by increasing the transfer speed of the whole body mass is suggested.
On the reduction of nickel oxide

Abstract During the preparation of thin samples of nickel oxide by ion-beam milling, it has been found that preferential removal of oxygen can occur to such an extent that islands of nickel metal form on the surface. The nickel islands are found to be aligned topotacticly with the oxide and the results are compared with other studies of the early stages of the reduction of nickel oxide. The shape of the islands is explained in terms of misfit dislocations which can accommodate the strain; the growth of the islands occurs by generation and climb of the misfit dislocations.
Communication Complexity and Quality: A New Perspective

Communication practitioners place much emphasis on the role and function of the message in the communication system. However, message effects do not occur in isolation. In order to comprehend how a...
Families of Young Children With Hearing Loss: Stress and Supports During Newborn Hearing Screening and Diagnosis 70

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of newborn hearing screening on parental stress and the effect of support systems of families whose infants received a diagnosis of hearing loss. Parental anxiety was assessed at critical time points across the screening and diagnostic spectrum. Families of 26 children with hearing loss participated in this retrospective semi-structured interview study, which included the Family Support Scale and the Impact of Chronic Illness Scale. Child mean adj. age was 53 mos., SES 37, 81% primary language English, 62% private insurance, and 31% familial history of hearing loss. At the time of the interview child hearing loss ranged from sensorineural (n=19, 15 bilateral) to conductive hearing loss (n=7). Findings: 46% of parents described being worried to very worried at the initial screen, 50% at the rescreen, and 58% at the diagnostic stage, p =.001. Degree of Worry[n, (%)] is shown Table
Numerical approach to solve the time-dependent Dirac equation

We discuss how split-operator techniques may be applied to calculate normalized wave-function solutions to the three-dimensional time-dependent Dirac equation on a space-time lattice grid. This approach can be used to investigate various field-free dynamics of electron wave packets as well as the interactions of atomic electrons with space-time varying electromagnetic radiation. We demonstrate this technique by analyzing the time-resolved Klein paradox and the Zitterbewegung.
Pretreatment of switchgrass for sugar production with the combination of sodium hydroxide and lime.

Abstract Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and lime (Ca(OH) 2 ) were innovatively used together in this study to improve the cost-effectiveness of alkaline pretreatment of switchgrass at ambient temperature. Based on the sugar production in enzymatic hydrolysis, the best pretreatment conditions were determined as: residence time of 6 h, NaOH loading of 0.10 g/g raw biomass, NaOH addition at the beginning, Ca(OH) 2 loading of 0.02 g/g raw biomass, and biomass wash intensity of 100 ml water/g raw biomass, at which the glucose and xylose yields were respectively 59.4% and 57.3% of the theoretical yields. The sugar yield of the biomass pretreated using the combination of 0.10 g NaOH/g raw biomass and 0.02 g Ca(OH) 2 /g raw biomass was found comparable with that of the biomass pretreated using 0.20 g NaOH/g raw biomass at the same conditions, while the chemical expense was remarkably reduced due to the low cost of lime and the reduced loading of NaOH.
Cardiac effects of inhaled typewriter correction fluid.

Excerpt To the Editor:Typewriter correction fluid (for example, Liquid Paper, Liquid Paper Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts) is composed of opaque, inert pigments and the halogenated hydrocarbon ...
A study of scientific research in the operating components of a large decentralized manufacturing company

In an effort to determine the feasibility of extending and broadening the base of scientific research within this large decentralized manufacturing company, a comprehensive investigation was carried on. Teams were used to implement individual studies in the operating components of the company — with emphasis placed upon including scientific people in these teams — while a full-time staff carried on the overall research project. Benefits from, and factors influencing, research were isolated and examined. Some recommendations were made for the accomplishment and utilization of the scientific research necessary to meet the business objectives within this company.
Transgenic Maize and Mexican Maize Diversity: Risky Synergy?

The two articles that begin this issue of Agriculture and Human Values discuss different aspects of the debate about the potential effects of transgenic varieties (TGVs) of maize on the maize diversity of small-scale farming in Mexico. Bellon and Berthaud in their paper, ‘‘Traditional Mexican agricultural systems and the potential impacts of transgenic varieties on maize diversity,’’ focus on ways in which transgenes may enter and move within maize populations. In her article, ‘‘Importing corn, exporting labor: The neoliberal corn regime, GMOs, and the erosion of Mexican biodiversity,’’ Fitting investigates the larger social context of those farming systems with a case study from Puebla state. In this commentary we will try to bring these two perspectives together in a broader context for those not familiar with the topic, showing how the genetic, ecological, and social issues are integrated at farm, North American, and global levels. We will give some examples from Oaxaca, the state just south of Puebla that continues to be the center of the transgenic maize controversy in Mexico, and where we have done research.
Comparison of (CH4O2)bH2 and COH2 plasmas for low temperature diamond film deposition by electron cyclotron resonance plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition

Abstract Diamond films have been deposited onto silicon substrates using COH2 gas mixtures in an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) system. In order to demonstrate the high degree of dissociation encountered in ECR systems, two separate gas precursor systems were used to generate nearly identical growth environments. Plasmas generated from either COH2 or (CH4O2)H2 mixtures were compared chemically (by optical emission spectroscopy) and kinetically (by Langmuir probe surveys) to evaluate their degree of similarity. From these studies, preliminary insights into the dissociation of CO, O2 and CH4 were obtained, and empirical models were developed. Films were deposited at 500°C and 1.33 Pa (10 m Torr) total pressure and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, elastic recoil detection and tribological evaluation. Comparison of characterization results confirmed that extremely similar films were deposited from the “equivalent” plasmas. In addition, lower temperature deposition (300 and 400°C) without the need for active heating or cooling was demonstrated with the COH2 system. From these studies it was concluded that, because of the high dissociation efficiency of ECR plasmas (at 10 mTorr), feed gas composition is less important than critical C:O:H2 ratios.
Expression of the synaptotagmin I gene is enhanced by binding of the pituitary-specific transcription factor, POU1F1.

The POU1F1 transcription factor (also known as Pit-1/GHF1) is required for development of pituitary cells that secrete prolactin, GH, and TSH. Presumably, POU1F1 regulates the expression of multiple genes required for expansion and differentiation of these pituitary cell lineages. However, only a few genes regulated by POU1F1 have been identified. In the present studies we have identified synaptotagmin I (Syt1) as a target gene for POU1F1 in GH3 pituitary cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays have provided evidence that POU1F1 binds close to the Syt1 exon that contains the initiation codon. Although this exon has previously been considered to be located far from the transcription initiation site, transcript mapping in GH3 cells indicates that Syt1 mRNA synthesis is initiated close to the mapped POU1F1-binding site. POU1F1 knockdown studies using a short hairpin RNA vector have provided evidence that POU1F1 plays a role in stimulating expression of the endogenous Syt1 gene. Transfection studies with a Syt1-luciferase reporter gene are consistent with the presence of an internal, POU1F1-regulated promoter in the Syt1 gene. In vitro binding studies have provided further evidence for a POU1F1-binding site within this region of the Syt1 gene. Overall the studies provide evidence that Syt1 is a target gene regulated by POU1F1 in GH3 pituitary cells. Because SYT1 has been extensively studied as an important transducer of Ca2+ signaling in regulated secretion, it seems likely that activation of Syt1 gene expression is part of a mechanism mediating POU1F-induced differentiation of pituitary cells.
Amphoterin (P30, HMG-1) and RIP are early markers of oligodendrocytes in the developing rat spinal cord.

We have determined the cellular localization of the neurite outgrowth-promoting protein, amphoterin (p30), within the developing rat spinal cord in order to gain insight into possible function(s). Both neurons and oligodendrocytes are labelled by anti-amphoterin antibodies in tissue sections. Double labelling confirmed that labelled non-neuronal cells were oligodendrocytes and not astrocytes. White matter cells labelled by anti-amphoterin were first apparent in the spinal cord at embryonic day 18 (E18). The spinal cord white matter was most densely populated by amphoterin immunoreactive oligodendrocytes during the first postnatal week. In the adult spinal cord anti-amphoterin-labelled oligodendrocytes were infrequent. Neuronal staining was not diminished in adult animals. We have identified multiple populations of developing oligodendrocytes in the rat spinal cord. Oligodendrocytes (or precursors) in the presumptive white matter at E20 are elongated, radially oriented cells. Some are amphoterin+ and Rip−, while others are positive for both antigens. At the same age, a small number of process-bearing Rip+ cells are present in the grey matter. These morphologically and antigenically defined populations of cells could reflect different oligodendrocyte lineages, developmental stages, or different responses to environmental cues. While the function of amphoterin is unknown, the finding that amphoterin is expressed in numerous oligodendrocytes from late embryonic development suggests that amphoterin expression may be important in the early stages of oligodendrocyte maturation. The onset of amphoterin expression, prior to the expression of myelin-specific antigens, makes amphoterin a useful marker for studying oligodendrocyte development.
Effects of ovariectomy and estrogen on the serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3.

Abstract To determine the effects of ovariectomy and 17β-estradiol (E2) on serum IGF-I and its binding proteins, female Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 95 days, were divided into four groups. Group 1 was sham-operated; groups 2, 3, and 4 were ovariectomized. Groups 3 and 4 received daily injections of 200 ng (low dose) and 5000 ng (high dose) E2/kg body wt./day, respectively and the others were given solvent vehicle. Ovariectomy resulted in a significant increase in serum IGF-I (P
Reading public memory in Daniel Webster's Plymouth Rock oration

(1993). Reading public memory in Daniel Webster's Plymouth Rock oration. Western Journal of Communication: Vol. 57, No. 4, pp. 464-477.
1052-1 Multimedia Instructional System for Fetal Echo

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital malformation with an incidence rate of 0.7%. Many pregnant woman (in some countries all) are offered an ultrasound scan at around 18 weeks of pregnancy. The scan incorporates a detailed anatomical survey of the fetus and if includes at least a four chamber view, it is an excellent opportunity to detect congenital heart defects. Therefore a Windows based multimedia computer program for the instruction of Fetal Echo for ultrasound technologists, students. residents, fellows and primary care physicians has been developed. The application includes a step by step tutorial to instruct the user in reading Fetal Echo data, a browsing library of definitions of CHD's, graphics images and digitized echocardiograms, and the Expert System for automatic diagnosis. The pictures, images and descriptions are linked to a database and can be viewed by searching for the defect name or symptoms. This provides a powerful instructional tool in this very difficult area of medical education. The minimum hardware requirements to run this program are: IBM/PC or compatible computer running MS Windows version 3.1 with 80386SX processor, 4 MB RAM, 30 MB free disk space, multimedia with dual speed CD ROM, and a VGA card capable to display at least 256 colors.
Noninvasive markers of intravenous streptokinase coronary thrombolysis.

Early creatine kinase (CK) enzyme peaking, rapid electrocardiographic (EKG) changes toward normal, reperfusion arrhythmias, pain disappearance, and 201thallium myocardial scintigraphy appear useful to identify the success or failure of intravenous (i.v.) thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Most patients with AMI are treated currently in community hospitals which do not possess coronary angiographic capabilities. Recent evidence indicates that early intravenous streptokinase results in coronary thrombolysis in the majority of patients treated. A composite of noninvasive markers of coronary reperfusion was assessed in two similar patients with transmural AMI. One received intravenous streptokinase (STK) 750,000 U 90 min after AMI onset; the other received intracoronary (i.c.) STK 4000 U/min 140 min after onset. Within one hour each showed a sudden change in elevated EKG ST segments toward normal, followed by frequent premature ventricular beats and pain disappearance. Posttreatment angiograms documented recanalization of each infarct-related artery. Early CK peaking occurred at 10 hours after the onset of chest pain in the first patient and at 12 hours in the second. This contrasts with delayed CK peaking at 26.4 hours among 384 patients reviewed with untreated AMI. Early CK peaking appears the most accurate indirect marker of successful coronary thrombolysis.
The Cognitive Design of Tools of Thought

When thought overwhelms the mind, the mind puts it into the world, notably in diagrams and gestures.Both use space and arrays of elements, depictive and non-depictive, to convey ideas, concrete and abstract,clear and sketchy. The arrays and the non-depictive elements like boxes and arrows serve to showrelationships and organizations, thematic, categorical, and more. on paper, in the air, in the diagrammedworld. Human actions organize space to convey abstractions: spraction.
Effect of Rock Strength Criterion on the Predicted Onset of Sand Production

The variation of sanding onset prediction results with the selection of one or another rock strength criterion is investigated. In this paper, four commonly used rock strength criteria in sanding onset prediction and wellbore stability studies are presented. There are Mohr–Coulomb, Hoek–Brown, Drucker–Prager, and modified Lade criteria. In each of the criterion, there are two or more parameters involved. In the literature, a two-step procedure is applied to determine the parameters in the rock strength criterion. First, the Mohr–Coulomb parameters like cohesion So and internal friction angle ϕf , are regressed from the laboratory test data. Then, the parameters in other criteria are calculated using the regressed Mohr–Coulomb parameters. It is proposed that the best way to evaluate the parameters in a specific rock strength criterion is to perform direct regression of the laboratory test data using that criterion. Using this methodology, it is demonstrated that the effect of various rock strength criteria...
Polyurethane-Coated Breast Implants Revisited: A 30-Year Follow-Up

BACKGROUND Polyurethane coating of breast implants has been shown to reduce capsular contracture in short-term follow-up studies. This 30-year study is the longest examination of the use of polyurethane-coated implants and their correlation with capsular contracture. METHODS This study evaluates the senior surgeon's (F.D.P.) experience with the use of polyurethane-coated implants in aesthetic breast augmentation in 382 patients over 30 years. Follow-up evaluations were conducted for six months after surgery. After the six-month follow-up period, 76 patients returned for reoperation. The gross findings, histology, and associated capsular contracture were noted at the time of explantation. RESULTS No patient during the six-month follow-up period demonstrated capsular contracture. For those who underwent reoperation for capsular contracture, Baker II/III contractures were noted nine to 10 years after surgery and Baker IV contractures were noted 12 to 21 years after surgery. None of the explanted implants had macroscopic evidence of polyurethane, which was only found during the first five years after surgery. The microscopic presence of polyurethane was noted in all capsules up to 30 years after the original operation. CONCLUSIONS An inverse correlation was found between the amount of polyurethane coating on the implant and the occurrence of capsular contracture. Increasingly severe capsular contracture was associated with a decreased amount of polyurethane coating on the surface of the implants. No contracture occurred in patients whose implants showed incomplete biodegradation of polyurethane, as indicated by the visible presence of polyurethane coating. We recommend research to find a non-toxic, non-biodegradable synthetic material as an alternative to polyurethane.
VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY IN AFRICAN AMERICAN AND WHITE OCTOGENARIANS AND CENTENARIANS IN GEORGIA

Objective Test the hypotheses that vitamin B12 deficiency would be prevalent in octogenarians and centenarians and associated with age, gender, race/ethnicity, living arrangements (community or skilled nursing facility), animal food intake, B-vitamin supplement use, atrophic gastritis, folate status, and hematological indicators.
Frustrated linear energy-momentum relations for acoustic mode polarons

Abstract A general class of acoustic mode polarons is considered. It is argued that if the range of the electron-phonon interaction is not sufficiently long an expected linear structure in the E-P relations will be prevented. This agrees with recent results of Rona and Ayasli on the deformation potential polaron.
Isolation and identification of biofilm microorganisms from silicone gastrostomy devices

Abstract Background/Purpose: Silicone gastrostomy devices (tubes and "buttons") are used extensively for long-term feeding and administration of special diets and medications. However, their potential for harboring microorganisms and possibly compromising the host largely is unknown. This study was conducted to isolate and identify the microbial species in viable biofilms attached to these devices in a pediatric cohort. Methods: A total of 78 domains on 18 silicone gastrostomy devices (12 "buttons" and 6 tubes converted to skin level devices), previously used for feeding (3 to 47 months) in children ranging in age from 6 months to 17 years were analyzed for microbial content. Biofilms were removed from the silicone tube surfaces and inoculated into enriched nutrient media using standard procedures. Intact biofilms also were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Results: All devices analyzed in this investigation were found to exhibit biofilm growth. Of the 24 identified bacterial species, the predominant genera included Bacillus, Enterococcus , and Staphylococcus . Control studies of the tubes under SEM showed a multitude of crevices serving as niches for microbial colonization. Observation of the attached biofilm by SEM showed various biomasses with numerous morphologies. Conclusions: Biofilm composition and attachment to silicone enteral access devices has not received appropriate attention previously. This study shows that devices are colonized with various bacteria and fungi posing a potential threat to patients, particularly those who are immunocompromised. These microorganisms also may play a significant role in the formation of granulation tissue and contribute to device failure. J Pediatr Surg 38:216-220. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Stopping a clinical trial early: frequentist and Bayesian approaches applied to a CALGB trial in non-small-cell lung cancer.

In May 1984, the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) opened a phase III clinical trial for patients with stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The experimental design entailed randomization of 240 patients equally to one of two treatments: radiotherapy alone or chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy. The original design was a fixed sample size design with the intent to analyse the results after 190 deaths. Shortly after the trial began, it was decided to apply group sequential concepts by using a truncated O'Brien-Fleming stopping rule, implemented via a Lan-DeMets α-spending function. A study monitoring committee was established to review the analyses as they were produced. The study was stopped at the fifth interim analysis in May 1987 after 155 eligible patients had been entered. This paper reviews the statistical and other considerations leading to this decision and presents later follow-up information on these patients. Some Bayesian alternatives to the standard frequentist approaches are also explored and it is demonstrated how these alternatives provide a natural way to address many of the issues raised in monitoring clinical trials.
Double-pass, low-fluence laser treatment using a large spot-size 1,450 nm laser improves acne.

Background Laser treatment using a 1,450 nm diode laser has been shown to improve acne and acne scarring. Its widespread adoption in younger populations has been significantly limited by discomfort. A new double-pass protocol reduced pain, but doubled treatment time. A new laser with a fourfold larger area treatment beam was developed to decrease treatment time and improve efficacy. Materials and Methods Thirteen subjects with active papular acne were enrolled in the study. Subjects were treated 4 times at monthly intervals using an average fluence of 7.8 J/cm2, a 12 mm spot and an average dynamic cooling device setting of 42.2, treating the entire face with 2 laser passes. Acne counts, Allen-Smith acne grades and standardized digital photography were performed 2 months following the final treatment, and compared to pre-treatment counts and photographs. Results Improvement in 11 subjects completing treatment evaluated by physician observers comparing pre- and post-treatment photographs was rated as none to mild improvement in three subjects, moderate improvement in six subjects, and marked improvement in two subjects. Allen Smith acne scores decreased from 2.7 pre-treatment to 2.0 post-treatment, and lesion counts decreased from an average of 34.4 pre-treatment to 16.1, 2 months post-treatment. Pain ratings on a 1 (min) to 10 (max) scale averaged 4.9 (range 1–10). All subjects rated their skin as less oily at the follow-up period. Conclusions Low-energy, double pass 1,450 nm laser treatment with a larger 12 mm-diameter spot size effectively reduces acne counts 2 months post-treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:116–121, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Early detection of complete venous occlusion in a rodent and swine pedicle flap model using modulated imaging, a new novel multispectral imaging technique

Author(s): Pharaon, Michael R; Scholz, Thomas; Bogdanoff, Scott; Cuccia, David; Durkin, Anthony J; Hoyt, David B; Evans, Gregory RD
Sliding distance per ATP molecule hydrolyzed by myosin heads during isotonic shortening of skinned muscle fibers

We measured isotonic sliding distance of single skinned fibers from rabbit psoas muscle when known and limited amounts of ATP were made available to the contractile apparatus. The fibers were immersed in paraffin oil at 20 degrees C, and laser pulse photolysis of caged ATP within the fiber initiated the contraction. The amount of ATP released was measured by photolyzing 3H-ATP within fibers, separating the reaction products by high-pressure liquid chromatography, and then counting the effluent peaks by liquid scintillation. The fiber stiffness was monitored to estimate the proportion of thick and thin filament sites interacting during filament sliding. The interaction distance, Di, defined as the sliding distance while a myosin head interacts with actin in the thin filament per ATP molecule hydrolyzed, was estimated from the shortening distance, the number of ATP molecules hydrolyzed by the myosin heads, and the stiffness. Di increased from 11 to 60 nm as the isotonic tension was reduced from 80% to 6% of the isometric tension. Velocity and Di increased with the concentration of ATP available. As isotonic load was increased, the interaction distance decreased linearly with decrease of the shortening velocity and extrapolated to 8 nm at zero velocity. Extrapolation of the relationship between Di and velocity to saturating ATP concentration suggests that Di reaches 100–190 nm at high shortening velocity. The interaction distance corresponds to the sliding distance while cross-bridges are producing positive (working) force plus the distance while they are dragging (producing negative forces). The results indicate that the working and drag distances increase as the velocity increases. Because Di is larger than the size of either the myosin head or the actin monomer, the results suggest that for each ATPase cycle, a myosin head interacts mechanically with several actin monomers either while working or while producing drag.
Synthesis and characterization of zeolite beta containing oxide clusters of antimony and vanadium

Abstract Individual and mixed metal oxide clusters of antimony and vanadium are synthesized within the pore space of zeolite beta and investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, N 2 physisorption, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, temperature-programmed reduction and X-ray adsorption fine structure. Vanadium species (VO 2+ ) are highly dispersed in zeolite beta by ion exchange of the hydrogen form with VOSO 4 . Upon calcination in air and subsequent reduction at 550°C in hydrogen, the vanadium species do not aggregate into large oxide clusters. On the contrary, intrazeolitic antimony species obtained via the impregnation of antimony acetate into zeolite beta do aggregate during calcination in air. However, if antimony acetate is impregnated into a zeolite beta containing vanadium at an Sb/V ratio near unity, mixed metal oxide clusters are formed with physicochemical properties different from either intrazeolitic vanadium or antimony or bulk SbVO 4 . At Sb/V ratios above unity, phase-separated antimony oxide is obtained in addition to the intrazeolitic mixed metal oxide clusters.
Bionomics of invertebrates within an extensive Potamogeton pectinatus bed of a California marsh

Fourteen samples of sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus L.) and associated invertebrates were collected every two weeks over a single season of plant growth in a large monospecific pondweed-bed located in Coyote Hills Marsh (Alameda Co., California, USA), using pull-up samplers that collect plants, epiphytic macroinvertebrates, and microcrustaceans throughout the water column. The macro-invertebrate fauna was dominated by insects, primarily chironomids. Semi-aquatic neustonic taxa, including an aphid and a springtail, were common; this is in contrast with most aquatic plant-invertebrate studies, in which neustonic insects are seldom collected because of sampling bias. Over the entire season, P. pectinatus biomass and the densities of four insect taxa (Anopheles spp. mosquitoes, Hydrellia sp. brineflies, Ademon sp. parasitic wasps, and coenagrionid damselflies) were significantly correlated. These correlations resulted from both similar overall phenologies of the plant and each of the insect taxa, and ecological relationships in which P. pectinatus provides either a specialized habitat or food source. macroinvertebrate numbers were highest in mid-summer, when P. pectinatus forms a dense floating canopy; microcrustaceans were more common during plant senescence in early autumn. Individuals of some taxa may be distributed in proportion to plant biomass; this occurred commonly in damselflies, perhaps as a result of territoriality in these nymphs.
System-on-Chip based physiological Doppler radar: CW and packet radar performance

Recent advances in integrated circuit technology have produced highly integrated mixed-signal modules that include data acquisition, processing, storage, and wireless connectivity. Such System-on-Chip (SoC) modules are commercially available for a wide range of low power and portable applications, including industrial, consumer electronics, toys and gaming, renewable energy, sports and fitness, and medical applications. High performance analog and digital peripherals, multiple low power modes, and multiple transmission modes, make these modules customizable for various applications. Such modules could also provide low power and portability features to Doppler radar physiological sensors. In this paper we discuss advantages of using SoC's for Doppler radar physiological sensing, and compare performance of SoC transmission modes.
Interrater reliability of the mind map assessment rubric in a cohort of medical students

Learning strategies are thinking tools that students can use to actively acquire information. Examples of learning strategies include mnemonics, charts, and maps. One strategy that may help students master the tsunami of information presented in medical school is the mind map learning strategy. Currently, there is no valid and reliable rubric to grade mind maps and this may contribute to their underutilization in medicine. Because concept maps and mind maps engage learners similarly at a metacognitive level, a valid and reliable concept map assessment scoring system was adapted to form the mind map assessment rubric (MMAR). The MMAR can assess mind map depth based upon concept-links, cross-links, hierarchies, examples, pictures, and colors. The purpose of this study was to examine interrater reliability of the MMAR. This exploratory study was conducted at a US medical school as part of a larger investigation on learning strategies. Sixty-six (N = 66) first-year medical students were given a 394-word text passage followed by a 30-minute presentation on mind mapping. After the presentation, subjects were again given the text passage and instructed to create mind maps based upon the passage. The mind maps were collected and independently scored using the MMAR by 3 examiners. Interrater reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) statistic. Statistics were calculated using SPSS version 12.0 (Chicago, IL). Analysis of the mind maps revealed the following: concept-links ICC = .05 (95% CI, -.42 to .38), cross-links ICC = .58 (95% CI, .37 to .73), hierarchies ICC = .23 (95% CI, -.15 to .50), examples ICC = .53 (95% CI, .29 to .69), pictures ICC = .86 (95% CI, .79 to .91), colors ICC = .73 (95% CI, .59 to .82), and total score ICC = .86 (95% CI, .79 to .91). The high ICC value for total mind map score indicates strong MMAR interrater reliability. Pictures and colors demonstrated moderate to strong interrater reliability. We conclude that the MMAR may be a valid and reliable tool to assess mind maps in medicine. However, further research on the validity and reliability of the MMAR is necessary.
Hall Coefficient of Potassium Determined by a Helicon Transmission Method

The magnetic field dependence and magnitude of the high-field Hall coefficient of potassium have been determined experimentally by studying the propagation characteristics of high-frequency helicon waves. Between 20 and 100 kG no significant (\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5%) field dependence is observed in the Hall coefficient for two different crystalline orientations. Absolute measurements yield values which are, depending on the orientation, 4 or 8% larger in absolute value than the free-electron Hall coefficient. Accuracy of the magnitude measurements is estimated at \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 2%. Sample thicknesses are measured in situ using a transducerles ultrasonic technique. The temperature dependence of the Hall coefficient has also been measured. To within 0.05% no change in that quantity is observed upon cooling the sample from 4.2 to 2.2 K. The experimental results are discussed in the light of recent theories on the magnetoresistance of potassium which predict a decreasing Hall coefficient with increasing magnetic field.
Trends in UV radiation

Reductions in atmoshperic ozone levels are expected to result in increases of ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiation reaching the earth's surface. The relationship between UV‐B and ozone is now well established from laboratory measurements, field measurements, and theoretical calculations. For large ozone changes, the expected UV‐B increases are indeed observed, in amounts approximately predicted by atmospheric radiation theory. Such increases have been observed under the Antarctic sprint‐time ozone hole, and in the Northern Hemisphere for a few years after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Longer term trends are somewhat uncertain due to the lack of historical UV‐B data, and to the natural variability in UV‐B radiation that arises from fluctuations in clouds, local pollutants, and other factors.
Detection of premalignant and malignant breast cells by ductal lavage

All ductal and lobular breast cancers originate in the single layer of epithelial cells that line the ductal/lobular systems of all milk ducts. Ductal lavage (DL) enables the retrieval of these cells using a microcatheter. The microcatheter is inserted into the milk ducts through the nipple surface orifices, and saline is flushed through the ducts to wash out cells for cytological evaluation. Methods: High-risk women (Gail index > 1.7, previous breast cancer or BRCA1/BRCA2–positive) with nonsuspicious mammograms and physical exams were aspirated to identify fluid-yielding ducts for subsequent lavage. Cytological diagnoses were rendered as either insufficient cellular material for diagnosis (ICMD), benign (B), mild atypia/premalignant cells (A/P), or suspicious for malignancy/unequivocally malignant cells (ASM/M). Results: DL was performed on 426 high-risk women (551 breasts). Cytological analysis of 470 eligible breasts has been completed. Of lavaged breasts, 15.1% and 5.1% yielded a cytological diagnosis of A/P and ASM/M, respectively, for a combined atypia prevalence of 20.2%. In two cases of ASM/M cytology, a 1.8-cm high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and a 6-cm intermediate-grade DCIS were confirmed and resected with clear margins following exploration and partial resection of the afflicted ducts. In a third case, extensive papillomas with a small focus of cells resembling DCIS were confirmed following prophylactic mastectomy. Workup of two more cases with repeat mammograms, MRI, ultrasonography, and ductoscopy revealed papillomas but no high-grade intraductal lesions correlating with the lavage cytology, although ductoscopy is obviously limited in its ability to access and sample all ductal branches. The other ASM/M cases are still undergoing workup. Conclusions: Ductal lavage is a safe, well-tolerated, and relatively noninvasive procedure for collecting breast ductal epithelial cells to allow for the determination and differentiation of normal, premalignant, and malignant cytology. Ductal lavage may be a useful adjunct to mammography and other currently available imaging modalities for the early detection of intraductal breast pathology.
Relativistic observations and the clock problem

Relativistic observational data are discussed, with the purpose of clarifying some aspects of the clock problem, usually called the « clock paradox » or « twin paradox ». Einstein’s position, that an ideal clock which moves in a closed curve with respect to an unaccelerated clock will indicate the passage of less time, is supported. It is pointed out that the sets of observational data of two observers who take the place of the clocks in the above situation will not be at all similar. Furthermore, the data of the accelerated observer, obtained by means of single Doppler shift and visual observational methods, will be highly implausible and inconsistent with data obtained by radar and double Doppler shift methods. Thus the accelerated observer will be under no temptation to consider himself in a situation equivalent with that of the unaccelerated observer, and should not be surprised to discover upon returning that he has aged less than the other observer. It is pointed out that the accelerated observer will see striking effects due to relativistic aberration which will not be seen by the other observer, but that neither observer will be able to see or photograph the Lorentz contraction. Only the special theory of relativity is necessary in these calculations, since no genuine gravitational fields, produced by massive bodies, are involved.
Confirmation of the assignment of genes for human immunoglobulin heavy chains to chromosome 14 by analysis of Ig synthesis by man‐mouse hybridomas

Hybridomas were produced by fusing the NS1 mouse myeloma line, which does not produce mouse heavy chain Ig, with human peripheral B lymphocytes from a normal individual. Two vigorously growing colonies from this fusion were found to secrete human Ig heavy chains and were recloned. Two secondary clones, which secreted human chains, were again recloned. Among the tertiary clones, two were identified which produced intracellular human Ig chains, but did not secrete immunoglobulin. These tertiary clones were recloned, generating 6 quaternary clones which failed to produce human Ig heavy chains, and 15 quaternary clones which produced intracellular Ig chains. Hybrid clones from each successive subcloning were examined for their human chromosomal content and only those clones which were found to be individually chromosomally distinct, a total of 56 clones in all, were used to analyze the segregation of human chromosomes and human Ig heavy chain synthesis. Results of this study indicate concordant segregation of human Ig heavy chain synthesis and chromosome 14. These studies therefore confirm the previous assignment by C. M. Croce et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1979. 76: 3416) of the genes for human Ig heavy chains to chromosome 14.
Cold‐Pressing and Low‐Temperature Sintering of Alkoxy‐Derived PLZT

Multiorganometallic compounds were used to prepare high-purity submicron-size lead lanthanum zirconate-titanate (PLZT) powders which can be consolidated at low sintering temperatures to high-density piezoelectric and electrooptic ceramic bodies. Simultaneous hydrolytic decomposition of lead isoamyloxide, lanthanum isopropoxide, and zirconium and titanium tertiary amyloxides produced quaternary titanate powders with particle sizes of 75 to 300 A and analyzed purity of 99.92%; the major contaminant was Na from an intermediate reaction product. Homogeneity and stoichiometry of the powders before and after processing were demonstrated by electron microscopy and chemical analysis. High-temperature X-ray diffraction indicated an amorphous material up to ∼600°C, where the crystalline phase was first observed. Powders prepared in this manner sintered to high-density fine-grained transparent bodies with uniform microstructure. The experimental results suggest that less rigorous consolidation methods are required with high-purity homogeneous precursor materials with fine particle size.
Entry into Romantic Partnership is Associated with Obesity

Body mass index is highly correlated between spouses; however, less is understood about the underlying mechanism(s) by which the development of obesity in one individual increases the risk of obesity in his/her spouse. The objective of this study is to investigate whether romantic partnership and duration of cohabitation are related to incident obesity and obesity-promoting behaviors. We used two datasets from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health: 1) 6,949 U.S. adolescents (wave II, 1996) followed into adulthood (wave III, 2001−02) and 2) 1,293 dating, cohabiting, and married romantic couples from wave III, including measured anthropometry and self-report behavior data. In the longitudinal cohort, we used sex-stratified logistic regression models to examine the risk of incident obesity by longitudinal romantic relationship status and duration of time spent living with a romantic partner. In the Couples Sample, we used multinomial logistic regression to predict concordance in outcomes: obesity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and screen time by romantic partnership and duration of time living with a romantic partner. Individuals who transitioned from single/dating to cohabiting or married were more likely to become obese than those who were dating at both waves. Partner concordance for negative, obesity-related behaviors was strongest for married couples and couples who lived together ≥2 years. The shared household environment may increase the likelihood of becoming obese and influence partner concordance and may be an important target for obesity intervention.
Nonlinear spectral analysis of flow through porous media with isotropic lognormal hydraulic conductivity

Abstract We extend previous work on flow through D-dimensional random porous media with isotropic, lognormal and multifractal hydraulic conductivity K to include all (not necessarily multifractal) isotropic lognormal K fields. We use an approximate nonlinear analysis method to obtain the marginal distributions of the hydraulic gradient ∇ H and the specific flow q , the effective conductivity K eff , and the spectral density tensors of the ∇ H and q fields. We find that the amplitudes of ∇ H and q have lognormal distribution and their common orientation is distributed like Brownian motion on the unit sphere in R D , at a ‘time’ that depends on the variance of ln( K ) and the space dimension D . Under ergodicity conditions, we obtain K eff = E [ K ]exp{−(1/ D ) σ ln( K ) 2 }, which is the formula conjectured by Matheron [Elements Pour Une Theorie Des Millieux Poreaux, 166 pp]. Our spectral density tensors of ∇ H and q differ from the classical linear perturbation results in that they become more isotropic as the wavenumber amplitude k=| k | increases. A second difference, which becomes noticeable when log( K ) has a broad-band spectrum and high variance, is that the nonlinear spectra decay more slowly with k . The theoretical results are confirmed through two-dimensional simulations.