cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactive measurement, idiothetic inquiry, and the challenge to conventional “nomotheticism”

Paunonen and Jackson (this issue) have commented critically on certain technical features of the idiothetic framework for personality research proposed by Lamiell (1981, 1982) In the present article, we offer our own views on each of the three major issues raised by Paunonen and Jackson, and in so doing seek to explain why we take their arguments to be adequate neither as a critique of the idiothetic approach nor as a defense of traditional “nomotheticism”
Firm rib mass aspirate from a dog.

: A 9-year-old intact male Miniature Schnauzer presented laterally recumbent, cachexic, and dehydrated with multiple firm bone masses and a bilaterally enlarged prostate. Fine-needle aspiration of a rib mass revealed numerous basophilic polygonal to fusiform cells predominantly found in small to large clusters. The cells exhibited cytologic criteria of malignancy and infrequently displayed large cytoplasmic vacuoles containing finely- to coarsely-stippled azurophilic material. The cytologic diagnosis was metastatic adenocarci-noma and was suspected to be prostatic or transitional cell in origin because of the azurophilic vacuoles within malignant cells. Gross and histologic findings confirmed the clinical and cytologic diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma with widespread metastasis. Cytochemical and immunohistochemical investigation confirmed glycogen was a component of the vacuolar material. The vacuoles observed in the tumor in this case are not a consistent finding in tumors of the prostate or urinary bladder; however, when associated with an epithelial tumor, they may aid in limiting the differentials of the primary tumor and in the selection of further diagnostics.
Imprinting community college computer science education with software engineering principles: work in progress

Although the two-year curriculum guide includes coverage of all eight software engineering core topics, the computer science courses taught in the Alabama community colleges limit student exposure to the programming, or coding, phase of the software development lifecycle and offer little experience in requirements analysis, design, testing, and maintenance. We propose that some software engineering principles can be incorporated into the introductory level of the computer science curriculum. Our vision is to give community college students a broader exposure to the software development lifecycle. For those students who plan to transfer to a baccalaureate program subsequent to their community college education, our vision is to prepare them sufficiently to move seamlessly into mainstream computer science and software engineering degrees. For those students who plan to move from the community college to a programming career, our vision is to equip them with the foundational knowledge and skills required by the software industry.
Factors elevating cAMP attenuate the effects of 8-OH-DPAT on lordosis behavior.

Abstract The effects of a soluble derivative of forskolin and of two membrane-permeable analogs of cAMP, dibutyryl cAMP, and 8-bromo-cAMP, on the ability of a serotonin (5-HT) 1A receptor agonist to inhibit lordosis behavior were examined. Sexually receptive, proestrous rats received a bilateral infusion into the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN) with 68 ng of the forskolin derivative 1, 1.5, 2, or 2.5 h prior to infusion with 200 ng of the 5-HT 1A receptor agonist, (±)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). Proestrous rats and ovariectomized rats, hormonally primed with 25 μg estradiol benzoate and 500 μg progesterone, were coinfused with 200 ng 8-OH-DPAT and either 50 μg dibutyryl cAMP or 5 μg 8-bromo-cAMP. In proestrous rats, prior infusion with the forskolin derivative reduced the effects of the 5-HT 1A receptor agonist on lordosis behavior. The best protection occurred at 2 h; by 2.5 h after the preinfusion, any protective effect had disappeared. Coinfusion with either dibutyryl-cAMP or 8-bromo-cAMP reduced the effects of 8-OH-DPAT in proestrous rats. In hormone-primed, ovariectomized rats, dibutyryl cAMP offered significant protection against the effects of 8-OH-DPAT, but there was no protection with 8-bromo-cAMP. These findings are consistent with the speculation that 8-OH-DPAT's inhibition of lordosis behavior results, in part, from an inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, resulting from agonist activation of 5-HT 1A receptors in the VMN. The findings are also consistent with our earlier observations for differences between proestrous rats and hormone-primed, ovariectomized rats in their response to 5-HT receptor-active compounds.
Generating a maximal entropy probability density from an interval-valued fuzzy set

Let f be an interval-valued fuzzy subset of a finite set U of size n. This yields n closed intervals inside the unit interval. Picking a point in each interval and dividing by tin sum of the points gives rise to a probability density on the set of intervals. The problem is to pick the points that yield maximum entropy of the resulting density. We provide algorithms for picking such points.
Necrotizing tracheobronchitis following high-frequency ventilation: effect of lung deflation.

A piglet model of acute respiratory failure was used to determine whether necrotizing tracheobronchitis (NTB) reported during high-frequency pneumatic flow interrupter (HFFI) ventilation could be minimized by a different ventilatory strategy. Twenty-one piglets (mean age 3.8 days, average weight 1.4 kg) were anesthetized with ketamine and given Pavulon ® prior to saline lung lavage. Femoral vessels were cannulated for measurements of blood pressures, arterial blood gases (ABG), and fluid administration. Airway pressures were measured 5 mm above the endotracheal tube tip. To allow for lung deflation, HFFI (10 Hz) was programmed to pause for 1 sec either 5 (HFFI5) or 12 times per min (HFFI12). Seven animals were assigned to each of the treatment groups and to a conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) control. All animals were kept on 1.0 F1O2 with ventilators adjusted to maintain ABG (pO2 = 50-100 mmHg and pCO2 = 30-40 mmHg). After 6 h of ventilation, the animals were sacrificed and their lungs inflated w...
Simulation technology for skills training and competency assessment in medical education.

Medical education during the past decade has witnessed a significant increase in the use of simulation technology for teaching and assessment. Contributing factors include: changes in health care delivery and academic environments that limit patient availability as educational opportunities; worldwide attention focused on the problem of medical errors and the need to improve patient safety; and the paradigm shift to outcomes-based education with its requirements for assessment and demonstration of competence. The use of simulators addresses many of these issues: they can be readily available at any time and can reproduce a wide variety of clinical conditions on demand. In lieu of the customary (and arguably unethical) system, whereby novices carry out the practice required to master various techniques—including invasive procedures—on real patients, simulation-based education allows trainees to hone their skills in a risk-free environment. Evaluators can also use simulators for reliable assessments of competence in multiple domains. For those readers less familiar with medical simulators, this article aims to provide a brief overview of these educational innovations and their uses; for decision makers in medical education, we hope to broaden awareness of the significant potential of these new technologies for improving physician training and assessment, with a resultant positive impact on patient safety and health care outcomes.
Distribution of the estimated lyapunov exponents from noisy chaotic time series

. In this paper, we give statistical analyses and simulation studies on the Lyapunov exponents estimated from noisy chaotic time series. Through the Jacobian estimation approach, the asymptotic distribution of the estimated Lyapunov exponents are studied and characterized from the observed noisy chaotic time series. Theoretical results are visualized and verified by numerical simulations.
Texture Profile Analysis of Patties Made from Mixed and Flake-Cut Mechanically Deboned Poultry Meat

Abstract The effect of flake-cutting on the texture of mechanically deboned poultry meat patties was evaluated by texture profile analysis. Mechanically deboned poultry meat with skin (MDPM) was flake-cut and then mixed with salt and seasoning for 5 min; structured protein fiber (SPF) was added as either 15 or 25% of the patty formulation. A reference or mixed sample containing 15% SPF was prepared without flake-cutting. The Instron Universal Testing Machine was used to objectively measure the textural properties of hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness. A six-member trained panel also evaluated the same texture properties plus juiciness using a seven-point intensity scale. Objectively, flake-cut patties were more springy than mixed patties when SPF level was equal (15%). Flake-cut patties with 25% SPF were significantly harder and more chewy than either the flaked or mixed patties with 15% SPF. Sensorially, both flake-cut patties were more springy and cohesive than the mixed product. Positive significant correlation coefficients between objective and sensory measures of hardness, springiness, and chewiness indicated that the Instron and sensory panel were in good agreement. Those parameters as measured by the Instrom and sensory panel changed at about the same rate and in the same direction depending on effects of flake-cutting or level of SPF.
Enzymelike Catalysis of the Nazarov Cyclization by Supramolecular Encapsulation

The water-soluble, self-assembled, tetrahedral assembly K12Ga4L6 (L = 1,5-biscatecholamidenaphthalene) catalyzes the Nazarov cyclization of 1,3-pentadienols with extremely high levels of efficiency. The catalyzed reaction proceeds over a million times faster than the background reaction, an increase comparable to those observed in some enzymatic systems. This catalysis operates under aqueous conditions at mild temperatures and pH, and the reaction is halted by the addition of an appropriate inhibitor. This unprecedented rate enhancement is attributed to both the stabilization of protonated reaction intermediates and the effect of constrictive binding on the bound guest.
Comparison of vascular access type in pediatric hemodialysis patients with respect to urea clearance, anemia management, and serum albumin concentration

Background: Central venous catheters (CVCs) remain the most common vascular access in pediatric hemodialysis patients. Risks for infection and dysfunction are greatest among patients using CVCs as opposed to those with arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) and arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). Studies of adult hemodialysis patients show greater morbidity and mortality in patients with a CVC. The study goal is to determine whether hemodialysis access in pediatric patients influences urea clearance (Kt/V and urea reduction rate [URR]), anemia management (hemoglobin [Hgb] concentration and recombinant human erythropoietin [rHuEPO] use), and serum albumin levels. Methods: Data were abstracted from The Renal Network, Inc, Data System for pediatric patients with identified hemodialysis access from 2000 to 2002. Data were subdivided according to age: 0 to 5, 6 to 10, 11 to 15, and 16 to 18 years. Univariate analysis of variance was performed on Kt/V, URR, serum albumin concentration, Hgb concentration, and rHuEPO dose. Results: There were 601 recorded observations in 140 patients (90 males and 50 females). There were 56 Caucasians and 73 African Americans. Comparing Kt/V and URR, adjusting for blood flow and treatment times, a difference between AVFs and AVGs compared with CVCs was seen. Mean Hgb concentration was lower in patients with a CVC. Mean rHuEPO dose was greatest in patients using a CVC, and mean albumin level was lower for patients using a CVC. Conclusion: In children, hemodialysis using an AVF or AVG improves outcome in relation to urea clearance, Hgb concentration, and serum albumin level. Efforts to reduce CVC use should be extended to the pediatric dialysis population.
Differential Effects of Calorie Restriction and Exercise on the Adipose Transcriptome in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

We tested the hypothesis that obesity reversal by calorie restriction (CR) versus treadmill exercise (EX) differentially modulates adipose gene expression using 48 female C57BL/6 mice administered a diet-induced obesity (DIO) regimen for 8 weeks, then randomized to receive for 8 weeks either: (1) a control (AIN-76A) diet, fed ad libitum (DIO control); (2) a 30% CR regimen; (3) a treadmill EX regimen (with AIN-76A diet fed ad libitum); or (4) continuation of the DIO diet. Relative to the DIO controls, both CR and EX reduced adiposity by 35–40% and serum leptin levels by 80%, but only CR increased adiponectin and insulin sensitivity. Gene expression microarray analysis of visceral white adipose tissue revealed 209 genes responsive to both CR and EX, relative to the DIO group. However, CR uniquely altered expression of an additional 496 genes, whereas only 20 were uniquely affected by EX. Of the genes distinctly responsive to CR, 17 related to carbohydrate metabolism and glucose transport, including glucose transporter (GLUT) 4. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays of the Glut4 promoter revealed that, relative to the DIO controls, CR significantly increased histone 4 acetylation, suggesting epigenetic regulation may underlie some of the differential effects of CR versus EX on the adipose transcriptome.
Solubility of neutral nickel in silicate melts and implications for the Earth's siderophile element budget

EXPERIMENTAL studies have so far suggested that an insignificant amount of neutral nickel (Nio) is soluble in silicate melts1–4. This has led to difficulties in explaining the high concentrations of nickel in the modern Earth's mantle, because virtually all nickel (along with other siderophile elements such as cobalt and the noble metals) would have been removed from the mantle when the Earth's metallic core separated from it at low oxygen fugacity1,2,5. Several models have been proposed to explain the Earth's siderophile element budget1,6–8, each based on the belief that the solubility of neutral metal species in silicate melts is negligible. Here, however, I present experimental evidence indicating that the solubility of at least one neutral siderophile element, nickel, is not negligible. Because the presence of Ni° will affect the partitioning of nickel between silicate melt and metal, and between silicate melt and crystalline silicate phases, these results have implications for our understanding of petrogenetic processes that take place in conditions of low oxygen fugacity, where Nio is an important part of total nickel. In particular, the Nio solubilities found in the present study are large enough to explain the anomalously high concentrations of nickel in the Earth's mantle if the temperature of the early mantle was sufficiently high (≳ 1,800°C).
Intermittent Feeding and Lighting of Mature Leghorn Hens

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of limiting feed and light to adult female White Leghorn chickens. In both experiments, lighting treatments compared ten-minute periods of light every four hours with 17 hours of continuous light per 24-hour period; feeding treatments compared ten-minute periods every four hours (concurrent with the intermittent lighting periods) with ad libitum feeding. Two levels of dietary protein, 18 and 20 percent, were used in Experiment 1 and two levels of dietary energy, 2816 and 3028 Cal./Kg., were used in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, no differences in egg production were observed. In Experiment 2, restricted feeding reduced egg production by 9.4 percent. Egg production was not affected by light restriction. Egg size was reduced by 0.4 gram per egg in both experiments when feeding time was limited; however, this difference was significant only in the first experiment. Intermittent light resulted in a significant increase in average egg weight of l.5 grams in Experiment 1 and 1.9 grams in Experiment 2 when compared with 17 hours of light. The limitation of feeding time resulted in a 20 percent reduction in feed consumption. Light restriction reduced feed consumption by ten percent in Experiment 1 and by 12 percent in Experiment 2. The efficiency of converting feed to eggs was significantly improved in the birds on restricted feeding by 10.0 percent in Experiment 1 and by 5.5 percent in Experiment 2. The improved efficiency of converting feed to eggs indicated a lowered maintenance requirement in birds on restricted feeding.
Ultrastructure and development of a thick basement membrane-like layer in the anchoring villi of macaque placentas

Background: Anchoring villi and cytotrophoblastic cell columns are important structural components involved in placental morphogenesis. We have previously described the presence of an unusual basement membrane-like layer (BMLL) that separates these placental compartments. The purpose of the present study was to identify developmental changes in the ultrastructure of the BMLL and to assess its changes in extracellular matrix composition over the course of gestation. Methods: Conventional techniques were used to examine macaque placental tissue by transmission electron microscopy. Standard immunoperoxidase methods were used to identify type IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin in paraffin sections. Results: Until day 35 of gestation the BMLL was 70–100 nm thick and appeared similar to basement membranes seen in other regions of the villus, although it usually lacked a lamina lucida along the surface adjacent to the cytotrophoblast cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of laminin and type IV collagen in the BMLL. By 53 days of gestation the BMLL had hypertrophied at the junction of the anchoring villus and cell column, measuring 2,000–5,000 nm in thickness. The BMLL retained immunoreactivity for laminin and type IV collagen. Ultrastructural examination revealed the presence of a new component in the form of 10 nm microfibrils. By 89 days of gestation the BMLL was not reactive for laminin or type IV collagen but otherwise maintained the structural organization seen at 53 days. No additional changes were observed in the BMLL during late pregnancy. Conclusions: The BMLL is a distinct extracellular matrix region that separates the distal aspect of the anchoring villus from the proximal portion of the cell columns. Evidence indicates that adjacent cytotrophoblast plays a prominent role in the production of the BMLL. The BMLL may serve to organize this complex tissue by separating fetal mesenchyme from cytotrophoblast cells that are proliferating, differentiating, and migrating. Modifications to the composition of the BMLL may indicate changes in the role this matrix plays in the development of the placenta. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Escherichia coli replicative helicase PriA protein-single-stranded DNA complex. Stoichiometries, free energy of binding, and cooperativities.

Analyses of interactions of the Escherichia coli replicative helicase, PriA protein, with a single-stranded (ss) DNA have been performed, using the quantitative fluorescence titration technique. The stoichiometry of the PriA helicase·ssDNA complex has been examined in binding experiments with a series of ssDNA oligomers. The total site-size of the PriA·ssDNA complex, i.e. the maximum number of nucleotide residues occluded by the PriA helicase in the complex, is 20 ± 3 residues per protein monomer. However, the protein can efficiently form a complex with a minimum of 8 nucleotides. Thus, the enzyme has a strong ssDNA-binding site that engages in direct interactions with a significantly smaller number of nucleotides than the total site-size. The ssDNA-binding site is located in the center of the enzyme molecule, with the protein matrix protruding over a distance of ∼6 nucleotides on both sides of the binding site. The analysis of the binding of two PriA molecules to long oligomers was performed using statistical thermodynamic models that take into account the overlap of potential binding sites, cooperative interactions, and the protein·ssDNA complexes with different stoichiometries. The intrinsic affinity depends little upon the length of the ssDNA. Moreover, the binding is accompanied by weak cooperative interactions.
Two-dimensional anisotropic scattering radiation in a thermally developing Poiseuille flow

Combined heat transfer by laminar convection and two-dimensional radiation in a thermally developing Poiseuille flow between two infinite plane parallel plates is studied. The gray fluid participates radiatively by absorbing, emitting, and anisotropically scattering radiative energy. Effects of the conduction-radiation parameter, scattering albedo, optical height of the channel, diffuse wall reflectivity, and scattering phase function are studied. Results obtained from one-dimensional treatment of the radiative transfer are shown to be quite different from those obtained from two-dimensional radiation analysis, which show significant preheating of the entering fluid. The two-dimensional effects are more pronounced as the channel optical height increases and as the conduction-radiation parameter and the scattering albedo decrease. The scattering phase functions also significantly influence the preheating as the channel optical height increases.
pH-dependent peptide binding properties of the type I diabetes-associated I-Ag7 molecule: rapid release of CLIP at an endosomal pH.

MHC class II molecules and invariant chain assemble at a neutral pH in the endoplasmic reticulum and are transported to a low pH compartment where the invariant chain is trimmed to the class II–associated invariant chain peptide (CLIP). For many major histocompatibility complex class II molecules, DM is required for rapid removal of CLIP, which allows binding of antigenic peptides. Since I-Ag7 confers susceptibility to type I diabetes in NOD mice, the biochemical requirements for peptide loading were examined using soluble I-Ag7 expressed in insect cells. I-Ag7 formed long-lived complexes with naturally processed peptides from transferrin and albumin, whereas several peptides that represent T cell epitopes of islet autoantigens were poor binders. I-Ag7–peptide complexes were not sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) resistant, indicating that SDS sensitivity may be an intrinsic property of I-Ag7. Complexes of I-Ag7 and CLIP formed at a neutral pH, but rapidly dissociated at pH 5. This rapid dissociation was due to a poor fit of M98 of CLIP in the P9 pocket of I-Ag7, since substitution of M98 by a negatively charged residue greatly enhanced the stability of the complex. These biochemical properties of I-Ag7 result in the rapid generation of empty molecules at an endosomal pH and have a global effect on peptide binding by I-Ag7.
Synthesis of s‐3‐indolemethyl derivatives of 5′‐deoxy‐5′‐thioadenosine

The S-3-(1-methylindole)methyl and S-3-(1,2-dimethylindole)methyl derivatives of 5′-deoxy-5′-thioadenosine have been prepared by reaction of the appropriate 3-indolemethylthioacetate with 5′-deoxy-5′-chloro-adenosine in basic media. 5′-Deoxy-5′-(3-indolemethylthio)adenosines unsubstituted at the indolic nitrogen, cannot be prepared via this route due to facile conversion of the precursor 3-indolemethylthiol derivative to the corresponding 3,3′-diindolemethyl sulfide.
Possible environmental index in tropical reef corals

PRELIMINARY results from a mineralogical study indicate that hermatypic corals may preserve in their skeletons a continuous record of noncarbonate sediments that were suspended in the waters in which they grew. Studies of coral structure, skeletal chemistry, and skeletal mineralogy1–6 have tended to neglect the significance of this trapped material. Our findings suggest that any comparison between the abundance of trace elements in corals from different areas may be questioned, as may those studies which suggest that large amounts of silica and aluminium are incorporated in skeletal carbonate.
A long-term flexible minimally-invasive implantable glucose biosensor based on an epoxy-enhanced polyurethane membrane

This paper describes the preparation method as well as the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel flexible glucose biosensor designed for long-term subcutaneous implantation. An epoxy-enhanced polyurethane membrane, which includes ca. 30-40% epoxy resin adhesive and 50-70% polyurethane, has been developed and used for the first time as the outer protective membrane of the sensor. This new membrane was developed to increase the in vivo durability and lifetime of implantable biosensors. This epoxy-polyurethane membrane was shown to be porous and is of excellent durability. A sensor with such a membrane shows excellent long-term stability and can last for 4-8 months in solutions at room temperature. To verify the in vivo performance of the sensor, nine sensors were implanted in three rats and tested regularly. Eight sensors kept functioning well in the rats for 10-56 days. The ninth sensor was damaged during implantation. All original sensitivity data as well as four response curves obtained at days 7, 17, 52 and 56, respectively are presented.
The importance of spatial nested data in understanding the relationship between visitor use and landscape impacts

Abstract As managers and researchers of protected natural areas continue to seek balance in promoting visitor use but limiting negative experiential and natural resource impacts, the integration of social and physical spatial data may play a critical role in understanding how visitors and the community interface with the landscape within these protected areas. These spatial considerations are important for inventorying, monitoring, and managing the conditions of natural resources within parks. Specifically related to the visitor impacts of natural resources in parks are the use and condition of multiple-use trails. Technology such as GPS and GIS may allow for a unique assessment of the relationship between factors that influence this resource. This paper focuses on how visitor use distribution (measured through GPS tracking), activity type, and trail design influence the impacts to trail conditions. This paper also addresses statistical concerns related to spatial dependency. Results suggest that failure to account for spatial dependency can lead to erroneous Type I findings. Additionally, activity type (specifically horseback riders) and trail design were found to best predict trail impacts when controlling for spatial dependency.
The linoleic acid content of seed fats and the isomerism of linoleic acid

The linoleic acid content of a series of seed fats was determined by the thiocyanometric and the tetrabromide-precipitation methods in a search for isomeric linoleic acids. The results indicated the presence of only one form of linoleic acid. The tetrabromide number was shown to be affected by the pronounced solubility of alpha tetrabromostearic acid in the other bromides and in the solid acids, its determination therefore being of only limited value. The thiocyanogen numbers of pure linoleic and linolenic acids were found to be empirical values differing markedly from the theoretical constants, requiring a revision of the accepted equations for the calculation of the per cent concentration of the unsaturated acids in oils and mixed fatty acids.
Scapulothoracic dissociation: are there reliable chest radiographic findings?

Purpose: To delineate chest radiographic (CXR) findings in scapulothoracic dissociation (SD), defined as a closed, blunt-force partial amputation of the forequarter dominated by brachial plexus and appendicular vascular injuries. Methods: Radiographs were available in 8 of 11 cases of SD identified by retrospective search of patient databases. Recumbent, nonrotated portable CXR views from 58 male individuals without SD seen in the emergency department for reasons other than trauma served as controls. Measurements on CXRs from controls were used as the basis on which to define normal ranges for scapulothoracic ratios. The CXRs from the eight study patients were evaluated by two emergency radiologists for the presence of a fracture diastasis greater than 1 cm, dislocation, soft tissue hematoma of the axilla, extrapleural apex, or superior mediastinum, and the scapulothoracic ratio was measured. Results: On the basis of the control patients' CXRs, the medial margin of the glenoid was determined to represent the best landmark for quantifying lateral scapular displacement. However, only one case of SD met the radiographic criteria. Conclusion: SD is a functionally devastating and life-threatening consequence of severe blunt polytrauma. Commonly overlooked initially, in most cases SD shows suggestive findings. While the scapulothoracic ratio appears to be insensitive as a measure, the combination of apicolateral pleural cap and axilla or mediastinal hematoma is suggestive of great vessel injury and should raise suspicion for SD.
Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry of Small-Molecule Solids at Cryogenic Temperatures. IV. Carbon Dioxide, Carbonyl Sulfide and Carbon Disulfide

Secondary ion mass spectra of neat solid CO2, COS and CS2 and of CO2 diluted in solid argon were measured as a function of the nature and energy of the primary ions (He+, Ne+, Ar+, Kr+, Xe+, 1.0-4.5 keV). All of the solids produced a rich variety of positive and negative secondary ions. Many of these have masses considerably in excess of the molecular weight of the parent molecules, particularly with primary ions of large momentum. Carbon dioxide produces well-defined cluster series with CO2 as the solvating unit. Carbonyl sulfide and carbon disulfide yield a complex pattern of positive and negative cluster ions.
RABBIT PLATELET BACTERICIDAL PROTEIN

The heat-stable antibacterial activity of rabbit serum against Gram-positive microorganisms has been shown to reside in a cationic protein fraction of platelet lysosomal granules. The activity is released during platelet aggregation. No plasma or serum component is required for the bactericidal effect. The platelet bactericidin resembles the antibacterial proteins of leukocyte granules both in cellular localization and in biochemical characteristics. It can be differentiated from platelet factor 4, the antiheparin factor, which is also a basic protein in platelet granules. The antibacterial effect of the platelet bactericidin may be related to the metabolic activity of the organisms. This antibacterial activity of platelets may represent another means by which platelets can participate in host inflammatory defense reactions.
Thrombosis of the Internal Carotid Artery Due to Blunt Trauma

Thrombosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA) due to blunt trauma is more common than generally appreciated. Mortality is high (about 50%) and so is the morbidity in those that survive. Because of the varied clinical picture and the frequent lucid interval, a definitive diagnosis is often made too late for curative intervention. Our experience with a successfully treated case provided the stimulus for a review of the subject.
Integrative approach to pain genetics identifies pain sensitivity loci across diseases.

Identifying human genes relevant for the processing of pain requires difficult-to-conduct and expensive large-scale clinical trials. Here, we examine a novel integrative paradigm for data-driven discovery of pain gene candidates, taking advantage of the vast amount of existing disease-related clinical literature and gene expression microarray data stored in large international repositories. First, thousands of diseases were ranked according to a disease-specific pain index (DSPI), derived from Medical Subject Heading (MESH) annotations in MEDLINE. Second, gene expression profiles of 121 of these human diseases were obtained from public sources. Third, genes with expression variation significantly correlated with DSPI across diseases were selected as candidate pain genes. Finally, selected candidate pain genes were genotyped in an independent human cohort and prospectively evaluated for significant association between variants and measures of pain sensitivity. The strongest signal was with rs4512126 (5q32, ABLIM3, P = 1.3×10−10) for the sensitivity to cold pressor pain in males, but not in females. Significant associations were also observed with rs12548828, rs7826700 and rs1075791 on 8q22.2 within NCALD (P = 1.7×10−4, 1.8×10−4, and 2.2×10−4 respectively). Our results demonstrate the utility of a novel paradigm that integrates publicly available disease-specific gene expression data with clinical data curated from MEDLINE to facilitate the discovery of pain-relevant genes. This data-derived list of pain gene candidates enables additional focused and efficient biological studies validating additional candidates.
FEMALE DELINQUENCY AND BROKEN HOMES A Re-Assessment

The above statement contained in the Task Force Report on Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Crime has been well documented by empirical data. For the most part, inquiries into the motivational factors in female delinquency have the family as a common focus. Several decades of research have produced evidence suggesting that female delinquency is largely attributable to deficient family relationships which require that the girl seek compensatory affectional responses outside the home. For example, Monahan found that both male and female delinquents are less likely to come from intact family backgrounds than their nondelinquent counterparts, but that “among the females the proportions from incomplete families are so high that there can hardly be any doubt as to the importance of parental deprivation to them” (1957: 258). Similar observations may be found in more recent studies (Trese, 1962; Morris, 1964; Cockburn and Maclay, 1965; Cowie et a1., 1968; Adamek and Dager, 1969; Cloninger and Guze, 1970; and Reige, 1972).
Differing physiological effects of epinephrine in type 1 diabetes and nondiabetic humans

Acute increases of the key counterregulatory hormone epinephrine can be modified by a number of physiological and pathological conditions in type 1 diabetic patients (T1DM). However, it is undecided whether the physiological effects of epinephrine are also reduced in T1DM. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether target organ (liver, muscle, adipose tissue, pancreas, cardiovascular) responses to epinephrine differ between healthy subjects and T1DM patients. Thirty-four age- and weight-matched T1DM (n = 17) and healthy subjects (n = 17) underwent two randomized, single-blind, 2-h hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp studies with (Epi) and without epinephrine infusion. Muscle biopsy was performed at the end of each study. Epinephrine levels during Epi were similar in all groups (4,039 +/- 384 pmol/l). Glucose (5.3 +/- 0.06 mmol/l) and insulin levels (462 +/- 18 pmol/l) were also similar in all groups during the glucose clamps. Glucagon responses to Epi were absent in T1DM and significantly reduced compared with healthy subjects. Endogenous glucose production during the final 30 min was significantly greater during Epi in healthy subjects compared with T1DM (8.4 +/- 1.3 vs. 4.4 +/- 0.6 micromol.kg(-1).min(-1), P = 0.041). Glucose uptake showed almost a twofold greater decrease with Epi in healthy subjects vs. T1DM (Delta31 +/- 2 vs. Delta17 +/- 2 nmol.kg(-1).min(-1), respectively, P = 0.026). Glycerol, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) all increased significantly more in T1DM compared with healthy subjects. Increases in systolic blood pressure were greater in healthy subjects, but reductions of diastolic blood pressure were greater in T1DM patients with Epi. Reduction of glycogen synthase was significantly greater during epinephrine infusion in T1DM vs. healthy subjects. In summary, despite equivalent epinephrine, insulin, and glucose levels, changes in glucose flux, glucagon, and cardiovascular responses were greater in healthy subjects compared with T1DM. However, T1DM patients had greater lipolytic responses (glycerol and NEFA) during Epi. Thus we conclude that there is a spectrum of significant in vivo physiological differences of epinephrine action at the liver, muscle, adipose tissue, pancreas, and cardiovascular system between T1DM and healthy subjects.
The activity of arginase in red blood cells.

KOCHAKIAN (5) found that the red blood cell arginase activity was increased in one patient with the adrenogenital syndrome, and lowered in two with Addison's disease. Fraenkel-Conrat, Simpson and Evans (2) reported an increase in the activity of liver arginase in hypophysectomized rats following the administration of 17-hydroxydehydrocorticosterone, dehydrocorticosterone, and corticosterone. The present paper attempts to obtain additional evidence on these points. METHODS 1. Preparation of laked red blood cells for arginase determination: Blood was taken in heparin, 15 ml. for preparation of the standard reference curve, and 10 ml. for subsequent determinations. After removal of 3 ml. for the hemoglobin determination, the remainder was centrifuged in 6 ml. tubes to obtain the hematocrit. The plasma was discarded and the red cells washed once with isotonic saline. The packed cells were then diluted to five time their volume with distilled water and shaken occasionally for 10 minutes to insure complete hemo...
Regulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase: looking beyond NO.

neurotransmission, platelet function, skeletal muscle and vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle, and numerous other cellular functions are significantly regulated by the principal enzyme initially transducing nitric oxide (NO) signals, soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) ([8][1]). The better-
Land Use and Climate Change

Although the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is the best known impact of human activity on climate change, variations in land use and surface cover may be of equal importance. In his Perspective, Pielke discusses results reported in the same issue by Feddema et al. in which changes in land cover--for example, from agricultural development--were included in climate simulations. One result of the simulation is that conversion of forest to agriculture in the model in the Amazon region leads to local temperature increases comparable to that simulated as being due to the radiative effect of the addition of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. According to Pielke, the calculations suggest that all of the complex range of effects of the human disturbance of climate need to be considered in order to understand the human influence on climate, rather than focusing on a subset of the human disturbances.
Tertiary structure formation in the hairpin ribozyme monitored by fluorescence resonance energy transfer

The complex formed by the hairpin ribozyme and its substrate consists of two independently folding domains which interact to form a catalytic structure. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer methods permit us to study reversible transitions of the complex between open and closed forms. Results indicate that docking of the domains is required for both the cleavage and ligation reactions. Docking is rate-limiting for ligation (2 min-1) but not for cleavage, where docking (0.5 min-1) precedes a rate-limiting conformational transition or slow-reaction chemistry. Strikingly, most modifications to the RNA (such as a G+1A mutation in the substrate) or reaction conditions (such as omission of divalent metal ion cofactors) which inhibit catalysis do so by preventing docking. This demonstrates directly that mutations and modifications which inhibit a step following substrate binding are not necessarily involved in catalysis. An improved kinetic description of the catalytic cycle is derived, including specific structural transitions.
RECONSTRUCTING CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS AND THE COLLAPSE OF DEMOCRACY IN GHANA, 1979–81

This article attempts to contribute to an understanding of the challenges involved in trying to bring military and security agencies under constitutional rule in new democracies by analysing the case of the Limann regime and the failed democratic transition in Ghana in 1979-81. In the aftermath of democratization in 1979 the civilian government made aggressive (and not always diplomatic) efforts to bring the armed forces under its control. In this instance both the civil government and the military command were threatened by the possibility of a coup from below and were anxious to prevent it. The analysis tries to answer the question of why the government and the military command failed to make common cause, examining first the conflict between civilian officials and the military high command over jurisdictional and other issues, and then between the security agencies themselves that provided the opening for the overthrow once again of democracy. The coup itself was the result of the double crisis of civil and military authority. The institutional arrangements through which civil command has been exercised are examined; it is argued that civil control of the military in independent Ghana has historically been a myth, and that the existence of a civilian regime does not necessarily suggest civil control of the military.
An Analysis of Artificial Reef Fish Community Structure along the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico Shelf: Potential Impacts of "Rigs-to-Reefs" Programs.

Artificial structures are the dominant complex marine habitat type along the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) shelf. These habitats can consist of a variety of materials, but in this region are primarily comprised of active and reefed oil and gas platforms. Despite being established for several decades, the fish communities inhabiting these structures remain poorly investigated. Between 2012 and 2013 we assessed fish communities at 15 sites using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Fish assemblages were quantified from standing platforms and an array of artificial reef types (Liberty Ships and partially removed or toppled platforms) distributed over the Texas continental shelf. The depth gradient covered by the surveys (30–84 m) and variability in structure density and relief also permitted analyses of the effects of these characteristics on fish richness, diversity, and assemblage composition. ROVs captured a variety of species inhabiting these reefs from large transient piscivores to small herbivorous reef fishes. While structure type and relief were shown to influence species richness and community structure, major trends in species composition were largely explained by the bottom depth where these structures occurred. We observed a shift in fish communities and relatively high diversity at approximately 60 m bottom depth, confirming trends observed in previous studies of standing platforms. This depth was also correlated with some of the largest Red Snapper captured on supplementary vertical longline surveys. Our work indicates that managers of artificial reefing programs (e.g., Rigs-to-Reefs) in the GOM should carefully consider the ambient environmental conditions when designing reef sites. For the Texas continental shelf, reefing materials at a 50–60 m bottom depth can serve a dual purpose of enhancing diving experiences and providing the best potential habitat for relatively large Red Snapper.
The future of klystrons

Summary form only given, as follows. The klystron is the oldest of the microwave tubes, but continues to be essential to a number of user communities, principally that of experimental physics, which was also responsible for its invention. The advent of traveling-wave tubes and of the transistor has limited the uses of the klystron to applications requiring a high pf/sup 2/ product. For those applications, it remains the amplifier of choice, particularly if cost is considered. The paper describes some new klystron configurations and their potential future. These include multi-beam and sheet-beam klystrons, PPM klystrons, and millimeter-wave klystrons, mass-produced with lithographic techniques.
Selective Cross Correlation in Passive Timing Analysis Attacks against Low-Latency Mixes

A mix is a communication proxy that hides the relationship between incoming and outgoing messages. Routing traffic through a path of mixes is a powerful tool for providing privacy. When mixes are used for interactive communication, such as VoIP and web browsing, attackers can undermine user privacy by observing timing information along the path. Mixes can prevent these attacks by inserting dummy packets (cover traffic) to obfuscate timing information in each stream. A recently proposed defense called adaptive padding makes cover traffic more effective by ensuring that statistically unusual gaps between packets are partially filled in with dummy packets. In this work, we propose Selective Cross Correlation (SCC), an attack that an eavesdropper could employ to de-anonymize users despite the use of adaptive padding. The main insight of our approach is that, with the defense, the timings at one end of the stream are effectively a subset of the timings at the other end of the stream. By considering the network conditions, an appropriate correlation window can be found and used to effectively remove the cover traffic, thereby enabling us to correlate both ends of the stream. We have conducted real network experiments and have found that SCC greatly improves attacker effectiveness over prior techniques against the defense. With SCC, the attacker is nearly as successful as when no defense is applied. This attack demonstrates the need for more robust defenses against statistical timing attacks.
Cerebrovascular Consequences of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is defined by interrupted breathing during sleep due to airway obstruction with an ongoing respiratory effort. In adults, OSA most commonly is caused by decreased muscle tone (required for patency) in the soft tissues of the upper airway.[1][1] Symptoms of OSA include
A new strategy utilizing electrospray ionization-quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry for the qualitative determination of GnRH peptides

Numerous forms of the neurotransmitter GnRH have been discovered in vertebrates and invertebrates. Methods used for identification of these peptides are laborious and often require the application of multiple, confirmatory techniques. In this study, we investigate whether HPLC-MS/MS and de novo sequencing techniques applied to whole peptide analysis can provide a simpler approach to GnRH characterization. Experiments were performed with six GnRH forms (chicken I, chicken II, lamprey III, mammalian, salmon and seabream) to determine whether MS/MS spectra would be dominated by proline-directed fragmentation to the detriment of obtaining sufficient fragmentation for sequencing. While the expected b8 fragment was prominent, sufficient ion series were obtained for the six GnRH peptides to provide sequence identification. On the basis of the patterns observed for six model peptides, similar fragmentation patterns are expected for other GnRH forms. To confirm the applicability of the method, extracts from Sprague–Dawley rat brains were examined. These experiments confirm the presence of mammalian GnRH and a posttranslationally modified form of mammalian GnRH, hydroxyproline9 GnRH, in Sprague–Dawley rat brains and demonstrate that ESI-MS/MS techniques provide a valuable addition to existing qualitative methods. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.