cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Water pipe tobacco smoking in the United States: Findings from the National Adult Tobacco Survey

Abstract Objective To report prevalence and correlates of water pipe tobacco smoking (WTS) use among U.S. adults. Methods Data were from the 2009–2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey, a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Estimates of WTS ever and current use were reported overall, and by sex, age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, annual household income, sexual orientation, and cigarette smoking status. State-level prevalence rates of WTS ever were reported using choropleth thematic maps for the overall population and by sex. Results The national prevalence of WTS ever was 9.8% and 1.5% for current use. WTS ever was more prevalent among those who are male (13.4%), 18–24 years old (28.4%) compared to older adults, non-Hispanic White (9.8%) compared to non-Hispanic Black, with some college education (12.4%) compared to no high school diploma, and reporting sexual minority status (21.1%) compared to heterosexuals. States with highest prevalence included DC (17.3%), NV (15.8%), and CA (15.5%). Conclusion WTS is now common among young adults in the US and high in regions where cigarette smoking prevalence is the lowest and smoke-free policies have a longer history. To reduce its use, WTS should be included in smoke-free regulations and state and federal regulators should consider policy development in other areas, including taxes, labeling, and distribution.
Wound infection after cesarean: effect of subcutaneous tissue thickness.

Abstract Objective: To estimate the effect of the thickness of subcutaneous tissue at the surgery site on abdominal wound infection after cesarean delivery. Methods: We measured the maximum vertical depths of subcutaneous incisions of women who had cesarean deliveries. The surgical technique for closure was standardized and drains were not used. Abdominal wound infection was defined by standard criteria and limited to the first 6 postoperative weeks. Additional demographic, intrapartum, and perioperative data previously associated with wound infection also were collected. Data were analyzed by Student t test, χ2 test, and multiple logistic regression. Results: Wound infection occurred in 11 of 140 women (7.8%) who delivered by cesarean. Risk factors identified as significantly associated with wound infection by univariate analysis were thickness of subcutaneous tissue, maternal weight, and body mass index. Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed subcutaneous tissue thickness as the only significant risk factor for wound infection, with a relative risk of 2.8 (95% confidence interval 1.3, 5.9). There were no significant differences between women who developed wound infections and those without infections in terms of selected demographics, duration of ruptured membranes, number of vaginal examinations, chorioamnionitis, type of skin incision, or duration of surgery. Conclusion: Thickness of subcutaneous tissue appears to be the only significant risk factor associated with abdominal wound infection after cesarean delivery.
Theory of resonance Raman optical activity: the single electronic state limit

Abstract The theory of natural Raman optical activity (ROA) is extended to the limit of strong resonance with a single electronic state (SES). It is shown that in the SES limit, the resonance ROA (RROA) bands all have the same sign, and their relative intensities are identical to the corresponding resonance Raman (RR) parent bands. The sign of the RROA bands are predicted to be opposite that of the pure electronic circular dichroism (CD) of the single, resonant electronic transition. The ratio of the RROA to the RR spectrum is the same or one-half the magnitude of the electronic CD anisotropy ratio of the resonant electronic state. Deviation from this simple pattern is indicative of contributions from more than one excited electronic state to the RR and RROA spectra, and hence is a sensitive probe of the electronic origin of ordinary RR spectra.
Alfalfa establishment without tillage as influenced by insecticide and vegetation suppression

Conventional alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) establishment methods may create considerable potential for erosion. Conservation tillage practices that result in stand establishment without disturbing the soil greatly would be beneficial in reducing soil losses. Thus, field experiments were conducted to evaluate the success of alfalfa establishment without tillage in a perennial grass sod. Variables included rate of carbofuran (2, 3-dihydro-2, 2-dimethyl-7 benzofuranyi methylcarbamate) insecticide and control of existing vegetation with chemicals. Establishment without tillage was compared with a conventional method of establishment. Carbofuran at 1.1 kg ha−1 applied in the row with the seed, when compared with a control, increased yields during the year of planting but no response was observed in the year after seeding. Yields of alfalfa established without tillage using either glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) or paraquat (1,1-dimethyl-4, 4-bipyridinium chloride) for sod suppression were equivalent to or better than yields obtained from conventional sowings except for the 2 April sowing. Paraquat was more effective for tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) suppression when applications were made on 26 April after spring tiller emergence was complete than on 2 April when some of the tillers may have been protected from the spray by basal sheath tissue. Broadcast application of paraquat resulted in higher alfalfa yields and decreased non-alfalfa components due to more complete sod suppression than application in bands over the row.
A Comparison of Prairie Vole Audible and Ultrasonic Pup Calls and Attraction to Them by Adults of Each Sex

Rodent pups of many species emit both ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and calls spanning into a lower frequency range, audible to humans (AUDs), yet there has been little systematic comparison of these different call types, or analyses of how they might differ in signal function. Here the spectral and temporal characteristics of USV and AUD pup calls are described for the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), a model used in studies of monogamous mating and biparental care, and a species with an unusually large functional and anatomical representation of auditory cortex. Findings provide a detailed description of each call type, including changes to a number of USV characteristics over pup development. Adult attraction to the playback of these two call types was tested in groups that differed in regards to sex and reproductive status. Separate groups included virgins as well as paired animals of each sex, tested at time points either prior to the birth of pups (associated with either mid or late gestation), or at postpartum time points (parents of 2–3 day olds and parents of 8–9 day olds). Adults were attracted to both USVs and AUDs, but group differences were found only in the attraction to USVs. Males were more attracted to USVs than females, and there were interactions of sex and reproductive status. Results suggest that pup vocal communication is quite sophisticated, and that USVs and AUDs may have different communicative functions.
Short-term dietary administration of celecoxib enhances the efficacy of tumor lysate-pulsed dendritic cell vaccines in treating murine breast cancer

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of prostaglandins. It is over-expressed in multiple cancers and has been associated with diminished tumor immunity. Dendritic cells (DCs) are considered candidates for cancer immunotherapy due to their ability to process and present antigens to T cells and stimulate immune responses. However, DC-based vaccines have exhibited minimal effectiveness against established tumors. In this study, we evaluated the effect of short-term administration of the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib on the efficacy of DC-based vaccines in preventing and treating established 4T1 murine mammary tumors. We show that dietary celecoxib alone significantly suppresses the growth of primary tumors and the incidence of lung metastases in the prophylactic setting but is less effective against pre-established tumors. However, we demonstrate that celecoxib administered after primary tumor establishment synergizes with tumor lysate-pulsed DC and the adjuvant, GM-CSF, to improve the antitumor immune response by suppressing primary tumor growth and markedly reducing the occurrence of lung metastases. This triple combination therapy elicits a tumor-specific immune response evidenced by elevated IFN-gamma and IL-4 secretion by CD4+ T cells and results in increased infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to the tumor site. In addition, dietary celecoxib inhibits angiogenesis evidenced by decreased vascular proliferation within the tumor and serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels. These studies suggest that short-term celecoxib therapy in combination with DC vaccines may be safely used for treating metastatic breast cancer.
The interaction of Escherichia coli with normal human serum: factors affecting the capacity of serum to mediate lipopolysaccharide release☆

Abstract We previously demonstrated that incubation of E. coli in normal human serum (NHS) resulted in the release of a finite fraction (~30%) of LPS from the bacterial outer membrane. In experiments reported here, we examined factors which may enhance or diminish the capacity of NHS to mediate this limited LPS release. Both the susceptibility to serum killing and LPS release were dependent on growth phase. Optimal killing and release coincided with the midlogarithmic growth phase. The composition of LPS subunits in the outer membrane appeared to influence serum-mediated LPS release. Serum treated E. coli enriched for R c -chemotype LPS released less LPS from their outer membrane than the wildtype ‘smooth’ bacteria during exponential growth. LPS fractions released by NHS or EDTA appeared to a large degree to overlap, suggesting that NHS-mediated LPS release may involve the action of a serum chelator. A serum-resistant mutant failed to release LPS in either NHS or EDTA. This latter observation suggests that LPS release may be a relevant event in serum killing. We did not detect any modulation of LPS release when E. coli were pre-incubated with a series of antibiotics prior to treatment with NHS.
Tensile bond strength of a glass-ionomer cement

The tensile load strength of a glass-ionomer cement to untreated, etched, and citric acid-cleansed enamel, dentin, and cementum was measured. This study also tested one material for which neither conditioning nor etching was recommended by the manufacturer.
Chain Dynamics Cause the Disappearance of Spin-Correlated Radical Pair Polarization in Flexible Biradicals

X-band time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectra of 1,16- and 1,21- acylalkyl biradicals, obtained in toluene solution at low temperatures (187−253 K), are reported. The spectra show a strong temperature dependence in their patterns of chemically induced electron spin polarization. The spin-correlated radical pair (SCRP) mechanism dominates at high temperatures, while the radical pair mechanism (RPM) is the main pattern at lower temperatures. It is postulated that the SCRP spectrum is suppressed at the lower temperature due to molecular motion on a time scale which modulates the exchange interaction (J) between the unpaired electrons. Simultaneously the RPM is enhanced by this motion. Average values of J calculated from end-to-end distance distributions for the C21 biradical show that in the absence of this dynamic effect, an intense SCRP spectrum would be present at the lower temperature. The results demonstrate that the interpretation of average J couplings may be difficult in temper...
A diagnostic approach to asbestosis, utilizing clinical criteria, high resolution computed tomography, and gallium scanning.

Seventy-five individuals known to have significant exposure to asbestos were evaluated by physical exam, pulmonary function tests (PFT), chest radiographs, high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), gallium-67 scanning, and various laboratory exams. Sixteen subjects met three of the following four criteria and were considered to have clinical asbestosis: 1) bibasilar rales, 2) FVC < 80% of predicted, 3) DLCO < 80% of predicted, and 4) an abnormal chest radiograph. Evaluations which included HRCT and Ga scanning detected pulmonary disease in these asbestos-exposed individuals in many cases where other modalities were unable to demonstrate significant abnormalities. While only 21% of the subjects satisfied commonly accepted criteria for the diagnosis of asbestosis, 75% had evidence of disease by both HRCT and gallium scanning. These data suggest that it may be time to include HRCT and Ga scanning when evaluating asbestos-exposed individuals, especially in cases where evaluations by physical exam, PFTs, and chest radiographs are non-diagnostic. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Landau Level Mixing and Levitation of Extended States in Two Dimensions

We study the effects of mixing of different Landau levels on the energies of one-body states, in the presence of a strong uniform magnetic field and a random potential in two dimensions. We use a perturbative approach and develop a systematic expansion in both the strength and smoothness of the random potential. We find the energies of the extended states shift {\em upward}, and the amount of levitation is proportional to $(n+1/2)/B^3$ for strong magnetic field, where $B$ is the magnetic field strength and $n$ is the Landau level index.
Some aspects of the organization of the optic tectum of the skate Raja

Abstract The cellular organization of the optic tectum of the skate Raja was studied by anatomical and physiological methods. Injection of [ 3 H]proline into one eye resulted in labelling of the dorsal one-third to one-half of the contralateral tectum. Additional label was found in a tegmental locus thought to be the nucleus of the basal optic root. Cellular profiles of tectal neurons were defined by Golgi methods. A variety of approximately horizontally arborizing neurons were found primarily in superficial and central tectal zones. Neurons with one or more radial dendrites were confined either to central and periventricular zones or to the layer innervated by optic afferents. Evoked potentials as a function of tectal depth were elicited by shocks applied to the contralateral optic nerve. A current-source-density analysis of the evoked potentials revealed that their current sources and sinks were confined to the dorsal tectal layers. This suggests that the radially oriented neurons found in dorsal tectum are the primary generators of the optic-evoked response.
Recurrent deep venous thrombosis complicating PICC line placement in two patients with cystic fibrosis and activated protein C-resistance

Two patients with cystic fibrosis and activated protein C-resistance experienced deep vein thrombosis complicating peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) use. Cystic fibrosis patients may be at increased risk for catheter rotated thrombosis.
The example of Christ and voluntary active euthanasia.

The Christian church's aversion to suicide need not inform its position on voluntary active euthanasia any more than it informs its understanding of the role Jesus played in securing his own death. When the ontological polarity of freedom and destiny is kept in balance and is in agreement spontaneously and independently, culpability for the death of Jesus should be assigned neither to him nor to those who sought his crucifixion. This correspondence of freedom and destiny results in a theonomous moment, transcending all guilt. Similarly, when one elects to die because that choice best corresponds with one's self-image, it is extremely doubtful that this act of faith can be made intelligible or justified to others. If Jesus is example and not merely redeemer, this understanding implies that all people should be afforded the same freedom in death that jesus was without incurring moral guilt.
Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Mimicking Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) may assume a variety of histologic and cytologic appearances. We describe eight cases of PTCL morphologically simulating marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. We reviewed PTCL cases diagnosed in our institution between 1990 and 2000 and selected eight cases for study based on the following criteria: small-cell morphology with abundant, clear cytoplasm and either marginal zone involvement by the neoplastic infiltrate in lymph node biopsies or lymphoepithelial lesions in extranodal biopsies. Histologic features and ancillary studies were reviewed. Patients included six women and two men with a median age of 53 years (range, 35 to 74 years). Six patients were diagnosed with primary nodal PTCL, and two presented with primary extranodal disease. The original diagnosis was PTCL in only four cases; three cases were diagnosed as atypical lymphoid infiltrate, and one case as benign lymphoepithelial lesion. Lymph node biopsies revealed partial effacement of the architecture with residual follicles surrounded by the neoplastic small cells. Extranodal sites included hard palate, tongue, tonsil, and submandibular glands; all but one case demonstrated lymphoepithelial lesions. Monoclonality was demonstrated in six of eight cases (rearrangement of T-cell receptor gene), and three of eight had an aberrant T-cell population by flow cytometry. The differential diagnosis of atypical lymphoid infiltrates with morphologic features of marginal zone B-cell lymphoma should include PTCL. This uncommon morphological mimicry should be recognized, because PTCL is an aggressive disease regardless of morphology and should be treated accordingly.
Text messaging to authenticate products through matching hidden codes

Fake, counterfeit, or adulterated products have become a dangerous reality to consumers in developing countries. High value-added products are of particular concern, with pharmaceuticals topping the list, followed by packaged food. The prevalence of mobile phones, even in the poorest communities, and the availability of text-messaging, suggest that they may be used to solve this problem. This paper shows how an innovative system allows any member of the populace in the developing world to authenticate a drug before use by a simple text message over mobile phone. This system has been used to authenticate pharmaceuticals in a prototype demonstration project in Ghana. The prevalence of fake drugs and the willingness of customers to use this system were verified in a study involving a consumer base of eight pharmacies in Accra, Ghana, with almost 1000 responses over a three-month period. The opportunities and challenges to implementing such a system on an international basis will be described. Finally, the proposed technology will be compared with other options, showing why mobile phones may offer the most viable option for solving this vexing problem.
Vibratome Sectioning for Enhanced Preservation of the Cytoarchitecture of the Mammalian Organ of Corti

The mammalian organ of Corti is a highly ordered cellular mosaic of mechanosensory hair and nonsensory supporting cells (reviewed in (1,2)).Visualization of this cellular mosaic often requires that the organ of Corti is cross-sectioned. In particular, the nonsensory pillar and Deiters' cells, whose nuclei are located basally with respect to the hair cells, cannot be visualized without cross-sectioning the organ of Corti. However, the delicate cytoarchitecture of the mammalian organ of Corti, including the fine cytoplasmic processes of the pillar and Deiters' cells, is difficult to preserve by routine histological procedures such as paraffin and cryo-sectioning, which are compatible with standard immunohistochemical staining techniques. Here I describe a simple and robust procedure consisting of vibratome sectioning of the cochlea, immunohistochemical staining of these vibratome sections in whole mount, followed by confocal microscopy. This procedure has been used widely for immunhistochemical analysis of multiple organs, including the mouse limb bud, zebrafish gut, liver, pancreas, and heart (see (3-6) for selected examples). In addition, this procedure was sucessful for both imaging and quantitificaton of pillar cell number in mutant and control organs of Corti in both embryos and adult mice (7). This method, however, is currently not widely used to examine the mammalian organ of Corti. The potential for this procedure to both provide enhanced preservation of the fine cytoarchitecture of the adult organ of Corti and allow for quantification of various cell types is described.
MONITORING INTENSITY AND PATTERNS OF OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE (OHV) USE IN REMOTE AREAS OF THE WESTERN USA

The continued growth of off-highway vehicle (OHV) activities – demonstrated by the dramatic increase in OHV sales, number of users, and areas experiencing OHV use – has elevated concerns about their ecological effects, the impacts on wildlife, and the sustainability of OHV use on secondary and tertiary road networks. Conflicts between visitors and wildlife are raising concerns about system resiliency and sustainable management. In order to quantify the spatial and temporal impacts of OHV use it is imperative to know about the timing and patterns of vehicle use. This study tested and used multiple vehicle-counter types to study vehicular OHV use patterns and volume throughout a mountainous road network in western Colorado. OHV counts were analyzed by time of day, day of week, season, and year. While daily use peaked within a two to three hour range for all sites, the overall volume of use varied among sites on an annual basis. The data also showed that there are at least two distinct patterns of OHV use: one dominated by a majority of use on weekends, and the other with continuous use throughout the week. This project provided important, but rarely captured, metrics about patterns of OHV use in a remote, mountainous region of Colorado. The techniques described here can provide land managers with a quantitative evaluation of OHV use across the landscape, an essential foundation for travel management planning. They also provide researchers with robust tools to further investigate the impacts of OHV use.
Particle-in-cell plasma simulation codes on the Connection Machine

Abstract Methods for implementing three-dimensional, electromagnetic, relativistic PIC plasma simulation codes on the Connection Machine (CM-2) are discussed. The gather and scatter phases of the PIC algorithm involve indirect indexing of data, which results in a large amount of communication on the CM-2. Different data decompositions are described that seek to reduce the amount of communication while maintaining good load balance. These methods require the particles to be spatially sorted at the start of each time step, which introduces another form of overhead. The different methods are implemented in CM Fortran on the CM-2 and compared. It was found that the general router is slow in performing the communication in the gather and scatter steps, which precludes an efficient CM Fortran implementation. An alternative method that uses PARIS calls and the NEWS communication network to pipeline data along the axes of the VP set is suggested as a more efficient algorithm.
A Model for Acoustic Instabilities Induced by Vortex Shedding in Ducts

Acoustic instabilities may develop in ducts with a mean flow due to vortex shedding. A reduced-order model for vortex-structure interaction is derived in this paper. A duct with two baffles is considered as a general configuration for developing this model. Formation of vortices at the upstream baffle is affected by acoustic oscillations. A new quasi-steady model is applied for determining a moment of vortex separation in an unsteady flow. A vortex impingement on the downstream baffle is assumed to occur instantaneously in order to utilize a ‘kicked’ oscillator model. If vortex collisions with the baffle happen in the appropriate phase with an acoustic pressure perturbation, then acoustic eigen modes of the duct can be excited. Peculiarities of a numerical implementation of the model are discussed.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Challenge: The Arts as Collaborative Inquiry

An immediate critical task of the arts education field is to resolve the polarities of low-quality integrative and overly marginalized discipline-specific approaches to teaching in schools. In pursuing this challenge, the author defines three teaching approaches—arts as craftsmanship, arts as play, and arts as inquiry—and calls for re-weighted proportional use of all three through thoughtful policy and restructuring within the field. The article frames what a coequal process of collaborative curriculum planning between different types of teachers looks like, and challenges schools of education and schools of arts to rethink their approaches to educating the next generation of teachers.
Chlorambucil-induced seizures.

BACKGROUND Anecdotal reports of chlorambucil-induced seizures have sporadically appeared, mainly in the nononcologic literature. The majority of cases have occurred in patients treated with high dose therapy and in children with nephrotic syndrome. Because of its rarity, oncologists and hematologists may not be aware of this potential complication. METHODS Two elderly patients with a remote history of seizures had generalized tonic-clonic seizures 3 days after chlorambucil therapy was initiated. A MEDLINE search was performed of previously reported cases and additional cases were found in the bibliographies of retrieved articles. RESULTS In addition to the 2 new cases presented here, there have been 28 reported cases of chlorambucil-induced seizures. Underlying diseases included nephrotic syndrome (n = 12 cases), solid tumors (n = 10 cases), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 3 cases), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 1 case). Five cases were secondary to accidental overdose. Sixteen of 30 patients were younger than 18 years; 11 had nephrotic syndrome, 1 had choriocarcinoma, and 4 accidentally ingested the medication. Nine of 14 adults received high dose chlorambucil in Phase I-II studies or as part of a conditioning regimen prior to bone marrow transplantation for solid tumors, 3 were on intermittent pulse therapy, 1 was on daily low dose administration of chlorambucil, and 1 patient had an accidental poisoning. Two patients had recurrent seizures when they were rechallenged with chlorambucil. CONCLUSIONS A relatively high incidence of chlorambucil-induced seizures in children with nephrotic syndrome may be due to an increased sensitivity in childhood or altered pharmacokinetics. In adults without a seizure history, seizures were observed only in patients treated with high dose chlorambucil; however, in adults with a seizure history, lower doses as used in pulse therapy also caused seizures. In the latter group of patients, daily low dose chlorambucil or, more likely, an alternative drug may be the safest approach to therapy. Cancer 1997; 79:1009-13. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
The effects of atmospheric organics on aqueous droplet evaporation

Abstract Difunctional organic oxygenates are shown to have substantial effects on the evaporation rates of aqueous solution droplets. These compounds have been detected in both urban and rural environments, and their particulate concentrations assessed by investigators over the past twenty years [Grosjean (1977) Ozone and other Photochemical Oxidants. National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C.; Grosjean et al. (1978) Environm. Sci. Technol., 12, 313–317; Rogge et al. (1991) Atmos. Environ. 27A, 1309–1330]. To understand the effect of difunctional organic oxygenates on the transport of water at the air/water interface of single aqueous droplets, the evaporation rates of aqueous systems containing model organics were measured. The influence of organics of this type on the evaporation rate of water was also compared to aqueous solutions containing ammonium sulfate and sodium dodecyl sulfate. Light-scattering techniques were used to measure the droplet size as a function of time for electrodynamically levitated single microdroplets under conditions of controlled humidity and temperature. These techniques consisted of phase functions (angular scattering data) and morphological resonance spectra. The evaporation rates for all the aqueous systems are compared to that of pure water and are found to be reduced by up to an order of magnitude.
Voluntary Retirements from State Supreme Courts: Assessing Democratic Pressures to Relinquish the Bench

This article assesses whether electoral vulnerability promotes strategic retirements in state supreme courts and, more generally, whether elections are more effective in promoting democratic control of the bench than believed. Results indicate that voluntary retirements are influenced by electoral considerations, but only when justices are retained in partisan or retention elections. With nonpartisan elections, these effects are absent. Through the lens of judicial reform, these findings suggest that some arguments for abandoning partisan elections and adopting the Missouri Plan may lack merit and that the premises underlying institutional design should be reconsidered. Moreover, studies of judicial choice must be attentive both to strategy and context.
Practical software reuse

The article argues that software reuse is practical and ever evolving to accommodate programming with higher level assets and to allow more direct modeling of domains. It is concluded that there is a lot of industrial data that shows that reuse can significantly improve software quality and productivity (W. Lim, 1998). Reuse is part of the process by which programming is done with larger and larger units and with more domain specificity.
Biased ART: A neural architecture that shifts attention toward previously disregarded features following an incorrect prediction

Memories in Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART) networks are based on matched patterns that focus attention on those portions of bottom-up inputs that match active top-down expectations. While this learning strategy has proved successful for both brain models and applications, computational examples show that attention to early critical features may later distort memory representations during online fast learning. For supervised learning, biased ARTMAP (bARTMAP) solves the problem of over-emphasis on early critical features by directing attention away from previously attended features after the system makes a predictive error. Small-scale, hand-computed analog and binary examples illustrate key model dynamics. Two-dimensional simulation examples demonstrate the evolution of bARTMAP memories as they are learned online. Benchmark simulations show that featural biasing also improves performance on large-scale examples. One example, which predicts movie genres and is based, in part, on the Netflix Prize database, was developed for this project. Both first principles and consistent performance improvements on all simulation studies suggest that featural biasing should be incorporated by default in all ARTMAP systems. Benchmark datasets and bARTMAP code are available from the CNS Technology Lab Website: http://techlab.bu.edu/bART/.
A dynamic trust model for mobile ad hoc networks

This paper introduces a trust model for mobile ad hoc networks. Initially each node is assigned a trust level. Then we use several approaches to dynamically update trust levels by using reports from threat detection tools, such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), located on all nodes in the network. The nodes neighboring to a node exhibiting suspicious behavior initiate trust reports. These trust reports are propagated through the network using one of our proposed methods. A source node can use the trust levels it establishes for other nodes to evaluate the security of routes to destination nodes. Using these trust levels as a guide, the source node can then select a route that meets the security requirements of the message to be transmitted. This paper demonstrates important concepts for establishing a collaborative, dynamic trust model and for using this model as an example to enhance the security of message routing in mobile ad hoc networks.
Excretion and tissue distribution of radioactivity from rubratoxin B-14C in mice and rats

Abstract Excretion patterns of 14 C derived from ip doses of radiolabeled rubratoxin B were investigated in mice and rats. Both species excreted 40–50% of the administered radioactivity during the 24 hr following administration. A major excretory route of the radioactivity was respiratory CO 2 , which accounts for nearly 30% of the administered 14 C in mice and for nearly 40% in rats. A further 6–9% was excreted in the urine. Less radioactivity was present in feces. Radioactivity derived from rubratoxin B was present at maximum levels in livers and kidneys 1 hr after administration, with smaller amounts in other organs. The concentration of radioactivity was greater in liver than in other tissues. This finding is associated with the relative tissue specificity of rubratoxin B as a hepatotoxin. In addition, large amounts of radioactivity were found in the carcass and in circulating blood.
Ultrafast Scanning Probe Microscopy

An ultrafast scanning probe microscopy method for achieving subpicosecond-temporal resolution and submicron-spatial resolution of an observation sample. In one embodiment of the present claimed invention, a single short optical pulse is generated and is split into first and second pulses. One of the pulses is delayed using variable time delay means. The first pulse is then directed at an observation sample located proximate to the probe of a scanning probe microscope. The scanning probe microscope produces probe-sample signals indicative of the response of the probe to characteristics of the sample. The second pulse is used to modulate the probe of the scanning probe microscope. The time delay between the first and second pulses is then varied. The probe-sample response signal is recorded at each of the various time delays created between the first and second pulses. The probe-sample response signal is then plotted as a function of time delay to produce a cross-correlation of the probe sample response. In so doing, the present invention provides simultaneous subpicosecond-temporal resolution and submicron-spatial resolution of the sample.
The development of label-free cellular assays for drug discovery

Introduction: The need to improve drug research and development productivity continues to drive innovation in pharmacological assays. Technologies that can leverage the advantages of both molecular...
Multiframe temporal estimation of cardiac nonrigid motion

A robust, flexible system for tracking the point to point nonrigid motion of the left ventricular (LV) endocardial wall in image sequences has been developed. This system is unique in its ability to model motion trajectories across multiple frames. The foundation of this system is an adaptive transversal filter based on the recursive least-squares algorithm. This filter facilitates the integration of models for periodicity and proximal smoothness as appropriate using a contour-based description of the object's boundaries. A set of correspondences between contours and an associated set of correspondence quality measures comprise the input to the system. Frame-to-frame relationships from two different frames of reference are derived and analyzed using synthetic and actual images. Two multiframe temporal models, both based on a sum of sinusoids, are derived. Illustrative examples of the system's output are presented for quantitative analysis. Validation of the system is performed by comparing computed trajectory estimates with the trajectories of physical markers implanted in the LV wall. Sample case studies of marker trajectory comparisons are presented. Ensemble statistics from comparisons with 15 marker trajectories are acquired and analyzed. A multiframe temporal model without spatial periodicity constraints was determined to provide excellent performance with the least computational cost. A multiframe spatiotemporal model provided the best performance based on statistical standard deviation, although at significant computational expense.
CLASSIFICATION OF SEVERAL NATIVE NORTH AMERICAN GRASSES AS STARCH OR FRUCTOSAN ACCUMULATORS IN RELATION TO TAXONOMY

Several perennial grass species commonly found or used in Canada and in the northern areas of the USA were studied. Most of the native species accumulated starch as the principal vegetative storage polysaccharide, indicating their possible tropical origin. All of the temperate-origin introduced species accumulated fructosans. Species in the Hordeae, Aveneae, and Festuceae tribes, whether native or introduced accumulated fructosans. Species in the Hordeae tribe accumulated only short-chain fructosans; species in the Aveneae tribe accumulated a series of fructosans predominantly of long-chain lengths, while both types of fructosan accumulators occurred in the Festuceae tribe.
Enantio- and diastereoselective addition of cyclohexyl Meldrum's acid to β- and α,β-disubstituted nitroalkenesvia N-sulfinyl urea catalysis

Using N-sulfinyl urea catalysis, a method has been developed for the asymmetric synthesis of biologically important γ-amino acids with a high level of efficiency, practicality and unprecedented control of multiple stereocenters. This method is based upon the highly enantio- and diastereoselective addition of cyclohexyl Meldrum's acid as an easily deprotectable monocarboxylic acid equivalent. The addition to both β-substituted and α,β-disubstituted nitroalkenes using N-sulfinyl urea organocatalyst 8 is described. The utility of this new method toward drug production is demonstrated by the mole scale preparation of a key precursor to the commercial drug Lyrica using catalyst 8 at only 0.2 mol% loading. Moreover, α,β-disubstituted nitroalkene addition products were efficiently converted to γ-amino acid derivatives without epimerization of either stereocenter.
The Support Economy: Why Corporations Are Failing Individuals and the Next Episode of Capitalism. Shoshana Zuboff and James Maxmin. New York: Penguin Books, 2004. 458 pp.

The Support Economy's appearance—its title, introduction, and blurbs—makes it seem as if this will be a management guidebook, one of those fast reads about Internet time or technical innovation tha...
Differential regulation of class IA phosphoinositide 3-kinase catalytic subunits p110α and β by protease-activated receptor 2 and β-arrestins

PAR-2 (protease-activated receptor 2) is a GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptor) that can elicit both G-protein-dependent and -independent signals. We have shown previously that PAR-2 simultaneously promotes Galphaq/Ca2+-dependent activation and beta-arrestin-1-dependent inhibition of class IA PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase), and we sought to characterize further the role of beta-arrestins in the regulation of PI3K activity. Whereas the ability of beta-arrestin-1 to inhibit p110alpha (PI3K catalytic subunit alpha) has been demonstrated, the role of beta-arrestin-2 in PI3K regulation and possible differences in the regulation of the two catalytic subunits (p110alpha and p110beta) associated with p85alpha (PI3K regulatory subunit) have not been examined. In the present study we have demonstrated that: (i) PAR-2 increases p110alpha- and p110beta-associated lipid kinase activities, and both p110alpha and p110beta are inhibited by over-expression of either beta-arrestin-1 or -2; (ii) both beta-arrestin-1 and -2 directly inhibit the p110alpha catalytic subunit in vitro, whereas only beta-arrestin-2 directly inhibited p110beta; (iii) examination of upstream pathways revealed that PAR-2-induced PI3K activity required the small GTPase Cdc (cell-division cycle)42, but not tyrosine phosphorylation of p85; and (iv) beta-arrestins inhibit PAR-2-induced Cdc42 activation. Taken together, these results indicated that beta-arrestins could inhibit PAR-2-stimulated PI3K activity, both directly and through interference with upstream pathways, and that the two beta-arrestins differ in their ability to inhibit the p110alpha and p110beta catalytic subunits. These results are particularly important in light of the growing interest in PAR-2 as a pharmacological target, as commonly used biochemical assays that monitor G-protein coupling would not screen for beta-arrestin-dependent signalling events.
1,6,7,10-Tetramethylfluoranthene: Synthesis and structure of a twisted polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract The structure and synthesis of the overcrowded polynuclear aromatic 1, 6, 7, 10-tetramethylfluoranthene, 1, is presented. The structures of 1 and 11 have been determined by X-ray diffraction to be twisted into conformations of approximately C2 symmetry due to the buttressing of the flanking methyl groups. Semi-empirical calculations (AM1) on 1 find two minima, twist and fold; the twist is of lower energy. The energy for enantiomerization of 1 is set at below 7.0 kcal/mol by variable temperature NMR. Computations predict a likely path to account for the ribbon twist.
External pH modulates EAG superfamily K+ channels through EAG-specific acidic residues in the voltage sensor

The Ether-a-go-go (EAG) superfamily of voltage-gated K+ channels consists of three functionally distinct gene families (Eag, Elk, and Erg) encoding a diverse set of low-threshold K+ currents that regulate excitability in neurons and muscle. Previous studies indicate that external acidification inhibits activation of three EAG superfamily K+ channels, Kv10.1 (Eag1), Kv11.1 (Erg1), and Kv12.1 (Elk1). We show here that Kv10.2, Kv12.2, and Kv12.3 are similarly inhibited by external protons, suggesting that high sensitivity to physiological pH changes is a general property of EAG superfamily channels. External acidification depolarizes the conductance–voltage (GV) curves of these channels, reducing low threshold activation. We explored the mechanism of this high pH sensitivity in Kv12.1, Kv10.2, and Kv11.1. We first examined the role of acidic voltage sensor residues that mediate divalent cation block of voltage activation in EAG superfamily channels because protons reduce the sensitivity of Kv12.1 to Zn2+. Low pH similarly reduces Mg2+ sensitivity of Kv10.1, and we found that the pH sensitivity of Kv11.1 was greatly attenuated at 1 mM Ca2+. Individual neutralizations of a pair of EAG-specific acidic residues that have previously been implicated in divalent block of diverse EAG superfamily channels greatly reduced the pH response in Kv12.1, Kv10.2, and Kv11.1. Our results therefore suggest a common mechanism for pH-sensitive voltage activation in EAG superfamily channels. The EAG-specific acidic residues may form the proton-binding site or alternatively are required to hold the voltage sensor in a pH-sensitive conformation. The high pH sensitivity of EAG superfamily channels suggests that they could contribute to pH-sensitive K+ currents observed in vivo.
Effect of plastic deformation of piping on fluid-transient propagation

Abstract A simple computational model is developed for incorporating the effect of elastic-plastic deformation of piping on pressure transient propagation in a fluid system. A computer program (PLWV) is described which incorporates this structural interaction model into a one-dimensional method-of-characteristics procedure for fluid hammer analysis. Computed results are shown to be in good agreement with available experimental data. The most significant effect of plastic deformation is to limit the peak pressure of a pulse leaving a pipe to approximately the yield pressure of the pipe, if the pipe is sufficiently long.
Sex roles, ornaments, and evolutionary explanation.

Males are competitive, sexually indiscriminate, and pushy, whereas females are passive, choosy, and coy. This familiar generalization about the sexual behavior of animals and humans is grossly overstated and potentially misleading, yet has its roots in empirical observation of at least some species. One of the triumphs of modern sociobiology (1, 2) is that evolutionary theory can explain why the sexes differ in their behavior along these lines in so many cases. To state the generalization more accurately, it is frequently, if not usually, the case that for every receptive female in the mating pool of a population, there is more than one male ready to inseminate her. This typical imbalance in the operational sex ratio (OSR; ref. 3) in turn stems from the basic facts of reproductive physiology: sperm are small and cheap, whereas the time and energy burdens of egg production, gestation, and parental care typically fall more heavily on females with the result that fewer females than males are available in the mating pool at any given time (4). Consequently, competing inter alia often benefits males most strongly, whereas being discriminating in mate choice often benefits females most strongly, leading to an evolutionary process of sexual selection expected to result in the evolution of secondary sexual traits in males: weapons that help them win in competition with one another and ornaments that help them win the attentions of females.
Yersinia effectors target mammalian signalling pathways.

Summary Animals have an immune system to fight off chal- lenges from both viruses and bacteria. The first line of defence is innate immunity, which is composed of cells that engulf pathogens as well as cells that release potent signalling molecules to activate an inflammatory response and the adaptive immune system. Pathogenic bacteria have evolved a set of weapons, or effectors, to ensure survival in the host. Yersinia spp. use a type III secretion system to translocate these effector proteins, called Yops, into the host. This report outlines how Yops thwart the signalling machinery of the host immune system.
Fiber in Breakfast Cereals

Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals were surveyed and their fiber contents were determined by the neutral-detergent fiber (NDF) method (AACC first approval method 32–20). The samples were bought in local markets except for 135 samples representing 15 brands that were obtained directly from the manufacturer. Eighty-one brands of cereal totaling 410 samples were tested. Average NDF values ranged from 0–31%. The distribution of average NDF values indicates that 75.3% of the brands contained less than 5% fiber. Nested analysis of variance of fiber values shows that more than 99% of the variance can be attributed to differences among brands.
A 6.8GHz low-power and low-phase-noise phase-locked loop design

In this paper, we present a technique for low-power and low phase noise phase-locked loop designs. This technique introduces a key parameter, PNUP (phase noise per unit power), to all of the building blocks of a PLL that correlates all the blocks in terms of power and phase noise. By correlating all the independent PLL blocks together, sophisticated PLL design and optimization can be significantly simplified. We demonstrate a 6.8 GHz Frequency synthesizer design in 0.25 um SOI process achieving -108 dBc/Hz phase noise at 100 KHz offset with only 32.75 mW power consumption.