cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Absence of relaxation to lactate in human placental vessels of pregnancies with severe preeclampsia.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine whether the observed relaxation to lactate and other agents in placental vessels of normal pregnancies is altered in severe preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: Isolated placental arteries and veins from women with severe preeclampsia and uncomplicated term pregnancies were precontracted with prostaglandin F 2α under 5% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide with the balance nitrogen (Po 2 35 to 38 torr) and then exposed to lactate (1 to 10 mmol/L, pH 7.4, n = 8 to 15), arachidonic acid (0.01 to 10 μmol/L, n = 6 to 13), nitroglycerin (1 nmol to 1 μmol/L, n = 4 to 12), or forskolin (0.01 to 10 μmol/L, n = 6 to 9). The response to lactate was also examined in placental vessels from appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm deliveries ( n = 8) for comparison with a similar group with severe preeclampsia ( n = 8). The t test and analysis of variance statistics were used. RESULTS: Relaxation to lactate was markedly inhibited in both placental arteries and veins of women with severe preeclampsia compared with vessels from uncomplicated term or preterm pregnancies. Responses to the other relaxing agents were not altered in the severely preeclampsia vessels. CONCLUSIONS: In severe preeclampsia absence of lactate-induced dilatation of placental vessels may contribute to the fetal complications associated with impaired blood flow and vasospasm.
Clinical and radiographic predictors of the need for inferior vena cava resection during nephrectomy for patients with renal cell carcinoma and caval tumour thrombus

Objective To evaluate the clinical and radiographic predictors of the need for partial or circumferential resection of the inferior vena cava (IVC) requiring complex vascular reconstruction during venous tumour thrombectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Patients and Methods Data were collected on 172 patients with RCC and IVC (levels I–IV) venous tumour thrombus who underwent radical nephrectomy with tumour thrombectomy at the Mayo Clinic between 2000 and 2010. Preoperative imaging was re-reviewed by one of two radiologists blinded to details of the patient's surgical procedure. Univariable and multivariable associations of clinical and radiographic features with IVC resection were evaluated by logistic regression. A secondary analysis was used to assess the ability of the model to predict histological invasion of the IVC by the tumour thrombus. Results Of the 172 patients, 38 (22%) underwent IVC resection procedures during nephrectomy. Optimum radiographic thresholds were determined to predict the need for IVC resection based on preoperative imaging included a renal vein diameter at the renal vein ostium (RVo) of 15.5 mm, maximum anterior–posterior (AP) diameter of the IVC of 34.0 mm and AP and coronal diameters of the IVC at the RVo of 24 and 19 mm, respectively. On multivariable analysis, the presence of a right-sided tumour (odds ratio 3.3; P = 0.017), an AP diameter of the IVC at the RVo of ≥24.0 mm (odds ratio 4.4; P = 0.017), and radiographic identification of complete occlusion of the IVC at the RVo (odds ratio 4.9; P < 0.001) were associated with a significantly increased risk of IVC resection. The c-index for the model was 0.81. Conclusions We present a multivariable model of the radiographic features associated with the need for IVC resection during tumour thrombectomy. Pending external validation, this model may be used for preoperative planning, patient counselling and planned involvement of vascular surgical colleagues in anticipation of the need for complex vascular repair.
Coronary reserve and right ventricular function in awake newborn lambs with persistent right ventricular hypertension

Summary: Right ventricular function curves as measured by right ventricular stroke work were normal in all control lambs, whereas three of five lambs with banded pulmonary arteries had relatively flat curves. Left ventricular function was similarly normal in the control group as compared to a near zero slope function curve in the banded group. Regional myocardial blood flow to the septum and right and left ventricles was similar in control and banded lambs. At rest right ventricular coronary vascular resistance was lower in the handed than in the control group and decreased in both groups during both isoproterenol and dextran stress states. In general, both groups had a similar ratio of right to left ventricular oxygen supply to demand ratio. These results show first that there is minimal, if any, biventricular functional reserve in lambs with persistent right ventricular hypertension, and second, that there is substantial coronary vascular reserve in both normal and banded groups. Speculation: Although both right and left ventricular function are impaired in neonatal lambs with persistent right ventricular hypertension, the etiology is unclear. We have demonstrated right ventricular coronary vascular reserve in this group; however, we did not test for further reserve in the dextran stress state, and therefore cannot be certain that coronary blood flow was not maximal in the dextran state and hence ventricular function impaired by inadequate oxygen supply.
Cross-sectional study examining four types of male penile and urethral "play".

Objectives To provide further quantitative and qualitative evidence about men who insert foreign liquids and objects into their penis and/or urethra. Methods As part of a larger, cross-sectional study examining men (n = 445) with genital piercings (GP), 2 questions inquired whether the respondents had penile tattoos and/or inserted other materials, such as fluids and foreign objects, into their penis and urethra. Results Four different practices have been described in the literature: embedding (a) foreign objects and/or (b) liquids subcutaneously into penile tissue, as well as inserting (c) liquids and/or (d) foreign objects into the urethra. In our study, 354 (78%) men with GP responded to the 2 questions; 85 (24%) replied affirmatively and 68 (80%) provided comments. Respondents coined their practices penile and/or urethral "play." Two respondents embedded metal balls into their penis, 1 at age 13 injected water for penis enlargement; 11 inserted liquids into the urethra, and 63 reported insertion of 32 different objects, frequently urethral sounds or "sounding" (n = 33/52%) were mentioned. Major motivation themes focused on sexual stimulation and experimentation. Penile tattoos (n = 14) were also reported, mainly for esthetics. Few complications or STDs were reported. Conclusions Basic demographic assumptions of those who participate in these actions were challenged, and this study provides evidence of a wider distribution of men using penile or urethral play, and "sounding." Clinician awareness of these practices are important to obtain accurate health histories, manage genitourinary tract complications, as well as provide applicable patient education.
Ejaculate esterase 6 and initial sperm use by female Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract The period of initial sperm storage and use by Drosophila melanogaster females is examined for effects of the seminal fluid enzyme esterase 6. Females mated to males differing in their level of esterase 6 activity were dissected from 5 min to 50 hr after the start of copulation and numbers of sperm contained in the uterus, ventral receptacle and paired spermathecae were counted. Of the 4000–6000 sperm transferred at copulation, about 700 are stored in the receptacle by 4 hr post mating and 400 in the spermathecae by 7 hr. However, sperm are released rapidly from storage organs following these peaks and may be found again in the uterus in numbers up to 100 or more. The rate of sperm release is closely related to the level of esterase 6 activity, suggesting that this seminal fluid enzyme is involved in sperm motility.
Rat liver cytoplasmic ribonucleic acids: some aspects of their localization and isolation.

Abstract Analytical fractionation (by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) of RNA from various cytoplasmic fractions of rat liver was used to examine the effect of certain isolation procedures on the integrity of RNA molecules. The removal of the cytoplasmic supernatant from microsomal fractions was shown to result in the subsequent partial degradation of rRNA's, particularly newly-synthesized species. Likewise, sodium deoxycholate treatment of microsomes resulted in the preferential release of newly-synthesized RNA and the preferential disruption of newly-synthesized ribosomes. Rapid isolation techniques allowed us to demonstrate that less than 20 % of the newly-synthesized cytoplasmic RNA is of heterogeneous size, the remainder being accounted for by the usual rRNA species and S RNA. Two species of RNA, peculiar to mitochondria, are described; mitochondria were also characterized by a large quantity of S RNA relative to the ribosomal species present.
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 expression increases in Mycoplasma-infected airways but is not required for microvascular remodeling.

Murine Mycoplasma pulmonis infection induces chronic lung and airway inflammation accompanied by profound and persistent microvascular remodeling in tracheobronchial mucosa. Because matrix metallop...
Panoramic radiography—An adjunct

Abstract This article reports the results of a study in which pairs of 100 panoramic and intraoral survey radiographs were analyzed to reveal significant coverage differences between the two types of radiograph.
Is anything just plain good

Geach (Analysis 17: 33–42, 1956) and Thomson (J Philos 94:273–298, 1997, Normativity, 2008) have argued that nothing is just plain good, because ‘good’ is, logically, an attributive adjective. The upshot, according to Geach and Thomson, is that consequentialism is unacceptable, since its very formulation requires a predicative (non-attributive) use of ‘good’. Reactions to the argument have, for the most part, been uniform. Authors have converged on two challenging objections (Ross, The right and the good, 1930; Pidgen, Philos Q 40:129–154, 1990; Arneson, Analysis, 70:731–744, 2010; Smith, Analysis 70:715–731, 2010; Sturgeon, Analysis 70:744–753, 2010; Kraut, Against absolute goodness, 2011). First, although the logical tests that Geach and Thomson invoke clearly illustrate that ‘good’, as commonly used, is an attributive, they don’t show that ‘good’ lacks an intelligible predicative interpretation. Second, even if the English word ‘good’ fails to express the property of goodness, we can just stipulate that ‘good*’ expresses goodness and thus formulate consequentialism accordingly. The second objection is one way of voicing skepticism about the method of drawing substantive philosophical conclusions from considerations about ordinary language. In this essay, we present an argument, inspired by Geach and Thomson, which isn’t susceptible to the same objections but which supports the same conclusion. The significance of our argument for ethics is obvious; it challenges the intelligibility of standard consequentialism, and even certain forms of non-consequentialism. One might be inclined to think that a more sophisticated consequentialism, which relies on ‘good {possible world/state of affairs/outcome}’ instead of just ‘good’, evades the criticism. But we explain why the criticism can’t be so easily evaded.
Cranial neural crest migration: New rules for an old road

The neural crest serve as an excellent model to better understand mechanisms of embryonic cell migration. Cell tracing studies have shown that cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) emerge from the dorsal neural tube in a rostrocaudal manner and are spatially distributed along stereotypical, long distance migratory routes to precise targets in the head and branchial arches. Although the CNCC migratory pattern is a beautifully choreographed and programmed invasion, the underlying orchestration of molecular events is not well known. For example, it is still unclear how single CNCCs react to signals that direct their choice of direction and how groups of CNCCs coordinate their interactions to arrive at a target in an ordered manner. In this review, we discuss recent cellular and molecular discoveries of the CNCC migratory pattern. We focus on events from the time when CNCCs encounter the tissue adjacent to the neural tube and their travel through different microenvironments and into the branchial arches. We describe the patterning of discrete cell migratory streams that emerge from the hindbrain, rhombomere (r) segments r1-r7, and the signals that coordinate directed migration. We propose a model that attempts to unify many complex events that establish the CNCC migratory pattern, and based on this model we integrate information between cranial and trunk neural crest development.
Towards developing perceivable tactile feedback for mobile devices

Abstract As mobile technologies such as cellular telephones reduce in both size and cost, and improve in fidelity, they become a more attractive option for performing tasks such as surfing the Web and accessing applications while on-the-go. The small size of the visual display limits the amount of information that can be presented, which may lead to cluttered interfaces. Tactile feedback (e.g. vibrations) provides one solution to reducing the burden on the visual channel. This paper describes a series of studies conducted with the goal of developing perceivable tactile icons (tactons) to aid in non-visual interactions with mobile applications. In contrast to previous work, our research addresses the development of pairs of tactons, rather than individual tactons, with the goal of conveying two-state signals such as ‘on/off’, ‘slower/faster’, or ‘left/right’. Such communication can help reduce visual demands associated with using mobile applications, allowing the device to convey important information while the users’ hands and eyes are otherwise occupied. Realistic conditions were simulated in a laboratory-based environment to determine how auditory distracters could affect the perception of tactons. Findings show that recognition rates differed depending on the design of the vibration pair parameters, and type of auditory distracter. This research culminated in a set of guidelines, which tactile interface designers can integrate as they design mobile applications to improve access, as well as insights which can guide future research on tactile feedback for mobile devices.
An evolutionary metabolic engineering approach for enhancing lipogenesis in Yarrowia lipolytica.

Abstract Lipogenic organisms provide an ideal platform for biodiesel and oleochemical production. Through our previous rational metabolic engineering efforts, lipogenesis titers in Yarrowia lipolytica were significantly enhanced. However, the resulting strain still suffered from decreased biomass generation rates. Here, we employ a rapid evolutionary metabolic engineering approach linked with a floating cell enrichment process to improve lipogenesis rates, titers, and yields. Through this iterative process, we were able to ultimately improve yields from our prior strain by 55% to achieve production titers of 39.1 g/L with upwards of 76% of the theoretical maximum yield of conversation. Isolated cells were saturated with up to 87% lipid content. An average specific productivity of 0.56 g/L/h was achieved with a maximum instantaneous specific productivity of 0.89 g/L/h during the lipid production phase in fermentation. Genomic sequencing of the evolved strains revealed a link between a decrease/loss of function mutation of succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase, uga2 , suggesting the importance of gamma-aminobutyric acid assimilation in lipogenesis. This linkage was validated through gene deletion experiments. This work presents an improved host strain that can serve as a platform for efficient oleochemical production.
Soliton scattering in the time-dependent mean-field S-matrix theory

Abstract The mean-field S -matrix theory recently developed by the author is applied to the “scattering” of two self-bound one-dimensional N -particle systems interacting via an attractive δ-force. For this problem the time-dependent mean-field equation reduces to the non-linear (cubic) Schrodinger equation extensively discussed in literature. For the two-body scattering ( N = 1) the exact phase shift is reproduced by the mean-field S -matrix theory.
Sodium currents in human skeletal muscle fibers

Sodium currents from human external intercostal muscle fibers were recorded using the Hille-Campbell voltage clamp method. Sodium currents are analyzed in terms of the m and h parameters of the Hodgkin-Huxley model. The results indicate that the kinetics and voltage dependence of sodium currents in human skeletal muscle fibers are very similar to those reported in rat fibers.
THE ZERO MOMENTUM LIMIT OF THE VACUUM POLARIZATION AT FINITE TEMPERATURE

We examine the zero momentum limit of the finite temperature vacuum polarization for a quantized scalar field coupled to a classical external field. Ordinarily, this type of Feynman diagram is plagued by nonanalytic behaviour when the external momentum tends to zero. Using imaginary-time, we show that this behaviour is not present in an exact background field solution and how the Feynman diagram calculation may be trivially modified to match the exact solution. Comparisons with recent real-time results are also made.
Guidelines for Selecting, Using, and Evaluating Games in Corporate Training.

The use of games in corporate training began in the 1950s. In subsequent years the use of games has increased, while the look and feel of the games being used has evolved. Unfortunately, very little research regarding the effectiveness of games as a training tool has been conducted; and, the research conducted often yields conflicting results. The purpose of this paper is to provide guidelines for the selection, use and evaluation of games in business training. A brief historical overview of the use of games in training, including the perceived benefits and concerns regarding their use, addresses the need for guidelines for selection, use and evaluation of games in training. The guidelines were developed using adult learning theory and transfer of learning theories as a foundation. The potential uses and utility of the guidelines are followed by a concluding section as to how they can be applied to selection, usage and evaluation of games in training.
The measured energy loss of high energy electrons in copper and lead

The energy distributions of electrons of about 53, 75 and 93 MeV have been measured before and after passing through copper absorber of thickness up to 5.726 g/cm2 and lead absorbers of thickness up to 2.825 g/cm2. Earlier data for aluminum absorbers are reviewed. The electrons were accelerated by the LINAC of the Naval Postgraduate School. The most probable energy losses agree with the theory of Blunck and Westphal for all thicknesses; the half widths agree except for large thicknesses, where they are smaller than theoretical values for lead, in agreement for copper, and larger for aluminum. Large numbers of electrons of energy less than 30 MeV are observed in the distributions of transmitted electrons, particularly for thick absorbers and higher values of atomic number. These are apparently the result of multiple processes in the absorbers.
A Single Transition State Serves Two Mechanisms. The Branching Ratio for CH2O•- + CH3Cl on Improved Potential Energy Surfaces

The reaction of formaldehyde radical anion with methyl chloride, CH 2 O .- + CH 3 Cl, is an example in which a single transition state leads to two products: substitution at carbon (Sub(C), CH 3 CH 2 O + Cl - ) and electron transfer (ET, CH 2 O + CH 3 + Cl - ). The branching ratio for this reaction has been studied by ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD). The energies of transition states and intermediates were computed at a variety of levels of theory and compared to accurate energetics calculated by the G3 and CBS-QB3 methods. A bond additivity correction has been constructed to improve the Hartree-Fock potential energy surface (BAC-UHF). A satisfactory balance between good energetics and affordable AIMD calculations can be achieved with BH&HLYP/6-31G(d) and BAC-UHF/6-31G(d) calculations. Approximately 200 ab initio classical trajectories were calculated for each level of theory with initial conditions sampled from a thermal distribution at 298 K at the transition state. Three types of trajectories were distinguished: trajectories that go directly to ET product, trajectories that go to Sub(C) product, and trajectories that initially go into the Sub(C) valley and then dissociate to ET products. The BH&HLYP/6-31G(d) calculations overestimate the number of nonreactive and direct ET trajectories because the transition state is too early. For the BH&HLYP and BAC-UHF methods, about one-third of the trajectories that initially go into the Sub(C) valley dissociate to ET products, compared to just over half with UHF/6-31G(d) in the earlier study. This difference can be attributed to a better value for the calculated energy release from the initial transition state and to an improved Sub(C) - ET barrier height with the BH&HLYP and BAC-UHF methods.
Tracking error analysis for singularly perturbed systems preceded by piecewise linear hysteresis

In this paper we introduce a new method for analyzing the closed-loop control system that involves a singularly perturbed plant preceded by hysteresis nonlinearity with piecewise linear characteristics, an example of which is a piezo-actuated nanopositioners. Different methods are compared to quantify the tracking error and examine how the change in slopes from one segment to another interacts with the controller parameters and hence affects the tracking error. These methods all involve the combination of inverse hysteresis compensation and feedback control, but the points of insertion for the hysteresis inverse vary. A proportional-integral feedback controller is used throughout this comparison. The presented analysis is important because it provides an explicit expression for the tracking error, where the feedback controller parameters can be adjusted for the desired performance. Simulation and experimental results are presented for tracking control of a piezo-actuated nanopositioner, where the hysteresis is modeled with a Prandtl-Ishlinskii (PI) operator. The analysis carried out in this paper is applicable to other operators, such as the modified PI-operator and the Krasnoselskii-Porkovskii (KP) operator among others, since they all demonstrate piecewise linear hysteresis characteristics.
In the Shadow of Race: Immigrant Status and Mental Health

This study explored the relative usefulness of measures of race, ethnicity, and acculturation in understanding the mental health of an ethnically diverse group of low-income women. The 194 women who were enrolled in the Women, Infant and Child program showed no racial/ethnic variation in the prevalence of mental health symptoms and a general mental health syndrome, as measured by the PrimeMD-PHQ screening tool. However, immigrants or migrants were less likely than were natives to report symptoms of depression and distress. Speaking primarily a language other than English was associated with symptoms of distress. The findings suggest that for treatment and program planning for low-income women, racial/ethnic designations may be less useful than may the more direct measures of the cultural differences they presume to reflect.
ChargeBased and Probe Characterization

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Background Surface Charging The Kelvin Probe Applications Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) Strengths and Weaknesses References Problems Review Questions
Local character expansions

Abstract In this paper the authors develop a method to compute the local character expansion of a depth zero representation of a p-adic group. The main idea is to use the generalized Gelfand-Graev characters for finite groups as test functions to plug into the character formula. This is possible due to results of Waldspurger on the validity of the local character expansion in a large enough neighborhood of the identity. The method leads to a classification of the unipotent orbits in terms of parahoric subalgebras.
A Quantum Representation for Involution Groups

We answer a question posed by Martin et al. at MFPS XXVI in the affirmative: the free affine monoid over a finite involution group has a quantum representation, in addition to the classical representation already shown to exist in [Martin, K., J. Feng, and S. Krishnan. A Free Object in Quantum Information Theory. Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science 267 (2010), 35-47]. In particular, this implies that in every dimension there are non-trivial classes of quantum channels that have classical representations which were not present in the lower dimensions. En route to establishing this result, we give two characterizations of the diagonal n-qubit channels (one of which is stated in [Bourdon, P.S, and H.T. Williams, Unital quantum operations on the Bloch ball and Bloch region, Phys. Rev. A. 69 (2004), 022314]) and necessary conditions for a Bloch matrix to satisfy.
Examining the psychometrics of the Psychopathology Inventory for Mentally Retarded Adults-II for individuals with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities.

Abstract With growing recognition of the occurrence of psychological disorders in individuals with intellectual disability (ID), researchers and clinicians alike have placed emphasis on developing measures to assess for psychopathologies in this population. Despite an increased interest in the topic, there is still a dearth of psychometrically robust measures available to assess for psychopathology in adults with mild and moderate ID. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a revised measure for psychopathology in individuals with mild and moderate ID, the Psychopathology Inventory for Mentally Retarded Adults – second edition (PIMRA-II). Internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and test–retest reliability were investigated. Validity was studied via convergent validity by comparing the PIMRA-II to the Assessment of Dual Diagnosis (ADD) and via discriminate validity by comparing the PIMRA-II to the Social Performance Survey Schedule (SPSS) prosocial scores. Lastly, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure of the scale.
Solving the brachytherapy seed localization problem using geometric and linear programming techniques

We propose a technique to solve the Brachytherapy Seed Localization problem in prostate brachytherapy. Our algorithm is based on novel geometric approaches to exploit the special structure of the problem combined with a number of key observations which help us formulate it as an Integer Program. We solve the equivalent linear program and present a variant of randomized rounding to yield an integral solution to our problem. The algorithm is efficient and performs extremely well in practice. We discuss in detail the underlying theory and performance evaluations based on our implementation.
Argon Rectification and the Cause of Light Emission in Single-Bubble Sonoluminescence

In single-bubble sonoluminescence, repeated brief flashes of light are produced in a gas bubble strongly driven by a periodic acoustic field. A startling hypothesis has been made by Lohse and co-workers [Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 1359 (1997)] that the non-noble gases in an air bubble undergo chemical reaction into soluble products, leaving only argon. In the present work, this dissociation hypothesis is supported by simulations, although the associated temperatures of about 7000 K seem too low for bremsstrahlung, which has been proposed as the dominant light emission mechanism. This suggests that emission from water vapor and its reaction products, heretofore not included, may play an important role.
Spatial Working Memory Deficits in Autism

Previous studies have reported working memory deficits in autism, but this finding has been inconsistent. One possibility is that deficits in this domain may be present only when working memory load exceeds some limited capacity. High-functioning individuals with autism performed the CANTAB computerized test of spatial working memory. Individuals with autism made more errors than a matched group of typically developing controls on this task, and were less likely to consistently use a specific organized search strategy to complete the task. Overall, these results demonstrate reduced spatial working memory abilities in autism, and extend previous findings by demonstrating that these deficits are significant when tasks impose heavier demands on working memory.
Gap detection methods for assessing salicylate-induced tinnitus and hyperacusis in rats.

Purpose A variety of options for behavioral assessment of tinnitus in laboratory animals are available to researchers today. These options are briefly reviewed, followed by data suggesting that gap...
Potential sources of criterion bias in supervisor ratings used for test validation

Four possible sources ofcriterion contamination were investigated in the supervisory performance ratings used for a predictive criterion-related validation study. Supervisors' liking for subordinates had a very large association with their performance ratings independent of the effects of employee ability. Also as hypothesized, expectations of employee qualifications were correlated significantly with initial (1-mo.) performance ratings but not with ratings made after 5 mos. Ethnicity was not associated with 1-mo. performance ratings, but after five months supervisors gave significantly higher ratings to subordinates of the same ethnic group as themselves. No evidence was found of sex bias in the ratings. Estimates of test validity were reduced substantially when the potential sources of criterion bias were controlled statistically. The data are interpreted in the contexts of construct relevance for ratings criteria, possible spurious inflation of employment test validities, and the developmental processes by which supervisor-subordinate relationships are established in the first few months of employment.
Problems with internalization

Ainslie's Breakdown of Will contains important insights into real world self-control problems, but it loses testability to the extent that it internalizes concepts whose meaning lies in overt behavior and its consequences.
Further reflections on consumer panels

Claims that many supposed disadvantages regarding the inadequacies of consumer panels as research tools may not exist and, in some circumstances, may prove to be superior to the normal interview. Posits further research may aid in supporting panel techniques. Puts forward a framework for classifying panels and explains this in depth. Concludes that the subject requires further research on it, as it is not unlikely that even the present disadvantages of panel operations will greatly diminish in importance.
Atmospheric reactions influence seasonal PAH and nitro-PAH concentrations in the Los Angeles basin.

Ambient measurements of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-PAHs were carried out during August 2002 and January 2003 in Los Angeles, CA, a source site and in Riverside, CA, a downwind receptor site ∼90 km to the east of Los Angeles. Atmospheric concentrations of PAHs and nitro-PAHs are of interest because both of these compound classes include potent mutagens and carcinogens. To augment our current understanding of atmospheric formation of nitro-PAHs, four sampling periods were employed to study the diurnal variations of these compounds. The PAH concentrations were highest in Los Angeles during January, as a result of traffic input at this source site under tight wintertime atmospheric inversions. In contrast, nitro-PAH levels were highest in Riverside during August, as a result of enhanced summertime photochemistry. Hydroxyl radical-initiated reactions produced nitro-PAHs in both seasons, while in winter little evidence for nitrate radical chemistry was seen. For the August samples, nitrat...
Equity and Efficiency of State Lotteries

Abstract Borg et al . argue that the Florida lottery creates an implicit tax which is both inequitable and inefficient. We analyze their models, results and interpretation of results, and conclude that their conclusions are far less than convincing. We also find it difficiult to accept that lotteries are responsible for reductions of up to 35% in per pupil spending on elementary and secondary schools in lottery states. We find it interesting that additional work by Borg et al . indicates that lotteries have little, if any, negative impact on consumer spending; in fact, the opposite may be true in some cases.
Electronic structure of heavily and randomly nitrogen doped GaAs near the fundamental band gap

On increasing the nitrogen doping concentration in GaAs, states associated with isolated, paired and clustered (i.e., more complex configurations) nitrogen atoms sequentially appear, with their energy levels being resonant for the isolated center and most of the pairs and becoming bound for a couple of pairs and clusters. At a nitrogen mole concentration of x ∼ 0.1%, the shallow nitrogen bound states have merged with the GaAs band edge, which effectively gives rise to a band gap reduction, but the deeper nitrogen bound states persist as discrete levels. We study the behavior of nitrogen at this transition concentration, using various techniques (photoluminescence under selective excitation, electroreflectance, and Raman scattering), in order to gain insight into the large band gap reduction observed at all nitrogen concentrations. The validity of a few existing models proposed for explaining the large band gap reduction will be briefly discussed.
Pancreases and parotin.

(A) 1. Parotin administration affected both the exocrine and endocrine pancreases of mice.2.β cells seemed increased and islets were larger and more numerous in the treated mice.3. Serum glucose was depressed after parotin was given.4. Ductal epithelium showed proliferation and increased cellularity in the experimental animals.5. Vascularity was increased in both the exocrine and endocrine pancreases where parotin was given.6. Adrenals showed increased vascularity and Zone X near the medulla had more cells and was wider in treated animals.(B) 1. There was better survival of anterior chamber guinea pig homotransplants of fetal pancreatic tissue when parotin was given.2. Vascular increases to the transplants was observed soon after each parotin injection.3. Pancreatic islet tissue was more definitive histologically in parotin injected hosts.4. Cystic formations were more pronounced in the non-treat control host.5. Ducts appeared to be more functional in the treated hosts.6. The exocrine in situ pancreatic tissue of treated hosts showed a difference in gross appearance and histologically there were unusually high areas of fat cells.
Crystallization of native and selenomethionyl yeast orotidine 5'-phosphate decarboxylase.

Crystals of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae pyrimidine biosynthetic enzyme orotidine 5′-phosphate decarboxylase (ODCase) were grown by the hanging-drop vapor-diffusion technique at 277 K using polyethylene glycol 4000 as the precipitant. Crystals of native and selenomethionyl ODCase diffract to less than 2.2 A and belong to the orthorhombic space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 90.1, b = 116.2, c = 117.0 A. Crystals of ODCase grown in the presence of the postulated transition-state analog inhibitor 6-hydroxyuridine 5′-­phosphate (BMP) diffract to less than 2.5 A and belong to space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 79.9, b = 80.0, c = 98.2 A, β = 108.6°.
Strength design criteria for steel members at elevated temperatures

Abstract Design equations for structural steel members at elevated (fire) temperatures are evaluated through comparisons with nonlinear finite element simulations. The study includes comparative analyses of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and European Committee for Standardization (CEN) design provisions for laterally unsupported I-shaped columns, beams, and beam–columns at temperatures between ambient to 800 ∘C. The Eurocode 3 provisions are shown to predict the simulated finite element results within about 10%–20%. On the other hand, the AISC specification predicts strengths that are up to twice as large (unconservative) as the simulated results. The discrepancies are largest for members of intermediate slenderness and temperatures above 300 ∘C. Modifications to the AISC equations are proposed that provide improved accuracy with calculated strengths typically within 20%–30% of the simulated results. Limitations of the member-based assessments and future research and development needs for structural fire engineering are discussed.
ESR investigations of free and immobilized glutamate dehydrogenase

The structure of bovine liver glutamate dehydrogenase was examined with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-oxopiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO I) and 4-((4-(chloromercurio)benzoyl) amino)-2, 2, 6, 6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO II). ESR spectra from TEMPO I show that enzyme structure in the vicinity of this spin label was not distorted during immobilization to a Sepharose support. Deactivation studies with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate indicate that immobilization did not expose additional binding sites to TEMPO I. Spectra from TEMPO II reveal that immobilization profoundly altered conformational change induced by alpha-ketoglutarate and suppressed that induced by GTP and NADPH. This structural investigation provides insight into the altered kinetic properties of Sepharose-immobilized glutamate dehydrogenase and suggests a fundamental difference between monomers and allosteric oligomers in their structural response to immobilization.
Highly stereoselective 1,4-addition reactions of alkylidene malonate substituted η4-(1,3-butadienyl)iron(tricarbonyl) complexes

Abstract Alkylidene malonate substituted η 4 -(1,3-butadienyl)iron(tricarbonyl) complexes 4 and 10 undergo highly diastereoselective 1,4-addition reactions with various nucleophiles, including Grignard reagents, organolithium reagents, ketene silyl acetal 14 and allyltributylstannane.
Beneficial effect of dexamethasone on the "no reflow" phenomenon in canine myocardium.

The purpose of the present study was to determine if pretreatment with dexamethasone 6 mg.kg-1 would preserve coronary artery blood flow during reperfusion, thus preventing the no reflow phenomenon. Blood flow to small segments of the left ventricle was measured by the use of 15 micrometer tracer microspheres in intact dog hearts. During 2 hours of occlusion of the anterior descending coronary artery by balloon catheter, dexamethasone produced a small increase of the blood flow to perfused myocardium, when compared with untreated animals; this effect was not seen in underperfused segments of the myocardium. In nontreated animals, reperfusion of the underperfused portion of the left ventricle did not lead to a restoration of flow to normal when measured 1 hour later. In fact, the "no reflow" phenomenon resulted in a post reperfusion left ventricular segment which was similar to that measured during coronary arterial occlusion. However in the dexamethasone treated animals there was a decrease in the extent of left ventricular underperfusion from 19 to 6%. It is concluded that dexamethasone protects the border zone of canine myocardium during occlusion, and prevents the no reflow phenomenon in underperfused regions during reperfusion
Poverty and Inequality in Eastern Europe and the CIS Transition Economies

This paper deals with the causes and consequences of inequality and poverty in the countries east of the new frontiers of the European Union, mainly with the CIS countries. Poverty and inequalities in the former socialist countries were partly mitigated by the social policies of the state. The transition processes, however, have resulted in new distributions of income and wealth. The new structural sources of poverty and inequalities have often been more extreme. Some CIS countries have moderated poverty, which nonetheless persists in most CIS countries, in spite of some economic improvements. JEL Classifi cation: I, 3 I, 32, I, 38.
Neural bases of dysphoria in early Huntington's disease

Abstract Psychiatric disorders, including disorders of emotion control, are common in Huntington's disease. The neurobiological mechanism of the increased rate of disorders of emotion control are not known. Emotion perception deficits have been reported in Huntington's disease, but studies of emotional experience have been limited. In the present study we aim to expand the research in emotion in Huntington's disease by examining the neural bases of induced dysphoria at an early stage of Huntington's disease. Ten Huntington's disease patients and 12 demographically matched healthy volunteers underwent [ 15 O] water positron emission tomography while in a transient state of dysphoria induced by viewing negatively charged affect-laden stimuli. Both groups experienced dysphoric mood, but Huntington's disease patients responded to the stimuli with greater arousal, anger and fear than healthy controls. Induced dysphoric mood was associated with a widespread reduction of activity within the frontal and parietal lobes, thalamus, and cerebellum. These differences could not be explained based on the smaller gray matter volumes of the corresponding regions, although in Huntington's disease patients smaller caudate nucleus volumes predicted lower dorsal-lateral prefrontal activity. Areas of increased activity included the striate and extrastriate cortex, the left thalamus, the transverse temporal gyrus, and the posterior hippocampus. This study elucidates possible mechanisms contributing to psychiatric disturbances of emotion often found in patients with Huntington's disease.
Efficient subband encoding of magnitude/phase spectra

For certain types of signals, perfect reconstruction is not essential. It is sufficient to have knowledge of either the magnitude or the phase spectrum only. Filter banks which introduce phase distortion are used for encoding speech signals. These schemes have an inherent redundancy; i.e., the samples are still transmitted at the sampling rate. It is shown how magnitude or phase information can be encoded at only half the sampling rate in a filter bank formalism. >
AIN/GaN insulated gate HEMTs with HfO 2 gate dielectric

AlN/GaN single heterojunction MOS-HEMTs grown by molecular beam epitaxy have been fabricated utilising HfO2 high-K dielectrics deposited by atomic layer deposition. Typical DC transfer characteristics of 1.3 µm gate length devices show a maximum drain current of 950 mA/mm and a transconductance of 210 mS/mm with gate currents of 5 µA/mm in pinch-off. Unity gain cutoff frequencies, ft and fmax, were measured to be 9 and 32 GHz, respectively.
Multiple N-CoR Complexes Contain Distinct Histone Deacetylases*

N-CoR (nuclear receptor corepressor) is a corepressor for multiple transcription factors including unliganded thyroid hormone receptors (TRs). In vitro, N-CoR can interact with the Sin3 corepressor, which in turn binds to the histone deacetylase Rpd3 (HDAC1), predicting the existence of a corepressor complex containing N-CoR, Sin3, and histone deacetylase. However, previous biochemical studies of endogenous Sin3 complexes have failed to find an N-CoR association. Xenopus laevis eggs and oocytes contain all of the necessary components for transcriptional repression by unliganded TRs. In this study, we report the biochemical fractionation of three novel macromolecular complexes containing N-CoR, two of which possess histone deacetylase activity, fromXenopus egg extract. One complex contains Sin3, Rpd3, and RbAp48; the second complex contains a Sin3-independent histone deacetylase; and the third complex lacks histone deacetylase activity. This study describes the first biochemical isolation of endogenous N-CoR-containing HDAC complexes and illustrates that N-CoR associates with distinct histone deacetylases that are both dependent and independent of Sin3. Immunoprecipitation studies show that N-CoR binds to unliganded TR expressed in the frog oocyte, confirming that N-CoR complexes are involved in repression by unliganded TR. These results suggest that N-CoR targets transcriptional repression of specific promoters through at least two distinct histone deacetylase pathways.
Postradiation sarcoma: case report and review of the potential complications of therapeutic ionizing radiation.

Background. Radiation therapy is an acceptable treatment choice for many cutaneous malignancies. A potential late sequela of ionizing radiation is the development of secondary neoplasms within the treatment field. Although there are well-known cutaneous syndromes in which the use of ionizing radiation is contraindicated, in other clinical situations, physicians may not fully realize the risks associated with this therapeutic modality. Objective. Through a case report presentation, a potential adverse consequence of radiation therapy will be discussed. A subsequent review of the literature should allow clinicians to better understand the potential risks of therapeutic radiation. Methods. A case report and review of the literature are provided. Results. A healthy black male with an unusual distribution of lower extremity squamous cell carcinomas in situ developed a malignant fibrous histiocytoma after radiation therapy. Conclusion. Postradiation sarcomas are uncommon complications of radiation therapy; however, the significant metastatic capabilities of these tumors demand that clinicians be aware of the potential risks of primary radiation therapy in the treatment of cutaneous tumors.
Intraoral digital imaging documenting recurrent aphthous ulcer healing in 2-octyl cyanoacrylate versus sham-treated lesions

Abstract Objective. A device to standardize imaging was coupled with a digital intraoral camera to investigate the efficacy of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (OC) tissue adhesives on the healing of minor aphthous ulcers. Study design. Forty-two subjects were enrolled in a patient-blinded, sham-controlled study assessing the effects of 2-OC formulations on ulcer size and healing time. Daily images were made until ulcers were healed. Ulcer image outlines were traced by using a mouse, and ulcer areas were automatically calculated. Results. A mean difference of –0.15 mm 2 was seen between baseline and next-day measurements ( P = .48). The cumulative ulcer area was meaningfully reduced in one OC group compared with the sham group ( P = .04). Time to healing was reduced by 1.9 days in the same group compared with the sham group ( P = .02). Conclusions. The use of digital intraoral images with an integrated measurement reference enhances the accuracy and reproducibility of measurements. 2-OC adhesives hold promise as devices to promote healing of recurrent aphthous ulcers. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2000;89:425-31)