cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic Daily Ethanol and Withdrawal: 1. Long‐Term Changes in the Hypothalamo‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Axis

Background: Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function has been demonstrated to be compromised for weeks and even months after alcoholics cease ethanol consumption. Because nonalcoholic subjects with family history-associated increased risk for alcoholism also exhibit compromised HPA function, it is not clear whether defects in the HPA axis of abstinent alcoholics reflect a preexisting condition that may be responsible for increased risk for alcohol abuse versus a persisting adaptational change in response to prolonged alcohol abuse. Consequently, we investigated whether chronic daily ethanol consumption and withdrawal by male Sprague Dawley® rats would induce persistent HPA changes consistent with those demonstrated in abstinent alcoholics. Methods and Results: In an initial experiment in which ethanol (5%, w/v) was incrementally introduced to liquid diet over a 1 week period followed by 4 weeks of chronic ethanol consumption, not only ethanol-treated rats but also pair-fed control rats exhibited decreased (p < 0.05 vs. ad-libitum-fed controls) anterior pituitary pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA concentrations and associated decreases in plasma corticosterone and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) levels for at least 3 weeks after gradual withdrawal of ethanol from the diet. Pair-feeding-induced decreases (p < 0.05) in thymus and spleen weights suggested that the pair-fed controls were likely stressed in this model, probably in response to the marked and irregular suppression of liquid diet consumption immediately after introduction of ethanol. Consequently, a second model was developed in which ethanol was introduced to the liquid diet much more gradually (i.e., over 3 weeks). In contrast with the rapid ethanol-introduction model, this more prolonged ethanol introduction followed by 4 weeks of chronic daily ethanol consumption increased plasma corticosterone levels (p < 0.05), increased adrenal gland weight (p < 0.05), and decreased thymus and spleen weights (both p < 0.01) without altering any of these parameters in the pair-fed controls. Three weeks after gradual withdrawal of ethanol from the diet, anterior pituitary POMC mRNA concentrations were suppressed (p < 0.05) and thymus and spleen weights were increased (p < 0.05) versus both pair-fed and ad-libitum-fed controls, accompanied by trends for decreased basal plasma corticosterone and adrenal weights. Conclusions: Chronic daily ethanol treatment induced changes in the HPA axis that persisted for at least 3 weeks after complete cessation of ethanol consumption. These persistent alterations in the HPA axis are similar to the aberrant HPA regulation of abstinent alcoholics, sons of alcoholics, Lewis rats, and individuals who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder and some types of depression, that is, categories of individuals who all exhibit increased risk for high ethanol consumption. Thus, these chronic daily ethanol-induced persistent changes in the HPA axis may have significant roles in alcohol abstinence syndrome and may increase vulnerability to relapse.
Social research and social policy: The theoretical connection

Thoughtful scholars have discussed the complex nature of the social research-social policy relationship, and yet many persons continue to plan, conduct, interepret, and fund social research as if they expected it to generate facts that have simple effects on policy. This paper argues that such expectations reflect two, untenable assumptions:Simple positivism andfactual efficacy. These assumptions are reviewed, and a more defensible model for the research-policy relationship is proposed based onplausible theory. Implications for the latter model are then explored.
Differential docking of high-affinity peptide ligands to type A and B cholecystokinin receptors demonstrated by photoaffinity labeling

Type A and B cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors are highly homologous members of the class-I family of G protein-coupled receptors that bind CCK with high affinity. However, they have divergent struct...
Dietary Selenium Repletion May Reduce Cancer Incidence in People at High Risk Who Live in Areas with Low Soil Selenium

Studies examining the relationship between dietary selenium intake and risk of various cancers have shown that low selenium intake is associated with higher cancer rates. A recent well-controlled intervention trial studied whether selenium supplementation can prevent cancer in subjects who have a history of skin cancer and live in areas of the United States with low soil selenium levels. Selenium supplementation did not reduce skin cancer rates, but the incidence of total, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers was significantly reduced by the intervention. Although these data need confirmation, they suggest that adequate selenium intake is essential for cancer prevention.
Adverse 30-day outcomes after cardiac surgery: predictive role of intraoperative myocardial acidosis.

Background. Regional myocardial acidosis in patients undergoing cardiac surgery has been shown to be reflective of regional myocardial ischemia. This study elucidates the relationship between intraoperative regional myocardial acidosis and 30-day postoperative outcomes after cardiac surgery. Methods. Intramyocardial tissue pH in the anterior and posterior left ventricular walls was measured in 397 adult patients undergoing valve replacement or coronary revascularization surgery between 1987 and 2001. Dedicated nurses and research assistants prospectively collected preoperative, intraoperative, and outcomes data. Regional myocardial acidosis was defined in terms of pH thresholds identified by recursive partitioning. Adverse 30-day outcome, defined as death or any one of six complications, was the dependent variable in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. A morbidity score was developed on the basis of the sensitivity of each of the six complications in predicting death, and was the dependent variable in a multivariate linear regression analysis. Results. During the period of aortic clamping, a mean intramyocardial tissue pH less than 6.85 was identified to be significant by recursive partitioning, and was encountered in either the anterior or posterior left ventricular wall in 85.4% of patients. After adjusting for preoperative and intraoperative variables, this pH threshold was found to be significantly associated with increased adverse outcomes within 30 days after surgery (p 0.045). It was also significantly associated with increase in the morbidity score (p 0.05). Conclusions. Regional myocardial acidosis of a magnitude frequently encountered during aortic clamping is an independent determinant of adverse 30-day outcomes after cardiac surgery. Its reversal by pH-guided myocardial management has the potential of improving postoperative patient outcomes.
Control of robot dynamics using acceleration control

Acceleration control of robotic devices can provide improvements to many space-based operations using flexible manipulators and to ground-based operations requiring better precision and efficiency than current industrial robots can provide. This paper reports on a preliminary study of acceleration measurement on robotic motion during parabolic flights on the NASA KC-135 and a parallel study of accelerations with and without gravity arising from computer simulated motions using TREETOPS software.
Anaerobic DDT biotransformation: Enhancement by application of surfactants and low oxidation reduction potential

Enhancement of anaerobic DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane) biotransformation by mixed cultures was studied with application of surfactants and oxidation reduction potential reducing agents. Without amendments, DDT transformation resulted mainly in the production of DDD (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane) upon removal of one aliphatic chlorine. The DDT transformation rate increased with the addition of the nonionic surfactants Triton X-114 or Brij 35. The addition of either surfactant or reducing agents did not significantly extend the DDT transformation. Addition of both surfactant and reducing agents extended DDT transformation by reducing the accumulation of DDD and increasing the accumulation of less chlorinated products. It is important to minimize the accumulation of DDD because it is a regulated pesticide and is recalcitrant to aerobic transformation. Controlled experiments revealed that the transformation of DDT requires microbial culture, but the culture need not be biologically active. Transformation results are presented for aqueous and soil phase contamination.
Temperature gradient on Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) adult dispersal in stored wheat

The dispersal behavior of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) adults along a 22-36°C temperature gradient in stored wheat was monitored over a 20-h period with 8 microphones. Males tended to disperse more readily than females but both preferred temperatures of >30°C. Single adults generally did not stay at one location very long, and the average time of 9.7 min spent at the warm end with a temperature gradient was longer than that of 4.4 min spent at that location without a temperature gradient. An adult moved to a location 1, 2, and 3 microphones (7.8, 15.6, and 23.4 cm) away from where they were previously detected in 88.2, 10.6, and 1.2% of the cases. The temperature preference was much more evident with groups of 6 adults than with single adults because the presence of other adults apparently increased the time that adults spent at preferred temperatures. Observations on the times spent at different temperatures, the distances moved, and the influence of the sex of an adult and the presence of other adults provide the information needed to develop a predictive model for adult dispersal in response to the temperature gradients that occur in stored grain during the autumn and spring.
Non-Poisson statistics of reactive events and nonexponential kinetics

We consider a model of a chemical reaction where the transition is possible only if the environment of the reacting complex attains a certain configuration. For example, electron transfer between two electronic states occurs when a fluctuation of the environment brings these states into resonance. Non-Poisson statistics of reactive events may lead to nonexponential kinetics characterized by short- and long-time rate constants. The transition from the nonadiabatic to adiabatic (environment-controlled) regime of the reaction is shown to have different character in the cases of attractive and repulsive statistics.
Cancer of the nasopharynx: review of 43 cases treated with supervoltage radiation therapy.

Forty-three cases of cancer of the nasopharynx treated at the Yale-New Haven Hospital in the last 15 years were analyzed. The clinical aspects of the disease, the technique of therapy and results of treatment are presented. The five-year cumulative survival in all the cases treated was 27%. Patents with lymphoepitheliomas seem to do better than those with squamous cell carcinoma. Even in patients with advanced disease, a cure is still possible after radical radiation treatment. Retreatment of recurrent disease is frequently successful in these tumors. The complications after curative radiotherapy even with the use of supervoltage are still relatively frequent. The incidence of distant metastases was 29%. (auth)
Structure factor for starburst dendrimers

Advances in polymer synthesis have made possible the polymerization of starburst dendrimer gels which are grown from a central initiator core through controlled branching reactions with a constant multiplication of the number of monomeric blocks from one generation to the next. The structure factor for such dendrimers is calculated using Gaussian monomer-monomer interactions. The results are somewhat lengthy but analytical forms are obtained
Immunologic and anatomic consequences of calf thymosin injection in rats.

Abstract Thymosin, a partially purified extract of calf thymus, was examined for its immunological activity and specificity. The preparation was highly immunogenic in rats when administered with complete Freund's adjuvant, giving rise to delayed reactions and antibody formation. It did not restore immune reactivity in thymectomized, lethally irradiated, bone marrow reconstituted rats to bovine γ-globulin nor did it affect the regeneration of lymphoid tissue after lethal or sublethal irradiation. Histologically, no restoration of thymusdependent areas of spleen and lymph nodes was observed, and there was no evidence of antigenic changes in cells within these organs comparable to those which occur in the thymus. Two thymosin preparations tested were pyrogenic in rabbits. The degree to which the reported effects of cell-free extracts in mice may be attributed to immunogenicity and/or adjuvanticity of the preparations used or their endotoxin-like properties is discussed in the light of the present findings.
Effect of boundary conditions on the neutral gas temperatures and densities in the ITER divertor and pump duct

The DEGAS neutral atom transport code was used to simulate helium pumping and D/T throughput in ITER. The sensitivity of the simulation to two different reflection models, four transmission probabilities from the exit of the simulation to the pump (0.0625, 0.125, 0.1875 and 0.250), and a 2-D model versus a 3-D model were analyzed. The variation in reflection model changes the densities in the duct and the recycling of D/T by a factor of 1.6. The variation in the transmission probabilities affects these same quantities by a factor of 2.5. The dimensionality of the simulation affects the density profile in the duct. A transmission probability from the exit of the DEGAS simulation to the pump of 0.110 to 0.125 was calculated from the ITER reference drawings. Using this quantity and the DEGAS results, an exhaust rate of 112 to 127 moles/h is predicted, implying that the reference pumping systems may be larger than necessary by a factor of 2.
Differential antinociceptive effects of spinal opioids on foot withdrawal responses evoked by C fibre or Aδ nociceptor activation

Intrathecal application of μ, δ, and κ opioids attenuate responses on several tests of animal nociception. However, the potency of these opioids differ depending on which tests were used. One factor contributing to these discrepancies is that different types of noxious stimuli activate different sets of nociceptor types, which may be differentially sensitive to opiate inhibition. To examine this hypothesis, we used a recently developed behavioural test which allows for differential assessment of nociception evoked by the activation of myelinated (Aδ) and unmyelinated C thermonociceptors. Administration of a κ-selective agonist was ineffective on either type of response. δ1 drugs were slightly more potent on C fibre-mediated responses than on Aδ-mediated responses. Intrathecal μ and δ2 drugs were antinociceptive on both Aδ and C nociceptor-mediated responses. However, unlike the δ1 effects, the dose-response curves for μ and δ2 drugs were significantly more steep for Aδ than for C fibre-mediated responses, potentially indicating differences in the mechanisms by which the drugs act on these 2 response types.
Esoteric Theories and Erroneous Statistics in Studies of Prejudice

Statistical pseudo-sophistication miiay be the cause for Edwini H. Rhyne's "finding" that differential learning theory rather thani "authoritarian personality" theory accounted for attitudes towards Negroes and Jews. There are strong logical and empirical grounds for concluding that differences in the magnitude of his summary statistic-phi-were caused by discrepancies in the row and columni distributions on his data. A replication of a central part of Rhyne's survey yields results contrary to Rhyne's w-ihen a summll1ary statistic niot biased by the marginal distri
Obstructive sleep apnea and abnormal cephalometric measurements. Implications for treatment

The position of the hyoid bone, which anchors much of the tongue musculature, is often abnormally low in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Cephalometric measurements, frequently used to measure SNA and SNB angles, can also provide information on the posterior airway space (PAS), the mandibular plane, and the hyoid bone. This information is useful in determining the appropriate surgical treatment for OSAS patients.
Circulation DNA: Biological implications for cancer metastasis and immunology

Circulation cell free DNA (cf-DNA) is of considerable interest to oncology researchers seeking to isolate specific cancer markers. Here, we focus on the origin and biological implications of cf-DNA, exploring its potential roles in cancer biology and medicine. We hypothesize that cf-DNA is primarily released by living cancer cells in addition to apoptotic or necrotic cancer cells for three reasons: (1) following radiotherapy, cf-DNA quantities are significantly reduced in a high percentage of patients although radiation-induced massive apoptosis is expected; (2) cancer cell DNA concentration in cultured supernatants increases with cell proliferation when few apoptotic or necrotic cells are present; and (3) DNA concentration increases in normal lymphocyte cultures following stimulation with phytohemagglutinin, lipopolysaccharide or antigen. Our hypotheses have major biological implications in cancer biology. First, cancer cf-DNA may transform normal cells and form adjacent or remote metastases or second primary cancer. In this context, we also have raised an alarming advice that the cancer may be potentially infectious. Secondly, if a normal cf-DNA contains cytokine sequence, it may behave like an intrinsic DNA vaccine, producing therapeutic cytokine. If normal cf-DNA contains a sequence of a non-mutated oncogene or tumor suppressor gene, homologous recombination with the cancer genome may occur leading to knock out mutated oncogene or tumor suppressor gene that could thus elicit a spontaneous remission of cancer.
A noise parameters extraction procedure suitable for on-wafer device characterization

This paper describes a new procedure to extract the noise parameters of on-wafer devices. The procedure is based on multiple noise figure measurements of similar devices of different size and biased at constant drain current density J ds and constant VDS. The theory in support of this novel approach is presented and validated against measurements and simulations. Key to its implementation is a scalable noise model. The model in use is the Pospieszalski noise model, based on the equivalent noise temperatures T gs and T ds of the gate-source and the drain-source resistance, respectively. The new procedure also outlines a path towards the experimental validation of all the noise temperatures associated with the device's lossy elements.
Accurate representation of local frequency using a computationally efficient Gabor filter fusion approach with application to image registration

Recently local frequency has been suggested as an efficient feature for performing image analysis and multi-modal image registration. While local frequency representation can detect the structure of the scene in the image (ridges and edges simultaneously), its computation typically requires using a bank of analytic filters such as two-dimensional (2-D) Gabor filters characterized by a set of parameters (spatial frequency, orientation angle and the filter bandwidth). Tuning a set of Gabor filters that can cover the entire frequency space for the given image is critical for obtaining an accurate representation of the local frequency; however, choosing the size of the filter bank is often done in an ad hoc manner and one usually errs on the conservative side by employing a larger than needed set of filters in order to cover the entire range of frequencies, thus sacrificing computational efficiency. In this paper, we propose a computationally efficient approach for developing the local frequency representation from given images. The new algorithm employs a filter bank of size four, whose parameters are adaptively selected based on the image content. Motivation for the new scheme comes from biological considerations and it is shown that an accurate local frequency representation can be developed from a fusion of the four Gabor filter outputs. Among the notable advantages of the proposed algorithm are reduction in computational requirements (which makes it ideal for the registration and fusion of large-format images) and its robustness to specific scene details.
A Mechanistic Model Describing the Degradation of Polymers

This study examined the cooperative effects of diffusion and reaction on the degradation of a polymer. The work was intended to describe bulk degradation processes, where the polymer volume remains nearly constant. Test coupons made from poly (2-ethyl 2-oxazoline) were immersed in water for controlled durations. The coupons were weighed before and after immersion in the wet and dried condition. The coupons were observed to gain weight for short immersion durations. At longer durations the weight change became negative as the solvent reacted with and dissolved the polymer. An average solvent concentration was found from the weight measurements. Fick’s law was used to express the increase in concentration while a first order reaction law was used to represent the decrease in concentration of the solvent. The competing changes in concentration were combined from which the net solvent concentration at any given time was obtained. The model was compared with the experimental measurements using coupons of various thicknesses. The model was found to describe the observed polymer degradation in water including thickness effects.
Connected kids: designing a youth-services information system for local government

The Connected Kids research team has launched a working prototype of its youth-services information system and has further developed the prototype, adding customizable web pages, a document-entry function, and a new map interface and initiating development of additional search capabilities. To promote use of the system, we have provided support for registration and data-entry activities, launched a publicity campaign, and conducted system evaluations. To ensure long-term sustainability of the system, we have extended our registration and data-entry activities beyond our local community, continued our negotiations with our government partner, and initiated discussions with other government units and organizations.
High resolution absorption cross-section measurements of N2O at 295–299 K in the wavelength region 170–222 nm

Abstract High resolution absorption cross-section measurements of N 2 O at 295–299 K have been performed in the wavelength region 170–222 nm with a 6.65 m scanning spectrometer/spectrograph of sufficient resolution to yield cross-sections that are independent of the instrumental function. The measured cross-sections are presented graphically and are available throughout the region 44925–58955 cm −1 at intervals of 0.1–0.2 cm −1 as a numerical tabulation stored on magnetic tape from the National Space Science Data Center, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, U.S.A. Previously unresolved details of the banded structure which is superposed on the continuous absorption in the region 174–190 nm are observed.
Assessing spatial and attribute errors in large national datasets for population distribution models: a case study of Philadelphia county schools

Geospatial technologies and digital data have developed and disseminated rapidly in conjunction with increasing computing efficiency and Internet availability. The ability to store and transmit large datasets has encouraged the development of national infrastructure datasets in geospatial formats. National datasets are used by numerous agencies for analysis and modeling purposes because these datasets are standardized and considered to be of acceptable accuracy for national scale applications. At Oak Ridge National Laboratory a population model has been developed that incorporates national schools data as one of the model inputs. This paper evaluates spatial and attribute inaccuracies present within two national school datasets, Tele Atlas North America and National Center of Education Statistics (NCES). Schools are an important component of the population model, because they are spatially dense clusters of vulnerable populations. It is therefore essential to validate the quality of school input data. Schools were also chosen since a validated schools dataset was produced in geospatial format for Philadelphia County; thereby enabling a comparison between a local dataset and the national datasets. Analyses found the national datasets are not standardized and incomplete, containing 76 to 90 percent of existing schools. The temporal accuracy of updating annual enrollment values resulted in 89 percent inaccuracy for 2003. Spatial rectification was required for 87 percent of NCES points, of which 58 percent of the errors were attributed to the geocoding process. Lastly, it was found that by combining the two national datasets, the resultant dataset provided a more useful and accurate solution.
Comparative Immunological Analyses of the Citric Acid Cycle Enzyme Malate Dehydrogenase from Phototrophic Purple Bacteria

Summary Immunological methods (immunodiffusion, immunotitration, and ELISA) were employed to compare the immunological properties of the citric acid cycle enzyme malate dehydrogenase (MDH) from purple nonsulfur bacteria (α and β proteobacteria). The results support previous biochemical studies which showed major structural differences in MDH purified from α and β purple bacteria. Immunological analyses of purple bacterial MDH also lend strong support to the phylogeny of nonsulfur purple bacteria as deduced from 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Exceptions, however, were observed in the case of Rhodopseudomonas blastica and Rubrivivax gelatinosus . Despite showing several morphological features consistent with its assignment as a Rhodopseudomonas species, immunological analyses of Rp. blastica MDH indicated that it was much more closely related to Rhodobacter species than to species of Rhodopseudomonas . Ru gelatinosus , a β group species, showed little relationship via MDH analyses to Rhodocyclus species, also β group representatives. It was concluded that at least three structurally and immunologically distinct forms of malate dehydrogenase exist in phototrophic proteobacteria: a form common to all α group members, a form common to β-2 species, and Rubrivivax MDH, which is immunologically distinct from that of all other purple bacterial species.
Large abdominal mass in an elderly man

(2006). Large abdominal mass in an elderly man. Postgraduate Medicine: Vol. 119, No. 2, pp. 93-95.
The effect of crystal size on chemical hysteresis in praseodymium and terbium oxides

Abstract The effect of the variation of crystal size on chemical hysteresis in phase reactions has been investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis. Series of isobars were followed at several different pressures and crystal sizes for the PrO x O 2 and TbO x O 2 systems. At higher temperatures the extent of hysteresis decreased with increase in crystal size for both oxides. It was found that equilibrium was not attained in reactions occurring at lower temperatures. These experiments are contrasted with previous investigations using powdered samples. Some plausible explanations for the trends observed are discussed.
Non-beta islet cell tumor calcification assoicated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and multiple endocrine adenomatosis.

The radiographic triad of a calcified pancreatic mass, duodenal ulcers, and nephrocalcinosis should suggest the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome as part of the multiple endocrine adenomatosis complex. The clinical and radiographic features of the entity are described in this case report.
A Reevaluation of Milieu Therapy for Nonchronic Schizophrenic Patients

Until recently almost all the controlled research on milieu therapy for schizophrenic patients involved nonintensive milieus and chronic patients. Under these circumstances the effectiveness of milieus was not evident. Recent studies have suggested that intensive milieus significantly benefit nonchronic patients. These studies have indicated the importance of defining what ingredients can make a milieu therapeutic. The existing research evidence is surveyed, and the nature of what some of these ingredients might be described.
Transcriptional activator-coactivator recognition: Nascent folding of a kinase-inducible transactivation domain predicts its structure on coactivator binding

A model of transcriptional activator−coactivator recognition is provided by the mammalian CREB activation domain and the KIX domain of coactivator CBP. The CREB kinase-inducible activation domain (pKID, 60 residues) is disordered in solution and undergoes an α-helical folding transition on binding to CBP [Radhakrishan, I., Perez-Alvarado, G. C., Parker, D., Dyson, H. J., Montminy, M. R., and Wright, P. E. (1997) Cell 91, 741−752]. Binding requires phosphorylation of a conserved serine (RPpSYR) in pKID associated in vivo with the biological activation of CREB signaling pathways. The CBP-bound structure of CREB contains two α-helices (designated αΑ and αB) flanking the phosphoserine; the bound structure is stabilized by specific interactions with CBP. Here, the nascent structure of an unbound pKID domain is characterized by multidimensional NMR spectroscopy. The solubility of the phosphopeptide (46 residues) was enhanced by truncation of N- and C-terminal residues not involved in pKID−CBP interactions. Alth...
Radionuclide Mineral Studies 5. The Relationship of Serum Alkaline Phosphatase to Ca45 Metabolism in the Chick as Influenced by age, Vitamin D3 and Treatment

Abstract INTRODUCTION RECENTLY, emphasis has been placed on the role of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase in calcium metabolism (Tanabe and Wilcox, 1960; Hurwitz and Griminger, 1961). The level of this enzyme in chick serum has been associated with various conditions, many of which are related to the metabolism of bone and connective tissue. Serum calcium is in equilibrium with body stores of calcium. The parathyroid hormone functions in this equilibrium process (Talmage et al., 1953). The process by which bone calcium is resorbed is not fully understood, but the presence of the osteoclasts suggests that active systems are involved. Alkaline phosphatase may be associated with these systems. Oral administration of water and Ca45 in water to the chick affects drastic changes in the level of serum alkaline phosphatase (Martin and Patrick, 1961). These data further suggested that the effect of water dosage was associated with decalcification of the bone, perhaps mediated …
A Multi-agent Mechanism for Topology Balancing in Unstructured P2P Networks

Unstructured P2P networks can grow in an ad-hoc and give rise to scale-free graphs where most of the nodes form clusters or hubs around few resourceful nodes. This leads to congestion and bottleneck problems around the hubs ensuing search latencies for users' resource search queries. Here, we describe a multi-agent enabled P2P network setup protocol that maintains a small-world network structure to prevent the formation of scale-free graphs in unstructured P2P networks.
Acetylcholinesterase studies on molecular complementariness.

Abstract The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by a number of (hydroxyphenyl)trimethylammonium derivatives, their dimethyl carbamates, and other related compounds has been measured and discussed in terms of geometry and molecular complementariness. The complementary conformation is identified. It is shown that by sterically inhibiting conformations of lower molecular complementariness, it is possible to increase the binding strength of an inhibitor. Evidence was presented which supports the assumption that the binding contribution of a phenolic hydroxyl group arises from hydrogen bonding with a group in the enzyme. This group can be located so as to satisfy both the requirements for a hydrogen bond with an OH group of the best phenol and for a covalent link with the carbonyl carbon of the best dimethyl carbamate. The atom of the enzyme which forms a covalent bond with the carbonyl carbon atom of the carbamates is the basic group of the esteratic site. This group lies about 5 A. from the anionic site. In addition it is demonstrated that the orientation of a small molecule relative to the protein may be determined by two strong interactions with two principal binding features and that this orientation may bring secondary structural features into an unfavorable environment. If one of these principal binding features is absent, the orientation may change so that the secondary feature makes a positive contribution to binding.
Stimulation in Vitro by Adenosine-3',5'-Cyclic Monophosphate of Steroidogenesis in Rat Testis

The nucleotide adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic 3',5'-AMP) added in vitro to slices of rat testes increased the conversion of cholesterol-7α-3H to testosterone-3H and increased the biosynthesis of testosterone from endogenous precursors. These findings are in accord with the well-known influence of cyclic 3',5'-AMP upon steroidogenesis in adrenal and corpus luteum and with the suggestion that the cyclic nucleotide may play a part in the mechanism by which trophic hormones accelerate steroid production, since the nucleotide, like the trophic hormones, acts beyond cholesterol. The previously reported failure of cyclic 3',5'-AMP to stimulate steroidogenesis in rabbit testes is discussed. (Endocrinology 79: 647, 1989)
Intensity noise enhancement in the half-wave plate/polarizer attenuator

The conventional optical attenuator for linearly polarized light is usually constructed with a half-wave retardation plate and a polarizer. With one axis of the polarizer aligned so as to transmit the incident beam fully, the addition of the half-wave plate causes the output power to follow a cos(2) 2theta dependence, where theta is the angle between the optic axis of the wave plate and the incident polarization. When the incident light has an additional orthogonal polarization component, the output power dependence becomes more complex and depends on the correlation between the two polarization fields ?E(x)E(y)?. More significantly, if amplitude noise in the polarization fields is correlated, the attenuator will couple the noise processes, which results in relative power fluctuations that increase as the optical power is reduced. The noise produced by this coupling may even exceed the noise of either polarization state alone. Measurements of the statistical behavior of the relative intensity noise of a cw modelocked Nd:YAG laser as a function of the wave-plate angle showed more than a tenfold increase when the output power was reduced to near minimum. In addition, the noise was found to be asymmetrical about the minimum power point, theta = 45 degrees . It is shown that the simple addition of a polarizer ahead of the wave plate strips off the unwanted polarization field and virtually eliminates this added noise effect.
Absolute Inhibition Is Incompatible with Conscious Perception

Abstract Van Selst and Merikle argued that the critical Preference × Strategy interaction findings could be alternatively explained by positing individual differences as a function of preference and strategy. They further argued that ruling out conscious perception depends on making the exhaustiveness assumption. We argue that the inhibitory effects satisfy objective threshold criteria regardless of possible individual differences in thresholds. We further suggest that the inhibitory findings are inherently incompatible with the conscious perception explanation and that therefore we do not need to make the exhaustiveness assumption. We thus stand by our original conclusion that subliminal perception at the objective threshold has been demonstrated.
A posteriori error estimates for finite volume method based on bilinear trial functions for the elliptic equation

This paper is concerned with a residual type a posteriori error estimators for a finite volume method for the second order elliptic equation. Bilinear functions are used as trial functions in this finite volume method. Reliability and efficiency bounds for the error estimator are established. Numerical examples are provided to confirm the theory.
Lie algebras graded by finite root systems and intersection matrix algebras

This paper classifies the Lie algebras graded by doubly-laced finite root systems and applies this classification to identify the intersection matrix algebras arising from multiply affinized Cartan matrices of types B,C,F, and G. This completes the determination of the Lie algebras graded by finite root systems initiated by Berman and Moody who studied the simply-laced finite root systems of rank ≧2.
Effect of melanin, oxyhemoglobin and bilirubin on transcutaneous bilirubinometry

To determine the effect of skin pigments on transcutaneous bilirubinometer readings, we measured the effect of bilirubin, melanin, and oxyhemoglobin solutions on transcutaneous bilirubinometer readings in vitro. Our results showed that the variability of the readings in vitro was related to the instrument's non-linear response to bilirubin and melanin concentration and an inaccurate oxyhemoglobin correction factor. These factors should be considered in developing a more accurate non-invasive method of monitoring serum bilirubin concentration.
Eigenstructure retention with frequency weighting

This paper illustrates a design methodology which allows one to trade-off performance with robustness, as characterized by frequency domain properties such as loop gain. The basic performance and stability goals are achieved with a nominal linear quadratic regulator design. Frequency domain issues are then integrated into the design by using in the next phase of design, a frequency weighted performance criterion. The structure of this performance criterion allows the eigenstructure associated with the nominal design to be retained. An unstable nonminimum phase example illustrates the methodology.
Upwelling around Cabo Frio, Brazil: The importance of wind stress curl

[1] Data from the SeaWinds scatterometer on the QuikSCAT satellite are used to estimate upwelling around Cabo Frio, Brazil, due to Ekman transport and Ekman pumping. The region close to shore (up to 200 km from the coast) is characterized by negative wind stress curl (upwelling favorable) year-round, with maximum values during summer, and minimum values during fall. Integrated values from Sao Sebastiao Island to Vitoria reveal that during summer, Ekman pumping and Ekman transport are of the same magnitude in the region. Estimates of Ekman transport are relatively uniform along the coast during summer. Ekman pumping, on the other hand, is strongly enhanced between Sao Sebastiao Island and Vitoria, the region where the coldest water on satellite images is frequently found. This suggests that wind stress curl-driven upwelling is a major contributor to the coldest surface water being found near Cabo Frio.
Variability analysis of tent map-based chaotic-map truly random number generators

Although discrete-time chaotic-map TRNGs, in principle, are capable of generating unbiased and uncorrelated random bits, implementation variations deteriorate the quality of the output sequence as a result of variation of the chaotic map parameters (which result in a non-ideal map). In this paper, we introduce an analytical technique to investigate the impact of process variations on the randomness of the output sequence generated using tent map-based discrete-time chaotic map truly random number generators (TRNGs). We validate our results against the probability density function (pdf) estimated using extensive Monte-Carlo simulations applied to the non-ideal map characteristics. The simulation results suggest that the estimation of pdf using our simplified theoretical method is in good agreement with that of the Monte-Carlo simulations. Finally, the quality of the random bits have also been evaluated using the entropy measure.
Estrogen, hormonal replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of reviewPremenopausal women have a lower risk and incidence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to age-matched men and this sex advantage for women gradually disappears after menopause, suggesting that sexual hormones play a cardioprotective role in women. However, ran
Exact and Semiempirical Analysis of the Generalized-Random-Phase-Approximation Optical Potential

A many-body optical potential $\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ which has been demonstrated to give excellent electron-helium elastic scattering cross sections is analyzed. It is shown to encompass, yet be more general than, almost all previous model potentials used in electron scattering and Rydberg-state calculations. A partial semiempirical form of this potential is achieved. It is shown how $\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ can be computed by methods of variation-perturbation theory.
Cost-effective approach to large-scale synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles

Well crystalline cobalt ferrite CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (50-100 nm) were produced using carbon combustion synthesis of oxides (CCSO). In this process the exothermic oxidation of carbon generates a thermal reaction wave that propagates at a velocity of 0.1-3 mm/s through the solid reactant mixture of cobalt and iron oxides converting it to the cobalt ferrite without any external power consumption. This will enable a reduction in the production price of cobalt ferrite by minimization of the energy consumption. The combustion temperature can be set by proper choice of the amount of carbon added to the mixture of solid reactants. The extensive emission of CO2 enhanced the porosity and friability of product. The as-synthesized ferrites had hard magnetic properties with coercivity 700 Oe and saturation magnetization up to 47 emu/g.
An Adaptive Smart Antenna Testbed for WiMAX Radio

In a world where ubiquitous connectivity became more of a necessity then luxury sparsely populated and rural areas remain the least connected areas around the globe. Considering conventional wired or wireless infrastructure will cost billions to implement and maintain. A very attractive solution that has proven improved performance in terms of signal quality, coverage area and connection speed consists of using an adaptive smart antenna system in conjunction with IEEE 802.16 WiMAX [1]. This paper presents the design and development of a testbed to analyze the feasibility of utilizing such novel solution. Though supported by the WiMAX standard, a smart antenna system utilizing this radio technology has not been implemented yet. This design serves as a common flexible platform for testing the system as a whole and in part. The different system’s modules, namely, the Direction Of Arrival (DOA) estimation module, the beamforming module and the computer interface have been tested and showed promising results.
ANHARMONIC SPECIFIC HEAT AT INTERMEDIATE TEMPERATURES

Abstract The thermodynamic properties of an anharmonic crystal can be approximately described at intermediate temperatures in terms of the “anharmonic deviation spectrum,” Δg(v, T) vs., v = [ G(v, T) — G h (v) ] vs. v. For a reliable determination of Δg an accurate harmonic vibration spectrum G h (v) vs. v is required. From knowledge of the anharmonic frequency shifts Δv ( T )'s and G h (v) one may obtain Δg(v, T) by graphical analysis. Δg is found to be highly structured for v near the frequencies of the Van Hove singularities. As an illustration the case of an f.c.c. lattice approximately representative of copper is considered and Δv is assumed = A i T , with the A i treated as parameters. The Δv are assumed proportional to v h (k) throughout the Brillouin zone. For small shifts the specific heat deviation ΔC/C h (C h = harmonic theoretical specific heat) is found to be approximately linear in T. For larger shifts, however, ΔC/C h undergoes small amplitude anharmonic oscillations. The oscillatory character of these calculated results appears to be borne out by ample experimental evidence of small oscillations in the thermodynamic properties of several solids.
Nonsurgical Management of an Electrical Burn of the Scalp

. The remarkable regenerative capability of the scalp reduces the need for skin grafting in electrical burns of this area. We report on a deep 7.5 cm electrical burn of the scalp which healed completely under conservative management with 20% urea compresses, benzoyl peroxide gel, and systemic erythromycin.
2D unstructured mesh generation for oceanic and coastal tidal models from a localized truncation error analysis with complex derivatives

A method for computing target element size for tidal, shallow water flow is developed and demonstrated. The method, Localized truncation error analysis with complex derivatives (LTEA-CD) utilizes localized truncation error estimates of the linearized shallow water momentum equations consisting of complex derivative terms. This application of complex derivatives is the chief way in which the method differs from a similar existing method, LTEA. It is shown that LTEA-CD produces results that are essentially equivalent to those of LTEA (which in turn has been demonstrated to be capable of producing practicable target element sizes) with reduced computational cost. Moreover, LTEA-CD is capable of computing truncation error and corresponding target element sizes at locations up to and including the boundary, whereas LTEA can be applied only on the interior of the model domain. We demonstrate the convergence of solutions over meshes generated with LTEA-CD using an idealized representation of the western North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
Beyond Seattle: Globalization and Public Opinion

The Open Economy and Its Enemies: Public Attitudes in East Asia and Eastern Europe. By Jane Duckett, William L. Miller Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. 284 pp., $85.00 cloth (ISBN: 0-521-86406-0), $34.99 paper (ISBN: 0-521-68255-8). Globalization—in its various forms—remains a much studied topic in international and comparative political economy. However, despite the likelihood of wide ranging effects brought about by the integration of goods, peoples, and ideas, scholarly attention has been limited, surprisingly, to but a few of globalization's potential consequences. Most attention has been given to questions of whether greater market integration matters for domestic policy outcomes, with “outcomes” defined in terms of public spending and the health of the national economy. Far fewer studies consider the influence of openness on the health of representative democracy. Moreover, those extant studies that examine the economic impact of globalization focus primarily on developed welfare states—that is, on those economies that are best equipped to cushion the volatile effects of opening up (see, for example, Scheve and Slaughter 2001). Very little is known about what is arguably a far more critical question: the degree of public support for globalization in lower- and middle-income democracies. In this regard, Jane Duckett and William Miller's The Open Economy and Its Enemies fills a large hole in the globalization literature. Based on an exhaustive data collection effort aimed at assessing mass and elite attitudes in two “newer democracies” (the Czech Republic and South Korea) and two “semi-democracies” (Ukraine and Vietnam), the book easily offers the most comprehensive account to date of attitudes toward the world capitalist economy in lesser-developed countries. To sift through the many issues surrounding attitudes toward economic and cultural openness, Duckett and Miller conducted a series of focus group studies (involving 130 participants in all) and representative surveys of mass publics and public officials (totaling over ten thousand interviews) in these four countries during 2002 and 2003. The utility of Duckett and Miller's approach …