cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FACTOR STRUCTURE OF THE BECK DEPRESSION INVENTORY IN A UNIVERSITY SAMPLE

Factor analysis was performed on the Beck Depression Inventory with a university sample to examine its potential multidimensionality. A principal components analysis with an oblimin and varimax rotation produced a two-factor solution. These factors were labeled Cognitive-Affective and Physiological and accounted for approximately 39% of the common variance. This finding is consistent with multidimensionality of the inventory and with a similar study of college students. The commonalities of the two studies suggest the reliability (internal consistency) of the Cognitive-Affective and Physiological constructs among "minimally" depressed university samples.
Role of bacterial siderophores in dissolution of hornblende

Hornblende, a common mineral in granitic soils, may act as a source for a variety of metals needed by bacterial species for enzyme function (e.g., Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, V, Ni). A species of the bacterial genus Streptomyces was cultured from an Adirondack soil and isolated because of its ability to grow robustly in low Fe medium with hornblende present. Studies with unbuffered culture medium, to discover whether Streptomyces sp. cultures affected solution pH, showed a decrease of 2.0 pH units in 21 d, then an increase of 3.0 pH units at 56 d. Cells that adhered to the hornblende surface at 56 days were difficult to remove, presumably because of mycelial growth deep into pits and cracks. Decreases and increases in pH may have been due to production of organic acids and ammonia respectively. Increases in pH could also have been related to release of components during death of organisms. In a buffered medium, Streptomyces sp. increased the initial Fe release rate from hornblende approximately fivefold over that of an abiotic control. A catechol derivative, produced by the Streptomyces sp. and characterized by chromatography and mass spectrometry, is presumed to cause this Fe release enhancement. Hornblende dissolution was also analyzed in the presence of a commercially available hydroxamate siderophore, desferrioxamine mesylate (DFAM). DFAM is the methane sulfonate form of one of many siderophores known to be a product of streptomycetes. The rate of Fe release obtained when incubating the hornblende with 24 μm of DFAM was similar to the rate observed in the presence of the Streptomyces sp. isolate. Higher concentrations of DFAM increased the dissolution rate nonlinearly, described by the rate equation R = (7.6 × 10−13)C0.47, where R is the release rate of Fe (mol/m2s), and C is the concentration (mol/l) of DFAM. The DFAM also increased release of Al and Si from hornblende into solution; however, these release rates were not increased by addition of the Streptomyces sp. alone. Preferential release of Al and Si in the presence of DFAM, but not in the presence of bacteria alone, may be related to the difference in selectivity of catechol vs. hydroxamate siderophores. Addition of Streptomyces sp. in the presence of DFAM at three concentrations consistently enhanced Fe release approximately two to threefold the rate with siderophore alone. Recycling of siderophore molecules or enhanced production of one siderophore by microorganisms in the presence of other siderophores makes it difficult to predict a priori release rates when both siderophore and bacteria are present, as would be the case in natural soils.
Theoretical evaluation of electroactive polymer based micropump diaphragm for air flow control

An electroactive polymer (EAP), high energy electron irradiated poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] copolymer, based actuation micropump diaphragm (PAMPD) has been developed for air flow control. The displacement strokes and profiles as a function of amplifier and frequency of electric field have been characterized. The volume stroke rates (volume rate) as function of electric field, driving frequency have been theoretically evaluated, too. The PAMPD exhibits high volume rate. It is easily tuned with varying of either amplitude or frequency of the applied electric field. In addition, the performance of the diaphragms were modeled and the agreement between the modeling results and experimental data confirms that the response of the diaphragms follow the design parameters. The results demonstrated that the diaphragm can fit some future aerospace applications to replace the traditional complex mechanical systems, increase the control capability and reduce the weight of the future air dynamic control systems.
Structural Geometry and Slip of the Palos Verdes Fault, Southern California: Implications for Earthquake Hazards

Abstract The Palos Verdes fault (PVF) is an active structure in southern California comprised of several segments that together form a complex fault system. The fault has been active since the Miocene and is a major regional seismic source. Using marine petroleum industry seismic data, we define the geometry of the fault and offsets of Tertiary stratigraphic units that constrain the along strike segmentation and slip rates on the fault system. In San Pedro Bay, patterns of deformed stratigraphic units suggest a deep fault geometry that dips moderately to the southwest and was initially formed as a Miocene normal fault. Plio–Pleistocene transpression resulted in the reactivation of this normal fault and its subsequent inversion with oblique, right-lateral reverse displacement. To the south, the Lasuen Knoll segment dips steeply to the northeast and is not a reactivated Miocene-age structure but rather formed in middle Pliocene time. Plio–Pleistocene transpression has linked these and other segments together to form the currently active PVF system. The resulting complex fault geometry and slip patterns suggest that the PVF is a highly segmented fault, which may rupture in moderate-size earthquakes that involve individual segments or large events that are able to propagate across significant geometric discontinuities. Estimates of moment magnitudes based on empirical relationships with rupture (fault) area indicate the possibility of M w 6.6–6.9 earthquakes for single-segment ruptures and M w 7.1–7.3 multisegment ruptures, with recurrence intervals ranging from 181 to 534 yr. Given the high inferred slip rates on the fault and its proximity to the urban population, these events pose significant earthquake hazards to metropolitan Los Angeles.
Cooperative Graph Search Using Fractal Decomposition

We present an algorithm based on hierarchical decomposition that finds close-to-optimal search paths for a cooperative team of agents searching for one or more targets on a graph. The method partitions the graph to create a high-level problem and several lower-level problems. Since the computations on each level are identical, the lower-level problems can be further decomposed. In this way, the problem becomes fractal in nature. We use best-case and worst-case instances of the decomposed problem to establish upper and lower bounds on the optimal search reward, and the bounds are determined with much less computation than what is required to solve the full problem. We show that as the number of decomposition levels increases, the computational complexity approaches O(n) at the expense of looser bounds on the optimal reward. A large-scale test case shows that this method is computationally fast, produces good results, and achieves true cooperation between agents.
The role of mullerian inhibiting substance in female reproduction.

Purpose of review To review the role of mullerian inhibiting substance in the context of female reproduction. Recent findings Serum and follicular fluid mullerian inhibiting substance can be measured by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Mullerian inhibiting substance is secreted from small antral follicles with minimal fluctuation throughout the menstrual cycle. The exact biological functions of mullerian inhibiting substance are uncertain; however, mullerian inhibiting substance most likely mediates follicle recruitment and selection, and may inhibit aromatase activity. Most data suggests an interaction between follicle-stimulating hormone, and mullerian inhibiting substance although the exact nature of the relationship is unknown. Mullerian inhibiting substance is characteristically elevated in polycystic ovarian syndrome, and may be associated with other features of polycystic ovary syndrome such as insulin resistance, hyperandrogenemia, and the degree of anovulation. Mullerian inhibiting substance changes have also been associated with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, premature ovarian failure, endometriosis and obesity. Mullerian inhibiting substance has been studied extensively in the context of in-vitro fertilization and has been correlated with several outcome parameters. Summary Mullerian inhibiting substance is gaining acceptance as a useful marker of female reproductive function, especially with ovulatory disorders and IVF outcomes. Mullerian inhibiting substance offers several advantages to existing screening tests, but establishment of an assay standard should be considered before widespread clinical implementation becomes viable.
March Into May

Abstract In 1996, the U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health stated that physical inactivity is a serious national health problem. Each year up to 250,000 American deaths are attributed to a lack of regular physical activity. Studies have shown that inactive people generate about 8 percent higher health claim costs than active people. Using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Physical Activity Challenge as a model, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) organized a worksite physical activity program: "March Into May." Its primary goal was to promote regular, moderate physical activity through a planned 10-week program. Participant motivation relied on a team incentive, as well as on a personal-based behavioral contract. Participants set personal goals for regular activity, ranging from moderate activities like yard work to more intense ones like running and swimming. Using a simple self-reporting point system, they recorded daily physical activity in 10-minute blocks of time with the goal to be active at least 30minutes most days (Surgeon General's recommendation). Incentives, prizes and awards were given at various intervals throughout the 10-week program. Teams were created within work units to encourage in-house competition and awards. The event was promoted via E-mail, flyers and weekly fitness activities. A database utilizing a spreadsheet format was created to record goals, points achieved, percent goals achieved and stage of change information obtained from pre- and post-survey forms. Nonparticipants also were invited to complete a survey form to collect stage of change data. The program and data collected were part of a national pilot campaign to help Americans increase their physical activity level and move toward the Healthy People 2010 physical activity goals. IDPH plans to expand the program next year to include both physical activity and Five-a- Day goals and stage of change data.
Calcium inhibits catecholamine depletion by reserpine from carotid body glomus cells

Abstract Histofluorescent and quantitative microfluorimetric studies have been performed on glomus cells of the rat carotid body, which fluoresce intently after treatment by paraformaldehyde vapor. Reserpine causes a reduction in intensity of fluorescence of about 90%. Subcutaneous injections of calcium chloride (100–300 mg/kg) were given before reserpine. Calcium prevents the depletion of catecholamines from the glomus cells by reserpine. This effect is dose related in that the depletion of catecholamines by heavy reserpine doses (15 mg/kg) cannot be overcome by calcium, medium doses (5 mg/kg) can be overcome but variably, and light doses (1 mg/kg) are always overcome substantially and can result in virtually complete inhibition of the depletion by reserpine. If calcium injections follow reserpine, there is no effect on the depletion of catecholamines. It is speculated that calcium might counteract the effects of reserpine by occupying attachment sites of the vesicular membrane, thereby preventing reserpine from reaching its site of action, resulting in the usual uptake of catecholamines by the vesicles and suppression of the depleting action of reserpine.
Are patients with psoriasis being screened for cardiovascular risk factors? A study of screening practices and awareness among primary care physicians and cardiologists.

Introduction Increasing literature suggests that patients with psoriasis who have severe disease appear to have increased frequency of cardiovascular (CV) diseases. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends screening for CV risk factors as early as 20 years of age. The extent to which these screening guidelines are implemented in practice is unclear. Objective We sought to assess CV risk factor screening practices in patients with psoriasis and to assess primary care physician (PCP) and cardiologist awareness of worse CV outcomes in patients with psoriasis. Methods We distributed 1200 questionnaires to PCPs and cardiologists between October 1, 2010, and April 15, 2011. A representative national sample of physicians was obtained by random selection from professional medical societies. Results A total of 251 PCPs and cardiologists responded to the questionnaire. Among these physicians, 108 (43%) screened for hypertension, 27 (11%) screened for dyslipidemia, 75 (30%) screened for obesity, and 67 (27%) screened for diabetes. Physicians who cared for a greater number of patients with psoriasis were significantly more likely to screen for CV risk factors (hypertension P = .0041, dyslipidemia P = .0143, and diabetes P = .0065). Compared with PCPs, cardiologists were 3.5 times more likely to screen for dyslipidemia (95% confidence interval 1.32-9.29, P = .012). A total of 113 (45%) physicians were aware that psoriasis was associated with worse CV outcomes. Limitations The questionnaire response rate was modest. Conclusions Most PCPs and cardiologists did not routinely screen patients with psoriasis for CV risk factors. Educating physicians regarding potentially increased CV risk in psoriasis and adopting a multidisciplinary approach in the care of patients with psoriasis will likely lead to improved patient outcomes.
Subcritical compaction and yielding of granular quartz sand

Abstract Cylindrical samples of water-saturated, initially loose, St. Peter quartz sand were consolidated using triaxial deformation apparatus at room temperature, constant fluid pressure (12.5 MPa), and elevated confining pressures (up to 262.5 MPa). The samples were deformed along four loading paths: (1) hydrostatic stressing tests in which confining pressure was monotonically increased; (2) hydrostatic stress cycling similar to (1) except that effective pressure was periodically decreased to initial conditions; (3) triaxial deformation at constant effective pressure in which differential stress was applied after raising effective pressure to an elevated level; and (4) triaxial stress cycling similar to (3) except that the axial differential stress was periodically decreased to zero. Hydrostatic stressing at a constant rate results in a complex nonlinear consolidation response. At low pressures, large strains occur without significant acoustic emission (AE) activity. With increased pressure, the stress versus strain curve becomes quasi-linear with a corresponding nonlinear increase in AE rates. At elevated pressures, macroscopic yielding is marked by the onset of large strains, high AE rates, and significant grain failure. Stress cycling experiments show that measurable inelastic strain occurs at all stages of hydrostatic loading. The reload portions of stress cycles are characterized by a poro-elastic response and lower AE rates than during constant rate hydrostatic stressing. As the stress nears and exceeds the level that was applied during previous loading cycles, strain and AE rates increase in a manner consistent with yielding. Triaxial stressing cycles achieve greater consolidation and AE rates than hydrostatic loading at similar mean stress levels. By comparing our results with previously published studies, we construct a three-component model to describe elastic and inelastic compaction of granular sand. This model involves acoustically silent grain rearrangement that contributes significant inelastic strain at low pressures, poro-elastic (Hertzian) deformation at all pressures, and inelastic strain related to granular cracking and particle failure which increases in significance at greater pressures.
Exploratory notes on employee productivity and accountability in classic Jewish sources

Jewish tradition has a long-standing commitment to justice, equity and compassion toward society's most vulnerable members, including its working-class. It has produced a substantial literature describing appropriate practice in business relations and the ethics of the marketplace. Less well-known, however, are its prescriptions for employee productivity and accountability. These elements are considered here within the context of contemporary organization, and with particular application to the school of quality management associated with W. Edwards Demings.
IEEE 802.11 DoS attack detection and mitigation utilizing Cross Layer Design

Denial of Service (DoS) attack is a powerful attack that disrupts the network and deprives the legitimate users from utilizing the network resources. DoS attacks could be implemented to target any layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layers, in this paper we are focusing on DoS attacks that target the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer in wireless networks. We present a complete solution using Cross Layer Design techniques to detect and identify the attackers and to mitigate the attack by minimizing the negative impact on the network. DoS attacks could range from plain attacks which do not require any protocol modifications or intelligence during the attack like the signal jamming attack to sophisticated attacks where the attacker is intelligent and aware of its surroundings and constantly modifying its behavior during the attack to appear as a legitimate node to avoid detection. In this paper we are focusing on the sophisticated DoS attack in wireless networks using IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) protocols [1-3], where the attacker is striving to appear as a legitimate member of the network and fully joined the network group and possesses for instance the spread sequence or the channel coding scheme. The algorithm is examined in fixed and mobile environments with multiple Physical (PHY) layer technologies (DSSS, FHSS, and OFDM) using different MAC layer protocols (IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.11b, and IEEE 802.11g). DoS attackers illegally alter the IEEE 802.11 DCF standards and modify the MAC firmware code in the Network Interface Card (NIC) on their communication equipment to capture the channel by maximizing the packet transmission success rate to a degree where all other legitimate node will have near zero percent success rate for their packet transmissions. This type of DoS attack generally results in bandwidth starvation and extreme power and CPU processing consumption to the legitimate nodes in the network. Two-dimensional Markov Chain is modeled to obtain the maximum throughput to identify the DoS attackers and the rest of the presented algorithm mitigates the impact of the attackers while deceiving the attackers and make them falsely believe that the attacks are still disrupting the network so they do not resort to modifying the attacking techniques. The algorithm is validated using network simulations under different condition using different technologies.
Polarization of fluorescent light from a uniaxially oriented rubber

The polarization of fluorescence from a polymer characterizes two segment orientation functions, fs(2) and fs(4). These may be calculated as a function of elongation using the kinetic theory of rubber elasticity. Three cases are considered: (a) the transition moment direction lies parallel to the segment axis and does not change its orientation during the lifetime of the excited state, (b) the transition moment direction lies at an angle γ to the segment axis, and (c) the transition moment changes its orientation during the lifetime of the excited state.
Lacrimal excretory system concretions: canalicular and lacrimal sac.

Purpose To characterize the demographics of patients with dacryolithiasis and to compare patients who have canalicular concretions with patients who have lacrimal sac and duct dacryoliths. Design Comparative case series study and literature review. Participants A total of 327 consecutive patients undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) between 1998 and 2008 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Fifteen consecutive patients with the diagnosis of canaliculitis during this period were also included. Methods The charts of all patients were reviewed for age, sex, laterality, duration of symptoms, history of dacryocystitis, history of lacrimal system intervention, history of smoking, examination findings, result of canalicular probing and irrigation, and histopathologic evaluation of the dacryolith or canalicular concretion. If applicable, the canaliculus involved was noted, as was any history of purulent canalicular drainage or canalicular injury. Main Outcome Measures Patient demographics, duration of symptoms, history of dacryocystitis, history of smoking, presence of fungi, or Actinomyces on histopathologic evaluation. Findings were compared with prior studies reported in the literature. Results Of the 327 patients undergoing DCR, 22 (6.7%) had dacryoliths; 11 of 15 patients (73.3%) with canaliculitis had canalicular concretions. Patients with canalicular concretions were older than those with dacryoliths at DCR: 70.6 years versus 51.1 years ( P = 0.003). Women made up the majority of both groups: 9 of 11 patients (81.8%) with canalicular concretions and 13 of 22 patients (59.1%) with dacryoliths at DCR ( P = 0.26). The mean duration of symptoms was 20.2 months among patients with canalicular concretions and 30.5 months in patients with dacryoliths at DCR ( P = 0.66); 1 of 11 patients (9.1%) with canalicular concretions smoked, compared with 9 of 21 patients (42.9%) with dacryoliths at DCR ( P = 0.11). Actinomyces was isolated from 10 of 11 canalicular concretions (90.9%) and only 3 of 22 dacryoliths (13.6%) from DCR ( P P = 0.54). Conclusions The demographics of patients with dacryoliths and the histopathology of their concretions vary with the location of the dacryolith in the lacrimal excretory system. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Female sexual deviance: A theoretical and empirical analysis

Societal analysis of sex role typing, attribution theory in social psychology, and reaction theory in the sociology of deviance provide theoretical convergences that enable us to focus on career contingencies in the drift toward deviance. In this paper we apply these concepts to a theory of sexual labeling by identifying six early sexual experiences that are empirically shown to shape deviant sexuality in adult women. The responses to a standardized protocol were obtained for two large samples of deviant adult women. The results are based on extensive analysis that controlled for race and economic status (ES) while an adolescent. The findings reinforce previous conjectures and hypotheses about the influential factors in the drift towards female sexual deviance.
Multidetector computed tomography evaluation of left ventricular volumes: sources of error and guidelines for their minimization.

Background Although multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is known to overestimate left ventricular (LV) end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes (ESV, EDV) compared to magnetic resonance imaging reference, the potential sources of error have not been thoroughly investigated. Objectives We sought to quantitatively assess the effects of the number of reconstructed phases and number of slices used for volume calculation on the accuracy of LV volume measurements. Methods MDCT images obtained in 28 patients (Philips Brilliance 64) were reconstructed at 10, 20, 33, and 100 phases per cardiac cycle. For each number of phases, ESV was measured between aortic valve closure and mitral valve opening and normalized by reference ESV measured at 100 phases/R-R. Both reference ESV and EDV were measured using 20 and separately 10 fixed-thickness slices. Reproducibility was assessed using repeated measurements. Results In 16 of 28 patients, the timing of end-systole varied with increasing number of reconstructed phases, resulting in a gradual decrease in ESV from 118 ± 20% of reference ESV to 100 ± 0%. Reduction in number of slices caused a significant increase in EDV and ESV (4.2 ± 3.2% and 6.4 ± 5.5%, respectively), roughly twice the corresponding intraobserver variability (2.5 ± 1.5% and 3.8 ± 2.4%). Conclusions Misidentification of end-systole due to insufficient number of reconstructed phases significantly affects ESV measurements. Also, the number of slices used for volume calculation affects both ESV and EDV beyond intermeasurement variability. To ensure accurate quantification of LV volumes, reconstruction at time intervals smaller than 5% of the RR-interval (>20 phases/cardiac cycles) and tracing endocardial borders in >10 slices are recommended.
Obesity and Black Women: Special Considerations Related to Genesis and Therapeutic Approaches

Black women in the United States are disproportionately affected by obesity, with almost two-thirds considered obese based on body mass index. Obesity has been directly linked to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in black women. Therefore, understanding contributors to the genesis of obesity in black women is imperative. While biologic differences likely result in varying obesity prevalence across racial/ethnic groups, behaviors such as post-partum weight retention and limited leisure-time physical activity, may especially contribute to obesity in black women. Black women also appear to be particularly susceptible to cultural, psychosocial, and environmental factors that can promote weight gain. Therapeutic interventions are being tailored to specifically address these social determinants of health and to foster lifestyle modification; however, more work is needed to understand barriers to behavior change for black women. Knowledge gaps also remain in identifying mechanisms by which pharmacologic and surgical treatments for obesity modify cardiovascular risk in black women.
Peripheral opioid actions and analgesia

W ' ith regard to the question of a peripheral action of opiates in altering nociceptive transmission, the focus article by Hargreaves and Joris makes a cogent argument that where a peripheral injury or irritation results in a reduced threshold, opiate drugs delivered at or near the peripheral terminal can diminish the hyperalgesic state. Support for the case is based on several observations: (1)the "total dose" response curve for reducing hyperalgesia after local injection lies to the left of the dose response curve for systemic delivery; (2) agents not thought to cross the blood brain barrier, such as the quaternary forms of certain opioids or those that are polar, have measurable activity in inflammatory pain models. (It must be shown that the agents do not cross the blood brain barrier in quantities sufficient to account for the effect. Quaternary drugs can be demethylated, as with methylatropine, and exert a central action, while even polar compounds, such as morphine or beta-endorphin, can exert central effects after systemic delivery. How much is enough?); and (3) normalization of the hyperalgesic state is limited to the body surface into which the opiate was directly delivered, showing that the change in sensitivity was limited to the site of injection and not to a contralateral site of inflammation. The important question that follows is that of whether the observed effect is mediated by an interaction with an opioid receptor. This can only be established by virtue of the pharmacology of the observed effects as it pertains to the stereospecificity, relative potency, and the antagonists' selectivity known to define opioid receptor activity. The failure
Effects of alloying in the dilute limit on the quantum states of electrons in magnesium

The electron quantum interference phenomenon was used to determine the effects of substitutional alloying upon the quantum-state lifetime τ and band gapsEgat the Fermi energy in single crystals of pure Mg. Vapor-grown alloys containing either Zn or Cd in concentrationsC∼0.3–15 ppm were studied. The magnetic field dependence of the interference oscillation amplitudes for these samples indicates reductions in τ and significant increases inEgrelative to pure Mg (impurity concentration ∼10−8). Within experimental accuracy the observed quantum-state lifetime satisfies the relation τ−1=αC, with α∼2.7×1010 sec−1 per ppm of Cd and α∼2×1011 sec−1 per ppm of Zn. The band gap corresponding to Bragg reflection from the (0001) plane of the hcp structure (which in pure Mg arises solely from spin-orbit coupling) was found to increase by more than a factor of two upon the addition of only ∼10 ppm Cd to Mg. These results are discussed within the framework of the pseudopotential theory of alloying. It is shown that there are discrepancies of more than three orders of magnitude between the experimental and theoretical values forEgand of about one order of magnitude for τ in these dilute-limit alloys.
Sexual counseling of the coronary by-pass patient

Six patients, all operated in the same hospital, by the same surgical team, within a three month span, formed a common bonding group to deal with problems relating to their recovery. The one area that posed the most difficulty was the lack of sexual counseling. By learning from each other, comparing the experiences that each member lived through, was a necessary and helpful aspect of the adjustment of the men studied in this paper. The group is adding more members to the original six and the role that spouses play is significant to their rapid adjustment to sexual dysfunction.
Effects of Ethanol Exposure during the Third Trimester Equivalent on Neuron Number in Rat Hippocampus and Dentate Gyrus

An artificial rearing procedure was used to expose neonatal rats to a formula containing 3.74% ethanol during postnatal days 4 through 10. This treatment produced a mean blood ethanol concentration of 379.8 +/- 17.3 mg/dl. When the pups were killed on the afternoon of postnatal day 10, brain weight to body weight ratio in the ethanol-exposed rats was reduced 22.4% and 21.5% compared to suckle and pair-fed controls, respectively. Ethanol exposure also resulted in a 16% reduction of neurons in hippocampal field CA4, compared to controls, but did not produce deficits in fields CA1 or CA3. There was also a 10% increase in the number of neurons (a population of cells in the midst of a proliferative phase at the time of the exposure) in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus. The ethanol exposure did not affect cell size in any of the four neuron populations measured. These results suggest, that within the dose and timing parameters examined, ethanol exposure during the third trimester equivalent appears to be preferentially harmful to specific populations of developing neurons.
Endogenous retroelements and autoimmune disease

Innate immune sensors of foreign nucleic acids are essential for antiviral immunity, but these same sensors can cause autoimmune disease through inappropriate detection of self-nucleic acids. The sources of the endogenous RNA and DNA that trigger autoreactive responses include chromatin and ribonucleoproteins that are the targets of autoantibodies in numerous autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus. In this review, I discuss recent data implicating endogenous retroelements-viruses that make up a substantial fraction of our genomes-as an important source of endogenous nucleic acids that can cause autoimmune disease. Understanding this potentially pathologic role for retroelements and the precise mechanisms by which their genomes are sensed and metabolized has important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of numerous autoimmune disorders.
Strain in coherent cobalt silicide islands formed by reactive epitaxy

Abstract We have used surface X-ray diffraction (XRD) to measure strain in coherent islands of cobalt silicide formed by depositing 0–5 ML of cobalt on Si(1 1 1)-7×7 at various temperatures. Silicide structure is determined from truncation rod scans, while average island dimensions (width and height) and strain are determined from diffraction lineshapes and verified with TEM. At 800°C, the islands are fully coherent B-type CoSi 2 , approximately 8 nm thick and >300 nm wide, with atomically flat top and bottom surfaces. At 500°C, the islands are CoSi 2 , approximately 6 nm thick and 35 nm wide. The lattice parameter is ∼50% relaxed, primarily due to strain relief at the island edges. At 300°C and coverage of 2 ML, the islands are ∼3 nm high and ∼3 nm wide and show long-range position correlation due to registry with the substrate. At higher coverage, they are ∼4 nm high and ∼40 nm wide and commensurate, but lack long-range correlation. It appears that the silicide formed at 300°C is pseudomorphic Co 2 Si- θ for coverage below 2 ML, but is a mixture of CoSi 2 and metastable CoSi(CsCl) at higher coverage.
The influence of the European Union on Turkish foreign policy/Turkey and European security defence policy: compatibility and security cultures in a globalised world

The influence of the European Union on Turkish foreign policy, by Ozlem Terzi, Surrey, Ashgate Publishing Limited, 2010, x + 165 pp., £55.00 (hardback), ISBN 9780754678427 Turkey and European secur...
Boltzmann-equation approach to harmonic generation in a magnetic field

Second-harmonic generation is investigated in the presence of a dc magnetic field transverse to the direction of propagation of the acoustic wave. The classical Boltzamann-equation approach is used with a constant-relaxation-time Ansatz. The flux at the second-harmonic frequency is calculated in terms of the flux at the fundamental. It is found that at high fields our results reduce to those of Spector. At low fields, the conditions for observing the effect of cyclotron resonance on the flux at the second-harmonic frequency are investigated.
Active tectonics of the Himalaya

The Himalayan mountains are a product of the collision between India and Eurasia which began in the Eocene. In the early stage of continental collision the development of a suture zone between two colliding plates took place. The continued convergence is accommodated along the suture zone and in the back-arc region. Further convergence results in intracrustal megathrust within the leading edge of the advancing Indian plate. In the Himalaya this stage is characterized by the intense uplift of the High Himalaya, the development of the Tibetan Plateau and the breaking-up of the central and eastern Asian continent. Although numerous models for the evolution of the Himalaya have been proposed, the available geological and geophysical data are consistent with an underthrusting model in which the Indian continental lithosphere underthrusts beneath the Himalaya and southern Tibet. Reflection profiles across the entire Himalaya and Tibet are needed to prove the existence of such underthrusting. Geodetic surveys across the High Himalaya are needed to determine the present state of the MCT as well as the rate of uplift and shortening within the Himalaya. Paleoseismicity studies are necessary to resolve the temporal and spatial patterns of major earthquake faulting along the segmented Himalayan mountains.
Bacteriophage P22 controlled exclusion in Salmonella typhimurium

In Salmonella typhimurium complementation between the resident prophage P22 and the superinfecting phage P22, after induction of the prophage by ultraviolet irradiation, is decreased by a factor of 20 to 100 compared to the complementation of the same phages in mixed infections of a non-lysogenic cell. Superinfecting phage genomes can function and grow at decreased levels in only about 7% of the induced lysogenic cells. Poor adsorption and injection cannot account for the superinfection exclusion. Superinfecting phage DNA is not degraded to produce acid-soluble fragments. Isolation of phage mutants which as a prophage do not exclude the superinfecting phage suggest that exclusion is prophage controlled. Hetero-immune phages which do not plate on P22 lysogens plate with normal efficiency on non-excluding lysogens. The exclusion does not operate when the superinfecting phage enters by bacterial conjugation. This suggests that the route of entry of the superinfecting genome plays a part in the exclusion mechanism.
TICK-TACK-TOE IN ICONIC MEMORY: A DEMONSTRATION OF INFORMATIONAL PERSISTENCE

Les etudes qui decrivent la memoire eidetique comme persistance d'information plutot que comme persistance neurale ou visuelle se sont basees sur des presentations tachistoscopiques breves de materiel verbal signifiant. Dans cette etude, le materiel n'est pas verbal mais releve du jeu tick-tack-toe
Effect of cyclic stress wave form on corrosion fatigue crack propagation in al-zn-mg alloys

Fatigue crack growth rates of a 7075 type aluminum alloy were measured as a function of environment, frequency, stress wave form, alloy chemistry, and thermomechanical treatment. At low ΔK values (belowKISCC), the crack growth rates in a 3.5 pct sodium chloride solution were ten times greater than those in a reference argon environment. Comparison of the effects of a square wave, a negative-sawtooth wave, and a positivesawtooth wave at different frequencies indicates that the synergistic interaction with the environment occurs during the loading part of each cycle. Overaging the alloy and limiting the alloy impurity content results in a reduced corrosion fatigue crack growth rate, but a thermomechanical treatment leading to a grain size refinement increases it.
The fine structure of a cephalic sensory receptor in the copepod Doropygus seclusus Illg (Crustacea: Copepoda: Notodelphyidae).

A cephalic organ of presumed sensory function is described in nauplii and copepodids of the ascidicolous copepod Doropygus seclusus Illg. The receptor, located bilaterally in the anterodorsal head region, is composed of dendrites of extra optic protocerebral origin which have ciliary protrusions with basal bodies, no rootlets, and a basal infrastructure of the 9 + 0 type. The cilia do not branch and their distal terminations contain only one to four microtubules. In nauplii and free-living copepodids, a large epidermal supporting cell encapsulates the end of one dendrite and its cilia in a sac. Other dendrites and their cilia pass through the supporting cell and, terminally, the cilia escape to form a whorled fascicle which contacts the anterolateral cephalic cuticle. The latter end organ reaches its greatest development in the second copepodid stage - the stage which infects the ascidian. All of the symbiotic stages of the copepod have only a proportionately smaller end organ of the saccular type and apparently lack the end organ consisting of whorls of ciliary ends. The function of the receptor is unknown, but it is suggested that the end organ which disappears in the symbiotic stages functions in second copepodids in host recognition.
Statin therapy: beyond cholesterol lowering and antiinflammatory effects.

Aggressive cholesterol lowering has gradually been adopted by clinicians as part of a standard treatment regimen for patients with documented coronary artery disease, including those who have had recent bypass surgery and acute coronary syndrome.1–3⇓⇓ According to the recently published National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP III) guidelines, 3a those patients who have documented coronary disease should have their LDL cholesterol lowered to less than 100 mg/dL. See p 3017 The clinical benefit of statin therapy is primarily attributed to its LDL-lowering (and potentially HDL-elevating) effects. A subgroup analysis, however, of large clinical trials indicates that statin-treated individuals have significantly less cardiovascular disease than patients with comparable serum cholesterol levels.4–6⇓⇓ Subsequently, intriguing experimental data have shown that statins exhibit pleiotropic effects that can beneficially impact occlusive vascular disease, including inhibition of smooth muscle proliferation and platelet aggregation, enhancement of endothelial function, and antiinflammatory actions.7–12⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓ These effects could be due to the fact that mevalonic acid is the precursor of not only cholesterol synthesis but also of many nonsteroidal isoprenoid compounds. These signaling intermediates are thought to be important for the subcellular localization and intracellular trafficking of several membrane-bound proteins. In addition, statins can …
Novel Mechanisms of Sympathetic Regulation in Chronic Heart Failure

The idea that activation of the sympathetic nervous system is part and parcel of the apparent positive feedback cycle of cardiac deterioration in the setting of chronic heart failure (CHF) is not a new one. Several reviews have clearly summarized the evidence for this concept using both clinical data and information from experimental models.1–4 Evidence from both neural recordings and measurement of circulating catecholamines clearly document a central origin for much of the sympathetic activation in CHF.5–7 Furthermore, the fact that sympathoinhibitory reflexes are depressed in CHF has been well established in humans8,9 and experimental animals.10–12 It has been suggested that abnormal arterial baroreflex function is largely responsible for sympathetic activation in CHF.13 However, experimental evidence in sino-aortic denervated dogs has challenged that concept.14 On the other hand, recent data from this laboratory has shown that depression of arterial baroreflex function is an early phenomenon in conscious rabbits during the development of pacing-induced CHF.15 In the past several years, the concept has emerged that, in addition to the depressed baroreflex, an increase in the sensitivity of several sympathoexcitatory reflexes also contribute to the sympathetic activation in CHF.16–19 Enhanced input from peripheral chemoreceptors16,20 and from receptors in the heart that traverse sympathetic pathways21 may provide for a positive feedback mechanism that exacerbates the sympathoexcitatory process, although in humans this issue is less clear.22 Activation of and enhancement in the sensitivity of these latter reflexes are attributable, in part, to changes in the interstitial milieu in which the afferents reside. Alterations in the local production of substances such as bradykinin, NO, prostaglandins, and so forth, have all been implicated as excitatory substances for cardiac and chemoreceptor afferents23–29 in heart failure. Because it is generally well accepted that the above reflexes …
Fabrication and Characterization of Polymer Hollow Microneedle Array Using UV Lithography Into Micromolds

Drug delivery through micromachined needles is an attractive alternative to intramuscular and subdermal injection by hypodermic needles, due to the potential for reduced pain caused by the micro-sized needles. In this paper, a polymer-based fabrication process using UV lithography into micromolds is developed, allowing the fabrication of microneedle (MN) shafts, tips, lumens, and substrate baseplate using lithography. Using UV lithography into micromolds allows complex three-dimensional structures to be defined, since both mask patterns and mold topography are available to define the structures. A hollow MN array and baseplate, in which the needle lumens extend through the thickness of the baseplate, are demonstrated. Fabricated SU-8 MNs are 825 μm in height and 400 μm in width, with a pyramidal tip; the needle lumen, 120 μm in diameter, intersects with one of the faces of the pyramidal tip. Mechanical characterization of the fabricated MNs shows that the fracture force of a single needle against a rigid surface is 12.0 N. The insertion force of a single needle into porcine skin is empirically determined to be 2.4 N. The fracture force of the needle against porcine skin is observed to be in excess of 90 N.
Perforation of clamped, woven E-glass/polyester panels

Abstract Analytical solutions to predict the perforation of fully clamped, woven E-glass/polyester panels subjected to static indentation by a blunt cylinder were derived. Three panel aspect ratios of 12.5, 25 and 50 were considered in order to show how modes of failure vary with panel flexibility. The analytical solutions for the deformation and interlaminar shear stresses compared well to finite element predictions using ABAQUS. It was found that the panel with an aspect ratio of 50 underwent large deformation and deformed in a membrane phase before fracture due to tensile necking. Failure of panels with aspect ratios of 12.5 and 25 was predicted using ply-by-ply failure analysis and the Tsai–Wu failure criterion.
Optical waveguiding in suspensions of dielectric particles.

An optical waveguide formed by a suspension of dielectric nanoparticles in a microchannel is described. The suspensions, chosen for their guiding and scattering properties, are silica and polystyrene particles that have diameters of 30–900 nm and are dispersed in water with volume fractions up to 10%. Changing the diameter and concentration of the particles causes the suspensions to transition from Rayleigh to Mie scattering and from single to multiple scattering. The threshold for optical guiding in a waveguide core composed of these suspensions is set by the numerical aperture of the effective refractive-index difference introduced by the suspension and not by the average interparticle distance.
SODA: a stability-oriented domain analysis method

In work to date, domain analysis methods do not explicitly emphasize stability. In this poster, we present the SODA (Stability-Oriented Domain Analysis) method, a domain analysis method that embraces stability as a driver for domain analysis. We give an overview and an example of the method.
Electronic consortia: resource sharing in the digital age

The search for effective electronic resource sharing by libraries around the world is placed within a framework of commonly felt needs fomented by the digital age. The many forms such consortial undertakings have taken are described here. The existing challenges inherent in the consortial structure are also suggested.
Observations of O (VI) Emission from the Diffuse Interstellar Medium Toward l =113 deg b = 71 deg

Emission from 0 VI (lambda lambda 1032, 1038) in the diffuse interstellar medium was observed in two, long Fur Ultra-violet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) observations at l = approximately equals 1l3 degrees .0 and b approximately equals 70 degrees .7 (near the quasar HS 1307+4617). The observed intensities are 2580 +/- 380 (random) +/- 360 (systematic) and 1100 +/- 160 (random) +/- 160 (systematic) photons cm(exp -2)/s s/r in the 1032 and 1038 A emission lines, respectively. The electron density, thermal pressure, and depth of the emitting gas are calculated from the observed intensities. The velocity of the emitting material is about +10 km/s relative to the local standard of rest and less than + 30 km/s relative to the H I along the line of sight. The similarity suggests that the highly ionized gas is quiescent and not recently shock heated. Emission from the C 11 3 s(exp 2) S(sub 1/2) to 2p(exp 2) P(sub 3/2) transition at 1037 A is also observed, and upper limits are placed on the intensities of ultraviolet line emission from C I, C 111, N I, N 11, Mg 11, Si 11, S 11, S 111. S IV, S VI. Fe 11, and Fe 111.