cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TV guides: exposure of hospitalized children to inappropriate programming.

Objective.—To determine if the policy recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) regarding television viewing are heeded in an inpatient pediatric setting. Setting.—An inner-city academic medical center. Participants.—Consecutive sample of 199 pediatric inpatients. Methods.—An investigator visited all pediatric inpatient rooms. Observations were made when the patient was present in the room, alert, and awake. The main outcome measure was exposure to inappropriate programming. In accordance with AAP guidelines, we used the established television rating system to code programs as appropriate versus inappropriate for children. We classified G- and PG-rated shows that centered on adult themes or that were not informational, educational, and nonviolent as inappropriate. We tested parental demographics, age of child, time of day, and presence of an adult in the room as possible predictors. Results.—Ninety-one percent of the patients had the television turned on. Of these, 53% were tuned to inappropriate programming. Exposure to inappropriate programming did not differ by parental ethnicity, language, or education. Exposure was highest for infants and toddlers as compared with children or adolescents (74% vs 40% vs 52%, P = .001); it did not vary by time of day. Exposure was higher when an adult was present in the room (58% vs 42%, P = .05); this effect was most pronounced for adolescents (68% vs 41%, P = .05). Conclusions.—Despite AAP recommendations, hospitalized children are exposed to inappropriate programming, especially when parents are present in the room. Hospital stays may be a unique opportunity to educate parents about the AAP recommendations for television viewing by children.
Observations of the Mg i and ii resonance lines in an active region

Spectra from 2678-2931 A were obtained of an active region during the 19 June 1974, flight of the University of Hawaii rocket-borne echelle spectrograph. We report behavior of the Mg i and ii resonance line cores in quiet Sun, plage, sunspot, and filament structures. Among the interesting variations in these lines we discern a strong suppression of the red Mg ii emission peaks and possible rapid changes in the Mg i core in the spatially partially resolved sunspot.
TCT-223 Bare Metal Versus Drug Eluting Stenting In ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Comparison Of Stent Choice And Outcomes Across the Ethnicity, Race, Gender, And Insurance Divides

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the recommended reperfusion strategy for patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Per the guidelines stent type (bare metal (BMS) vs drug-eluting (DES)) choice is mainly left at the operator's discretion. Our hypothesis is that
Clinical trials in the wake of Vioxx: requiring statistically extreme evidence of benefit to ensure the safety of new drugs.

Clinical trials have become the preeminent tool for investigating new diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive treatment strategies. During these trials, periodic interim data analyses are conducted by data monitoring committees (DMCs) to ensure participant safety. If accumulated data indicate harm to participants, clear evidence of superior efficacy, or futility of collecting additional data, studies may be terminated before their planned conclusion. Editorial p 2173 These termination decisions are invariably complex and involve important subjective and ethical elements.1 Of greatest concern when studies are terminated because of clear benefit is the possibility that the superior intervention has toxicities that remain undiscovered. Early termination entails the abbreviation of clinical experience that would permit assessment of the longer-term safety profile. However, study continuation when treatments are not equally effective also means that some participants will continue to receive a less effective therapy. The tension between protecting both trial participants and future patients has been increasingly acute since rofecoxib (Vioxx [Merck]) and other cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors were implicated in a greater risk of myocardial infarction. Thrombotic side effects of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition were postulated as a result of the propensity for selective antagonists to decrease vascular prostacyclin production and possibly affect the balance between prothrombotic and antithrombotic eicosanoids.2 Little evidence of toxicity was evident in preapproval trials, however, and rofecoxib was approved in 1999 for relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, the management of acute pain, and the treatment of primary dysmennorhea.3 The possibility of cardiac toxicity in human trials was recognized in the Vioxx Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research (VIGOR) trial.4 Meta-analyses, database studies, and prospective trials further corroborated cardiac toxicity,5–8 and Merck voluntarily withdrew rofecoxib from the US market on September 30, 2004,9 amid widespread criticism of both Merck and the Food and Drug Administration.10,11 In the wake …
Elastic and Resistive Loading in Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease

R espiratory neuromuscular output as measured by the mouth occlusion pressure increases in normal subjects when the resistance to airflow is heightened acutely. In studies conducted by Altose et al’ in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, the compensatory response to resistive loading was found to be significantly blunted. The diminished occlusion pressure response to flow loading in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease could be due to inspiratory muscle weakness or muscle fatigue. Alternatively, abnormalities in the function of proprioceptive receptors in the muscles of the thoracic cage or in vagal mechanoreceptors in the lung or their central processing could explain the abnormal response to external flow loading. It was reasoned that defective respiratory muscle function should affect the occlusion pressure response to both types of loads equally. If impairment of sensory mechanisms accounted for the blunted P,00 response to flow loads in COPD the response to an elastic load need not be affected. To further evaluate these possibilities, we compared the effects of elastic and inspiratory flow resistive loads on ventilation and occlusion pressure in patients with COPD.
The Vectorcardiogram in Left Posterior Hemiblock Associated with Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction

Spatial vectorcardiograms were obtained in five patients with clinical, enzymatic and electrocardiographic evidence of inferior wall myocardial infarction in which the scalar recordings were suggestive of left posterior hemiblock associated with complete right bundle branch block. The frontal plane vectorcardiogram showed abnormal rightward deviation of the maximal QRS vector which could not be attributed to right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary disease, extensive lateral myocardial infarct or an extremely vertical heart. Symptomatic A-V block occurred in all cases. The initial 10, 20 and 30 msec were superiorly oriented in two of the four patients with inferior wall myocardial infarction. Wide Q waves in lead aVF were also present. When inferior wall myocardial infarction coexisted with LPH the presence of normal, or small, q waves suggested that the infarction was not transmural, or that an incomplete left bundle branch block or an anteroseptal infarction were present. A-V conduction disturbances appearing in patients with inferior wall myocardial infarction and bifascicular block were of the Wenckebach or Mobitz type. In the former instance the block was in the A-V node; in the latter case it was below the His bundle. The incidence of left posterior hemiblock can be higher than frequently assumed considering that the current criteria, although highly specific, are not sensitive enough.
Improvements in the AC-DC Current Transfer Calibration Capabilities at NRC

NRC Electrical Standards Group is upgrading its shunt calibration facility to offer calibrations up to 100 A at 100 kHz. Primary standards of ac-dc current transfer difference have been verified using fast reversed dc source. A custom set of coaxial shunts has been built and is being characterized
Evaluation of equivalent lateral force procedure in estimating seismic isolator displacements

Simplified methods of analysis described in codes and specifications for seismically isolated structures are always used either directly in special cases or for checking the results of nonlinear response history analysis (RHA). In this study, the maximum isolator displacements and base shears determined by nonlinear RHA are compared with those determined by the equivalent lateral force (ELF) procedure in order to assess the accuracy of the simplified method in the case of earthquakes with near field characteristics. Features of this study are that the ground motions used in analysis are selected and scaled using contemporary concepts and that the ground excitation is considered bi-directional. It is shown that the simplified method provides acceptably accurate predictions of shear isolator displacements and shear forces for a range of isolator properties and ground motions representative of stiff and soft soil conditions.
Interventions for Attention Problems After Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: What Is the Evidence?

Objective To gain an understanding of the current state of the evidence for management of attention problems after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children, determine gaps in the literature, and make recommendations for future research. Type Focused systematic review. Literature Survey PubMed/Medline and PsychINFO databases were searched for relevant articles published in English during the last 20 years. Keywords included "attention" "attention deficit and disruptive behavior disorders," and "brain injuries." Studies were limited to children. Methodology Titles were examined first and eliminated based on lack of relevancy to attention problems after brain injury in children. This was followed by an abstract and full text review. Article quality was determined based on the US Preventative Services Task Force recommendations for evidence grading. Synthesis Four pharmacologic and 10 cognitive therapy intervention studies were identified. These studies varied in level of evidence quality but were primarily nonrandomized or cohort studies. Conclusions There are studies that demonstrate benefits of varying pharmacologic and cognitive therapies for the management of attention problems after TBI. However, there is a paucity of evidence available to definitively guide management of attention problems after pediatric TBI. Larger randomized, controlled trials and multicenter studies are needed to elucidate optimal treatment strategies in this population.
Some models of population structure and evolution.

Abstract Models of population structure analyzed include: the uniform model ( k populations all exchanging at a constant rate) and the multiuniform model ( s clusters of k populations exchanging at different rates within and between clusters). Analogies of the latter model with trees of descent have been shown. The algorithm used allows exact solutions for the equilibrium variances and covariances in a variety of cases, including the circular stepping-stone model. Effects of multiple sources of stabilizing pressures have been shown in the multiuniform and the star model. The latter is of interest in situations of population radiation and of centripetal migration.
Tube-free tracheostomy with unaided speech: Surgical techniques

Surgical shunting of the trachea to the skin surface can be established through a short, skin lined, self supporting, nostril-like opening. Such a stoma could minimize the unwanted effects of conventional tube-dependent tracheotomy: once established, patients generate speech and cough without the need to finger occlude the stoma or use stents and/or one-way valves. An adjunct new surgical technique using a local tendinous muscular sling is available to further improve the efficacy of voluntary stomal constriction if needed. In effect, these surgical approaches advance the concept of tube-free tracheostomy from a “third-nostril” to a higher level which could be described as a “second-mouth”. Not only is the stoma tube-free, it is also dynamically active, capable of constricting at will for timely production of voice and cough. In this manner the airway is secured with little or no patient discomfort or voice compromise.
The constitution of the alloyohimbanes.

Die zur Zeit angenommene stereochemische Formulierung von allo-Yohimban wird durch die Tatsache gestutzt, dass epi-allo-Yohimban (III) eine starkere Base als allo-Yohimban (I) ist. Ferner bildet III ein Aminoxyd, wahrend I dies nicht tut. I wird katalytisch erheblich leichter zu einer quaternaren Verbindung dehydriert als III. Zwischen I und III bildet sich ein saurekatalysiertes Gleichgewicht, das 78,7% III enthalt. Diese Ergebnisse und eine neue Interpretierung der Verwandlung von Reserpsauremethylestertosylat in eine quaternare Ammoniumverbindung deuten darauf hin, dass dem Reserpin und dem Deserpidin die sterische Formel VII zukommen muss.
The fluorescence of bilirubin upon interaction with human erythrocyte ghosts

Bilirubin fluorescence increased upon interaction with bovine serum albumin and human erythrocyte ghosts. When bound to albumin, the emission maximum occurred at 534 +/- 3 nm with maximum excitation at 462 +/- 3 nm. Upon interaction with human erythrocyte ghosts, bilirubin fluorescence increased in a biphasic manner. A rapid initial increase was followed by a slower process that required at least 40 min to reach maximum enhancement at 25 degrees C. At equilibrium, bilirubin fluorescence in erythrocyte ghosts was heterogeneous. With 470 nm excitation, maximum emission occurred in the range of 520 to 535 nm. However, decreasing the excitation to 450 nm or below, produced a red shift in the emission difference spectra. These results suggest that bilirubin exists in different states or sites when associated with plasma membranes.
Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasis resulting in pleural effusions managed by thoracoamniotic shunting

Abstract Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasis (CPL) is a rare developmental disorder that has been associated with primary fetal pleural effusions. A 22 year old, Gravida-1 Caucasian woman presented at 26 gestational weeks with bilateral pleural effusions and hydrops fetalis. Fetal ultrasound revealed rapidly expanding pleural effusions and hydrops fetalis. A throacoamniotic shunt was placed in the left pleural space at 27 gestational weeks. The patient eventually developed severe preeclampsia and non-reassuring fetal heart tones necessitating immediate cesarean delivery at 32 gestational weeks. Persistent bilateral pleural effusions were noted after delivery and chest tubes were immediately placed. Despite maximal ventilatory support, continued bowel rest and an octreotide drip, both chest tubes continued to drain a significant amount of chylous fluid. The neonate eventually developed multi-organ failure and expired on day of 19. Autopsy findings revealed diffuse CPL. CPL causes markedly distended pulmonary lymphatics that result in accumulation of fluid within the fetal pleural spaces. We report a case of CPL associated fetal pleural effusions managed antenatally by throacoamniotic shunting.
Tumorous crown gall response to iron‐deficiency stress in Fe‐efficient T3238fer and Fe‐inefficeent T3238fer tomatoes

Abstract Although sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) is an Fe efficient plant, tumorous crown gall tissue development and tissue ability to reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+ were both diminished by Fe‐deficiency stress. Crown gall also develops readily on Fe‐efficient and Fe‐inefficient tomato cultivars (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). The objective of this study was to determine if the effect of a limited Fe supply on the growth, nutrition and reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ by tumorous crown gall would differ between Fe‐efficient T3238FER and Fe‐inefficient T3238fer tomato. Healthy green 25‐day‐old plants were either stem‐inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens to induce tumorous crown gall tissue development or were left uninoculated for comparison. Plants were grown in modified Hoagland nutrient solutions containing 0.0, 0.15, 0.6 and 2.0 mg Fe L−1. Yield of tumorous crown gall tissue was not diminished by low solution Fe in T3238FER, but was in T3238fer. This was attributed to inability of the T3238fer tomato to make Fe ...
The Relation of Forests and Forestry to Water Resources

(1970). The Relation of Forests and Forestry to Water Resources. South African Forestry Journal: Vol. 75, No. 1, pp. 4-8.
Building Boxes and Policing Boundaries: (De)Constructing Intersexuality, Transgender and Bisexuality

The process of social differentiation, or the process of creating boxes in which we can place other people and in which we can place ourselves, is key to the existence and persistence of social inequality. The focus of this article is on the construction and maintenance of boxes and boundaries with respect to sex, gender and sexuality. We take the existence of these boxes and boundaries for granted, organizing our lives around them in a variety of ways. Exceptions to them call our categorizations and the decisions we make based upon them into question. Particularly interesting in this context are intersexuality, transgender and bisexuality. Intersexuality, transgender and bisexuality have in common the fact that they challenge our easy reliance on categories and the boundaries between those categories. Our responses to, treatment of and understanding of these exceptions provides striking insights into our system of boxes and boundaries and, correspondingly, to sex-, gender- and sexuality-based inequalities.
Distributed parameter control of nonlinear flexible structures with linear finite-dimensional controllers

In many applications, mechanically flexible structures must be actively controlled to improve their performance. These structures are distributed parameter systems but they must be controlled by on-line computers and a few control actuators and sensors. A variety of controllers based on reduced-order linearized models of the structure may be designed to satisfy a given set of performance requirements. In actual operation, any such controller operates on the total structure and not the model. This paper determines bounds on the controller interaction with the unmodeled part of the structure; such bounds can be used to guarantee the successful operation of the linearly controlled structure even in the presence of nonlinear interactions.
The Baryon Fraction in the Perseus Cluster: Results from Spartan 1

Spatially and spectrally resolved X-ray observations of the Perseus cluster in the 1-10 keV band were made by the Spartan 1 instrument. Analysis of the data reveals that the dark matter comprises 60% of the total mass and is concentrated toward the cluster center. This concentration may be caused by a baryonic component of the dark matter, consisting of cluster gas which has cooled. The average luminous baryon fraction within the cluster is consistent with big bang nucleosynthesis only if the cosmic mass density lies in the range 0.12 < Ω < 0.26 (H0 = 50 km s-1 Mpc-1). The total mass derived from the X-ray data is 40% of that obtained from analysis of the galaxy spatial and velocity distributions.
The Application of Sections 704(c)(1)(B) and 737 after an Assets‐Over Partnership Merger: An Analysis of Revenue Ruling 2004‐43

The Internal Revenue Service has held in Revenue Ruling 2004‐43 as follows: 1. In an assets‐over merger of partnerships both Section 704(c)(1)(B) and Section 737(b) net precontribution gain take into account newly created Section 704(c) layers for property contributed by a terminating partnership. However, the premerger Section 704(c) layers attributable to the terminating partnership do not restart their seven‐year clock. 2. In an assets‐over merger neither Section 704(c)(1)(B) nor Section 737(b) net precontribution gain takes into account newly created reverse Section 704(c) layers resulting from a revaluation of property in the continuing partnership. The first holding arguably is inconsistent with the regulations, although it reflects good tax policy. The second holding, on the other hand, is consistent with the regulations but reflects questionable policy. This article analyzes the ruling and recommends changes to the regulations that would provide clear support for the ruling's first holding and ove...
On lower bound antenna efficiency measurements in a reverberation chamber

This paper addresses a few specific aspects of measuring the lower bound of antenna efficiency in a reverberation chamber. While the initial method for measuring the lower bound of efficiency has been presented, three key revisions are discussed here: (1) an updated notation, (2) a revised method for calculating the lower bound of efficiency, and (3) a new method for combining stirring techniques. The updated antenna model notation is designed to be more general and applicable to situations with n antennas. The revised efficiency calculation targets an issue of the original method where the minimum bounding circle exceeded the unit circle. Introducing a new method of combining stirring techniques addresses a weakness of the original model. For the model to work well, it needs a very large number of paddle positions that generate a good statistical approximation of the environment (in this case, a reverberation chamber). As a possible remedy to this weakness, we propose a different way of combining stirring techniques.
DUAL SITE CATALYSTS FOR HYDRIDE MANIPULATION

This comment describes our efforts to develop dual site catalysts for hydride manipulation. We began by analyzing the mechanism of alcohol oxidation with the ruthenium-based Shvo catalyst, which utilizes a proton transfer to template a hydride transfer from carbon to ruthenium in a single transition state. In our project we are working to extend this concept of reactivity from the use of proton transfer as a templating interaction for hydride transfer to the use of a Lewis acid to coordinate and direct a substrate to a metal. Along these lines, we have found that ammonia borane, a popular and high-weight-content hydrogen storage material, has been one of our best model substrates with which to study hydride transfer mechanisms. Our ongoing studies have thus far given new insight into the reactivity of the Shvo system, particularly regarding dehydrogenation of ammonia borane, and have enabled us to design a new, prolific, air- and water-tolerant, and reusable catalyst for ammonia borane dehydrogenation.
Bayesian variable window scan statistics

In this article two-stage hierarchical Bayesian models are used for the observed occurrences of events in a rectangular region. Two Bayesian variable window scan statistics are introduced to test the null hypothesis that the observed events follow a specified two-stage hierarchical model vs an alternative that indicates a local increase in the average number of observed events in a subregion (clustering). Both procedures are based on a sequence of Bayes factors and their p-values that have been generated via simulation of posterior samples of the parameters, under the null and alternative hypotheses. The posterior samples of the parameters have been generated by employing Gibbs sampling via introduction of auxiliary variables. Numerical results are presented to evaluate the performance of these variable window scan statistics.
Finite volume method for non-equilibrium radiative heat transfer

Abstract Radiative heat transfer is an important physical phenomenon, especially in the high speed and high temperature flow regimes, making its application important in space exploration vehicles. This paper presents the development and validation of computational tools for modeling the radiative heat transfer that can be either employed by itself or coupled with a computational fluid dynamics solver to analyze aerothermodynamics environments. A generalized mesh is used for discretization of the spatial domain and a finite volume method is used for solving the radiative heat transfer equation. Solution of the radiative heat transfer equation in an angular domain is carried out in a parallel environment. This numerical approach is validated with different benchmark test cases for gray gas radiation in various geometries. To enable the simulation of non-gray gas radiation, the full spectrum correlated-k model is implemented into the radiation solver. A grid sensitivity study is conducted to analyze the dependency of mesh resolution in spatial and angular domains on solution accuracy. The results of the validation studies, grid sensitivity studies, and parallel performance of the implementation are presented in this paper.
Phenytoin hypersensitivity: A case of severe acute rhabdomyolysis

Abstract A 22-year-old black man was hospitalized with fever, rash, myalgias, and marked periorbital and facial edema three months after beginning phenytoin therapy. His hospital course was marked by an initial serum creatine phosphokinase level of 85,000 IU/liter, which rose to a peak value of 242,000 IU/liter on the third hospital day and a striking eosinophilia (8,400/μl). Muscle biopsy revealed only early fiber necrosis with partial dissolution of the sarcoplasm without evidence of inflammation, vasculitis, regeneration, or parasitic infection. When therapy with phenobarbital, a structural congener of phenytoin, was begun, the patient had an exacerbation of his rash and became febrile again.
Effects of the rate of latent heat release on fluid flow and solidification patterns during alloy solidification

Abstract This paper examines the effect that the different rates of latent heat release have on the fluid flow and solidification patterns in alloy castings. Four modes of latent heat release, including the linear and quadratic modes, as well as the lever rule and Scheil's equation rate of latent heat release between the liquidus and solidus temperatures, are discussed. Two alloys are modeled in this study; one is an aluminum-based alloy with a wide mushy zone, and the other is a steel-based alloy with a narrower mushy zone. Each alloy is cast in the same sand mold. It is found from this study that the different modes of latent heat release generate significant differences in the fluid flow and solidification patterns of the aluminum alloy, whereas for the steel alloy, any differences are insignificant. The results of this study would suggest that for alloys with wide mushy zones the selection of the actual mode of latent heat release becomes important if one wishes to predict correctly temperature distributions, fluid flow patterns and solidification patterns in castings.
Babinski's Anosognosia for Hemiplegia in Early Twentieth-Century French Neurology

In 1914, Babinski first described "anosognosia"; a term he coined for a phenomenon involving unawareness of disability in hemiplegia. Historical roots of contemporary perspectives on anosognosia after stroke may be found in early discussions among French neurologists. Current notions and debate regarding the roles played by cognition, emotional factors, sensory loss and somatosensory neglect in anosognosia, and the distinctness of anosognosia as a symptom echo the theoretical dilemmas of an earlier past. Historical overview of the development of perspectives on anosognosia enriches our understanding of unawareness of disability.
Recent Advances in the Treatment of Liver Disorders

Extraordinary advances in hepatology have taken place recently that impact clinicians’ ability to diagnose and treat the most common causes of liver disease. Effective therapies for hepatitis B and C have been developed and continue to be refined. The pathophysiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is understood better, setting the foundation for the development of effective therapy. New approaches have been developed to manage the complications of cirrhosis, and liver transplantation has evolved from an experimental life-saving procedure to standard therapy for end-stage liver disease. This issue of Clinics in Liver Disease is a timely compilation of state-of-the-art writings by distinguished experts detailing the most recent advances on common problems in hepatology. Treatment of viral hepatitis continues to dominate the practice of most hepatologists. The first four articles address this important topic. The treatment of hepatitis B infection is becoming more complex as more therapeutic options become available. Dr. Gish opens the issue with a thorough review of the current therapy of hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis C therapy has evolved considerably over the last decade, but there are still areas of controversy and need for further improvement. Doctors Moylan, Muir, and Berenguer discuss the topics of hepatitis C therapy in difficult populations and the postliver transplant patient, areas
Collaboration with Community Partners: Engaging Teacher Candidates.

Two social studies methods instructors created an assignment that places teacher candidates in leadership roles in partnerships with community organizations to plan and implement projects to increase student learning. This article outlines the project requirements, past project results, and student reflections on the collaborative effort. It provides evidence of the success and effectiveness of collaborative projects at increasing student learning, providing opportunities for leadership, and challenging students to become involved in community issues.
Menstrual cycle-related brain metabolite changes using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy in premenopausal women: a pilot study

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was used to assess neurochemical brain changes across the menstrual cycle in five women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and six control subjects. Women with PMDD and control subjects were scanned on days 8 and 26 within one menstrual cycle (i.e. at times of complete absence and height of PMDD symptoms, respectively). The point resolved spectroscopic sequence (PRESS) was used to localize a voxel of 8 ml in the medial frontal gray matter and in the occipito-parietal white matter. The ratio of N-acetyl-aspartate to creatine in the region of the medial prefrontal cortex and the cingulate gyrus declined significantly from the follicular to the luteal phase in both groups of subjects. The menstrual phase-dependent significant increase in the ratio of choline to creatine was observed in the parietal white matter. The myo-inositol/creatine ratio exhibited a trend toward higher levels in the PMDD patients in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Differences between PMDD and control subjects were not statistically significant. Menstrual cycle phase-dependent changes in ovarian hormonal concentrations may influence the neurochemistry of brain activity in premenopausal women.
Effect of calcium channel modulators on isolated endothelial cells.

Abstract Indirect evidence, using organic calcium channel modulators suggests that calcium channels exist in endothelial cells. Using freshly prepared and cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells, we have studied the effect of calcium channel modulators on Fura-2 fluorescence and have examined the binding of the dihydropyridine, (+)[ 3 H]PN200-110. In both isolated primary and cultured cells, external calcium (0.5-2 mM) and bradykinin (10 -8 M) increased the intracellular calcium concentration. In cultured cells, the increase in calcium was not significantly attenuated by preincubation with nitrendipine (10 −8 M) or d-cis-diltiazem (10 −6 M). The calcium agonists (-)Bay k8644 and (+)202–791 had no effect on intracellular calcium concentration, but other agonists including ATP (10 −4 M) and thrombin (1.5 μg/ml) significantly increased the calcium concentration. Competition binding studies with (+)[ 3 H]PN200-110 indicated specific binding of this ligand with a K D of 57 nM and a B max of 2.1 pmol/10 6 cells. While these data do not provide convincing evidence for the existence of calcium channels in cultured or fresh bovine aortic endothelial cells, explanations may yet reconcile our observations with the presence of calcium channels in these cells.
Photonic Crystal Fiber as a Lab-in-Fiber Optofluidic Platform

The ability to design and fabricate photonic crystal fiber (PCF) of seemingly unlimited, axially aligned air cladding structures for vastly different optical properties is arguably one of the most significant recent advances in more than half a century of modern fiber optics. The combined characteristics of PCF as both a waveguide for laser transmission/excitation and a microfluidic cell for gas/liquid transport/reactions make it a unique lab-in-fiber platform for chemical and biological processes and their real-time monitoring. The easy access of the fiber air channels for surface functionalization at the molecular and nano scales and the ready incorporation of long-period gratings (LPG) as an integral part of the PCF-based lab-in-fiber platform further expand the realm of its applications. The aim of this chapter is to review the state-of-the-art advances in the science and technology of PCF lab-in-fiber optofluidics relevant to technologically important chemical and biological events and their measurements. The chapter will begin with a brief introduction of the fundamentals, fabrication, optical properties, and general areas of applications of PCF. PCF as a natural lab-in-fiber optofluidics will be highlighted and contrasted with lab-on-chip optofluidics derived from planar silicon device technology. We will then discuss the chemical or biological surface treatment of PCF air channels to impart specific functionality for molecular recognition, the immobilization of plasmonic nanostructures at the channel surface for surface-enhanced Raman scattering and the in situ laser spectroscopy measurements. Considerable focus will be placed on the design, development, and implementation of highly index-sensitive PCF-LPG lab-in-fiber optofluidics for in situ investigation of immunoassays as label-free bioreactors and biosensors as well as for real-time monitoring of layer-by-layer assembly of stimuli-responsive polyelectrolyte thin films as nano-sensors and nano-actuators. We will conclude the chapter by sharing our views on future opportunities and challenges in the exciting field of PCF lab-in-fiber optofluidics.
Cloning and characterization of bovine cytosolic and mitochondrial PEPCK during transition to lactation.

The cytosolic (C) and mitochondrial (M) forms of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK; EC 4.1.1.32) are encoded by two different nuclear genes in mouse, human, and chicken. Our objective was to...
Finite buffer discrete-time queues with multiple Markovian arrivals and services in ATM networks

An efficient computational procedure to calculate the queue size distribution in a finite buffer queuing system with a number of independent sources is presented. Each source is characterized by a finite state discrete-time Markov chain. An explicit expression for the queue size distribution is obtained directly. The method is based on computing the modified spectral expansion of the state distribution of the system. This representation requires evaluating the roots of the entire system characteristic function and solving a set of linear system equations. Exact results show that the cell loss probability depends only on the ratio of the buffer capacity to burst length. An approximation expression for the cell loss probability based on asymptotic analysis is also presented. Numerical results show that the approximation is accurate, especially when the system load is heavy. The effect of burst length on the cell loss probability is investigated. >
Studying Individual Events in Biology

Studying the properties of individual events and molecules offers a host of advantages over taking only macroscopic measurements of populations. Here we review such advantages, as well as some pitfalls, focusing on examples from biological imaging. Examples include single proteins, their interactions in cells, organelles, and their interactions both with each other and with parts of the cell. Additionally, we discuss constraints that limit the study of single events, along with the criteria that must be fulfilled to determine whether single molecules or events are being detected.
Tailoring dielectric materials for robust BEOL reliability

While the spacing of interconnect structures has continued to scale with technology generation, operating voltages have not scaled accordingly leading to inevitable higher electric fields across BEOL dielectrics. Moreover, the introduction of ULK materials with lower dielectric constant is necessary to scale capacitance, however, this comes at a significant increase in integration complexity and reliability challenges due to the degraded thermo-mechanical properties and lower electrical breakdown strength of the dielectric. As a result of these combined factors, time dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) has become a critical aspect of the reliability of interconnect structure for sub-80nm pitch technology. In many of the models for TDDB, the electron flux through the dielectric directly determines the lifetime of a structure. Hence, in order to determine how to continue to scale ULK materials, a fundamental understanding of the critical ULK material properties needed to improve TDDB reliability behavior is needed. This paper will review our approach to tailoring porous ULK films with varying porosity, pore structure, and carbon bonding, and reveal the impact of these properties on plasma damage, mechanical properties, and reliability. Results showing the impact of dielectric structure and extrinsic agents such as moisture and copper ions on the breakdown process will also be presented and used to discuss factors that limit TDDB lifetime and the desirable material properties that can lead to a highly reliable future CMOS technology.
Classification of the Subgenus Toxorhynchites (Diptera: Culicidae) I. Australasian, eastern Palaearctic, and Oriental species-groups

Australasian, eastern Palaearctic, and Oriental Toxorhynchites (Toxorhynchites) mosquitoes, with 36 known species, are assigned to 7 species-groups. The taxonomic history, biology, distribution, phylogeny, public health significance, and biogeography of Toxorhynchites from these regions are discussed. Taxonomic characters used to distinguish species and species groups are described and discussed. Keys to adults, male genitalia, and pupae, and illustrations of key characters of these species-groups are presented.
Spatial frequencies in short-term memory for faces: a test of three frequency-dependent hypotheses

Spatial frequency manipulations have been shown to have significant utility in ascertaining the various types of information that might be important in object identification and recognition tasks. This utility suggests that, given some mapping between ranges of spatial frequencies and different types of psychological information, it should be possible to examine the roles of these different types of psychological information by way of spatial frequency manipulations. One potential problem, however, is that there is no well-specified, unambiguous mapping between the distinctions in the frequency domain and the distinctions in the informational domain. Three experiments provide tests of three general hypotheses regarding the ways in which different spatial frequencies might map to different information in facial perception and memory tasks: (1) the low-frequency dominance hypothesis, which proposes that low-frequency information should be superior (to high-frequency information) as a cue to perception and memory; (2) the distinct informational roles hypothesis, which holds that high spatial frequencies should carry featural information while low spatial frequencies should carry information about the configuration of those features; and (3) the task-dependent information hypothesis, which suggests that high-frequency information should be best suited to discrimination tasks while low-frequency information should be best suited for recognition tasks. Results generally contradict the first two of these hypotheses, while providing support for the third. Implications with regard to the various issues related to the mapping between spatial frequencies and the informational content of faces, as well as the need to consider important interactions among perceptual and memory processes, are discussed.
Diagnosis of Early Bronchogenic Carcinoma

C ytologic examination of sputum has long been used in the diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma. Tumors of the segmental and larger bronchi may shed cells detectable in the sputum for many months prior to becoming symptomatic or radiographically apparent.’ During this period of their development, standard endoscopic techniques have frequently proven inadequate to localize the lesion with sufficient accuracy to permit definitive therapy.2 As increasing emphasis is being placed on early diagnosis and as sputum cytology becomes more widely used, we can expect an increasing need to evaluate patients whose diagnosis of cancer is based solely on sputum cytology. It is the purpose of this paper to summarize the endoscopic techniques and observations we have found useful in discovering the source of malignant cells found in the sputum of patients whose tumor site cannot otherwise be located. This work was performed at The Johns Hopkins Hospital as one aspect of a screening study designed to identify, localize and treat lung cancer discovered in a working population of cigarette smoking men over age 45 years.
A geometrical analysis of obstructed wireless networks

Obstructions between communicating pairs reduce the reliability of data transfer in high frequency wireless networks, for which Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks serve as an emerging example. In this paper we introduce a geometric framework which enables us to analyze the effect of obstacles on the capacity of such networks. Towards this goal, we introduce concepts from combinatorial geometry (such as hidden sets and link distances) which later prove useful in our analysis of the worst case geocast capacity of obstructed wireless networks. The authors have previously utilized similar notions to propose geometry-aware communications algorithms and also to tackle the roadside unit deployment problem in such networks. We believe that this study is a pioneer in blending the effect of obstacles into prior capacity-related theoretical results.
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and bone mineral density in men: the Rancho Bernardo study

This study examined the distribution and determinants of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) and their associations with bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and spine in 414 older men (mean age 74 years) living in southern California. At a clinic visit (1997–2000), demographic and lifestyle information, fracture history, and medication use were recorded; venous blood for serum 25OHD and PTH was obtained; and BMD was measured at the hip and spine. Only one man had vitamin D deficiency (25OHD <20 nmol/l), but 15.5% of the men had high parathyroid levels (PTH ≥65 pg/ml). The mean 25OHD and PTH levels were 109.0 nmol/l and 50.3 pg/ml, respectively. Overall, 21.5% used calcium and 9.7% used vitamin D supplements. Serum 25OHD decreased with age and was lowest in the winter; levels were higher in supplement users (vitamin D and/or calcium; p<0.01). Serum PTH did not vary by age or season, and it was lower in supplement users (p<0.01). After excluding 12 men who were outliers for serum 25OHD and PTH, there was no significant correlation between serum 25OHD and PTH (r=−0.05, p=0.3). In multiple adjusted models, serum 25OHD was positively associated with BMD at the hip (p=0.01) and spine (p=0.001). Serum PTH was moderately and inversely associated with BMD at the hip (p=0.04) but not at the spine (p=0.77). We conclude that serum 25OHD is associated with bone health in older, community-dwelling men.
Soft Law and Law Jobs

In this article, the author discusses various consequences of the softness of soft law. He acknowledges that the concept of soft law is useful for certain endeavours in international law, such as understanding the international law-making process and the politics behind the adoption of legal instruments. But, for the activities of international judges and arbitrators, he contends that soft-law should be avoided. By appending the adjective ‘soft’ to the notion of law, we introduce the idea that legality obtains by degrees, a soft law rule being a rule ‘slightly’ legal in character. This, in turn, introduces uncertainty into a regulatory regime. And uncertainty is a disincentive for engaging in economic activities and it is a favoured technique of authoritarian governments. Hence, international judges and arbitrators should apply, and apply only, the law that comes without the adjective ‘soft’. Concepts are tools. Much as different artisans use different tools in their ...
Contingency Horizon: on Private Events and the Analysis of Behavior.

Skinner’s radical behaviorism incorporates private events as biologically based phenomena that may play a functional role with respect to other (overt) behavioral phenomena. Skinner proposed four types of contingencies, here collectively termed the contingency horizon, which enable certain functional relations between private events and verbal behavior. The adequacy and necessity of this position has met renewed challenges from Rachlin’s teleological behaviorism and Baum’s molar behaviorism, both of which argue that all “mental” phenomena and terminology may be explained by overt behavior and environment–behavior contingencies extended in time. A number of lines of evidence are presented in making a case for the functional characteristics of private events, including published research from behavior analysis and general experimental psychology, as well as verbal behavior from a participant in the debate. An integrated perspective is offered that involves a multiscaled analysis of interacting public behaviors and private events.
Self-Report of Depressive Symptoms in Low Back Pain Patients.

Two studies designed to examine the self-report of depressive symptoms in low back pain patients are presented. Symptoms of depression were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory. In the first study, a sample (N = 134) of patients who presented for neurosurgical evaluation were evaluated. In the second study, a subgroup of patients found to have lumbar disc protrusion were compared to a subgroup with few or no positive physical findings at the time of physical examination. If the cut-off scores recommended by Beck were used, patients in both studies would be classified as mildly depressed. Both studies found that patients were significantly more likely to report somatic than cognitive symptoms of depression. Patients with multiple physical findings or a disc abnormality at the time of operation were not found to be more likely to report somatic symptoms than patients with few physical findings.
Work in progress - using a mobile robots laboratory to teach advanced computing concepts

It is widely believed that one reason that the current generation of college students are not majoring in computing because such majors are viewed as uninteresting and not relevant. This WIP paper describes a curricular proof-of-concept project that attempts to integrate diverse computing concepts to increase and retain student interest in computing. We are developing a flexible mobile robots laboratory, not to teach introductory computing concepts but instead to teach intermediate and advanced computing topics such as networking, database management and distributed security. The essence of our approach is twofold: to provide exciting and physically-grounded projects in required intermediate-level courses, and to integrate the teaching of advanced computing topics into single courses, for example, networking with database management, and not merely defer such topics to capstone courses or projects. Such an approach is likely to pique and retain the interest of computing students. We briefly describe our curricular approach and its current status in this paper.