cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptation to metastatic cancer pain, regional/local cancer pain and non-cancer pain: role of psychological and behavioral factors

The present study compared the adaptation of cancer pain patients and chronic non-cancer pain patients. Differences between samples of cancer pain patients with and without metastatic disease were also examined. Cancer pain patients reported comparable levels of pain severity to non-cancer chronic pain patients; however, pain due to cancer was associated with higher levels of perceived disability (t(250)=2.97, P<0.004) and lower degree of activity (t(286)=2.45, P<0.04). The patients with cancer pain, particularly those with metastatic disease, reported significantly higher levels of support and solicitous behaviors from significant others, compared to non-cancer chronic pain patients. The majority of the cancer patients, both with (81%) and without (84%) metastatic disease as well as non-cancer chronic pain patients (85%), could be classified into one of three psychosocial subgroups that had been previously identified with non-cancer chronic pain patients: `dysfunctional' (high levels of pain, perceived interference, affective distress and low levels of perceived control and activity), `interpersonally distressed' (high levels of affective distress, negative responses from significant others and low levels of perceived support) and `adaptive copers' (low levels of interference and affective distress, high levels of perceived control and activity). The distribution of the profiles was significantly different across groups (χ2(4)=12.79, P<0.02). However, within each profile, the response patterns were highly comparable across groups. Thus, contrary to the suggestions of some authors, cancer pain and non-cancer chronic pain patients share many features in common. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of psychosocial adaptation to pain within each patient group suggests the importance of psychological assessment in determining the pain management plan.
Environmental policy for spatial and persistent pollutants

Abstract Traditional economic models of alternative pollution policies notwithstanding, all discharges are persistent to some degree (assimilation is not instantaneous), and their distributions vary spatially. Utilizing an optimal control framework to capture the dynamics of persistence, the efficiency of economic incentives and regulations are juxtaposed when the goal is to obtain arbitrary environmental standards at least social cost. For generality, the considered pollutant is regarded as spatially variant, and standards are allowed to differ among regions. Theoretically optimal policy parameters are derived. As in the case of spatial, nonpersistent discharges, the property of persistance alone is demonstrated to invalidate the typically maintained economic advantage of price-guided policies over regulatory policies.
Scenarios for a clean energy future

Abstract This paper summarizes the results of a study—Scenarios for a Clean Energy Future—that assess how energy-efficient and clean energy technologies can address key energy and environmental challenges facing the US. A particular focus of this study is the energy, environmental, and economic impacts of different public policies and programs. Hundreds of technologies and approximately 50 policies are analyzed. The study concludes that policies exist that can significantly reduce oil dependence, air pollution, carbon emissions, and inefficiencies in energy production and end-use systems at essentially no net cost to the US economy. The most advanced scenario finds that by the year 2010, the US could bring its carbon dioxide emissions three-quarters of the way back to 1990 levels. The study also concludes that over time energy bill savings in these scenarios can pay for the investments needed to achieve these reductions in energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Time-averaging strategies in the finite-volume/particle hybrid algorithm for the joint PDF equation of turbulent reactive flows

The influence of time-averaging on bias is investigated in the finite-volume/particle hybrid algorithm for the joint PDF equation for statistically-stationary turbulent reactive flows. It is found that the time-averaging of the mean fluctuating velocity (TAu) leads to the same variances of the fluctuating velocity before and after the velocity correction, whereas without TAu the estimates are different, and an additional numerical dissipation rate is introduced for the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE). When 100 particles per cell are used without TAu, a large bias error is found to be involved in the unconditional statistics of the statistically-stationary solutions of two tested turbulent flames, the Cabra H2/N2 lifted flame and the Sandia piloted flame E. The use of TAu reduces this bias dramatically for the same number of particles per cell. The conditional statistics in these flames, however, are hardly affected by TAu. To a large extent, the effect of the bias error on the unconditional statistics is s...
Exploring and simulating the regularities in intra-urban population density structure

Sizes in a system of cities follow the so-called rank–size distribution or the more general Zipf's law. Previous research demonstrates that the rank–size relationship can be explained and simulated by a rather simple spatial choice model, describing individual residential behavior across cities. In studying population density within each of the 20 largest metropolitan areas in the United States, we discovered another type of regularity: population density at the tract level and the logarithm of the rank by tract density within a city exhibit a linear relationship. We call this rank–density regularity. In this article, we explore whether the simple spatial choice model originally developed to simulate city size distribution at the inter-urban scale can be used at the intra-urban scale to explain the rank–density pattern and the formation of urban density structure. We found that after adjusting the simple model for the city-edge constraint, the model can simulate the rank–density relationship reasonably we...
Hypotension unawareness in profound orthostatic hypotension.

Abstract Background Clinicians depend on history given by the patients when considering the diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension. Methods Patients with a decrease in systolic blood pressure more than 60 mm Hg from baseline during a head-up tilt table test were included. They were classified according to their symptoms during the head-up tilt table test. Localization of the cause of orthostatic hypotension was sought in each of these groups. Results Eighty-eight (43%) patients had typical symptoms, 49 (24%) had atypical symptoms, and 68 (33%) were asymptomatic. The average decrease in systolic blood pressure was 88 mm Hg, 87.5 mm Hg, and 89.8 mm Hg in the typical, atypical, and asymptomatic groups, respectively ( P =.81). Patients reported severe dizziness with a similar frequency as lower extremity discomfort. Backache and headache also were common atypical complaints. Patients with peripheral cause of dysautonomia were able to sustain the longest upright position during the head-up tilt table test (21 minutes, compared with central dysautonomia [15 minutes]) ( P =.005). There was no correlation between the cause of dysautonomia and the occurrence of symptoms during the head-up tilt table test ( P =.58). Conclusion A third of the patients with severe orthostatic hypotension are completely asymptomatic during the head-up tilt table test, and another quarter have atypical complaints that would not lead physicians toward the diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension. These findings suggest that they might not provide adequate information in diagnosing profound orthostatic hypotension in a subset of patients with this disorder.
Organization of the motor neuron components of the pallial nerve in octopus

Following horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and cobalt (CO2+) application to the pallial nerve of two species of octopus, neurons that control various aspects of mantle behaviors were located in several lobes of the three main regions of the central brain. In the subesophageal region, cells were labeled in the anterior chromatophore, posterior chromatophore, palliovisceral, pedal and vasomotor lobes; in the superior buccal lobe of the supraesophageal region; and in the magnocellular lobe of the periesophageal region. Localization of labeled cells in and around both the anterior and posterior chromatophore lobes suggests a modification of the idea that a single functional area is solely located in an anatomically defined brain lobe of a cephalopod.
“Charge transfer” polymerization—and the absence thereof!

Mechanisms for charge-transfer spontaneous polymerizations and cycloadditions between electron-rich olefins and electron-poor olefins were reviewed. As for propagation, literature proposals involving charge-transfer complexes were rejected. Instead, alternating copolymerization is ascribed to polar effects in free-radical reactions. As for spontaneous initiation, literature proposals involving charge-transfer complexes, with or without proton transfer, were rejected. Instead, the initiating species is postulated to be a tetramethylene zwitterion biradical, which may initiate either ionic homopolymerization or free-radical copolymerization. A new hypothesis proposes that any interaction that brings vinyl monomers close together may facilitate tetramethylene formation and spontaneous polymerization. These interactions include Coulombic, acid-base, hydrophobic-hydrophilic and templating-tethering interactions.
From cognition to consciousness

This paper proposes an extension of scientific horizons in the study of animal behavior and cognition to include conscious experiences. From this perspective animals are best appreciated as actors rather than passive objects. A major adaptive function of their central nervous systems may be simple, but conscious and rational, thinking about alternative actions and choosing those the animal believes will get what it wants, or avoid what it dislikes or fears. Versatile adjustment of behavior in response to unpredictable challenges provides strongly suggestive evidence of simple but conscious thinking. And especially significant objective data about animal thoughts and feelings are already available, once communicative signals are recognized as evidence of the subjective experiences they often convey to others. The scientific investigation of human consciousness has undergone a renaissance in the 1990s, as exemplified by numerous symposia, books and two new journals. The neural correlates of cognition appear to be basically similar in all central nervous systems. Therefore other species equipped with very similar neurons, synapses, and glia may well be conscious. Simple perceptual and rational conscious thinking may be at least as important for small animals as for those with large enough brains to store extensive libraries of behavioral rules. Perhaps only in “megabrains” is most of the information processing unconscious.
Quartz inhomogeneity effects in diffraction-limited deep ultraviolet imaging

In the investigation of the imaging performance of a high-N.A. deep ultraviolet lens for submicrometer lithography, a ghost image was detected that was displaced from the main image. The origin of the ghost was traced to periodic variations in the index of refraction of a fused-silica beam splitter in the optical column. Several different beam splitters exhibited the ghost aberration; each had small but detectable index striations, presumably related to the manufacturing process. The measurement of the diffraction efficiency of the resulting phase grating showed a strong wavelength dependence. The relatively large diffraction efficiency at 248 nm produced secondary ghost images of ~2% relative intensity.
REFLECTIONS ON ESPIONAGE

In 1995 the United States National Security Agency (NSA), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made public the story of a forty-year American intelligence operation code-named Venona. Shortly after the Nazi-Soviet Pact in 1939, American military intelligence had ordered companies that were sending and receiving coded cables overseas, such as Western Union, to turn over copies to the U.S. government. Hundreds of thousands of cables were sent or received by Soviet government bodies. Beginning in 1943, spurred by rumors and concerns that Stalin might conclude a separate peace with Hitler, the U.S. Army's cryptographic section began work trying to read these Russian cables. It had very limited success until 1946, by which time the Cold War was already underway. Some twenty-nine hundred cables dealing with Russian intelligence activities from 1942 to 1946 eventually were decrypted successfully in whole or in part as a result of Soviet technical errors in constructing and using “one-time pads” that American code-breakers were able to exploit. These cables implicated more than three hundred Americans as having been involved with Soviet intelligence services during World War II, a time when the United States and the USSR were allies.
A broadband 480-GHz passive frequency doubler in 65-nm bulk CMOS with 0.23mW output power

A passive 480-GHz frequency doubler based on accumulation-mode MOS varactor in CMOS process is reported. Using a compact partially-coupled ring structure, the doubler achieves a simultaneous broadband matching for fundamental and 2nd-harmonic signals. With optimized gate length and oxide thickness, the MOS varactor achieves a dynamic cutoff frequency of 870GHz while sustaining large voltage swing for high power generation. At 480-GHz output frequency, the doubler has a measured minimum conversion loss of 14.3dB and an unsaturated output power of 0.23mW. The simulated 3-dB output bandwidth is 70GHz (14.6%). The doubler is fabricated using 65-nm low power bulk CMOS technology and consumes zero DC power.
Dialysance of Adrenocorticoids During Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

We postulated that significant quantities of both protein-bound and unbound adrenocorticoids are lost during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). To test this hypothesis we measured the dialysate removal rates (DRR) of adrenocorticoids in six CAPD patients. The distribution of the adrenocorticoids among unbound, albumin-bound, and transcortin-bound fractions in dialysate effluent was determined. The distribution of cortisol among unbound, albumin-bound, and transcortin-bound fractions in plasma was determined in six other CAPD patients. The mean DRR of cortisol was 193.8 +/- 20.3 (+/- SE) nmol/day. Smaller quantities of 11-deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, aldosterone, 18-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone, and 18-hydroxycorticosterone were removed during CAPD. The mean DRR values for total protein, albumin, and transcortin were 11.2 +/- 2.1, 6.0 +/- 2.2, and 0.087 +/- 0.018 g/day, respectively. The distribution of cortisol among unbound, albumin-bound, and transcortin-bound fractions was normal in plasma from CAPD patients. Plasma transcortin had a normal affinity (2 x 10(7) mol/L-1) and a normal binding capacity (559 nmol/L) for cortisol. In contrast, dialysate transcortin had a low affinity (1.4 x 10(7) mol/L-1) for cortisol and a low cortisol-binding capacity (11.5 nmol/L). The fractional occupancy rates of high affinity cortisol-binding sites on transcortin were 52.0 +/- 3.3% and 3.3 +/- 0.6% in plasma and dialysate effluent, respectively (P less than 0.001). The transcortin to cortisol molar concentration ratio in dialysate (6.3 +/- 0.6) was significantly higher than that in plasma (1.6 +/- 0.2; P less than 0.001). These results demonstrate that cortisol is the major adrenocorticoid lost during CAPD. However, the amount of cortisol removed in the dialysate is less than 1% of the normal daily secretion rate. Significant quantities of other adrenocorticoids are also lost during CAPD. The adrenocorticoids present in dialysate effluent are principally unbound, in contrast to their state in plasma. However, small fractions of the respective steroids are bound to transcortin and albumin.
Teaching the Standards Is Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Strategies for Incorporating the Sociopolitical Dimension of DAP in Early Childhood Teaching.

Many early childhood practitioners in the U.S. are experiencing tension between their desire to offer students developmentally appropriate learning experiences and their obligation to teach the academic knowledge and skills mandated by their states. However, careful examination of the DAP guidelines’ definition of culturally appropriate practice reveals a significant sociopolitical dimension that has been obscured by the field’s tight focus on the sociocultural dimension. Because standards-based education is an explicit feature of the sociopolitical landscape of U. S. public education, teaching the standards is developmentally appropriate practice. Implementation of this broadened understanding of DAP adds new complexity to early childhood teachers’ work. This article offers ideas drawn from Bronfenbrenner, Vygotsky, and Dewey as sources of theoretical support and provides examples of strategic decision making—illustrated with examples drawn from Texas kindergartens—that can assist teachers in managing the curricular and instructional complexities that accompany the broadened understanding of DAP.
Degradation of myofibrils and formation of premer omyosin by a neutral protease produced by Pseudomonas fragi

Abstract Rabbit muscle myofibrils were treated with a neutral protease (200: 1-protein: enzyme) isolated from Pseudomonas fragi (P. fragi) at 0° C in 100 m m KCl, 5·0 m m CaCl 2 , 0·2 m m DTT (dithiothreitol) and 20 m m TRIS. HCl (pH 7·50) for 0–60 min. SDS-polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis showed extensive fragmentation of the myofibrillar proteins. Three of the major products correspond in molecular weight to heavy meromyosin (HMM), light meromyosin (LMM) and the recently discovered premeromyosin (PMM). Results demonstrated that the neutral protease produced by P. fragi is capable of hydrolysing myosin and probably plays an important role in microbial breakdown of the muscle proteins during meat spoilage.
The 'race' concept in smoking: A review of the research on African Americans

This paper presents an analysis of the "race" concept as used by researchers who have studied the smoking behavior of African Americans. Most researchers in the field have failed to address the conceptual dimensions and meanings of "race" and accept uncritically the use of the term. This practice is viewed as an impediment in explaining inter- and intra-racial group differences and intervening effectively to reduce consumption of tobacco products. Adopting the majority-minority intergroup relations paradigm, the conceptual and practical meanings of "race" are reviewed by focusing on the history of relations between blacks and tobacco, conceptions of "race," "biology" and cigarette smoking, and the sociological nucleus (e.g. social class, racism and culture) of "race." Genetic or biologic assumptions and meanings of "race" in research on the smoking behavior of African Americans are critically examined. It is argued that "race" is a dynamic social construct reflecting societal transformations in relations between racially classified social groups (RCSGs).
Piecing Together the Extracellular Puzzle

Large-scale screens to identify protein interactions typically underperform with eukaryotic extracellular proteins. In this issue, Ozkan et al. report development of a high-throughput assay designed specifically for extracellular proteins that uncovers a wealth of new interactions among three protein superfamilies in Drosophila and sets the stage for more extensive screens.
eTailQ: dimensionalizing, measuring and predicting etail quality

Abstract Quality is related to customer satisfaction, retention and loyalty in both product and services settings. Thus, quality is expected to be a determinant of online retailer success as well. Based on online and offline focus groups, a sorting task, and an online survey of a customer panel, the authors establish the dimensions of the etail experience, and develop a reliable and valid scale for the measurement of etail quality. The analysis suggests that four factors—website design, fulfillment/reliability, privacy/security and customer service—are strongly predictive of customer judgments of quality and satisfaction, customer loyalty and attitudes toward the website.
Combined cervical and intraoral approach to lingual thyroid: a case report.

Background. Lingual thyroid is a rare anomaly that may require surgical intervention. Lesions have been approached either via the neck or transorally. Advantages and limitations exist with each technique. Methods. A 10-year-old female on long-term suppression therapy for lingual thyroid developed progressive dysphagia; surgical excision was performed. Suprahyoid pharyngotomy was used to dissect the posterior limits of the tumor. Resection was completed via a transoral approach. Results. Cervical exposure allowed safe access to the posterior tumor margins. Transoral exposure permitted direct dissection of the anterior margin of the lesion, rendering complete excision simple. Conclusion. A combined surgical approach to lingual thyroid is a safe technique that affords excellent visualization and facilitates resection.
Integrin α4β1 (VLA-4) expression and activity in retinal and peripheral neurons

The integrin alpha4beta1 fulfills important roles in inflammation and hematopoesis, but its functions in neurons are not well understood. Here we show that the alpha4 subunit is expressed on mouse retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and undifferentiated retinal neuroblasts during the period of axon extension and migration. To determine if alpha4 integrins expressed by retinal neurons were active, neurons were cultured on known alpha4 ligands in vitro. Recombinant soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (rsVCAM-1), fibronectin, and osteopontin (OPN) induced neurite outgrowth that was diminished by function blocking antibodies specific for alpha4. Neurite outgrowth on OPN was also blocked by antibodies to the integrin beta1 subunit, implicating the alpha4beta1 heterodimer as one integrin receptor mediating outgrowth on OPN. OPN immunoreactivity was detected in the RGC fiber layer and optic nerve, suggesting that it may act as an alpha4 ligand in vivo. Neurons from chick lumbar sympathetic ganglia, chick dorsal root ganglia, and mouse superior cervical ganglia also extended neurites on rsVCAM-1, suggesting that integrin alpha4beta1 may play a role in the development of multiple neuronal cell types.
Litter decomposition promotes differential feedbacks in an oligotrophic southern Everglades wetland

The differential accumulation or loss of carbon and nutrients during decomposition can promote differentiation of wetland ecosystems, and contribute to landscape-scale heterogeneity. Tree islands are important ecosystems because they increase ecological heterogeneity in the Everglades landscape and in many tropical landscapes. Only slight differences in elevation due to peat accumulation allow the differentiation of these systems from the adjacent marsh. Hydrologic restoration of the Everglades landscape is currently underway, and increased nutrient supply that could occur with reintroduction of freshwater flow may alter these differentiation processes. In this study, we established a landscape-scale, ecosystem-level experiment to examine litter decomposition responses to increased freshwater flow in nine tree islands and adjacent marsh sites in the southern Everglades. We utilized a standard litterbag technique to quantify changes in mass loss, decay rates, and phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) dynamics of a common litter type, cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco L.) leaf litter over 64 weeks. Average C. icaco leaf degradation rates in tree islands were among the lowest reported for wetland ecosystems (0.23 ± 0.03 yr−1). We found lower mass loss and decay rates but higher absolute mass C, N, and P in tree islands as compared to marsh ecosystems after 64 weeks. With increased freshwater flow, we found generally greater mass loss and significantly higher P concentrations in decomposing leaf litter of tree island and marsh sites. Overall, litter accumulated N and P when decomposing in tree islands, and released P when decomposing in the marsh. However, under conditions of increased freshwater flow, tree islands accumulated more P while the marsh accumulated P rather than mineralizing P. In tree islands, water level explained significant variation in P concentration and N:P molar ratio in leaf tissue. Absolute P mass increased strongly with total P load in tree islands (r 2 = 0.81). In the marsh, we found strong, positive relationships with flow rate. Simultaneous C and P accumulation in tree island and mineralization in adjacent marsh ecosystems via leaf litter decomposition promotes landscape differentiation in this oligotrophic Everglades wetland. However, results of this study suggest that variation in flow rates, water levels and TP loads can shift differential P accumulation and loss leading to unidirectional processes among heterogeneous wetland ecosystems. Under sustained high P loading that could occur with increased freshwater flow, tree islands may shift to litter mineralization, further degrading landscape heterogeneity in this system, and signaling an altered ecosystem state.
A standard tool for information resource management

Information resource management has emerged from the 1970's as the term that accurately describes the methodology used for managing an enterprise's information resource. The term itself indicates that we have raised our level of comprehension from only data in the computer environment to the total information resource, which includes computer and non-computer entities consisting of data, the processes that use it, and their relationships. It is a synthesis of previous terms like database management, data management, etc., which have roots far back into the origins of electronic data processing. The origin, evolution, and growth of this methodology are traced for the purpose of establishing the need for standard tools in this age of multivendor enterprises. With the expansion of data independence to include nondatabase files, where programmer productivity is becoming a real issue and the approach of distributed systems and databases is imminent, a standard information resource management tool is an absolute requirement. Current efforts to develop an information resource dictionary system (IRDS) standard will be discussed with some ideas on the directions being taken.
Developing an ecologically friendly isothermal bath to obtain a new class high-tenacity and high-modulus polypropylene fibers

A number of production methods have been developed for high-performance fibers; however, most processes use toxic solvents or generate a lot of unwanted by-products. Our research resulted in the development of a new family of high-performance polypropylene (PP) fibers by utilizing a simple, ecologically friendly bath (ECOB). Various commodity polymers can be used with ECOB melt spinning system at high throughputs and performance benefits. Our treated as-spun PP fibers had a highly oriented, but not crystalline precursor morphology with fa up to 0.6 generating superior mechanical properties. After drawing at draw ratios of 1.49 at 120 °C, highly oriented crystalline and amorphous phases were achieved for the drawn fibers with fc and fa values of 0.95 and 0.87, respectively. This fine structure for ECOB-treated fibers resulted in tenacity close to 12 g/d, initial modulus higher than 150 g/d, and ultimate elongation at break of 20 %. The polymer melting point of the new fibrillar PP fibers increased by 9 °C.
Preschool Teachers' Use of Music to Scaffold Children's Learning and Behaviour.

This study investigated how and when teachers used music in preschool classrooms throughout the day. Direct classroom observations were conducted to determine preschool teachers' use of music in four Head Start classrooms and one private preschool classroom for a total of 24 hours of observation in each classroom. Music was observed to be used 6.5 times per hour on average. All teachers used music most frequently to scaffold children's learning both in academic skill and social skill areas, and second most frequently to scaffold routine activities such as cleaning up and transitions to new activities. All teachers used music most frequently during group time. Music was used most frequently at group times outside times specifically set aside for music and movement. Researchers, practitioners, parents and teacher preparation professionals need to be aware of these findings in order to fully appreciate the broad experience that teachers and children have with music on a daily basis in preschool.
Reduced binding of [18F]altanserin to serotonin type 2A receptors in aging: persistence of effect after partial volume correction

Abstract The serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmitter system, which has a widespread distribution in the central nervous system, has been implicated in regulating mood and many human behaviors. There is evidence from postmortem human studies and limited information from prior in vivo studies to support a decline in 5-HT2A receptor density with aging. We examined nine elderly (ages 61–76) and nine young (ages 18–29) healthy individuals with positron emission tomography (PET) and [ 18 F ]altanserin, a ligand with high affinity for the 5-HT2A binding site. The PET data were corrected for differences in brain tissue volume between the young and elderly subjects using a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-based partial volume correction method. Highly significant and widespread cortical reductions in 5-HT2A specific binding were demonstrated in the elderly group relative to young controls. Regional losses averaged 61% before and 57% following correction for effects of cerebral atrophy. This finding, which is consistent with prior postmortem and in vivo studies, has both etiological and potential therapeutic implications for behavioral changes commonly observed in the elderly, including geriatric depression.
Effects of illumination during anodization of porous silicon

The effects of illumination during anodic etching of porous Si have been studied. For a fixed current density and anodization time, it has been observed that below a critical irradiance level, increasing the radiant flux density during anodization results in higher photoluminescence and a blue shift of the photoluminescence spectra. For irradiance above the critical value, the photoluminescence intensity decreases. Transmission Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy have been employed to investigate the effects of illumination on the characteristics of porous Si.
Synthesis and vasodepressor screen of a series of 2‐(2‐alkylaminoalkylamido)‐3‐carbamyl‐4‐methyl‐5‐benzylpyrroles

A series of 2-(2-alkylaminoalkylamido)-3-carbamyl-4-methyl-5-benzylpyrroles was synthesized and screened for vasoactivity. The compounds were administered intraperitoneally as a suspension to approximate the oral route of administration and intravenously when solubilization could be affected with suitable solvents. The most active compound following intravenous or intraperitoneal administration lowered blood pressure 73 and 35.5 mm Hg at doses of 4 mg/kg iv and 100 mg/kg ip, respectively. It also exhibited the longest duration of vasodepressor activity (25 min). Several other compounds exhibited vasodepressor activity following intraperitoneal administration. Several hydrochloride salts appeared to be more potent vasoactive agents than the corresponding bases.
Hemispheric asymmetry of frontal and temporal gray matter and age of onset in schizophrenia

Abstract Background: Investigators have reported lack of normal asymmetry of lateralization in some schizophrenic patients, as measured postmortem and by preference and/or performance. It has been suggested that this lack of asymmetry is related to early onset of schizophrenia. The present study extends the inquiry by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurement of volumetric asymmetry. Methods: Hemispheric asymmetry of volume in regional gray matter was examined in 16 schizophrenic patients who had undergone MRI of brain volume. Results: Low levels of hemispheric asymmetry in the frontal and temporal areas were strongly associated with early onset of schizophrenia, the association with frontal volume being more marked than with temporal volume. No relationship was found in the other brain areas that were scanned. The findings were not artifacts of chronological age, nor of extreme scores in a small sample. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that failure to develop asymmetry is an important component of the pathology underlying some forms of schizophrenia.
ON RESONANCES IN A SYSTEM OF COUPLED TWO-PARTICLE CHANNELS

Abstract A simple model of a system of coupled two-particle channels is solved exactly. It is shown that a narrow resonance can occur at a relatively low energy, especially if all of the two-particle channels have angular momentum greater than zero, or if one nearby “closed” S -wave channel is present. The resonance manifests itself at a given energy in all of the T -matrix elements, although it may be considerably weaker in some elements than in others. Within the framework of the model, the essential dynamical origin of the resonance is the coupling between the channels, plus, in addition, an interaction peculiar to one of the channels. If the Born matrix elements coupling different channels have the property that they grow rapidly with increasing energy, this can result in a resonance behavior for the transition matrix at a lower energy where these Born elements are still small. An attempt is made to see whether this type of resonance might describe the isotopic spin zero, negative strangeness, meson-baryon resonances observed at 1405 Mev and at 1525 Mev. Both of these resonances satisfy a requirement of the model that the center-of-mass momenta in all of the coupled two-particle channels be relatively low. Within the framework of this model, the 1525 Mev resonance might be viewed as a “virtual-bound” state of the Λ hyperon and an isoscalar, scalar meson (or π−π resonant state) with total energy of about 400 Mev. The 1405 Mev resonance might similarly be viewed as a “virtual-bound” state of the Λ hyperon and an isoscalar, scalar system with total energy about twice the pion mass.
Hodgkin twins: double good, double trouble

In this issue of Blood , Cozen and colleagues report on cytokine levels and the presence of a genetic polymorphism in the twins of patients with young-adult Hodgkin lymphoma. The analysis focuses on interleukin-12 in monozygotic twins, dizygotic twins, and control donors. The results suggest an interesting hypothesis that builds on the “polio” and “hygiene” hypotheses that have previously been offered to explain the epidemiology of young-adult Hodgkin lymphoma.
Nmp4/CIZ contributes to fluid shear stress induced MMP‐13 gene induction in osteoblasts

The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), involved in bone turnover, is elevated in stretched MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells. Strain-mediated forces impact bone remodeling due in large part to the movement of fluid through the canalicular-lacunar network. The resulting fluid shear stress (FSS) over the surface membranes of bone cells initiates bone remodeling. Although the nuclear events mediating putative FSS-induced changes in osteoblast MMP-13 transcription are unknown, previous studies with bone cells suggest an overlap between osteoblast FSS- and PTH-induced signal response pathways. MMP-13 PTH response is regulated by a 110 bp 5' regulatory region, conserved across the mouse, rat, and human genes, that supports the binding of numerous transcription factors including Runx2, c-fos/c-jun, Ets-1, and nuclear matrix protein 4/cas interacting zinc finger protein (Nmp4/CIZ) a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling trans-acting protein that attenuates PTH-driven transcription. Nmp4/CIZ also binds p130(cas), an adaptor protein implicated in mechanotransduction. Here we sought to determine whether Nmp4/CIZ contributes to FSS-induced changes in MMP-13 transcription. FSS (12 dynes/cm(2), 3-5 h) increased MMP-13 promoter-reporter activity approximately two-fold in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells attended by a comparable increase in mRNA expression. This was accompanied by a decrease in Nmp4/CIZ binding to its cis-element within the PTH response region, the mutation of which abrogated the MMP-13 response to FSS. Interestingly, FSS enhanced Nmp4/CIZ promoter activity and induced p130(cas) nuclear translocation. We conclude that the PTH regulatory region of MMP-13 also contributes to FSS response and that Nmp4/CIZ plays similar but distinct roles in mediating hormone- and FSS-driven induction of MMP-13 in bone cells.
Partisanship and independence: the peculiar moralism of American politics

Against the background of historical antipartyism in practice and in democratic theory, and with a focus on American political thought, this paper takes issue with contemporary arguments that value the political identity ‘Independent’ and disparage partisanship. A typology of ‘Independent’ is offered and both empirical and moral claims about the superiority of Independent voters are rebutted, with particular focus on the ‘weightlessness’ of Independents. The reasons to appreciate the moral distinctiveness of partisanship for democracy are set out: commitment to political pluralism, to regulated political rivalry, and to shifting responsibility for governing. Inclusiveness, comprehensiveness, and compromisingness set the contours for an ethic of partisanship.
Mirroring our thought processes [recurrent neural network and time series in forecasting]

To employ simple exponential smoothing in statistical forecasting, we essentially have to assume that the time series fluctuates at a gradually changing mean level. Forecasts are created on an iterative basis by weighing averages of observed values in the time series. The weights are assigned unequally with heavier weights applied to the most recent observations and exponentially declining weights to observations made far in the past. Yet, simple exponential smoothing still cannot help in making accurate predictions. One still has to monitor this forecasting system to determine whether or not the weights need to be adjusted to reduce forecasting errors. Since artificial neural network (ANN) technology provides us with weight adjusting algorithms, we propose using a special ANN architecture, a simple recurrent neural network. This network will provide a simple exponential smoothing forecasting system with an adaptive weighting scheme.
Dr. Morris Pollard.

Morris Pollard, PhD, MVD, Coleman Professor and Director of the Lobund Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame, died on June 18, 2011 in South Bend, Indiana. He was 95 years old. Dr. Pollard was...
Association of cyclooxygenase-2 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphisms with the time interval between labor induction and delivery

Objective The interval between induction and delivery may change in association with different polymorphisms in genes regulating inflammation. Study Design Seventy participants in a trial for induction of labor at term were tested for a −765 G>C cyclooxygenase-2 and an intron 2 length interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism. Results The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist allele 2 frequency was 33.3% in the 12 women who delivered at ≤10 hours, compared with 13.8% in those delivered >10 hours (P = .03). The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist allele 2 frequency was 25.0% in women induced because of postdates as opposed to 7.9% induced for other indications (P = .01). The cyclooxygenase-2 allele C frequency was 30.0% in 35 women delivered at ≤20 hours as opposed to 11.4% in women delivered at >20 hours (P = .01). The cyclooxygenase-2 allele C frequency was 26.9% in 26 subjects induced because of postdates as opposed to 13.6% induced for other indications (P = .07). Conclusion Cyclooxygenase-2 allele C and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist allele 2 are associated with a reduced time interval from labor induction to delivery.
Amphiphilic polymethacrylate derivatives as antimicrobial agents.

We have investigated the structure−activity relationship of cationic amphiphilic polymethacrylate derivatives in antimicrobial and hemolytic assays. The polymers were prepared by radical copolymerizations of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)aminoethyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate in the presence of methyl 3-mercaptopropionate as a chain transfer agent to give precursor polymers protected with a tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group. Subsequent treatment of the Boc-protected polymers with TFA affords the desired cationic random copolymers. We examined antimicrobial and hemolytic activities of a series of polymers having a wide range of mole percentage of butyl groups (0−60%) in three different molecular weight (MW) ranges. The smallest polymers (MW < 2000) showed the lowest MIC and reduced hemolytic activity compared to that of the higher MW ones. In addition, polymers containing a high percentage of butyl groups are less selective for bacterial cells than their less hydrophobic counterparts.
Primitive and definitive erythropoiesis in mammals

Red blood cells (RBCs), which constitute the most abundant cell type in the body, come in two distinct flavors- primitive and definitive. Definitive RBCs in mammals circulate as smaller, anucleate cells during fetal and postnatal life, while primitive RBCs circulate transiently in the early embryo as large, nucleated cells before ultimately enucleating. Both cell types are formed from lineage-committed progenitors that generate a series of morphologically identifiable precursors that enucleate to form mature RBCs. While definitive erythroid precursors mature extravascularly in the fetal liver and postnatal marrow in association with macrophage cells, primitive erythroid precursors mature as a semi-synchronous cohort in the embryonic bloodstream. While the cytoskeletal network is critical for the maintenance of cell shape and the deformability of definitive RBCs, little is known about the components and function of the cytoskeleton in primitive erythroblasts. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a critical regulator of late-stage definitive, but not primitive, erythroid progenitor survival. However, recent studies indicate that EPO regulates multiple aspects of terminal maturation of primitive murine and human erythroid precursors, including cell survival, proliferation, and the rate of terminal maturation. Primitive and definitive erythropoiesis share central transcriptional regulators, including Gata1 and Klf1, but are also characterized by the differential expression and function of other regulators, including myb, Sox6, and Bcl11A. Flow cytometry-based methodologies, developed to purify murine and human stage-specific erythroid precursors, have enabled comparative global gene expression studies and are providing new insights into the biology of erythroid maturation.
Subtropical Cyclogenesis over the Central North Pacific

The occurrence of subtropical cyclones over the central North Pacific Ocean has a significant impact on Hawaii’s weather and climate. In this study, 70 upper-level lows that formed during the period 1980–2002 are documented. In each case the low became cut off from the polar westerlies south of 30°N over the central Pacific, during the Hawaiian cool season (October–April). The objectives of this research are to document the interannual variability in the occurrence of upper-level lows, to chart the locations of their genesis and their tracks, and to investigate the physical mechanisms important in associated surface development. Significant interannual variability in the occurrence of upper-level lows was found, with evidence suggesting the influence of strong El Nino–Southern Oscillation events on the frequency of subtropical cyclogenesis in this region. Of the 70 upper-level lows, 43 were accompanied by surface cyclogenesis and classified as kona lows. Kona low formation is concentrated to the west-northwest of Hawaii, especially during October and November, whereas lows without surface development are concentrated in the area to the east-northeast of Hawaii. Kona low genesis shifts eastward through the cool season, favoring the area to the east-northeast of Hawaii during February and March, consistent with a shift in the climatological position of the trough aloft during the cool season. Consistent with earlier studies, surface deepening is well correlated with positive vorticity advection by the thermal wind. Static stability and advection of low-level moisture are less well correlated to surface deepening. These results suggest that kona low formation, to first order, is a baroclinic instability that originates in the midlatitudes, and that convection and latent-heat release play a secondary role in surface cyclogenesis.
Trauma Centrality and PTSD Symptom Severity in Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Theorists have posited that regarding a trauma as central to one's identity leads to greater posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. To test this hypothesis, we administered the Centrality of Events Scale (CES) to women reporting a history of childhood sexual abuse (N = 102). The CES scores were correlated with PTSD symptom severity, depression severity, and self-esteem. In addition, we conducted a principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate factors underlying the CES. The PCA yielded 3 factors reflecting (a) the centrality and integration of the trauma, (b) whether the event is regarded as a turning point in one's life story, and (c) whether the event is a reference point for expectations about the future. Each factor was associated with PTSD symptom severity.
A VLSI architecture for simplified arithmetic Fourier transform algorithm

The arithmetic Fourier transform (AFT) is a number-theoretic approach to Fourier analysis which has been shown to perform competitively with the classical FFT in terms of accuracy, complexity, and speed. Theorems developed by I.S. Reed et al. (1990) for the AFT algorithm are used here to derive the original AFT algorithm which Bruns found in 1903. This is shown to yield an algorithm of less complexity and of improved performance over certain AFT algorithms. A VLSI architecture is suggested for this simplified AFT algorithm. This architecture uses a butterfly structure which reduces the number of additions by 25% of that used in the direct method. >