cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pinyon Pine Mortality Alters Communities of Ground-Dwelling Arthropods

We documented the effect of drought-induced mortality of pinyon pine (Pinus edulis Engelm.) on communities of ground-dwelling arthropods. Tree mortality alters microhabitats utilized by ground-dwelling arthropods by increasing solar radiation, dead woody debris, and understory vegetation. Our major objectives were to determine (1) whether there were changes in community composition, species richness, and abundance of ground-dwelling arthropods associated with pinyon mortality and (2) whether specific habitat characteristics and microhabitats accounted for these changes. We predicted shifts in community composition and increases in arthropod diversity and abundance due to the presumed increased complexity of microhabitats from both standing dead and fallen dead trees. We found significant differences in arthropod community composition between high and low pinyon mortality environments, despite no differences in arthropod abundance or richness. Overall, 22% (51 taxa) of the arthropod community were identified as being indicators of either high or low mortality. Our study corroborates other research indicating that arthropods are responsive to even moderate disturbance events leading to changes in the environment. These arthropod responses can be explained in part due to the increase in woody debris and reduced canopy cover created by tree mortality.
A robust fuzzy CMAC for function approximation

This paper proposes a new robust fuzzy CMAC algorithm for function approximation. The advantages of CMAC neural network are fast learning convergence, capable of mapping nonlinear functions quickly due to its local generalization of weight updating. In this paper, in order to overcome the problems of function approximation for a nonlinear system with noise and outliers, a robust fuzzy clustering method is proposed to greatly mitigate the influence of noise and outliers and then a new CMAC learning process used to learn the nonlinear system's features for function approximation.
Inguinal Region Hernias

Inguinal hernias are a common cause of groin discomfort, and when small they may be difficult to diagnose clinically. Sonography is a useful imaging modality aiding in the diagnosis of inguinal hernias and their complications both before and following surgery. Inguinal anatomy is discussed briefly, but this article emphasizes scanning technique and pitfalls that may be encountered when using sonography to diagnose small and often clinically occult inguinal hernias.
Niobium(V) species in hydrobromic acid solution

Abstract The interpretation of, and calculations made from, the ultraviolet spectra of solutions of Nb(V) in hydrobromic acid solutions ranging from 9 to 14 M and with the total Nb(V) concentration about 1 × 10−4 M have indicated that the equilibrium: NbO(OH)Br2−4 + H+ + Br− ⇄ NbOBr2−5 + H2O, exists, at 25 °C with log K = −5.2. Further justification for this equilibrium is shown by computations made from spectra of solutions in which either the hydronium or bromide ion concentration was varied, the other ion concentration being held constant.
The luminal short-chain fatty acid butyrate modulates NF-κB activity in a human colonic epithelial cell line

Abstract Background & Aims: The transcription factor nuclear factor–κB (NF-κB) plays a central role in regulating immune and inflammatory responses. Because butyrate deficiency has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, we examined the effect of butyrate on NF-κB activity in the human HT-29 colonic cell line. Methods: The influence of butyrate (4 mmol/L) on NF-κB activity was determined using the gel mobility shift assay. The effect of butyrate on the expression of NF-κB subunits and inhibitory proteins was determined by immunoblotting. NF-κB–regulated gene expression was assayed by primer extension of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and Mn superoxide dismutase messenger RNA, and by analysis of a transfected luciferase reporter. Results: Exposure of HT-29 cells to butyrate eliminated their constitutive NF-κB, p50 dimer activity. This inhibition corresponded with a reduction in p50 nuclear localization, without a reduction in expression. Butyrate also selectively modulated activation of NF-κB, suppressing its activation by tumor necrosis factor α and phorbol ester more than 10-fold, without affecting the activity induced by interleukin (IL)-1β. Butyrate did, however, enhance formation of the stronger p65-p50 transcriptional activator in IL-1β–stimulated cells. The changes in NF-κB activation did not correlate with changes in IκBα levels. Gene expression reflected DNA binding. The influence of butyrate on NF-κB may result in part from its ability to inhibit deacetylases because the specific deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A has a similar effect. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the influences of butyrate on colonic inflammatory responses may result in part from its influence on NF-κB activation. This activity of butyrate apparently involves its ability to inhibit deacetylases. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2000;118:724-734
Abnormal small-bowel x-ray patterns associated with active duodenal ulcer.

1. The association of unequivocal active peptic ulcer disease with the abnormal small-bowel X-ray pattern commonly known as “disordered motor pattern” is documented in 37 cases. The association has not been previously reported. These X-ray changes can be severe enough to suggest the presence of intrinsic small-bowel disease.
Moral Appeal, Sanction Threat, and Deviance: An Experimental Test

This study represents an experimental test of deterrence hypotheses. The relative effects of a moral appeal and a sanction threat on college classroom cheating were assessed. The moral appeal was found to have no effect, but a clear and substantial impact was observed for the sanction threat. The sanction threat was found to be most effective in deterring cheating among females and least effective among those who had the greatest incentive to cheat. The applicability of the findings to deterrence theory is discussed.
P3 amplitude reduction and executive function deficits in men convicted of spousal/partner abuse

Recent studies using neuropsychological measures have demonstrated that a large percentage of spousal/ partner abusers show significant clinical impairment. However, no studies to date have incorporated eventrelated potentials, such as the P3, to assess cognitive functioning in this population. In order to better define the cognitive processing deficits that may underlie intimate partner violence, the present study included both neuropsychological and psychophysiological (P3) measures in a sample of men convicted of spousal/partner abuse (n = 18). Study participants completed a battery of executive function measures and a standard auditory oddball task. P3 amplitude and latency to target stimuli were obtained at midline electrode sites. Analysis of the data found that perpetrators of spousal/partner abuse show significant deficits in executive functioning, specifically impulse control, and lower P3 amplitude compared to non-violent controls. The results of the present study suggest that aggressive behavior at least within the context of spousal/ partner abuse may be partially explained by deficits in cognitive processing. � 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Chemical Species of Aluminum Influences Its Paracellular Flux across and Uptake into Caco-2 Cells, a Model of Gastrointestinal Absorption

Aluminum (Al) can cause neurotoxicity, a low-turnover osteomalacia, and microcytic anemia. To test the null hypothesis that the chemical form (species) of Al does not influence its mechanism or rate of absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, Al flux across and uptake into Caco-2 cells was investigated. Caco-2 cells were grown on porous membranes mounted in vertical diffusion chambers or in 35-mm-diameter plastic cell culture dishes. When 8 mM 27Al was introduced as the ion, citrate, maltolate, fluoride, or hydroxide, the apical to basolateral apparent permeability (Papp) of Al correlated highly with the Papp of lucifer yellow (LY), a paracellular marker, except when introduced as Al hydroxide. The uptake rate of Al when introduced as the fluoride was > when introduced as the ion > maltolate > citrate > hydroxide. The activation energy of Al introduced as the ion, citrate, maltolate, and fluoride, determined from Arrhenius plots, was 13-22 KJ/mol, suggesting diffusion-mediated uptake. With exposure to 2 microM Al (containing 26Al as a tracer) introduced as the ion, hydroxide, citrate, and fluoride, Al and LY Papp were consistent with results obtained with 8 mM Al, but were not Al species dependent. Approximately 0.015% of the 26Al fluxed across the cell monolayer; 0.75% was associated with cells. Lumogallion staining imaged by confocal laser microscopy showed Al co-localized with DAPI in the nucleus. The results suggest that (1) soluble Al species predominantly diffuse through the paracellular pathway, (2) the ligand-dependent flux rate of Al is due to an effect on the tight junctions, (3) Caco-2 cell uptake of Al is a diffusion process, and (4) the ligand can influence the rate of cellular Al uptake.
Fluctuations in the velocity of individual DNA Molecules during agarose gel electrophoresis

The velocity of the center of mass of individual T4 DNA molecules during agarose gel electrophoresis, computed from digitized video-microscopic images, fluctuated between 0 and 4.5 mum/s after a field E = 5 V/cm was applied; the amplitude of the velocity peaks was twice the averaged steady-state velocity. The velocity fluctuations correlated with changes in molecular configuration. The mean velocity (10 molecules) showed a sharp rise in less than 0.2 s, followed by a shallow minimum and a broad peak, before reaching a plateau. The much smaller amplitude of these oscillatory features demonstrated that the velocity fluctuations of individual molecules were largely, but not entirely, uncorrelated with the onset of the field. The components of the shape tensor S of individual chains, which are a measure of the extension of the chains, were also determined for each image sequence. Only the principal component in the direction of E,S(xx), increased.
Using a wireless LAN to perform motion detection

In a wireless home network, multipath signal components are made up of reflections from walls, ceilings, floors, furniture, and other objects. Any motion in the vicinity will change the magnitude of the multipath components arriving at the antenna. This variation in signal strength intensity is statistically significant and does not rely on line-of-sight between the transmitter and receiver. In this project, a set of wireless sensor nodes were developed that are capable of utilizing the RSSI variance between path links to detect motion and control electrical outlets. The result is a stable, reliable room of “smart outlets” that can sense whether or not a room is occupied, and change their state accordingly.
Fatal case of bilateral internal jugular vein thrombosis following IVIg infusion in an adolescent girl treated for ITP

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is often used as therapy in immune-mediated diseases and is generally considered a safe therapeutic agent. However, thrombotic complications such as myocardial infarction and deep vein thrombosis have been reported, although primarily in older adults. We describe a 13-year-old girl who received one dose of IVIg for immune thrombocytopenic purpura and developed fatal bilateral jugular venous thromboses. This is the first known case of IVIg-associated thrombosis in an adolescent and also the first report describing internal jugular vein thrombosis associated with IVIg infusion. We identify additional risks that may potentiate the agent's thrombotic risk.
Current localization in nonlinear inhomogeneous media

We consider the transport of electric current in inhomogeneous media with nonlinear conductivity. The interplay between disorder and nonlinearity gives rise to local enhancements of the current density. We study this current localization for a network of nonlinear resistors with the degree of nonlinearity varying at random through the system, which leads to a crossover from weak to strong localization with increasing voltage. We study the average fluctuations and the maximum value of the local current and discuss experimental consequences of these results.
An easy way to make a good anti-tumor chimeric antigen receptor T cell?

The notion that the immune system has the capacity to prevent, control and eradicate cancer has been present for many years, but truly effective potent immunotherapeutic strategies have materialized only recently. One of the most successful and effective of these strategies involves adoptive transfer of genetically engineered T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting the B-cell antigen CD19 present on B-cell lymphomas, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (1,2). Although the CD19 appears to represent an excellent safe target and the initial reports of efficacy are highly promising, it is clear that many aspects of the adoptive immunotherapy protocols still must be perfected. Generation of specific anti-tumor T cells in vitro requires their stimulation and significant expansion. The quality of the in vitroegenerated T-cell product appears to be as critical as the antigenic specificity of the T cells and can profoundly affect the treatment outcome. Traditionally, these highly cytotoxic, armed effectors were thought to be the most desirable by tumor immunologists because they displayed target killing capacity in vitro. Paradoxically, however, the in vivo function of these cells in animal models and in many clinical trials was disappointing (3). Gradually, it became clear that these armed terminal effectors displayed functional features of senescence and were unable to survive, expand and eradicate the tumor in vivo (4). In contrast, T cells under various conditions promoting less terminally differentiated central memory (CM) or even earlier stem cellelike phenotype display absent or low in vitro cytotoxic effector activity but much higher in vivo anti-tumor functionality that was
This Place Could Be Our Place? The experience of Filipinas in Italy (Interview with Charito Basa)

Wendy Harcourt talks with Charito Basa, a Filipino organizer for 15 years with the Philippine migrant communities in Rome, about how migrant women have been organizing in Italy.
On the impact of fuel cell system response on power electronics converter design

In order to design a high performance power converter for fuel-cell-systems, some considerations are necessary. One consideration should be the range of load variation on the fuel-cell-system output. This is because of two reasons. The first reason is the current dependency of the fuel-cell output voltage; this can be overcome by utilizing a regulated power converter. The second reason is mechanical stresses resulting from continuous high current ripples that can reduce the system life span. Solving this problem requires appropriate filtering and converter controller. Selection of an Ultra-Capacitor and design of a proper controller require a fuel-cell-system model that can adequately represents the significant characteristics of the system. Such a model is developed in this paper via a simple method without requiring fuel cell design parameters. To validate the model, SIMULINK and PSPICE simulation results were compared with the results from the hardware setup and satisfactory results were obtained. The proposed linear model can be utilized in control system design for a fuel-cell-system converter.
A concise synthesis of (+/-)-cacalol.

A simple synthesis of the natural product cacalol has been developed that proceeds in seven steps and 21−25% overall yield. Ortho-lithiation of 4-methylanisole and alkylation with 5-iodo-1-pentene, followed by intramolecular Friedel−Crafts alkylation, gave 5-methoxy-1,8-dimethyltetralin. This compound was then formylated in the 6-position. Baeyer−Villiger oxidation and hydrolysis of the resulting formate gave 6-hydroxy-5-methoxy-1,8-dimethyltetralin. Alkylation of the phenolic hydroxyl group with chloroacetone followed by cyclodehydration gave cacalol methyl ether. Deprotection of this aryl methyl ether yielded cacalol.
Food intake and interdigestive gastrointestinal motility in ghrelin receptor mutant rats.

Background Ghrelin is the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). Ghrelin regulates feeding activity and interdigestive contractions of the stomach in rodents. To investigate the role of endogenous ghrelin in the digestive system, we have developed GHSR-mutant rats, named FHH-Ghsrm1Mcwi, using the Fawn-Hooded Hypertensive (FHH) parental strain.
Transition from quasiperiodicity to chaos of a soliton oscillator.

We study the properties of the quasiperiodic attractors of the driven and damped sine-Gordon system close to the onset of chaotic dynamics. Our system is a perturbed sine-Gordon equation with ac and dc forcing terms over a finite-sized spatial interval. In this system the quasiperiodic trajectories are generated by the incommensurability of the soliton oscillation and external drive frequencies. For increasing values of the ac drive amplitude the attractors of the system, displayed in a spatially averaged Poincar\'e section, present the characteristic folding and mixing properties of the transition to chaos through quasiperiodicity. In the parameter plane that we scan, the basic features of the transition are not dependent upon the particular ac drive amplitude and frequency causing the transition. Analysis of the singularity spectrum f(\ensuremath{\alpha}) of several attractors at the chaotic threshold exhibits general features of the transition.
Temporal measurements in the spatial frequency spectrum of liquid crystal image transducers

A new procedure to test and evaluate imaging properties of liquid crystal optical transducers is described. The method involves the observation of temporal histories of image-related Fourier spatial frequency signals and is demonstrated for a grating input. Results show that information on timing of spectrum events can be used to modify coherent light imagery. A comparison of spectral features for two liquid crystal transducer types is given.
Free-Space Quantum Key Distribution with Multilevel Encoding via Transverse Field Modulation

Transverse modulation of the complex optical field defines sets of orthogonal states for multilevel quantum key distribution. Principles of holography are evaluated as a means of generating and sorting the single photon states.
Creating avenues for relative empowerment (CARE): A pilot test of an intervention to improve outcomes of hospitalized elders and family caregivers

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a family caregiver-focused intervention program (CARE) on the outcomes of hospitalized elders and their family caregivers. A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 49 family caregivers of hospitalized elders in a university medical center in upstate New York. Driven by self-regulation and role theories, the two-phase CARE program consisted of: (a). a mutual agreement consisting of family caregiving activities during hospitalization; and (b). audiotaped information regarding emotional responses and possible complications associated with an elderly patient's hospitalization as well as instructions for effectively participating in the elder's hospital care. The comparison program consisted of information about hospital services and policies. CARE elders had fewer incidents of acute confusion reported by family caregivers during hospitalization and fewer depressive symptoms at 2 weeks and 2 months posthospitalization than did the comparison group. CARE family caregivers participated more in the care of their hospitalized elders and had higher scores on role rewards prior to hospital discharge. Findings from this study support the need for further testing of the CARE intervention with family caregivers to determine its effectiveness on outcomes of hospitalized elders and their family caregivers.
MEASUREMENT OF PASSENGER VEHICLE WAIT TIMES AT SAN YSIDRO, CALIFORNIA, PORT OF ENTRY

As border communities grow and increase in economic integration, measurement of queuing delays for passenger vehicles at border crossings becomes more important. At the San Ysidro, California, Port of Entry, recent research has included development and testing of techniques for measuring queuing delays. These measurements were intended to be used as traveler information and for monitoring compliance with traffic management objectives. Techniques tested at San Ysidro involved indirect measurement of queue sizes and wait times. These measurements displayed problems with both accuracy and precision. Problems with accuracy appear to be related to data quality and probably can be overcome by better data collection methods. Problems with precision are an inherent feature of indirect measurement techniques and are the result of the variability of queue density and vehicle-processing rates about their mean values. Monitoring efforts are intended to track changes in delay over long periods of time and are relatively insensitive to the precision of the measurements. Traveler information services, however, depend on the ability to closely approximate the delays experienced by individual travelers and are thus highly sensitive to precision. Consequently, the emphasis on measuring queuing delays at border crossings should normally be on monitoring rather than on traveler information.
The relationship between anticholinergic medications and Mini-Cog scores in older adults receiving home health care.

OBJECTIVES To describe anticholinergic use patterns in older adult home health recipients and examine their relationship to evidence of cognitive impairment. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING A home health care agency in Eastern Washington state. PARTICIPANTS Potential study subjects were 174 recipients of home health services between March 1, 2006, and October 1, 2006, who were 60 years of age or older and had been screened for cognitive impairment by the Mini-Cog assessment test. A random sample of 65 out of 75 patients who scored in the impaired range on the Mini-Cog and a random sample of 65 out of 99 patients who scored in the unimpaired range were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE prevalence of anticholinergic medication use. RESULTS The majority of participants (80.0%) were using a medication with anticholinergic effects; however, more participants were using weak anticholinergics (66.1%) than potent agents (33.8%). After controlling for age, caregiver presence, and marital status, participants who scored as cognitively impaired on the Mini-Cog were less likely to be taking a medication with anticholinergic properties (odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.94). CONCLUSION Although anticholinergic use was common in this older adult, home health population, the majority of participants were using medications with weak anticholinergic activity, as opposed to potent ones. Participants with cognitive impairment were less likely to be using any medication with anticholinergic properties.
Distribution patterns of Mimbres ceramics using INAA and multivariate statistical methods

The distribution patterns of Classic Mimbres black-on-white bowls and jars were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis to identify vessel movement between geographically defined regions and between villages within individual regions of southwestern New Mexico. The data set produced and utilized by the various multivariate statistical treatments included multielement neutron activation analysis results for 288 ceramic and clay samples from 15 sites in the Gila, Mimbres and Rio Grande valleys of southwest New Mexico. The results indicate that bowls were more frequently exchanged than jars and distribution frequencies between regions were lower than between villages. Two statistical approaches to the data were compared. In one, cluster analysis of the compositional data was used to form homogeneous groups and the distribution of those groups across sites and regions was examined. In the second, discriminant analysis was used to look for significant differences in composition between regions and sites. The significance of predetermining groups based on collection location as opposed to blind group formation from hierarchical cluster analysis was evaluated in terms of its potential to lead to different interpretations of the data.
Noncontrast helical CT for ureteral stones

Noncontrast helical computed tomography (CT) has recently been found to be superior to excretory urography (IVU) in the evaluation of patients with suspected ureterolithiasis. Noncontrast helical CT does not require the use of intravenous contrast material with its associated cost and risk of adverse reactions and can be completed within 5 min, in most cases. Noncontrast CT often detects extraurinary pathology responsible for the patient's symptoms. CT is also more sensitive than IVU in detecting the calculus, regardless of its size, location, and chemical composition. However, confidently differentiating ureteral calculi from phleboliths along the course of the ureter may, at times, be difficult. The "tissue-rim" sign, a rim of soft tissue attenuation around the suspicious calcification, is helpful in making this distinction. Noncontrast CT does not provide physiological information about renal function and the degree of obstruction. A pilot study has suggested a proportional relationship between the extent of perinephric edema and the degree of obstruction. The cost of the examination and the radiation dose delivered to the patient may be higher with CT. Despite these limitations, noncontrast helical CT has quickly become the imaging study of choice in evaluating patients with acute flank pain.
Fast, quantitative, and nondestructive evaluation of hydrided LWR fuel cladding by small angle incoherent neutron scattering of hydrogen

Abstract A nondestructive neutron scattering method to precisely measure the uptake of hydrogen and the distribution of hydride precipitates in light water reactor (LWR) fuel cladding was developed. Zircaloy-4 cladding used in commercial LWRs was used to produce hydrided specimens. The hydriding apparatus consists of a closed stainless-steel vessel that contains Zr alloy specimens and hydrogen gas. Following hydrogen charging, the hydrogen content of the hydrided specimens was measured using the vacuum hot extraction method, by which the samples with desired hydrogen concentrations were selected for the neutron study. Optical microscopy shows that our hydriding procedure results in uniform distribution of circumferential hydrides across the wall thickness. Small angle neutron incoherent scattering was performed in the High Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Our study demonstrates that the hydrogen in commercial Zircaloy-4 cladding can be measured very accurately in minutes by this nondestructive method over a wide range of hydrogen concentrations from a very small amount (≈20 ppm) to over 1000 ppm. The hydrogen distribution in a tube sample was obtained by scaling the neutron scattering rate with a factor determined by a calibration process using standard, destructive direct chemical analysis methods on the specimens. This scale factor can be used in future tests with unknown hydrogen concentrations, thus providing a nondestructive method for determining absolute hydrogen concentrations.
Teachable Agents and the Protégé Effect: Increasing the Effort Towards Learning

Betty’s Brain is a computer-based learning environment that capitalizes on the social aspects of learning. In Betty’s Brain, students instruct a character called a Teachable Agent (TA) which can reason based on how it is taught. Two studies demonstrate the protege effect: students make greater effort to learn for their TAs than they do for themselves. The first study involved 8th-grade students learning biology. Although all students worked with the same Betty’s Brain software, students in the TA condition believed they were teaching their TAs, while in another condition, they believed they were learning for themselves. TA students spent more time on learning activities (e.g., reading) and also learned more. These beneficial effects were most pronounced for lower achieving children. The second study used a verbal protocol with 5th-grade students to determine the possible causes of the protege effect. As before, students learned either for their TAs or for themselves. Like study 1, students in the TA condition spent more time on learning activities. These children treated their TAs socially by attributing mental states and responsibility to them. They were also more likely to acknowledge errors by displaying negative affect and making attributions for the causes of failures. Perhaps having a TA invokes a sense of responsibility that motivates learning, provides an environment in which knowledge can be improved through revision, and protects students’ egos from the psychological ramifications of failure.
Autoimmune neutropenia of infancy.

Neutrophil antibodies were demonstrated in 119 of 121 infants and young children with chronic neutropenia, estabilishing the diagnosis of autoimmune neutropenia of infancy. The median age at diagnosis was 8 months (range 3 to 30 months), and the female/male ratio was 6:4. Autoimmune neutropenia of infancy was manifested by recurrent fever and infection. All patients had selective neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count 0 to 500), and many had monocytosis. Fifteen of 16 patients tested falled to respond to epinephrine and hydrocortisone stimulation. Bone marrow had myeloid hyperplasia and reduced mature neutrophils. Recovery occurred in all 81 patients who passed the age of 5 years, except for one patient who is recovering at 6 1/2 years. The median age at recovery was 30 months; 95% recovered before 4 years. The estimated median duration of disease was 20 months. Neutrophil antibodies were detected early in the neutropenic phase by a combination of immunofluorescence and agglutination tests. Ten percent of these antibodies had specificity for NA1 or NA2. Ten of the 12 serum samples with a strong reaction in the flow cytometer reacted only with neutrophils. Two also reacted with an unidentified subpopulation (30%) of lymphocytes. Lymphocyte subsets were normal in 10 patients investigated, and abnormal levels of circulating immune complexes were detected in sera from 11 of 25 (44%) patients tested. Temporary remission was induced in all of eight patients who received intravenous IgG therapy. Autoimmune neutropenia of infancy is probably the most common cause of chronic neutropenia in infancy and early childhood, can be diagnosed by immunologic techniques, and requires only conservative management; spontaneous cure appears to be the rule.
HOW DID PAUL KRUGMAN GET IT SO WRONG?1

This article is a response to Paul Krugman's New York Times Magazine article, ‘How Did Economists Get It So Wrong?’ Krugman's attack on modern economics – and many adhominem attacks on modern economists – display a deep and highly politicised ignorance of what economics and finance is really all about, and a striking emptiness of useful ideas.
Development and initial validation of a 15‐item informant version of the Geriatric Depression Scale

SUMMARY Objective To develop a brief informant version of the Geriatric Depression Scale for use in screening for depression in older adults. Design A scale development and validation study. Setting Internal medicine and geriatric outpatient clinics located at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Medical Center and the University of South Florida Medical Center, Tampa, Florida. Participants A total of 147 patients (81 females and 66 males) and their adult informants. Measurements Self and informant versions of the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale, NEO-FFI, and a health behaviors questionnaire. Results The 15-item informant version of the GDS was found to have sufficient internal consistency reliability (alpha ¼ 0.86) and retest reliability (r ¼ 0.81) to support its use as a clinical instrument. Construct validity was demonstrated by a pattern of correlations with external demographic and personality variables consistent with those of other versions of the GDS, as well as substantive correlations with these other versions. Efficacy of the GDSI-15 was found to be as good as that for the full 30-item informant version of the GDS. Conclusions The GDSI-15 may be a useful adjunct or alternative to standard screening methods in assessing patients in outpatient settings. Copyright # 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple tool for teaching flap design with digital images.

Background. Defects created by excision or Mohs micrographic surgery must be analyzed and surgical options including flaps must be considered. Teaching flap design to dermatology trainees is often done at the bedside of the patient with the trainee describing or marking a proposed flap. Open discussion of the options in this way is sometimes unnerving for the patient. Blackboard discussions or drawings are limited in their realism. Objective. To describe a rapid, simple method using commonly available software to allow a trainee to draw and redraw a proposed flap on a digital image of the defect without the time and cost of printing. Methods. We describe a feature in the widely used presentation program Microsoft PowerPoint which can be used to draw on an imported digital image in various colors. Results. A digital photograph taken at the bedside can quickly be loaded into PowerPoint and viewed as a full-screen picture on a computer. Using an electronic pen, multiple lines can be drawn and erased on the picture, allowing surgical planning and teaching away from the bedside. Conclusion. Design and analysis of potential incision lines for a flap can be done quickly using a digital image and commonly available software, allowing a new option for teaching flap design.
Mobility of gentamicin resistance genes from staphylococci isolated in the United States: identification of Tn4031, a gentamicin resistance transposon from Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Homologous genes encoding resistance to gentamicin, tobramycin, and kanamycin through the bifunctional acetylating [AAC(69)] and phosphorylating [APH(2")] aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme were identified in staphylococci isolated from patients in the United States. The mobility of gentamicin resistance (Gmr) genes found on a prototype conjugative plasmid (pGO1) was compared with that of genes cloned from chromosomal sites. Plasmid-encoded Gmr genes and flanking sequences were introduced onto a temperature-sensitive plasmid (pRN3208) from pGO1 by homologous recombination between insertion sequence-like elements present on both replicons. Growth of Staphylococcus aureus strains containing the temperature-sensitive recombinant (pGO161) at the nonpermissive temperature for plasmid replication (42 degrees C) revealed no translocation of Gmr from its plasmid location. A transposon (Tn551) resident on the same replicon did translocate. Chromosomal Gmr determinants were cloned, together with the gene for trimethoprim resistance (dfrA), from three geographically distinct S. epidermidis isolates; two were subcloned onto temperature-sensitive Escherichia coli-S. aureus shuttle plasmids as 7.2-kilobase BglII fragments. Growth of both recombination-deficient and-proficient S. aureus strains containing the cloned genes at 42 degrees C allowed detection of transposition of Gmr sequences and identification of insertion into random chromosomal sites. We have designated this 5-kilobase transposon from S. epidermidis as Tn4031. Images
IMPACT OF EXERCISE TRAINING ON PLASMA ADRENOCORTICOTROPIN RESPONSE TO A WELL-LEARNED VIGILANCE TASK

Plasma adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), cortisol, heart rate, self-reported state anxiety and total reaction time responses in physically active (n = 8) and sedentary (n = 11) middle-aged men were compared during performance of a well-learned, psychologically challenging task. The groups were similar in age (active: 39.9 +/- 8.4 yr vs. sedentary: 44.4 +/- 7.2 yr) and trait anxiety (29.4 +/- 5.2 vs. 34.5 +/- 12.6), but they had different maximal oxygen consumption relative to lean body weight (68.6 +/- 7.1 vs. 44.7 +/- 4.6 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)). During performance of the psychological protocol, the total group had significant increases in heart rate and state anxiety, whereas both ACTH and cortisol remained near baseline levels. ACTH and cortisol were not different between the groups. The sedentary group exercise trained for 4 mo, which resulted in an 18% improvement in maximal aerobic capacity (vO2 max). Exercise intervention did not significantly alter the neuroendocrine response compared to pre-training values or compared to a corresponding control group. These findings suggest that enhanced cardiovascular fitness resulting from exercise training does not affect anterior pituitary-adrenocortical activity during performance of a practiced vigilance task.
Histochemical mapping of succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase in the pons and mesencephalon of squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus)

The distribution of succinic dehydrogenase (SDA) and cytochrome oxidase (Cy. O) has been investigated in a series of sections through the pons and mesencephalon of the squirrel monkey brain. The localization of the two enzymes is very similar in the various regions and shows only slight differences. The epiphysis, however, shows moderately strong SDA and very mild Cy. O activity. Particularly strong SDA and Cy. O activity has been observed in the cell bodies of the various cranial nerve nuclei, nucleus colliculi inferioris, colliculi superioris, nuclei griseum pontis, reticularis tegmenti pontis, lemnisci lateralis pars dorsalis, geniculatum laterale and mediale, and pulvinaris. The enzyme content of the neurons and cell bodies is generally stronger compared to the neuropil which often occurs in smooth, loose, compact and reticulated forms. Any special relationship between the neurons and neuropil with regard to their enzyme content has, however, not been observed. The cranial nerves, and fibers of the brachium conjunctivum, corpus callosum, and fornix show very mild enzyme activity except those of the trapezoid complex which show moderate enzyme activity.
Measurement of the Electronic Grüneisen Constant Using Femtosecond Electron Diffraction

We report the first accurate measurement of the electronic Gruneisen constant gamma(e) using a novel method employing the new technique of femtosecond electron diffraction. The contributions of the conduction electrons and the lattice to thermal expansion are differentiated in the time domain through transiently heating the electronic temperature well above that of the lattice with femtosecond optical pulses. By directly probing the associated thermal expansion dynamics in real time using femtosecond electron diffraction, we are able to separate the contributions of hot electrons from that of lattice heating, and make an accurate measurement of gamma(e) of aluminum at room temperature. This new approach opens the possibility of distinguishing electronic from magnetic contributions to thermal expansion in magnetic materials at low temperature.
Mixing of magmatic volatiles with groundwater and interaction with basalt on the summit of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

[1] We interpret new chemical and isotopic data from samples collected between October 1998 and March 2002 from the NSF well (also called the Keller well), the only deep well on the summit of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. Sample collection followed cleaning of the well, which renewed access to the hydrothermal system very close to the loci of magmatic and fumarolic activity. The chemical and isotopic compositions of the new samples differ remarkably from data published previously. On the basis of the S/Cl ratio and carbon and helium isotopes we conclude that the thermal fluids formed by condensation of magmatic gas into shallow meteoric groundwater. Gas condensation was followed by a complex pattern of basalt dissolution accompanied by an increase of fluid pH and precipitation of secondary minerals. Geochemical modeling and geothermometry imply that the fluids equilibrated with an assemblage of secondary minerals at temperatures between 90 and 140°C. The significantly different chemical composition of the NSF well fluids from that of springs along the southern coast of the island indicates that mass transport from the summit region toward the lower flanks of the volcano is limited.
Electronic Spectra and Coordination of Ni2+ in Potassium Borate Glass and Melt to 1000°C

A quantitative visible-uv spectroscopic study of local structure-sensitive electronic transitions resulting from Ni2+ doped into sodium borate in the glassy and liquid states up to 1000°C was conducted using a simple windowless Pt-cell technique with a high-temperature spectrophotometer. Analysis of the spectra shows that Ni2+ is distributed between distorted tetrahedral and octahedral sites in a temperature-dependent equilibrium with ΔH =44.4 kJ. mol−1 in the liquid and a much smaller but nonvanishing value in the glass.
A new approach to on-chip probing in the MM-wave to THz range

One of the bigger obstacles in the development of THz devices and integrated circuits is their electrical characterization in the upper-millimeter to terahertz range above 100 GHz. Today's technology is mainly based on metal-to-metal, dc-coupled contact probes. This technology is, however, expensive and fragile, and is difficult to scale to higher frequencies. This paper concerns contact-free probes that are (ac) coupled to the device or circuit-under-test by the polarization current rather than the conduction current. Numerical simulations are carried out to 1.0 THz and the probe coupling is found to be around -26 dB, with a bandwidth of at least 500 GHz.
Extremal equilibria of oligopolistic supergames

Abstract General propositions established in Abreu (Ph.D. thesis, Princeton University, October 1983) are applied to the analysis of optimal punishments and constrained Pareto optimal paths of symmetric oligopolistic supergames. A remarkably simple 2-dimensional stick-and-carrot characterization of optimal symmetric punishments is obtained. An analogous result holds for the general case of asymmetric punishments, motivating the study of asymmetric Pareto optimal paths. The latter turn out to have a highly non-stationary dynamic structure which sometimes entails intertemporal reversals of relative payoffs between firms.
Strength of bonding of food soils to dishes

The material which is baked onto ovenware and casseroles is probably more strongly bound than any other food soil. A method has been developed for measuring the relative bonding strength using a calibrated hydraulic jet. Soil-to-soil bonds are more readily weakened by aqueous action than soil-to-substrate bonds; both types of bonds are stronger on aluminum than they are on glass. Rate of soil removal was increased by increasing the concentration and alkalinity of the detergent. Temperature had the usual exponential effect, doubling the rate each 10.5 C. Time naturally was effective and a number of soaking studies showed this. Time and temperature yielded excellent results in steaming studies. Rather large amounts of energy were necessary to loosen and remove food soil. Some combination of 3 energy inputs was required. Chemical input ranged from water to high concentrations of highly alkaline detergent. Thermal levels ranged from moderate increase in temperature (40 C) to the latent heat of vaporization in steam applications (100 C). Mechanical energy was supplied by impingement of a hydraulic jet at forces from 40 to 350g.
Creating Professional ePortfolios in Technical Writing

This article highlights the creation of professional electronic portfolios (eportfolios) in an upper-division technical writing course (Writing for Interactive Media) so that students can profile t...
What is the matter in a polytheist America

Traditionally there has been a great divide between those practitioners of comparative religion who work on discrete and identifiably religious traditions (such as Confucianism, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, etc.) and those who work on identifying aspects of ‘religious’ life that often go unnoticed because they are less traditional and therefore less recognizable as religion. There has also long been a predisposition not to view Greek materials as religious, and thus to secularize one form of thriving polytheism about which we know a great deal. Combining those two methodological insights in a study of contemporary North American religious life, Gary Laderman offers a fresh look at what I will call the ‘practical polytheism’ of modern US society, one that examines cultural arenas as diverse as sport, music, celebrity, sexuality and death in a riveting analysis of current spiritual trends in a more multicultural North America.
Determination of molecular weight distributions and particle scattering factors of the various species of an aggregating system from light‐scattering and low‐angle X‐ray scattering data

Several methods are presented for the determination of molecular weight distributions from light-scattering and low-angle x-ray scattering data. These methods are also applicable to the experimental determination of the particle scattering factors of various aggregates provided the molecular weight distribution of the aggregates is known. The statistical analyses pertinent to these methods are appended.
A new method for nonlinearly constrained optimization

A new penalty function method of solving problems involving a nonlinear objective function subject to nonlinear equality and inequality constraints is described. It ameliorates difficulties experienced with the illconditioning of the Hessian matrix of classical penalty function methods. Experience based on the solution of 25 test problems indicates the proposed method is as good as, or better, than methods that are now being used.
The Heritage of Corpulence

OBESITY is a disorder which, like venereal disease, is blamed upon the patient. The finding that treatment doesn’t work is ascribed to lack of fortitude. Corpulence in America is regarded along with narcotic addiction as something wicked, and I shall not be surprised if soon we have a prohibition against it in the name of national security. The condition is referred to in disparaging terms, including the most impolite references to the appetite. Appetite is held to be the cause, but I say it is hunger. I wish to propose that obesity is an inherited disorder and due to a genetically determined defect in an enzyme; in other words, that people who are fat are born fat, and nothing much can be done about it. I would like further to propose that the more serious of the consequences of being fat are not due to the corpulence but to the inherited defects; if this be so and we like food, we might as well eat up and be happy.