cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
103 COMPARATIVE DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRESS OF MULTIPLE BIRTH INFANTS WITH VARYING SEVERITY OF ILLNESS

103 COMPARATIVE DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRESS OF MULTIPLE BIRTH INFANTS WITH VARYING SEVERITY OF ILLNESS
Stigmatization of eating disorders: a controlled study of the effects of the television show Starved.

Starved is a situational comedy (“sitcom”) that depicted individuals with eating disorders that was feared to increase stigma. Our study directly examined this possibility by randomly assigning participants to watch Starved or The Comeback (a sitcom unrelated to eating disorders) and measuring eating disorder stigma/stereotypes before and after viewing. Participants who viewed Starved did not show increased levels of stigma, suggesting that short-term exposure to an extreme portrayal of eating disorder stereotypes may not increase stigma. Future research should examine prolonged exposure and other potential sources of these negative attitudes.
Localized Organic Binding of Radioiodine in Hydra

Radioiodine, given as the iodide, localized in protein-bound form in the ectoderm of Hydra fusca and H. littoralis. The radioiodine was shown by autoradiography to be: (1) diffusely distributed in the ectoderm over the gonads and (2) precisely localized in the apical cytoplasm of cnidoblasts that carry stenotele nematocysts. The meaning of such precise cellular localization of iodoprotein in Hydra remains to be determined.
Global stability in a multi-species periodic Leslie–Gower model

We consider a population model consisting of d species interacting in a p-periodic environment and modelled by a d-dimensional system of Leslie–Gower-type difference equations (coupled Beverton–Holt equations). It is shown that if the interspecific competition (coupling) is sufficiently small and the inherent growth rate of each species is such that in the absence of competition each species will grow to its (positive) individual carrying capacity, then there is a positive asymptotically stable p-periodic state that globally attracts all positive initial states. Three examples are studied numerically in which the competition is large and the principle of competitive exclusion is observed. The rate of decay to extinction is observed to be sensitive to the inherent growth rate of the dying species. The individual carrying capacities are seen to play a determining role in the case of equal and large competition and equal inherent growth rates.
Association of RBC Transfusion With Mortality in Patients With Acute Lung Injury

Background RBC transfusion has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in a variety of clinical settings. We assessed the effect of RBC transfusion on in-hospital mortality in patients with acute lung injury (ALI). Methods Cohort study of 248 consecutive patients with ALI. RBC transfusion was evaluated as both dichotomous and continuous variables, with outcome being in-hospital mortality adjusted for clinical confounders and length of total hospital stay. Results Overall in-hospital mortality rate was 39.5%. Of these patients, 207 of 248 patients (83.5%) received ≥ 1 U of packed RBCs. The transfusion of any packed RBCs was associated with an increased risk of death (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28 to 7.58; p Conclusions Transfusion of RBCs in patients with ALI was associated with increased in-hospital mortality. This risk occurred with RBC transfusion after the onset of ALI, and was greater for nonleukoreduced than for leukoreduced RBCs. Aggressive transfusion strategies in patients with established ALI should be questioned, pending further study.
Influence of surface passivation on the friction and wear behavior of ultrananocrystalline diamond and tetrahedral amorphous carbon thin films

Highly $s{p}^{3}$-bonded, nearly hydrogen-free carbon-based materials can exhibit extremely low friction and wear in the absence of any liquid lubricant, but this physical behavior is limited by the vapor environment. The effect of water vapor on friction and wear is examined as a function of applied normal force for two such materials in thin film form: one that is fully amorphous in structure (tetrahedral amorphous carbon, or ta-C) and one that is polycrystalline with $l10$ nm grains [ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD)]. Tribologically induced changes in the chemistry and carbon bond hybridization at the surface are correlated with the effect of the sliding environment and loading conditions through ex situ, spatially resolved near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. At sufficiently high relative humidity (RH) levels and/or sufficiently low loads, both films quickly achieve a low steady-state friction coefficient and subsequently exhibit low wear. For both films, the number of cycles necessary to reach the steady-state is progressively reduced for increasing RH levels. Worn regions formed at lower RH and higher loads have a higher concentration of chemisorbed oxygen than those formed at higher RH, with the oxygen singly bonded as hydroxyl groups (C-OH). While some carbon rehybridization from $s{p}^{3}$ to disordered $s{p}^{2}$ bonding is observed, no crystalline graphite formation is observed for either film. Rather, the primary solid-lubrication mechanism is the passivation of dangling bonds by OH and H from the dissociation of vapor-phase H${}_{2}$O. This vapor-phase lubrication mechanism is highly effective, producing friction coefficients as low as 0.078 for ta-C and 0.008 for UNCD, and wear rates requiring thousands of sliding passes to produce a few nanometers of wear.
cDNA encoding an immunogenic region of a 22 kilodalton surface protein of Eimeria acervulina sporozoites

Abstract cDNA encoding an immunogenic region of a 22 kDa surface protein of Eimeria acervulina sporozoites was cloned and expressed in the bacteriophage λgt11 vector. The recombinant β-galactosidase fusion protein, designated MA1, has an apparent molecular size of 125 kDa. Immunofluorescence staining of intact E. acervulina sporozoites and merozoites and immunoblotting of 125 I-surface labeled protein from both stages revealed exclusive expression of the cloned cDNA in the sporozoite stage. The gene encoding the 22 kDa surface protein appears to exist as a single copy sequence as revealed by Southern blot hybridization utilizing the cDNA insert as a probe. Although not recognized by immune serum, purified recombinant MA1 antigen induced significant in vitro activation of T lymphocytes obtained from chickens immune to E. acervulina . DNA sequencing and hydropathic analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence revealed a central hydrophilic region surrounded by two hydrophobic areas which may represent exposed and transmembrane regions of the protein.
Laparoscopic transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage.

Abstract Objective: To report a laparoscopic technique for placement of a transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage. Design: Detailed case report of one of three patients undergoing described procedure. Setting: University hospital. Patient: A 39-year-old infertile patient with a history of cervical adenocarcinoma in situ and two cone biopsies, resulting in an essentially absent exocervix. Intervention(s): Laparoscopic transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage placement, as an interval procedure, followed by ET of cryopreserved donor oocyte-derived embryos. Main Outcome Measure(s): Clinical outcome. Result(s): Establishment of a pregnancy delivered at 3812 weeks of gestation by elective cesarean section. Conclusion(s): Patients believed to require a transabdominal cerclage may undergo a laparoscopic interval procedure, obviating the need for a laparotomy before or during pregnancy.
Indole-3-carbinol protects against covalent binding of benzo[a]pyrene and N-nitrosodimethylamine metabolites to mouse liver macromolecules☆

Abstract Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) are carcinogens and indirect acting mutagens. A naturally occurring dietary indole, indole-3-carbinol (I-3-C), has been shown to decrease the incidence of aryl hydrocarbon induced neoplasia in experimental animals. We examined the relationship between the ability of I-3-C to alter the rate of carcinogen oxidation and its ability to decrease the rate of covalent binding of carcinogen metabolites to DNA and protein. We found that I-3-C inhibited the covalent binding of NDMA oxidation products to DNA in vitro in proportion to its ability to inhibit carcinogen metabolism. Pretreatment of mice by gavage with I-3-C resulted in no change in the rate of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase or NDMA demethylase in hepatic post-mitochondrial supernatant. However, this pretreatment resulted in a 60–90% decrease in the ability of carcinogen oxidative metabolites to bind covalently to DNA or protein in vitro. Similarly, in in vivo experiments, gavage with I-3-C, followed by gavage with BaP or NDMA, resulted in a 63–85% decrease in covalent binding to macromolecules, with no concomitant change in carcinogen metabolism. The results suggest that the in vivo administration of I-3-C may confer protection for hepatic macromolecules against covalent binding of the metabolites of these two indirect acting mutagens.
The Presence of Endogenous Morphine Signaling in Animals

Recent empirical findings have contributed valuable mechanistic information in support of a regulated de novo biosynthetic pathway for chemically authentic morphine and related morphinan alkaloids within animal cells. Importantly, we and others have established that endogenously expressed morphine represents a key regulatory molecule effecting local circuit autocrine/paracrine cellular signaling via a novel mu(3) opiate receptor coupled to constitutive nitric oxide production and release. The present report provides an integrated review of the biochemical, pharmacological, and molecular demonstration of mu(3) opiate receptors in historical linkage to the elucidation of mechanisms of endogenous morphine production by animal cells and organ systems. Ongoing research in this exciting area provides a rare window of opportunity to firmly establish essential biochemical linkages between dopamine, a morphine precursor, and animal biosynthetic pathways involved in morphine biosynthesis that have been conserved throughout evolution.
Bis(p-methoxyphenyl)telluroxide, a novel organotellurium aldol catalyst

Abstract Bis( p -methoxyphenyl)telluroxlde has been found to function as a mild catalyst for a variety of aldol condensations.
Mucosal Melanomas of the Head and Neck: The Role of Postoperative Radiation Therapy

Objectives. Mucosal melanomas are rarer than their cutaneous counterparts and are associated with a poorer prognosis. We report the clinical outcomes of patients with mucosal melanomas of the head and neck region generally treated with definitive surgery followed by postoperative radiation therapy (RT). Methods. We reviewed the records of 17 patients treated at the University of Miami in 1990–2007. Patients generally received conventionally fractionated RT regimens to the postoperative bed. Elective nodal RT was not routinely delivered. Eight patients received adjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Results. Median followup was 35.2 months (range 5–225). As the first site of failure: 3 patients recurred locally, 2 regionally and 2 distantly. All 3 patients who recurred locally had not received RT. Of the 5 locoregional recurrences, 4 were salvaged successfully with multimodality therapy with no evidence of disease at last followup. Overall survival was 64.7% at 2 years and 51.5% at 5 years. Conclusions. Patients with mucosal melanoma of the head and neck are best treated with surgery to achieve negative margins, followed by postoperative RT to optimize local control. Elective nodal irradiation may not be indicated in all cases, as regional failures were not predominant. Distant metastases were fewer when compared to historical data, potentially due to advancements in adjuvant therapies as well as aggressive multi-modality salvage at time of failure.
The Expectancy Challenge Alcohol Literacy Curriculum (ECALC): A single session group intervention to reduce alcohol use.

The Expectancy Challenge Alcohol Literacy Curriculum (ECALC) is a single session group-delivered program designed to modify alcohol expectancy processes and reduce alcohol use among children and young adults. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the ECALC in reducing risky alcohol use among heavy drinking college men. Four fraternities at a large state university were randomly assigned to receive either the single session ECALC or a control presentation (2 fraternity houses per condition, n = 250). Alcohol expectancies were assessed before and immediately after program presentation. Results demonstrated significant changes on 5 of the 7 subscales of the Comprehensive Effects of Alcohol Scale (CEOA) among students who received the ECALC when compared with control participants. Alcohol use data were collected for 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after program presentation. Compared with those in the control condition, students who received the ECALC demonstrated significant reductions in all facets of alcohol use measured, including decreased mean and peak blood alcohol content (BAC), decreased mean number of days drinking per week, decreased mean drinks per sitting, and decreased number of binge-drinking episodes per month. This study represents 2 important advances. First is the significant reduction in risky alcohol use produced by a single session group-delivered program. The second important advance is the success in changing expectancy processes without using impractical elements common in previous expectancy challenge methods (e.g., a "barlab" environment and actual alcohol administration). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Identifying the authoritative judgments of stuttering: comparisons of self-judgments and observer judgments.

Reliable and accurate stuttering measurement depends on the existence of unambiguous descriptions or exemplars of stuttered and nonstuttered speech. The development of clinically meaningful and use...
Synthesis and property studies of graphite-MF5 (M = As, Sb) intercalation compounds☆

Abstract This study was undertaken in order to investigate the electrical conductivity and stability limits of the graphite-MF 5 (M = As, Sb) intercalation compounds and, in particular, accurately to determine the maximal conductivity of the AsF 5 derivative. We report here: 1. (1) the development of a convenient method for reproducibly preparing the maximal conductivity, stage 2, graphite-AsF 5 intercalation compound; 2. (2) the determination of the thermal and hydrolytic stability of the graphite-Mf 5 compounds; 3. (3) the characterization of the conductivity of the stage 2 HOPG-AsF 5 system using two different electrodeless a.c. inductance methods in which a full range of frequencies (600 – 50 000 Hz) is investigated to provide a sensitive and accurate indication of the sample inductance; 4. (4) the preparation of Cu/graphite-SbF 5 wire composites and measurement of their conductivity. The results of these studies are discussed in the context of earlier data reported for this system.
The Importance of Juvenile Migration Tactics to Adult Recruitment in Stream-Type Chinook Salmon Populations

AbstractThe existence of multiple migration tactics within a population has been observed for several fish species, and they may contribute differentially to adult recruitment. Relative contribution by juveniles using the same habitats on different schedules is variable; therefore, understanding and conserving this diversity should be important to fisheries managers. We investigated adult recruitment by two distinct juvenile migration tactics in several spawning populations of stream-type Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in Idaho: those leaving the spawning grounds as subyearlings during June through November (downstream rearing, or DSR, type) and those emigrating from natal areas 1 year after emergence (natal reach rearing, or NRR, type). The DSR type had greater juvenile abundance in all populations, although the NRR type exhibited better survival from the natal reach to the migratory corridor. The DSR type had greater survival from smoltification to adult return to freshwater compared with the N...
Trends in CMOS technology and application development

The development trends in CMOS technology are discussed. It is clear that the trend in putting more and more transistors and memory bits on a chip will continue. The integration level will soon reach a point where the characteristics of a system are determined by the functional components on a single chip. There is likely to be detours on the technology roadmap, each driven by a different emphasis on the system functions implemented on a chip. While scaling CMOS transistors for density and performance will continue, there will be plenty of opportunities for improvement in system performance without pushing CMOS transistors to their limits.
Periodic solutions of second-order nonlinear difference equations containing a small parameter. II - Equivalent linearization

The classical method of equivalent linearization is extended to a particular class of nonlinear difference equations. It is shown that the method can be used to obtain an approximation of the periodic solutions of these equations. In particular, the parameters of the limit cycle and the limit points can be determined. Three examples illustrating the method are presented.
Tunable delay lines using slow light for Gbit/s data signal

Optical tunable delay lines have many applications for high-performance optical switching and signal processing. Slowlight has emerged as an enabling technology for achieving continuously tunable optical delays. The reconfigurable delay opens up a whole new field of nonlinear signal processing using slow light. In this paper, we review recent advances in slow-light-based optical signal processing, with a focus on the data fidelity after traversing the slow light elements. The concept of slow-light-induced data-pattern dependence is introduced and is shown to be the main signal degrading effect. We then propose and experimentally demonstrate phase-preserving slow light by delaying 10-Gb/s differential-phaseshift- keying (DPSK) signals with reduced DPSK data pattern dependence. Spectrally-efficient slow light using advanced multi-level phase-modulated format is further described. With this technique, doubled or even tripled bit-rate signals can be transmitted through a bandwidth limited slow light element. We finally show several novel slow-light-based signal processing modules. Unique features such as multi-channel operation and variable bit-rate capability are highlighted.
Taking communication seriously

(1992). Taking communication seriously. Communication Monographs: Vol. 59, No. 1, pp. 79-86.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties in AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Processed by Continuous Rheo-Extrusion

AZ31 magnesium alloy profiles were prepared by continuous rheo-extrusion process, and effects of solution and aging treatments on the microstructures and mechanical properties was investigated by OLYMPUS optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy device and tensile machine. The results reveal that saturated solid solution was formed in the profile at a solution temperature of 415 °C and 16 hours. During aging treatment of saturated solid solution, β-Mg17Al12 phase nucleates firstly at grain boundaries and takes on globular growth, which is mainly due to the lower interfacial energy in coherent or semi-coherent interface between β-Mg17Al12 phase and matrix phase. Lower interfacial energy is favorable to the nucleation and growth of β-Mg17Al12 phase at grain boundary. With the increase of aging time or the rise of aging temperature, β-Mg17Al12 phase precipitates out gradually from grain interior and starts to grow in globular shape. After β-Mg17Al12 phase grows to a certain extent, it grows in lamellar shape along the orientation of lower mismatch between β-Mg17Al12 phase and matrix phase. After solution at 415°C and 16h and aging at 180°C and 8h, the ultimate tensile strength and elongation to failure of the profile are 305MPa and 13%, respectively.
Satellite debris - Recent measurements

More frequent reports concerning orbital debris damage to spacecraft have prompted the design, development and testing of equipment and techniques for the observation of moving objects by passive optical means. A consolidation is presently made of hundreds of hours of space debris observation, quantifying the numbers of small bodies in space relative to the actively watched artificial satellite population and estimating the numbers of detectable objects from near-earth orbit to geostationary orbit distances. The debris reported constitutes 11 times the tracked population in near-earth orbit and between 25 and 50 percent of the deep space population.
Examination of the ketene 1B1 state photodissociation dynamics by far-ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy

Abstract The 1 B 1 state of ketene has been examined by resonance Raman spectroscopy with excitation between 217 and 200 nm. The fundamentals ( v 2 , v 3 , v 4 ), overtones (2 v 2 , 3 v 2 , 2 v 5 , 2 v 6 ), and the combination bands of v 2 , v 3 , v 4 , and 2 v 5 and 2 v 6 are found to be resonantly enhanced. The intensity of the out-of-plane bend vibrational overtones 2 v 5 and 2 v 6 , and the absence of in-plane bend features in the Raman spectra indicate that the initial dynamics of the CH 2 CO 1 B 1 dissociation proceeds along a C I s pathway in which the CCO skeleton of ketene bends out of the CH 2 plane. The experimental result is compared with the ab initio predictions of the initial dissociation pathway.
Evolutionary struggles between NK cells and viruses

Natural killer (NK) cells are well recognized for their ability to provide a first line of defence against viral pathogens and they are increasingly being implicated in immune responses against certain bacterial and parasitic infections. Reciprocally, viruses have devised numerous strategies to evade the activation of NK cells and have influenced the evolution of NK-cell receptors and their ligands. NK cells contribute to host defence by their ability to rapidly secrete cytokines and chemokines, as well as to directly kill infected host cells. In addition to their participation in the immediate innate immune response against infection, interactions between NK cells and dendritic cells shape the nature of the subsequent adaptive immune response to pathogens.
Three-dimensional source reconstruction with a scanned pinhole camera

We present a simple reconstruction algorithm for three-dimensional (3D) incoherent source distributions imaged by a laterally scanned pinhole camera. We consider digital sampling of multiple pinhole images for 3D reconstruction and implement an experimental demonstration with lateral resolution of 2×10-3 rad and longitudinal resolution of approximately 0.14z2 m, where z is the object-to-pinhole distance in meters.
Superconductivity of a Sn film controlled by an array of Co nanowires

Abstract Superconducting properties of a hybrid structure composed of ferromagnetic Co nanowire arrays and a superconducting Sn film have been investigated. Ordered Co nanowires arrays with 60 nm, 150 nm and 200 nm diameter were electroplated into the pores of self organized Anodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO) membranes. Hysteretic dependence of the Sn film superconducting properties on applied magnetic field and critical current enhancement at moderate fields has been observed. This behavior strongly depends on the ratio of the Sn film thickness to the Co nanowire diameter.
A Method to Adjust Long-Term Temperature Extreme Series for Nonclimatic Inhomogeneities

Abstract A method to homogenize nonclimatic discontinuities in temperature extreme exceedence series is developed and evaluated. The method is based on a set of complementary tests with the application of an individual test depending on the availability of an adequate network of nearby homogeneous reference stations and the presence of significant trends in the resulting difference or original exceedence series. Given a suitable set of neighboring reference stations, a comparison of the differences in exceedences between the inhomogeneous station and neighboring sites is made for the periods before and after the documented discontinuity. In the absence of one or more reference stations, the exceedences at the inhomogeneous station are compared before and after the nonclimatic change. A method by which nonstationary series are detrended and subsequently evaluated is also presented. When tested using homogenized data series into which an artificial discontinuity of known magnitude was introduced, as many as...
Testing a model of avoiding environmental tobacco smoke in young adults.

Purpose: To test an explanatory model of gender, self-efficacy, situational influences, and other health-promoting behaviors on the avoidance of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in young adults. ETS is a cause of lung cancer, pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease. Although young adults are at increased risk for ETS exposure, there are few behavioral studies of ETS exposure and no reported studies of ETS exposure in young adults. Although college students are often exposed to ETS, the college environment offers a setting in which the opportunities for change are substantial. Design: Model-testing. Data are reported on a convenience sample of 136 nonsmoking 18- to 25-year old students in one mid-atlantic U.S. university. This sample of nonsmokers was drawn from a larger sample of 241 smokers and nonsmokers in 1995. Model constructs were based on Pender's health promotion model (HPM). Methods: The General Self-efficacy Scale, Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile, and ETS Avoidance Scale were used along with items measuring ETS-avoidance efficacy and Living with Smoke. Path analysis was used to test the model. Findings: The trimmed explanatory model showed that 26% of the variance in avoiding ETS was accounted for by gender, having self-efficacy, and ETS-avoidance efficacy, not living with people who smoke, and performing other healthy behaviors. Being female and general self-efficacy indirectly influenced ETS avoidance through their effects on related health promoting behaviors. Conclusions: The explanatory model of ETS avoidance can provide useful information for the development of interventions to prevent exposure to passive smoke. Given the occurrence of ETS exposure in young adults, longitudinal research using this explanatory model is yielding promising results. Enhancing the self-efficacy of young adults and encouraging healthy lifestyle behaviors may be an important factor in their avoidance of ETS.
Face as mouse through visual face tracking

This paper introduces a novel camera mouse driven by visual face tracking based on a 3D model. As the camera becomes standard configuration for personal computers (PCs) and computation speed increases, achieving human-machine interaction through visual face tracking becomes a feasible solution to hands-free control. Human facial movements can be broken down into rigid motions, such as rotation and translation, and non-rigid motions such as opening, closing, and stretching of the mouth. First, we describe our face tracking system which can robustly and accurately retrieve these motion parameters from videos in real time [H. Tao, T. Huang, Explanation-based facial motion tracking using a piecewise Bezier volume deformation model, in: Proceedings of IEEE Computer Vision and Pattern Recogintion, vol. 1, 1999, pp. 611-617]. The retrieved (rigid) motion parameters can be employed to navigate the mouse cursor; the detection of mouth (non-rigid) motions triggers mouse events in the operating system. Three mouse control modes are investigated and their usability is compared. Experiments in the Windows XP environment verify the convenience of our camera mouse in hands-free control. This technology can be an alternative input option for people with hand and speech disability, as well as for futuristic vision-based games and interfaces.
The synthesis of (+)-matatabiether and related methylcyclopentane monoterpenes

Abstract The syntheses of(+)-matatabiether ( 1 ), neonepetalactone ( 15 ) and related alcohols 3 and 5 , and dihydropyran 2 are described, 5-Isopropenyl-2-methyl-1-cyclopentene-1-carboxaldehyde ( 6 ) was converted by LAH reduction and acetylation to 2-acetoxymethyl-3-isopropenyl-2-methylcyclopentene ( 8 ) which was hydroborated to give 3(β-hydroxyisopropyl2-acetoxymethyl-2-methylcyclopentene ( 9 ). Hydrolysis of 9 and cyclization with acid gave dihydropyran 2 and a small amount of matatabiether ( 1 ). Oxymercuration demercuration of acetate 9 gave a readily separable mixture of 1-acetoxymethyl-4,8-dimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane ( 13 ) and 8-acetoxymethyl-1,4-dimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane ( 12 ). Pyrolysis of acetate 12 afforded (+)-matatabiether ( 1 ), while hydrolysis of 12 gave alcohol 3 . Oxidation and esterification of aldehyde 6 gave methyl 5-isopropenyl-2-methyl-1-cyclopentene-1-carboxylate ( 18 ). Hydroboration of 18 and heating the resulting hydroxyester to 200° gave neonepetalactone 15 contaminated by small amounts of dihydronepetalactone 20 and an isomeric dihydronepetalactone 21 . Catalytic hydrogenation of neonepetalactone yields isodihydronepetalactone ( 22 ). These conversions establish thecomplete stereochemistry of
Catheter-Based Micromachined Electrochemical Sensors

In this paper, we discuss the recent progress in the development at SRI International of a catheter-based macromachined electrochemical sensor - a micron-sized, silicon-based electrochemical sensor for in-vivo monitoring of pH, CO2, and O2. The manufacture of the sensor is based on a generic technology for producing electrochemical sensors in silicon, which we refer to as Room Temperature Micro-Electronic Chemical Smart Sen-sor (RT-MECSS).
The influence of remittances on education and health outcomes: a cross country study

We study the effect of international remittances on aggregate educational and health outcomes using a sample of 69 low- and middle-income countries. We find that remittances play an important role in improving primary and secondary school attainment, increasing life expectancy and reducing infant mortality. Our results suggest that as migration laws continue to support greater emigration and remittances, policies should be enacted to facilitate the flow of remittances as they represent a significant source for economic development.
A novel, implicit treatment for language comprehension processes in right hemisphere brain damage: Phase I data

Background: This manuscript reports the initial phase of testing for a novel, “Contextual constraint” treatment, designed to stimulate inefficient language comprehension processes in adults with right hemisphere brain damage (RHD). Two versions of treatment were developed to target two normal comprehension processes that have broad relevance for discourse comprehension and that are often disrupted by RHD: coarse semantic coding and suppression. The development of the treatment was informed by two well-documented strengths of the RHD population. The first is consistently better performance on assessments that are implicit, or nearly so, than on explicit, metalinguistic measures of language and cognitive processing. The second is improved performance when given linguistic context that moderately-to-strongly biases an intended meaning. Treatment consisted of providing brief context sentences to prestimulate, or constrain, intended interpretations. Participants made no explicit associations or judgments about...
Delivery of Cancer Screening: How Important Is the Preventive Health Examination?

Background Patients and physicians strongly endorse the importance of preventive or periodic health examinations (PHEs). However, the extent to which PHEs contribute to the delivery of cancer screening is uncertain. Methods In a retrospective cohort study, we determined the association between receipt of a PHE and cancer testing in a population-based sample of enrollees in a Washington State health plan who were aged 52 to 78 years and eligible for colorectal, breast, or prostate cancer screening in 2002-2003 (N = 64 288). Outcomes included completion of any colorectal cancer testing (fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or barium enema), screening mammography, and prostate-specific antigen testing. Results More than half (52.4%) of the enrollees received a PHE during the study period. After adjusting for demographics, comorbidity, number of outpatient visits, and historical preventive service use before January 1, 2002, receipt of a PHE was significantly associated with completion of colorectal cancer testing (incidence difference, 40.4% [95% confidence interval (CI), 39.4%-41.3%]; relative incidence, 3.47 [95% CI, 3.34-3.59]), screening mammography [incidence difference, 14.2% [95% CI, 12.7%-15.7%]; relative incidence, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.20-1.25]), and prostate-specific antigen testing (incidence difference, 39.4% [95% CI, 38.3%-40.5%]; relative incidence, 3.06 [95% CI, 2.95-3.18]). Conclusions Among managed care enrollees eligible for cancer screening, PHE receipt is associated with completion of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer testing. In similar populations, the PHE may serve as a clinically important forum for the promotion of evidence-based colorectal cancer and breast cancer screening and of screening with relatively less empirical support, such as prostate cancer screening.
The Educational Impact of a Gantry Crane Project in an Undergraduate Controls Class

In the fall of 2001 we implemented a new controller design project in our Junior/Senior level controls class in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. The old project, which involved the identification and control of a “black box”, failed to challenge and motivate students. Our new project is the design of a controller for the point-to-point motion of a gantry crane system. Student teams modeled the gantry crane and developed a controller to meet several performance specifications. The designs were implemented in Simulink with MATLAB’s Real-Time Workshop. A competition served to further motivate the students. In the end we were very impressed with the great effort the students gave and the quality of their designs. Each group presented their design and most students stayed and asked questions for several hours.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Pulmonary response to nasal-challenge testing of atopic subjects with stable asthma

Nasal deposition of allergen or histamine could cause bronchoconstriction in subjects with asthma by a reflex mechanism. To investigate this possibility, six atopic subjects with stable asthma and five normal control subjects were studied by nasal-challenge testing with saline, Bermuda grass-pollen allergen, and histamine on paper disks. Challenges were done on 3 separate days by use of a double-blind, randomized trial design. Fivefold serial dilutions were used to determine threshold doses for provocation of at least a twofold increase in the postsaline nasal airway resistance. No patient developed cough or wheezing or required treatment at the end of the nasal-challenge tests, even when persistent sneezing was provoked or in the subject who had a dual nasal response to nasal challenge. In spite of changes in nasal airway resistance that generally conformed to expectations, there were no significant effects of nasal challenge on lung function, including forced expiratory flow rates, vital capacity, residual volume, and partial expiratory flow-volume curves.
Estimating response time hazard functions: an exposition and extension

Abstract The hazard function of a response time distribution describes the temporal dimension of a response process and completely characterizes the distribution. The function can be estimated by a quadratic spline which is constrained to have one of a number of simple functional forms. The estimator can also be employed when the response time is an unobserved component in a parallel or serial pair of processes.
Two-dimensional simulation of inductive-capacitive transition instability in an electronegative plasma

Plasma instabilities are observed in low-pressure inductive discharges in the transition between low density capacitively driven and high density inductively driven discharges when attaching gases are used. A two-dimensional hybrid fluid-analytic simulation is used to determine the space- and time-varying densities of electrons, positive and negative ions, and neutral species, and electron and neutral gas temperatures. The simulation includes both the capacitive and inductive coupling of the source coils to the plasma and the neutral gas dissociation and heating. The plasma is described using the time-dependent fluid equations, along with an analytical sheath model. The simulation is applied to an experiment in Cl2, in which gaps in the electron and positive ion densities versus power curves were observed, with our numerical results indicating the existence of an inductive–capacitive transition instability, corresponding approximately to the observed gaps. The fluid calculation captures various features that are not included in previous global instability models. A method is developed to match the numerical results to the global model formalism, which predicts the existence of the unstable mode, as numerically found. The time and space variations can be used to improve the global model formalism.
TEACHING STUDENTS TO READ A FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSUS LETTING THEM LEARN HOW

Author's Summary.— An adaptation of modern methods of learning to read the vernacular to the problem of learning to read a foreign language.
Peroxide production and peroxidase activity of sulfathiazole sensitive and resistant strain of Streptococcus mitis.

SummaryAerobically grown sulfathiazole resistant cells of S. mitts produced a much more active peroxidase than the parent sensitive cells. H2O2 was produced by both the resistant and sensitive cells but was destroyed in the resistant cell culture after the first few hours of growth. Suspensions of anaerobically grown resistant cells had no peroxidase activity until a heat stable extract of the aerobically grown cells was added. The peroxidase activity was not appreciably changed by variation of pH between 6 and 8, change in temperature for growth or for incubation with H2O2, nor by the presence of sulfathiazole, penicillin or dihydrostreptomycin.
Treatment of de Quervain's disease:role of conservative management.

This retrospective study compares two methods used to treat de Quervain's disease: splintage with oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroid injection. Patients were separated into three groups based on symptom severity: group I-minimal, group II-mild, and group III-moderate or severe. Three hundred and nineteen wrists in 300 patients were followed from one to six years. Fifteen of 17 patients with minimal symptoms were relieved with splintage and NSAIDs. However, only seven of 20 in Group II and two of eight in Group III treated similarly were relieved. Of the 249 patients in Group III treated with injections, 76% were completely relieved, 7% were improved, and 4% were not improved. We conclude that classification of patients' with de Quervain's disease based on their pre-treatment symptoms may assist surgeons in selecting the most efficacious treatment and in providing prognostic information to their patients.
Desipramine and 2-hydroxy-desipramine pharmacokinetics in normal volunteers

Disposition characteristics of desipramine and its metabolite, 2-hydroxy-desipramine, were determined in four healthy male volunteers following an oral 50 mg dose of desipramine. Nonlinear least-squares regression of concentration-time data indicated that parent drug disposition could be described by a one-compartment open pharmacokinetic model for two subjects and by a two-compartment model for two subjects. The early appearance of 2-hydroxy-desipramine and its high peak concentrations indicates that desipramine probably undergoes pre-systemic elimination partly through formation of 2-hydroxy-desipramine. The substantial production of 2-hydroxy-desipramine, as reflected by the area under its concentration-time curve which was 51% to 94% of that for desipramine, indicates that accumulation will occur following multiple dosing. As 2-hydroxy-desipramine may possess antidepressant activity, future studies designed to assess the therapeutic effect of desipramine should account for the presence of its pharmacologically active metabolite.
Mixed Methods Inquiry in Sociology

Sociology is a discipline in which the idea of a multi-method research design has held credence for many years, far before the term mixed methods research was coined. This article charts the implementation and framing of this approach over time to better understand the place and state of mixed methods research in the discipline today. Several recent applications of mixed method research by sociologists are highlighted to demonstrate the range of projects being conducted. There are challenges to further development of mixed methods inquiry within Sociology; however, the current epistemological base of the approach—pragmatism—promotes the merits of a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches and the discipline is better for it.
Laparotomy for the staging of Hodgkin's disease in children☆

Abstract A review of the technique and early results of laparotomy for staging in 20 children with Hodgkin's disease, including 18 without prior therapy, is presented. Laparotomy altered the clinical stage, either “upward” or “down-ward”, in one-half of the patients. This stage change resulted in major modifications in therapy. No patients have developed abdominal Hodgkin's disease subsequent to a negative (complete) staging laparotomy. The presence of Hodgkin's disease in spleen or lymph nodes at laparotomy is frequently impossible for the surgeon to recognize. Because of this, the routine biopsy of six abdominal nodal groups is recommended, regardless of gross appearance, in addition to splenectomy, multiple liver biopsies, and marrow biopsy. Lymphangiography has been of limited value in staging, particularly in smaller children. The unique disadvantages of radiotherapy and the unknown long-range effects of chemotherapy in the growing child make the laparotomy of greater importance in the staging of Hodgkin's disease in childhood than in the adult.
Voltage gating and anions, especially phosphate: a model system.

Abstract The voltage sensor of voltage gated sodium and potassium channels consists of four sets of transmembrane segments, of which one, called S4, contains at least four arginines; these are presumed to each carry positive charges. The channel opening is usually attributed to the outward (i.e., toward the extracellular side of the membrane) motion of S4. The evidence for this motion is based on certain experiments that appear to show differential access to parts of S4 from the intracellular and extracellular sides of the membrane in the open and closed states. A newly available structure [S.B. Long, E.B. Campbell and R. MacKinnon, Crystal structure of a mammalian voltage-dependent Shaker family K+ channel. Science 309 (2005) 897–903; S.B. Long, E.B. Campbell, R. MacKinnon, Voltage sensor of Kv1.2: structural basis of electromechanical coupling. Science 309 (2005) 903–908][1,2] has now been used to argue for a large scale motion, although, as a static structure, it is not conclusive. In this paper, we consider the effect of anions in the surrounding medium. Phosphate is present in the intracellular as well as the extracellular fluid, apparently at hundreds of micromolar concentration, or more. There is evidence in the literature suggesting that phosphate–arginine complexes are rather strong. In a recent calculation one of us [M.E. Green, A possible role for phosphate in complexing the arginines of S4 in voltage gated channels J. Theor. Biol. 233 (2005) 337–341][3] has shown that a model peptide with a 2:1 arg:phosphate complex should have a favorable geometry. Here, we present NMR evidence of the existence of phosphate complexes of a model peptide with two arginines separated by two hydrophobic residues, the same spacing as in S4 segments. The complexes (there are different complexes for HPO42− and for H2PO4− [3]) form with concentrations of peptide in the range of hundreds of micromolar, making it significant in the biological context. NMR spectra provide changes in chemical shift as functions of both phosphate concentration and pH. The resulting curves show titration of the phosphate, with its standard pK. Possible implications for other anion–S4 interactions, including ion pairs rather than complexes, as with Cl−, are also discussed.
Lymphocytic and Collagenous Colitis: Epidemiologic Differences and Similarities

Background It is unknown whether the subtypes of microscopic colitis (MC) represent distinct nosologic entities or related presentations of the same disease. Our aim was to search for epidemiologic differences among its various histopathologic subtypes.
A procedure to deliver herpes simplex virus to the murine trigeminal ganglion

Although initial herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections of the cornea are relatively easily treated, recurrent infections following reactivation of latent virus in the sensory ganglion cells are more difficult to treat. Untreated infections may result in severe consequences, including corneal scarring, glaucoma, and encephalitis. To develop such treatments, an experimental in vivo model was needed in which HSV can be applied directly to trigeminal ganglion cells. We have previously developed such a model to examine the mechanisms of HSV spread from trigeminal neurons to corneal epithelial cells. The current paper describes in detail the technical steps required for implementation of that model. Immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy have been used to validate the efficacy of the described procedures. This technique will be useful for future in vivo studies of neurotrophic viral infections of trigeminal ganglion cells.
T-cell receptor (TCR) interaction with peptides that mimic nickel offers insight into nickel contact allergy.

T cell-mediated allergy to Ni++ is one of the most common forms of allergic contact dermatitis, but how the T-cell receptor (TCR) recognizes Ni++ is unknown. We studied a TCR from an allergic patient that recognizes Ni++ bound to the MHCII molecule DR52c containing an unknown self-peptide. We identified mimotope peptides that can replace both the self-peptide and Ni++ in this ligand. They share a p7 lysine whose eNH2 group is surface-exposed when bound to DR52c. Whereas the TCR uses germ-line complementary-determining region (CDR)1/2 amino acids to dock in the conventional diagonal mode on the mimotope–DR52c complex, the interface is dominated by the TCR Vβ CDR3 interaction with the p7 lysine. Mutations in the TCR CDR loops have similar effects on the T-cell response to either the mimotope or Ni++ ligand. We suggest that the mimotope p7 lysine mimics Ni++ in the natural TCR ligand and that MHCII β-chain flexibility in the area around the peptide p7 position forms a common site for cation binding in metal allergies.
Recurrent ring dynamics in two-dimensional excitable cellular automata

The Greenberg-Hastings model (GHM) is a simple cellular automaton which emulates two properties of excitable media: excitation by contact and a refractory period. We study two ways in which external stimulation can make ring dynamics in the GHM recurrent. The first scheme involves the initial placement of excitation centres which gradually lose strength, i.e. each time they become inactive (and then stay inactive forever) with probability 1 - p f . In this case, the density of excited sites must go to 0; however, their long-term connectivity structure undergoes a phase transition as p f increases from 0 to 1. The second proposed rule utilizes continuous nucleation in that new rings are started at every rested site with probability p s . We show that, for small p s , these dynamics make a site excited about every p s -1/3 time units. This result yields some information about the asymptotic shape of a closely related random growth model.