cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemical microsensors based on smart surface-bound receptors

Cyclodextrin thin films were fabricated using either self- assembled monolayers (SAM) or sol-gel techniques. The resulting host receptor thin films on the substrates of surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators were studied as a method of tracking organic toxins in vapor phase. The mass loading of surface-attached host monolayers on SAW resonators gave frequency shifts corresponding to typical monolayer surface coverage for SAM methods and `multilayer' coverage for sol-gel techniques. Subsequent exposure of the coated SAW resonators to organic vapors at various concentrations, typically 500 parts per millions down to 100 parts per billions (ppb) by mole, gave responses indicating middle-ppb-sensitivity (approximately 50 ppb) for those sensor-host-receptors and organic-toxin pairs with optimum mutual matching of polarity, size, and structural properties.
Some comments on global linearization of nonlinear systems

It is shown that even in the case of a single input system on R 2 it will be rather difficult to find conditions sufficient to guarantee existence of a global linearization and that local conditions alone will definitely not be enough. A class of examples which is fairly typical and it is hoped useful is discussed.
Gastroesophageal fundoplication for reflux in infants and children

Abstract Fifteen infants and young children with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux underwent fundoplication during a 6 1 2 - yr period. Standard barium esophagrams clearly demonstrated reflux in only 10 of the 15 patients; however, cine esophagrams indicated reflux in the remaining patients. Esophagoscopy with mucosal biopsy demonstrated esophagitis in 9 of the 10 patients in whom it was performed, and it is a very helpful diagnostic procedure. Esophageal manometry showed low sphincter pressures in each of 7 patients. Fundoplication was performed when there was (1) persistent reflux after a 3-wk hospital course of vigorous medical management, (2) failure to gain weight, (3) malnutrition, (4) recurrent aspiration, (5) esophagitis, or (6) stricture. Concomitant gastrostomy prevented the gas bloat syndrome in all patients. All strictures were successfully relieved by postoperative dilatation (average four per patient). Esophageal replacement is rarely indicated for strictures due to reflux in children. No deaths or major complications occurred following operation. Each of the patients has been relieved of clinical reflux, and each has gained weight more rapidly than preoperatively. Follow-up esophagrams on each of the patients show absence of reflux, and manometry shows the low esophageal sphincter pressure to be increased an average of 10 mm Hg above preoperative values. Since the results of Nissen fundoplication to correct reflux in infants and young children are highly satisfactory, and since the consequences of persistent reflux may be severe, a fairly aggressive approach should be taken in the management of symptomatic reflux.
Subcellular localization of enterokinase (enteropeptidase EC 3.4.21.9) in rat small intestine.

Abstract The subcellular localization of enterokinase is controversial. In this study, enterokinase was extracted from a soluble fraction and a brush border fraction of rat small intestine by differential centrifugation. The soluble fraction contained 41% of the initial enterokinase activity while the brush border fraction contained only 4.6% of the initial activity. In contrast, alkaline phosphatase monitored as a brush border marker, yielded 26.3 in the brush border fraction and only 6% in the soluble fraction. Further separation of the soluble fraction on a Sepharose 4B column revealed three peaks of enterokinase activity. One small peak (3%) of a bound enzyme ( M r , 2·10 −6 ) and two larger peaks of free enzyme ( M r , 3·10 5 and 9·10 5 ). In contrast, alkaline phosphatase major fraction was in a high molecular weight peak of bound enzyme. When the brush border fraction was chromatographed only a single peak of bound enterokinase and alkaline phosphatase were found. In the lower part of the small intestine, no brush border-bound enterokinase was found, while the peak of alkaline phosphatase was the same as in the upper intestine. These data suggest that enterokinase activity in the rat intestine is mainly in a free form localized in the mucin and soluble fraction and to a negligible extent in the brush border.
Aneurysmal bone cyst of the zygomatic arch.

Background: Aneurysmal bone cysts are rare vascular lesions that are most commonly found in the long bones. They are rare in the head and neck. Only two prior cases of aneurysmal bone cysts of the zygoma have been reported in the world literature. Results: We report a case of aneurysmal bone cyst arising in the zygomatic arch with intracranial extension treated with selective arterial embolization and complete excision via an infratemporal fossa approach. This is the first such case reported in the head and neck surgery literature. Conclusions: Selected cases of aneurysmal bone cyst may be safely treated with selective arterial embolization and complete resection.
On the Dissociation of Aromatic Radical Anions in Solution. 1. Formulation and Application to p-Cyanochlorobenzene Radical Anion

A theoretical formulation is presented for the dissociation of aromatic radical anions in solution, [Ar−X]•- → Ar• + X-, and applied to the dissociation of the p-cyanochlorobenzene radical anion [CN−Φ−Cl]•- in several solvents. Key ingredients of the description are (i) the inclusion of the conical intersection (CI) aspects of the problem and (ii) the incorporation of nonequilibrium solvation (within a dielectric continuum solvent description). The CI feature is critical for this cleavage in the ground electronic state, because the required electronic coupling that allows the dissociation vanishes for a planar molecular geometry but is finite for finite C−Cl bending angle. The nonequilibrium solvation aspect is required, because of the inability of the solvent to equilibrate instantly to the changing molecular charge distribution during the radical anion dissociation process. These features are illustrated via the [CN−Φ−Cl]•- dissociation reaction path in a dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent, where C−Cl out-...
Polarization aberrations in optical systems

This paper examines the polarization aberrations in optical systems of isotropic radially symmetric weak polarizers in the paraxial approximation. Optical systems which fit this description are composed of uncoated and coated lenses and mirrors. Polarization aberrations are variations in phase, amplitude, and polarization state of the electromagnetic field across the exit pupil. Some are dependent on the incident polarization state and some are not. Expressions through fourth order for phase, amplitude, linear polarization, and linear retardance aberrations are derived in terms of the chief and marginal ray angles of incidence and Taylor series expansion coefficients of the Fresnel equations for reflection and transmission at interfaces.
Ethanol inhibits Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone release from the median eminence of prepubertal female rats in vitro : investigation of its actions on norepinephrine and prostaglandin-E2

Recently, we have provided evidence that suggests that ethanol (ETOH) acts at the hypothalamic level to cause depressed serum LH levels and delay the onset of puberty in the female rat; however, the mechanism of this action is unknown. Thus, we evaluated the in vitro effects of ETOH on basal and stimulated LHRH and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion from the median eminence (ME) of prepubertal female rats. Brains were removed, and MEs dissected under a stereomicroscope, rinsed, and preincubated in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate glucose buffer in an atmosphere of 95% O2-5% CO2 for 15 min. These media were discarded, and individual MEs were subjected to one of the following three experiments. In the first experiment, all MEs were incubated for 30 min in medium only. The media were collected and replaced in the control vials, again with medium only, or in the test vials with medium containing ETOH in doses from 15-70 mM. After this 60-min incubation, the media again were collected, then replaced with the respective control or test medium, each containing norepinephrine (NE; 60 microM). Another experiment was conducted as described above, except that the MEs were challenged with PGE2 (2.8 microM) in place of NE. In both experiments the amount of LHRH released into these media was measured by RIA. In a third experiment, NE was used for the challenge; however, this time the amount of PGE2 released was measured by RIA. Our results indicate that ETOH did not alter basal LHRH release but, compared with controls, significantly blocked NE-induced LHRH release in a dose-related manner. Conversely, ETOH had no effect on the PGE2-induced release of LHRH. Additionally, ETOH did not alter basal PGE2 release; however, it significantly blocked the NE-induced release of PGE2. We know that stimulation of LHRH release by NE is mediated by PGE2. Thus, these results suggest that the inhibitory effect of ETOH on LH release in the prepubertal female rat is due, at least in part, to the diminished secretion of LHRH resulting from altered PGE2 release from within the ME.
A transmission electron microscopy investigation of the R3m → R3c phase transition in Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics

Abstract A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study was performed on Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 compositions within the R3m → R3c phase region. The low temperature phase is owing to a displacive phase transition involving oxygen octahedral tilts. The associated superlattice reflections as a result of the tilt are detectable by electron diffraction. Dark Field diffraction contrast imaging of the superlattice reflections reveals antiphase boundaries (APB) associated with the octahedral tilt domains. Interaction between the octahedral tilt antiphase boundaries and the ferroelectric domain structures of the R3c phase is studied and discussed.
Prediction of pH in natural hydrothermal fluids at elevated P-T conditions

Abstract The pH of fluids at elevated temperature–pressure conditions are routinely calculated from fluid compositions measured in the laboratory. Numerical errors, uncertainties in thermodynamic data, and analytical errors can affect these computed values. An analysis of pH values computed at elevated temperature and pressure conditions for natural fluids reveals that the amount of error in computed pH values can be, but is not always, dependent on fluid composition. Not all reactions occurring in a fluid affect computed pH values. Therefore, inadequacies in the thermodynamic properties of a species may affect computed pH values in some fluid compositions but not others. When a single reaction controls the production/consumption of H + , the amount by which the pH changes as a function of temperature and pressure is independent of the measured pH. However, when two or more reactions produce/consume sufficient H + to change the pH, the amount by which the pH changes as a function of temperature and pressure is dependent on the measured pH. Uncertainties in the measured pH are magnified as temperature and pressure increase for some fluid compositions, while the uncertainty decreases in others. When small uncertainties in the measured pH are magnified, the activities of aqueous species calculated at elevated temperature and pressure conditions cannot be used to predict fluid–mineral equilibria.
New Characterizations of Quasi-Unmixed, Unmixed, and Macaulay Local Domains*

Abstract Characterizations of when a local domain (R, M) is quasi-unmixed, unmixed, and Macaulay are given in terms of properties of the ideal K = (b0X1 − b1,…,b0Xn − bn)R(X1,…,Xn), where b0,b1,…,bn are a system of parameters in R. Then it is shown that R is Macaulay if and only if R is quasi-unmixed and there exists a depth one integrally closed ideal of the principal class in R(X1,…,Xn).
Ultrasound of the Equine Acute Abdomen

Abdominal ultrasound is an invaluable aid in the evaluation of the colic patient but can be heavily influenced by patient preparation, individual horse-to-horse variation, availability of ultrasound transducers, technique, experience level of the examiner, and complexity of the abdominal disorder. This article describes ultrasonographic anatomy of the normal equine abdomen and technique for examination of the equine colic patient. Common abnormalities of the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and peritoneal cavity are described along with other abnormalities that may be discovered with abdominal ultrasonography of the colic patient, such as masses, urolithiasis, cholelithiasis, and thoracic or cardiac lesions.
Effect of stresses on the ultrasonic pulse velocity in concrete

Since the stress-strain curve of a concrete is not linear, at least under the first loading, one would expect that the presence of stresses would reduce the velocity of ultrasonic pulses in the concrete. The experimental investigation of this expectation is the topic of this paper. Mature concrete cylinders of different compositions were subjected to various types of compression loading (gradually increasing load, repeated loading, etc.), and pulse velocities were measured in various manners (with different frequencies and various paths) both in the loaded and unloaded states. The experimental results clearly indicate that the pulse velocity in concrete is independent of the stress level to a surprisingly large extent, that is, up to about 70% of the compressive strength. This means, in practical terms, that stresses prevailing in the concrete of a structure do not have to be taken into account when pulse velocity data are used for the evaluation of the quality of concrete.
Translating corporate social performance into financial performance: exploring the moderating role of high-performance work practices

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of high-performance work practices (HPWPs) in helping to translate corporate social performance (CSP) into corporate financial performance (CFP). We employ arguments from the behavioral view of human resource management to highlight the vertical connection between a firm's proclivity for CSP and the management practices it adopts. Furthermore, we examine the moderating influence of HPWPs on the CSP–CFP linkage. Results suggest that HPWPs moderate the relationship between CSP and financial outcomes, and suggest that human resource practices may play an important role in enhancing a positive CSP–CFP relationship by helping to vertically align the behaviors of employees with the values and orientation of the organization.
Probabilistic nonadaptive group testing in the presence of errors and DNA library screening

We use the subset containment relation to construct a probabilistic nonadaptive group testing design and decoding algorithm that, in the presence of testing errors, identifies many positives in a population. We give a lower bound for the expected portion of positives identified as a function of an upper bound on the number of testing errors.
Herpesvirus infection of human mesodermal tissue (cornea) detected by electron microscopy.

Herpesvirus hominis (herpes simplex virus) usually infects tissues of ectodermal origin, particularly skin, mucous membranes and the central nervous system. Viral replication has been observed in mesodermal cells (principally leucocytes) in experimentally infected rabbits1 and mice2 and in tissue cultures of human leucocytes3 and embryonic fibroblasts4. There has been little evidence, however, that infection of mesodermal cells plays a part in primary or recurrent human infections.
Clinical significance of obstructive defecatory symptoms in women with pelvic organ prolapse

Abstract Objective To determine whether the presence of obstructive defecatory symptoms is associated with the site and severity of pelvic organ prolapse. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed of women with pelvic organ prolapse of grade 2 or greater who had completed a validated questionnaire that surveyed pelvic floor symptoms. Associations between patient characteristics, site and severity of prolapse, and obstructive bowel symptoms were investigated. Results Among 260 women with pelvic organ prolapse, women with posterior vaginal wall prolapse were more likely to report obstructive symptoms, such as incomplete emptying (41% vs 21%, P = 0.003), straining at defecation (39% vs 19%, P = 0.002), and splinting with defecation (36% vs 14%, P Conclusions Obstructive bowel symptoms are significantly associated with the presence of posterior vaginal wall prolapse, but not with the severity of prolapse.
Isolated Lymphoid Follicles Can Function as Sites for Induction of Mucosal Immune Responses

Isolated lymphoid follicles (ILFs) are organized lymphoid structures in the small intestine. ILFs were recently identified in the murine small intestine; however, the function of ILFs is unknown. To better understand ILFs and the role they play in the intestinal immune response, we have examined the composition of ILFs, the factors that are involved in the genesis of ILFs, and the ability of ILFs to support antigen-specific immunoglobulin production. We found that ILFs contain predominantly B-2 B lymphocytes, and CD4(+) TCRbeta(+) T lymphocytes. Similar to the formation of Peyer's patches (PPs), lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTbetaR)-dependent events are required for ILF formation; however, the timing of these events and the cellular source of LT differ. ILF formation can occur de novo in response to luminal stimuli and requires LT-sufficient B lymphocytes and TNF receptor I function for full maturation. The epithelium over ILFs resembles the PP follicle-associated epithelium, as M cells are present and pathogens such as Yersinia can be bound and taken up into the underlying follicle. Total fecal IgA production is not augmented in animals possessing ILFs; however, the production of antigen-specific IgA is increased in animals possessing ILFs orally challenged with Salmonella typhimurium. Similar to PPs, ILFs can support antigen-specific IgA production following oral immunization. These findings support the concept that ILFs are formed in response to mucosal challenges, and may play a physiological role in the production of antigen-specific intestinal IgA.
Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate in water.

Nitrate (NO(3)(-)) contamination of groundwater is a common problem throughout intensive agricultural areas (nonpoint source pollution). Current processes (e.g., ion exchange, membrane separation) for NO(3)(-) removal have various disadvantages. The objective of this study was to evaluate an electrocatalytic reduction process to selectively remove NO(3)(-) from groundwater associated with small agricultural communities. A commercially available ELAT (E-Tek Inc., Natick, MA) carbon cloth with a 30% surface coated Rh (rhodium) (1microg x cm(-1)) was tested at an applied potential of -1.5 V versus standard calomel electrode (SCE) with a Pt auxiliary electrode. Electrocatalytic reduction process (electrolysis) of NO(3)(-) was tested with cyclic voltammetry (CV) in samples containing NO(3)(-) and 0.1M NaClO(4)(-). Nitrate and NO(2)(-) concentrations in test solutions and groundwater samples were analyzed by ion chromatography (IC). The presence of Rh on the carbon cloth surface resulted in current increase of 36% over uncoated carbon cloths. The electrocatalysis experiments using Rh coated carbon cloth resulted in reduction of NO(3)(-) and NO(2)(-) on a timescale of minutes. Nitrite is produced as a product, but is rapidly consumed upon further electrolysis. Field groundwater samples subjected to electrocatalysis experiments, without the addition of NaClO(4)(-) electrolyte, also exhibited removal of NO(3)(-) on a timescale of minutes. Overall, results suggest that at an applied potential of -1.5 V with respect to SCE, Rh coated carbon cloth can reduce NO(3)(-) concentrations in field groundwater samples from 73 to 39 mg/L (16.58 to 8.82 mg/L as N) on a timescale range of 40-60 min. The electrocatalytic reduction process described in this study may prove useful for removing NO(3)(-) and NO(2)(-) from groundwater associated with nonpoint source pollution.
Microassay for proteolytic enzymes using a new radioactive anilide substrate.

Abstract The synthesis of benzoyl- dl -arginine [ 3 H]anilide hydrochloride is described and it is shown to be a sensitive substrate for papain and trypsin. The virtual stability of the radioactive anilide to spontaneous hydrolysis serves to assay submicrograms of both trypsin and papain. Rates as low as 16 pmoles of anilide hydrolyzed per minute can be measured when used in a continuous radioactive assay.
Investigating clandestine drug laboratories: Adverse medical effects in law enforcement personnel

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among an international group of 46 law enforcement chemists and 13 Washington State clandestine drug laboratory investigation team members with more than 2,800 combined investigations. Each participant completed a questionnaire concerning previous drug laboratory investigations and adverse health effects during response activities. Methamphetamine laboratories accounted for 81-97% of all responses. Total illness incident rates varied between 0.75-3.4% of responses. Most exposures were through inhalation, and many occurred in the years prior to use of personal protective equipment. Symptoms were primarily those of headache and respiratory, mucous membrane, and skin irritation. Most illness episodes occurred during the processing phase of laboratory responses, and none occurred during the entry phase. A majority of illness episodes occurred in laboratories with leak/spills, fire/explosion, or uncontrolled reactions. Responding to an active laboratory was associated with a 7 to 15-fold risk of becoming ill as compared with setup, in-transit, or former (equipment removed) laboratory responses. No other laboratories characteristics were consistently associated with a significantly elevated relative risk of adverse health effects.
Observations on the multiphase equilibria behavior of CO2-rich and ethane-rich mixtures

Abstract Experimental studies of binary mixtures of ethane and hydrocarbons such as the homologous series of n-paraffins or n-alkylbenzenes yield multiphase equilibria locus patterns that are apparently different from those found for binary mixtures of CO2 and (the same) hydrocarbons. These differences in thermodynamic phase-space behavior are discussed and shown to be consistent with a common liquid—liquid—vapor phase-space topography encompassing both the CO2-rich and ethane-rich systems. Examination of the topography provides estimates of immiscibility limits for these homologous series of binary mixtures.
Barbarians at the Box Office: 300 and Signs as Huntingtonian Narratives

[The world] is a dangerous place, in which large numbers of people resent our wealth, power, and culture, and vigorously oppose our efforts to persuade or coerce them to accept our values of human ...
High energy density, thin-film, rechargeable lithium batteries for marine field operations

Abstract All solid state, thin-film batteries with the cell configuration of VOx/block copolymer electrolyte/Li have been designed, constructed, and tested. The additive-free (no carbon, no binder) cathode consisted of a dense film of vanadium oxide (∼200 nm thick), deposited on aluminum foil and prepared by laser assisted vapor deposition of vanadium metal in an oxygen atmosphere of controlled chemical potential. The electrolyte was a block copolymer of poly[oligo(oxy-ethylene) methacrylate]-b-poly-(methyl methacrylate) [hence forth denoted as POEM-b-PMMA] containing LiCF3SO3. The anode was metallic lithium. At room temperature, cathode capacities of ∼395 mAh/g were measured at a current rate of 0.5C (C=400 mA/g) over an operating voltage ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 V. The cathode proved to be resistant to capacity fade as evidenced by the small loss of discharge capacity during the extended cycling (over 200 cycles). It was possible to draw substantial currents. Routine testing was conducted at 0.5C; however, discharge rates as high as 1.6C were achieved. Based upon these results, cells designed with these materials in optimal dimensions are projected to have energy densities exceeding ∼350 Wh/kg and power densities exceeding 560 W/kg at 1.6C.
Luminosities and temperatures of M dwarf stars from infrared photometry.

Bolometric magnitudes for a large number of M type dwarf stars, obtained by broadband infrared photometry at 1.65, 2.2, and 3.5 microns, are reviewed. The data obtained indicate that one parameter is sufficient to describe the blanketing in all of the UBVRI bands for all types of M dwarfs. In general, late M dwarfs seem to have lower effective temperatures than are predicted by theoretical models.
The lattice spacings of close-packed hexagonal Au-In, Au-Cd, and Au-Hg alloys

Abstract The lattice spacings of close-packed hexagonal gold-rich phases in the systems Au-In, Au-Cd, and Au-Hg have been determined as a function of composition and electron: atom ratio, using quenched alloys, X-ray powder methods, and Geiger counter diffractometry. The results show that an increase in the number of electrons per atom does not affect the axial ratio in Au-Hg alloys, and leads to a slight decrease of axial ratio in Au-Cd alloys and a considerable decrease with a change of slope in Au-In alloys. The changes in Au-In alloys have been verified at temperatures of liquid nitrogen and liquid helium. These phenomena may be interpreted in terms of interactions of the Fermi sphere with the appropriate Brillouin Zone faces both before contact with them and after overlaps.
Intravascular microaggregation and in vitro platelet aggregation in coronary artery disease

To investigate in vivo and in vitro microaggregation in coronary artery disease, we obtained blood samples from the coronary sinus (CS), pulmonary artery (PA), and aorta (AO) in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. An electronic particle size analyzer was used to quantify microaggregates 13 to 81 mu in diameter in blood. In the first group of 58 patients, preformed circulating microaggregates and platelet responsiveness to ADP were assessed in AO and PA blood only. The coronary artery disease patients did not have significantly higher volumes of preformed in vivo aggregates in either AO or PA blood. However, the mean aggregate size in response to 0.2 microM ADP in vitro was larger in both AO and PA blood in patients with coronary disease [12.4 +/- 0.9 vs. 9.4 +/- 1.4 X 10(3) mu3 (AO); 12.5 +/- 0.9 vs. 8.3 +/- 0.7 0.7 X 10(3) mu3 (PA)]. In a second group of 46 patients, CS, AO and PA samples were compared using the same methods. The volume of microaggregates preformed in vivo was significantly greater in CS blood than in PA or AO blood in patients with and without coronary disease. The volume and mean size of aggregates induced by ADP in vitro were smaller in CS blood compared to PA. In conclusion, the volume of in vivo microaggregates is increased in CS blood, independent of coronary disease, but significant volumes are not found in PA or AO blood. Patients with coronary disease have more reactive platelets to in vitro aggregatory agents in AO and PA samples of similar hematocrit.
Medium volume and the survival of Serratia marcescens.

Summary Experiments were designed to test the null hypothesis that volume of agar medium in 100 mm Petri dishes has no influence on the colony count of the facultative organism, Serratia marcescens. With a constant inoculum in 9, 12, 15 and 18 ml volume of medium the surface counts were statistically equivalent, but the subsurface counts increased as a direct function of volume variation. Over the range studied, at the P= 0.95 level, the null hypothesis was accepted for surface colony counts but was rejected for subsurface colony counts.
A Quasi-Linear Model of the Combined Wind-Driven and ThermohalineCirculations in a Rectangular β-Plane Ocean

Abstract Three-dimensional temperature and velocity fields are calculated analytically for a rectangular β-planeocean model, forced by a prescribed wind stress and surface heat flux.A basic thermal state involving a balance of lateral and vertical heat diffusion is assumed. There is a netheating applied at the top, balanced by a heat diffusion out through the polar boundary; this diffusion may represent the heat lost in the formation of deep water. The wind stress is chosen such that two completemass transport gyres ( a tropical and a subtropical gyre) are generated. Effects of nonlinear heat advectionare calculated by a perturbation method. The results can be summarized as follows: The basic (zero-order) temperature field gives a rough overall representation of the oceanic thermocline.Associated with this field there is a baroclinic eastward flow in the upper part, with a westward return flowbelow. This circulation is closed through thin up- and downwelling layers at the sides as described by Hidakaand b...
Cinacalcet should not be used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease.

In the first of two opposing Viewpoints, Daniel W Coyne questions the use of cinacalcet to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in non-dialysis-dependent patients with chronic kidney disease. He highlights the absence of FDA approval and the lack of published data for cinacalcet in this setting. Cinacalcet does not, he argues, address a universal pathophysiologic feature of secondary hyperparathyroidism; in addition, it has considerable adverse effects.
Star gazing: A socio‐cultural approach to the study of dreaming about media figures

Questionnaires and dream reports of 241 respondents were analyzed for the presence of media figures in their dreams. The findings suggest that we do not enter television scripts in our dreams, but incorporate media figures into our own life scripts. In their dreams respondents indicate the status of the media figure is altered as they appear as friends, collaborators or associates rather than in their role as celebrity. Dreams and mass media are parallel imaginary social worlds that sometimes crisscross, but are not so interrelated or intertwined that media becomes a predominant force within the individual's dream world.
Institutionalization and Response Maintenance in Organizational Behavior Management

Abstract A review of the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management(1991–2002) was conducted to determine to what extent researchers in OBM programmed for “institutionalization” of applied interventions. Criteria for the term “institutionalization” were derived from McSween and Matthews (2001), and Grindle, Dickinson, and Boettcher (2000). Four dependent measures of institutionalization were developed that addressed the extent to which internal staff was involved in the design of the intervention, whether in-house employees were trained in implementing any component of the intervention, and whether interventions incorporated formal systems of collecting data or dispensing consequences that were overseen by internal personnel. Data on intervention effectiveness and maintenance of intervention effects were collected. Results indicated that the majority of interventions incorporated at least one institutionalization element, and that the average study incorporated two institutionalization elements. A stat...
Rapid chloroplast segregation and recombination of mitochondrial DNA in Brassica cybrids

Brassica cybrids were obtained after fusing protoplasts of fertile and cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) B. napus lines carrying the original b. napus, and the Ogura Raphanus sativus cytoplasms, respectively. Iodoacetate treatment of the fertile line and X-irradiation of the CMS line prevented colony formation from the parental protoplasts. Colony formation, however, was obtained after protoplast fusion. Hybrid cytoplasm formation was studied in 0.5 g to 5.0 g calli grown from a fused protoplast after an estimated 19 to 22 cell divisions. Chloroplasts and mitochondria were identified in the calli by hybridizing appropriate DNA probes to total cellular DNA. Out of the 42 clones studied 37 were confirmed as cybrids. Chloroplast segregation was complete at the time of the study. Chloroplasts in all of the cybrid clones were found to derive from the fertile parent. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) segregation was complete in some but not all of the clones. In the cybrids, mtDNA was different from the parental plants. Physical mapping revealed recombination in a region which is not normally involved in the formation of subgenomic mtDNA circles. The role of treatments used to facilitate the recovery of cybrids, and of organelle compatibility in hybrid cytoplasm formation is discussed.
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CANDIDA ALBICANS AND CANDIDA PARAPSILOSIS INFECTION IN NEONATES 1771

RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CANDIDA ALBICANS AND CANDIDA PARAPSILOSIS INFECTION IN NEONATES 1771
Identification and simulation of antenna dynamics

The application of operational analog computers to simulate the dynamic behavior of an antenna is dis cussed. The structural model used is developed from modal as well as nodal equations. The model repre senting motor and control systems is derived from typical drive and control-system equations. The simulation is deliberately more detailed than neces sary in order to establish the effects of parameters that usually are neglected as higher-order effects. The validity of the simulation is achieved by com paring computer results with experimental results. The difficulties encountered in calculating adequate input data and correlating analytical and experimental results are noted.
Prospective study of morbidity associated with snakebite envenomation.

Background: The morbidity associated with snakebite envenomation has not been well documented.Method: Using a standardized questionnaire all patients with snakebite reported to a regional poison center during the year 2001 were followed after hospital discharge by telephone until resolution of symptoms.Results: One hundred and twenty-eight snakebite cases were reported, of which 16 (12.5%) were lost to follow-up and 31 (24.2%) reported no progression of symptoms beyond puncture and were deemed “dry bites.” Eighty-one (63.3%) patients were followed for the duration of symptoms. Age ranged from 1 to 86 years with a mean of 32 years. There were 64 males (79%). The snakes were identified as copperhead (n=57), unidentified venomous (n=17), timber rattlesnake (n=6), and cottonmouth (n=1). All patients were initially evaluated in a hospital emergency department of which 51 were admitted. Nine patients received antivenin. Of the 37 patients who had a job, 33 lost a mean of 14 days of work (SD±18.1). Mean duration...
Typifying developmental trajectories - a decision making perspective

Developmental trajectories are defined as curves of repeated observations. Individuals may differ in the starting point, the degree of acceleration or deceleration, the timing of acceleration or deceleration, overall shape, elevation, and scatter of curves. This article discusses methods for typifying developmental trajectories. Two groups of methods are considered. The first group involves assigning individuals to a priori existing trajectories and counting the number of individuals that reflect natural groupings of trajectories based on categorical classifications, using Configural Frequency Analysis (CFA). The second method involves employing methods of cluster analysis. When selecting a method of cluster analysis, the following ten cluster characteristics need to be considered: (1) disjoint vs. overlapping clusters; (2) hierarchical vs. non-hierarchical clustering; (3) agglomerative vs. divisive clustering; (4) exhaustive vs. selective classification; (5) stochastic vs. deterministic clustering; (6) clustering based on correlation vs. distance measure; (7) convex vs. non convex clusters; (8) clustering based on symmetric vs. asymmetric measure; (9) monothetic vs. polythetic classification, and (10) manifest versus latent variable clustering. A review of clustering methods is presented using examples to demonstrate the pros and cons of each method. Discriminant analysis and logistic regression are discussed as methods for subsequent analysis of groupings. Examples are presented using artificial data and empirical data on the development of cigarette smoking in male adolescents.
Methodological issues in clinical trials of opioids for chronic pain

Clinical trials of opioid analgesics for chronic pain are recognized to frequently fail to distinguish the analgesic effect from placebo, despite known efficacy of the drug. This paper reviews the methodologic features of such trials that may be associated with risk of failure. A literature search yielded 23 randomized placebo-controlled studies of opioids with at least one week of continuous treatment; contacting pharmaceutical companies yielded six additional studies. A classification system and standard terminology were developed for describing the methodologic features of these trials. The methodologic features that appeared to augur well for success of the trials were slow titration of medications, flexible dosing, minimizing concomitant and rescue analgesics, homogeneous samples, particularly in terms of opioid use upon entry, fewer study sites (for the same sample size), and including as much data as possible in statistical analyses. Study designs that lead to high dropout rates lack internal validity, unless dropout is the intended endpoint of the trial. Opioid analgesics should be studied in a manner that is clincally relevant, and that supports internal validity. More systematic attention is needed to clinical research methodology.
Erosion of tephra from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens

Erosion of tephra on hillslopes north of Mount St. Helens was measured at intervals of several months between 1980 and 1983 using large arrays of stakes. Rill erosion was initially greater than sheetwash, but its importance decreased comparatively quickly. Both rill erosion and sheetwash decreased by one to two orders of magnitude over the three-year period, because a stable rill network developed and more permeable and less erodible substrates were created or exposed. The decrease occurred prior to recovery of plants. The causes for the rapid decline in erosion at Mount St. Helens explain patterns of erosion following several other recent tephra eruptions. Basin-wide annual rates of erosion were computed by mapping the surface cover, the hillslope gradient, and the texture and thickness of tephra and by using statistical relations developed between them and erosion rates. Annual erosion decreased from 26 mm between May 1980 and May 1981 to 1.8 mm between May 1982 and May 1983. Projecting this rate of decline into the future indicated that only about one-sixth of the tephra on hillslopes will be removed by water erosion before soil creep and other forms of mass wasting again dominate hillslope evolution.
Note on Radio-Frequency Transformer Coupled Circuit Theory

Equations considering the effects of output and distributed capacities and primary resistance are developed for radio-frequency transformer-coupled amplifiers using either a tuned or an untuned primary. These equations are transformed to such a form that they may be compared with the well-known equations derived for an untuned primary neglecting the output and distributed capacities. The equations for an untuned primary are verified experimentally. It is shown that the amplification obtainable with a tube and a transformer having an untuned primary may be made nearly uniform over a frequency range such as that covered by the broadcast band by adding resistance to the primary to reduce the high-frequency amplification. It is also shown that the addition of primary resistance reduces the selectivity approximately the same percentage as it reduces the amplification. The selectivity of a stage with a tuned primary is found to be approximately the square of the selectivity of a stage with an untuned primary.
Pin1 in Alzheimer’s disease: multiple substrates, one regulatory mechanism?

Abstract Presence of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain are two neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the molecular basis of their coexistence remains elusive. The neurofibrillary tangles are composed of microtubule binding protein Tau, whereas neuritic plaques consist of amyloid-β peptides derived from amyloid precursor protein (APP). Recently, the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase Pin1 has been identified to regulate the function of certain proteins after phosphorylation and to play an important role in cell cycle regulation and cancer development. New data indicate that Pin1 also regulates the function and processing of Tau and APP, respectively, and is important for protecting against age-dependent neurodegeneration. Furthermore, Pin1 is the only gene known so far that, when deleted in mice, can cause both Tau and Aβ-related pathologies in an age-dependent manner, resembling many aspects of human Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, in the human AD brain Pin1 is downregulated or inhibited by oxidative modifications and/or genetic changes. These results suggest that Pin1 deregulation may provide a link between formation of tangles and plaques in AD.
Distance and exposure dependent effective dielectric function.

In an effort to develop a dielectric screening function for molecular dynamics simulations of biomolecules in implicit solvent, effective dielectric constants (D(eff)) for a large number of atom pairs in a typical globular protein are calculated by continuum electrostatics. Plots of D(eff) versus the intercharge distance are in general sigmoidal with the characteristics of the curve depending on the distance of the two charges from the dielectric boundary and, secondarily, on the extent to which the area surrounding each charge is occupied by solvent (the "exposure"). The D(eff) values were fitted to an empirical, analytical function of these parameters that reproduces the data reasonably well, although considerable scatter exists in the range of D(eff) from 30 to 80. In the system used for parameterization, the mean square deviation of electrostatic interaction energies with this function is 0.48 kcal/mol, compared to 1.45 for an analytical Generalized Born model and 1.52 for the linear distance-dependent dielectric model. When tested in other proteins of varying size and compactness, the present function is superior to both of the above models, except for a fully unfolded polypeptide chain, where the Generalized Born model is superior.
A comparison of calculations and measurements of the field harmonics as a function of current in the SSC dipole magnets

The effects of iron saturation on field harmonics are examined. The field harmonics change due to the persistent current in the superconducting wires and the deformation of the coil shape because of Lorentz forces. A discussion is presented of the variation in the sextupole harmonics with current and an explanation is given of the differences between the calculations and measurements. Also discussed are the skew quadrupole harmonic at high field in the long dipole magnets. >
Circulation measurements and vortical structure in an inlet-vortex flow field

An investigation has been conducted of the three-dimensional flow associated with the inlet-vortex phenomenon. Quantitative measurements were made of inlet– and trailing-vortex circulation and position. Flow visualization was used to obtain information on the overall structure of the vorticity field. It is shown that the inlet vortex and the trailing vortex have essentially equal and opposite circulation. In addition, the production of vorticity, due to vortex stretching, is the mechanism by which both of these are maintained. A limited parametric study was also conducted to define the circulation and position (in the inlet) of the inlet vortex, for parameters of practical engineering interest.
Governance, Security and Culture: Assessing Africa’s Youth Bulge

Although Africa has a youth-dominated population, African government policies are often not youth-centered and African governments and their international supporters are frequently under-informed about the priorities of most youth. Reliance on the “youth bulge and instability thesis” leads to distorted assessments of everyday realities. Examination of the lives, priorities, and cultural contexts of African youth, and the cases of youth in Rwanda and Burundi in particular, shows that the nature of relations between the state and massive populations of young, marginalized, and alienated citizens directly impacts the governance, security, and development prospects of African nations.
Changes in population and agricultural land in conterminous United States counties, 1790 to 1997

[1] We have developed a data set of changes in population and agricultural land for the conterminous United States at the county level, resulting in more spatial detail than in previously available compilations. The purpose was to provide data on the timing of land conversion as an input to dynamic models of the carbon cycle, although a wide variety of applications exist for the physical, biological, and social sciences. The spatial data represent the appropriate county boundaries for each census year between 1790 and 1997, and the census attributes are attached to the appropriate spatial region. The resulting time series and maps show the history of population (1790–1990) and the history of agricultural development (1850–1997). The patterns of agricultural development reflect the influences of climate, soil productivity, increases in population size, variations in the general economy, and technological changes in the energy, transportation, and agricultural sectors.