cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potential insight for drug discovery from high fidelity receptor-mediated transduction mechanisms in insects.

Introduction: There is a pervasive and growing concern about the small number of new pharmaceutical agents. There are many proposed explanations for this trend that do not involve the drug-discovery process per se, but the discovery process itself has also come under scrutiny. If the current paradigms are indeed not working, where are novel ideas to come from? Perhaps it is time to look to novel sources. Areas covered: The receptor-signaling and second-messenger transduction processes present in insects are quite similar to those in mammals (involving G proteins, ion channels, etc.). However, a review of these systems reveals an unprecedented degree of high potency and receptor selectivity to an extent greater than that modeled in most current drug-discovery approaches. Expert opinion: A better understanding of insect receptor pharmacology could stimulate novel theoretical and practical ideas in mammalian pharmacology (drug discovery) and, conversely, the application of pharmacology and medicinal chemistr...
Nanostructural Anisotropy Underlies Anisotropic Electrical Bistability

Regular arrays of nanorods having asymmetric cross-sections are fabricated by a combination of electrodeposition and glancing-angle deposition (GLAD). When these nanorods are embedded in a polymer matrix, they give rise to composite materials in which the structural anisotropy at the nanoscale translates into functional anisotropy in the form of direction-dependent electrical bistability. The degree of this directional bistability depends on and can be controlled by the spacing between the nearby nanorods.
Split-dose bowel preparation for colonoscopy and residual gastric fluid volume: an observational study

Background Split-dose bowel preparations for colonoscopy are more effective and better tolerated than preparations given entirely the day or evening before the procedure; however, some resistance to split-dose preparation stems from concerns about an increased risk of aspiration with same-day preparation. Objective We sought to evaluate residual gastric volumes in patients after split-dose bowel preparations. Design Prospective measurement of residual gastric volumes in patients undergoing same-day EGD and colonoscopy after split-dose bowel preparations, patients undergoing EGD alone, or patients undergoing EGD and colonoscopy after bowel preparation given entirely the evening before the procedure. Setting Tertiary care hospital–based endoscopy unit. Patients This study involved 712 patients, including 254 in the split-dose bowel preparation group, 411 in the EGD-only group, and 47 in the evening-before-procedure bowel preparation group. Intervention Measurement of residual gastric volume before endoscopic procedures. Main Outcome Measurements Residual gastric volume. Results The mean residual gastric volume in patients receiving split-dose bowel preparation (19.7 mL) was higher than in patients undergoing EGD alone (14.6 mL) but not different from that in patients receiving bowel preparation the evening before the procedure (20.2 mL). Within the split-dose preparation group, there was no association between the interval from last actual fluid ingestion and procedure start time and the residual gastric volume. The range of residual gastric volumes between study arms was similar. Limitations Nonrandomized study. The number of inpatients undergoing split-dose bowel preparation was small. Conclusion These data support the safety of split-dose bowel preparation for outpatients undergoing colonoscopy.
PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON BLOOD ACTH IN MAN

ASTWOOD's oxycellulose procedure (1) for the isolation of pituitary ACTH as modified by Bartholomew1 (2) has been applied to the analysis of blood ACTH in man. The details of the technic have been described elsewhere (3). Blood was obtained from 15 subjects: 7 healthy adult males, 2 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis, 3 patients with Addison's disease, 2 patients with Cushing's syndrome (a female with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and a male with carcinoma of the adrenal gland), and 1 patient with anorexia nervosa. A blood sample was obtained from a vein in the antecubital fossa and immediately mixed with 4 volumes of glacial acetic acid. The blood-glacial acetic acid mixture was processed by the oxycellulose technic for the determination of ACTH (3) and assayed in male hypophysectomized rats by the adrenal ascorbic acid-depletion method (4). Freshly prepared ACTH standard solutions, 0.25 and 1.0 milliunit2 or 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 milliunit per 100-gram assay rat, were tested with blood eluates in e...
Strategic and Nonstrategic Information Acquisition

Communication researchers routinely assume that information seeking is a strategic, goal-directed process; however, several domains of theory and research suggest that potentially consequential information may be acquired nonstrategically. Dual-process theories and research concerned with automaticity and the role conceptual short-term memory (CSTM) plays in visual information processing are used to illustrate both the ubiquity of nonstrategic information acquisition and its potential consequences on judgments and behavior. Theoretical and methodological implications of nonstrategic information acquisition for the study of information seeking are discussed.
Alternative methods of combining security analysts' and statistical forecasts of annual corporate earnings

Abstract This study provides empirical evidence on the accuracy of alternative methods of combining security analysts' and statistical forecasts of annual corporate earnings. Linear cross-sectional least squares regression models with and without constant terms, and constrained and unconstrained forecast weights, are used to form combination forecasts in addition to equally weighted combinations. The empirical analysis indicates that combination forecasts formed using a linear model with no constant term and no constraints on the forecast weights are superior to forecasts generated using the other combination methods. Additionally, improvement in the accuracy of security analysts' earnings forecasts is obtained by combining them with forecasts generated from statistical models fitted to past earnings series.
Renal Denervation What Next

See related article, pp 118–124 During the past several years, renal denervation by radio frequency ablation has emerged as an exciting new therapy for resistant hypertension.1 The initial concept was that this procedure would eliminate efferent sympathetic traffic to the kidney and, among other things, turn off the renin–angiotensin aldosterone system. However, studies in humans suggested that the primary blood pressure–lowering effects of this procedure were on the afferent side of the equation. The evolving idea is that sympathoexcitatory renal afferents are stimulated in resistant hypertension and that by eliminating or attenuating this afferent input, blood pressure will fall.1 In this edition of Hypertension , Hering et al,2 from the Baker Institute, provide further evidence in 35 carefully studied patients with resistant hypertension that renal denervation lowers blood pressure in these patients by ≈15%. Further, at least part of the blood pressure–lowering effects of the procedure are likely because of a reduction in sympathetic activity as assessed by serial measurement of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). These observations are interpreted in the context of the sympathoexcitatory renal afferent narrative outlined above. Evidence discussed in this …
Zur Analyse von Lipiden mit Hilfe der Radioreagenz‐Methode

Gemische von Lipiden konnen mit Hilfe der Radioreagenz-Methode analysiert werden. Die Sauren werden mit radioaktivem Diazomethan verestert, wahrend Lipide, die Hydroxy- oder Aminogruppen enthalten, mit radioaktiven Acetylierungs-Reagenzien umgesetzt werden. Versuchsbedingungen zur Trennung von Lipid-Derivaten werden ausfuhrlich beschrieben. Einige Anwendungsbeispiele der Radioreagenz-Methode und der beschriebenen chromatographischen Arbeitstechnik werden mitgeteilt. Analisis de los lipidos por medio de indicadores radioactivos Es posible analizar mezclas de lipidos utilizando indicadores radioactivos. Los acidos se esterifican con diazometano radioactivo, mientras los lipidos, conteniendo grupos amino o hidroxidos se sustituyen por radicales autilos radioactivos. Se describen detalladamente las condiciones para separacion de los derivados de los lipidos. Se dan ejemplos del uso de este metodo y se describen las tecnicas cromatograficas.
Characterization and analysis methods for the examination of the heterogeneous solid oxide fuel cell electrode microstructure. Part 1: Volumetric measurements of the heterogeneous structure

Advanced imaging and characterization methods have permitted the 3-D and phase-specific reconstruction of dense and opaque samples with features that have a length scale on the order of tens of nanometers and comprised of materials with large X-ray mass absorption coefficients. Engineered materials, like those found in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrodes, use complex materials that have often limited opportunities to perform 3-D characterization and analysis. Still, characterization and analysis methods are needed to better understand these structures and their functional impact. The development, verification, and validation of methods used by the authors for the characterization and analysis of the heterogeneous SOFC anode are discussed in this work [1,2]. These methods include the measurement of the volume fractions of the individual phases, contiguity or volumetric connectivity, tortuosity, and interfacial properties. A second and complementary part of this work will examine quantitative methods that provide detailed descriptions of the structure and its relations to the transport processes that it must support [3]. These efforts are intended to describe the formulation of methods developed to provide insight into the SOFC anode nano/microstructure.
Facility for studying spin dependence in pion production near threshold

Abstract We describe an experimental setup for the measurement of polarization observables in pion production near threshold. Experiments carried out with this facility use a polarized proton beam in the Indiana University Cooler storage ring, and an internal, polarized hydrogen target. The detector system measures energy, direction and velocity of multiple outgoing charged particles that are within a forward cone of about 32° opening angle. An array of scintillators also allows the detection of neutrons. In addition to the technical details of the apparatus, we describe the procedure for data acquisition, as well as some aspects of the analysis.
Continuous airborne measurements of gaseous formic and acetic acids over the western North Atlantic

A tandem mass spectrometer modified for aircraft applications was used to measure gas-phase formic and acetic acid mixing ratios over the western North Atlantic during late summer 1992. The sensitive, specific, and essentially real-time measurements provided by the mass spectrometer allow a true spatial evaluation of these compounds in the study area. Formic and acetic acid mixing ratios showed substantial vertical variation, varying by factors of up to 13 and 6, respectively, within 2-km profiles extending from the boundary layer into the free troposphere. Substantial horizontal variation was also observed at constant altitudes within both the boundary layer and free troposphere. Mixing ratios of the two acids were correlated (r²>0.70) throughout the study region.
Under-Consumption and the Accumulation Motive

This paper presents a theory of individual behavior in which the drive to accumulate wealth is a critical motive behind economic action. The suggested theory is fully consistent with the neoclassical approach to choice, subject only to displacing the traditional hedonistic interpretation. When this theory of individual behavior is placed in the context of a self-interest private property economy in which individuals accumulate wealth in the form of financial claims (intermediated accumulation) and firms maximize profits, it generates a logical explanation of the causes of effective demand failures.
A hardware accelerator for speech recognition algorithms

This paper describes two custom architectures tailored to a speech recognition beam search algorithm. Both architectures have been simulated using real data and the results of the simulation are presented. The paper also describes the design process of the custom architectures and presents a number of ideas on the automatic design of custom systems for data dependent computations.
Suspended marine particulate proteins in coastal and oligotrophic waters

Abstract Metaproteomic analyses were performed on suspended sediments collected in one coastal environment (Washington margin, Pacific Ocean, n = 5) and two oligotrophic environments (Atlantic Ocean near BATS, n = 5, and Pacific Ocean near HOTS, n = 5). Using a database of 2.3 million marine proteins developed using the NCBI database, 443 unique peptides were detected from which 363 unique proteins were identified. Samples from the euphotic zone contained on average 2-3x more identifiable proteins than deeper waters (150-1500 m) and these proteins were predominately from photosynthetic organisms. Diatom peptides dominate the spectra of the Washington margin while peptides from cyanobacteria, such as Synechococcus sp. dominated the spectra of both oligotrophic sites. Despite differences in the exact proteins identified at each location, there is good agreement for protein function and cellular location. Proteins in surface waters code for a variety of cellular functions including photosynthesis (24% of detected proteins), energy production (10%), membrane production (9%) and genetic coding and reading (9%), and are split 60-40 between membrane proteins and intracellular cytoplasmic proteins. Sargasso Sea surface waters contain a suite of peptides consistent with proteins involved in circadian rhythms that promote both C and N fixation at night. At depth in the Sargasso Sea, both muscle-derived myosin protein and the muscle-hydrolyzing proteases deseasin MCP-01 and metalloprotease Mcp02 from γ-proteobacteria were observed. Deeper waters contain peptides predominately sourced from γ-proteobacteria (37% of detected proteins) and α-proteobacteria (26%), although peptides from membrane and photosynthetic proteins attributable to phytoplankton were still observed (13%). Relative to surface values, detection frequencies for bacterial membrane proteins and extracellular enzymes rose from 9 to 16 and 2 to 4% respectively below the thermocline and the overall balance between membrane proteins and intracellular proteins grows to an approximate 75-25 split. Unlike the phytoplankton membrane proteins, which are detrital in nature, the bacterial protein suite at depth is consistent with living biomass.
Three-dimensional nonlinear orthotropic finite element material model for wood

The presented study concentrates on the development of three dimensional (3D) constitutive equations for wood materials. The developed material model is implemented in a nonlinear finite element simulation code. Wood is a very complex and highly anisotropic material with lots of inhomogeneities. The nonlinear characteristics of the material complicate the utilization of numerical simulations for structural safety prediction. A realistic description of nonlinear material behavior of wood could aid considerably in numerical accuracy and predictability. The presented model uses incremental-loading and curve-fitting techniques to trace the nonlinear behavior of wood material. User-defined nonlinear parameters are introduced to control the stiffness change based on the stiffness of previous iteration or initial stiffness. A modified Johnson rate dependent model is employed to account for the influence of strain rate. The presented 3D nonlinear model is implemented in the FE explicit code DYNA3D. The model is validated through comparison with experimental tests reported in the literature. The model efficiently captured the nonlinear characteristics of wood, and therefore provides a new 3D material modeling approach for wood materials.
Preparation and growth kinetics of monodispersed ferric phosphate hydrosols

Abstract Hydrosols consisting of amorphous spherical FePO 4 particles of narrow size distribution were prepared by aging solutions containing ferric ions and
A small-angle neutron scattering study of the plastic deformation of linear polyethylene

Abstract Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies of a 5 vol% mixture of deuterated linear polyethylene with a protonated one was used to investigate the role of partial melting-recrystallization during the solid-state deformation of the polymer in pure shear. The extension of previous studies now gives data that cover the complete deformation range in a continuous manner. The quantity R 0 , the ratio of the scattering at zero angle for a given strain to that at zero strain, decreases very rapidly in the strain range 0–2. Here only modest changes occur in the stress-strain curve. In the deformation region where the stress increases rapidly with strain, only a relatively small decrease occurs in R 0 . The SANS results indicate that the major reorganization and homogenization occur at low strain. These results, coupled with the Flory-Yoon hypothesis of partial melting-recrystallization, explain the observations that for a ductile-type deformation the ultimate properties do not depend on the structural factors that define the initial undeformed state.
Vector meson pair production in two-photon collisions near threshold

The cross sections for several $\gamma \gamma \to VV$ processes exhibit strong enhancements near threshold, where $V$ denotes a vector meson. The pattern of these enhancements is not well understood; for example, $\gamma \gamma \to \rho^0 \rho^0$ shows an appreciable peak, while $\gamma \gamma \to \rho^+ \rho^-$ does not. Some possible mechanisms for this behavior are discussed. Tests are proposed involving production of systems containing heavier quarks, e.g., through the reaction $\gamma \gamma \to J/\psi \rho^0$. The importance of modeling $\ell^+ \ell^- \pi^+ \pi^-$ angular distributions in decays of threshold $J/\psi \rho^0$ enhancements is illustrated by comparing the expected distributions for S-wave decays of scalar particles and P-wave decays of pseudoscalar particles.
Interaction of Host Proteins with the Plus-Strand Promoter of Brome Mosaic Virus RNA-2

The binding of five barley proteins (Mr: 37, 36, 35, 34, and 30 kDa) to the ICR2 motif present at the 5' end of brome mosaic virus (BMV) RNA-2 was identified using UV cross-linking. Evidence that the interaction is specific included the observation that these proteins did not recognize a similar-size RNA fragment transcribed from a nonviral (beta-glucuronidase) gene, nor did they bind to the 3' end of the plus strand of RNA-3. Replication-defective BMV RNA-2 mutants bearing substitution mutations at nucleotides 9 and 10 of the ICR2 motif were used to show that these positions were involved in the interaction of the five barley proteins with BMV RNA-2. Surprisingly, the profile of barley proteins interacting with the 3' end of the minus strand of RNA-2 was similar to that seen for the 5' end of the plus strand. Further, the profile of proteins binding to minus-sense probes bearing substitution mutations in the ICR2 region differed from that found for the wild-type sequence. These findings support the concept that host proteins are involved in genome replication and that their ability to interact with both plus and minus strands of the viral RNA is probably involved with the initiation of plus-strand synthesis.
LSS 4300 : a hot counterpart of upsilon Sagittarii and KS Persei ?

A number of recent observations indicate that the star LSS 4300 (HDE 320156) is a high-temperature analog of the hydrogen-deficient binaries Upsilon Sgr and KS Per. A preliminary model-atmosphere analysis based on high dispersion spectra obtained at Kitt Peak and Cerro Tololo yields Teff = 14,400 K, log (g) = 1.4, n(H)/n(He) = 0.003, and n(N)/n(C) = 20 for the visible component. The optical emission-line spectrum of LSS 4300 is nearly identical to that of Upsilon Sgr, including strong, broad H-alpha, Fe II, and forbidden Ca II emission; and JHKL photometry obtained at Cerr Tololo reveals an infrared excess nearly identical to that of Upsilon Sgr. It is suggested that LSS 4300, like Upsilon Sgr and KS Per, is a close binary system consisting of a helium supergiant of about 1 solar mass, which is undergoing its second mass loss, and a less luminous secondary, which is accreting matter from the primary.
Pre-kindergarten teachers’ use of transition practices and children's adjustment to kindergarten

Abstract This study describes pre-kindergarten teachers’ use of kindergarten transition practices and examined the extent to which these practices were associated with kindergarten teachers’ judgments of children's social, self-regulatory, and academic skills upon their entry into kindergarten. Participants were 722 children from 214 pre-kindergarten classrooms participating in the National Center for Early Development and Learning's (NCEDL) Multi-State Pre-kindergarten Study. Of nine transition practices intended to promote children's adaptation to kindergarten, pre-kindergarten teachers reported implementing, on average, six transition practices, with notable variation across pre-kindergarten classrooms. Children were judged by their kindergarten teachers to have more positive social competencies and fewer problem behaviors when they attended pre-kindergarten classrooms in which more transition activities were implemented and, specifically, in which teachers discussed curricula or specific children with kindergarten teachers. In addition, positive associations between kindergarten teachers’ perceptions of children's social competence and pre-kindergarten transition activities (total number of activities and activities that children experience directly) were stronger for children who experienced social and economic risks. Implications of these findings related to alignment across the pre-kindergarten to kindergarten settings to improve children's school readiness are discussed.
The Evolution of Energy Modeling at the Federal Energy Administration and the Energy Information Administration

Energy modeling at the Energy Information Administration started with the Project Independence Evaluation System in 1974 and moved to the Intermediate Future Forecasting System in 1983, which was replaced by the National Energy Modeling System in 1993. The models were shaped by the forces affecting energy markets and by policy concerns. These forces included changing world markets for oil, shortages of natural gas, and environmental concerns. The models have been used to analyze legislative proposals, and these analyses have met with a variety of reactions that ranged from extreme gratitude to rage. Working as policy analysts when energy issues were at the center of national attention was exciting, exhausting, rewarding, and at times dismaying.
Futures Markets, Supply Response, and Price Stability

The forward-pricing mechanism in an annual context, 408.—Price behavior under the adaptive expectations assumption, 412.—Price behavior with the futures market included, 414.—Price behavior for a nonstorable commodity with a futures market, 419.—Conclusions and implications, 422.
Alterations in liver chromatin during perinatal development of the rat.

Abstract Chromatins were isolated from liver nuclei of 19-day fetuses, 2-, 5-, 21-day old and adult rats. Very little variation was observed in the mass ratio of total histones to DNA or in the spectrum of histones as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. On the other hand, the amount and banding pattern of acidic proteins indicated pronounced changes during liver development. The composition of acidic proteins may be specific for the stage of development as evidenced immunochemically. Antibody against acidic protein-DNA complexes from adult rat liver were produced in rabbits. Whereas adult liver acidic protein-DNA complexes interacted strongly with the antibody, fetal liver preparations showed very little affinity. Complexes from 2-day-old animals reacted more strongly than fetal complexes while preparations from 5-day-old and 21-day-old displayed further increases in affinity. The results support the idea that chromatin acidic proteins play an important role in genetic expression during the ontogeny.
Direct evidence of the onset of In surface segregation for Co/InP(110).

We present the first clear experimental evidence of the existence of an onset for the phenomenon of cation surface segregation at evolving metal-semiconductor interfaces. High-resolution soft-x-ray photoemission results for Co/InP(110) show that the total In $4d$ intensity decreases in the ultrathin Co overlayer region (\ensuremath{\le} 1.6 \AA{}), increases steadily until a nominal deposition of \ensuremath{\sim}7 \AA{}, and attenuates slightly thereafter. Detailed In $4d$ core-level line-shape analysis reveals that a chemically shifted peak appears in the earliest stage of interface formation and grows in relative intensity. Studies of In/InP(110) and In/Co interfaces show that this new feature corresponds to dispersed In atoms segregated on the surface and that three-dimensional In clusters do not form. Together, these results show that there is a critical coverage which triggers In surface segregation and also show how the atom distribution evolves as the overlayer thicknes.
Exact Detection Probability for Partially Correlated Rayleigh Targets

The detection probability PD of a radar receiver which postdetection integrates N pulses of an expqnentially correlated signal from a Rayleigh target in thermal noise is determined. At the limiting correlation coefficients, p = 1 and p = 0, the analysis yields, respectively, the well known Swerling case 1 and case 2 formulas. The effect of partial (0 ? p ? 1) correlation is exhibited in a set of curves of PD versus signal-to-noise ratio, X, for various N and p. Additional curves compare the exact fluctuation loss determined from the above analysis with an approximate expression universally employed by radar system engineers.
Absolute proper motion of the sagittarius dwarf galaxy and of the outer regions of the milky way bulge

We have determined the absolute proper motion of the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal galaxy (Sgr) from the Southern Proper Motion Catalog 3, by selecting red giant candidates from the Two Micron All Sky Survey. We obtain μl cos b = -2.35 ± 0.20 and μb = 2.07 ± 0.20 mas yr-1. Using the same procedure, we also determine the absolute proper motion of the bulge in the region of the sky that overlaps with Sgr. For the bulge, we obtain μl cos b = -5.86 ± 0.14 and μb = -0.59 ± 0.14 mas yr-1, at l = 76 and b = -212. The absolute proper motions are on the International Celestial Reference System via Hipparcos Catalog stars.
Toxic effect on the rat small intestine of chronic administration of asbestos in drinking water.

Abstract Sprague-Dawley rats were given a 0.5 g/l Chrysotile asbestos solution in their drinking water (approximately 7 mg/day ingested) for 1.5 years and compared to control rats of the same age. During this time there were no differences in weight or appearance of the asbestos-treated rats in comparison to controls maintained under the same conditions. However, when in vivo intestinal permeability studies were performed using a gavage/urinary collection technique, some significant changes were noted. The recovery of lactulose in the urine of asbestos-treated rats was 0.66 ± 0.07%, significantly less than that of the controls (1.01 ± 0.08, P P
Steroids decrease granulocyte membrane fluidity, while phorbol ester increases membrane fluidity. Studies using electron paramagnetic resonance.

High concentrations of corticosteroids inhibit granulocyte responses and disrupt agonist receptor function. Dose-response and time-course considerations make it unlikely that these effects are mediated via the glucocorticoid receptor, a concept further supported by the ability of sex steroids to work similar effects. We postulated that steroids nonspecifically altered granulocyte membrane fluidity, which we measured directly by electron paramagnetic resonance. As predicted, methylprednisolone caused a dose-dependent increase in order parameter (decrease in fluidity) calculated on the basis of EPR spectra, using 5-doxylstearic acid (5-DS) as a probe of resting PMN membranes. This trend was highly significant (P < 0.001; P at 0.5 mg/ml < 0.01). Qualitatively similar results (but with different dose-response features) were obtained with conjugated estrogen. Granulocyte agonists (such as PMA) showed an opposite effect, which was not oxidatively mediated and which was steroid-inhibitable. 16-DS showed less prominent effects, suggesting that the membrane leaflets were more strongly affected than was the deep region of the membrane. Ibuprofen, which has similar effects to those of methylprednisolone on PMN aggregation and receptor function, caused a fluidizing rather than a stiffening of the membrane; this surprising result may indicate that there is a critical range of membrane fluidity for normal function, outside of which-in either direction-agonist receptor dysfunction occurs. We conclude that the immediate effects of very high doses of steroids are probably not mediated by corticoid receptors; instead, they may be due to changes in membrane fluidity.
PERSISTENCE OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME IN CHILDREN AFTER ADENOTONSILLECTOMY

Objective To investigate the relative contribution of various risk factors to the surgical outcome of adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children. Study design Children (n = 110; mean age, 6.4 ± 3.9 years) underwent two polysomnographic evaluations before and after adenotonsillectomy. In addition, 22 control children were studied. History for allergy and family history of sleep-disordered breathing was taken before each polysomnographic evaluation. Results Significant changes in sleep stage percentages and sleep fragmentation were found in the postsurgery study compared with the presurgery study; 25% of the children had apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) ≤1, 46% had AHI >1 and P Conclusions Adenotonsillectomy yields improvements in respiratory abnormalities in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Complete normalization occurs in only 25% of the patients. Obesity and AHI at diagnosis are the major determinant for surgical outcome. When normalization of respiratory measures occurs after surgery, normalization of sleep architecture will also ensue.
Factor V Leiden Thrombophilia in a Female Collegiate Soccer Athlete: A Case Report

Objective: To raise awareness among health care providers caring for an active population to an uncommon genetic mutation that increases the risk for a potentially fatal venous thromboembolism. Bac...
Mapping of Population Density

The Bureau of the Census listing of geographical coordinates of centroids of all enumeration districts together with population counts from the U. S. 1970 Census of Population was used to contruct via computer five nationwide geographical grids of population density with sector dimensions of 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.1, and 0.25 degrees of latitude and longitude. The entire population of a district was assigned to a grid sector if the coordinates of the district centroid fell within the boundaries of the sector. The sectors were then rank-ordered according to population density, and listings were made of sector population, population density, geographical location, cumulative population, area of sector, and cumulative area. The five sets of data were synthesized into single equations describing population as a function of density in one case and of area in another. From these data it was found, for example, that about 800,000 people live in 19 sectors of 0.01-degree dimensions with a population density of 100,000 people per square mile or greater (nearly all in Manhattan); about 10 million live in 183 sectors of 0.02-degree dimensions with a population density of 23,000 per square mile or greater; and about half of the total U. S. population, that is, about 100 million people, reside within about 0.6 percent of the area of the United States, that is, within 20,000 square miles.
Spatial clustering of simultaneous nonhereditary gastrointestinal angiodysplasia. Small but significant correlation between nonhereditary colonic and upper gastrointestinal angiodysplasia.

Simultaneous nonhereditary colonic and upper gastrointestinal angiodysplasia were spatially clustered in an endoscopic study of 46 consecutive patients. For example, clustering of colonic angiodysplasia was demonstrated using a nonparametric test of clustering (Kruskal-Wallis statistic with 29 degrees of freedom=76.2,P<0.0005), and a parametric test of clustering (F test statistic with 29 and 101 degrees of freedom=6.91,P<0.0005). In accord with spatial clustering, only two of 13 patients (15%) with colonic angiodysplasia who underwent panendoscopy had upper gastrointestinal angiodysplasia. Two of nine patients (22%) with upper gastrointestinal angiodysplasia who underwent colonoscopy had colonic angiodysplasia. These findings suggest that local factors may be important in the pathogenesis of simultaneous nonhereditary angiodysplasia. Possible local factors include intermittent venous obstruction, increased intraluminal pressure, intermittent abnormal arterial flow, and local vascular degeneration. Due to the approximately 20% correlation between upper and lower nonhereditary gastrointestinal angiodysplasia, the upper and lower tract should be examined by endoscopy prior to elective local resection for bleeding from gastrointestinal angiodysplasia.
Label free detection of 5′hydroxymethylcytosine within CpG islands using optical sensors

Significant research has been invested in correlating genetic variations with different disease probabilities. Recently, it has become apparent that other DNA modifications, such as the addition of a methyl or hydroxymethyl group to cytosine, can also play a role. While these modifications do not change the sequence, they can negatively impact the function. Therefore, it is critical to be able to both read the genetic code and identify these modifications. Currently, the detection of hydroxymethylated cytosine (5′hmC) and the two closely related variants, cytosine (C) and 5′methylcytosine (5′mC), relies on a combination of nucleotide modification steps, followed by PCR and gene sequencing. However, this approach is not ideal because transcription errors which are inherent to the PCR process can be misinterpreted as fluctuations in the relative C:5′mC:5′hmC concentrations. As such, an alternative method which does not rely on PCR or nucleotide modification is desirable. One approach is based on label-free optical resonant cavity sensors. In the present work, toroidal resonant cavity sensors are functionalized with antibodies to enable label-free detection and discrimination between C, 5′mC, and 5′hmC in real-time without PCR. Specifically, epoxide chemistry is used to covalently attach the 5′hmC antibody to the surface of the cavity. Subsequently, to thoroughly characterize the sensor platform, detection of C, 5′mC, and 5′hmC is performed over a concentration range from pM to nM. At low (pM) concentrations, the hydroxymethylated cytosine produces a significantly larger signal than the structurally similar epigenetic markers; thus demonstrating the applicability of this platform.
Low temperature magnetic behavior of some quaternary metal hydrides

Abstract The magnetic behavior of the mixed metal quaternary hydrides [Sr2−xEux]RuH6, [Ca2−xEux]RuH6, and [Sr2−xEux]IrH5 where 0⪕x⪕2 has been studied at low temperatures. Susceptibility measurements were made by the Faraday body force method at temperatures from 10 K to room temperature and at magnetic fields from 200 to 8350 Gauss. Ferromagnetic Curie temperatures were observed for all europium containing samples and ranged from 29 K for Eu2RuH6 to less than 10 K for samples in which x = 0.5. Values of the magnetic moments, Weiss-Curie constants and the Curie temperatures for different compositions are reported and discussed.
From weakest-link to best-shot: Correction

Here X is the socially available amount of the public good in a community of I individuals, while xi represents the contribution of individual i (i = 1, ..., I). In this Weakest-link situation, for two individuals A and B, the respective preference maps take on drastically different shapes northwest of the 450 line (where xA xB). In particular, A will never contemplate operating outside the northwest region, while B will always choose to be in the southeast region. I should have noticed that A's indifference curves must be strictly vertical in his relevant region, while B's must be strictly horizontal in his relevant region. (A degree of curvature does exist, in each case, but only in the nonrelevant region.) The diagram here, showing only the indifference curves in the relevant regions, is a corrected version of Figure 2 in the original paper. In the corrected diagram there is a best vertical indifference curve for individual A, UA, associated with the maximum xA that A would ever be willing to contribute regardless of how much greater B's production may be. Consequently, A's Reaction Curve RA runs from the origin to point F along the 450 line, and thenceforth along the vertical UA. For B similarly, his Reaction Curve RB runs from the origin to point G on the 450 line, and thenceforth along his best indifference curve the horizontal UB. Consistent with the argument of the original paper, the equilibrium will be at the upper limit of the range where the Reaction Curves overlie one another along the 450 line point F. The range between points F and G is like a 'contract curve' in that one party can gain only at the expense of
Nova Laser Alignment Control System

Alignment of the Nova laser requires control of hundreds of optical components in the ten beam paths. Extensive application of computer technology makes daily alignment practical. The control system is designed in a manner which provides both centralized and local manual operator controls integrated with automatic closed loop alignment. Menu-driven operator consoles using high resolution color graphics displays overlaid with transparent touch panels allow laser personnel to interact efficiently with the computer system. Automatic alignment is accomplished by using image analysis techniques to determine beam reference points from video images acquired along the laser chain. A major goal of the design is to contribute substantially to rapid experimental turnaround and consistent alignment results. This paper describes the computer-based control structure and the software methods developed for aligning this large laser system.
Dimensions and correlates of third through eighth graders' sex-role self-concepts

The sex-role self-concepts of 238 third- through eighth-grade children were assessed by means of a modified Bem Sex Role Inventory. Most children's sex-role self-concepts were congruent with their biological sex, although a large portion of the sample was categorized as having androgynous self-concepts (33.98% of males and 31.11% of females). The frequency of cross-sex-role self-concepts was very low. The stability of children's sex-role self-concepts was evidenced by nonsignificant developmental trends in the percentage of children classified as masculine, feminine, androgynous, and undifferentiated. The relationship between children's sex-role self-concept and general self-concept, occupational stereotyping, frequency of TV watching, and a variety of parent-rated behaviors was also explored. While some developmental trends and sex differences occurred, sex-role self-concept was nonsignificantly related to these variables. Results are discussed in terms of the usefulness of the sex-role self-concept, particularly androgyny, as a developmental construct.
Effect of cross slip on crystallographic cracking in anisotropic single crystals

Abstract The effect of cross slip on cracking along coplanar slip bands in anisotropic single crystals is examined. By considering the activation of slip due to the stress field at a crack tip, it is demonstrated that: 1. (1) cross slip would not be effective in relaxing elastic normal stresses ahead of a crack propagating along coplanar slip bands, and 2. (2) the unrelaxed elastic normal stresses can be plastically relaxed by out-of-plane noncoplanar slip only. This results in a build-up of large normal stresses ahead of the coplanar crack. The magnitude of the maximum normal stress depends on the size of the noncoplanar secondary slip plastic zone and elastic anisotropy. Based on the presence of relatively high normal stresses on both the coplanar and the cross-slip planes, a rationale for explaining the occurrence of simultaneous cracking on two {111} cross-slip planes and the formation of fracture surface ridges in Mar-M200 single crystal is proposed.
Marijuana, Alcohol and Academic Performance

The purpose of this research was to determine relationships between the regular use of marijuana and alcoholic beverages and the academic performance of students during their four years in college....
Estimation of shape mixture by granulometric methods

ABSTRACT It is known that if a binary random image is composed of a disjoint union of translates of i.i.d. randomly scaled homothetics of an arbitrary compact set, then, for any convex, compact granulometric generator, the granulometric moments are asymptotically normal and there exist asymptotic representations of the moments of the granulometric moments. The present paperextends the asymptotic theory to a random image composed of a disjoint union of translates of scaled homothetics of a finite collection of compact primitives (shapes) under the condition that the mixture proportions of the shapes are known and fixed. Grain sizing is independent, with the sizings for each primitive being identically distributed. Based on this new granulometric structure theorem for mixed grain images, an estimation method is proposed that estimates the mixtureproportions from estimates of the granulometric-moment means derived from running thegranulometry on realizations of the mixed process. The granulometric mixture estimation is
Food Safety Regulations under Ambiguity

Food-borne illness is recognized as a significant public health problem in the United States. Due to potential market failures associated with the provision of adequate levels of food safety, a number of regulatory mechanisms have been introduced over the years. The bulk of current U.S. food safety regulation is carried out by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), overseeing meat, poultry, and egg products, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), responsible for all other food products. In 1996, FDA and USDA performed a major overhaul of the food safety regulations by converting the existing command-and-control regulatory system to Pathogen Reduction/Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Systems (HACCP).
The origins of CO2 and NH3 in the thermal-oxidative degradation of nylon 6.6

Abstract Oxidation of organic materials typically results in the outgassing of degradation compounds. The most abundant outgassing thermal-oxidative degradation species of nylon 6.6 are known to be carbon dioxide (CO2) and ammonia (NH3). By performing accelerated aging experiments under thermal-oxidative conditions on unlabeled, 13C, and 15N isotopically labeled nylon 6.6 polymers, we identified the origins of CO2 and NH3 as a means to gain insight of the underlying chemical pathways which lead to their formation. Additionally, an isotopically enriched oxygen environment (18O2) was used in experiments tailored to discriminate between oxygen originating from the carbonyl carbon in nylon 6.6 and oxygen originating from the ambient air environment. To our knowledge, this work is the first ever account which quantitatively distinguishes oxygen containing degradation species originating from the polymer backbone and oxygen species coming from the ambient air during the oxidation process. Cryofocusing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (cryo-GC/MS) performed on the outgassed products demonstrated the presence of CO2, 13CO2, CO18O, C18O2, NH3, and 15NH3. We show that approximately 42% of the CO2 formed comes from the carbonyl carbon atoms in the interior of the macromolecular chain. About 15% of the CO2 originates from the methylene groups adjacent to the nitrogen atoms within the chain, while about 25% originates from all of the other methylene carbons in the nylon repeat unit. Approximately 18% of the CO2 came from chain-end carboxylic acid groups in the nylon, indicative of end group concentration. The agreement of isotopic labeling between nylon and ammonia confirms that the source of ammonia in the degradation experiments is nylon and not some nitrogen-containing impurity (e.g., solvent) in the material. Identification of these species was pertinent in developing an enhanced understanding of the chemical degradation processes. Most importantly, the methodologies employed in this work may be extended to other organic materials and likely leveraged towards future sensor development in applications that aim to provide condition monitoring of aging materials.
A neuroscientific update on monoamine oxidase and its inhibitors

The goal of this brief review is to explain the role of monoamine oxidase enzymes in the neurobiology, etiology, and presentation of psychiatric illnesses, primarily major depressive disorder. This article will initially focus on the basic science and function of the monoamine oxidase system and some proposed neuropsychiatric symptoms that may arise if this enzyme system is altered by genetic predisposition. These findings and theories will next be translationally discussed in regard to clinical application pertaining to enzyme inhibition and the treatment of major depressive and other psychiatric disorders.
A role for the β-amyloid precursor protein in memory?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disease, is the most common type of dementia occurring in mid-to-late life. Morphological and neurochemical studies have established that AD is associated with selective lesions of neuronal circuits in the neocortex, hippocampus, and basal forebrain cholinergic system. The principal consequence of these lesions is a diminution of synaptic inputs in these regions of the brain, leading to memory and attentional impairments (1). The principal neuropathological hallmarks of AD are the presence of neurofibrillary tangles, intracytoplasmic filaments of hyperphosphorylated forms of tau, and senile plaques, comprised of dystrophic neurites (abnormal neuronal processes) displayed in proximity to deposits of 39- to 42-aa β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides (2, 3). Aβ fibrillar aggregates act as a nidus for subsequent deposits of other proteins (4) and by mechanisms not presently understood and appear to be toxic to nerve cells (5). The mechanisms by which Aβ, tau, and associated polypeptides impact on the pathophysiology of AD are being actively investigated, with the underlying assumption that these molecular targets might offer opportunities for novel therapeutic interventions.