cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RNase I Modulates Escherichia coli Motility, Metabolism, and Resistance

Bacteria are constantly adapting to their environment by sensing extracellular factors that trigger production of intracellular signaling molecules, known as second messengers. Recently, 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide monophosphates (2',3'-cNMPs) were identified in Escherichia coli and have emerged as possible novel signaling molecules. 2',3'-cNMPs are produced through endonucleolytic cleavage of short RNAs by the T2 endoribonuclease, RNase I; however, the physiological roles of RNase I remain unclear. Our transcriptomic analysis suggests that RNase I is involved in modulating numerous cellular processes, including nucleotide metabolism, motility, acid sensitivity, metal homeostasis, and outer membrane morphology. Through a combination of deletion strain and inhibitor studies, we demonstrate that RNase I plays a previously unknown role in E. coli stress resistance by affecting pathways that are part of the defense mechanisms employed by bacteria when introduced to external threats, including antibiotics. Thus, this work provides insight into the emerging roles of RNase I in bacterial signaling and physiology and highlights the potential of RNase I as a target for antibacterial adjuvants.
Horse Racing in Imperial Rome: Athletic Competition, Equine Performance, and Urban Spectacle

Chariot races were the earliest, most popular, and longest-lived of all forms of ‘spectacles’ in the Roman world. This essay surveys the spatial and architectural framework of the Circus Maximus, t...
A Differential Digital 4-Way Doherty Power Amplifier with 48% Peak Drain Efficiency for Low Power Applications

This paper presents a differential digital 4-way Doherty power amplifier (PA) for low-power applications that achieves high efficiency in deep power back-off (PBO) without supply switching. The PA uses compact input and output matching networks through consolidation of various elements. A proof-of-concept PA was implemented in a 65 nm general purpose CMOS process, and it achieves a peak output stage drain efficiency (DE) of 48% at 4.75 GHz with 7.3 dBm output power (P out ). Also, it achieves peak PBO enhancements at 5.25 GHz with a DE of 42% at 0 dB PBO and 20% at 12.8 dB PBO. This corresponds to 2.2× improvement compared to normalized class B PA. The PA achieves an error vector magnitude (EVM) of −20 dB for a 1 Msym/s 16 QAM baseband signal with an average P out of 2.9 dBm and DE of 34% at 5.25 GHz.
Increased peripheral blood neutrophil activation phenotypes and NETosis in critically ill COVID-19 patients: a case series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Increased inflammation has been well defined in COVID-19, while definitive pathways driving severe forms of this disease remain uncertain. Neutrophils are known to contribute to immunopathology in infections, inflammatory diseases and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in COVID-19. Changes in neutrophil function in COVID-19 may give insight into disease pathogenesis and identify therapeutic targets. METHODS: Blood was obtained serially from critically ill COVID-19 patients for eleven days. Neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis), oxidative burst, phagocytosis and cytokine levels were assessed. Lung tissue was obtained immediately post-mortem for immunostaining. Pubmed searches for neutrophils, lung and COVID-19 yielded ten peer-reviewed research articles in English. RESULTS: Elevations in neutrophil-associated cytokines IL-8 and IL-6, and general inflammatory cytokines IP-10, GM-CSF, IL-1b, IL-10 and TNF, were identified both at first measurement and across hospitalization (p<0.0001). COVID neutrophils had exaggerated oxidative burst (p<0.0001), NETosis (p<0.0001) and phagocytosis (p<0.0001) relative to controls. Increased NETosis correlated with leukocytosis and neutrophilia, and neutrophils and NETs were identified within airways and alveoli in lung parenchyma of 40% of SARS-CoV-2 infected lungs available for examination (2 out of 5). While elevations in IL-8 and ANC correlated with disease severity, plasma IL-8 levels alone correlated with death. CONCLUSIONS: Literature to date demonstrates compelling evidence of increased neutrophils in the circulation and lungs of COVID-19 patients. importantly, neutrophil quantity and activation correlates with severity of disease. Similarly, our data shows that circulating neutrophils in COVID-19 exhibit an activated phenotype with enhanced NETosis and oxidative burst.
Types of social capital in relation to self-rated health: Gender differences in a nationally representative cross-sectional study of South Korean adults

Socio-economic and cultural transformations in South Korea have led to societal heterogeneity, potentially changing the role of social capital. We examined whether six factors (i.e. group membership, out-group trust, civic responsibility, acceptance, political activism, and institutional trust) that represent bonding, bridging, and linking social capital are associated with self-rated health (SRH), and whether these associations vary by gender. We analysed data from 8,000 adults in the Korea Social Integration Survey. We first conducted exploratory and confirmatory analyses to create and verify a social capital scale. Then, we performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to study how each type of social capital was related to SRH, adjusting for survey design and sampling weights. High levels of group membership and civic responsibility were associated with good SRH among men only, while high levels of out-group trust, acceptance, and institutional trust were associated with good SRH only for women. High levels of political activism were negatively related to good SRH for both men and women. Overall, associations between different types of social capital and SRH differed by gender in the South Korean context; thus, men and women may benefit from health interventions that enhance different forms of social capital.
Falls associated with indoor and outdoor environmental hazards among community-dwelling older adults between men and women.

BACKGROUND Hazardous environmental exposures are recognized risk factors for falls among older adults. However, the gender differences in the associations of falls with indoor and outdoor environmental hazards are scarce. This study examined the indoor and outdoor environmental risk factors for falls and compared the data for men and women among U.S. older adults using nationally representative data. METHODS We used the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) for a cross-sectional analysis of 6680 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years in the United States. A series of logistic regressions was used to identify the indoor and outdoor environmental hazards associated with falls stratified by gender after adjusting for sociodemographic, health, and behaviors. We also tested for significant interactions with gender. RESULTS Compared to men, women had a higher prevalence of falls. In the model adjusted for sociodemographic, health, and behavioral conditions, there were gender differences in the association of falls with the presence of indoor and outdoor environmental hazards. Gender-specific analyses showed that women with the presence of indoor environmental hazards (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.04.-1.79) had higher odds of falls, whereas for men, the presence of outdoor environmental hazards (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.02-1.75) was associated with falls. We also found a significant interaction term between outdoor environmental hazards and gender (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.47-0.90). The interaction plot indicated that the presence of outdoor environmental hazards increased the risks of falling in men but not in women. CONCLUSIONS Significant gender differences exist in the association of falls with indoor and outdoor environmental hazards among older men and women. Our findings suggest that gender-tailored prevention programs to increase awareness of the environmental hazards and gender-specific environmental interventions are needed to help prevent falls.
Impact of a Behavioral Sleep Intervention in Adolescents With ADHD: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness From a Pilot Open Trial:

Objective:An open trial tested the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a behavioral sleep intervention in adolescents with ADHD.Method:Fourteen adolescents (ages 13–17 year...
The Relationship of Document and Quantitative Literacy with Learning Styles and Selected Personal Variables for Aviation University Students

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which university student scores on a researcher-constructed quantitative and document literacy test were associated with learning style, program of study, cumulative grade point average, and year in school. Instruments used for the study were the 35 question Aviation Documents Delineator (ADD) and the Learning Type Measure (LTM). Data collected were analyzed using a step-wise multiple regression analysis technique. The ADD was designed to identify a student's ability and preference for interpreting and using graphic or tabular data. Study results reveal that year in school and GPA were significant predictors of literacy scores on the ADD while learning style and the student’s program of study were not.
Some Connections between Hilberts 10th Problem and the Theory of Groups

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses some connections between Hilbert's 10th problem and the theory of groups. The chapter presents some decision problems in the theory of groups that are equivalent to Hilbert‘s 10th problem or that if they were unsolvable, would imply the unsolvability of Hilbert's 10th.
Connections With Related Optimal Control Problems

In this chapter we consider the connection between the entropy and some related optimal control problems. In particular, it will be shown that the relationship that exists between the entropy of a time-invariant system and the H2 norm also carries over to the entropy formulation for timevarying systems that was introduced in Chapter 4. Specifically, it will be shown that the entropy is an upper bound for a quadratic cost operator, while maintaining a bound on the H∞ norm. It follows that the minimum entropy controller allows the designer to trade off between the robustness of the system and its H2 performance.
Iran's Nuclear Program: The Right to Nuclear Deterrence, or Illegal Wmd?

The clerical regime in the Islamic Republic of Iran steadfastly claims that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities. The government claims that the nuclear program is intended strictly for civilian energy use. Yet, developments in uranium enrichment and evidence of hidden facilities and inconsistencies in the government’s words and actions point to a different motive. Frequent missile testing also generates much suspicion. Opinions on the ground are mixed about Iran’s right to nuclear power. Western countries, and Israel, adamantly oppose Iran’s nuclear program. The governments of the Persian Gulf Arab states also oppose it. However, the essence of the debate revolves around the question of rights: Does a sovereign state in the modern era have the right to acquire nuclear weapons capabilities, and do other states in the international community have the right to deny this, even though many outspoken states themselves have nuclear weapons? This paper examines the question of the rights of sovereign states, specifically the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI), to secure nuclear deterrence, and the viability of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in the post-Cold War era.
Indigenous aliphatic amines in the aqueously altered Orgueil meteorite

The CI1 Orgueil meteorite is a highly aqueously altered carbonaceous chondrite. It has been extensively studied, and despite its extensive degree of aqueous alteration and some documented instances of contamination, several indigenous organic compounds including amino acids, carboxylic acids, and nucleobases have been detected in its carbon- rich matrix. We recently developed a novel gas chromatographic method for the enantiomeric and compound-specific isotopic analyses of meteoritic aliphatic monoamines in extracts and have now applied this method to investigate the monoamine content in Orgueil. We detected 12 amines in Orgueil, with concentrations ranging from 1.1 to 332 nmol g 1 of meteorite and compared this amine content in Orgueil with that of the CM2 Murchison meteorite, which experienced less parent-body aqueous alteration. Methylamine is four times more abundant in Orgueil than in Murchison. As with other species, the amine content in Orgueil extracts shows less structural diversity than that in Murchison extracts. We measured the compound-specific stable carbon isotopic ratios (d 13 C) for 5 of the 12 monoamines detected in Orgueil and found a range of d 13 C values from -20 to +59&. These d 13 C values fall into the range of other meteoritic organic compounds, although they are 13 C-depleted relative to their counterparts extracted from the Murchison meteorite. In addition, we measured the enantiomeric composition for the chiral monoamines (R)- and (S)-sec-butylamine in Orgueil, and found it was racemic within experimental error, in contrast with the L-enantiomeric excess found for its amino acid structural analog isovaline. The racemic nature of sec-butylamine in Orgueil was comparable to that previously observed in Murchison, and to other CM2 and CR2 carbonaceous chondrites measured in this work (ALH 83100 (CM1/2), LON 94101 (CM2), LEW 90500 (CM2), LAP 02342 (CR2), and GRA 95229 (CR2)). These results allow us to place some constraints on the effects of aqueous alteration observed over the monoamine concentrations in Orgueil and Murchison, and to evaluate the primordial synthetic relationships between meteoritic monoamines and amino acids.
Measuring cellulase activity

An approach is presented for obtaining relative filter paper activities for enzyme preparations having activities below that required for application of the traditional International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry filter paper assay. The approach involves the utilization of protein stabilizers to retard the time-dependent enzyme inactivation that may occur under traditional filter paper assay conditions. Enzyme stabilization allows extended reaction times and the calculation of relative activities based on the time required for saccharification of 3.6% of the traditional substrate, making results proportional to those obtained in the traditional International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry assay. The assay is demonstrated using a commercial cellulase preparation along with KCl and bovine serum albumin as protein stabilizers.
Finger extensor variability in TMS parameters among chronic stroke patients.

This study determined the reliability of topographic motor cortical maps and MEP characteristics in the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) evoked by single-pulse TMS among patients with chronic stroke. Each of ten patients was studied on three occasions. Measures included location of the EDC hotspot and center of gravity (COG), threshold of activation and average amplitude of the hotspot, number of active sites, map volume, and recruitment curve (RC) slope. Consistent intrahemispheric measurements were obtained for the three TMS mapping sessions for all measured variables. No statistically significant difference was observed between hemispheres for the number of active sites, COG distance or the RC slope. The magnitude and range of COG movement between sessions were similar to those reported previously with this muscle in able-bodied individuals. The average COG movement over three sessions in both hemispheres was 0.90 cm. The average COG movement in the affected hemisphere was 1.13 (± 0.08) cm, and 0.68 (± 0.04) cm) for the less affected hemisphere. However, significant interhemispheric variability was seen for the average MEP amplitude, normalized map volume, and resting motor threshold. The physiologic variability in some TMS measurements of EDC suggest that interpretation of TMS mapping data derived from hemiparetic patients in the chronic stage following stroke should be undertaken cautiously. Irrespective of the muscle, potential causes of variability should be resolved to accurately assess the impact of pharmacological or physical interventions on cortical organization as measured by TMS among patients with stroke.
The Ebola disinfection booth: evaluation of an enclosed ultraviolet light booth for disinfection of contaminated personal protective equipment prior to removal

A portable booth designed to disinfect full-body coverage protective equipment before removal using ultraviolet-C radiation resulted in at least 3 log reductions in bacteriophage MS2 and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus within 3 minutes. The booth could be useful for disinfection of contaminated protective equipment before removal during care of Ebola patients.
EFFECTS OF FATIGUE ON REAL-WORLD DRIVING IN DISEASED AND CONTROL PARTICIPANTS

This study evaluated real world driver errors and sleepiness in 66 drivers with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and 34 matched controls (24 younger and 22 older). Driving errors and driver state were derived from analyses of video data from "black-box" event recorders. Sleep fragmentation data in OSA was derived from actigraphy for 15 days prior to beginning standard treatment (positive airway pressure, PAP) and 15 days after beginning PAP treatment. Prior to starting PAP, OSAs appeared sleepier than controls in general and particularly at intersections, while making safety errors following nights with high levels of fragmented sleep compared to matched controls. Adverse effects of sleep fragmentation during the pre-PAP phase were reduced post-PAP. Greater hours of PAP-use were associated with lower sleepiness and errors on the road. PAP-use was associated with a decrease in high sleep fragmented nights. Findings suggest reduction in acute sleepiness is unlikely to be the only mediating factor that explains the driving safety benefits of PAP in OSA.
Hailey-Hailey Disease Is Not Allelic to Darier's Disease

Hailey-Hailey (Familial Benign Chronic Pemphigus) Disease is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by blisters caused by suprabasal epidermal acantholysis. Another autosomal dominant skin disease, Darier's disease, has clinical and histologic features which overlap those of Hailey-Hailey disease and recently has been mapped to chromosome 12q23-q24.l. We have used linkage analysis to test whether or not a mutation in this region might also underlie Hailey-Hailey disease. This analysis, using polymorphic loci tightly linked to Darier's disease, excluded this region as the site for the disease-causing mutation in two kindreds affected with Hailey-Hailey disease.
Sparse Contour Representations of Sound

Many signals are naturally described by continuous contours in the time-frequency plane, but standard time-frequency methods disassociate continuous structures into isolated “atoms” of energy. Here we propose a method that represents any discrete time-series as a set of time-frequency contours. The edges of the contours are defined by fixed points of a generalized reassignment algorithm. These edges are linked together by continuity such that each contour represents a single phase-coherent region of the time-frequency plane. By analyzing the signal across many time-scales, an over-complete set of contours is generated, and from this redundant set of shapes the simplest, most parsimonious forms may be selected. The result is an adaptive time-frequency analysis that can emphasize the continuity of long-range structure. The proposed method is demonstrated with a few examples.
Numerical Study of Compact Heat Exchanger Designs for Generation IV Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Power Conversion Cycles

Geometrical effects on the local heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and pressure drop for supercritical carbon dioxide in printed-circuit heat exchangers are numerically quantified. Combinations of di...
Excitatory transmitter amino acid release from the ischemic rat cerebral cortex: effects of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists.

The effects of selective adenosine receptor agonists [N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA)] and antagonists [8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) and 9-chloro-2-(2-furanyl)-5,6-dihydro-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline-5-im ine (CGS-15943A)] on aspartate and glutamate release from the ischemic rat cerebral cortex were studied with the cortical cup technique. Cerebral ischemia (for 20 min) was elicited by four-vessel occlusion. Excitatory amino acid releases were compared from control ischemic rats and drug-treated rats. Basal levels of aspartate and glutamate release were not greatly affected by pretreatment with the adenosine receptor agonists or antagonists. However, CPA (10(-10) M) and NECA (10(-9) M) significantly inhibited the ischemia-evoked release of aspartate and glutamate into cortical superfusates. The ability to block ischemia-evoked release of excitatory amino acids was not evident at higher concentrations of CPA (10(-6) M) or NECA (10(-5) M). The selective A1 receptor antagonist DPCPX also had no effect on release when administered at a low dosage (0.01 mg/kg, i.p.) but blocked the ischemia-evoked release of aspartate and glutamate at a higher dosage (0.1 mg/kg). Evoked release was inhibited by the selective A2 receptor antagonist CGS-15943A (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.). Thus, adenosine and its analogs may suppress ischemia-evoked release of excitatory neurotransmitter amino acids via high-affinity A1 receptors, whereas coactivation of lower-affinity A2 receptors may block (or reverse) the A1-mediated response.
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

In order to help educate clinicians and other health care providers on the effects of glucocorticoids on bone and to provide appropriate treatment options for this condition using published data, this review will briefly explore bone loss associated with glucocorticoids, explain differences in drug efficacy between the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, and examine the results of clinical drug trials. Based on current data, bisphosphonates appear to be the most effective therapy in both the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. If bisphosphonate therapy is contraindicated, calcitonin may be an effective alternative. For patients who have been treated but continue to lose bone, anabolic therapy, fluoride, or vitamin D analogs may be considered. While hormone replacement therapy has been widely evaluated in the prevention and treatment of primary osteoporosis, no efficacy data exists as far as prevention and limited information is available in the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates have shown significant treatment benefit. They increase bone mineral density and reduce the incidence of vertebral fractures. Bisphosphonates should be considered first line therapy for both the prevention and treatment of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. Drug Dev. Res. 49:120–134, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Phase I/II study of a cisplatin-taxol-dacarbazine regimen in metastatic melanoma

Objective: This phase I/II study was done to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a cisplatin-paclitaxel-dacarbazine regimen in patients with metastatic melanoma. Patients and Methods: Chemotherapy-naive patients with surgically unresectable stage III/IV melanoma who had measurable lesions, no brain metastasis, and an Eastern Oncology Cooperative Group performance status of 0 or 1 were enrolled. Cohorts of 4 patients were treated at each dose level. The starting doses of the drugs were as follows: cisplatin 20 mg/m 2 IV on days 1 to 4, paclitaxel 100 mg/m 2 IV on days I and 8, and dacarbazine 800 mg/m 2 IV on day 1 only. The doses of cisplatin and paclitaxel were escalated to the next dose level, until the maximum tolerable doses were reached. The dose level without dose-limiting grade 4 toxicity was chosen for phase II part of the study. The primary end point of the phase II study was to determine the antitumor activity in terms of response rate and survival of patients. Results: The optimum chemotherapy doses for phase II study were as follows: cisplatin 20 mg/m 2 on days 1 to 4, paclitaxel 120 mg/m 2 on days 1 and 8, and dacarbazine 800 mg/m 2 on day 1. Overall, 46 patients were enrolled in the study. Two complete and 17 partial responses were seen for an overall response rate of 41%. The median overall survival time and time to tumor progression were 11.0 and 4.3 months, respectively. Median response duration was 6.2 months. Myelosuppression and neuropathy were the dose-limiting toxicities. Conclusion: Cisplatin-paclitaxel-dacarbazine regimen is effective in patients with advanced melanoma.
Theory of wave propagation in a gyromagnetic medium

In recent years certain ferromagnetic materials called ferrites have been commercially available and are gaining increasing importance in various applications. The chemical constitution of the ferrites is expressed by the formula MO•Fe2O3, where M symbolizes a metal. Thus magnetite, FeO•Fe2O3, is a natural ferrite known since antiquity, but the important step of replacing FeO by oxides of other metals was carried out but recently and led to the development of numerous artificial ferrites.
An elective hybrid suite approach to the management of placenta accreta-associated postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)

Learning Objectives 1. Define placenta accreta and the clinical relevance of early diagnosis. 2. Describe the multimodality imaging appearance of placenta accreta. 3. Outline the role of the interventional radiologists in the management of placenta-accreta associated PPH. 4. Describe a novel hyrbid suite approach for the collaborative elective management of placenta accreta-associated PPH. Background Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetric emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality, representing a major indication for emergent hysterectomy. Placenta accreta is a significant cause of PPH, with an increasing frequency in the US secondary to the increased incidence of cesarean section. Interventional radiologists play an important and expanding role in the management of PPH. Post-partum uterine artery embolization (UAE) has a reported clinical success of 79-97%, with a demonstrated decrease in morbidity and mortality. Clinical Findings/Procedure Details The elective staged management of accreta-associated PPH involves the use of a hybrid IR/OR suite. Occlusion balloons are placed into bilateral IIA/anterior division through bilateral groin accesses and remain deflated. Cesarean section is performed in the hybrid suite followed by immediate balloon inflation. Coaxially through the occlusion balloon a micocatheter is used to selectively embolize bilateral uterine arteries and anterior division branches supplying the placenta using standard techniques. Hysterectomy is then performed by the gynecology team. The balloons are deflated and “second look” angiogram is performed as needed prior to fascial closure. Conclusion and/or Teaching Points 1. Placenta-accreta associated PPH is increasing in incidence with significant associated morbidity and mortality. 2. Post-partum UAE has been shown to decrease PPH-associated morbidity and mortality. 3. Collaborative elective staged cesarean section in a hybrid IR/OR suite is a technically feasible approach in the management of placenta accreta and may be associated with a decrease in blood product requirement, hospital stay, and maternal morbidity.
Isolation of human urinary protease inhibitor by single-step affinity chromatography.

Human urinary protease inhibitor was isolated from freshly collected male urine by a single chromatographic step utilizing bovine α-chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.21.1) covalently bound to cross-linked agarose. The adsorbent was prepared by a new series of chemical reactions using trichloro-s-triazine as coupler. Study of chromatographic parameters, including pH, temperature, and ionic strength, led to a simplified elution system for removing contaminants. The antitryptic-antichymotryptic activity of the inhibitor appeared to be unaltered by chromatography.
Stiller—Smith versus Conventional V-8 Bearing Load and Friction Comparisons

The Scotch yoke in its various forms and inversions has received considerable attention as a possible alternative to the slider-crank for internal combustion engine use. As a recent entry, the Stiller-Smith mechanism has shown promise as being a viable and strong option. Kinetostatic models were formulated to determine loading within similar eight-cylinder, four-stroke, compression-ignition engines. Emphasis was placed on comparing the number and similarity of mechanism components, implications of component and linkage motions, and the severity of loading experienced by similar bearing surfaces within the engines. It was found that journal bearings in the slider-crank engine were more severely loaded than those in the Stiller-Smith engine. The linear reciprocating bearings in the Stiller-Smith engine were more heavily loaded than the slider-crank piston skirts. Implications of these and other results are discussed.
Invited application paper: program generation considered easy

Programmers frequently write program generators using the simple model of programs as text. The essence of this approach is its lack of structure. For this reason, it gets no respect from academic researchers. But the flip side of lacking structure is freedom from restrictions. We argue that the latter is important, and perhaps essential, in finding a willing audience for program generation among working programmers. Jumbo is a system for producing run-time program generators, which is designed to offer the programmer a "programs as strings" model to as great an extent as possible, though some constraints are inevitable. We show by several examples that these constraints still allow for both a natural and a powerful program generation model. We then discuss how the approach taken by Jumbo, though possessing less structure than some competing methods, still raises scientific problems that ought to be of interest to researchers in this area.
Mothers shape ecological communities

The species assemblages that make up ecological communities change over time ( 1 ), in part as a result of interactions among species such as predation and competition. However, it is often not clear how interactions among individuals scale up to affect broader ecological processes such as changes in species assemblages ( 2 , 3 ). On page 875 of this issue, Duckworth et al. ( 4 ) provide field evidence for how individual competition between members of different bird species leads to changes in community composition. The key to these observations lies in maternal hormone changes that affect their sons' behavioral characteristics.
The 3ν3 overtone intensities and vibrational anharmonicity constants of UF6 and PuF6

Abstract We report the 3ν3 band contour analyses of UF6 and PuF6. The transition wavenumbers and the absolute vibrational intensities are determined, and systematics of the overtone intensities among SF6, UF6, and PuF6 are discussed.
Improving Rectal Cancer Outcomes with Chemotherapy

During the last five years there have been significant advances in chemotherapy treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. With the new drugs that are available, median survival of patients with metastatic disease has increased—from 6 months in the early 1990s to 24 months or longer in 2005. The advances in systemic chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, and the availability of three cytotoxic and two targeted monoclonal antibodies, means that patients currently have a wider array of options than ever before. It is necessary for surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists to work collaboratively, communicating well and identifying mutually agreed-upon treatment recommendations, in order to deliver optimal care to rectal cancer patients. This article summarizes important advances in treatment, and reviews multidisciplinary approaches to treatment decision-making in both the adjuvant and metastatic settings.
Pulmonary vein isolation and linear lesions in atrial fibrillation ablation

Background Various strategies have been used for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. It is unclear whether adding linear lesions to pulmonary vein (PV) isolation has significant advantages.
Evaluation of magnitudes using USSR and US (NOS) techniques

WWSSN seismograms for the Caucasus earthquake of May 14, 1970, and the Alma-Ata earthquake of June 5, 1970, were scaled formb using techniques employed by USSR (P amplitude during first 20 seconds) and USA (P amplitude during first few cycles). USSR seismograms will be used in a second phase of this study. Using both techniques, the scatter at each station formb (SPZ) was 0.0–0.3 with half of the stations having no scatter. The scatter among all of the stations was over 1 unit. Using both techniques, the scatter at each station formb (LPZ) was zero except for NUR on May 14. The scatter among all of the stations was 1 unit on May 14 and 0.4 on June 5. This preliminary study indicates the scaling techniques have no effect in computingmb (SPZ) andmb (LPZ) but the differences are more likely related to source functions, crust and upper mantle response functions, and instrumental band pass.
Simulation of fluid-cooled or heated garments that allow man to function in hostile environments

Abstract Engineers, physiologists and physicians all have a role to play in developing equipment and procedures that allow man to work safely in extreme environments. One aspect of life support is maintaining an acceptable thermal balance, which involves some very interesting engineering analysis. Since man responds to thermal stress by adjusting blood flow to control transport of heat to the skin and by sweating or shivering, the dynamic characteristics of human thermoregulation must be considered in designing the thermal components of a life-support system. In this paper, a mathematical model of human thermal regulation is outlined in general terms before specific aspects of the method used to simulate various kinds of clothing and active heating/cooling devices are discussed. Application of the model is illustrated by using it to analyse the performance of air or liquid-cooled vests developed to alleviate heat stress in soldiers wearing the chemical defence overgarment in a warm environment.
The wavelength-modulated reflectivity of cr2O3 and its relation to the absorption spectrum of other Cr3+-containing insulators

Abstract The wavelength-modulated reflectivity spectrum of Cr 2 O 3 is found to exhibit rich structure attributable to internal transitions of the Cr 3+ ion and charge-transfer processes. It is noted that the crystal field splittings of the Cr 3+ ion are related to the charge-transfer band gaps for several of the oxide and sulphide chromium-containing insulators.
Postdexamethasone plasma cortisol and β-endorphin levels in depression: Relationship to severity of illness☆

Abstract The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is dysregulated in many patients with depression, probably at all levels of the axis. To determine if HPA dysregulation is associated with severity of depression, we studied a group of 66 patients with major depressive disorder. Each patient underwent a pretreatment Dexamethasone Suppression Test, with plasma postdexamethasone cortisol determination at 8:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 11:00 PM. All three postdexamethasone cortisol levels were significantly correlated with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) scores. We also examined the “profile” measures of mean, maximum, and minimum of the three cortisol values; again, all three were significantly correlated with HRSD scores. To evaluate associations between clinical severity and HPA dysregulation at the pituitary level, we studied a second group of 44 patients with major depressive disorder. Each had postdexamethasone cortisol determinations at 4:00 PM and 11:00 PM as well as pre- and postdexamethasone β-endorphin determinations at 4:00 PM. The cortisol data from this group followed the same pattern as in the first sample, and there was a significant relationship between HRSD score and degree of β-endorphin nonsuppression as well. These results suggest that severity of depression is one of the determinants of dysregulation at both adrenal and pituitary levels of the HPA axis, accounting for 10%–20% of the observed variance.
Two Paleoproterozoic (Statherian) Siliciclastic Metasedimentary Sequences in Central Wisconsin: The End of the Penokean Orogeny and Cratonic Stabilization of the Southern Lake Superior Region

Abstract Statherian siliciclastic sedimentary rocks in the southern Lake Superior region are key to understanding the evolution and stabilization of Paleoproterozoic crust in the midcontinent. Deposited during an important period of significant crustal growth, controversy exists regarding the conditions of sandstone deposition and the relations between magmatism and sedimentation. In central Wisconsin, the Hamilton Mounds inlier, although restricted in areal extent, is significant in that it reveals the existence of two separate Statherian units: an 1800–1760 Ma immature meta-arkose and a post-1760 Ma Baraboo Interval supermature quartzite. The meta-arkose is crosscut by 1762 Ma granite and contains abundant Penokean age detrital monazite grains. The younger quartzite contains detrital monazite as young as 1750 Ma and was deposited unconformably upon these older units. All units experienced 1630 Ma low-grade recrystallization and isotopic disturbance associated with the Mazatzal Orogeny. In addition, the supermature quartzite experienced K-metasomatism and brecciation at 1470 Ma, ascribed to regional-scale hydrothermal alteration related to the influence of the nearby 1470 Ma Wolf River batholith. Collectively, these data suggest an early Statherian episode of arkosic deposition and magmatism during Yavapai orogenesis, followed by a longer interval of deposition of supermature quartz arenite associated with crustal stabilization. The existence of two separate Statherian units reconciles apparent conflicts in depositional models and provides a greater understanding of the Paleoproterozoic evolution of the midcontinent.
Distributed Leadership as Work Redesign: Retrofitting the Job Characteristics Model.

In this article, we revive work redesign theory, specifically Hackman and Oldham's Job Characteristics Model (JCM), to examine distributed leadership initiatives. Based on our early observations of six schools engaged in distributed leadership reform and a broad review of literature, including empirical tests of work redesign theory, we retrofit the JCM by: (1) adding more transition mechanisms to explain how changes in work could lead to the widespread performance of leadership functions; (2) accounting for distributed leadership reform as a group work redesign; and (3) enumerating relevant contextual variables that should impact the development, shape, and success of such reforms.
Misdiagnosing cystic fibrosis in the era of gene analysis: case reports.

We present a scenario of how gene analysis plays a confusing role in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF). One of the two siblings we are presenting here was initially misdiagnosed as having CF, based on the two CF gene mutations identified by gene analysis. A CF gene study on the other sibling years later, however, led to further investigation and eventually to a change of diagnosis. As interesting and important as gene analysis is in CF, one must always look at each patient in the big picture. Included in the picture, in addition to the state-of-the-art genotype, is the phenotype, or (to simplify) the back-to-basic clinical manifestations. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2005; 39:379–381. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Critical thinking and clinical decision making in critical care nursing: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study examined the relationship of education level, years of critical care nursing experience, and critical thinking (CT) ability (skills and dispositions) to consistency in clinical decision making among critical care nurses. Consistency was defined as the degree to which intuitive and analytical decision processes resulted in similar selection of interventions in tasks of low and high complexity. DESIGN: The study was nonexperimental and correlational. SAMPLE: Critical care nurses (n = 54) from adult critical care units in 3 private teaching hospitals. The majority of nurses held a BSN or MSN and had an average of 9 years of direct clinical experience in the care of the critically ill. RESULTS: Decision-making consistency decreased significantly between low-complexity and high-complexity tasks. Both intuitive and analytical decision processes produced clear intervention selections in the low-complexity task, although the analytical process resulted in a more complete specification of interventions. In the high-complexity task, however, only the intuitive process resulted in a clear, plausible, and safe specification of interventions. Education and experience were not related to CT ability, nor was CT ability related to decision-making consistency. Only greater years of critical care nursing experience increased the likelihood of decision-making consistency. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, intuitive decision processes resulted in more clinically consistent selection of interventions across tasks. More investigation is needed to examine the influence of decision heuristics, and the conceptualization and measurement of CT abilities among practicing nurses.
Diffuse mismatch model of thermal boundary conductance using exact phonon dispersion

The acoustic mismatch model (AMM) and the diffuse mismatch model (DMM) have been traditionally used to calculate the thermal boundary conductance of interfaces. In these calculations, the phonon dispersion relationship is usually approximated by a linear relationship (Debye approximation). This is accurate for wave vectors close to the zone center, but deviates significantly for wave vectors near the zone edges. Here, we present DMM calculations of the thermal conductance of Al–Si, Al–Ge, Cu–Si, and Cu–Ge interfaces by taking into account the full phonon dispersion relationship over the entire Brillouin zone obtained using the Born-von Karman model (BKM). The thermal boundary conductance thus calculated deviates significantly from DMM predictions obtained using the Debye model in all cases.
Thermal properties and adhesiveness of soy protein modified with cationic detergent

This research studied the effects of cationic detergents on the adhesiveness and thermal properties of soy protein isolate (SPI). Three cationic detergents, hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, ethylhexadecyldimethyl ammonium bromide (EDAB), and benzyldimethylhexadecyl ammonium chloride, each at concentrations of 1.3, 2.6, 5.2, and 7.8 mM, were used to modify SPI. The effect of pH at selected EDAB concentrations was also studied. Results showed that both detergent concentration and pH had significant effects on the adhesiveness of modified SPI. SPI modified with detergent at a concentration of 2.6 mM yielded the greatest dry tensile strength and water resistance, which indicated that a moderate protein denaturation might be favorable to the adhesion of SPI. Both modified and unmodified SPI showed greater adhesive strength at their optimal pH values. Modified SPI showed greatest adhesive strength at pH 7, whereas unmodified SPI showed greatest adhesive strength at pH 4.5; the tensile strength of modified SPI was greater than that of unmodified SPI. The protein-denaturation temperature and the enthalpy of modified SPI adhesives were also analyzed by using DSC. Denaturation of the native structure of SPI increased as detergent concentration increased.
Heat capacities of ladx (2.5 ⩽ x ⩽ 3) from 1 to 300 K

Abstract The heat capacities of LaDx (2.5 ⩽ x ⩽ 3) were measured in the temperature range from 1 to 300 K. Four sharp heat capacity peaks were found in LaD3.0 at 211, 230.5, 233.5 and 274 K indicating the existence of five polymorphic forms. Only one sharp heat capacity peak was observed at 251 K for LaD2.91 and LaD2.76, while no peaks were observed in the heat capacity of LaD2.53. The electronic specific heat constant γ was found to be zero for LaDx (2.76 ⩽ x ⩽ 3), indicating that at low temperatures these alloys are semiconductors or semimetals with a small number of conduction electrons. The non-zero γ value for LaD2.53 indicates the existence of a few conduction electrons. The thermodynamic functions S298.15o and (H 298.15 o −H 0) o ) T were determined.
Ampicillin use in infant fever: a systematic review.

Objectives To estimate the prevalence of perinatal Listeria monocytogenes and enterococcal infections in outpatient febrile infants and to evaluate the need to treat with ampicillin. Data Sources Online bibliographies were searched for articles related to serious bacterial infection and fever in infants. Reference lists from selected and review articles were also examined. Study Selection Studies that reported rates and types of bacterial infection in febrile outpatients younger than 3 months were included. Those performed outside North America, lacking results by age, or those that evaluated selected patient populations were excluded. Data Extraction Two authors independently reviewed the selected articles for inclusion and abstracted the data. Data Synthesis Fourteen studies, evaluating 5247 febrile outpatients, were included. The prevalences of L monocytogenes and enterococcal infections were 7.3 (binomial exact 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.5-13.3), 1.9 (95% CI, 0.6-4.4), and 5.6 (95% CI, 0.7-2.1) per 1000 febrile infants in the first, second, and third months of life, respectively. To cover 1 infant with serious bacterial infection caused by L monocytogenes and enterococcal infections, the numbers of febrile infants who would need ampicillin were estimated as 138 (95% CI, 76-288) in the first month, 527 (95% CI, 226-1621) in the second month, and 178 (95% CI, 50-1469) in the third month. Enterococcal infections occurred in all ages studied; there were no Listeria infections after 30 days of age. Conclusion The empirical use of ampicillin to cover febrile infants for L monocytogenes and enterococcal infections is most justifiable in the first month of life.
ADSA Foundation Scholar Award: Trends in culture-independent methods for assessing dairy food quality and safety: Emerging metagenomic tools

Enhancing the quality and safety of dairy food is critical to maintaining the competitiveness of dairy products in the food and beverage market and in reinforcing consumer confidence in the dairy industry. Raw milk quality has a significant effect on finished product quality. Several microbial groups found in raw milk have been shown to adversely affect the shelf life of pasteurized milk. Current microbiological criteria used to define milk quality are based primarily on culture-dependent methods, some of which are perceived to lack the desired sensitivity and specificity. To supplement traditional methods, culture-independent methods are increasingly being used to identify specific species or microbial groups, and to detect indicator genes or proteins in raw milk or dairy products. Some molecular subtyping techniques have been developed to track the transmission of microbes in dairy environments. The burgeoning “-omics” technologies offer new and exciting opportunities to enhance our understanding of food quality and safety in relation to microbes. Metagenomics has the potential to characterize microbial diversity, detect nonculturable microbes, and identify unique sequences or other factors associated with dairy product quality and safety. In this review, fluid milk will be used as the primary example to examine the adequacy and validity of conventional methods, the current trend of culture-independent methods, and the potential applications of metagenomics in dairy food research.