cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TIME SPENT WITH SMOKING PARENTS AND SMOKING TOPOGRAPHY IN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract Although the relationship between parental and adolescent smoking has been linked to health consequences of smoking, limited study has explored the specific association between exposure to smoking and adolescent smoking topography (the way a cigarette is smoked). As a first step in this line of enquiry, smoking topography measures were collected from 67 adolescent dependent smokers. Participants smoked one cigarette of their own brand while being monitored by a computer-based smoking-topography unit and completed questionnaires about their time spent daily with parents who smoke. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that time spent daily with parents who smoke was significantly associated with maximum puff velocity ( r = 0.285, p = .019), a parameter predicting later pulmonary morbidity. ANOVAs, after a median split, were consistent with correlation analyses. There was a significant group effect on puff velocity ( F (2,66) = 5.197, p = .008); no significant relationship was found with puff volume ( F (2,66) = .617) or puff duration ( F (2,66) = .776). A post hoc Tukey HSD test indicated puff velocity was higher in the “high time spent” ( M = 54.37, SD = 12.03) than in the “low time spent” group ( M = 45.59, SD = 9.91) and in the group with non-smoking parents ( M = 44.96, SD = 10.17). Future research with a larger non-treatment seeking sample of adolescents aimed at preventing tobacco smoking related diseases should further examine parental influences on adolescent smoking, including potential modeling effects.
Surgical Robotics: Creating a New Program

Objective: To share our recent experience in developing and implementing a program for computer-assisted, robot-enhanced surgery. Background: Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized our appro...
Phosphonolipids. The synthesis of chiral vinylic phosphonolipid analogues of phosphatidic acid and phosphatidyl choline

Abstract A series of phosphonic acid analogues of phosphatidic acid and phosphatidyl choline have been synthesized in which an olefinic linkage has been incorporated into the backbone portion of the molecule. These analogues bear a structural rigidity not available with simple isosteric or non-isoteric phosphonic acid analogues of the phospholipids, and incorporate a region of high electron density near the phosphonyl center.
Stimulation of RNA synthesis in isolated nuclei by an insulin-induced factor in liver

Insulin stimulates the transport of small molecules as well as the synthesis of triglyceride, glycogen, DNA, RNA and protein. Although it is widely accepted that its differing actions are consequent to the binding to surface receptors, there is suggestive evidence that it may also act intracellularly. In 1975, we reported two well defined intracellular insulin binding sites in rat liver: the nucleus and the endoplasmic reticulum1. Specific binding sites for insulin on intact nuclei were shown by an immunofluorescent and autoradiographic technique, and the kinetics of insulin binding to isolated nuclear membranes were described2,3. Similar results have been obtained by other investigators4–6, and the more recent reports on the internalization of insulin7–9 give further support for an intracellular site of action of intact insulin or of its metabolic product. Investigation of the stimulatory effect of insulin on the synthesis of DNA and RNA in diabetic rats and isolated hepatocytes10–13 suggests that the stimulation of RNA synthesis precedes that of DNA, and is likely to be an early event in the stimulation of macromolecular synthesis. I report here evidence of a low molecular weight substance in rat liver perfused with insulin which can stimulate the synthesis of RNA in isolated nuclei. These results suggest that insulin may function by binding to the cell surface, initiating or enhancing endocytosis14 and entering the cell via a micropinocytotic route9. Once inside the cell, the active principle could be insulin itself, an intracellular degradation product of insulin, or a metabolic product of insulin action.
Structure of a Delivery Protein for an AAA+ Protease in Complex with a Peptide Degradation Tag

Substrate selection by AAA+ ATPases that function to unfold proteins or alter protein conformation is often regulated by delivery or adaptor proteins. SspB is a protein dimer that binds to the ssrA degradation tag and delivers proteins bearing this tag to ClpXP, an AAA+ protease, for degradation. Here, we describe the structure of the peptide binding domain of H. influenzae SspB in complex with an ssrA peptide at 1.6 A resolution. The ssrA peptides are bound in well-defined clefts located at the extreme ends of the SspB homodimer. SspB contacts residues within the N-terminal and central regions of the 11 residue ssrA tag but leaves the C-terminal residues exposed and positioned to dock with ClpX. This structure, taken together with biochemical analysis of SspB, suggests mechanisms by which proteins like SspB escort substrates to AAA+ ATPases and enhance the specificity and affinity of target recognition.
Black hole production by cosmic rays

Ultrahigh energy cosmic rays create black holes in scenarios with extra dimensions and TeV-scale gravity. In particular, cosmic neutrinos will produce black holes deep in the atmosphere, initiating quasihorizontal showers far above the standard model rate. At the Auger Observatory, hundreds of black hole events may be observed, providing evidence for extra dimensions and the first opportunity for experimental study of microscopic black holes. If no black holes are found, the fundamental Planck scale must be above 2 TeV for any number of extra dimensions.
Dynamic file striping and data layout transformation on parallel system with fluctuating I/O workload

As the number of compute cores on modern parallel machines increases to more than hundreds of thousands, scalable and consistent I/O performance is becoming hard to obtain due to fluctuating file system performance. This fluctuation is often caused by rebuilding RAID disk from hardware failures or concurrent jobs competing for I/O. We present a mechanism that stripes across a dynamically-selected subset of I/O servers with the lightest workload to achieve the best I/O bandwidth available from the system. We implement this mechanism into an I/O software layer that enables memory-to-file data layout transformation and allows transparent file partitioning. File partitioning is a technique that divides data among a set of files and manages file access, making data appear as a single file to users. Experimental results on NERSC's Hopper indicate that our approach effectively isolates I/O variation on shared systems and improves overall I/O performance significantly.
First-in-Human Study Demonstrating Pharmacological Activation of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Humans

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 degrades heme and protects against oxidative stress, but it has not been pharmacologically induced in humans. In this randomized study of 10 healthy volunteers, hemin (3 mg/kg intravenously in 25% albumin) was shown to increase plasma HO-1 protein concentration four- to fivefold and HO-1 activity ~15-fold relative to baseline at 24 and 48 h (placebo -56.41 +/- 6.31 (baseline), 69.79 +/- 13.00 (24 h), 77.44 +/- 10.62 (48 h) vs. hemin -71.70 +/- 9.20 (baseline), 1,126.20 +/- 293.30 (24 h), 1,192.20 +/- 333.30 (48 h)) in four of five subjects as compared with albumin alone (P </= 0.03). This represents the overcoming of a fundamental hurdle to HO-1 research in humans.
Performance Modeling of an Air-Based Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) Collector

This paper studies a collector design that utilizes unglazed photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collectors preheating air for glazed air heating modules. The performance modeling of these collectors is examined both individually and in series. For each collector type, a dynamic, finite difference, first-law model has been created using literature correlations for friction. The models were compared to performance data, calibrating the models by scaling of friction terms for best fit. The calibrated models generally agree well with the experimental data; even during sudden changes to ambient conditions. The root mean square error between the unglazed PV/T model and experiment results for the useful thermal energy gain and the outlet air temperature are 7.12 W/m2 and 1.07°C, respectively. The annual source energy performance of the building-integrated PV/T (BIPV/T) array is then simulated for residential applications in seven climate zones of the United States of America. The performance of the BIPV/T array is characterized by the amount of net electrical energy and useful thermal energy produced. The useful thermal energy is defined as the amount of energy offset by the BIPV/T system for water heating and space conditioning. A BIPV/T system composed 87.5% of PV modules, and 12.5% of glazed air heating modules, offsets the same amount of source energy as a roof-mounted PV system of the same area. This array composition increases the thermal energy gain by 47% over a BIPV/T array composed solely of PV modules.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Directed self-assembly of monodisperse phospholipid bilayer Nanodiscs with controlled size.

Using a recently described self-assembly process (Bayburt, T. H.; Grinkova, Y. V.; Sligar, S. G. Nano Letters 2002, 2, 853−856), we prepared soluble monodisperse discoidal lipid/protein particles with controlled size and composition, termed Nanodiscs, in which the fragment of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayer is surrounded by a helical protein belt. We have customized the size of these particles by changing the length of the amphipathic helical part of this belt, termed membrane scaffold protein (MSP). Herein we describe the design of extended and truncated MSPs, the optimization of self-assembly for each of these proteins, and the structure and composition of the resulting Nanodiscs. We show that the length of the protein helix surrounding the lipid part of a Nanodisc determines the particle diameter, as measured by HPLC and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Using different scaffold proteins, we obtained Nanodiscs with the average size from 9.5 to 12.8 nm with a very narrow size distributi...
Asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD) of N,N-dialkyl and N-methoxy-N-methyl α,β- and β,γ-unsaturated amides

Abstract The asymmetric dihydroxylation of α,β- and β,γ-unsaturated amides affords the corresponding diols in good yields and excellent enantiomeric excesses. However, both N,N -diakyl and N -methoxy- N -methyl α,β and β,γ-unsaturated amides require a Modified-AD-mix ™ formulation to achieve good catalytic turnover rates
Small mammals: Post-discard patterning of !Kung San faunal remains

Abstract This, the second of two articles which examine !Kung San utilization of small mammals, focuses on the “cultural” and subsequent “natural” processes which serve to pattern faunal remains. It demonstrates that these two sets of forces are tightly linked and that it may be impossible for the archaeologist to strip the latter cleanly away to reveal underlying cultural information. Two faunal samples permit examination of the effects of butchering, consumption, duration of site occupation, and length of abandonment on differential element survival. Over the short term in this northern Kalahari Desert sample, selective removal by carnivores constitutes the main cause of differential destruction. Appeal to carnivores is determined by both the nature of an element itself and its cultural treatment. Different methods of breaking, cooking, and consumption may have major effects. Surprisingly, extended site occupation confers protection against carnivores to some classes of bones but not to others. Patterns of differential bone destruction vary between !Kung sites occupied for shorter and longer periods of time. Analysis of sites abandoned up to 32 years indicates that differential survival is affected by both an element's shape and its density. Over time, pieces move downward only and are not churned. They do not sort vertically by size.
Economic Status, Informal Exchange, and Sexual Risk in Kisumu, Kenya

Abstract Many observers believe that wealthy men play a disproportionate role in the continuing spread of HIV/AIDS infection in sub‐Saharan Africa through their involvement in informal exchange relationships, where money and gifts (referred to as “transfers”) are given to a range of nonmarital sexual partners. In this case, wealthier men are riskier sexual partners because they can afford to give larger transfers, which have been found to be negatively associated with condom use. Alternatively, wealthier men might have greater incentives to practice safe sex at later stages of the epidemic, or wealthier men might match with female partners who have particularly strong preferences for condom use. Accordingly, economic status would be positively associated with condom use. I use survey data from urban Kisumu, Kenya, to investigate the various mechanisms through which economic status is associated with sexual risk behavior. My results show that wealth is positively associated with transfers; however, wealth ...
“Colossal” Breakthrough: The Callosal Puncture as a Precursor to Third Ventriculostomy

In 1908, Anton and von Bramann proposed the Balkenstich method, a corpus callosum puncture which created a communication between the ventricle and subarachnoid space. This method offered the benefit of providing continuous CSF diversion without the implantation of cannula or other shunting devices, yet it received only slight reference in the literature of the time. It remained a novel and perhaps underutilized approach at the time Cushing began expanding his neurosurgical practice at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Following IRB approval, and through the courtesy of the Alan Mason Chesney Archives, the surgical records of the Johns Hopkins Hospital for the period 1896–1912 were reviewed. Patients operated upon by Harvey Cushing were selected. 7 patients underwent puncture of the corpus callosum for treatment of hydrocephalus. 6 patients were treated for obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to presumed intracranial lesions. 1 patient was treated for congenital hydrocephalus. The series reported here documents Cushing’s early use of the corpus callosum puncture to divert CSF in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to intracranial tumors, as well as an attempt to use the procedure in a pediatric patient with congenital hydrocephalus. Notably, 3 patients developed new onset left-sided weakness post-operatively, possibly due to retraction injury upon the supplementary motor intra-operative manipulations.
Patient Monitoring Technology: Friend or Foe?

This symposium presents four viewpoints on the role of patient monitoring technology in supporting care-provider activity in the medical domain. First, observations of care providers in the critical care setting provide an overview of the current state of affairs and the style of interaction that characterizes current technology. Second, task analysis and interface design techniques from a medical device manufacturer are reviewed as an example of how the medical device industry is incorporating human factors considerations into current design decisions. Third, an innovative approach using an ecological, object-based display is offered and systematic tests of its efficacy are presented as alternatives to traditional displays of vital signs for patient monitoring. Lastly, a strong critique of the current philosophy of monitoring technology is presented. The diverse viewpoints of the contributors provide evidence regarding the strengths, weaknesses and possibilities for improvement of patient monitoring tech...
Mammalian Aging, Metabolism, and Ecology: Evidence From the Bats and Marsupials

This study compared trends in body size, life span, metabolic rate, and ecology of bats and marsupials with those from mammals generally, using a 580 species data base. The linear logarithmic relationship between mammalian body mass and maximum longevity, deleting bats and marsupials, is used as a standard against which to measure life spans of particular mammal groups. Bats have maximum life spans a minimum of 3 times those of nonflying eutherians--a trend resulting from neither low basal metabolic rate, the ability to enter torpor, nor large relative brain size. Marsupials live about 80% as long as nonflying eutherians despite averaging lower basal metabolic rates; similarly, there is no effect of heterothermy or relative brain size. These results directly conflict with predictions of both "rate of living" and brain-size mediated theories of aging. However, they are consistent with an evolutionary theory that posits exceptionally long life spans among mammals with reduced environmental vulnerability.
Crowding and hydration effects on protein conformation: A study with sol-gel encapsulated proteins

We are developing an experimental system for testing the effects of macromolecular crowding and molecular confinement on protein structure. In the present study, solvent effects on the secondary structure of two proteins were examined by circular dichroism following encapsulation in the hydrated pores of a silica glass matrix by the sol-gel method. Changes in the unfolded conformations of encapsulated apomyoglobin and reduced serum albumin were analyzed after equilibration with aqueous solutions of natural osmolytes, short-chain alcohols, polyethylene glycol, and a complete series of Hofmeister cations. In many instances, the α-helical content of the encapsulated protein was increased by addition of solutes at concentrations that have no effect on the protein in the absence of the glass. The results are discussed from the perspective of water structure. We argue that perturbed water at the silica interface causes an increase in the average free energy of the bulk water phase which, consequently, diminishes the strength of the hydrophobic effect inside the glass matrix and destabilizes the conformation of encapsulated proteins. We propose that solutes can increase the strength of the hydrophobic effect and influence folding equilibria without directly interacting with the protein. A hypothesis is provided for the apparent paradox that kosmotropic (strongly water binding) anions favor native protein structure, whereas chaotropic (weakly water binding) cations enhance native protein structure. The encapsulation results suggest that macromolecular crowding and molecular confinement are accompanied by hydration effects that may oppose or potentiate the stabilizing effects of excluded volume on protein structure, depending on the surface chemistry of the crowding agent and its influence on bulk water structure. In the crowded environment of a living cell, excluded volume effects, surface-induced water structure, and compatible solutes are expected to complement the dominant forces in protein folding.
Postmortems of the 2010 Midterm Election Forecasts: Forecasting House Seats from Generic Congressional Polls: A Post-Mortem

Based on information available in July, we predicted that the Republicans would receive 52.9% of the total House vote and end up holding 229 seats, gaining control from the Democrats in the process (Bafumi, Erikson, and Wlezien 2010b). Our national vote forecast proved to be nearly correct, undershooting the actual Republican share (53.8%) by slightly less than one percentage point. Our seat forecast was a little less accurate. Although we did foresee the House changing hands, we did not predict such a large Republican windfall in seats—we forecast a “mere” swing of 50 seats, which was short of the actual outcome by about 13 seats. The Republican seat total of 242, however, was well within the 95% confidence interval (199 to 259).
Canopy dynamics in unlogged and logged forest stands in the eastern Amazon

Abstract Selective logging of tropical forests damages residual trees and creates canopy openings throughout the stand. In the Amazon, reduced-impact logging results in significantly less damage than conventional unplanned logging; yet either logging method leads to substantial fragmentation of the forest canopy. Increased mortality rates of trees damaged in logging have been documented. In this paper, we investigate the effect of logging disturbance on treefall rates. Using repeat inventories of canopy trees (≥35 cm dbh) in six large (≥50-ha) forest stands at two sites in the eastern Amazon, we measured mortality rates in three treatment classes: unlogged, conventionally logged (CL) and logged using reduced-impact methods (RIL). At least 3000 trees were mapped and inventoried per stand prior to timber harvests. In the second inventory, 3 years after harvests in the logged stands, all trees were located and scored as living, standing dead, uprooted or broken. We found significantly higher overall mortality rates for trees in logged forest (both CL and RIL stands) than in adjacent unlogged forest. This effect was largely due to higher rates of treefall (i.e., stems uprooted or broken from natural causes). Moreover, significantly higher treefall rates were recorded for trees in logged forest that were not damaged in the logging than for trees in unlogged stands. Treefall rates were nearly twice as high in conventionally logged forest as in forest logged using reduced-impact methods. We found indirect support for the hypothesis that increased treefall rates in logged forest are related to increased canopy opening and fragmentation through analysis of the locations of fallen trees in relation to canopy disturbance.
Gas-phase secondary flow in horizontal, stratified and annular two-phase flow

Abstract Experiments were performed and semi-empirical correlations were developed to both prove the existence of gas-phase secondary flow and to predict annular to stratified transition limits for isothermal and heated horizontal annular two-phase flows in pipes. At the low vapor velocities, where this transition from stratified flow occurs and the entrainment/deposition mechanism is insignificant, secondary flow in the vapor ccore plays the principal role in the full development of the liquid annulus. Direct measurements of secondary flow are presented along with a simple model to correlate its behavior. The secondary flow model is used in conjuction with the fluid mechanics of the film to derive a boundary model for the onset of annular flow in this transition region. The resulting boundary agrees well with both the thermal and isothermal transition data.
Wanting and Liking: Observations from the Neuroscience and Psychology Laboratory

Different brain mechanisms seem to mediate wanting and liking for the same reward. This may have implications for the modular nature of mental processes, and for understanding addictions, compulsions, free will and other aspects of desire. A few wanting and liking phenomena are presented here, together with discussion of some of these implications.
Combined discriminative stimulus effects of midazolam with other positive GABAA modulators and GABAA receptor agonists in rhesus monkeys

Interactions among compounds at GABAA receptors might have important implications for the therapeutic and other effects of positive GABAA modulators (e.g. benzodiazepines). This study examined whether a midazolam discriminative stimulus is modified by GABAA agonists that act at sites other than benzodiazepine sites. Rhesus monkeys discriminating midazolam (0.32 mg/kg SC) received direct-acting GABAA receptor agonists (e.g. muscimol and gaboxadol), an indirect-acting GABAA receptor agonist (progabide), ethanol, another benzodiazepine (triazolam), a barbiturate (pentobarbital), or a neuroactive steroid (pregnanolone) alone and in combination with midazolam. When administered alone, triazolam (0.1 mg/kg), pentobarbital (17.8 mg/kg) and pregnanolone (5.6 mg/kg) occasioned high levels of midazolam lever responding, ethanol (1–3 g/kg) occasioned intermediate levels of midazolam lever responding, and muscimol (0.32–1 mg/kg), gaboxadol (3.2–10 mg/kg) and progabide (10–32 mg/kg) occasioned low levels of midazolam lever responding. When combined with less-than-fully effective doses of midazolam, progabide (32 mg/kg) and ethanol (1 g/kg), but not muscimol and gaboxadol, enhanced the midazolam discriminative stimulus. Triazolam, pregnanolone and pentobarbital increased the potency of midazolam to occasion midazolam lever responding and the effects of these combinations were additive. Direct-acting GABAA receptor agonists are qualitatively different from positive GABAA modulators in rhesus monkeys trained to discriminate midazolam. Although GABAA receptor agonists and modulators can enhance the actions of benzodiazepines at the GABAA receptor complex, the same drugs do not necessarily modify the discriminative stimulus effects of benzodiazepines. These results underscore the importance of the mechanism by which drugs alter Cl− flux at the GABAA receptor complex as a determinant not only of drug action but also of drug interaction and whether any particular drug enhances the behavioral effects of a benzodiazepine.
Bayesian active learning with basis functions

A common technique for dealing with the curse of dimensionality in approximate dynamic programming is to use a parametric value function approximation, where the value of being in a state is assumed to be a linear combination of basis functions. Even with this simplification, we face the exploration/exploitation dilemma: an inaccurate approximation may lead to poor decisions, making it necessary to sometimes explore actions that appear to be suboptimal. We propose a Bayesian strategy for active learning with basis functions, based on the knowledge gradient concept from the optimal learning literature. The new method performs well in numerical experiments conducted on an energy storage problem.
Avoiding controversy in international provision of subdermal contraceptive implants.

This book chapter takes a retrospective look at the prescription of the combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) also known as "pill" and its trials of drug safety and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and support. In the decade following the pills approval and marketing in the 1950s a number of incidence case reports and fatalities and women prescribed the pill were reported thus raising concern for a possible relationship between the pill and thromboembolic disease. This book chapter tells the story of the trials and errors that this controversial pill underwent to become one of the most popular reversible methods of contraception in the United Sates today. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Low-wage Labor and the Geography of Production: A Qualified Defense of the "Pauper Labor Argument"

Does dismantling barriers to moving production offshore mean that jobs will actually flee to low-wage countries? The labor movement says yes, but many mainstream economists reject this “pauper labo...
Mechanisms of alternative splicing regulation: insights from molecular and genomics approaches

Alternative splicing of mRNA precursors provides an important means of genetic control and is a crucial step in the expression of most genes. Alternative splicing markedly affects human development, and its misregulation underlies many human diseases. Although the mechanisms of alternative splicing have been studied extensively, until the past few years we had not begun to realize fully the diversity and complexity of alternative splicing regulation by an intricate protein-RNA network. Great progress has been made by studying individual transcripts and through genome-wide approaches, which together provide a better picture of the mechanistic regulation of alternative pre-mRNA splicing.
Early stages of the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus as potential prey for the striped killifish Fundulus majalis

Abstract The Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus is a recent invader of rocky intertidal shores along the U.S. Atlantic coast whose predators have not been well identified. One potential predator of settling larvae (megalopae) and small juvenile crabs is the striped killifish, Fundulus majalis , which forages on small benthic animals. Laboratory experiments were conducted with and without sediment, consisting of sand and rocks to mimic the rocky intertidal, in order to determine whether F. majalis can consume H. sanguineus and if habitat structure reduces predation success. F. majalis juveniles ( F. majalis 60–80 mm, 80–100 mm, and > 100 mm in total length were individually offered megalopae, 1st stage crabs, and crabs 3–5 mm and 5–7 mm in carapace width (CW). Megalopae and 1st stage crabs were consumed more readily than crabs ≥ 3 mm CW by all size classes and both sexes of F. majalis . Megalopae were eaten regardless of whether or not sediment was present, but predation of 1st stage crabs was less in the presence of sediment. Gut content analyses were performed on F. majalis collected from rocky intertidal shores to determine whether results from laboratory experiments were indicative of H. sanguineus consumption by F. majalis in the wild. No H. sanguineus or other crabs were found in the guts of 37 F. majalis analyzed. Common prey items included small blue mussels ( Mytilus edulis ), hard-shelled clams ( Mercenaria mercenaria ), and unidentified crustaceans. Although F. majalis readily preyed on Asian shore crab megalopae and newly-settled crabs in the laboratory, it might not utilize H. sanguineus as prey in nature.
Conflict as a determinant of territory

A model of spatial conflict is developed in which the outcome of the conflict is determined by the number of individuals of the same “type”—e.g., religion, ethnic group, or political belief—adjacent to the conflict. The model is discussed with respect to society and supranational systems, but may also be applicable at lower levels. This model is shown to generate territorial grouping out of an initially random distribution of individual types. This model is compared to null models in which the outcome and initiation of conflicts do not depend on spatial relationships and it is shown that these models do not generate territories quickly. A model in which the initiation of conflicts is spatially independent is shown to be able to dissolve existing territorial groupings, which is a result similar to Herz's hypothesis on the demise of territorial states. It is also shown that two types cannot coexist, even with territories, unless they are equal in power. The model is developed as both a computer simulation and a mathematical model; a number of generalizations of the model are suggested which might make it applicable to other social and biological processes.
Where Theory and Law Meet: Trends in establishment clause jurisprudence in the US federal courts and implications for science education

In this study, federal court opinions and writings of legal scholars, spanning 63 years of establishment clause jurisprudence in the US federal courts were analysed in an effort to determine dominant trends in judicial philosophy that are of significance to science educators. The study's findings suggest that the dominant legal theory underpinning the adjudication of establishment clause cases on the US Supreme Court has undergone a shift from one that emphasizes separation of church and state to one that favours integration of religion in the public sphere. This development poses significant challenges to science educators who are charged with the task of teaching in accordance with state science standards that emphasize topics that are considered controversial (e.g. evolution and global climate change) by many in the faith-based community. These findings constitute a basis for forecasting future actions in US courts regarding the role of government in establishing religious practices in the public spher...
The haunting reality of meningococcal meningitis

The spectre of meningococcal meningitis has haunted humanity for centuries. Although not the most common of childhood diseases, meningococcal meningitis is among the most deadly. Even those closely acquainted with the depredations of infectious disease reserve a special awe for the alarming pace with which it develops and patients deteriorate. This rapid course is referenced in the title of Andrew Artenstein’s book In the Blink of an Eye, which aims to tell “the deadly story of epidemic meningitis”. In fact, the book contains a potted history of microbiology and infectious disease. The scope of the undertaking is hard to convey succinctly, but, to give a fl avour, the index lists people as diverse as Hippocrates and Hitler, and historical events from the decline of the Aztecs to the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, the breadth of topics covered by this slim volume results for the most part in a shallow and unsatisfying treatment, exacerbated by many errors. Some mistakes are small but embarrassing: nobody with knowledge of the subject (or access to Google Maps) should locate John Snow’s famous Soho cholera investigations in south London. Others are clumsy: Artenstein states that meningococcal meningitis is “invariably” or “uniformly” fatal, which is not the case. The fact that he sets these statements alongside more accurate case fatality rates shows that he knows they are not true, but the words seem to have been used for their sound rather than their meaning. These are but two examples. Therefore, the book is more likely to irritate than inform infectious disease specialists, and those new to the specialty may be misled. However, the parts dealing with vaccine development are a good if very brief history of the subject. Foremost among these are the later chapters dealing with vaccine development, culminating in a brief discussion of the pioneering work of Marc LaForce and the Meningitis Vaccine Project to develop a vaccine for use in the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa. This story would startle the most cynical observer into admiration, but it is still too early to tell it in full. Meningococcal disease remains among the most terrifying of infectious threats. As Artenstein makes plain, the “deadly story” is not over yet.
Ab-externo AAV-mediated gene delivery to the suprachoroidal space using a 250 micron flexible microcatheter

Background The current method of delivering gene replacement to the posterior segment of the eye involves a three-port pars plana vitrectomy followed by injection of the agent through a 37-gauge cannula, which is potentially wrought with retinal complications. In this paper we investigate the safety and efficacy of delivering adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to the suprachoroidal space using an ab externo approach that utilizes an illuminated microcatheter. Methods 6 New Zealand White rabbits and 2 Dutch Belted rabbits were used to evaluate the ab externo delivery method. sc-AAV5-smCBA-hGFP vector was delivered into the suprachoroidal space using an illuminated iTrackTM 250A microcatheter. Six weeks after surgery, the rabbits were sacrificed and their eyes evaluated for AAV transfection using immunofluorescent antibody staining of GFP. Results Immunostaining of sectioned and whole-mounted eyes demonstrated robust transfection in all treated eyes, with no fluorescence in untreated control eyes. Transfection occurred diffusely and involved both the choroid and the retina. No apparent adverse effects caused by either the viral vector or the procedure itself could be seen either clinically or histologically. Conclusions The ab externo method of delivery using a microcatheter was successful in safely and effectively delivering a gene therapy agent to the suprachoroidal space. This method presents a less invasive alternative to the current method of virally vectored gene delivery.
Social Work Students and E-Books: A Survey of Use and Perception

At California State University, Chico, subject librarians are required to make the best collection decisions with their allocated book purchasing funds. To ensure that the library is adequately meeting the needs of both on-campus and distance students in the social work program, the authors conducted a survey of e-book preferences and usage by students in the social work program. The findings show that while not all students prefer e-books, they are willing and likely to use e-books when purchased by the library. Greater flexibility in format choice can be exercised when developing the social work collection. This case study offers a discipline-specific example of how best to apply scarce resources in the rapidly changing field of collection development.
Preventive Medicine and Screening in Older Adults

PURPOSE: To review important current issues, studies, recommendations and controversies relating to preventive medicine and screening in older people. STUDY SELECTION/DATA ABSTRACTION: MEDLINE searches for literature on prevention and screening with regard to older adults as well as each individual condition reviewed; bibliographical reviews of textbooks, journal articles, government and advocacy organization task force reports, and recommendations. Important information synthesized and discussed qualitatively. DATA SYNTHESIS: Data and recommendations are presented for most common preventive services, including primary prevention and screening for cardiovascular diseases and risk factors, common malignancies, endocrine and infectious diseases, osteoporosis, sensory deficits, and dementia. CONCLUSIONS: The goal of preventive medicine in older people should be not only reduction of premature morbidity and mortality but preservation of function and quality of life. Attempts to prevent diseases of old age should start in youth; the older the patient, the less likely the possibility or value of primary and secondary prevention, and the greater the stress must be on tertiary prevention. Age 85 is proposed as a general cutoff range beyond which conventional screening tests are unlikely to be of continued benefit; however, care must always be individualized. Emphasis should be on offering the best proven and most effective interventions to the individuals at highest risk of important problems such as cardiovascular diseases, malignancies, infectious and endocrine diseases, and other important threats to function in older people. Breast cancer screening, smoking cessation, hypertension treatment, and vaccination for infectious diseases are thus far among the most firmly proven and well accepted specific preventive measures, with physical exercise also being particularly promising. Although more research is needed, a current working approach is necessary and possible. A summary table of recommendations and information tools such as reminders or flowsheets may be valuable in helping the physician carry out prevention and screening programs.
Increased hippocampal blood volume and normal blood flow in schizophrenia

Neuroimaging studies have provided compelling evidence for abnormal hippocampal activity in schizophrenia. Most studies made inferences about baseline hippocampal activity using a single hemodynamic parameter (e.g., blood volume or blood flow). Here we studied several hemodynamic measures in the same cohort to test the hypothesis of increased hippocampal activity in schizophrenia. We used dynamic susceptibility contrast- (DSC-) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess blood volume, blood flow, and mean transit time in the hippocampus of 15 patients with chronic schizophrenia and 15 healthy controls. Left and right hippocampal measurements were combined for absolute measures of cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and mean transit time (MTT). We found significantly increased hippocampal CBV, but normal CBF and MTT, in schizophrenia. The uncoupling of CBV and CBF could be due to several factors, including antipsychotic medication, loss of cerebral perfusion pressure, or angiogenesis. Further studies need to incorporate several complementary imaging modalities to better characterize hippocampal dysfunction in schizophrenia.
Analysis of Proton Exchanged Channel Waveguides in LiNbO 3

Channel waveguides fabricated by proton exchange in x-cut plates of LiNbO 3 have been examined using mode effective indices, secondary-ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Effective indices measured over a wavelength range from 480 to 1320nm, and inverted with a step index approximation, reveals the dispersion of the proton exchanged layer. The index step,4Lne, depends also on the (Cr) diffusion aperture width used to define the channel; the surface One for 3-5/Am wide channels are 5-10% less than for those lOpm and wider for wavelengths above 632nm. Common 5 minute exchange times at 249C in pure benzoic acid were used throughout. Corroborative evidence, using SIMS, shows reduced Li depletion in narrower guides. Finally, TEM analysis of thinned waveguide samples strongly suggest instabilities observed in proton exchanged waveguides is primarily due to dehydration.
Analysis of Environmental Chemical Mixtures and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Risk in the NCI-SEER NHL Study

BackgroundThere are several suspected environmental risk factors for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The associations between NHL and environmental chemical exposures have typically been evaluated for ...
Theory and characterization of a top-thread coverstitched stretch sensor

One of the chief challenges of wearable sensing is adapting electronic components and sensors to the wearable environment. Electronic components are often rigid, bulky, and impermeable: factors that usually detract from wearing comfort. Here, we present a novel stretch sensor fabricated using the top thread of a standard industrial coverstitch machine. The machine is common in apparel production and offers the ability to easily fabricate custom-placed stretch sensors on textile and apparel products. The sensing properties of the stitch are enabled by a conductive thread which increases its electric resistance as the fabric is stretched, due to the geometry of the stitches. Our empirical analysis shows a sensor response in the order of 10 ohms, with almost linear behavior prior to saturation (when the stitch is fully stretched) for low-frequency extensions of 119% of initial sample length. An equivalent electrical model is presented for theoretical modeling of the sensor behavior.
Simple template method for targeting brain loci in small animal stereotaxy

Abstract DIXON, R. G., J. N. RILEY AND E. R. MARCHAND. Simple template method for targeting brain loci in small animal stereotaxy . BRAIN RES. BULL. 3 (6) 721–722, 1978.—A simple and reliable method for stereotaxic approach at any angle is described. The representation of the coordinate on a template replaces calculation of stereotaxic coordinates.
Heritability and transmission analysis of necrotizing meningoencephalitis in the Pug

Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) in the Pug is an invariably fatal disease with an early age of onset whose cause remains unknown. Breed predilection strongly suggests genetic component(s), and viral etiology proves negative in studied cases. The current study was undertaken as the first analysis of the heritable component(s) involved in NME in the Pug. Complete medical records, individual characteristics, and pedigree information were collected for 58 affected dogs with data pertaining to 4698 dogs analyzed. A high inbreeding coefficient with differences across gender and significant differences across coat color classes and variable expression was evident. Median onset age was 19 months and median survival time 23 days. Screening for herpes-, adeno-, and parvoviruses was negative. The data demonstrate a strong familial inheritance of NME in the Pug. This investigation provides parameters of disease from the largest Pug NME cohort analyzed to date and offers evidence of previously unrecognized familial inheritance.
Leuprolide treatment of sexual aggression in a patient with Dementia and the Klüver-Bucy syndrome

A patient with dementia and features of the Kluver-Bucy syndrome was treated for verbal, physical, and sexually aggressive behavior disturbances. Propranolol was effective in controlling verbal and physical aggression but not sexually aggressive and inappropriate behaviors. The latter responded completely to treatment with leuprolide. The differential response to these treatments suggests that two basic forms of aggressive behavior in demented men can be identified and treated with relative specificity.
Simultaneous Measurement of Cytochrome a3 Reduction and Chemoreceptor Afferent Activity in the Carotid Body

THE discharge frequency of carotid body chemoreceptors increases progressively as paO2 is reduced below 250–150 mm Hg1. Chemical agents which either inhibit electron transport or uncouple oxidative phosphorylation in other tissues also increase chemoreceptor discharge2,3; however, the fall in pO2 required to stimulate the receptors physiologically is much smaller than that required to influence mitochondrial respiration in other tissues4,5. It appears then that mitochondria of the carotid chemoreceptors must have unusual properties if they play a part in the oxygen related generation of chemoreceptor impulses. To evaluate the relationship between chemoreceptor discharge and respiratory chain activity we simultaneously measured the frequency of the potentials and the cytochrome a3 reduction level in the carotid body. The organ was perfused with physiological saline in vitro because it must be both adequately oxygenated and free of haemoglobin to permit spectrophotometric measurement of cytochrome a3 reduction.
Diagrams of Lie algebras

Abstract Diagrams of Lie algebras have natural cohomology and deformation theories. The relationship between Lie and Hochschild cohomology allows one to reduce these to the associative case, where the cohomology comparison theorem asserts that for every diagram of associative algebras there is a single associative algebra whose cohomology and deformation theories are the same as those of the entire diagram. We show that the cohomology of a diagram of Lie algebras with coefficients in a diagram of Lie modules is canonically isomorphic to that of a single associative algebra with coefficients in a single bimodule, but the existence of operations analogous to those in the associative case remains unknown. In the last section, we construct a single cochain complex from a diagram of cochain complexes and derive the usual mapping cone and cylinder.
String layouts for a redundant array of inexpensive disks

This article introduces the concept of abad square in aredundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID). Bad squares are used to prove upper limits on the reliability of the2d-parity arrangement when there is the possibility that astring of disks may fail simultaneously. Bad-square analysis motivates several optimal string layouts which achieve these limits. Bad squares also provide a means to calculate the mean time to data loss for a RAID layout, without the use of Monte Carlo simulation.