cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of State Labor Regulations on Manufacturing Input Demand During the Progressive Era

The goal of this research is to determine how the regulatory burden represented by an entire class of laws impacts firm choice decisions. To achieve this end, a comprehensive list of 135 labor regulations that existed in at least one state between 1899 and 1924 was collected. Temporal and regional trends in the passage of labor legislation are described. Significant regional variability is found, with different parts of the nation favoring different classes of labor legislation. Evidence for the presence of regional homogeneity is found. Outlier states that do not fit the overall regional pattern are identified and discussed. Four summary variables are developed using principal components analysis. These variables represent first wave labor laws, second wave labor laws, mining laws, and anti-union laws. First wave laws were common laws passed in most states by 1909. First wave laws were general in nature and probably not binding on employers. Most states enacted second wave laws after 1909. The pattern of passage of these laws was more uniform than that of first wave laws, with most states adopting the more progressive second wave laws by 1924. Anti-union laws also experienced relatively little growth, but were most common in the Southeast. Three of the four summary variables were incorporated into a four-input translog cost function model of state manufacturing establishments over the 1899 to1919 period. In addition, a variable representing state appropriations for labor programs and enforcement was included in the translog model. Increases in labor legislation resulted in an increase in demand for materials and salaried labor, and a decrease in demand for wage labor. Increases in the 12
The Effects of Cognitive Restructuring on Assertive Behavior

Studies of the relative efficacy of cognitive restructuring and behavioral rehearsal for assertion problems have generally shown that both are effective treatments though neither is of demonstrated superiority. However, the typical research methodology that utilizes standardized but often irrelevant training situations, as well as outcome measures that rely on videotaped role-plays in the laboratory, may have obscured some real differences in treatment effectiveness. In the present study, participants were randomly assigned to either behavioral rehearsal training or behavioral rehearsal in conjunction with cognitive restructuring as a treatment for assertion difficulties. Target behaviors for training were personally relevant, and an in vivo self-monitoring procedure of behavioral performance in the individual chosen problem situation constituted the main outcome measure at posttest and 6-week follow-up. Results support the superiority of the combination of cognitive restructuring and behavioral rehearsal as opposed to behavioral rehearsal alone. Results are discussed in terms of the need to both treat and measure problems relevant to clients when comparing the efficacy of different treatment approaches.
THE EFFICIENT CREATION OF SINGLE ASSIGNMENT FORMS FROM UNSTRUCTURED CODE

Transformation to single assignment form is presented as a technique enabling the exploitation of fine-grain parallelism in programs. An efficient algorithm is presented for the creation of Single Assignment and Static Single Assignment code from unstructured FORTRAN codes, including programs with irreducible flow graphs. The algorithm transforms code directly without requiring conversion to flow graph form. The algorithm creates code of near optimal quality with respect to both the number of names and assignment statements added to the code. Experimental results show the degree of enlargement of storage and program length when creating single assignment code, and the containment of enlargement using name reclamation. Other results show the extent of improved parallelizalion using single assignment code.
New theoretical transition probabilities for the Si I 3s23p23pP — 3s3p33D0 isoelectronic sequence including the important correlation effects

Abstract We report results for P II, Cl IV (interpolated), Ca VII, Fe XIII 3P-3D0f-values, which are in good agreement with experiment and are obtained from the news atomic structure theory of Sinanoǧlu including electron correlation.
Optimized release matrices for use in a BioMEMS device to study metastasis

Multiple changes within the tumor microenvironment have been correlated with an increase in metastasis, yet the mechanisms are not fully understood. Tumor cells can be stimulated by the release of chemoattractant factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) from nearby stromal cells, resulting in increased intravasation and metastasis. Additionally, altered extracellular matrix density can result in changes in gene expression patterns governing increased cellular proliferation and motility. The Nano Intravital Device (NANIVID) has been used to produce gradients of select soluble factors in the tumor microenvironment and to study the role of these changes on cell migration. In previous studies, the NANIVID utilized a synthetic hydrogel to produce an EGF gradient to attract metastatic breast cancer cells. In this work, a matrigel insert will be introduced into the outlet to provide a substrate for cells to migrate on when entering the device. The concentration of the chemoattractant and matrigel comprising the insert will be optimized to produce a suitable gradient for inducing chemotaxis in metastatic breast cancer cells in vitro . Additionally, silk and alginate matrices will be explored as improved soluble factor release mediums. Delivery of larger molecules such as collagen cross-linkers requires an alternative hydrogel material. Future NANIVID experiments will utilize these materials to gauge the cellular motility response when a stiffer matrix is encountered.
Perverse sheaves, Koszul IC-modules, and the quiver for the category $\mathcal{O}$

For a stratified topological space we introduce the category of IC-modules, which are linear algebra devices with the relations described by the equation d 2=0. We prove that the category of (mixed) IC-modules is equivalent to the category of (mixed) perverse sheaves for flag varieties. As an application, we describe an algorithm calculating the quiver underlying the BGG category $\mathcal{O}$ for arbitrary simple Lie algebra, thus answering a question which goes back to I. M. Gelfand.
Information available in brief tactile presentations.

Two experiments investigated characteristics of Immediate recall for brief tactile stimuli applied to the 24 interjoint regions of the fingers of both hands (thumbs excluded) The obtained Immediate-memory span varied from 35 to 7,5 stimulus positions correct after correction for guessing, similar to the results In analogous visual studies, Properties of any hypothetical tactile short-term memory were studied by requiring subjects to report only a specified portion of the stimuli presented, and by varying the time of occurrence of the marker specifying which portion of the stimuli to report, In this partial-report condition, subjects had more stimulus information available at the time of reporting than their immediate memory spans indicated, provided that the stimulus marker occurred within 0.8 sec after stimulus termination, The data suggest that at least for the amount of training employed here, any tactile short-term memory has much less capacity than an analogous visual short-term memory.
What's Going on Here? Deconstructing the Interactive Encounter

Janice Posatery Burke, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor and Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy, Dean, Jefferson School of Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, 130 South Ninth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107; Janice.burke@jefferson.edu Burke, J. P. (2010). What’s going on here? Deconstructing the interactive encounter (Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lecture). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64, 855–868. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2010.64604
EDITORIAL: Tackling Our Biggest Environmental Challenges

It is not often that we think of the military as part of the solution to environmental problems. Yet despite all of the denial of the reality of global climate change that goes on in Congress and e...
In situ ultrasonic velocity measurements across the olivine-spinel transformation in Fe2SiO4

Compressional (P) and shear (S) wave velocities across the olivine-spinel transformation in Fe{sub 2}SiO{sub 4} were investigated in situ using combined synchrotron X-ray diffraction, X-ray imaging, and ultrasonic interferometry up to 5.5 GPa along the 1173 K isotherm. The onset of the spinel to olivine transformation at 4.5 GPa and olivine to spinel transition for Fe{sub 2}SiO{sub 4} at 4.8 GPa was concurrently observed from X-ray diffraction, the amplitude of the ultrasonic signals, the calculated velocities, and the ratio of P and S wave velocities (v{sub P}/v{sub S}). No velocity softening was observed prior to the fayalite to spinel transition. The velocity contrasts across the Fe{sub 2}SiO{sub 4} spinel to fayalite phase transition are derived directly from the measured velocities, which are 13 and 12% for P and S waves, respectively, together with a density contrast of 9.4%. A comparison with literature data indicates that the changes in compressional-wave velocity and density across the olivine-spinel transformation in Fe{sub 2}SiO{sub 4} are comparable to those with different iron concentrations in the (Mg,Fe){sub 2}SiO{sub 4} solid solution, whereas the shear wave velocity contrast decreases slightly with increasing iron concentration.
Imperial Contradictions: Is the Valley a Watershed, Region, or Cyborg?

Abstract Is California's Imperial Valley a watershed? If so, at what level and by what topographic logic? Is it a region? If so, at what level and by what geographic logic? Are its boundaries natural, political, or multivalent on different scales? In short, this essay looks at the special (re)production of environmental conditions within a cyborg world. Here, the Valley is comprised of (a) Colorado River water; (2) migratory waterfowl; (3) the accidentally manufactured, but intentionally seeded food chain of the Salton Sea (3) the San Andreas Fault, (4) Mexican field labor; (5) public universities extension services; (6) global markets and supply chains; (7) international biotechnology, chemical and seed conglomerates, and (8) state and federal regulation of water rights, regulations and markets. The Valley is a cyborg, a historical entity comprised interdependently of nature, technoscience and humanity. This, characterization, however, raises problems with conceptions of the massive losses of migratory waterfowl from avian cholera at the Salton Sea, the agroecological devastation caused by the unintentional introduction of the Silver Leaf whitefly, and the “wastage” of constrained water rights as environmental crises of nature. The articulation of a cyborg perspective sees the environmental conditions of the Valley as the product of relations comprised of uneven and indeterminate ecological process, technoscientific trajectories, and human practices. Extending the cyborg's integration of nature, technology and social agency, a relational reading of James O’Connor's second contradiction of capitalism thesis is developed. O’Connor's political ecology and Haraway material semiotics, while broadly operating at different levels of analysis, prove surprisingly resonant.
Are the stress proteins indicators of exposure or effect

Abstract The stress-inducible proteins (SP) and particularly the heat-shock proteins (HSP) are general biological indicators of contamination. Their functions are becoming increasingly understood; some SP have been associated with classes of stressors, others with specific diseases. In this paper, evidence is presented that SP are synthesized in greater quantities in increasing concentrations of stressor. Both HSP70 and HSP90 were sensitive in Daphnia magna to concentration of AgCl and SDS. Evidence taken from the literature indicates that subsets of SP induced vary with specific stressors or classes of stressors. Thus, the SP may provide general and specific tests of exposure. As tests of effects (or toxicity), the SP are less well proven. There is correlational evidence based on studies of SP and organismal responses, but there is little direct evidence on SP levels and toxic effects.
Online art auctions à la Française and à l'Américaine: eBay France and eBay USA

This study extends previous research into online auctions by introducing a comparative cross-cultural dimension and focusing on heterogeneous goods. Samples of artwork auctions taken from two independent eBay sites--eBay USA and eBay France--are analyzed to detect culturally specific patterns of seller and bidder behavior. The analysis of these two samples reveals systematic differences in the art auctioned, winning bids, starting prices, and price dynamics, as well as bidders' "flocking" behavior and sellers' reliance on reserve auctions and other risk-management strategies. American sellers tend to offer more valuable items and to garner much better closing prices than French sellers. French auctions, by contrast, are dominated by domestic sellers; further, the number of bidders is more highly correlated with the final sale price in French than in American auctions. Finally, the data regarding art auctions disclose contrasting orientations to eBay's reputation system in that French bidders tend to be more attentive to negative feedback than Americans.
Effects of nonverbal behavior on perceptions of a female employee's power bases.

The authors extended a previous examination of the effects of nonverbal behavior on perceptions of a male employee's power bases (H. Aguinis, M. M. Simonsen, & C. A. Pierce, 1998) by examining the effects of nonverbal behavior on perceptions of a female employee's power bases. U.S. undergraduates read vignettes describing a female employee engaging in 3 types of nonverbal behavior (i.e., eye contact, facial expression, body posture) and rated their perceptions of the woman's power bases (i.e., reward, coercive, legitimate, referent, expert, credibility). As predicted, (a) direct eye contact increased perceptions of coercive power, and (b) a relaxed facial expression decreased perceptions of all 6 power bases. Also as predicted, the present results differed markedly from those of Aguinis et al. (1998) regarding a male employee. The authors discuss implications for theory, future research, and the advancement of female employees.
Development and application of a worker assignment model to evaluate a lean manufacturing cell

In lean manufacturing environments, cross-training is often used to achieve multi-skilling in order to increase flexibility in meeting fluctuating demand, to create a shared sense of responsibility, and to balance workload between cross-trained workers. This paper presents a model that assigns workers to tasks within a lean manufacturing cell while minimizing net present cost. In determining how to assign workers to tasks, the model addresses production requirements to meet customer demand, skill depth requirements for tasks, varying quality levels based on skill depth, and job rotation to retain skills for a cross-trained workforce. The model generates an assignment of workers to tasks and determines the training necessary for workers to meet skill requirements for tasks and customer demand. While the model can be used in a number of ways, in this paper it is used to generate a worker assignment schedule for cross-trained workers in a dedicated lean manufacturing cell in an electronics assembly plant and to evaluate the effect of increased cross-training on the cell. The resulting worker assignment schedules for the current state and several alternative scenarios for the cell are evaluated using cost results from the optimization model and from a simulation model to assess additional performance metrics. These results demonstrate the usefulness of the worker assignment model and indicate that moderate increases from current cross-training levels are not beneficial for this cell.
Selection of a Propulsor for a Submersible System

sign and development of ocean-going hydrofoil ships. With the exception of having demonstrated full design capability in rough water, the craft has met or exceeded all of her design goals, including a verification of the concept of the turbinepowered, fully submerged foil ship being routinely operated by the "white hat" Navy. Sporadic leakage of salt water into the transmission oil sumps has been the principal reason for limited reliability to date. This and other problems evaluated during the test program can be corrected, as presently envisioned, without major alteration of the craft. In contrast, much operational experience and test data have been obtained that commend many of the more gross aspects of the craft design. Seakeeping characteristics while hullborne, takeoff performance foilborne comfort, and safety have been found to be most satisfactory. The high vehicular efficiency of the full-scale craft was accurately predicted by model work done prior to construction of the ship.
Nonuniform complexity and the randomness of certain complete languages

Abstract This paper contains further study of the randomness properties of languages. The connection between time-/space-bounded Kolmogorov complexity and nonuniform complexity defined by grammar and automaton size is investigated. We show that certain languages that are complete under nonuniform one-way log-space reductions are weakly random with respect to other language classes contained in P. For example, it is shown that every context-free language that is complete under nonuniform one-way log-space reductions is weakly random with respect to the class of deterministic context-free languages, and every deterministic context-free language that is complete under nonuniform one-way log-space reductions is weakly random with respect to the class of linear context-free languages.
Absorption spectra of a dielectric grating on a metal substrate

A planar dielectric film waveguide with a substrate of a nearly-free-electron metal has an ordinary diffraction grating etched on its surface. The reflection of a light beam incident on the grating from the cover is investigated as a function of the angle of incidence. A perturbation procedure is used for the determination of the resulting absorption spectra. The angular location and the depth of the antiresonance in the angular response of the reflection coefficient are used to obtain estimates of the average thickness of the dielectric film and the relative amplitude of the grating.
Within the Text of Browning's The Guardian-Angel

(2008). Within the Text of Browning's The Guardian-Angel. The Explicator: Vol. 66, No. 2, pp. 91-93.
The transport and processing of carbamyl phosphate synthetase-I in mouse hepatic mitochondria

Carbamyl phosphate synthetase-I (CPS-I)2, purified from mouse hepatic mitochondria consists of electrophoretically homogeneous polypeptide species of 160 kilodaltons molecular weight (Kd). Monospecific antibody to CPS-I immunoprecipitated a putative precursor of 165Kd protein from in vitro translation products programmed with mouse liver free polysomes or poly(A) RNA. Isolated mitochondrial particles can take up and process pCPS-I into mature CPS-I of 160Kd in an in vitro transport system. The in vitro transport of CPS-I is energy dependent and requires intact mitochondria. The processing of pCPS-I appears to involve a single endoproteolytic cleavage.
Radial nerve injuries from gunshot wounds and other trauma: comparison of electrodiagnostic findings.

Objective To identify the difference and similarity of radial nerve injury in gunshot wounds compared to blunt trauma with regard to level of injury, completeness of injury, and other associated nerve injury. Design This study was a retrospective review of electrophysiologic data performed in an electromyographic laboratory of a county hospital. A total of 67 consecutive patients had gunshot wounds or other trauma to the radial nerve during a 7-yr period (1992-1998). Forty patients met the criteria for this study. The radial nerve injury was categorized according to the level of involvement and completeness of injury. The relationship between the etiology, level of injury, completeness of injury, and other associated nerve injury was analyzed via Fisher's exact test. Result There was no difference in the level of radial nerve injury, completeness of nerve injury, and associated nerve involvement between gunshot wound cases and blunt trauma cases. Conclusion In contrast to the upper and lower extremity traumatic plexopathy in which differences were seen, our study showed that gunshot wound-induced radial nerve injury is similar to injury induced by other trauma in the factors measured.
CALCULATIONS IN NUCLEAR EVAPORATION THEORY

Methods are developed for analytic treatment of problems in nuclear evaporation theory using the level density formula $\mathrm{exp}{2{[a({E}^{*}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon})]}^{\frac{1}{2}}}$. Several useful expansions are given, with their ranges of validity. Comparisons made with existing calculations indicate the validity of this approach.
Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke

The treatment of acute ischemic stroke has evolved from observation and the passage of time dictating outcome to an approach that emphasizes time from ictus, rapid response, and a dedicated treatment team. We review the treatment of acute ischemic stroke from the prehospital setting, to the emergency department, to the inpatient hospital setting. We discuss the importance of prehospital assessment and treatment, including the use of elements of the neurologic examination, recognition of symptoms that can mimic those of acute ischemic stroke, and rapid transport of patients who are potential candidates for thrombolytic therapy to hospitals with that capability. Coordinated management of acute ischemic stroke in the emergency department is critical as well, beginning with non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the brain. The advantages of a multidisciplinary dedicated stroke team are discussed, as are thrombolytic therapy and other inpatient treatment options. Finally, we cover evolving management strategies, treatments, and tools that could improve patient outcomes.
The Preparation of Titanium Nitride and Titanium Carbonitride by the Preceramic Polymer Route

Abstract : The pyrolysis of selected titanium amides in a stream of ammonia gives titanium nitride. In a stream of argon titanium carbonitride is produced. We have developed useful routes for the preparation of silicon and boron carbonitrides and nitrides by the pyrolysis of suitable polymeric precursors, and we were interested in developing such an approach for the synthesis of titanium carbonitride and nitride. Keywords: Titanium nitride, Titanium carbonitride, Titanium amides, Ceramics.
On the complexity of flow-sensitive dataflow analyses

This paper attempts to address the question of why certain dataflow analysis problems can be solved efficiently, but not others. We focus on flow-sensitive analyses, and give a simple and general result that shows that analyses that require the use of relational attributes for precision must be PSPACE-hard in general. We then show that if the language constructs are slightly strengthened to allow a computation to maintain a very limited summary of what happens along an execution path, inter-procedural analyses become EXPTIME-hard. We discuss applications of our results to a variety of analyses discussed in the literature. Our work elucidates the reasons behind the complexity results given by a number of authors, improves on a number of such complexity results, and exposes conceptual commonalities underlying such results that are not readily apparent otherwise.
Non‐asymptotic seismic data reconstruction

I propose a seismic data reconstruction using a non-asymptotic wave analysis. A synthetic test demonstrates that there is a benefit of doing non-asymptotic forward wave analysis in comparison with the asymptotic approximation presented by Stolt (2002). For example when the offset differences are small it is proved that the stationary phase approximation is not valid. In this situation the asymptotic breaks down and the predicted amplitude is not valid. Seismic data reconstruction for AVA analysis is also tested, which allows for a comparison between non-asymptotic data reconstruction and AMO. The shape of AMO and data reconstruction operators are almost equivalent, but in a detailed look the two traveltime ratio is less narrow for non-asymptotic seismic data reconstruction, allowing more variability in the dip of reflectors.
Second laryngeal cancers in previously treated larynges.

Objectives: To review the management and outcome of patients with new second primary cases of laryngeal cancer occurring more than 3 years after the initial cancer was treated. Study Design: Retrospective review of 855 patients with newly diagnosed and treated laryngeal cancers. Methods: Charts were reviewed and tabulated for occurrence of second primary laryngeal tumors, method of treatment for the index and second primary laryngeal tumors, and effect of smoking status or cessation of smoking. Results : Of the 855 patients, 532 patients retained their larynx; of these 377 lived more than 3 years and thus were at risk for a second new primary cancer. Of these 377 patients at risk, 19 or 5.1% developed second primary tumors. The rate of second primary disease was lower in patients whose index laryngeal cancer was treated by irradiation (4.3%) compared with those treated surgically (9.2%). However, surgical treatment of second primary laryngeal tumors resulted in far higher rates of laryngeal voicing (82%) compared with irradiation (33%). Conclusion: When possible, management of the index primary tumor by endoscopic resection has resulted in the highest future retention of laryngeal speech, leaving all treatment options available should a second laryngeal cancer occur. Lifelong follow-up of patients with laryngeal cancer for secondary primary tumors is important. Second primary tumors were equally distributed between patients who continued to smoke and ceased to smoke after their index primary lesion was diagnosed.
The return on investment of a Medicaid tobacco cessation program in Massachusetts.

Background and Objective A high proportion of low-income people insured by the Medicaid program smoke. Earlier research concerning a comprehensive tobacco cessation program implemented by the state of Massachusetts indicated that it was successful in reducing smoking prevalence and those who received tobacco cessation benefits had lower rates of in-patient admissions for cardiovascular conditions, including acute myocardial infarction, coronary atherosclerosis and non-specific chest pain. This study estimates the costs of the tobacco cessation benefit and the short-term Medicaid savings attributable to the aversion of inpatient hospitalization for cardiovascular conditions. Methods A cost-benefit analysis approach was used to estimate the program's return on investment. Administrative data were used to compute annual cost per participant. Data from the 2002–2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Surveys were used to estimate the costs of hospital inpatient admissions by Medicaid smokers. These were combined with earlier estimates of the rate of reduction in cardiovascular hospital admissions attributable to the tobacco cessation program to calculate the return on investment. Findings Administrative data indicated that program costs including pharmacotherapy, counseling and outreach costs about $183 per program participant (2010 $). We estimated inpatient savings per participant of $571 (range $549 to $583). Every $1 in program costs was associated with $3.12 (range $3.00 to $3.25) in medical savings, for a $2.12 (range $2.00 to $2.25) return on investment to the Medicaid program for every dollar spent. Conclusions These results suggest that an investment in comprehensive tobacco cessation services may result in substantial savings for Medicaid programs. Further federal and state policy actions to promote and cover comprehensive tobacco cessation services in Medicaid may be a cost-effective approach to improve health outcomes for low-income populations.
In vitro femoral arterial responses to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator agents in endotoxin shock.

Abstract The hypothesis for this study is that the decreased arterial response to catecholamines may be due to the effect of endotoxemia on vessel tone. One control ring was taken from one femoral artery of a Wistar rat and after endotoxin (ENDT) infusion (iv. 6mg/kg-1 hr.), one ring was removed from the contralateral artery. The post-ENDT rings were tested in four groups which were determined by the mean arterial pressure (MAP) levels at the time of dissection: 100mmHg (120 min), 80mmHg (270 min), 60mmHg (300 min) or 40mmHg (330 min). KCl, phenylephrine (PHE) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) dose-response curve (DR) were obtained at a preload of 500 mg which allowed the maximum response in control rings. When compared at 500mg preload the maximal active response to all agonists post-ENDT was decreased by about 50%. By increasing the preload on the ENDT rings to 800mg, the active tension became 2.49 times the active tension of the control rings. Length-tension experiments also showed a greater response for post-ENDT rings and a greater preload at maximum response but the ring circumference was the same. In contrast the in vivo femoral artery diameters at 90 min post-ENDT (100 mmHg) were 82.6% of control. Endothelium-dependent relaxation by acetylcholine (ACh) was abolished by ENDT but endothelium-independent relaxation to nitroprusside (NP) was not affected. It is concluded that the testing tone and active tension of femoral artery smooth muscle is increased by ENDT and the decreased in vivo responsiveness to vasoconstrictor agonists may be the result of vessel constriction due to loss of endothelium. The results also suggest that in vitro comparison of vessels in studies of endotoxin shock be done at the same muscle length rather than at the same preload.
Penicillin-degrading enzymes in sites associated with adult periodontitis.

The incidence and enzymatic activity of penicillin-degrading enzymes (beta-lactamases) in gingival crevicular fluid were determined for 406 sites in 52 patients with adult periodonititis. Beta-lactamase activity was detected in 64% of the patients and in 24% of the sites sampled. The enzyme was present in 13% of 206 sites and 36% of 200 sites having probing depths of ≤3 mm and >3 mm, respectively. The incidence of the enzyme was positively correlated with increases in pocket depth up to 8 mm. However, there was no correlation between probing depths and the enzyme activity present. The range of activity detected was equivalent to 0.001 to 0.569 enzyme units per ml of gingival fluid. Approximately 60% of the sites in which beta-lactamase was detected, or 19% of all sites sampled with probing depth > 3 mm, contained enzymatic activity sufficent to inactivate penicillins at the concentrations available in gingival fluid.
Effects of power frequency electromagnetic fields on melatonin and sleep in the rat.

Background: Studies investigating the effect of power frequency (50-60 Hz) electromagnetic fields (EMF) on melatonin synthesis in rats have been inconsistent with several showing suppression of melatonin synthesis, others showing no effect and a few actually demonstrating small increases. Scant research has focused on the ensuing sleep patterns of EMF exposed rats. The present study was designed to examine the effects of extremely low power frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) on the production of melatonin and the subsequent sleep structure in rats. Methods: Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a 1000 milligauss (mG) magnetic field for 1 month. Urine was collected for the final 3 days of the exposure period for analysis of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin, the major catabolic product of melatonin found in urine. Subsequent sleep was analyzed over a 24-hour period. Results: Melatonin production was mildly increased in exposed animals. Although there were no statistically significant changes in sleep structure, exposed animals showed slight decreases in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep as compared to sham (non-exposed) animals. Conclusions: Power frequency magnetic fields induced a marginally statistically significant increase in melatonin levels in exposed rats compared to control. Subsequent sleep analysis indicated little effect on the sleep architecture of rats, at least not within the first day after 1 month’s continuous exposure. Varying results in the literature are discussed and future research suggested. Keywords: electromagnetic fields; 6-sulphatoxymelatonin; Sprague-Dawley; sleep (Published: 20 April 2012) Citation: Emerg Health Threats J 2012, 5 : 10904 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ehtj.v5i0.10904
Magnons and continua in a magnetized and dimerized spin- 1 2 chain

We examine the magnetic field dependent excitations of the dimerized spin-1/2 chain, copper nitrate, with antiferromagnetic intradimer exchange ${J}_{1}=0.44(1)\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{meV}$ and exchange alternation $\ensuremath{\alpha}={J}_{2}/{J}_{1}=0.26(2)$. Magnetic excitations in three distinct regimes of magnetization are probed through inelastic neutron scattering at low temperatures. At low and high fields there are three and two long-lived magnonlike modes, respectively. The number of modes and the antiphase relationship between the wave-vector dependent energy and intensity of magnon scattering reflect the distinct ground states: A singlet ground state at low fields ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}Hl{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}{H}_{c1}=2.8\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{T}$ and an ${S}_{z}=1/2$ product state at high fields ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}Hg{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}{H}_{c2}=4.2\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{T}$. In the intermediate-field regime, a continuum of scattering for $\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\approx}{J}_{1}$ is indicative of a strongly correlated gapless quantum state without coherent magnons.
Quantitation of phosphatidyl N-methyl and N,N-dimethyl aminoethanol in liver and lung of N-methylaminoethanol fed rats.

A diet supplemented with N-methylaminoethanol was fed to rats, and liver and lung phospholipids were resolved by a two dimensional thin layere chromatographic method affording the separation of phosphatidyl N-methylaminoethanol and phosphatidyl N,N-dimethylaminoethanol, as well as of the major phosphatides. Significant amounts of phosphatidyl N-methylaminoethanol and phosphatidyl N,N-dimethylaminoethanol accumulated within 24 hr in liver and lung. The fatty acid composition of liver phosphatidyl N-methylaminoethanol and phosphatidyl N,N-dimethylaminoethanol was determined. Stearic, arachidonic, and docosahexaenoic acids were the predominant fatty acids of these phosphatides. After injection of (Me-14C)methionine, only phosphatidyl N,N-dimethylaminoethanol and phosphatidylcholine became heavily labeled in both liver and lung. These findings indicate that N-methylaminoethanol is incorporated into phosphatidyl N-methylaminoethanol, and the latter is methylated to phosphatidyl N,N-dimethylaminoethanol and phosphatidylcholine.
HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Primary and Secondary Syphilis among American Indians and Alaska Natives Within Indian Health Service Areas in the United States, 2007-2010

National rates from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted disease (STD) surveillance may not effectively convey the impact of HIV and STDs on American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Instead, we compared average annual diagnosis rates per 100,000 population of HIV, chlamydia (CT), gonorrhea (GC), and primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis, from 2007 to 2010, among AI/AN aged ≥ 13 years residing in 625 counties in the 12 Indian Health Service Areas, all AI/AN, and all races/ethnicities to address this gap. AI/AN comprised persons reported as AI/AN only, with or without Hispanic ethnicity. Out of 12 IHS Areas, 10 had higher case rates for CT, 3 for GC, and 4 for P&S syphilis compared to rates for all races/ethnicities. Eight Areas had higher HIV diagnosis rates than for all AI/AN, but HIV rates for all IHS Areas were lower than national rates for all races/ethnicities. Two IHS Areas ranking highest in rates of CT and GC and four Areas with highest P&S syphilis also had high HIV rates. STD and HIV rates among AI/AN were greater in certain IHS Areas than expected from observing national rates for AI/AN. Integrated surveillance of overlapping trends in STDs and HIV may be useful in guiding prevention efforts for AI/AN populations.
A Novel Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase. STRUCTURE, EXPRESSION, AND REGULATION ∗

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase lies at the convergence of various extracellular ligand-mediated signaling pathways. It is activated by the dual-specificity kinase, MAP kinase kinase or MEK. MAP kinase inactivation is mediated by dephosphorylation via specific MAP kinase phosphatases (MKPs). One MKP (MKP-1 (also known as 3CH134, Erp, or CL100)) has been reported to be expressed in a wide range of tissues and cells. We report the identification of a second widely expressed MKP, termed MKP-2, isolated from PC12 cells. MKP-2 showed significant homology with MKP-1 (58.8% at the amino acid level) and, like MKP-1, displayed vanadate-sensitive phosphatase activity against MAP kinase in vitro. Overexpression of MKP-2 in vivo inhibited MAP kinase-dependent gene transcription in PC12 cells. MKP-2 differed from MKP-1 in its tissue distribution and in its extent of induction by growth factors and agents that induce cellular stress, suggesting that these MKPs may have distinct physiological functions.
EXPECTATIONS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS OF LOWER SOCIOECONOMIC CLASS

This study examines return for treatment after an initial interview as a function of the fulfillment of Class IV and V expectations of psychotherapeutic procedures. A questionnaire that emphasized hypothesized areas of lower-class expectations was administered before and after the initial interview. It was found that the expectations were in the predicted direction and that, the greater the discrepancy between expectation and perception of the interview, the less likely the patient was to return for treatment.
Seasonal Prediction for the Indian Monsoon Region with FSU Ocean- atmosphere Coupled Model: Model Mean and 2002 Anomalous Drought

Seasonal climate prediction for the Indian summer monsoon season is critical for strategic planning of the region. The mean features of the Indian summer monsoon and its variability, produced by versions of the ‘Florida State University Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere General Circulation Model’ (FSUCGCM) hindcasts, are investigated for the period 1987 to 2002. The coupled system has full global ocean and atmospheric models with coupled assimilation. Four member models were created by choosing different combinations of parameterizations of the physical processes in the atmospheric model component. Lower level wind flow patterns and rainfall associated with the summer monsoon season are examined from this fully coupled model seasonal integrations. By comparing with observations, the mean monsoon condition simulated by this coupled model for the June, July and August periods is seen to be reasonably realistic. The overall spatial low-level wind flow patterns and the precipitation distributions over the Indian continent and adjoining oceanic regions are comparable with the respective analyses. The anomalous below normal large-scale precipitation and the associated anomalous low-level wind circulation pattern for the summer monsoon season of 2002 was predicted by the model three months in advance. For the Indian summer monsoon, the ensemble mean is able to reproduce the mean features better compared to individual member models.
Glycoproteins in Rathke's gland secretions of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempi) sea turtles.

Abstract 1. 1. The Rahtke's gland secretions of loggerhead ( Caretta caretta ) and Kemp's ridley ( Lepidochelys kempi ) sea turtles contain 20 and 10 mg of protein/ml, respectively. The proteins of each species were separated by gel filtration into two major fractions, one (35%) in the excluded volume, and one (50%) with a molecular mass of approximately 55 kDa. 2. 2. The 55 kDa fraction from each specie's secretions exhibits a single band on SDS-PAGE and a single amino-terminal sequence. 3. 3. The amino acid compositions of the two 55 kDa proteins are similar, and the first 15 residues of their amino terminus are identical. Both proteins contain glucosamine. 4. 4. Analyses of the amino acid and amino sugar composition of the high molecular weight fractions from the two turtle species also indicate similarities; there are distinct differences between them and their 55 kDa proteins.
Comparison of missed opportunities for earlier HIV diagnosis in 3 geographically proximate emergency departments.

Objective Differences in the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV between different types of emergency departments (EDs) are not well understood. We seek to define missed opportunities for HIV diagnosis within 3 geographically proximate EDs serving different patient populations in a single metropolitan area. Methods For an urban academic, an urban community, and a suburban community ED located within 10 miles of one another, we reviewed visit records for a cohort of patients who received a new diagnosis of HIV between July 1999 and June 2003. Missed opportunities for earlier HIV diagnosis were defined as ED visits in the year before diagnosis, during which there was no documented ED HIV testing offer or test. Outcomes were the number of missed opportunity visits and the number of patients with a missed opportunity for each ED. We secondarily reviewed medical records for missed opportunity encounters, using an extensive list of indications that might conceivably trigger testing. Results Among 276 patients with a new HIV diagnosis, 123 (44.5%) visited an ED in the year before diagnosis or received a diagnosis in the ED. The urban academic ED HIV testing program diagnosed 23 (8.3%) cases and offered testing to 24 (8.7%) patients who declined. Missed opportunities occurred during 187 visits made by 76 (27.5%) patients. These included 70 patients with 157 visits at the urban academic ED, 9 patients with 24 visits at the urban community ED, and 4 patients with 6 visits at the suburban community ED. Medical records were available for 172 of the 187 missed opportunity visits. Visits were characterized by the following potential testing indicators: HIV risk factors (58; 34%), related diagnosis indicating risk (7; 4%), AIDS-defining illness (8; 5%), physician suspicion of HIV (29; 17%), and nonspecific signs or symptoms of illness potentially consistent with HIV (126; 73%). Conclusion Geographically proximate EDs differ in their opportunities for earlier HIV diagnosis, but all 3 sites had missed opportunities. Many ED patients with undiagnosed HIV have potential indications for testing documented even in the absence of a dedicated risk assessment, although most of these are nonspecific signs or symptoms of illness that may not be clinically useful selection criteria.
Soft switching, frequency control, and bidirectional power flow of an isolated quasi-switched-capacitor dc/dc converter for automotive applications

This paper presents the soft switching, frequency control, and bidirectional power flow of an isolated quasi-switched-capacitor (QSC) dc/dc converter which was proposed for automotive applications, connecting the high-voltage (HV) dc bus and the low-voltage (LV) dc bus. The converter employs a QSC dc/ac front-stage circuit with a 3:1 voltage step-down ratio, and a synchronous-rectifier, current-doubler post-stage circuit. In this paper: 1) a more accurate equivalent circuit of the frontstage QSC dc/ac circuit is presented, with the transformer leakage inductance integrated. The circuit is analyzed and its output dc-offset current is calculated; 2) soft switching is analyzed, and a wide ZVS range for the HV-side switches is achieved; 3) a frequency control strategy is proposed to solve the resonance problem caused by the deadband control. The operation principles are described and the output power is derived; 4) a bidirectional power flow is implemented; 5) guidelines are given to estimate key circuit parameters, including the capacitance of the switched capacitors, the transformer dc-bias flux density, and the average currents of the post-stage inductors. Experiment results from a 1 kW prototype based on SiC MOSFETs on the HV-side are provided to verify the feasibility and superior performance of the converter.
Acceleration to cosmic ray energies by electromagnetic inductive action

In 19332 I suggested a mechanism according to which charged particles could acquire cosmic ray energies by electromagnetic inductive action in the stars. The mechanism invoked the changing magnetic fields known to exist over large areas in the stars, and exemplified in their most obvious form in the magnetic fields associated with sunspots. The mechanism may also be applied to galactic magnet ic fields. While, in m y original paper, I used sunspots as an illustration, it was never my intent ion to imply tha t all cosmic rays came from the sun, nor indeed to imply tha t even the rays from the sun itself necessarily originated in the spots. The principal reason for invoking sunspots at all lay in the fact that , as has since been emphasized many times, there are grave difficulties in unders tanding how magnetic fields can change with t ime to any significant degree in large masses of highly conduct ing material, and in assuming a figure for the rate of change of magnetic field in my calculations, it was impor tant to avoid using a value greater than 2 X 10 -3 gauss per second, which rate of change is known to occur in sunspots and so is a permissible value for cosmological calculations of this kind. Criticisms of the betat ron mechanism have been made for the most par t on two bases. THE CRITICISM MADE BY ALYV~N
Injectable Contraception: Current Practices and Future Trends

Injectable contraception includes progestin-only and combined estrogen and progestin agents that provide safe and highly effective birth control for one to three months. Injectable agents are widely available and play an important role in family planning programs worldwide. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, available for intramuscular injection and subcutaneous injection, is the best known and most broadly distributed injectable contraceptive agent, and is an ideal agent for women who have contraindications to estrogen use. Despite their effectiveness, progestin-only injectables are associated with high rates of discontinuation due to bothersome side effects including abnormal bleeding, health controversies including decreased bone mineral density, and increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus acquisition. Injectables do offer non-contraceptive benefits including symptom control related to endometriosis and fibroids, and decreased risk of endometrial cancer. Research is ongoing to determine new injectable hormone formulations that provide longer-acting contraceptive protection and fewer side effects.
Sunitinib (SUTENT®) for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Kidney cancer accounts for approximately 2% of new cancers and conventional treatment with nephrectomy followed by IL-2 or IFN-α treatment does not provide long-term survival benefit in many patients. Increased understanding of the pathophysiology of renal cell carcinoma has prompted the development of targeted therapies for patients with this disease, including sunitinib. This paper reviews the most recent efficacy and safety data for sunitinib, as well as currently ongoing and planned studies for this receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Results from a large-scale, long-term, Phase III trial have established sunitinib as the standard of care for first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma, and it is now the reference standard against which other therapies for this cancer should be evaluated.