cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“Excited Delirium:” Diagnostic Contradictions and Structural Racism

According to autopsy reports, the cause of death for Daniel Prude—a Black man who was hooded, restrained, and pinned face-down for over 2 minutes by police officers in Rochester, New York—was “excited delirium.” [1] The same diagnosis has been invoked to explain dozens of deaths at the hands of police, and may even become part of the defense of the officer who killed George Floyd [2]. Proponents claim that excited delirium represents a potentially fatal clinical constellation that arises in the context of drug use, autonomic hyperactivity, and police custody [3]. Yet, despite its ubiquity among police reports, excited delirium (also known as agitated delirium, Bell’s mania, or lethal catatonia) is not recognized as a veritable medical entity by the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM-V, or the World Health Organization [2]. Troublingly, several researchers responsible for perpetuating the diagnosis have ties to Taser International, a corporation that has repeatedly used excited delirium as a defense against wrongful death suits [4]. In this paper we address the contradictions and structural racism inherent to excited delirium, starting with the tautology of its proposed mechanism: sympathetic arousal during a period of physical restraint, which only emerges in the context of violent submission. Police beg the question by maintaining that individuals suffering from excited delirium acquire extraordinary strength and a diminished response to pain—thereby necessitating a greater degree of force in submission [2]. Furthermore, given that the majority of individuals diagnosed with excited delirium are people of color, we explore how the promulgated pathophysiology plays on racial tropes about black bodies which have plagued the medical community for centuries [5, 6]. We end with a call to action for students, physicians, and their professional organizations. If excited delirium is not a legitimate clinical entity, then the medical community ought to speak out against structural violence masquerading as objective diagnosis [7]. If, after careful scrutiny, excited delirium is deemed a legitimate medical condition, clinicians are equally obligated to reclaim a role in its diagnosis, and provide humane treatment.
Model predictive control for type 1 diabetes based on personalized linear time-varying subject model consisting of both insulin and meal inputs: In Silico evaluation

An essential component of insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes involves the prediction of blood glucose levels as function of exogenous perturbations such as insulin dose and meal intake. Based on the authors' previously developed patient-specific linear time-varying model for glucose dynamics consisting of both insulin and meal inputs, this paper develops a model predictive control for determining the optimal insulin delivery to regulate blood glucose in euglycemic range. Evaluation of the developed controller using the UVa/Padova simulator shows promising results. In addition, results in this paper show the importance of explicitly including the meal intake in the regression model, which was often lacking in the existing empirical subject-model based control.
Ab initio calculations of 6- and 7-carbon meteoritic amino acids and their diastereomers

Abstract– To better explain the unusual distribution and relative abundances of several 6- and 7-carbon amino acids found in meteorites, their thermodynamic properties were studied using accurate ab initio techniques. In addition to optimized structures and relative energies, vibrational frequency and thermochemical analysis of different diastereomers were performed at temperatures relevant to conditions of synthesis of these amino acids in meteorites. The results of calculations were compared with the measured content of the amino acids in the Murchison meteorite. The distribution of several longer chain amino acids in meteorites seems to point to at least some thermodynamic control in their formation. For diastereomeric compounds, on the other hand, the comparison suggests that their synthetic conditions, or those of their precursors, were far from thermodynamic equilibrium.
Bollasina Receives 2013 James R. Holton Junior Scientist Award: Citation

Dr. Massimo Bollasina, a postdoctoral scholar at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab (GFDL) through the Princeton University Atmospheric and Ocean Science Visitors Program, is this year's recipient of the James R. Holton Junior Scientist Award from AGU's Atmospheric Sciences section, named after a pioneer in atmospheric dynamics, the late James R. Holton of the University of Washington. Since its inception in 2004, the Holton Award has become a highly sought honor. It recognizes the achievements and potential of a junior AGU member whose Ph.D. was awarded within 3 years of the nomination deadline.
Managing the Internationalization Process : The Swedish Case

slim, 114-page book addresses some of the most exciting conceptualizations that have emerged in recent years to explain the evolving complexity of multinational enterprise (MNE) behavior. Practical insights are offered in this book and many of the explanations and arguments presented are quite realistic since the author attempts to simultaneously take into account the MNE's economic-, market-, and power-based decisions within a growing complexity of internal and external relationships. The analysis is cast within the Uppsala School's historical and incremental perspective on the internationalization process and the network theory developed by this school as part of its research on industrial and international marketing. It is also based on interorganization theory and the resource-based theory of power which are increasingly viewed as central to a better understanding of the unfolding behavior of MNEs.
A Novel Post-transcriptional Block in Gene Expression Contributes to HIV-1 Latency In Vivo

HIV-1 latency represents a major barrier to eradication. We describe a novel post-transcriptional block in HIV-1 gene expression in latently infected cells. Multiply spliced HIV-1 RNAs encoding the critical positive regulators Tat and Rev exhibited strict nuclear localization in latently infected primary resting CD4+ T cells. Proteomic analysis identified polypyrimidine tract binding protein (PTB) as a HIV-1 RNA binding protein which allows cytoplasmic accumulation of HIV-1 RNAs and subsequent release of replication-competent virus by latently infected cells. Thus a post-transcriptional block in resting cells interrupts a positive feedback loop and contributes to latency. This works suggests novel approaches for reversing latency. from 2005 International Meeting of The Institute of Human Virology Baltimore, USA, 29 August – 2 September 2005
Crucial factor: human: Safely extending the human presence in space

The concept of advanced manned space missions has captured the interest and imagination of spacefaring nations. However, the physiological and psychological effects of space flight increase in magnitude and significance in the 'extended time-in-space' context. The unencumbered weightless condition enjoyed during short flights might compromise crew productivity upon return to a gravity field and extremely effective countermeasures may be essential. Missions remote from Earth require careful consideration of the medical facilities, psychological support and life support needed. The author discusses pressing issues that must be resolved before the visions of bolder human missions can be realistically fulfilled.
Protein sorting to the yeast vacuole

Publisher Summary The function of many eukaryotic cell organelles is determined in large part by the unique set of proteins within them. Of the many protein localization pathways found in the cell, the movement of proteins within the secretory pathway is among the most complex. This pathway is responsible for the delivery and/or retention of resident endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi complex, and vacuole/lysosome proteins. Delivery of protein and membrane to the vacuole/lysosome represents one of the major diversions of the secretory pathway. Genetic studies using the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have uncovered a large number of genes required for the delivery of proteins to the lysosome-like vacuole. Vacuolar protein-sorting (vps) mutants have uncovered proteins that are involved in the recognition of vacuolar proteins as well as molecules that serve as important regulatory in the movement of proteins and membrane through the vacuolar protein-sorting pathway. This chapter discusses the role of several of these molecules that facilitate and regulate the delivery of proteins to the yeast vacuole.
TFF1 activates p53 through down-regulation of miR-504 in gastric cancer

The expression of TFF1 is frequently down-regulated in human gastric cancer whereas its knockout leads to the development of gastric adenomas and carcinomas in mouse models. The molecular mechanisms underlying the TFF1 tumor suppressor functions remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate, using colony formation assay and Annexin V staining, that reconstitution of TFF1 expression in gastric cancer cell models suppresses cell growth and promotes cell death. Furthermore, using a tumor xenograft mouse model of gastric cancer, we demonstrated that reconstitution of TFF1 suppresses tumor growth in vivo. The results from PG13-luciferase reporter assay and Western blot analysis indicated that TFF1 promotes the expression and transcription activity of the p53 protein. Further analysis using cycloheximide-based protein assay and quantitative real-time PCR data suggested that TFF1 does not interfere with p53 mRNA levels or protein stability. Alternatively, we found that the reconstitution of TFF1 down-regulates miR-504, a negative regulator of p53. Western blot analysis data demonstrated that miR-504 abrogates TFF1-induced p53 protein expression and activity. In conclusion, the in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate, for the first time, a novel mechanism by which the tumor suppressor functions of TFF1 involve activation of p53 through down-regulation of miR-504.
The Blind Learning Aptitude Test

Against a general background of learning aptitude and educational achievement testing of blind children, and of basic orientation for such work, the development and nature of the Blind Learning Apt...
Dimensional analysis of an open-ended coaxial-line probe

Open-ended coaxial-line probes provide a convenient means of determining the dielectric properties of many materials over a relativity wide frequency range. Because of this, much attention has been given to understanding the interaction of the probe and the material it is inserted into. In this paper a dimensional analysis was performed on a generalized open-ended coaxial-line probe. Applying the Buckingham /spl Pi/-theorem revealed that the admittance of the probe/dielectric interface, scaled by the frequency, is a function of a single dimensionless variable. This fact greatly simplifies the modeling of the probe. The problem is reduced from fitting a model of two variables, frequency and permittivity, to one dimensionless variable. In addition the dimensional analysis also revealed that the same results hold for any dielectric probe where the admittance of the probe is a function of permittivity, frequency and any number of linear dimensions.
Abstract 22: Genetic re-programming of the acute myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60: Regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and programmed cell death

The human acute myeloid leukemia cell line, HL-60, in response to phorbol esters, undergoes genetic re-programming leading to cell cycle arrest, macrophage differentiation, and apoptosis. The induced program overrides the oncogenic mutations driving the leukemia program, illustrating that changes in gene expression can reverse the cancer phenotype. Whole genome exon DNA microarray analyses identifies 1260 genes whose RNA expression levels change significantly during the reprogramming. We define a subset of 186 genes functionally assigned to the biological processes of regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and/or programmed cell death showing specific temporal expression patterns, and suggest that a subset of these genes, which are down-regulated during the reversal of the leukemia phenotype while showing overexpression in AML patient samples, may represent new therapeutic targets in AML. Among the genes showing immediate early up-regulation (2-fold or greater by one hour post-PMA treatment), promoter analysis reveals highly significant overrepresentation of binding sites for the transcription factors STAT5A, HIF1A and NF-kB. Delayed early up-regulated genes (2-fold or greater by three hours post-PMA treatment), have promoters highly enriched in binding sites for EGR1, SP1:SP3, ZFP206 and E2F4. A phorbol ester response “signature” related to reversal of the leukemic phenotype and initiation of apoptosis has been defined and examined in two additional AML cell lines (THP-1 and Kasumi-1). Among the significantly up-regulated genes are MCL1, CDKN1A, NR4A1, and BCL6. Down-regulated genes include MYC, KIT, LGALS12, and ZBTB16. HL-60 cell lines with CRISPR-mediated knockouts of several of these genes are currently being evaluated for their effects on the leukemic phenotype and phorbol ester-induced apoptosis. Citation Format: Michael Roberts, Cassandra Holbert, Mansoor Ghoto, Juliana Schneider, Abigail Marriott, Jeffrey Forrester. Genetic re-programming of the acute myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60: Regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and programmed cell death. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 22. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-22
On Diophantine definability and decidability in some infinite totally real extensions of ℚ

Let M be a number field, and W M a set of its non-Archimedean primes. Then let O M,WM = {x ∈ M|ord t x ≥ 0, ∀t ¬∈ W M }. Let {p 1 ,...,p r } be a finite set of prime numbers. Let F inf be the field generated by all the p j i -th roots of unity as j → ∞ and i = 1,...,r. Let K inf be the largest totally real subfield of F inf . Then for any e > 0, there exist a number field M ⊂ K inf , and a set W M of non-Archimedean primes of M such that W M has density greater than 1 - e, and Z has a Diophantine definition over the integral closure of O M ,W M in K inf .
Thyroid Hormone Receptors

The sections in this article are: 1 3,5,3′ Triiodo-l-Thyronine (T3) Receptors: Overview 2 T3 Receptor Functional Unit on DNA 2.1 Retinoid X Receptors 2.2 Other Potential Heterodimerization Partners 3 Structure and Function of the DNA Binding Domain 4 Structure and Function of the Ligand Binding Domain 5 Activity of Unliganded T3 Receptors 6 Activation of Transcription by T3 7 Activation of Transcription by Unliganded T3 Receptors 8 Repression of Transcription by T3 9 Phosphorylation of T3 Receptors 10 Summary
A case of retractile mesenteritis associated with early carcinoma of the gallbladder

Abstract The literature and experimental work of retractile mesenteritis are here briefly reviewed. This is followed by a complete case report of retractile mesenteritis associated with carcinoma of the gallbladder, in which carcinoma of the mesenteric lymphatic nodes are thought to be the primary cause of the production of the disease. The patient was operated upon at two different times and two stages of the development of the disease were observed for the first time in humans as seen in animals in whom the disease was experimentally produced; namely, the stage of hyperplasia and the stage of retraction by hardening of the fibrotic tissue and thus retraction of the entire mesentery. Significant differences in this process as compared with the process in animals were pointed out.
Faithful Models of Viral Fitness can be Inferred from Mutation Patterns in Viral DNA Sequences Sampled from a Population

A detailed understanding of fitness landscapes of viruses can be exploited to computationally screen candidate vaccines and therapeutic drugs. Inverse Ising models inferred using techniques rooted in entropy maximization have recently been proposed as accurate fitness landscapes for certain proteins of HIV. Such landscapes are parameterized based on statistical quantities measured from population sequence ensembles, like the average probabilities of mutation at single amino acid sites, pairs of sites etc. Since individual sequences in the ensemble have evolved under diverse immune responses, patterns of mutation in such data can reflect systematic biases arising from immune escape rather than intrinsic fitness requirements. Therefore, delineating the role of immune pressure in shaping mutational patterns in the population and understanding how intrinsic fitness can be faithfully inferred from sequence data is important. We performed simulations of a discrete molecular quasispecies model that reveals the essential role of immune pressure in driving viral evolution on its intrinsic fitness landscape. Our simulations show that in the absence of immune pressure the virus remains frozen in its ground state and mutations that reflect the correlation structure of its fitness landscape are not selected at the population level. In the presence of immune pressure, there is an intermediate mutation rate per site per generation that favors viral adaptation and selects mutations. We studied an analytical mapping our quasispecies model to an equilibrium 2-D Ising system. Analyzing the resulting Hamiltonian using variational mean field theory enabled us to derive analytical expressions for the “effective fitness” of an arbitrary viral strain evolving under immune pressure in a population. A spearman rank correlation analysis shows that the effective fitness is extremely well correlated with the intrinsic fitness, thus enabling robust inference.
Comment on tumbling gauge theories

Abstract We find that for any SU( N ) gauge theory, there are no fermion representations which have (1) asymptotic freedom, (2) anomaly cancellation, and (3) a two-fermion channel more attractive than the most attractive two-gluon channel. The attractive force between fermions is compared to that between gluons in the MIT bag model. Therefore mass hierarchies due to tumbling are unlikely to occur in SU( N ) gauge theories.
How Resource Dynamics Explain Accumulating Developmental and Health Disparities for Teen Parents’ Children

This study examines the puzzle of disparities experienced by U.S. teen parents’ young children, whose health and development increasingly lag behind those of peers while their parents are simultaneously experiencing socioeconomic improvements. Using the nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (2001–2007; N ≈ 8,600), we assess four dynamic patterns in socioeconomic resources that might account for these growing developmental and health disparities throughout early childhood and then test them in multilevel growth curve models. Persistently low socioeconomic resources constituted the strongest explanation, given that consistently low income, maternal education, and assets fully or partially account for growth in cognitive, behavioral, and health disparities experienced by teen parents’ children from infancy through kindergarten. That is, although teen parents gained socioeconomic resources over time, those resources remained relatively low, and the duration of exposure to limited resources explains observed growing disparities. Results suggest that policy interventions addressing the time dynamics of low socioeconomic resources in a household, in terms of both duration and developmental timing, are promising for reducing disparities experienced by teen parents’ children.
A new approach for in-situ scan impedance characterization of scanned antenna arrays

Scanned phased array antennas require active scan impedance determination and mitigation. This paper addresses the former by introducing a novel in-situ measurement architecture and associated mathematics for efficiently determining the real-time active scan impedance of arbitrary sized scanned arrays in the field. The in-situ nature of the proposed architecture reduces the need for large numerical simulation and/or estimation of scan impedance variations due to possible diverse antenna array placement in the field. Direct experimental characterization also enables direct validation of numerical simulation. The mathematics developed are for an M by N antenna array utilizing direct in-situ mutual coupling characterization. The mathematical model was implemented in MATLAB and verified through simulation using CST Microwave Studio (MWS) for a 2×2 monopole planar antenna array. The model's robustness is tested by varying the inter-element spacing.
The composition and origin of Titan's atmosphere

Abstract The discovery that Titan had an atmosphere was made by the identification of methane in the satellite's spectrum in 1944. But the abundance of this gas and the identification of other major constituents required the 1980 encounter by the Voyager 1 spacecraft. In the intervening years, traces of C2H2, C2H4, C2H6 and CH3D had been posited to interpret emission bands in Titan's i.r. spectrum. The Voyager Infra-red Spectrometer confirmed that these gases were present and added seven more. The atmosphere is now known to be composed primarily of molecular nitrogen. But the derived mean molecular weight suggests the presence of a significant amount of some heavier gas, most probably argon. It is shown that this argon must be primordial, and that one can understand the evolution of Titan's atmosphere in terms of degassing of a mixed hydrate dominated by CH4, N2 and 36Ar. This model satisfactorily explains the absence of neon and makes no special requirements on the satellite's surface temperature.
Substrate Heating Measurements in Pulsed Ion Beam Film Deposition

Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) films have been deposited at Los Alamos National Laboratory by pulsed ion beam ablation of graphite targets. The targets were illuminated by an intense beam of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen ions at a fluence of 15-45 J/cm{sup 2}. Ion energies were on the order of 350 keV, with beam current rising to 35 kA over a 400 ns ion current pulse. Raman spectra of the deposited films indicate an increasing ratio of sp{sup 3} to sp{sup 2} bonding as the substrate is moved further away from the target and further off the target normal. Using a thin film platinum resistor at varying positions, we have measured the heating of the substrate surface due to the kinetic energy and heat of condensation of the ablated material. This information is used to determine if substrate heating is responsible for the lack of DLC in positions close to the target and near the target normal. Latest data and analysis will be presented.
The Tangibility of the Intangible: Beyond Empiricism

Edith Turner, in carrying on the works she and her husband Victor Turner pioneered, has focused attention on the unseen and unheard realities of cultural life. Her work draws attention back to the significance of the manner in which cultural actors shape their own realities and organize their lives, reminding those whose only reality is empirical science that there is a reality beyond the senses that often guides that which is sensible and the manner in which it is perceived. Examples from Edith Turner's work and my own are presented as illustrations of this fact.
Performance analysis of multistage interconnection networks with redundant links

Abstract An analytical model to analyze the performance of dynamically reroutable multistage interconnection networks (MINs) is described. The accuracy of the model is discussed. The results obtained are compared with simulation results for several specific designs of MINs. It is shown that fairly accurate results can be obtained by careful application of the analytical model.
Triiodothyronine (T3) supplementation maintains surfactant biochemical integrity during sepsis.

Surfactant functional effectiveness is dependent on phospholipid compositional integrity : sepsis decreases this through an undefined mechanism. Sepsis-induced hypothyroidism is commensurate and may be related. This study examines the effect of triiodothyronine (T 3 ) supplementation on surfactant function, metabolism, and composition during sepsis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 75) underwent sham laparotomy or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) with or without T 3 supplementation (CLP/T 3 ; 3 ng/hr). Twenty-four hours later, surfactant was obtained by lavage. Total phospholipids were determined by chromatography. Choline phosphate cytidyltransferase (CT) activity was determined by the formation of cytidine diphosphate (CDP)-choline. In vivo lung compliance was determined by lung inflation; surfactant hysteresis plots were determined on a pulsating bubble surfactometer. Lung compliance and surfactant hysteresis plots were significantly affected by sepsis ; T 3 modulated this (dynamic compliance : sham = 0.66 ± 0.02, CLP = 0.47 ± 0.06, CLP/T 3 = 0.56 ± 0.02 mm Hg/mL ; p < 0.05). Sepsis produced a decrease in phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidic acid, with an increase in lesser surface active lipids phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol. Hormonal replacement prevented these alterations. Lung CT activity was increased by sepsis independent of T 3 treatment. Thyroid hormone may have an active role in lung functional preservation during sepsis caused by maintenance of surfactant biophysical and compositional homeostasis.
The scientific symposium “Materials Challenges for Clean Energy in the New Millennium”

The global energy problem is rapidly intensifying due to escalating competition for resources from emerging, populous countries such as China, India, and Brazil and compelling evidence pointing towards the imperative need for controlling greenhouse gas and carbon emissions.
TVA's Air Quality Management Program

This article reviews the TVA air quality control and studies program since 1950 when the first large coal-burning steam-electric generation station was authorized. It identifies the principal atmospheric emission from both power and chemical operations and describes methods and progress for controls. The scope and magnitude of operations are reviewed. Summary accounts of principal study activities such as engineering appraisals, preoperational documentation, postoperational monitoring, and special diffusion studies are presented. Special studies have included (1) A 5-yr program for definition of plume dispersion rates for principal dispersion models; (2) a 3-yr study of plume rise from plants having a wide range of unit sizes, unit configurations, and stack heights; and (3) a 2-yr study for definition of inversion breakup from large power plant plumes. A summary description is also provided of the air quality program related to the 3,456-MWe Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant.
Fibonacci, Littler, and the Hand: A Brief Review

In a landmark paper published in 1973, the eminent hand surgeon J. William Littler, MD, proposed two mathematical relationships between the anatomic and functional geometry of the hand. His proposal that the motion of the tips of the fingers follow an equiangular spiral has been experimentally supported. Studies have not supported his other idea that the lengths of the phalanges follow a Fibonacci series. This review, after providing the necessary mathematical background, reexamines Littler's claims, presents the associated studies, and re-evaluates their conclusions. Our analysis shows that the functional lengths of the phalanges of the little finger actually do follow a Fibonacci series and that the functional lengths of the index, long, and ring fingers follow a mathematical relative of the Fibonacci series.
Exploratory Methods for Choosing Power Transformations

Abstract Power transformations can often simplify the task of describing behavior in data that consist of positive measurements or counts. Tukey's diagnostic techniques based on two-dimensional plots are useful in searching for a suitable transformation in two types of data structures: multiple batches at different levels, and two-way tables. To these, we add plots for finding transformations in two other structures: a single batch, and y versus x. The basis for plots that indicate transformations for symmetrizing and for straightening is explored using second-order series approximations. For all four techniques, when the plot is roughly linear with slope 1 — p, the power of a transformation indicated by the plot is p. Each plot indicates whether any power transformation can be effective in achieving a desired objective.
Temperature regulates bacterial protein production: possible role in rosacea

Abstract Facial skin temperature is higher for patients with rosacea. Papules and pustules might arise because bacteria behave differently at these warmer temperatures. We sought to: (1) compare bacteria from facial skin of patients with rosacea with that of control subjects; and (2) grow these bacteria at 30°C and 37°C to compare growth curves and secreted proteins. Bacteria isolated from pustules/skin surfaces of patients with rosacea and skin surfaces of control subjects were identified and cultured at 37°C and 30°C. Secreted proteins were separated by electrophoresis. We found that Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from patients with rosacea was consistently β-hemolytic, whereas that from control subjects were nonhemolytic. Bacteria from patients with rosacea grew at the same rate and to the same stationary phase whether cultured at 37°C or 30°C. Isolates from patients with rosacea secreted more proteins, and generally more of each protein at 37°C compared with 30°C. In conclusion, bacteria isolated from patients with rosacea secrete different proteins and different amounts of protein at different temperatures.
United States Trade Balance Announcements: The Nature of its Data Revisions

This paper examines the nature of the data revisions in the monthly United States trade balance announcements made by the Commerce Department. Previous work in this area have considered agent reactions to only the preliminary trade balance announcements on various asset prices and have not taken into account the revised figures of the previous month's trade balance announcement. Since Ghosh and Lien (1995) found that the revisions in the data announced by the government are taken into account by the agents, it leads us to further investigate the nature of these revisions. This paper uses the econometric approach described in Mankiw, Runkle and Shapiro (1984) and Mork (1990) to analyze whether the revisions in the US trade balance announcements represent measurement errors, efficient forecast errors, or inefficient forecast errors. Using the generalized method of moments estimation procedure the researcher finds that the preliminary announcements of the trade balance data are better characterized as observations of the true series measured with error rather than as efficient forecasts. The results are of interest to the users of these preliminary US trade balance announcements since it suggests to them that they could use statistical procedures to estimate the underlying value and thus obtain more efficient estimates of these government announcements.
Detection of Metal Ions by Quenching of Dye Laser Emission

Abstract A novel laser intracavity method for detecting metal ions is described in which a metal analyte is added directly to a dye ligand and the dye laser emission is monitored as a measure of the analyte's concentration. The technique is both sensitive and selective and may have applications as an indirect probe of chemical analysis and of energy transfer.
Update on the state of the science: sleep-wake disturbances in adult patients with cancer.

Purpose/objectives To update the state of the science on sleep-wake disturbances in adult patients with cancer, focusing on insomnia in the areas of prevalence, mechanisms and models, measurement, interventions, and implications for practice, health policy, education, and research. Data sources Published articles, books, book chapters, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO computerized databases. Data synthesis Since the 2004 conference on Sleep-Wake Disturbances in People With Cancer and Their Caregivers, an increased focus has existed on the prevalence and distress experienced by patients with cancer with sleep-wake disturbances, particularly insomnia. Evidence suggests that altered physiology directly related to the cancer process may play a prominent role in disrupting sleep, circadian rhythms, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-regulated processes. Reliable and valid objective and subjective measurements for screening and assessing sleep-wake disturbances are ready for use in clinical and research settings, and an increasing amount of intervention studies have reported sleep-wake outcomes in adult patients with cancer. Conclusions Cognitive behavioral therapy interventions are likely to be effective, but effectiveness has not been established for complementary, education or information, or exercise interventions. Implications for nursing Multidisciplinary research teams should test the effectiveness of interventions to reduce sleep-wake disturbances in adult patients with cancer. Settings should create the infrastructure to initiate and sustain evidence-based oncology nursing practice, clinicians should educate the public about sleep, and public policies should promote adoption of healthy sleep patterns and early diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
Sst2 is a GTPase-activating protein for Gpa1: purification and characterization of a cognate RGS-Galpha protein pair in yeast.

Genetic studies in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have shown that SST2 promotes pheromone desensitization in vivo. Sst2 is the founding member of the RGS (regulators of G protein signaling) family of proteins, which in mammals act as GAPs (GTPase activating proteins) for several subfamilies of Gα proteins in vitro. A similar activity for Sst2 has not been demonstrated, and it is not self-evident from sequence homology arguments alone. Here we describe the purification of Sst2 and its cognate Gα protein (Gpa1) in yeast, and demonstrate Sst2-stimulated Gpa1 GTPase activity. His-tagged versions of Sst2 and Gpa1 were expressed in E. coli, and purified using Ni2+−agarose and ion exchange chromatography. Time-course binding experiments reveal that Sst2 does not affect the binding or release of guanine nucleotides. Similarly, steady-state GTPase assays reveal that Sst2 does not alter the overall rate of hydrolysis, including the rate-limiting nucleotide exchange step. Single-turnover GTPase assays reveal, ho...
The Role of Public Policy in the Diffusion of Improved Agricultural Technology

Two centuries ago, Malthus published his gloomy predictions for the future of mankind on the basis of his assessment of the limited potential for food production growth relative to population growth. As we are all aware, the projections have proven false, essentially because the growth of agricultural productivity was faster than Malthus expected. Over time, agricultural output grew not only because of the incorporation of more cultivated land and the expansion of irrigation and drainage facilities but also through the generation of new or improved technology. Such technology allowed the production of more output per unit of land, or production of the same output with less variable inputs. The generation of new technology is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for increased farm productivity with given natural resources. In the short run, it is not even a necessary condition if there is a gap between available knowledge and typical farmer practices. A crucial element in the process linking the generation of new technology to increased farm productivity is the diffusion of the new knowledge among its potential users, the farmers. The other element in this process is the actual adoption of the new technology, or parts of it, by the farmers. The present paper considers both knowledge diffusion and adoption, assuming that a relevant and viable new technology is available. The focus is on the rationale for and scope of public sector involvement in these processes. Such involvement includes publicly sponsored information dissemination, intervention in output and input markets, intervention in the credit market, and investment in infrastructure. These issues are discussed below.
Amplification of picosecond 10 &#181;m pulses in multiatmosphere CO 2 lasers

Picosecond pulses, generated by semiconductor switching (2-40 ps), have been regeneratively amplified to an energy density of ∼1.5 J/cm2in a multiatmosphere CO 2 laser. The characteristics of the amplified pulses have been investigated as a function of wavelength, pulse duration, and the pressure in the gain medium. Using a high-power pulse compression technique, 10 μm pulses as short as 600 fs have been obtained.
Exploring the Thermodynamic Limits of Computation in Integrated Systems: Magnetic Memory, Nanomagnetic Logic, and the Landauer Limit

Nanomagnetic memory and logic circuits are attractive integrated platforms for studying the fundamental thermodynamic limits of computation. Using the stochastic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation, we show by direct calculation that the amount of energy dissipated during nanomagnet erasure approaches Landauer's thermodynamic limit of $kT\mathrm{ln}﻿(2)$ with high precision when the external magnetic fields are applied slowly. In addition, we find that nanomagnet systems behave according to generalized formulations of Landauer's principle that hold for small systems and generic logic operations. In all cases, the results are independent of the anisotropy energy of the nanomagnet. Lastly, we apply our computational approach to a nanomagnet majority logic gate, where we find that dissipationless, reversible computation can be achieved when the magnetic fields are applied in the appropriate order.
Differences of deformation parameter β for different transition mechanisms; comparison with data

The differences between the isovector and isoscalar parts of the collective deformation parameter $\ensuremath{\beta}$ are obtained from the results of microscopic effective-charge theory. For single-closed-shell nuclei, differences, due to the isovector parts, of up to about 20% between ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{n{n}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{p{p}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$ are predicted, ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{n{n}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$ being much closer to ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{\mathrm{em}}$ than to ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{p{p}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$. Data on single-closed-shell nuclei are tabulated and their general trend supports our predictions.NUCLEAR REACTIONS ${0}^{+}$ \ensuremath{\rightarrow} ${2}^{+}$ transitions; estimate of ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{2}$ deformation parameter---differences for different transition mechanisms; comparison with data.
Root-Knot nematode resistance in Pearl Millet from west and east africa

Resistance to Meloidogyne incognita is important to provide stability to pearl millet production and to reduce nematode populations that can damage crops grown in rotation with pearl millet. The objectives of this study were to determine whether resistance to M. incognita exists in pearl millet from West and East Africa, and to determine if heterogeneity for resistance exists within selected cultivars. Resistance was assessed as nematode egg production per gram of root in greenhouse trials. Seventeen pearl millet cultivars of diverse origin were evaluated as bulk (So) populations. All African cultivars expressed some level of resistance. P3Kollo was among the least resistant of the African cultivars, Zongo and Gwagwa were intermediate, and SoSat-C88 was among the most resistant. Thirty selfed (S 1 ) progeny selections from SoSat-C88, Gwagwa, Zongo, and P3Kollo were evaluated for heterogeneity of resistance within cultivar. Reactions were verified in 13 S 2 progeny of each of the four cultivars. In S 1 evaluations, each of these cultivars was heterogeneous for resistance. Progeny reaction varied from highly resistant to highly susceptible. Patterns of apparent segregation of resistance varied among the four cultivars. Discreet resistant and susceptible phenotypes were identified in Zongo progeny, and it was estimated that two dominant genes for resistance segregated in this cultivar. Averaged across progenies, egg production on the four cultivars was less (P ≤ 0.001) than on the susceptible hybrid HGM-100, but was not different from resistant hybrid TifGrain 102. Reproduction of M. incognita on the S 2 progeny tended to confirm the results from inoculations of S 1 progeny. Heritability of nematode reproduction (standardized as the ratio of the value to HGM-100) determined by parent-offspring regression was 0.54. Realized heritability determined by divergent selection was 0.87.
Wavelet analysis and visualization of the formation and evolution of low total ozone events over northern Sweden

The formation and development of abnormally low total ozone events (LOEs), which typically last an average of 3-4 days, are analyzed to determine conditions under which these events may form. Wavelet analysis is performed on 13 years of daily total column ozone (TOZ) obtained by the Nimbus-7 Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer each day of the record. With wavelet analysis, the contributions and relative phases of signal components may be ascertained at specific times of interest. Timescales relevant during LOEs are identified and the contribu- tions and phase relations of all components present in the TOZ signal are compared for common patterns and features. For a lo- cation in Sweden, the formation of 96% of the 52 LOEs studied required that all components with timescales (-c) less than a maxi- mum value ('Croix) were present in their negative phases. This sug- gests that LOEs result from the simultaneous interaction of TOZ- depleting processes. The number of interacting processes varies with season and location. In addition, two criteria are seen to pre- vail when LOEs form in this location. First, background condi- tions favorable for the development of an event exist; these occur when TOZ is in a spectral state where all components with AX<X<Xmx are in their negative phases. Second, a process takes place that can force the remaining short-timescale components (-c<A-c,) into their negative phases. Processes associated with "initiating" timescales (Az) of 2-6 days are found to be a key factor in the initiation of LOEs in this location. Although the background conditions are not uncommon, the likelihood that both criteria are simultaneously met is low and the occurrence of LOEs is indeed rare (averaging 4.7 events per year from 1980-1990).
Chenodeoxycholate: The Bile Acid. The Drug. A Review

Chenodeoxycholate (3α, 7α-dihydroxy-5β-cholanic acid) is a primary bile acid directly synthesized from cholesterol. It is an amphipathic molecule, possessing both a hydrophobic side and a polar hydrophilic side, giving it the ability to solubilize lipids in a water environment. Bile acids are necessary for the absorption of fats and fat soluble vitamins. Chenodeoxycholate inhibits the rate-limiting step of cholesterol synthesis, the formation of hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A. It was first reported to be useful in the dissolution of cholesterol gallstones in 1972. Today, chenodeoxycholate has other medicinal uses and is used for the management of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, hypertriglyceremia, congenital liver diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and constipation. This article details some finer points of chenodeoxycholate biochemistry and physiology and discusses in some detail the current and past clinical uses of chenodeoxycholate. This is not an exhaustive discussion on gallstone dissolution therapies, but an overview of some of the lesser-known uses for this drug.
Spice Up Your Life: Adipose Tissue and Inflammation

Cells of the immune system are now recognized in the adipose tissue which, in obesity, produces proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines. Several herbs and spices have been in use since ancient times which possess anti-inflammatory properties. In this perspective, I discuss and propose the usage of these culinary delights for the benefit of human health.
Metabolically consistent breathing rates for use in dose assessments

Assessments of doses resulting from exposures to airborne gases and particles are based almost exclusively on inhalation rates that are inconsistent with the quantities of oxygen needed to metabolize dietary intakes of fats, carbohydrates, and protein. This inconsistency leads to erroneous estimates of inhalation exposures and can distort the relative importance of inhalation and ingestion-based exposures to environmental contaminants that are present in foods, air, and water. As a means of dealing with this problem, a new methodology for estimating breathing rates is presented that is based on the oxygen uptake associated with energy expenditures and a ventilatory equivalent that relates minute volume to oxygen uptake. Three alternative energy-based approaches for estimating daily inhalation rates are examined: (1) average daily intakes of food energy from dietary surveys, adjusted for under reporting of foods; (2) average daily energy expenditure calculated from ratios of total daily expenditure to basal metabolism; and (3) daily energy expenditures determined from a time-activity survey. Under the first two approaches, inhalation rates for adult females in different age cohorts ranged from 9.7 to 11 m3 d-1, whereas for adult males the range was 13 to 17 m3 d-1. Inhalation rates for adults determined from activity patterns were higher (i.e., 13 to 18 m3 d-1), however, those rates were shown to be quite sensitive to the energy expenditures used to represent light and sedentary activities. In contrast to the above estimates, the ICRP 23 reference values for adult females and males are 21 and 23 m3 d-1 (Snyder et al. 1975). Finally, the paper provides a technique for determining the short-term breathing rates of individuals based on their basal metabolic rate and level of physical activity.
Reliability and normal variations of computer analysis of Frank electrocardiogram by Smith-Hyde program (1968 version).

Abstract A preliminary assessment was made of automated electrocardiographic signal recording and telephone transmission for recording on magnetic tape and subsequent "off-line" computer analysis by the initial Smith-Hyde program (1968) of the Frank X, Y and Z leads in 334 healthy persons and 39 cardiac patients obtained from 2 hospital populations in Seattle. The Smith-Hyde analytical program provided an over-all sensitivity of 76 percent for true positives (abnormal electrocardiograms) and specificity of 75 percent for true negatives (normal electrocardiograms) for predominantly normal case material used in this study. Although 25 percent were misclassified, the ratio of correct to incorrect classifications was 3.0 for all items, and ranged from 4.7 to 61.2 for various diagnostic categories. Angular components of the quantified normal electrocardiogram showed less variation than voltage magnitudes, and bimodal distributions for initial and terminal QRS forces (ROR 3 and RER 4 ) were found only in the frontal plane when differences in sex and age were disregarded. There were more significant differences in voltage magnitudes of ventricular repolarization than of either atrial or ventricular depolarization in relation to sex and age of healthy persons.
Teaching Educational Philosophy: A Response to the Problem of First-Year Urban Teacher Transfer

Our least-served students are taught by our least-experienced teachers. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, teachers in high-poverty public schools are twice as likely to t...