cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrolyte medium effects on measurements of palmar skin potential.

Two experiments with 12 subjects each compared skin potential recordings taken simultaneously with four different electrolytes. These were polyethylene glycol, hydrated agar (at a site presoaked with water), fresh agar (i.e., not presoaked), and Unibase. The glycol controlled epidermal hydration at a minimal level, while presoaking produced a high level of hydration at the hydrated agar site. Fresh agar and Unibase represented normal recording conditions for these two electrolytes which have been recommended as “standard” for electrodermal measurements. This design permitted a comparison of two standard electrolytes with each other and with recordings from hydrated and unhydrated sites. These comparisons were made for both monophasic negative SPRs and positive SPRs and the prestimulus levels associated with each. The results replicated previous studies in showing a large effect of epidermal hydration on skin potential measurements. Recordings with agar and Unibase did not differ significantly. The effects of hydration were interpreted in terms of a reduction in the resistance of the stratum corneum and of alterations in the functioning of the dermal and epidermal membranes as a result of blockage of the sweat gland pore. In the light of this interpretation, it was suggested that both agar and Unibase substantially alter the functioning of the sweat glands under some conditions, and neither may be entirely suitable for skin potential measurements.
Treatment of malignant esophagopericardial fistula with expandable metallic stents in the presence of esophageal varices

Treatment of malignant esophagopericardial fistula with expandable metallic stents in the presence of esophageal varices
Bc spectroscopy in a quantum-chromodynamic potential model.

We have investigated ${\mathit{B}}_{\mathit{c}}$ spectroscopy with the use of a quantum-chromodynamic potential model which was recently used by us for the light-heavy quarkonia. We give our predictions for the energy levels and the E1 transition widths. We also find, rather surprisingly, that although ${\mathit{B}}_{\mathit{c}}$ is not a light-heavy system, the heavy quark effective theory with the inclusion of the ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{b}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ and ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{b}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ln${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{b}}$ corrections is as successful for ${\mathit{B}}_{\mathit{c}}$ as it is for B and ${\mathit{B}}_{\mathit{s}}$. \textcopyright{} 1995 The American Physical Society.
A o( n log n ) algorithm for LP knapsacks with GUB constraints

A specialization of the dual simplex method is developed for solving the linear programming (LP) knapsack problem subject to generalized upper bound (GUB) constraints. The LP/GUB knapsack problem is of interest both for solving more general LP problems by the dual simplex method, and for applying surrogate constraint strategies to the solution of 0–1 “Multiple Choice” integer programming problems. We provide computational bounds for our method of o(n logn), wheren is the total number of problem variables. These bounds reduce the previous best estimate of the order of complexity of the LP/GUB knapsack problem (due to Witzgall) and provide connections to computational bounds for the ordinary knapsack problem. We further provide a variant of our method which has only slightly inferior worst case bounds, yet which is ideally suited to solving integer multiple choice problems due to its ability to post-optimize while retaining variables otherwise weeded out by convex dominance criteria.
Determination of key aroma components of Cheddar cheese using dynamic headspace dilution assay

Gas chromatography–olfactometry (GCO) and a dilution assay, dynamic headspace dilution assay (DHDA), were used to determine the most potent aroma compounds in mild Cheddar cheese. Sample dilution was performed by a stepwise decrease of the purge time (starting at 30 min = FD1 to a final purge time of 20 s = FD64) using a constant purge flow of 50 ml/min. Each dilution was sniffed three times and the odorous compounds were marked on the GC chromatogram. The identification of the odorants was based of their mass spectra, retention times on at least two different columns and odour character at the sniffing port. This method has found the highest FD-factors for 2,3-butandione, (Z)-4-heptenal, methional, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, dimethyl trisulphide, 1-octen-3-one, (Z)-1,5-octadien-3-one, furaneol, (Z)-2-nonenal and (E)-2-nonenal, suggesting that these are the most potent odorants in Cheddar cheese. Three additional compounds remain unknown. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The physiology of PROLOG expert system inference engine

The current literature on expert systems development in Prolog is replete with sample inference engines. However, the available models tend to be fragmentary and simplistic. Important issues such as how to incorporate arithmetic evaluation into the reasoning Process are often ignored. Therefore, we present and describe a more realistic Prolog expert system inference engine.The inference engine is an enhanced version of a standard model. It includes features and employs techniques that are non-existent in current models. We give special consideration to the relationship that the inference engine bears to the underlying Prolog engine. The role of unification and SLD resolution in the life of a Prolog expert system inference engine is also discussed.
A simulation study of registration queue disciplines in an outpatient clinic: a two-stage patient flow model

The purpose of this study is to provide a guideline for designing a hospital's centralised registration process. This study examines the two-stage patient flow and how registration queue disciplines affect the performance of clinic idle time and patient waiting time. We first identify and evaluate six factors (no-show rates, the punctuality of patient arrivals, appointment schedule overlaps, block appointment, range of process variability among clinics and registration queue disciplines) that affect the process variability of patient flows. Second, we conduct a series of simulation experiments with three different queue disciplines: the Flow Rate (FR) rule (the proposed model), First-Come-First-Served (FCFS) and Earliest Due Date (EDD). The simulation results show that the proposed FR rule improves system performance significantly. [Received 22 December 2007; Revised 20 May 2008; Revised 21 July 2008; Accepted 2 August 2008]
Have banking and financial reforms in transition countries been effective

The transition countries have been pursuing a market economy since the early 1990s. Crucial reforms in the banking and financial sectors are necessary to provide a financial structure that supports a market economy, particularly the private and enterprise sector, leading to economic growth. This paper examines the banking and financial development in the transition countries. Arguments for banking reforms are made and the conditions for an efficient banking system are examined. A comparison in the progress of banking reforms and economic growth provides useful lessons not only for the transition countries but for developing and other emerging countries. Lastly, policy choices are suggested for the transition countries.
Preparation and Properties of Some Tungsten Carboxylates

Abstract The preparation and characterization of the five tungsten(II) carboxylates, [W(O2CR)2]x, R = C6H5, p-CH3C6H4, C6F5, C3H7, C3F7, are reported. Tritungsten oxanonaacetate, [W3(O2CCH3)9O], has also been prepared.
Intermittent and continuous swim stress-induced behavioral depression: sensitivity to norepinephrine- and serotonin-selective antidepressants

Intermittent swim stress (ISS) produces deficits in swim escape learning and increases immobility in the forced swim test (FST). A previous attempt to reverse this immobility with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine (FLX), was unsuccessful, but the sensitivity of this immobility to other types of antidepressants is unknown. In experiment 1, we evaluate the ability of the norepinephrine (NE) selective reuptake inhibitor (NSRI), desipramine (DES), to reverse the ISS-induced immobility in the FST compared to confined controls (CC), while in experiment 2, we test the efficacy of either the SSRI or NSRI to reverse the immobility produced by either ISS or continuous swim (CS)/FST. Rats were exposed to their respective behavioral pretreatment (ISS, CS/FST, or CC) and were then injected with an antidepressant or saline solution 23.5, 5, and 1 h prior to the FST. In experiment 1, DES reduced immobility and increased the climbing behavior in the ISS group without altering these behaviors in the CC, while in experiment 2, the CS/FST-induced immobility was reduced by both antidepressants (i.e., FLX and DES), while the ISS-induced immobility was only affected by DES. These results suggest that the ISS-induced immobility is mediated through the NE system and may represent a model for atypical depression.
Some new tests for normality based on U-processes

We present two new tests for normality based on U-processes. These tests improve on the Lilliefors tests. We obtain the consistency and asymptotic null distribution of these tests. We present simulations of the power of these tests and of several classical tests for some fixed alternatives. These simulations show that the presented tests are competitive.
Electrokinetic Remediation of Mercury-Contaminated Soils Using Iodine/Iodide Lixiviant

In-situ remediation of mercury-contaminated soils, by electrokinetic or other means, is difficult because of the low solubility of mercury and its compounds. In this research, enhanced electrokinetic remediation of HgS-contaminated soils using I2/I- lixiviant was investigated using bench-scale electrokinetic cells. The thermodynamic conditions under which the lixiviant could be effective were determined by constructing a pE−pH diagram for the Hg−S−I system. Introduced near the cathode, the lixiviant migrated through the soil to the anode by electromigration. Mercury, released by the oxidation of HgS compounds by I2, was complexed as HgI42-. The negative complex continued to electromigrate toward the anode. Up to 99% of the Hg present in laboratory-contaminated soils could be removed. Electrokinetic treatment of a field-contaminated soil, containing more organic matter than the laboratory-contaminated soil, occurred much slower. The critical issues in determining the efficacy of the process are the oxidati...
Local Distance of Wheat Spike Infection by Released Clones of Gibberella zeae Disseminated from Infested Corn Residue

ABSTRACTKnowledge of the movement of Gibberella zeae (Fusarium graminearum) from a local source of inoculum in infested cereal debris is critical to the management of Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat. Previous spatial dissemination and infection studies were unable to completely distinguish the contributions of released inocula from those of background inocula. Clones of G. zeae were released and recaptured in five wheat fields in New York and Virginia in 2007 and 2008. Amplified fragment length polymorphisms were used to track and unambiguously identify the released clones in heterogeneous populations of the fungus recovered from infected wheat spikes collected at 0, 3, 6, and ≥24 m from small-area sources of infested corn residues. The percent recovery of the released clones decreased significantly at fairly short distances from the inoculum sources. Isolates of G. zeae recovered at 0, 3, 6, and ≥24 m from the center of source areas shared 65, 19, 13, and 5% of the genotypes of the released clones, r...
The iliotibial band lateral sling procedure and its effect on the results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The effect of iliotibial band "lateral sling" augmentation on long-term outcome in ACL reconstruction using free autogenous central-third patellar tendon was evaluated retrospectively. Eighty reconstructions were reviewed; the minimum followup was 2 years and the average was 4 years. Sixty percent of the procedures involved supplementation with a lateral sling. By both clinical evaluation and KT-1000 measurement, there were no differences in the results of patients with lateral sling augmentation and those without it. In addition, 40% of patients had chronic pain and/or swelling related to the lateral sling. We do not currently recommend the routine use of a lateral sling augmentation for ACL reconstruction using central-third patellar tendon.
Mysticism and Epistemology: The Historical and Cultural Theory of Michel De Certeau

Michel de Certeau: Les chemins d'histoire. Edited by Christian Delacroix, Francois Dosse, Patrick Garcia, and Michel Trebitsch.
Traducción y contrato en la obra de Titu Cusi Yupanqui

La Relacion de la historia del Peru 1 de Titu Cusi Yupanqui es la primera cronica que relata la tenaz resistencia incaica contra los conquistadores desde una perspectiva indigena.2 La critica ha senalado el caracter subversivo de la relacion,3 su conciencia de la escritura como arma de resistencia,4 y su intento de legitimar las pretensiones de su emisor.5 En este trabajo me propongo analizar como opera uno de los recursos escogidos por Titu Cusi para resistir al conquistador: la traduccion.
An analysis of time-synchronized optical burst switching

Optical burst switching (OBS) is a competitive solution for all-optical next-generation networks. This paper describes a variation of OBS called time-synchronized optical burst switching (SynOBS), which utilizes a synchronized time-slotting technique in order to achieve better resource utilization than traditional OBS. Several resource reservation algorithms for SynOBS are discussed, along with their mathematical analyses, which are validated by simulation models. Finally, the performance of simulated SynOBS and traditional OBS is compared.
Quasi-Newton methods for large-scale electromagnetic inverse problems

We develop quasi-Newton (QN) methods for distributed parameter estimation problems which evolve from electromagnetics, where the forward problem is governed by some form of Maxwell's equations. A Tikhonov-style regularization approach yields an optimization problem with a special structure, where the gradients are calculated using the adjoint method. In many cases, standard QN methods (such as L-BFGS) are not very effective and tend to converge slowly. Taking advantage of the special structure of the problem and the quantities that are calculated in typical gradient descent methods, we develop a class of highly effective methods for the solution of the problem. We demonstrate the merits and effectiveness of our algorithm on two realistic model problems.
Status of fulguration and cryosurgery in the management of colonic and rectal cancer and polyps

If a cancer of the upper or lower colon can be treated by segmental resection or anterior resection with re-establishment of intestinal continuity, then conservative treatment by fulguration or cryosurgery has little place in the management of the lesion. On the other hand, if combined abdominal resection is required for the treatment of tumor, because of its location in the lower rectum or other anatomical or technical problems, and a permanent colostomy is necessary, then local treatment must be considered. It is unfortunate to have established a permanent colonic stoma if the radical operation has not contributed to the future well-being of the patient. If lesions are carefully selected for fulguration when a colostomy would otherwise be required, the survival rate compares favorably or is better than when radical surgery is used. The theoretical advantage of radical surgery is offset by the mortality of the procedure. For recurrence of cancer after conservative treatment, combined abdominal resection can almost always be done. Selection of cases for local treatment is based on several factors: lesion is well differentiated (Broders' Grade 1 or 2); lesion is localized (Dukes “A or early Dukes” B); lesion is small and not circumferential; lesion is not on the anterior wall of the rectum in female patients; and increased risk of surgery in patients with complicating medical conditions.
The Mre11 Complex Suppresses Oncogene-Driven Breast Tumorigenesis and Metastasis

The DNA damage response (DDR) is activated by oncogenic stress, but the mechanisms by which this occurs, and the particular DDR functions that constitute barriers to tumorigenesis, remain unclear. We established a mouse model of sporadic oncogene-driven breast tumorigenesis in a series of mutant mouse strains with specific DDR deficiencies to reveal a role for the Mre11 complex in the response to oncogene activation. We demonstrate that an Mre11-mediated DDR restrains mammary hyperplasia by effecting an oncogene-induced G2 arrest. Impairment of Mre11 complex functions promotes the progression of mammary hyperplasias into invasive and metastatic breast cancers, which are often associated with secondary inactivation of the Ink4a-Arf (CDKN2a) locus. These findings provide insight into the mechanism of DDR engagement by activated oncogenes and highlight genetic interactions between the DDR and Ink4a-Arf pathways in suppression of oncogene-driven tumorigenesis and metastasis.
Amyloids, prions and the inherent infectious nature of misfolded protein aggregates

Misfolded aggregates present in amyloid fibrils are associated with various diseases known as ‘protein misfolding’ disorders. Among them, prion diseases are unique in that the pathology can be transmitted by an infectious process involving an unprecedented agent known as a ‘prion’. Prions are infectious proteins that can transmit biological information by propagating protein misfolding and aggregation. The molecular mechanism of prion conversion has a striking resemblance to the process of amyloid formation, suggesting that misfolded aggregates have an inherent ability to be transmissible. Intriguing recent data suggest that other protein misfolding disorders might also be transmitted by a prion-like infectious process.
An iterative linear programming solution to the Euclidean regression model

Abstract A mathematical programming approach is employed to solve the n -dimensional linear Euclidean regression problem, in which the objective is to determine a hyperplane which minimizes the sum of the normal Euclidean distances to a given set of data points. Although the problem is a nonlinear nonconvex programming problem, an efficient solution algorithm is developed which solves a succession of linear programming problems.
Adult Survival and Imperfect Assessment of Parentage: Effects on Male Parenting Decisions.

abstract: Applications of molecular methods to assess parentage have revealed that the distribution of reproductive success among individuals often differs, sometimes dramatically, from expectation based on observation of behavioral association. Much theory exists on whether and when males should reduce parental care in response to level of paternity. Life‐history theory predicts that trade‐offs in reproductive effort should be influenced by adult survival. We used a dynamic programming approach to address how level of paternity, ability to assess paternity, and adult survival rate interact to affect male tolerance of reduced parentage in a given brood. Adult survival has the greatest influence on male decisions such that, for any given cost of reproduction and value of male care, tolerance of extrapair fertilizations (EPFs) decreases as adult survival increases. An unexpected result of these models is that an optimal response also depends on a male's ability to predict probability of parentage (i.e., unc...
A Useful Function for Assessing the Effect of Guessing on True-False and Multiple-Choice Tests

A table of critical passing scores was assembled for assessing the effects of blind guessing on the results of true-false and multiple-choice tests. This useful tabulation also represents an intermediate step toward development of a more comprehensive model for nonblind guessing in Bayesian statistics. By checking this table for various forms of tests, one can make a decision with 95% confidence as to whether the correction for guessing is necessary for grading a true-false or multiple-choice test. A function in the Microsoft Excel software is described to extend the table.
Widths and optimal sampling in spaces of analytic functions

Let Ω be a finitely-connected planar domain and μ be a positive measure with compact supportE in Ω. LetAp be the unit ball of the Hardy spaceHp. The main result of this paper is that Kolmogorov, Gelfand, and linearn-widths ofAp inLq are comparable in size to each other and to the sampling error ifq≤p. Moreover, ifp=q=2 andE is small enough, then all these quantities are equal.
Improved synthesis of N1-substituted orotic acid derivatives

An improved method for the synthesis of N1-substituted orotic acid derivatives is reported. The method involves sequential incorporation of nitrogen atoms to the pyrimidine structure from simple starting materials and thus allows the synthesis of N1-substituted orotic acid derivatives with single 15N label at either N-1 or N-3.
Cent, five cent, ten cent, dollar: hitting botnets where it really hurts

Spyware, Adware, Bots. In each case, there is significant evidence that there is an increasing financial motivation behind the writing and distribution of these programs. In this paper, the concept of using our knowledge of these financial motivators to combat malicious software is introduced. Can attacks on business models actually provide relief that technology alone cannot? Can we deploy our technology differently, in order to receive direct benefits of this indirect attack on revenue streams? Our conclusion is that not only is this a possible solution, but that it may be an extremely effective one. This is illustrated by a description of our business model attack generator, MARK - the Multihost Adware Revenue Killer. Using MARK, we demonstrate simple but effective attacks against Malicious-code generated revenue streams. However, the creation and deployment of MARK raises thorny legal and ethical questions, as the impact of the technology is widespread and could easily be targeted at legitimate online marketing models. Do the ends justify the means?
Nonlinear quantum mechanics for systems of composite spin

A nonlinear generalization of quantum mechanics for internal (spin) degrees of freedom has recently been developed by Weinberg [Phys. Rev. Lett. 62, 485 (1989); Ann. Phys. (N.Y.) 194, 336 (1989)]. We extend this theory to systems of composite, or multivalued, spin, such as atoms and molecules. Results for the generalized Hamiltonian function, energy eigenvalues, and state-vector time dependence are found to be similar for single- and multivalued spin systems, with the important difference that states of spin 0 or 1/2 can exhibit observable nonlinear behavior in a composite spin system. Examples of the application of the composite spin analysis are given for the ground-state hyperfine structure of the hydrogen and deuterium atoms.
New era of industry/government cooperation

The cost of health care continues to be a major national concern. I believe that properly applied technology can help reduce the cost of health care while maintaining or improving quality. This paper presents a description of an approach to defining the proper role of technology in health care, provides examples of how technology from the national labs can help meet the needs of the medical community, and then describes how the national labs can work with industry, universities, and medical research facilities to advance the goal of properly applying technology to reduce health care costs.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Infection following treatment of mandibular fractures in human immunodeficiency virus seropositive patients.

Abstract Purpose : There are little data available on the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease and its relationship to postoperative infection in patients presenting with mandibular fractures. This retrospective study assesses these parameters. Patients : The study population consisted of 251 patients treated for mandibular fractures at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH) between January 1990 and December 1993. Group 1 (n = 20) was composed of patients with documented HIV infection and group 2 (n = 231) served as controls. The groups were comparable with regard to age, sex, etiology, and number and types of fractures. Results : HIV prevalence for this population was 7.9%, and was consistent with previously documented prevalence studies in SFGH surgical patients. In the HIV-positive group, 6 of 20 patients (30%) developed postoperative infection: 2 soft tissue (10%) and 4 bone-related (20%). In the control group, 22 of 231 patients (9.5%) developed postoperative infections: 16 soft tissue (6.9%) and 6 bone-related (2.6%). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the two groups with regard to overall (P = .016) and to bone-related (P = .001) infection rates. There was no statistically significant difference in soft tissue infections between the two groups (P = .953). The rate of postoperative infection was significantly higher in those patients (both HIV-positive and controls) who had open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF; 25 155 ; 16%) versus those who had closed reduction and maxillomandibular fixation ( 3 96 ; 3.1 %; P = .003). The post-operative infection rate after ORIF was significantly higher in the HIV-positive ( 5 11 ; 45%) compared with the control group ( 20 144 ; 13.9%; P = .02). Conclusions : The results of this study indicate that the overall rate of postoperative infection after treatment of mandibular fractures is significantly higher in HIV-positive than in HIV-negative patients. Specifically, the use of ORIF in HIV-positive patients represents a significant risk.
Factor Analysis and the Study of Drainage Basin Characteristics and Lithology in the Umlazi Area

Abstract Factor a nalysis is app lied to drainage basin characteristics from landscapes on tillite. granite and sandstone in the Umlazi area . Nine landform variables in 150 third order drainage basins involved a total of 1350 observations in the factor analytic study. Factor analysis is, shown to be of value in geomorphology since it simplifies a large mass of data into a few summary factors. The study shows that variation in drainage basin c haracteristics can be predicted by analysing 4 landform variables, namely area of basin, length of stream, drainage density and basin relief.
Growth, Yield, Dressout, and Net Returns of Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis Stocked at Three Densities in Fertilized Earthen Ponds

.— Bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis have been raised in the United States for two decades and sold through the livehaul market, but their profitability in monoculture has not been evaluated. Three studies were conducted in 0.10-ha earthen ponds to evaluate the effect of bighead carp stocking density on growth, yield, dressout yield. and net returns. Initially, bighead carp (average weight of 0.36 kg) were stocked at rates of 500, 320, or 130 fish/ha with three replicates of each treatment. Stocking rates for 2-yr-old fish (average weight of 2.45 kg) were reduced to 320, 220, or 130 fish/ha in the second year. Net yields of bighead carp stocked at 500 fish/ha (963 kg/ha) were significantly higher (P 0.05) among densities. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) among treatments in yearly growth which ranged from 11–17 g/d in the first and from 6–13 g/d in the second growing season. Dressout percentages for whole-dressed, steak, shank fillet, and shank fillets with white meat only did not differ with stocking density (P > 0.05). Enterprise and partial budget analysis indicated that monoculture of bighead carp in fertilized ponds is profitable only in the short run at average livehaul market prices, because revenues exceeded variable but not fixed costs. The negative net returns, when all costs were accounted for, indicated that it is not profitable to construct ponds solely for monoculture of bighead carp.
Impact of complete mesenteric closure on small bowel obstruction and internal mesenteric hernia after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Abstract Background Although it is generally accepted that closure of mesenteric defects after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) reduces the incidence of small bowel obstruction (SBO), data supporting this belief are inconsistent. After a spike in acute SBO cases in our LRYGB patients, we changed our technique of mesenteric closure. The objective of this study was to determine whether modification of our technique of mesenteric closure would decrease the incidence of SBO and internal hernia after LRYGB. Methods The records of 872 consecutive patients who had antecolic LRYGB by 1 surgeon over a 9-year interval were reviewed for acute SBO. The first 654 patients, mean follow up=100±12 months, had incomplete mesenteric closure versus complete closure in 218 remaining patients, mean follow up=40±14 months. Minimum follow up was 1 year. Results Total incidence of acute SBO was 4.0% (35/872), including 4.4% (29/654) in the incomplete closure group versus 2.8% (6/218) in the complete closure patients. Seventeen (2.6%) of the incomplete closure patients with acute SBO had internal hernias versus 1 (.5%) in the complete closure group. Twenty-six patients with incomplete closure developed symptoms of SBO and subsequently had elective repair of mesenteric hernias versus none in complete closure group ( P Conclusion Complete closure of mesenteric defects in antecolic LRYGB resulted in a significant reduction in internal mesenteric hernias. Complications were also reduced after operations for SBO in patients who had complete mesenteric closure.
Relation of salivary cotinine to blood pressure in middle-aged cigarette smokers

Abstract Background In laboratory research, nicotine administration is associated with increases in blood pressure. In epidemiologic research, however, the amount of reported cigarette smoking has no consistent relation with blood pressure. The objective of this study was to examine the relation of a nicotine metabolite (salivary cotinine) to systolic and diastolic blood pressure in current smokers being screened for entry to a clinical trial. Methods and Results Data were obtained from 5164 middle-aged cigarette smokers during screening for the Lung Health Study. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the association of salivary cotinine and number of cigarettes smoked per day to systolic and diastolic blood pressure with age, body mass, years of education, alcohol intake, and recent caffeinated beverage use controlled in all analyses. Although smoking frequency was unrelated to blood pressure, salivary cotinine was related to greater systolic blood pressure in both men and women and greater diastolic blood pressure in men. Conclusions The association between salivary cotinine and blood pressure in these analyses suggests that long-term nicotine exposure may be related to modest elevations in blood pressure in cigarette smokers. (Am Heart J 1999;137:928-31.)
Fluid-Rock Interactions During Metamorphism

Our understanding of the role of fluids in the genesis of metamorphic rocks is rapidly expanding due to the many new approaches to the analysis of metamorphic rocks and modeling of metamorphic processes. It is apparent from the papers in volume 5 of Springer-Verlag's Advances in Physical Geochemistry Series that metamorphic fluids have a far more active role in mass and energy transfer than was previously envisaged. This volume contains eight papers on the physical and chemical characteristics of metamorphic fluids, including their generation, their migration, and their reactions with a variety of rock types during metamorphism.
Exploring Teacher Talk During Mathematics Instruction in an Inclusion Classroom

The authors examined aspects of teacher talk during mathematics lessons in a 1st-grade inclusion classroom. Using content analytical coding methods, they analyzed 4 lessons—each taught by a different teacher in the classroom. Results showed that the patterns of teacher talk across all 4 teachers were chiefly recitational and lacking characteristics of talk consistent with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Communication Standard (2000b). Implications include that students with disabilities may benefit from instructional strategies that develop thinking and communication skills and that researchers and educators should identify and remove barriers to the provision of instruction congruent with the NCTM Standards for students with disabilities.
TRUTH, RELATIVISM, AND CROSSWORD PUZZLES

. Neither the correspondence nor the coherence theory of truth does justice to the truth claims made in science and theology. I propose a new definition that relates truth to solving puzzles. I claim that this definition is more adequate than either of the traditional theories and that it offers two additional benefits: first, it provides grounds for a theory regarding the relations between theology and science that may stand up better to philosophical scrutiny than does critical realism; and second, it blocks the move to relativism based on recognition of the plurality of perspectives and the historical and social conditioning of knowledge.
Hammett analysis of absolute carbene addition rate constants

Abstract Absolute rate constants were determined for the additions of 5 5 -X-substituted ArCCl (X=CF 3 , Cl, H, CH 3 , CH 3 O) to tetramethylethylene, trimethylethylene, trans-pentene, and 1-hexene; good Hammett correlations were obtained with ϱ = +1.4 – 1.6.
Lessons from the reMail prototypes

Electronic mail has become the most widely-used application for business productivity and communication, yet many people are frustrated with their email. Though email usage has changed, our email clients largely have not. In this paper, we describe a prototype email client developed out of a multi-year iterative design process aimed at providing those who "live in their email" with an improved, integrated email experience. We highlight innovative features and describe the user trials for each version of the prototype with resulting modifications. Finally, we discuss how these studies have recast our understanding of the email "habitat" and user needs.
Association Between Traumatic Injury and Psychiatric Disorders and Medication Prescription to Youths Aged 10–19

Objective:Few clinical epidemiologic investigations have assessed whether youths exposed to a traumatic injury demonstrate elevations in the full spectrum of provider-recognized psychiatric disorders compared with unexposed, noninjured youths. Methods:In a population-based prospective cohort study, data for children and adolescents aged ten to 19 who were enrolled in the Group Health Cooperative health plan were screened for injury visits in the index year of 2001 (N=20,507). Psychiatric diagnoses, including anxiety and acute stress, depressive, substance use, and disruptive behavior disorders, given to these youths over the next three years (2002–2004) were documented, as were psychotropic medication prescriptions. Regression analyses assessed for an independent association between injury and psychiatric disorders and prescription of psychotropic medication. Results:In adjusted regression analyses, injury in the index year was independently associated with significantly increased odds of receiving a diag...
Critical Mass Anthropology at AID

This special section breaks important new ground on cultural anthropology's path to developing a professional practice arm capable of influencing policy-making in government and industry. The articles in this section document a unique environment where anthropologists have quantitatively and qualitatively expanded the utility of the discipline's knowledge beyond current levels. Such an expansion is overdue.
Stability of characters and construction of phylogenetic trees.

Parsimony methods infer phylogenetic trees by minimizing number of character changes required to explain observed character states. From the perspective of applicability of parsimony methods, it is important to assess whether the characters used to infer phylogeny are likely to provide a correct tree. We introduce a graph theoretical characterization that helps to assess whether given set of characters is appropriate to use with parsimony methods. Given a set of characters and a set of taxa, we construct a network called character overlap graph. We show that the character overlap graph for characters that are appropriate to use in parsimony methods is characterized by significant under-representation of subnetworks known as holes, and provide a validation for this observation. This characterization explains success in constructing evolutionary trees using parsimony method for some characters (e.g., protein domains) and lack of such success for other characters (e.g., introns). In the latter case, the unde...
Pulmonary manifestations of the rheumatic diseases

The collagen vascular diseases represent a heterogeneous group of multisystem disorders with a wide range of clinicopathologic features. Although these diseases represent distinct clinical entities, a great deal of overlap exists between them. For example, the diffuse interstitial fibrosis of SLE, RA, DM-PM, PSS, and MCTD are indistinguishable clinically, radiographically, and histologically. Conversely, the pulmonary manifestations of the various vasculitides all differ significantly from each other in their clinicopathologic presentation, as well as in their response to therapy. For diagnostic purposes, histologic evidence will usually be required for the pulmonary manifestations of the rheumatic diseases. Therapy must then be individualized for each of these entities, as the protocol and response are variable.
Enhanced mass selectivity in thermal field-flow fractionation due to the temperature dependence of the transport coefficients

Abstract Mass selectivity in thermal field-flow fractionation (ThFFF) is governed by the dependence of molecular weight M on the ratio of the diffusion coefficient D to the thermal diffusion coefficient D T. Although studies indicate that D T is independent of molecular weight in homopolymers (meaning that mass selectivity depends on differences in D alone), the greatest possible dependence of D on M predicted by polymer theory is not enough to account for the selectivity obtained in certain polymer-solvent systems. However, the increased selectivity can be explained by the temperature dependence of D/D T. Thus, lower molecular weight polymers, which are less compressed against the cold wall, experience a higher mean temperature. Since values of D/DT increase with temperature, the decrease in retention with M is greater than that predicted without considering the temperature dependence. We quantify the increased selectivity for polystyrene in ethylbenzene using a temperature-dependent value of D/D T in th...
Pseudotolithus Species Identification using Isoelectric Focusing (IEF)

Samples of croakers namely Pseudotolithus senegalensis, P. typus, P. brachygnathus, P.elongatus, P.epipercus and P. moorii of the family Sciaenidaewere subjected toisoelectric focusing methodology using LKB 2117 Multiphor 11 electrofocusing apparatus for electrofocusing and identification. A high resolution of pH gradient (pH 4 - 6) was necessary to distinguish the differences and similarities in the protein banding patterns among the Pseudotolithus sp. and to produce species specific patterns. The electrographs of P. senegalensis and P. typus showed minor variants between them but differed from the rest of the species. They were all species specific.Differences in the protein patterns at the cathode and the middle portions of the gels in all the species were observed. The migration of second to the last major band in P.epipercus had the least distance of migration towards the anode or acidic end. The densitometric tracings showed differences in their banding patterns as shown by graphical representations of the bands. There was a total of 2 major bands at the acidic or anode range in P. senegalensis, P. typus, P. epipercus and P. moorii and 3 in P. brachygnathus and P. elongatus. Key words : Isoelectricfocusing,Pseudotolithus sp.,protein profile Journal of Aquatic Sciences Vol.18(1) 2003: 39-42
Coupling to Lysine-13 Promotes Electron Tunneling through Carboxylate-Terminated Alkanethiol Self-Assembled Monolayers to Cytochrome c

Electrochemistry of surface-modified cytochrome c (cyt c) bound electrostatically to carboxylate-terminated alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAM) reveals highly anisotropic electronic coupling across the protein/monolayer interface. Substitution of a lysine residue with alanine at position 13 in recombinant rat cyt c (RC9-K13A) lowers the interfacial electron transfer (ET) rate more than 5 orders of magnitude, whereas ET is only slightly affected by replacement of lysine-72 or lysine-79 with alanine. The results clearly show that lysine-13 is directly involved in coupling the protein to the SAM carboxylate terminus. Interfacial ET rates for both yeast iso-1 cyt c and the mutant RC9-K13R indicate that arginine-13 couples the protein to the carboxylate interface less well than lysine-13.
A New Alpha in Line Between KRAS and NF-κB Activation?

Bang and colleagues report a novel role for GSK-3α, rather than the well-studied GSK-3β, as the link between oncogenic KRAS and the canonical and noncanonical activation pathways of NF-κB in pancreatic cancer. Although the mechanism through which it promotes noncanonical activation remains unclear, the authors show that GSK-3α binds and stabilizes TAK1-TAB complexes to constitutively activate canonical NF-κB signaling. Consequently, the inhibition of GSK-3α retards pancreatic cancer growth in vitro and in vivo, thereby revealing this relatively less-studied kinase as a potential therapeutic target for treatment of KRAS-positive pancreatic cancer.
Life Satisfaction and Suicide Among High School Adolescents

Relationships between perceived life satisfaction, poor mental health, suicide ideation and suicide behaviors were examined in a statewide sample of 13 to 18 year old public high school students (n = 4,758) using the self-report CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Adjusted logistic regression analyses and multivariate models constructed separately (via SUDAAN), revealed that poor mental health (past 30 days), poor mental/physical health (past 30 days) serious suicide consideration (past 12 months), planning for suicide (past 12 months), attempted suicide (past 12 months) and suicide attempt requiring medical care (past 12 months) were significantly related to reduced life satisfaction. Also, differences across gender and race were demonstrated. Measures of life satisfaction as a component of comprehensive assessments of adolescent mental health, suicide ideation and suicide behavior in fieldwork, research, and program-evaluation efforts should be considered.
HIGH-RESOLUTION GENOMIC ARRAYS FACILITATE DETECTION OF NOVEL CRYPTIC CHROMOSOMAL LESIONS IN MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROMES

Objective Unbalanced chromosomal aberrations are common in myelodysplastic syndromes and have prognostic implications. An increased frequency of cytogenetic changes may reflect an inherent chromosomal instability due to failure of DNA repair. Therefore, it is likely that chromosomal defects in myelodysplastic syndromes may be more frequent than predicted by metaphase cytogenetics and new cryptic lesions may be revealed by precise analysis methods. Methods We used a novel high-resolution karyotyping technique, array-based comparative genomic hybridization, to investigate the frequency of cryptic chromosomal lesions in a cohort of 38 well-characterized myelodysplastic syndromes patients; results were confirmed by microsatellite quantitative PCR or single nucleotide polymorphism analysis. Results As compared to metaphase karyotyping, chromosomal abnormalities detected by array-based analysis were encountered more frequently and in a higher proportion of patients. For example, chromosomal defects were found in patients with a normal karyotype by traditional cytogenetics. In addition to verifying common abnormalities, previously cryptic defects were found in new regions of the genome. Cryptic changes often overlapped chromosomes and regions frequently identified as abnormal by metaphase cytogenetics. Conclusion The results underscore the instability of the myelodysplastic syndromes genome and highlight the utility of array-based karyotyping to study cryptic chromosomal changes which may provide new diagnostic information.
On-line preconcentration in capillary electrochromatography using a porous monolith together with solvent gradient and sample stacking.

Preconcentration effects of solvent gradient and sample stacking are investigated on a photopolymerized sol−gel (PSG) in capillary electrochromatography. The porous PSG monolith has a high mass-transfer rate. This characteristic promotes preconcentration of dilute samples. Plugs of samples more than 2 cm in length prepared in the separation solution (nongradient condition) are injected onto the PSG column. The extent of preconcentration is quite significant, showing up to a 100-fold increase in peak heights of the separated analytes. Even larger preconcentrations are achieved under gradient conditions by dissolving the sample in a matrix with a higher concentration of noneluting solvent (water). For eight alkyl phenyl ketones and four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that serve as neutral test analytes, improvements in peak heights obtained under gradient conditions can be more than a 1000-fold. Indeed, injection of a 91.2-cm plug, which is more than 3 times the total length of the capillary, was possible...
Bilevel anesthesia and blunt dissection: rapid and safe surgery.

Background. A new concept of bilevel anesthesia, initially instilling a subcutaneous tumescent solution followed by surface anesthesia, and then dissection limited to blunt instrumentation has been developed. Objective. The purpose of these developments has been to evolve more rapid and safe surgical intervention. Methods. This work has included a wide variety of surgeries on patients over several years, including grafts, flaps, and hair transplantation. Results. Excellent anesthesia with virtually bloodless surgical fields has followed the adoption of bilevel anesthesia with blunt dissection practices. Conclusion. Adoption of the previously described tumescent anesthetic infiltration with blunt dissection principles combined now with stronger epidermal-dermal anesthetic and epinephrine solutions allows the safest and most rapid surgery described to date.
Finding Unmanipulable Singularities in Parallel Mechanisms Using Jacobian Decomposition

A geometric method is presented to determine the unmanipulable singular configurations of a general class of parallel mechanisms. In unmanipulable singular configurations, the composite Jacobian matrix that maps active joints velocities to end-effector velocity loses rank, indicating the loss of a task degree-of-freedom. Finding unmanipulable configurations is difficult due to the complexity of the Jacobian matrix. The problem is greatly simplified by a novel decomposition of the matrix presented in this paper. The method is used to find singularities in several example parallel machines.