cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A randomized, controlled trial of interferon-β-1a (Avonex®) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study [ISRCTN03626626]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and possible efficacy of IFN-β-1a for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Twenty-two patients with active RA were enrolled in a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 30 μg IFN-β-1a by weekly self-injection for 24 weeks. The primary outcome of the study was safety. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients achieving an American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 response at 24 weeks. There were no significant differences in adverse events reported in the two groups. Fewer than 20% of patients in each arm of the study achieved an ACR 20 response at 24 weeks (P = 0.71). Sixty-nine percent of patients receiving IFN-β and 67% receiving placebo terminated the study early, most of them secondary to a perceived lack of efficacy. Overall, IFN-β-1a had a safety profile similar to that of placebo. There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients achieving an ACR 20 response between the two groups.
Health Monitoring of LAV Planet Gear Bushings Using Vibration Signature Analysis Techniques

This paper illustrates the potential benefits of identifying planet gear bushing failures in military Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) using vibration signature analysis techniques over conventional thermocouple methods. A pneumatically driven test rig was developed to measure the vibrational response of a lubricated dimpled bushing using accelerometers mounted externally to the bushing housing. Fourier-based signature analysis techniques are employed to track the wear history of the bushing liner material under steady load and steady shaft rotational speed. Vibration data collected from the accelerometers was analyzed by calculating the band power of specific frequency bands. Three separate runto-failure tests showed a direct linear relationship between band power and bushing wear for frequency bands that may be related to the worn dimpled pattern of the bushing. The data was also shown to be a reasonable predictor of bushing wear within specified confidence bounds. In all cases, vibration signature testing was found to be a more reliable indicator of bushing wear history when compared with conventional temperature measurements.
Transfer of Tn916 between Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis strains is nontranspositional: evidence for a chromosomal fertility function in strain MG1363.

Abstract Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis MG1363 can act as a conjugative donor of chromosomal markers. This requires a chromosomally located fertility function that we designate the lactococcal fertility factor (Laff). Using inter- and intrastrain crosses, we identified other L. lactis strains (LMO230 and MMS373) that appear to lack Laff. The selectable marker in our crosses was Tcr, carried by Tn916, a transposon present on the chromosome. The transfer of Tcr was not due to Tn916-encoded conjugative functions, because (i) L. lactis cannot act as a donor in Tn916-promoted conjugation (F. Bringel, G. L. Van Alstine, and J. R. Scott, Mol. Microbiol. 5:2983-2993, 1992) and (ii) transfer occurred when the Tcr marker was present in a Tn916 derivative containing a mutation, tra-641, that prevents Tn916-directed conjugation in any host. In addition, we isolated a strain in which Tn916 appears to be linked to Laff; this strain should be useful for further analysis of this fertility factor. In this strain, Tn916 is on the same 600-kb SmaI fragment as Clu, a fertility factor previously shown to promote lactose plasmid transfer in L. lactis. Thus, it is possible that Clu and Laff are identical.
Exercise induces human lipoprotein lipase gene expression in skeletal muscle but not adipose tissue

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is regulated by exercise in humans, but the effects of exercise on LPL expression in different tissues and the molecular mechanisms involved are unclear. We assessed the ef...
Partial security policies to support timeliness in secure real-time databases

Conflicts in database systems with both real-time and security requirements can be unresolvable. We address this issue by allowing a database system to provide partial security in order to improve real-time performance when necessary. Systems that are partially secure allow potential security violations such as covert channel use in certain situations. We present the idea of requirement specification that enables the system designer to specify important properties of the database at an appropriate level. To help the designer, a tool can process the database specification to find unresolvable conflicts, and to allow the designer to specify the rules to follow during execution when those conflicts arise. We discuss several partial security policies and compare their performance in terms of timeliness and potential security violations.
Characterization and cloning of fasciclin I and fasciclin II glycoproteins in the grasshopper.

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies were previously used to identify two glycoproteins, called fasciclin I and II (70 and 95 kDa, respectively), which are expressed on different subsets of axon fascicles in the grasshopper (Schistocerca americana) embryo. Here the monoclonal antibodies were used to purify these two membrane-associated glycoproteins for further characterization. Fasciclin II appears to be an integral membrane protein, whereas fasciclin I is an extrinsic membrane protein. The amino acid sequences of the amino terminus and fragments of both proteins were determined. Using synthetic oligonucleotide probes and antibody screening, we isolated genomic and cDNA clones. Partial DNA sequences of these clones indicate that they encode fasciclins I and II.
Presentation of the 2012 Charles Schuchert Award of the Paleontological Society to Gene Hunt

I am delighted and honored to present Gene Hunt as the winner of the 2012 Charles Schuchert Award. Gene has truly become a leader in evolutionary paleontology, skilled at turning challenging problems into crisp questions that can be addressed in the fossil record in creative and rigorous ways. I recently reread a letter that rightly praises Gene for his “impressive skill with both analytic and synthetic thinking” and his remarkable ability to ask questions “in his rather unassuming way” that “strike right to the conceptual core” of an issue. What's remarkable about this letter is that it wasn't written in support of his nomination for this award but was sent in connection with his application to graduate school. This raises two points. First, it can be risky to recruit as presenter someone with a long history with the recipient, although I can assure Gene of my discretion in this regard. And second, it attests that Gene showed great talent and promise at a very early stage. Gene finished his Bachelor's in Biology at Duke University with little direct experience in paleontology, although he clearly was already interested in larger-scale, macroevolutionary questions. His first serious encounter with paleontology was as a summer intern in the Smithsonian's terrific Research Training Program, where he analyzed ontogenetic shape changes in agnostids (which may or may not be trilobites). I think he still had trilobites in mind when he arrived in Chicago, in fact I remember his frighteningly precocious brown-bag talk as an early grad student, on his agnostid work and his approaches to partitioning specimens into discrete instars. As a graduate student Gene became especially interested in bridging between micro- and macroevolution, not in a simplistic extrapolationist way but in terms of really coming to grips with how processes at the organismic and population …
Colloquium: Heat flow and thermoelectricity in atomic and molecular junctions

Advances in the fabrication and characterization of nanoscale systems now allow for a better understanding of one of the most basic issues in science and technology: the flow of heat at the microscopic level. In this Colloquium recent advances are surveyed and an understanding of physical mechanisms of energy transport in nanostructures is presented, focusing mainly on molecular junctions and atomic wires. Basic issues are examined such as thermal conductivity, thermoelectricity, local temperature and heating, and the relation between heat current density and temperature gradient---known as Fourier's law. Both theoretical and experimental progress are critically reported in each of these issues and future research opportunities in the field are discussed.
Hypoglycemia during pregnancy following pancreatoduodenectomy

Abstract A 42-yr-old female became hypoglycemic following pancreatoduodenectomy for adenocarcinoma of the stomach. The hypoglycemia was aggravated by a concurrent pregnancy and improved postpartum. Metabolic data, including determinations of plasma immunoreactive insulin, growth hormone, ketones, free fatty acids, and cortisone obtained during pregnancy and postpartum, suggest that the hypoglycemia was due to starvation. No evidence of tumor was found at postmortem examination.
Effects of a prolonged growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide infusion on pulsatile GH secretion in normal men.

Bolus injection of the synthetic hexapeptide GH-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) reliably promotes GH secretion. However, desensitization to the GH-releasing effects of GHRP has been shown to occur during short term iv infusion. To determine whether humans would remain responsive to prolonged exposure to GHRP and to study the mechanism of action of GHRP, we compared the effects of a 34-h iv infusion of either GHRP or normal saline on parameters of pulsatile GH concentration in nine healthy young men. Each infusion was administered from 0800 h on day 1 to 1800 h on day 2. GHRP was given as a 1 microgram/kg loading bolus, then at the rate of 1 microgram/kg.h. A 50-microgram iv bolus of TRH was given at 0800 h on day 2, followed by iv boluses of GH-releasing hormone (GHRH; 1 microgram/kg, iv, at 1000, 1200, and 1400 h) and then a bolus of GHRP (1 microgram/kg at 1600 h). The integrated GH concentration (IGHC) and parameters of pulsatile GH concentration were calculated for the period between 1400 h on day 1 to 0800 h on day 2, and IGHC was calculated for 2 h after each bolus of GHRP or GHRH. During GHRP infusion, there was a significant increase in IGHC (2908 +/- 450 vs. 1374 +/- 160 micrograms x min/L), maximum pulse amplitude (15.2 +/- 2.8 vs. 8.4 +/- 1.7 micrograms/L), and mean pulse amplitude (7.0 +/- 1.1 vs. 3.8 +/- 1.5 micrograms/L). Plasma insulin-like growth factor-I increased from 252 +/- 23 to 312 +/- 23 micrograms/L. There was no change in either GH pulse frequency or interpulse GH concentration. During GHRP infusion, the GH responses to the GHRH boluses were augmented; however, baseline TSH was lower, and the GH and TSH/PRL responses to GHRP and TRH, respectively, were smaller. We conclude that the pituitary remains sensitive to GHRP during a prolonged GHRP infusion. The mechanisms of the GHRP effect on GH secretion are uncertain, and the possibility that GHRP acts as a functional somatostatin antagonist is discussed. The contrasting effects of GHRP on GH and TSH/PRL secretion could be due to differential effects of GHRP on the pituitary and hypothalamus.
Determination of Ice Crystal Size Distributions in Frozen Desserts

Abstract Formation of the ice crystal size distribution during manufacture of frozen desserts plays an important role in determining textural characteristics. A crystal size distribution with a large mean size and wide variation results in a coarse product. A new methodology has been developed to characterize the ice crystal size distribution accurately. An optical microscope was used to produce photomicrographs of ice crystals in frozen products. The microscope was housed in a refrigerated glove box, which provided excellent temperature control and allowed samples to be analyzed at various stages of manufacture. The photomicrographs were analyzed using a digitizing board connected to a microcomputer. Several ice cream and ice milk formulations were analyzed to test the methodology. Ice crystal size was inversely related to the total solids of the formulations. Ice crystal size also increased substantially between draw and hardening and during the first 7 wk of storage at –20°C. Further frozen storage did not result in any significant change in crystal size. These results agree with previous data and with theoretical considerations.
Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities in stratified fluids

We study the growth of Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities at the interfaces of any number $N$ of stratified fluids forming an arbitrary density profile. Using the linear theory, we show that there are $2(N\ensuremath{-}1)$ exponential growth rates which can be found by calculating the eigenvalues of an $(N\ensuremath{-}1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}(N\ensuremath{-}1)$ band matrix. We illustrate analytically the case $N=3$. For general $N$ we state and outline the proofs of two theorems: the first refers to the invariance of the spectrum of growth modes under inversion (${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{i}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\frac{1}{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{N+1\ensuremath{-}i}}$, ${t}_{i}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{t}_{N+1\ensuremath{-}i}$), and the second relates the spectrum of any inversion-invariant density profile having free boundaries to the spectrum of the same profile between fixed boundaries. We compare and illustrate the results of our numerical code with the case of a continuous density profile $\ensuremath{\rho}={\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}{e}^{\ensuremath{\beta}y}$, and, setting $N=12$, we apply our technique to solving a particular problem in designing a multishell target for intertial confinement fusion.
Abciximab-associated thrombocytopenia after previous tirofiban-related thrombocytopenia

A 62-year-old man with a history of coronary artery disease and coronary artery bypass graft, chronic heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease required percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after progression of shortness of breath and fatigue over 2 years. Four hours after the procedure, the patient developed hematemesis and was found to be thrombocytopenic. The thrombocytopenia was presumed to be due to the abciximab infusion the patient received during and shortly after the PCI. Further review of the patient's medical history revealed that a similar episode had occurred 11 years earlier. At that time, he was enrolled in a clinical trial comparing tirofiban and heparin in patients with unstable angina; he developed profound thrombocytopenia within 24 hours of randomization. After the study unblinding, investigators discovered that the patient received tirofiban, which was thought to be the cause of his thrombocytopenia. Both abciximab and tirofiban are glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors, and thrombocytopenia induced by this class of drugs is a serious and potentially life-threatening adverse reaction. The mechanism is not well understood but has been described as immune mediated with both ligand-mimetic agents (tirofiban and eptifibatide) and abciximab. Our patient's situation was unusual in that he developed thrombocytopenia from a ligand-mimetic agent and subsequently had a similar reaction to abciximab. To our knowledge, this case report is the first documentation of thrombocytopenia associated with both tirofiban and abciximab in a single patient, and suggests that care should be given in administering glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors of either type to patients with a history of thrombocytopenia due to one of these agents.
Cell signalling and the control of pre-mRNA splicing

The transcripts of most metazoan protein-coding genes are alternatively spliced, but the mechanisms that are involved in the control of splicing are not well understood. Recent evidence supports the potential of both extra- and intracellular signalling to the splicing machinery as a means of regulating gene expression, and indicates that this form of gene control is widespread and mechanistically complex. However, important questions about these pathways need to be answered before this method of post-transcriptional regulation can be fully appreciated.
SiteSeeker - A Motif Discovery Tool

The primary purpose of SiteSeeker is to create a workbench to try out various concepts for discovery strategies and motif scoring. The intention was to develop a tool that enables testing of different concepts regarding combined scoring methods and search strategies, that eventually ends in tool of practical use.
Dental and Related Infections

Emergency physicians should be comfortable treating most dental and related infections. In this article, we outline recommended techniques to perform a dental examination, explore common pathologies, recommend pain and antibiotic management strategies and review common pitfalls. How to avoid overprescribing opioid analgesics is discussed in depth, along with recent studies to support this strategy.
Learning Scene Semantics Using Fiedler Embedding

We propose a framework to learn scene semantics from surveillance videos. Using the learnt scene semantics, a video analyst can efficiently and effectively retrieve the hidden semantic relationship between homogeneous and heterogeneous entities existing in the surveillance system. For learning scene semantics, the algorithm treats different entities as nodes in a graph, where weighted edges between the nodes represent the "initial" strength of the relationship between entities. The graph is then embedded into a k-dimensional space by Fiedler Embedding.
Non-random circular permutation of phage P22 DNA.

Abstract Phage P22 is known to have a linear duplex chromosome that is circularly permuted and terminally repeated. We have found, by constructing a partial denaturation map of mature P22 DNA, that circular permutation in P22 DNA is restricted: all of the ends of the mature DNA fall within 20% of each other on the physical map. The limited distribution of ends can be explained by the “headful” packaging model of Streisinger et al . (1967), with the additional specifications that: 1. (a) the intracellular precursor DNA is no longer than ten times the length of mature phage DNA; 2. (b) encapsulation of DNA starts at a unique site; 3. (c) encapsulation proceeds sequentially therefrom. This model is supported by the denaturation maps of two deletion phage DNAs. We found, as expected from our model, that the extent of permutation is a direct function of the length of terminal repetition. An independent demonstration of this relation between permutation and terminal repetition was done by denaturation-self-reannealing experiments using wild type and deletion phage DNAs. In the case of phage with large terminal repetitions (16%), we can discern discrete classes of molecules (using denaturation mapping), which we interpret as the first, second, etc. headful cut from the intracellular DNA concatemer.
Effect of 3,3-dimethyl-1-phenyltriazene on the rate of cleavage of patiria at several partial pressures of carbon dioxide.

Abstract Fertilized Patiria (starfish) eggs were placed in glass syringes, each of which contained one of nine different solutions: triazene at 2.7, 1.3 and 0 × 10 −5 molar concentration in sea water equilibrated with air containing 1.9, 1.0 and 0.03 per cent of carbon dioxide. The number of cells per egg were counted in samples taken every 10 min for 3 hr. The intervals between the shedding of sperm and the first and second cleavages and the rates at which each of these cleavages proceeded were determined. Careful analysis of the findings showed a marked effect of triazene, a noticeable effect of carbon dioxide and no reliable effect attributable to interaction between triazene and carbon dioxide.
The metaphysical importance of the compatibility question: : comments on Mark Balaguer's Free Will as an Open Scientific Problem

Mark Balaguer's Free Will as an Open Scientic Problem is a fascinating, imaginative and highly controversial book. It is also extremely well written. Balaguers style is clear and lucid, trading plain language for technical expression wherever possible, while at the same time never compromising on philosophical sophistication. His central contention is that the free will problem, construed as a metaphysical issue, reduces just to an empirical question about the actual etiology of exercises of human agency.
The Influence of Altered Lower-Extremity Kinematics on Patellofemoral Joint Dysfunction: A Theoretical Perspective

Although patellofemoral pain (PFP) is recognized as being one of the most common disorders of the lower extremity, treatment guidelines and underlying rationales remain vague and controversial. The premise behind most treatment approaches is that PFP is the result of abnormal patellar tracking and/or patellar malalignment. Given as such, interventions typically focus on the joint itself and have traditionally included strengthening the vastus medialis oblique, taping, bracing, soft tissue mobilization, and patellar mobilization. More recently, it has been recognized that the patellofemoral joint and, therefore, PFP may be influenced by the interaction of the segments and joints of the lower extremity. In particular, abnormal motion of the tibia and femur in the transverse and frontal planes may have an effect on patellofemoral joint mechanics. With this in mind, interventions aimed at controlling hip and pelvic motion (proximal stability) and ankle/foot motion (distal stability) may be warranted and shoul...
Isolation and characterization of lambda b221poriCasnA, a plaque-forming specialized transducing phage carrying the origin of replication of the Escherichia coli chromosome.

A specialized transducing phage, λb221poriCasnA has been isolated carrying oriC the origin of chromosomal replication of Escherichia coli. All phage genes required for lytic growth are retained, thus the phage is capable of lytic growth. The presence of the oriC locus confers upon infecting phage DNA the ability to replicate as a plasmid using only host DNA replication functions. The presence of both oriC and asnA markers has allowed the development of a plaque assay for origin function which can be used to identify mutants at these loci. Comparison of restriction endonuclease cleavage sites present on λb221poriCasnA DNA to those on tis parent, λb221 rex::Tn10 suggests the steps involved in the formation of the transducing phage.
A pilot study of bone density loss in menopausal women treated with chemotherapy for cancer.

Goals of work To estimate the incidence and severity of bone loss in menopausal women diagnosed with cancer who receive treatment with chemotherapy. Also, to evaluate the use of bone loss prevention agents in this population.
High-efficiency Kaband monolithic pseudomorphic HEMT amplifier

A monolithic three-stage Ka-band amplifier has been designed and fabricated on a doped channel heterostructure. Devices with gate length of 0.2 micron and gate width of 50, 100, and 250 micron were cascaded. The gate and drain bias networks were also integrated. The small signal gain is 31 dB and the amplifier is capable of an output power of 190 mW with 23 dB gain and 30.2 percent power added efficiency at 31 GHz. This is a record efficiency for a multistage MMIC at this frequency.
Resonance control strategy for a slider crank WEC power take-off system

This paper presents a novel slider crank power take-off system and wave tracking control methodology for efficiently converting the energy of open ocean waves into electrical energy. The Wave Energy Converter (WEC) and Power Take-off System (PTOS) are modeled and a non-parametric control strategy to maximize energy extraction under regular sinusoidal wave condition is introduced. Energy extraction results from simulation are compared with theoretical optimums, and a number of factors that influence energy extraction are discussed. The study shows that a suboptimal wave energy conversion technique can be achieved.
Beautiful is good: Evidence that the physically attractive are more socially skillful

The possibility that the so-called physical attractiveness stereotype may contain a “kernel of truth” was investigated in a study where college students interacted with opposite sex partners whom they could not see. Each student engaged in three telephone conversations and rated their telephone partners for social skill, anxiety, liking, and desirability for future interaction, and were themselves subsequently rated for physical attractiveness by three independent observers. As hypothesized, the more physically attractive students were rated by their telephone partners as more socially skillful and more likable than their less attractive counterparts.
Glucose absorption from the urinary bladder of a crab

Abstract 1. 1. Glucose introduced with isosmotic perfusion fluid into the urinary bladder of the crab Pachygrapsus crassipes disappears from the bladder fluid. This cannot be attributed to bladder evacuation. 2. 2. When glucose and phlorizin in perfusion fluid are similarly introduced, glucose remains in the bladder at about the same concentration as found in the blood. 3. 3. Glucose appears in the bladder fluid of phlorizinized crabs, but is absent from the bladder fluid of untreated animals. 4. 4. It is suggested that the urinary bladder of Pachygrapsus is an important site for glucose reabsorption and therefore is a physiologically active region of the renal system.
Super-Optimal CO2 Reduces Seed Yield But Not Vegetative Growth in Wheat

Although terrestrial atmospheric CO2 levels will not reach 1000 micromoles mol-1 (0.1%) for decades, CO2 levels in growth chambers and greenhouses routinely exceed that concentration. CO2 levels in life support systems in space can exceed 10000 micromoles mol-1(1%). Numerous studies have examined CO2 effects up to 1000 micromoles mol-1, but biochemical measurements indicate that the beneficial effects of CO2 can continue beyond this concentration. We studied the effects of near-optimal (approximately 1200 micromoles mol-1) and super-optimal CO2 levels (2400 micromoles mol-1) on yield of two cultivars of hydroponically grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in 12 trials in growth chambers. Increasing CO2 from sub-optimal to near-optimal (350-1200 micromoles mol-1) increased vegetative growth by 25% and seed yield by 15% in both cultivars. Yield increases were primarily the result of an increased number of heads per square meter. Further elevation of CO2 to 2500 micromoles mol-1 reduced seed yield by 22% (P < 0.001) in cv. Veery-10 and by 15% (P < 0.001) in cv. USU-Apogee. Super-optimal CO2 did not decrease the number of heads per square meter, but reduced seeds per head by 10% and mass per seed by 11%. The toxic effect of CO2 was similar over a range of light levels from half to full sunlight. Subsequent trials revealed that super-optimal CO2 during the interval between 2 wk before and after anthesis mimicked the effect of constant super-optimal CO2. Furthermore, near-optimal CO2 during the same interval mimicked the effect of constant near-optimal CO2. Nutrient concentration of leaves and heads was not affected by CO2. These results suggest that super-optimal CO2 inhibits some process that occurs near the time of seed set resulting in decreased seed set, seed mass, and yield.
Storage of newborn stem cells for future use.

Human placental cord blood contains a large number of hematopoietic progenitor cells, which could be used as a source of stem cells for the treatment of hematologic disorders and malignancies. Advantages of cord blood use include noninvasive collection, low risk for viral infection, and immunologic naivete. Cord blood may be used as stem-cell rescue in all applications of bone marrow transplantation, including gene therapy. Given this potential utility, questions are raised regarding the regulation of cord-blood collection, storage, and use. Should the prospective parent(s) donate the infant's cord blood for treatment of unrelated recipients, or should they invest in cord-blood storage as biologic “life insurance” for the child's later use? This issue presents many conflicts for families and their health care providers.
Learning-related skills and academic achievement in academically at-risk first graders

Using an academically at-risk, ethnically diverse sample of 744 first-grade children, this study tested a multi-method (i.e., child performance measures, teacher ratings, and peer ratings) measurement model of learning-related skills (i.e., effortful control [EC], behavioral self-regulation [BSR], and social competence [SC]), and their shared and unique contributions to children's reading and math achievement, above the effect of demographic variables. The hypothesized correlated factor measurement model demonstrated relatively good fit, with BSR and SC correlated highly with one another and moderately with EC. When entered in separate regression equations, EC and BSR each predicted children's reading and math achievement; SC only predicted reading achievement. When considered simultaneously, neither EC, BSR, nor SC contributed independently to reading achievement; however, EC had a direct effect on math achievement and an indirect effect on reading achievement via both BSR and SC. Implications for research and early intervention efforts are discussed.
Does anxiety mitigate the behavioral expression of severe conduct disorder in delinquent youths

The purpose of this article is to examine the purported attenuating effects of comorbid anxiety on conduct disturbance in a sample of youths exhibiting severe Conduct Disorder (CD). Further, we examined the differential expression of CD and comorbid anxiety in male and female youths. Seventy-nine incarcerated youths between the ages of 12 and 19 were interviewed using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children. Youths were identified who exhibited CD and CD plus an anxiety disorder. In contrast to previous findings with younger, less seriously disturbed male subjects, no overall differences were found between CD anxious and CD nonanxious youths in terms of age of first offense and overall number and severity of delinquent acts. Moreover, no differences were found between males and females, and gender did not moderate the effects of comorbidity anxiety on outcome measures. Findings suggest purported mitigating effects of anxiety on conduct disturbance may be attenuated in severe forms of CD and support the notion that comorbidity across internalizing and externalizing domains of child and adolescent psychopathology may differentially impact clinical presentation of disordered behavior depending on the severity of externalizing behavioral disturbance.
Rev-ing up post-transcriptional HIV-1 RNA expression

The post-transcriptional export of spliced and unspliced HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus type 1) RNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is a complex process. Part of the complexity arises from the fact that eukaryotic cells normally retain unspliced RNAs in the nucleus preventing their exit into the cytoplasm. HIV-1 has evolved a protein, Rev, that participates in the export of unspliced / partially spliced viral RNAs from the nucleus. It has been documented that several cellular factors cooperate in trans with Rev, and certain cis-RNA motifs / features are important for transcripts to be recognized by Rev and its co-factors. Here, the post-transcriptional activities of Rev are discussed in the context of a recent finding that an RNA cap methyltransferase contributes to the expression of unspliced / partially spliced HIV-1 transcripts.
Thucydidean realism: Between Athens and Melos

(1995). Thucydidean realism: Between Athens and Melos. Security Studies: Vol. 5, Roots of Realism, pp. 169-193.
On determining the nature and orientation of magnetic directional discontinuities: Problems with the minimum variance method

[1] The minimum variance method (MVA) has been used for over 3 decades to analyze directional discontinuities in solar wind magnetic field data. We recount how MVA was formulated and show that it does not do what many expect. We demonstrate a robust alternative for distinguishing tangential discontinuities from rotational discontinuities (RDs). We also stress that averaging magnetic field data to time resolutions of a minute or more (common with National Space Science Data Center data sets) obliterates RDs.
Pretreatment of synthetic vascular grafts with heparin before implantation, a simple technique to reduce the risk of thrombosis.

Thrombosis of synthetic grafts commonly used in cardiovascular surgery is a major complication. We examined whether pretreatment of the graft with heparin reduces the risk of early thrombosis. A circuit was assembled to compare two pairs of shunts simultaneously in the same animal. The study shunts were pretreated with heparin. After 2 hours of circulation, clot formation was evaluated by image analysis techniques. The pretreated grafts had fewer blood clots adhered to the surface by direct visual inspection. The image analysis showed 5 vs. 39 clots, 0.01% vs. 1.8% clotted area, and 62 vs. 5630 clot pixel area between the treated and non-treated grafts respectively, p < 0.05. Pretreatment of the synthetic graft with heparin prior to implantation reduces the risk of early clot formation. This simple practice might be helpful to prevent initial thrombosis of the graft and later occlusion.
A UNIFIED DESCRIPTION OF THE SPIN-SPIN AND SPIN-LATTICE RELAXATION RATES APPLIED TO NITROXIDE SPIN LABELS IN VISCOUS LIQUIDS

For nitroxide spin labels the application of electron and nuclear spin relaxation theory has caused a seeming paradox to develop, even in the fast motion limit. Two well-resolved EPR lines are seen when using 15N nitroxide spin labels (or three lines with 14N nitroxide spin labels) due to the interaction of the electron with the nitrogen nucleus. The observed line widths are related to the spin−spin relaxation rates. The different widths indicate that the spin−spin relaxation rates for the two (or three) lines depend on the nuclear manifold, or nuclear spin state z quantum number. The theory (developed by Kivelson and Freed) treated each line independently and gave a quantitative accounting of the differences seen in the relaxation rates of the lines. When the same treatment is applied to the spin−lattice relaxation rates, a strong dependence of the spin−lattice relaxation rate on the particular line (nuclear manifold) chosen is predicted. However, the experimental spin−lattice relaxation rates show no de...
Unintentional non-adherence and belief in medicines in older adults

Abstract Objective To determine whether beliefs in medicines are associated with forgetfulness and carelessness in taking medications. Methods Using a survey research design, baseline data ( N = 1220) and follow-up data ( N = 1024) were collected through an Internet survey using a convenience sample from Medicare enrollees aged 65 and older and who were Internet users. Logistic regression models were used to determine if patient's beliefs about the necessity of taking prescribed medications and their concern beliefs regarding the potential consequences of taking medications were significant in predicting forgetfulness and carelessness in taking medications. Results Concern beliefs in medicines were a significant predictor of forgetfulness and carelessness in taking medications. Conclusion If all cases of forgetfulness and carelessness in taking medications are considered as unintentional non-adherence with no reference to the patient's beliefs in medicines; using cue based interventions such as phone reminders or alarms are not likely to reduce non-adherence. There was a strong association between patient belief in medications and non-adherence in older adults who were Medicare enrollees. Practical implications It is important that researchers consider the influence that patient medication beliefs have on patient adherence to develop better interventions to reduce non-adherence.
Mass Spectrum of Shower Particles from Cosmic-Ray Interactions

The masses of particles with an ionization less than about twice the minimum value emitted in cosmic-ray stars in a photographic emulsion have been determined by observations on the grain density and scattering of suitably long tracks. About 100 tracks with an average length of 16.5 mm were analyzed using a single emulsion exposed to cosmic rays in a high-altitude balloon flight of nine hours duration. The results show groups of pions, protons, deuterons, heavy mesons with mass $\ensuremath{\sim}925{m}_{e}$ and the possibility of a group with mass closer to that of the proton. This latter is uncertain, however, with the present resolution and could be a statistical fluctuation on the edge of the proton distribution.
Development, evaluation and comparison of two independent sampling and analytical methods for ortho-phthalaldehyde vapors and condensation aerosols in air

Two independent sampling and analytical methods for ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) in air have been developed, evaluated and compared (1) a reagent-coated solid sorbent HPLC-UV method and (2) an impinger-fluorescence method. In the first method, air sampling is conducted at 1.0 L min-1 with a sampler containing 350 mg of silica gel coated with 1 mg of acidified 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH). After sampling, excess DNPH in ethyl acetate is added to the sampler prior to storage for 68 hours. The OPA-DNPH derivative is eluted with 4.0 mL of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for measurement by HPLC with a UV detector set at 3S5 nm. The estimated detection limit is 0.016 µg per sample or 0.067 µg m-3 (0.012 ppb) for a 240 L air sample. Recoveries of vapor spikes at levels of 1.2 to 6.2 µg were 96 to 101%. Recoveries of spikes as mixtures of vapor and condensation aerosols were 97 to 100%. In the second method, air sampling is conducted at 1.0 L mm-1 with a midget impinger containing 10 mL of DMSO solution containing N-acetyl-l-cysteine and ethylenediamine. The fluorescence reading is taken 80 min after the completion of air sampling. Since the time of taking the fluorescence reading is critical, the reading is taken with a portable fluorometer. The estimated detection limit is 0.024 µg per sample or 0.1 µg m-3 (0.018 ppb) for a 240 L air sample. Recoveries of OPA vapor spikes at levels of 1.4 to 5.0 µg per sample were 97 to 105%. Recoveries of spikes as mixtures of vapors and condensation aerosols were 95 to 99%. The collection efficiency for a mixture of vapor and condensation aerosol was 99.4%. The two methods were compared side-by-side in a generation system constructed for producing controlled atmospheres of OPA vapor in air. Average air concentrations of OPA vapor found by both methods agreed within ±10%.
AP-1 activation through endogenous H2O2 generation by alveolar macrophages

Abstract Reactive oxygen species released during the respiratory burst are known to participate in cell signaling. Here we demonstrate that hydrogen peroxide produced by the respiratory burst activates AP-1 binding. Stimulation of the macrophage cell line NR8383 with respiratory burst agonists ADP and C5a increased AP-1 binding activity. Importantly, this increase in binding was blocked by catalase, confirming mediation by endogenous H2O2. Moreover, exogenously added H2O2 mimicked the agonists, and also activated AP-1. Antibodies revealed that the activated AP-1 complex is composed predominantly of c-Fos/c-Jun heterodimers. Treatment of the cells with ADP, C5a and H2O2 (100 μM) all increased the phosphorylation of c-Jun. c-Fos protein was increased in cells treated with C5a or high dose (200 μM) H2O2, but not in cells treated with ADP. The MEK inhibitor, PD98059, partially blocked the C5a-mediated increase in AP-1 binding. A novel membrane-permeable peptide inhibitor of JNK, JNKi, also inhibited AP-1 activation. Together these data suggest that C5a-mediated AP-1 activation requires both the activation of the ERK and JNK pathways, whereas activation of the JNK pathway is sufficient to increase AP-1 binding with ADP. Thus, AP-1 activation joins the list of pathways for which the respiratory burst signals downstream events in the macrophage.
The Analysis of volatile compounds by purge and trap with whole column cryotrapping (WCC) on a fused silica capillary column

The purge and trap (P&T) method of analysis has been interfaced with fused silica capillary column gas chromatography. This interfacing has been accomplished without splitting the P&T trap desorption carrier gas. Thus, 100% of the purged compounds are transferred to the column. The analytes are cryofocussed on the column using whole column cryotrapping (WCC) at −80°C. The resulting P&T/WCC procedure is extremely well-suited to the analysis of trace purgeable aqueous organic compounds. Samples and standards containing a variety of aromatic standard compounds were analyzed. The standards included benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, C3-C4-benzenes, and naphthalene, as well as three P&T internal standard compounds. Chromatographic peak widths were uniformly less than 6 s at the base and excellent precision was obtained in the relative retention time data for all compounds. The chromatogram of a groundwater sample contaminated with aromatic gasoline compounds is also presented. Since P&T/WCC works well with fused silica capillary columns, the full sensitivity and chromatographic efficiency of capillary gas chromatography is made available to P&T analyses.
Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Waiver to Adult Court

This study sought to examine the decision-making process by which juvenile courts determine whether to certify juveniles to adult criminal court or retain them in juvenile court. Specifically, the study sought to determine whether race, ethnicity, and gender influenced decision making when legally relevant case attributes were controlled. Data came from the largest urban jurisdiction in Texas. The results indicated that minority youth and males were more likely to be transferred to adult criminal court than White juveniles and females. A Black or Hispanic youth was approximately 3 times as likely as a White youth to receive a transfer to adult court, net of legally relevant case criteria. Males were nearly 7 times as likely as females to be transferred.
Rapid Silicon-to-Steel Bonding via Inductive Heating

In this work, we present a rapid, low temperature process for the bonding of silicon to steel through the use of inductive heating for MEMS sensor applications. The bonding process takes as short as three seconds with a maximum bonding temperature as low as 230°C at the steel surface. The bonding strength is strong, and causes minimal damage to steel. The process has also been shown to work using leaded and leadfree bonding solder with minimal surface preparation to the steel. Four characterization experiments – tensile and compressive 4-point bend, axial extension, and fatigue tests – have been performed to validate the bonding process and materials. As such, this work illustrates the promise of applying inductive heating for the rapid silicon bonding to steel components for MEMS sensing applications.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The Bailey-Derek grammar: recording the craft of wire-bending in the Trinidad carnival

This paper presents work on the development of a shape grammar that records the dying, undocumented craft of wire-bending in the Trinidad Carnival. This craft is important for the building and continuation of cultural heritage and identity. Due to the lack of prior research in this non-Western design practice, the author conducted site visits, interviews and observations, and visually examined wire-bent artifacts in Trinidad to develop this grammar. This paper presents the materials, steps and shape rules that begin to synthesize the craft, as well as one design. This study and the resulting grammar have positive implications for design education and practice.
Luteal Adenylyl Cyclase Does Not Develop Sensitivity to Desensitization by Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in the Absence of Nonluteal Ovarian Tissue

There is evidence suggesting that the mere presence of a hormone-responsive adenylyl cyclase system in a tissue may not be sufficient for desensitization to occur since phosphorylation reactions might also be involved. The purpose of this study was to determine if luteal tissue in the absence of other ovarian tissues would desensitize to human CG (hCG). One or both ovaries were removed from rabbits 5 h before hCG-induced ovulation and the periovulatory follicles were transplanted underneath the kidney capsule where they formed ectopic corpus luteum [or corpora lutea (CL)]. Rabbits which were bilaterally ovariectomized received estradiol implants at the time of ovariectomy to maintain control serum estradiol concentrations. On day 7 of pseudopregnancy, the rabbits were injected with saline (control) or with 75 IU hCG and were killed 24 h later at which time ovarian and ectopic CL progesterone content and adenylyl cyclase activity were assessed. As expected, in ovarian CL there was decreased LH-responsive a...
Load-Aware Anycast Routing in IP-over-WDM Networks

In this work we propose anycast routing methods to improve the performance of reconfigurable WDM networks under the variations in the IP traffic. We first investigate anycast communication via impairment-aware anycast routing (IAAR); our simulation results show significant improvement in the blocking probability. We also investigate the proposed load-aware anycast routing (LAAR) for the varying traffic model. From the results we observe that LAAR minimizes the lightpath request loss, by dynamically choosing the anycast configuration based on the network load.
New results for minimum Q, maximum gain, and polarization properties of electrically small arbitrary antennas

This paper will review previous and recent work on the maximum gain and minimum Q of arbitrary lossless antennas, with the goal of trying to eliminate some of the confusion, incompleteness, and erroneous statements that sometimes occur in the literature. Our attention will primarily focus on the effects of polarization and the presence of TM, TE, or TM and TE modes, on the maximum gain of arbitrary antennas, and the minimum Q of electrically small antennas. It will be shown that it is useful to categorize both linearly and circularly polarized small antennas according to the presence of either electric (or magnetic) sources in isolation, or the presence of both electric and magnetic sources, and that the minimum Q for these two cases may differ by a factor of two, while the maximum achievable gain may be either 1.5 or 3. These and other recent results will be discussed, hopefully to provide a more complete picture of some of the fundamental limits on antenna performance.
Infusing Preservice Teacher Preparation with Service Learning

This research targeted the impact of service-learning experiences in one course of a teacher preparation program in an urban, private university. Participants chose either an indirect (food or toy drive) or direct (food pantry or homeless shelter) service-learning experience. Twenty-four undergraduate and graduate education majors participated in a semantic differential (Conrad & Hedin, 1981) before and after their experiences to record their attitudes about being active in their communities. In addition, reflective journal entries responding to specific prompts about the experiences were analyzed to determine themes based on connections in the following areas: course content; goals and objectives; understanding of social responsibility; and impact of the service-learning experience. Findings indicate an overall positive attitude change related to both indirect and direct service-learning projects and insightful reflective journal entries.