cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The performance of spin lock alternatives for shared-money multiprocessors

The author examines the questions of whether there are efficient algorithms for software spin-waiting given hardware support for atomic instructions, or whether more complex kinds of hardware support are needed for performance. He considers the performance of a number of software spin-waiting algorithms. Arbitration for control of a lock is in many ways similar to arbitration for control of a network connecting a distributed system. He applies several of the static and dynamic arbitration methods originally developed for networks to spin locks. A novel method is proposed for explicitly queueing spinning processors in software by assigning each a unique number when it arrives at the lock. Control of the lock can then be passed to the next processor in line with minimal effect on other processors. >
Verbs as Reinforcers: Does the Impression Value of Verbs Influence Response Choice in Sentence Generation Tasks?

(1971). Verbs as Reinforcers: Does the Impression Value of Verbs Influence Response Choice in Sentence Generation Tasks? The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 84, No. 2, pp. 267-273.
The Fisher-Hartwig conjecture and generalizations

Abstract We discuss the status of the Fisher-Hartwig conjecture concerning the asymptotic expansion of a class of Toeplitz determinants with singular generating functions. A counterexample is given for a nonrational generating function; and we formulate a generalized Fisher-Hartwig conjecture.
Ion Implantation and Thermal Annealing in Silicon Carbide and Gallium Nitride

Abstract Ion-beam-induced disordering in single crystals of 6H–SiC and single-crystal films of gallium nitride (GaN) has been investigated using ion-channeling methods. Amorphization in GaN requires a dose that is about 30 and 100 times higher than in silicon carbide (SiC) at 180 and 300 K, respectively. Dynamic defect-recovery processes in both materials increase with increasing irradiation temperature. Amorphization in SiC is consistent with a combined direct-impact and defect-stimulated process. Three recovery stages are observed on both the Si and C sublattices under isochronal annealing in Au 2+ -irradiated 6H–SiC. In GaN, an intermediate saturation state is observed for disordering at the damage peak, which suggests enhanced defect annihilation processes. Implanted Au diffuses towards the surface during implantation at 300 K and undergoes further diffusion into the amorphous surface layer during post-implantation annealing at 870 K.
Pre‐emptive resistance: patients’ participation in diagnostic sense‐making activities

In medical clinic visits, patients do more than convey information about their symptoms and problems so doctors can diagnose and treat them. Patients may also show how they have made sense of their health problems and may press doctors to interpret their problems in certain ways. Using conversation analysis, we analyse a practice patients use early in the medical visit to show that relatively benign or commonplace interpretations of their symptoms are implausible. In this practice, which we term pre-emptive resistance, patients raise candidate explanations for their symptoms and then report circumstances that undermine these explanations. By raising candidate explanations on their own and providing evidence against them, patients call for doctors to restrict the range of diagnostic hypotheses they might otherwise consider. However, the practice does not compel doctors to transparently indicate whether they will do so. Patients also display their ability to recognise and weigh the evidence for common, easily remedied causes of their symptoms. By presenting evidence against them, they show doctors the relevance of more serious diagnostic interpretations without pressing for them outright.
Aquatic CAM photosynthesis: A brief history of its discovery

Abstract Aquatic CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) photosynthesis was discovered while investigating an unrelated biochemical pathway concerned with anaerobic metabolism. George Bowes was a significant contributor to this project early in its infancy. Not only did he provide me with some valuable perspectives on peer review rejections, but by working with his gas exchange system I was able to take our initial observations of diel fluctuations in malic acid to the next level, showing this aquatic plant exhibited dark CO2 uptake. CAM is universal in all aquatic species of the worldwide Lycophyta genus Isoetes and non-existent in terrestrial Isoetes. Outside of this genus aquatic CAM has a limited occurrence in three other families, including the Crassulaceae. This discovery led to fascinating adventures in the highlands of the Peruvian Andes in search of Stylites, a terrestrial relative of Isoetes. Stylites is a plant that is hermetically sealed from the atmosphere and obtains all of its carbon from terrestrial sources and recycles carbon through CAM. Considering the Mesozoic origin of Isoetes in shallow pools, coupled with the fact that aquatic Isoetes universally possess CAM, suggests the earliest evolution of CAM photosynthesis was most likely not in terrestrial plants.
Prevalence of gastroesophagopharyngeal acid reflux events: an evidence-based systematic review.

Abstract Objectives To identify variables contributing to discrepant gastroesophagopharyngeal acid reflux (GEPR) findings and to critically assess the prevalence of GEPR in healthy individuals and patients with reflux laryngitis (RL). Study design Quantitative systematic review. Methods Pharyngeal pH monitoring studies of healthy individuals and patients with RL were identified through a MEDLINE search of publications between 1966 and 2003. Pooled results of the measured pharyngeal acid exposure characteristics and the prevalence of GEPR events were analyzed. Statistical comparisons were performed using a χ 2 test. Results The study included 181 controls and 184 RL patients. Subjects' age ranged from 19 to 85 years. Gastroesophagopharyngeal acid reflux events were detected at 1, 2, and 4 cm above upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and 0.5 cm below arytenoids, with varying rates. The prevalence of GEPR ranged from 0% to 83% in controls and 27% to 86% in RL. After excluding the healthy subjects with abnormal esophageal acid exposure, prevalence of GEPR decreased from 35% to 17% ( P ≤ .002). Gastroesophagopharyngeal acid reflux in RL was significantly more prevalent than in the entire group of controls as well as in controls without abnormal esophageal acid exposure ( P ≤ .001). Conclusions The prevalence of GEPR in controls and patients with RL varies in the studied 4 areas above the UES. The percentage of the subjects with GEPR increased as the probe was located more closely to the UES. Differences in demographic characteristics of the subjects, interventions used to select subjects, and pharyngeal pH monitoring techniques were identified as factors possibly contributing to inconsistent pharyngeal pH monitoring findings. The documented differences in methodology of existing studies make comparison of the studies difficult.
Effect of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor I, basic fibroblast growth factor, and transforming growth factor β on cell proliferation and proteoglycan synthesis by avian postembryonic growth plate chondrocytes

We examined the in vitro effects of pituitary-derived chicken growth hormone (cGH), recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I (rhIGF-I), recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (rhbFGF), and porcine transforming growth factor beta (pTGF-beta) on proliferation ([3H]thymidine uptake) and matrix proteoglycan synthesis (35SO4 incorporation) by chicken epiphyseal growth plate chondrocytes. Factorial experiments were used to study the effect of these substances in a serum-free culture system. Basic FGF had to be present in the culture medium for mitogenesis to take place. In the presence of this peptide, TGF-beta, TGF-beta + IGF-I, and newborn calf serum (NCS) stimulated mitogenesis. The mitogenic activity of NCS could be duplicated by adding platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) to the culture medium. For matrix synthesis, IGF-I was the key factor, with the addition of TGF-beta, TGF-beta+bFGF, or serum producing further stimulation in matrix synthesis. Using this culturing system, homologous cGH did not stimulate cell proliferation or proteoglycan synthesis. The lack of stimulatory activity of cGH was consistent, regardless of the age of the birds from which the chondrocytes were isolated, the zone of the growth plate, or the level of cGH used. None of the growth factors used in this study or several other systemic hormones were found to be permissive factors for GH to be active. Either other factors must be present for a direct effect of GH on growth plate chondrocytes, or the avian species differ from their mammalian counterpart.
Abnormalities of platelet aggregation in sickle cell disease

In vitro platelet aggregation responses to epinephrine and ADP were significantly lower in patients with sickle cell disease when compared to age- and sex-matched normal subjects. Platelet aggregation responses were reduced in all patients regardless of clinical status. Measurement of circulating platelet aggregates showed normal values in patients with sickle cell disease in steady state or with infection alone, but a significant increase in others with acute vaso-occlusive crises. Recovery from vaso-occlusion was associated with a decline in circulating platelet aggregates. This study suggests that in vivo platelet activation may result in "tired" platelets which are refractory to epinephrine and ADP stimulation in vitro.
Arsenic exposure, inflammation, and renal function in Bangladeshi adults: effect modification by plasma glutathione redox potential.

Abstract Exposure to arsenic (As) in drinking water is a widespread public health problem leading to increased risk for multiple outcomes such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and possibly renal disease; potential mechanisms include inflammation and oxidative stress. We tested the hypothesis that As exposure is associated with increased inflammation and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and examined whether the effects of As were modified by plasma glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), or the reduction potential of the GSSG/2GSH pair (EhGSH). In a cross-sectional study of N = 374 Bangladeshi adults having a wide range of As exposure, we measured markers of inflammation (plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), α-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP)), renal function (eGFR), GSH, and GSSG. In covariate-adjusted models, a 10% increase in water As, urinary As adjusted for specific gravity (uAs), or blood As (bAs) was associated with a 0.74% (p = 0.01), 0.90% (p = 0.16), and 1.39% (p = 0.07) increase in CRP, respectively; there was no association with AGP. A 10% increase in uAs or bAs was associated with an average reduction in eGFR of 0.16 (p = 0.12) and 0.21 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.08), respectively. In stratified analyses, the effect of As exposure on CRP was observed only in participants having EhGSH > median (uAs pWald = 0.03; bAs pWald = 0.05). This was primarily driven by stronger effects of As exposure on CRP in participants with lower plasma GSH. The effects of As exposure on eGFR were not modified significantly by EhGSH, GSH, or GSSG. These data suggest that participants having lower plasma GSH and a more oxidized plasma EhGSH are at increased risk for As-induced inflammation. Future studies should evaluate whether antioxidant treatment lowers plasma EhGSH and reduces risk for As-induced diseases.
Postpartum insertion of levonorgestrel–intrauterine system at three time periods: a prospective randomized pilot study

Abstract Background The study was conducted to determine the feasibility of levonorgestrel–intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) insertion at three different times postpartum. Study Design From August 2009 to January 2010, all women desiring LNG-IUS for postpartum contraception were offered enrollment into our study and randomized to three insertion times: immediate (within 10 min of placenta delivery), early (10 min to 48 h postpartum) or interval (≥6 weeks postpartum). Results Forty-six women met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. There was no difference in utilization rates at 3 and 6 months between groups (p=.931). Expulsion rates were significantly higher and pain during insertion was significantly lower in the immediate and early groups (p Conclusion Insertion of LNG-IUS ≤48 h postpartum is feasible in our institution and may be associated with similar utilization at 6 months, increased expulsion rates and decreased pain at insertion when compared to placement after 6 weeks.
The shape of inequality: racial disparities in age-specific mortality.

Abstract There are significant mortality disparities across racial and socioeconomic (SES) groups. Although the mechanisms behind these disparities remain vague, there is a clear connection between the mortality disparities across racial and SES groups. It is less clear, though, if the relationship between SES and racial mortality disparities varies across the life course. Prior research indicates that both racial and SES mortality disparities decline over the life course. These results suggest that if we standardize mortality rates for age‐variation in the SES‐mortality relationship, then the age‐pattern of racial mortality disparities will be attenuated. Using data from the National Longitudinal Mortality Study, I analyze the relationship between SES and racial disparities in age‐specific mortality among adults aged 25 and over. The results suggest that racial differences in SES are most important early in the adult life, and are minimally related to the convergence in racial mortality disparities at th...
On the number of subpopulations in coevolutionary computation: a database application

Among the existing feature selection/synthesis approaches, Coevolutionary Feature Synthesis (CFS) based on Coevolutionary Genetic Programming (CGP) has shown good performance on a variety of applications. In this paper, we propose an MDL-based fitness function to help pick a reasonable number of synthesized features which is equal to the number of subpopulations. It naturally balances the feature transformation complexity and classification performance. Experiments on a real image database show that the new fitness function solves the problem quite well.al.
Probing the Average Local Structure of Biomolecules Using Small-Angle Scattering and Scaling Laws

Small-angle neutron and x-ray scattering have become invaluable tools for probing the nanostructure of molecules in solution. It was recently shown that the definite integral of the scattering profile exhibits a scaling (power-law) behavior with respect to molecular mass. We derive the origin of this relationship, and discuss how the integrated scattering profile can be used to identify differing levels of disorder over local ≲30 A length scales. We apply our analysis to globular and intrinsically disordered proteins.
Reviews of Science for Science Librarians: Drought in the Agricultural and Geosciences Literature

Drought is a “hot” topic, given the climatic events of summer 2012 in the United States. This article provides a fundamental understanding of drought—its definitions, classifications, ratings, and impact on agriculture. Also included are introductions to drought-related research areas in the geosciences—specifically geology, hydrology, and atmospheric sciences—as well as pointers to reliable sources of information about drought from the agricultural and geosciences literature.
Effect of Loading Signal Shape and of Surface Finish on the Low Cycle Fatigue Behavior of 304L Stainless Steel in PWR Environment

NUREG report CR-6909 [1] proposed in 2007 new rules for evaluating environmental effects in fatigue analyses of new reactors components. These new rules, based on simple correlations, consider that Fen penalty factors (ratio of fatigue life in air at room temperature to that in water at service temperature) are mainly function of strain rate, temperature, sulfur content and dissolved oxygen concentrations. In order to evaluate the conservatisms included in the NUREG report CR-6909, discriminating Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF) tests were performed on a 304L austenitic stainless steel in PWR environment using various modified loading signals deduced from a representative loading strain history as close as possible to actual transients. Using the strain rate integral method recommended in the NUREG/CR-6909, the expected Fen penalty factors evaluated for each modified representative loading signal was close to 6, while the experimental Fen penalty factors measured were strongly dependent of the shape of the loading signals. Experimental Fen penalty factors obtained for the various modified loading signals vary from ∼ 1.5 to ∼ 4. These discriminating LCF tests performed on polished specimens demonstrate that the detailed strain integral method cannot correctly predict the actual environmental effects for the various shapes of loading signals deduced from a representative loading strain history. Other LCF tests were also performed for various constant strain amplitudes using fully reverse triangle signals for comparison purpose with tests performed by other laboratories. It appears that, contrary to published results, environmental effects decrease when the strain amplitude decreases from 0.6% until 0.2%. In the case of the strain amplitude of 0.6%, the Fen penalty factor formulation proposed in the NUREG report CR-6909 is accurate while, for lower strain amplitude of 0.2%, the Fen penalty factor formulation is very severe. It appears that the application of the NUREG/CR-6909 including the Fen model proposed by ANL (Argonne National Laboratory) for austenitic stainless steel provides excessive margins compared to penalty factors as observed experimentally. From this experimental program, conservatisms included in the NUREG/CR-6909 methodology appear to be excessive and can lead to fatigue design issues.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The "Violence" of the Canon: Revisiting Contemporary Notions of Canonical Forms

The historical conditions surrounding the processes of forming a canon are rarely examined directly, yet it is these processes which govern over the realm of religious representations and identity constructions. In light of recent critical scholarship, it is imperative to address theologically the role that the canon plays within a religious tradition. This essay demonstrates the cultural necessity of canonical forms despite their “monotheistic tendency” to subdivide the world into binary oppositions. By utilizing a scale of violence to determine the impact of the canonical form upon culture this essay offers an account of canons and their role in forming religious identities over and beyond the violence they are said to provoke. Through this clarification, an alternative perspective of canons can emerge that reveals the violence at the core of culturalcanonical norms, thus providing a valuable distinction between differing (violenceconcealing or violence-revealing) canonical forms.
The membrane as a target for controlling hypervirulent Clostridium difficile infections

Objectives: The stationary phase of Clostridium difficile, which is primarily responsible for diarrhoeal symptoms, is refractory to antibiotic killing. We investigated whether disrupting the functions of the clostridial membrane is an approach to control C. difficile infections by promptly removing growing and non-growing cells. Methods: The bactericidal activities of various membrane-active agents were determined against C. difficile logarithmic-phase and stationary-phase cultures and compared with known antibiotics. Their effects on the synthesis of ATP, toxins A/B and sporulation were also determined. The effect of rodent caecal contents on anti-difficile activities was examined using two reutericyclin lead compounds, clofazimine, daptomycin and other comparator antibiotics. Results: Most membrane-active agents and partially daptomycin showed concentration-dependent killing of both logarithmic-phase and stationary-phase cultures. The exposure of cells to compounds at their MBC resulted in a rapid loss of viability with concomitant reductions in cellular ATP, toxins A/B and spore numbers. With the exception of nisin, these effects were not due to membrane pore formation. Interestingly, the activity of the proton ionophore nigericin significantly increased as the growth of C. difficile decreased, suggesting the importance of the proton gradient to the survival of non-growing cells. The activities of the lipophilic antimicrobials reutericyclins and clofazimine were reduced by caecal contents. Conclusions: These findings indicate that C. difficile is uniquely susceptible to killing by molecules affecting its membrane function and bioenergetics, indicating that the clostridial membrane is a novel antimicrobial target for agents to alleviate the burden of C. difficile infections.
‘Billy, the Sad Sperm with no Tail’: Representations of Sperm in Children’s Books:

Books about human reproduction produced for English-speaking children both construct and perpetuate processes of social reproduction. This social reproduction takes place within the context of capitalist, patriarchal and heteronormative socio-cultural norms. Information about human reproduction is ‘processed’ and ‘distilled’ for the young - it is made sterile and perfected. For the purposes of this analysis, 18 children’s books were interpreted. It is within these sections that I build a theory about the transference that occurs between humans and cells. I also develop a nascent theory about the interconnectedness of disembodiment and anthropomorphism. Through the use of the constant comparative method, I conclude with a discussion of the process of sperm taking on the role of social reproducer of culture in secular books whereas God assumes this role in Christian books.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension and reduced intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants

Increasing evidence suggests that the incidence of periventricular intraventricular hemorrhage (PV-IVH) is lower in infants born to mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). The mechanism or mechanisms accounting for this reduction remain unclear but may be related to PIH itself, medications used to treat the mother (e.g., magnesium sulfate), or to obstetrical management. In this retrospective analysis, we determined the incidence of PV-IVH in singleton preterm infants weighing less than 1,500 gm born to mothers with PIH who were also administered magnesium sulfate. Between January 1988 and December 1994, 254 singleton infants born to mothers with PIH and 1,083 born to mothers without PIH were studied. PV-IVH developed in 360 (26.9%) of the 1,337 infants; 977 (74.1%) infants did not exhibit PV-IVH. The incidence of total as well as severe PV-IVH was lower in infants born to mothers with PIH than in those without PIH [i.e., 16% vs 30% (total) and 8.2% vs 14.5% (severe), P < .001] with an odds ratio (OR) estimate of 0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30, 0.61]. Infants born to mothers with PIH weighed more, (1,152 +/- 250 gm vs 1,058 +/- 283 gm, P < .001) and were more mature (30.1 +/- 2.9 vs 27.7 +/- 31 weeks, P < .001) than infants born to mothers without PIH. These infants were also less likely to be exposed to labor (57% vs 93%), to be delivered by cesarean section (81% vs 35%), and to require intubation (49% vs 58%), but more likely to exhibit respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (47% vs 38%, P < .01). By logistic regression analysis, after seven variables (i.e., PIH, gestational age, and birthweight, both modeled as cubic polynomials; labor; intubation; RDS; and race) were included in the analytic model, PIH remained a significant predictor of IVH: P = .006, OR = 0.54 (95% CI 0.349, 0.847). These data indicate a significantly lower incidence of PV-IVH of approximately 50% in infants born to mothers with PIH as compared with the incidence in infants born to mothers without PIH, despite their higher incidence of RDS. The reduction in PV-IVH may be directly related to the PIH; however, the independent role of antenatal magnesium sulfate administration requires further study.
Chinese ritual and politics: Interpersonal versus non-interpersonal transaction

In this chapter I argue that in order correctly to convey the sense that a Chinese ritual has for the performer, one must often distinguish actions that involve interpersonal transaction from those that do not. One source for this distinction is R.R. Marett, who sets off mechanical causation from personal or quasi-personal agency (1909: 50). My conclusion – that a distinction of this kind is essential if a description is to convey the sense a Chinese ritual act has for the performer – is implicit in Marett's work, especially in his argument with Sir James Frazer over the distinction between magic and religion. Objecting to Frazer's claim that magic involves mechanical causation, Marett contended (as I will below) that much of what we label ‘magic’ is interpersonal: ‘A magical transaction ought, hardly if at all less naturally than a religious transaction, to assume the garb of an affair between persons’ (1909: 51–2). Another source for this distinction is Hart and Honore's study of British and American law (1959), in which they distinguish ‘interpersonal transactions’ from ‘natural causes’ in this way: interpersonal transactions, but not natural causes, ‘involve the notion of one person intentionally providing another with a reason for doing something and so rendering it eligible in his eyes’ (p. 54). For example, one might offer bribes or rewards, or make threats or demands, to give another person a reason for performing some action. The appropriateness of this distinction in the Chinese case is brought out forcibly by a distinction that Taiwanese themselves make between illness from ‘within the body’ and illness from ‘being hit’ ( chiong-tau ).
Beyond the Veil: Culture Screening Reality

Renato Rosaldo. Culture and Truth: The Remaking of Social Analysis. Boston: Beacon Press, 1989. xii. 253 pp.
Lidar Intensity for Improved Detection of Inundation below the Forest Canopy

Wetland hydrology is an important factor controlling wetland function and extent, and should therefore be a vital part of any wetland mapping program. Broad-scale forested wetland hydrology has been difficult to study with conventional remote sensing methods. Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a new and rapidly developing technology. LiDAR data have mainly been used to derive information on elevation. However, the intensity (amplitude) of the signal has the potential to significantly improve the ability to remotely monitor inundation — an important component of wetland hydrology. A comparison between LiDAR intensity data collected during peak hydrologic expression and detailedin situ data from a series of forested wetlands on the eastern shore of Maryland demonstrate the strong potential of LiDAR intensity data for this application (>96% overall accuracy). The relative ability of LiDAR intensity data for forest inundation mapping was compared with that of a false color near-infrared aerial photograph collected coincident with the LiDAR intensity (70% overall accuracy; currently the most commonly used method for wetland mapping) and a wetness index map derived from a digital elevation model. The potential of LiDAR intensity data is strong for addressing issues related to the regulatory status of wetlands and measuring the delivery of ecosystem services.
A power flow diagnostic framework for multi-domain dynamic systems with application to drive-by-wire ground vehicles

The emergence of drive-by-wire (DBW) ground vehicles offers the opportunity for improved vehicle responsiveness, human-machine interface features, and environmental friendliness by permitting computer-controlled assistance. Multiple domain electro-mechanical components such as electronic throttle control (ETC), steer-by-wire (SBW), and brake-by-wire (BBW) replace the traditional mechanical and fluid linkages with sensors, actuators, and real-time computer control. From a safety perspective, these critical subsystems must provide reliable operation achieved through continual on-board monitoring to promptly detect degradations. This paper presents a model based power flow diagnostic (PFD) strategy to comprehensively monitor DBW subsystems to detect hard failures that degrade the vehicle's overall transient behavior. The diagnostic strategy has been applied to the ETC, SBW, and BBW subsystems in stand-alone and integrated configurations. A broad combination of twenty-three electrical and mechanical parameter anomalies have been explored to validate the diagnostic strategy. The realtime residuals reflected the system behavior during the simulated failure scenarios; the chi-square statistical test consistently and accurately registered threshold violations. Representative results are presented and discussed to demonstrate the performance of the diagnostic algorithm.
Ethanol Self-Administration Restores Withdrawal-Associated Deficiencies in Accumbal Dopamine and 5-Hydroxytryptamine Release in Dependent Rats

Basal forebrain dopamine (DA) and 5-HT neurotransmission has been implicated in the mediation of the acute reinforcing actions of ethanol. Neuroadaptation theories predict that compensatory changes in neurochemical systems that are activated by alcohol acutely may underlie symptoms of withdrawal after chronic administration. To test this hypothesis, the release of DA and 5-HT was monitored by microdialysis in the nucleus accumbens of dependent male Wistar rats at the end of a 3-5 week ethanol (8.7% w/v) liquid diet regimen, during 8 hr of withdrawal, and during renewed availability of ethanol involving (1) the opportunity to operantly self-administer ethanol (10% w/v) for 60 min, followed by (2) unlimited access to the ethanol-liquid diet. Results were compared to control groups pair-fed with ethanol-free liquid diet and trained to self-administer either ethanol or water. In nondependent rats, operant ethanol self-administration increased both DA and 5-HT release in the NAC. Withdrawal from the chronic ethanol diet produced a progressive suppression in the release of these transmitters over the 8 hr withdrawal period. Self-administration of ethanol reinstated and maintained DA release at prewithdrawal levels but failed to completely restore 5-HT efflux. 5-HT levels recovered rapidly, however, within 1 hr of reexposure to ethanol liquid diet. These findings suggest that deficits in accumbal monoamine release may contribute to the negative affective consequences ethanol withdrawal and, thereby, motivate ethanol-seeking behavior in dependent subjects.
Particulate Methane Monooxygenase

Particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) catalyzes the oxidation of methane to methanol in methanotrophic bacteria. The 300-kDa pMMO enzyme is a trimeric integral membrane protein, comprising three copies each of three subunits: pmoB, pmoA, and pmoC. Purified pMMO contains both copper and iron, although some of the iron may be due to heme contamination. The copper stoichiometry ranges from 2 to 15 copper ions per 100-kDa pMMO protomer, depending on the enzyme source. EPR spectra of whole cells, membrane-bound, and purified pMMO consistently indicate the presence of type 2 Cu(II). According to XAS data, both Cu(I) and Cu(II) are present. EXAFS data reveal the presence of oxygen/nitrogen ligands and a short CuCu interaction at 2.5 A that increases to 2.6 A upon chemical reduction. Crystal structures of pMMO from two organisms have been reported. A soluble region consisting of six cupredoxin-like β-barrel structures is supported by 15 transmembrane helices. Three different metal centers have been detected crystallographically: a highly conserved dinuclear copper center, a nonconserved mononuclear copper center, and a site that can be occupied by zinc or copper. Although the identity of the pMMO active site remains unknown, some information regarding the mechanism has been obtained from substrate studies and computational work. 3D Structure Keywords: methane monooxygenase; pMMO; copper; methane oxidation; membrane protein; hydroxylase; methanotroph
Jail suicide and legal redress

Suicide is the leading cause of death in jails. Especially at risk are pretrial detainees. This paper provides clinicians who serve as consultants to jails with an overview of legal precedent concerning liability for jail suicide on the federal appellate, federal district, and state levels. Liability on the federal level is based upon actions involving deliberate indifference or gross negligence. A table is provided granting a summary view of appellate-level decisions on liability for jail suicide. Liability on the state level involves lesser standards of negligence. The paper concludes with several liability-generating scenarios.
LED headlamps: glare and colour rendering

Because of rapid improvements in the light output of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), serious consideration is being given to using LEDs as light sources for headlamps. This analytical study examined the potential effects of LEDs on discomfort glare for oncoming drivers and on colour rendering of retroreflective traffic materials. In both cases, the effects of LED light sources were compared to the changes in these properties that occurred when the traditional tungsten halogen light sources were replaced with high-intensity discharge (HID) light sources. Specifically, the effect on discomfort glare was estimated by comparing the chromaticities of seven LED light sources (considered for use in headlamps) with the chromaticities of the light sources from 17 actual HID headlamps. Analogously, the effects on colour rendering were estimated by comparing the chromaticities of seven red retroreflective materials (red being the most important messenger of meaning in traffic control) when illuminated by the LED light...
Spectrophotometric Microassay for δ-Aminolevulinate Dehydratase in Dried-Blood Spots as Confirmation for Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type I

Background: Hereditary tyrosinemia type I (HT) fulfills the criteria for inclusion in neonatal screening programs, but measurement of tyrosine lacks clinical specificity and quantitative assay of succinylacetone is laborious. We developed a semiquantitative assay based on inhibition of δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) by succinylacetone. Methods: Preincubation of 3-mm discs from dried-blood spots and reaction of the enzyme with δ-aminolevulinic acid as substrate were performed in microtiter plates. After separation of the supernatant and 10 min of color reaction with modified Ehrlich reagent, the formation of porphobilinogen was measured at 550 nm in a plate reader. Results: The detection limit for succinylacetone was 0.3 μmol/L; imprecision (CV) was <5.5% within-run and 10–16% between-run. Storage of blood spots at ambient temperature for several days led to a significant decrease of ALA-D activity. Enzyme activity was lost in filter cards at 45 °C, but remained stable at 2–37 °C. Enzyme activity was decreased in EDTA blood. The absorbance at 550 nm was 0.221 (± 0.073) in healthy neonates and 0.043–0.100 in 11 patients with HT. All neonates with increased tyrosine (above the 99.5th centile) in neonatal screening (97 of 47 000) had normal results by the new assay. Conclusions: The spectrophotometric microassay for ALA-D is a simple and sensitive test for HT. This represents a basis for further examination of its general reliability as a confirmatory test if tyrosine is found to be increased.
Changes in Nuclear Receptor and Vitellogenin Gene Expression in Response to Steroids and Heavy Metal in Caenorhabditis elegans

SYNOPSIS. To gain basic understanding of the reproductive and developmental effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals in invertebrates, we have used C. elegans as an animal model. The completion of the C. elegans genome sequence brings to bear microarray analysis as a tool for these studies. We previously showed that the C. elegans genome was responsive to vertebrate steroid hormones, and changes in gene expression of traditional biomarkers used in environmental studies were detected; i.e., vitellogenin (vtg), cytochrome P450 (cyp450), glutathione-S-transferase (gst) and heat shock proteins (hsp). The data were interpreted to suggest that exogenous lipophilic compounds can be metabolized via cytochrome P450 proteins, and that the resulting metabolites can bind to members of the Nuclear Receptor (NR) class of proteins and regulate gene expression. In the present study, using DNA microarrays, we examined the pattern of gene expression after progesterone (10 25 ,1 0 27 M), estradiol (10 25 M), cholesterol (10 29 M) and cadmium (0.1, 1 and 10 mM) exposure, with special attention to the members of NRs. Of approximately 284 NRs in C. elegans, expression of 25 NR genes (representing 9% of the total NRs in C. elegans) was altered after exposure to steroids. Of note, each steroid activated or inhibited different subsets of NR genes, and only estradiol regulated NR genes implicated in neurogenesis. These results suggest that NRs respond to a variety of exogenous steroids, which regulate important metabolic and developmental pathways. The response of the C. elegans genome to cholesterol and cadmium was analyzed in more detail. Cholesterol is a probable precursor to signaling molecules that may interact with NRs and we focused on expression of genes related to lipid metabolism (cyp450), transport and storage (i.e., vitellogenin). Worms exposed to cadmium respond principally by activating the expression of genes encoding stress-responsive proteins, such as mtl-2 and cdr1, and no significant changes in expression of NRs or vtg genes were observed. The possible implications of these results with regard to the evolution of steroid receptors, endocrine disruption and the role of vitellogenin as a lipid transporter are discussed.
Adapting a programming editor (EMACS) for persons who are blind: issues, initiatives and problems

Abstract This paper describes current research in the ‘programming by ear’ project begun by B. York and recently continued by the author. This research uses an extensively modified EMACS text editor to address general problems which constrain the effective design of human-computer interfaces for blind programmers. These include (1) an information conversion problem, (2) an information reduction problem, and (3) an information compression problem. Recent work has focused on the problem of providing an auditory equivalent for rapid visual browsing of program source code.
General Analysis of a Possible Second Weak Neutral Current in Gauge Models

The most general electroweak gauge model with two weak neutral currents and no anomalies is discussed. The effective neutral-current interaction at low energies is specified by five parameters. These parameters are determined from a fit to data for the special cases of $\mathrm{SU}{(2)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}{(2)}_{R}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}{(1)}_{B\ensuremath{-}L}$ and $\mathrm{SU}{(2)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}{(1)}_{R}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}{(1)}_{B\ensuremath{-}L}$, with and without the constraints of Higgs-boson structure. From this phenomenological analysis, the neutral-boson masses in left-right models are found to be constrained to the intervals $83l{M}_{{Z}_{1}}l116$ GeV and ${M}_{{Z}_{2}}g205$ GeV. Two-$Z$ models of the type $\mathrm{SU}{(2)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}G$ where fermions do not transform under $G$ are obtained as another special case. An SU(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(1)\ensuremath{'} model with identical hypercharge currents and unbounded $Z$ masses is another limiting case of the general formalism.
Effects of cavity Q and coupling on oscillator noise measurements

The author derives the response of single-oscillator phase noise test setups. Both amplitude noise and phase noise responses are described as a function of the noise frequency and setup scattering parameters. The response of a three resonant cavity setups are compared to the response of the delay line setup. The effect of cavity Q and coupling on the setup response is shown for three resonant cavity configurations. >
Successional patterns on pen shell communities at local and regional scales

Summary 1. I present a successional study of marine organisms on pen shells ( Atrina rigida ) at different regions of St Joe Bay, Florida. By incorporating measures of relative abundance and assembly time I show how the relationship between local and regional diversity develops through different successional stages. 2. The results showed that, with time, motile species richness increases significantly while evenness indices remain high and constant. Sessile species, on the other hand, increased in both species richness and evenness through time. 3. For the motile species, regions seem to remain different while local saturation is observed. These results suggest that this group is under species-sorting: species are mobile enough that recruits and adult dispersal within a region maintain differences among regions, while local communities are saturated. 4. For the sessile species, the local‐regional relationship was unsaturated at all sampling dates with both untransformed and rarefied data. Regions are initially similar in community structure, then differ through time to become similar again at the last sampling date. This may reflect a priority effect: propagules that arrive at a shell may initially exert influence on the species composition on a shell, so that at intermediate sampling times regions differ in community structure. However, at the last sampling there were no differences detected among regions, suggesting that dispersal distances might be larger for this group of species. 5. These results suggest the following. (1) The degree of species saturation will depend on the successional stage of a community. (2) Incorporating species abundances (i.e. through rarefaction or other techniques) demonstrates the role of species commonness or rarity in determining patterns of community diversity at different scales. (3) Depending on the group of species studied, the size of the region will vary and will influence the local‐regional dynamics: the perceived region for sessile species may be larger than for motile species.
RHEOLOGY OF APPLE AND POTATO TISSUE AS AFFECTED BY CELL TURGOR PRESSURE

Experiments were performed on two varieties of apple tissue and one variety of potato tissue, in which cell turgor pressure was varied and the concomitant mechanical properties of the tissue were tested. Turgor pressure was controlled by immersion in solutions of various mannitol concentrations, and the degree of swelling or contraction of the tissue samples was measured. Under constant-strain-rate loading, mode of failure varied among the different commodities, and underwent a transition as the turgor pressure was varied. Rate of loading also caused a transition in failure mode. The stress and strain at failure and tissue stiffness were related to mode of failure, turgor pressure, and strain rate. From the osmotic swelling data, estimates were made of the cell wall stress-strain behavior and of the probability distribution for cell-wall strength in Ida Red apple tissue.
A Patient With De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: A Case Report Using an Australian Approach to Manual Therapy

This case report describes a 41-year-old female patient who had chronic de Quervain's tenosynovitis, which had progressed to include involvement of the cervical spine, shoulder girdle, and upper extremity. The patient complained of aching over the left scapula, a band of pain around the upper arm, and sharp shooting pain in the forearm, with numbness and tingling in the fingers. On examination, she had abnormal palpatory findings in the cervical spine, the shoulder quadrant maneuver was limited, and the upper-limb tension tests (neural structures) were positive. The case report demonstrates the use of an Australian approach to manual therapy as described by Maitland. This approach includes (1) development, refinement, and rejection of working hypotheses as to the possible cause(s) of a patient's symptoms; (2) development of a long-range treatment plan; and (3) use of data from treatment responses to guide further treatment selection.
Characterization of a melt processable liquid crystal copolyester

Poly[oxy(2-methyl-1,4-phenylene)oxyterephthaloyl-co-oxymethylene-1,4-cyclohexylene-methyleneoxyterephthaloyl] was synthesized using a solution-based process. This copolyester has cyclohexylene dimethylene as a semi-rigid spacer along the polymer main chain to interrupt the inherent rigidity of the system while preserving the mesogenicity of the macromolecules. Polymer characterization includes elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, hot-stage polarized light microscopy, wide-angle x-ray diffraction, dilute solution viscometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. This copolyester shows nematic liquid crystalline behavior in polarized light above about 240°C. The intrinsic and inherent viscosities are 0.88 and 0.68 dL/g respectively. The observed melting temperature of this copolyester is about 265°C, but melting begins as low as 215°C, making the polymer readily melt-processable. The degradation temperature is about 340°C under a nitrogen atmosphere. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Modulation of tumor formation and intestinal cell migration by estrogens in the ApcMin/+ mouse model of colorectal cancer

Epidemiological studies suggest that post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) reduces colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence. Phytoestrogens, including the soy isoflavone genistein and coumestrol, are used by many women as alternatives to HRT. Previous studies showed that ovariectomy induced a 77% increase in intestinal adenoma number in the C57BL/6J-Min/+ (Min/+) mouse, an animal model of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC)-associated CRC. Replacement of estradiol (E(2)) in ovariectomized Min/+ mice reduced tumor number to baseline and up-regulated the expression of estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta). We hypothesized that the phytoestrogens genistein and coumestrol would inhibit intestinal tumorigenesis in ovariectomized Min/+ mice. Min/+ and Apc(+/+) (WT) mice were ovariectomized and assigned to either a control diet or treatment with E(2), genistein or coumestrol. Treatment of ovariectomized Min/+ (Min/+ OX) mice with genistein resulted in a non-significant reduction in tumor number. Min/+ OX mice treated with coumestrol had significantly fewer tumors than untreated Min/+ OX controls and the same number of tumors as non-ovariectomized Min/+ mice. Bromodeoxyuridine migration assays also demonstrated that treatment with E(2) or coumestrol improved enterocyte migration rate. Immunoprecipitation and immunohistochemistry analyses showed that impaired association of the adherens junction proteins E-cadherin and beta-catenin in Min/+ mice was improved by treatment with either E(2) or coumestrol. Immunoblot analyses also showed that expression of ERbeta was elevated in enterocytes of Min/+ OX mice treated with E(2) or coumestrol as compared with those of untreated Min/+ OX mice. In conclusion, both coumestrol and E(2) prevent intestinal tumorigenesis and ameliorate enterocyte migration and intercellular adhesion in the Apc(Min/+) mouse model of CRC.