cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Adolescent, Multi-ethnic, Urban Youth’s Exposure to Patterns of Alcohol-related Neighborhood Characteristics

This study identified heterogeneous classes of alcohol-related neighborhood characteristics to which multi-ethnic, early adolescents in urban communities are exposed. The sample comprised 4,215 youth from 42 community areas in Chicago, Illinois who completed surveys at the beginning of 6th grade (2002). Neighborhood measures included: (1) mean number of alcohol outlets per 1,000 population per community area; (2) alcohol purchase attempt rate by pseudo-underage youth; (3) average number of alcohol advertisements within 1,500 feet of each school per community; and (4) a Census 2000-based deprivation index. Parents and community leaders provided data on perceived neighborhood problems and parental prevention actions, and neighborhood strength and preventive action by communities, law enforcement, and community organizations, respectively. Multilevel latent class analysis identified the number and characteristics of heterogeneous latent neighborhood classes in which these youth are exposed. Five classes best described the heterogeneity among the sample: (1) Low social capital/low exposure/high access to alcohol (19.8%), (2) Low social capital/low exposure/low access to alcohol (24.5%), (3) Moderate social capital/low exposure/high access to alcohol (30.0%), (4) Moderate social capital/moderate exposure/low access to alcohol (20.1%), and (5) High social capital/moderate exposure/high access to alcohol (5.6%). The racial/ethnic distribution among the classes varied considerably. Results suggest there is substantive heterogeneity among this seemingly homogeneous urban population. Further, they highlight the socioeconomic disadvantage of these inner-city communities and the resource disparity across the racial/ethnic groups. Understanding the nuances among communities may lend to development of more efficacious preventive interventions and policy initiatives, inform theory, and help prioritize limited resources.
Visualization of carrier dynamics in p(n)-type GaAs by scanning ultrafast electron microscopy.

Four-dimensional scanning ultrafast electron microscopy is used to investigate doping- and carrier-concentration-dependent ultrafast carrier dynamics of the in situ cleaved single-crystalline GaAs(110) substrates. We observed marked changes in the measured time-resolved secondary electrons depending on the induced alterations in the electronic structure. The enhancement of secondary electrons at positive times, when the electron pulse follows the optical pulse, is primarily due to an energy gain involving the photoexcited charge carriers that are transiently populated in the conduction band and further promoted by the electron pulse, consistent with a band structure that is dependent on chemical doping and carrier concentration. When electrons undergo sufficient energy loss on their journey to the surface, dark contrast becomes dominant in the image. At negative times, however, when the electron pulse precedes the optical pulse (electron impact), the dynamical behavior of carriers manifests itself in a dark contrast which indicates the suppression of secondary electrons upon the arrival of the optical pulse. In this case, the loss of energy of material’s electrons is by collisions with the excited carriers. These results for carrier dynamics in GaAs(110) suggest strong carrier–carrier scatterings which are mirrored in the energy of material’s secondary electrons during their migration to the surface. The approach presented here provides a fundamental understanding of materials probed by four-dimensional scanning ultrafast electron microscopy, and offers possibilities for use of this imaging technique in the study of ultrafast charge carrier dynamics in heterogeneously patterned micro- and nanostructured material surfaces and interfaces.
Pathology and Cytologic Features of Thyroid Neoplasms

Most thyroid neoplasms arise from follicular cells and are well differentiated. Anaplastic and poorly differentiated carcinomas are rare and have a high mortality. Five percent of tumors are of C-cell origin, and 20% to 25% of these are hereditary. Thyroid lymphoma is rare and occurs in the setting of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Fine needle aspiration biopsy is the best diagnostic tool to classify thyroid neoplasms.
Structural and Taxonomic Components of Habitat Selection in the Neotropical Folivore Lamponius portoricensis (Phasmatodea: Phasmatidae)

Lamponius portoricensis Rhen is a folivorous neotropical walkingstick that is a common light-gap inhabitant of the tabonuco forest in Puerto Rico. Little is known concerning the spatial distribution of this phasmatid or the manner in which it selects habitats. Based on multiple regression analysis of a suite of taxonomic and structural characteristics of understory flora, we determined that the density of walkingsticks was associated with patches that exhibit high apparency values for Piper treleaseanum Britton Wilson and Symplocos martinicensis Jacq., and low apparency values for Dryopteris deltoidea (Sw.) Kuntze. The total development of the understory regardless of taxonomic composition at 76 cm (2.5 ft) and 107 cm (3.5 ft) also contributes to high walkingstick density, based on correlative analyses. Moreover, nonparametric analysis suggests that L. portoricensis disproportionately occurs on P. treleaseanum (approximately twice as often as expected based on plant apparency). Despite these associations, only a third of the variation in walkingstick density is accounted for by this suite of floral characteristics. The low vagility of L. portoricensis may result in its having incomplete information about the abundance and distribution of forage plants, whereas patch-dynamic processes involving changes in quality of forage can confound the significance of apparency alone inmore » predicting density. The production of aromatic attractants by Piper may act as the proximate cue affecting patch selection.« less
The EUV Airglow of Titan: Production and Loss of N2 c'4(0) - X

The N(2) Carroll-Yoshino (CY) c'(4) X (0,0) and (0,1) Rydberg bands between 95 and 99 nm were reported to be the most prominent EUV emission features in Voyager 1 ultraviolet spectrometer (UVS) airglow spectra from Titan's atmosphere. Although c'(4) is strongly excited by photoelectron impact, the (0,0) band is optically thick near peak production, so a multiple-scattering model is employed to calculate (0,v) nadir-viewing intensities. The model accounts for all known loss processes and quantifies the redistribution of photons to (0,v is greater than 0). Results show 7.6 R of (0,1) intensity, in agreement with reported observations (5-10 R), and 0.2 R of (0,0), in spectacular disagreement with reported observations (6-10 R). Nadir-viewing intensities of all other expected NI multiplets and N2 bands in the brightest portion of the EUV airglow spectrum (92.0-101.5 nm) are also calculated using photodissociative ionization of N(2) and photoelectron impact on N(2). It is found that NI multiplets and N(2) bands near (0,0) and unresolved by the UVS combine to produce 8.3 R, consistent with that reported for (0,0) and indicating that it was misidentified in previous analyses. The Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) on Cassini should unambiguously distinguish any (0,0) intensity from the brightest features nearby.
The impact of mandated in-hospital coverage on primary cesarean delivery rates in a large nonuniversity teaching hospital

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether attending physician call status affected the primary cesarean delivery rates of the resident or private services after institution of in-hospital coverage. STUDY DESIGN: Data for the study year, during which in-hospital attending coverage was in place, were compared with those of the previous year, during which in-hospital attending coverage of residents was not in place. Birth records were analyzed retrospectively for physican and patient factors. RESULTS: For the year before in-hospital coverage the institutional total cesarean rate was 24.9%, with a primary cesarean section rate of 17.6%. In the first year of coverage the total cesarean delivery was 21.7%, with a decrease in the primary rate to 15.3%. The resident service primary cesarean delivery rate was 10.6% during the study year, which was unchangred from 10.9% the prior year and did not contribute to the overall decrease. Conversely, the private service primary cesarean rate decreased from 18.0% in the prestudy year to 13.4% when the attending physician was on call in the hospoital but remained higher at 17.5% when the attending physician was on call not in the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital attending physician coverage lowered individual attending physicians' private service primary cesarean rates. Resident service primary cesarean rates were lower than private service and were unaffected by the initiation of in-hospital coverage.
Design of Urinary Biomarker Sensor for Early Ovarian Cancer Detection

In this paper, our efforts on the design, surface functionalization and characterization of ultrasonic MEMS sensor for early ovarian cancer is presented. The sensor detects urinary anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 level that has been presented as being elevated for different stages of ovarian cancer. Our novel biosensor approach employs a pair of MEMS ultrasound transducers for generating and sensing surface acoustic waves and a delay path in-between with oriented Bcl-2 antibodies (C8C) attached. Piezoelectric surface acoustic wave devices are employed for sensor for their high coupling efficiency and ease of fabrication. The sensor quantifies the cancer progression by detecting mass loading change generated by adhesion of Bcl-2 molecules to antibodies on the sensor surface. The device is fabricated using common MEMS fabrication techniques and a multi-step surface functionalization is utilized for effective protein adhesion. As a result, our biosensor platform has various unique advantages such as: ultra-sensitive (sub pg/ml), low cost, and simple operation (reminiscent of a pregnancy test) not necessitating trained personnel.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Immunological and biochemical analysis of a null mutant of α-glycerolphosphate dehydrogenase from Drosophila melanogaster

A Drosophila null mutant(BO-1-4) of α-glycerolphosphate dehydrogenase induced by ethylmethane sulfonate(EMS) was analyzed by double immunodiffusion, enzyme immuno-inactivation, immunoelectrophoresis and two-dimensional electrophoresis. Based on all the immunological evidence, this mutant appears to express no protein that can cross-react with the antiserum specific to α-glycerolphosphate dehydrogenase. A protein spot corresponding to α-glycerolphosphate dehydrogenase was identified on two-dimensional gels of the soluble fly homogenates. The absence of this protein spot on two-dimensional gels of this null mutant further supported the immunological data. The activities of seven other enzymes in the related metabolic pathways were determined for the mutant and the control Drosophila. The null mutant does not show significant alterations in activities of these enzymes. The relationship between the deficiency of this enzyme and the inability for the sustained flight of the null mutant was discussed in terms of cellular metabolic regulations.
Further Study of X-Ray Diffraction in Quartz

The x-ray energies in the central beam and in the $K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}$ and $K{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{1}$ lines of silver have been examined after passing through $X$, $Y$, and $A$ cut quartz plates nonoscillating and oscillating piezoelectrically. No difference in the intensity of the central beam or in the intensities of the silver lines could be observed whether or not the absorbing crystal was oscillating.
Luminescence intensity as a probe of the interaction of transition metal photosensitizers with micelles

Abstract Binding interactions of ruthenium(II) photosensitizers with non-ionic surfactants were studied using an emission intensity method. A quantitative model that permits evaluation of binding constants and critical micelle concentrations is given for the binding. Binding constants obtained by the intensity method agree within experimental error with results obtained by an analogous lifetime method. The intensity method uses more readily available instrumentation, is more rapid and lends itself better to weak binding systems than the lifetime method.
Dynamics of spin relaxation near the edge of two-dimensional electron gas

Abstract We report calculations of spin relaxation dynamics of two-dimensional electron gas with spin–orbit interaction in the edge region. It is found that the relaxation of spin polarization near the edge is more slow than relaxation in the bulk. That results finally in the spin accumulation at the edge. Time dependence of spin-polarization density is calculated analytically and numerically. The mechanism of slower spin relaxation near the edge is related to electrons reflections from the boundary and the lack of the translation symmetry. This effect is accompanied by spin-polarization oscillations and spin-polarization transfer from the perpendicular to in-plane component.
Wiener's lemma for infinite matrices with polynomial off-diagonal decay

Abstract In this Note, we give a simple elementary proof to Wiener's lemma for infinite matrices with polynomial off-diagonal decay. To cite this article: Q. Sun, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 340 (2005).
Guilty or Innocent? Women's Reliance on Inadmissible Evidence in a Simulated Rape Case

This study investigated the extent to which women disregard inadmissible evidence in a simulated rape case as a function of when they receive a judge's global legal instructions concerning presumption of innocence, burden of proof, reasonable doubt, and inadmissible evidence. We hypothesized that participants would be more likely to disregard incriminating inadmissible evidence when the instructions were given before rather than after the trial. Participants listened to audiotaped excerpts from a rape trial. They were given pretrial, predeliberation, or both sets of instructions; and received admissible or inadmissible avidence or no prior rape testimony, after which they made judgments. The results supported hypothesis that pretrial instructions are more effective than predeliberation instructions in allowing participants to disregard inadmissible evidence. One cannot unring a bell; after the thrust of a saber, it is difficult to say forget the wound; and finally, if you throw a skunk into the jury box, you can't instruct the jury not to smell it (Dunn v. United States, 1962, p. 886).
Swelling in Bean Shoot Mitochondria Induced by a Series of Potassium Salts of Organic Anions

A series of potassium salts of organic anions were examined for their effect on the volume change of bean shoot mitochondria as measured by spectrophotometric light scatterings. A passive osmotic swelling (substrate independent) as well as an active osmotic swelling (substrate dependent) was shown with a series of organic anions. Both oxidizable substrates and non-oxidizable substrates induce swelling. The monocarboxylic acids including acetate, β-OH-butyrate, propionate, and pyruvate induce active swelling which is partially inhibited by the presence of an ATP generating system or the uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP). Dicarboxylic acids produce less extensive rates and amounts of active swelling. Moreover, the swelling induced by dicarboxylic acids is inhibited less completely by an ATP generating system or by DNP. Metabolizable substrates including citrate, pyruvate, glutarate, and α-oxo-glutarate induced swelling despite their poor rates or lack of oxidation. It was concluded that with these anions, penetration across the inner membrane as measured by osmotic swelling of isolated mitochondria is not the rate limiting step in their metabolism.
Proteus bacteriuria is associated with significant morbidity in spinal cord injury

Retrospective chart review. We investigated the morbidity associated with Proteus bacteriuria in a spinal cord injured (SCI) population. Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston, Texas, USA. We reviewed the medical records of all veterans with SCI who received care in our medical center during the past 3 years. Proteus bacteriuria was defined as the growth of Proteus species in any urine culture during the study period. Urinary stones were defined as either renal or bladder calculi. During the study period, 71 of the 501 subjects (14%) had Proteus and 90 (18%) had urinary stones. Twenty-seven percent of the subjects with Proteus had stones, and the association of Proteus with stones was significant (P<0.05). Proteus bacteriuria was likewise associated with complete injury, hospitalization, decubitus ulcers, and history of stones (P<0.001). Subjects using indwelling catheters, either transurethral or suprapubic, were significantly more likely to have Proteus, whereas subjects practising spontaneous voiding and clean intermittent catheterization were significantly less likely to have Proteus. In the 90 patients with stones, Proteus was associated with requiring treatment for stones and having multiple stones (P<0.01). Twenty-five of the 90 patients with stones (28%) required treatment, most often with lithotripsy, and 6 (7%) developed urosepsis. In persons with SCI, Proteus was found in subjects with a greater degree of impairment who were more likely to be hospitalized, to have decubiti, and to use indwelling catheters. Bacteriuria with Proteus predicted urologic complications in persons with SCI. All applicable institutional and governmental regulations concerning the ethical use of human volunteers were followed during the course of this research. This work was supported by USPHS grant HD42014.
Impact of impulsiveness, venturesomeness, and empathy on driving by older adults

Problem: Although personality characteristics such as impulsiveness have been linked to the driving safety and driving habits of young and middle-aged adults, little research has focused on the role of personality in older driver behavior. Method: Using the IVE questionnaire in an exploratory study, three personality dimensions (impulsiveness, venturesomeness, and empathy) were measured in 305 older drivers (ages 57–87 years old). In addition, the Driving Habits Questionnaire was used to estimate driving exposure, and the Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ) was used to estimate driving errors and violations. State-recorded crash data were made available by the state public safety agency. Results: Subjects who reported four or more driving errors had higher impulsivity and empathy scores and lower venturesomeness scores. Subjects reporting driving violations were more likely to have high impulsivity scores. Driving six or more places per week was associated with lower levels of impulsivity. Impact: These results suggest that a comprehensive understanding of driving problems among older adults should also include a consideration of personality dimensions. In doing so, the challenges faced in the interpretation of self-report instruments on driving behaviors must be acknowledged, with a move in research toward greater reliance on more objective measures of driving behavior when assessing the impact of personality variables. D 2003 National Safety Council and Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Efficient randomized load distribution for tree structured computations on parallel and distributed computer systems

High performance parallel and distributed computing requires high quality dynamic load distribution of processes of a parallel application over processors in a parallel or a distributed computer system at runtime such that the maximum load on a processor is minimized. A simple randomized load distribution algorithm for tree structured parallel computations is studied in this paper. We analyze the average-case performance of the dynamic and randomized tree node distribution algorithm using recurrence relations that characterize expected loads on processors. Closed form solutions to these recurrence relations are also derived. Our analytical as well as numerical data show that the load distribution algorithm performs very well
Developmental Arrest in Mexican Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Irradiated in Grapefruit

ABSTRACT When holometabolous insect larvae are exposed to a radiation treatment, morbidity or mortality are typically manifested during a major developmental transition, usually a transition involving ecdysis. Thus, early instars fail to develop into later instars or the later instars fail to pupate or pupariate. Over a range of sublethal doses of gamma radiation (increments of 0, 15, 20, 25, and 30 Gy) applied to third-instar Mexican fruit flies, Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae), infesting or implanted in grapefruits, Citrus paradisi Macfayden, survival decreased with increasing dose. At all radiation doses, the majority of treated larvae arrested development at pupal ecdysis, the transformation from a cryptocephalic to a phanerocephalic pupa. More than 96% of treated larvae died at, or before, reaching this transition at the highest dose tested (30 Gy). Contrary to expectations, the radiation treatment did not cause atrophy of the imaginai tissues, a result that we attribute to apoptosis.
Overexpression and purification of the separate tryptophan synthase α and β subunits from Salmonella typhimurium

To obtain high levels of expression of the free alpha and beta subunits of tryptophan synthase from Salmonella typhimurium, we have used two plasmids (pStrpA and pStrpB) that carry the genes encoding the alpha and beta subunits, respectively. The expression of each plasmid in Escherichia coli CB149 results in overproduction of each subunit. We also report new and efficient methods for purifying the individual alpha and beta subunits. Microcrystals of the beta subunit are obtained by addition of polyethylene glycol 8000 and spermine to crude bacterial extracts. This crystallization procedure is similar to methods used previously to grow crystals of the S. typhimurium tryptophan synthase alpha 2 beta 2 complex for X-ray crystallography and to purify this complex by crystallization from bacterial extracts. The results suggest that purification by crystallization may be useful for other overexpressed enzymes and multienzymes complexes. Purification of the alpha subunit utilizes ammonium sulfate fractionation, chromatography on diethylaminoethyl-Sephacel, and high-performance liquid chromatography on a Mono Q column. The purified alpha and beta subunits are more than 95% pure by the criterion of sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. The procedures developed can be applied to the expression and purification of mutant forms of the separate alpha and beta subunits. The purified alpha and beta subunits provide useful materials for studies of subunit association and for investigations of other properties of the separate subunits.
Technique to facilitate percutaneous nephrostomy in non-obstructed kidneys

A technique for performing antegrade pyelography during nephrotomy is described—puncture with a 21-gauge, 20-cm Cope needle, placement of a 0.018-inch SMG mandril, “coathanger”-shaped guidewire, with the needle exchanged for a 3-French multi-sidehole dilator. Use of the 3-French dilator provides more security and less trauma to the renal pelvis; nephrotomy time is also curtailed. In 25 patients the technique was used successfully with 2 minor complications.
Molecular identification of a danger signal that alerts the immune system to dying cells

In infections, microbial components provide signals that alert the immune system to danger and promote the generation of immunity1,2. In the absence of such signals, there is often no immune response or tolerance may develop. This has led to the concept that the immune system responds only to antigens perceived to be associated with a dangerous situation such as infection3,4. Danger signals are thought to act by stimulating dendritic cells to mature so that they can present foreign antigens and stimulate T lymphocytes2,5,6,7. Dying mammalian cells have also been found to release danger signals of unknown identity8,9,10,11. Here we show that uric acid is a principal endogenous danger signal released from injured cells. Uric acid stimulates dendritic cell maturation and, when co-injected with antigen in vivo, significantly enhances the generation of responses from CD8+ T cells. Eliminating uric acid in vivo inhibits the immune response to antigens associated with injured cells, but not to antigens presented by activated dendritic cells. Our findings provide a molecular link between cell injury and immunity and have important implications for vaccines, autoimmunity and inflammation.
Spin rotators and split Siberian Snakes

The study of spin effects in the collision of polarized high energy beams requires flexible and compact spin rotators to manipulate the beam polarization direction. Design criteria and specific examples are presented for high energy, orbit transparent spin rotators ranging from small angle rotators to be used for the excitation of spin resonances to large angle rotators to be used as Siberian Snakes. It is shown that all the requirements for spin rotators can be met with a simple 6-magnet spin rotator design, for which a complete continuous solution is presented.
Personal Health Records

Personal Health Records (PHR) are an electronic format of an individual's health-related information conforming to nationally recognized standards of interoperability that can be drawn from numerou...
Utilization of Crude and Refined Palm and Palm Kernel Oils in Broiler Diets

Four experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of crude and refined palm (PAO) and palm kernel oil (PKO) in diets for broiler chickens. In Experiment 1, refined PAO and PKO were compared with corn oil (CO) and poultry oil (PO) at levels up to 10%. In Experiment 2, refined PAO and PKO were compared with PO at levels up to 8%. In Experiments 3 and 4, crude PAO and PKO were compared with PO at levels up to 8%. Diets were formulated based on the energy level assigned to PAO; other oils were added in amounts calculated to be isocaloric with an inert filler as required. Live production variables were measured. Samples of birds were processed to determine carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of adipose tissue was determined. In all studies, broilers fed crude or refined sources of PAO and PKO grew as well and utilized their feed as efficiently as those fed diets with isocaloric amounts of CO or PO. There were minimal interactions of source and dietary level of oil in any of the studies. Dressing percentage and quantity of abdominal fat were not influenced by source of supplemental oil; however, the fatty acid profile of adipose tissue was altered by the source of supplemental oil. There were only minor differences in fatty acid content of adipose tissue of broilers fed PAO (either crude or refined) versus those fed PO. However, increasing levels of PKO resulted in increased deposition of saturated fatty acids, especially lauric and myristic acid, and decreased concentrations of both monoenoic and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The resulting change in hardness of adipose tissue may prove to be advantageous in marketing.
Examining Personal Relationship Thinking: The Relational Cognition Complexity Instrument

A review of the literature demonstrates that `relationship thinking' is a central factor influencing the behavior of personal relationship participants. The present investigation examined the psychometric properties of an instrument designed to assess individual levels of relational cognition complexity, a structural quality of relationship thinking. Scores obtained via the Relational Cognition Complexity Instrument (RCCI) were found to have moderate 1-week test-retest reliability and high internal consistency. They were also found to have discriminant validity relative to measures of person cognition complexity and verbal intelligence. Male relationship partners were also found to score significantly lower on the RCCI than were female relationship partners.
Continental drift, paleoclimatology, and the evolution and biogeography of birds

An analysis is presented of the influence that late Mesozoic and Tertiary paleogeography and paleoclimatology may have had on the evolution and biogeography of birds. Many intercontinental connections, especially in the Southern Hemisphere, persisted until the late Cretaceous and/or early Tertiary. Moreover, climates at these times were warmer and more equable than in the late Tertiary, and birds could breed in and disperse through high latitudes. It is concluded that a number of avian orders and families had their origin in Gondwanaland and predrift configurations of the continents were major determinants of their biogeography. Penguins, ratites, galliforms, and suboscines among others are the best examples. Tropical-subtropical Eurasia was probably the centre of origin for the oscines, and primitive stocks entered the New World mostly through Beringia and mostly prior to the Miocene (but also via a North Atlantic land connection prior to the early Eocene). Continental drift and paleoclimatology have clearly influenced the evolution and biogeography of birds, and future advances in the systematics of the higher taxa will undoubtedly provide further confirmation of this.
GLP-1 agonists: improving the future of patients with type 2 diabetes.

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Effect of Different Essential Amino Acid Deficiencies on Amino Acid Pools in Rats

The effects of single essential amino acid deficiencies on the quantities of free amino acids present in plasma, liver, and muscle were investigated. Rats were force-fed for 3-day periods diets devoid in either leucine, isoleucine, valine, or threonine. At 8 hours postprandial, the amino acid limiting in the diet, without exception, was decreased in concentration in plasma and liver tissue. However, leucine and threonine showed greater decreases in concentration in the amino acid pools when these amino acids were omitted from the diet than the decreases for isoleucine or valine when these amino acids were deficient. The changes in amino acid concentrations in liver tissue were correlated with those in plasma to a greater extent than the alterations in amino acid values of muscle tissue. When rats were fed the diet without leucine, significant elevations occurred in many of the amino acids in the amino acid pools and, particularly in isoleucine and valine. There is considerable experimental evi dence to show (1-4) that an increase or a decrease in the dietary level of an essen tial amino acid results in a corresponding change in the concentration of that amino acid in plasma. In addition, the values for other amino acids in plasma might also be altered. However, it appears possible that a severe dietary deficiency of one particu lar amino acid would have a greater effect on plasma amino acid levels than a defi ciency due to another amino acid and that changes in the free amino acid concentra tions of liver and muscle might not be correlated with those of the plasma. The effects of single essential amino acid de ficiencies can be investigated only in ex periments where diets containing purified amino acids are used and nutrient intake is controlled. Very few studies of this nature have been conducted. Sidransky and Verney (5) reported that only minor changes occurred in the amino acid levels in liver tissue of rats force-fed amino acid mixtures devoid of a single essential amino acid. Roberts (6), using the paired- feeding technique, reported that rats fed a diet deficient in phenylalanine exhibited alterations in the plasma levels of several essential and nonessential amino acids. Dean and Scott (7) fed chicks diets defi cient in either lysine or valine for 6-hour periods and observed a marked lowering of the limiting dietary amino acid and an increase in most of the other amino acids in plasma. The present studies were conducted in rats to compare the effects of several dif ferent essential amino acid deficiencies on the amino acid levels in plasma during the postabsorption period and to determine whether the alterations in plasma amino acids were associated with concomitant changes in liver and muscle tissue. In these studies, rats were force-fed diets lack ing in either leucine, isoleucine, valine, or threonine. EXPERIMENTAL
Minimization of thermal expansion of symmetric, balanced, angle ply laminates by optimization of fiber path configurations

Abstract Optimal fiber path configurations that minimize the sum of the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) values along the principal material directions for a class of laminates are presented. Previous studies suggest that balanced, symmetric, angle ply laminates exhibit negative CTE values along the principal directions. Using the sum of the CTE values along the principal material directions as an effective measure of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE eff ), we have shown and provided a proof that the smallest value of CTE eff is rendered by straight fiber path configurations. The laminates considered are sufficiently thin so as to neglect the thermal stresses induced through the thickness of the laminate. It is found that the minimal CTE eff values occur for [+45/−45] ns lay-ups. This result is supported by numerical studies that consider curvilinear fiber paths. The possibility of obtaining zero CTE values along both principal material directions and the conditions that render this situation are also examined.
Multiple current dipole estimation in a realistic head model using R-MUSIC

Neural activity in the human brain can be modeled as a volume conductor with current dipoles representing collections of neuronal sources. Determining the spatio-temporal characteristics of the sources from such models requires a solution to the inverse electrostatic problem. In this study, the Recursive MUSIC algorithm was used to invert combinations of synchronous and asynchronous dipolar sources in an anatomically realistic head model. The performance was analyzed at signal-to-noise ratios from 0 to 30 dB. Localization of independent sources was excellent, even at low signal-to-noise ratios, demonstrating the potential performance advantages of a spatio-temporal analysis over a purely spatial treatment. Localization for synchronous sources was substantially degraded at signal-to-noise ratios below 20 dB, demonstrating a need for improved methods to distinguish between asynchronous and synchronous sources.
Beam diagnostic systems in the IUCF Cooler and Cyclotron

Beam diagnostics for the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility (IUCF) Cooler synchrotron which have been recently developed include a beam phase feedback system to damp synchrotron oscillations induced by the RF system and a transverse phase space tracking system to measure the betatron fractional tunes and to investigate nonlinear beam dynamics. New cyclotron diagnostic systems include a new beam timing system which has been improved in sensitivity by over a factor of 10, a cyclotron beam turns counting system, and an electrostatic quadrupole magnet modulator to vary beam intensity in synchronization with the beam switching magnet. The design, performance, and problems associated with these systems are discussed. >
Association between total homocyst(e)ine and the likelihood for a history of acute myocardial infarction by race and ethnicity: Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Abstract Background Few studies examining the association between total homocyst(e)ine and coronary heart disease have included blacks or Hispanics. Methods Data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (3173 patients), a nationally representative survey of US adults, were used to examine the relation between total homocyst(e)ine and an electrocardiogram or a physician's diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (259 patients) among whites, blacks, and Mexican Americans ⩾40 years old. Results Vitamin B12 and serum folate concentrations were significantly lower among persons with a total homocyst(e)ine concentration ⩾15 μmol/L than among those with a total homocyst(e)ine concentration ⩽10 μmol/L. Persons with a total homocyst(e)ine concentration ⩾15 μmol/L were also older and more likely to be hypertensive, have a higher cholesterol concentration, and smoke. Compared with persons with a total homocyst(e)ine concentration ⩽10 μmol/L, persons with a concentration ⩾15 μmol/L had an odds ratio (OR) for myocardial infarction of 1.8 (95% confidence interval [Cl], 1.2–2.9) after adjustment for cardiovascular disease risk factors. Similar associations were noted among whites (OR 1.8, 95% Cl, 1.1–3.1) and blacks (OR 1.9, 95% Cl, 0.8–4.2); a more modest association was noted among Mexican Americans (OR 1.2, 95% Cl, 0.3–5.0). The association between total homocyst(e)ine and myocardial infarction was also more pronounced in persons without hypertension or diabetes. Conclusions Almost a 2-fold increased likelihood of myocardial infarction among persons with a total homocyst(e)ine concentration ⩾15 μmol/L was noted in this nationally representative survey. The magnitude of the association did not differ by race or ethnicity.
Digital infra-red photography for recording painted rock art

Here is a new application of infra-red photography with a digital camera to record rock art. The need to make full and accurate records of the images, without touching (and thus degrading) the rock, requires a method of remote mapping. Trials with digital IR reported here are very promising and especially useful for painted rock art.
Notice of Violation of IEEE Publication Principles A multi-rate 9.953-12.5-GHz 0.2-μm SiGe BiCMOS LC oscillator using a resistor-tuned varactor and a supply pushing cancellation circuit

A multi-rate 9.953-12.5-GHz low phase noise LC oscillator was realized in a 90-GHz f/sub T/ 0.2 μm SiGe BiCMOS process. It achieves a 36% tuning range by combining a 35% open-loop frequency calibration range having a sub-0.1% residual error with a 1% closed-loop varactor frequency tuning. The oscillator gain is below 130 MHz/V, while having less than 10% variation over the entire tuning range. The varactor is realized with multiple parallel-connected cells consisting of constant capacitors and voltage-controlled resistors that bring a lower process variation and a higher quality factor in comparison with standard diode and MOS varactors. A dual regulator architecture was used to provide both high PSRR and low output voltage noise. The supply pushing was reduced below 100 kHz/V by using a pushing cancellation circuit that balances the negative and positive voltage coefficients of the different nonlinear capacitors connected to the LC tank. A discrete-time automatic amplitude control loop using a variable tail resistor architecture was implemented to optimize the VCO's phase noise performance. The VCO specifications include 9.953-12.5-GHz frequency range, 0.1% frequency calibration error, -122 dBc/Hz phase noise at 1 MHz offset, <3 kHz 1/f/sup 3/ corner frequency, <-80 dBc spurious tones, 250×400 μm/sup 2/ die area and 5-mA bias current from a 3.3-V supply.
Life-History Observations, Environmental Associations, and Soil Preferences of the Piedmont Blue Burrower (Cambarus [Depressicambarus] harti) Hobbs

Cambarus (Depressicambarus) harti (Piedmont Blue Burrower) is a state-endangered primary burrowing crayfish found in highly organic soils associated with seepage areas only in Meriwether County, GA. As is the case with many native burrowing crayfishes, virtually nothing is known about the biology and ecology of this species. To help fill this gap, the current study provides information on population demographics, environmental correlates of activity, burrowing behavior, and habitat fidelity of C. harti. Field surveys from the type locality revealed that crayfish could be found throughout the year, with a near 3:1 ratio of female to male adults captured, an ovigerous female found in June, and the highest number of small juveniles found in August. Adults were not found together in burrows; however, juveniles were often found sharing the burrows of females. Burrowing activity was generally higher in the summer than winter, and also increased with receding groundwater levels. Based on observations and experiments with artificial burrowing chambers (ABCs), the burrows of C. harti followed a predictable form and were often capped with at least one chimney of seemingly deliberate construction. Total burrow area and mean chimney pellet diameter increased with crayfish size. It appeared that C. harti will burrow in other soils, but displays a strong affinity to its type-locality soils, particularly below groundwater level. Observations from a communal ABC revealed that adults use burrows to brood young and will share burrows with other adults for a period of time, possibly during burrow construction and/or times of disturbance, but eventually tend to segregate to solitary occupancy. Taken together, these data offer insight into the biology and ecology of this highly endemic and elusive animal that will be useful for management and conservation efforts and provide much-needed scientific information about burrowing crayfishes in general.
Real-Time Collaborative Routing Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network Longevity

Wireless sensor networks are being used in different scenarios including safety critical applications that require real-time communication framework such that the events detected by sensor nodes reach the base station within a limited timeframe. The ad-hoc nature of the sensor network makes it impossible to develop a static communication scheme that works well throughout the network lifetime. The network needs to be capable of adapting to the changes due to node failures and traffic congestions. This paper proposes an ant inspired dynamic routing algorithm in which individual sensor nodes collaborate with each other to discover a route that optimizes the network longevity while maintaining network delays to an acceptable level. Fuzzy logic is used to develop ant-like ability in sensor nodes to determine the suitability of the node to act as the cluster head. Using this algorithm, the nodes that are in the energy-rich region and have low end-to-end delay are more likely to be the cluster heads and thus the overall route offers lower communication delays and longer network life in terms of effective performance. As the algorithm relies on local collaboration for the route formation, the algorithm is highly scalable. Better end-to-end delay is achieved in simulation using this algorithm.
Effects of new brochures on blood donor recruitment and retention

BACKGROUND: Currently, donors may arrive at blood collection sites without prior knowledge of eligibility and deferral criteria. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The effects of distributing newly developed recruitment brochures 2 weeks in advance of blood drives and the provision of brochures on temporary deferral at the taking of health history were examined in four southeastern regional blood collection centers. Twenty-four similar pairs of worksites, with employee-only recruitment, were randomly assigned to a control (C) or experimental (E) group. Information about sponsor recruitment strategies, worksite factors, and first-time, repeat, and temporarily deferred donors was obtained at three collection drives per site over a 1-year period. Drive 1 was used as a baseline. Two weeks before Drives 2 and 3, the recruitment brochures were distributed to all Group E employees, with temporary deferral brochures provided as needed when the health history was taken. RESULTS: No significant differences between groups or drives were found in the total percentage of employees recruited or returning as a result of recruitment or deferral brochure distribution (Wilcoxon's signed rank test and t test). Substantiating previous observations by donor recruiters, the study results showed decreased donations during vacation periods and busier times at the workplace. Loudspeaker announcements led to decreased donations; increased donations followed special appeals in relation to a specific patient, an accident, or a natural disaster. CONCLUSION: The brochures may have encouraged previous donors to return, but their use did not significantly increase the recruitment of new donors or the return of temporarily deferred donors.
Detection and localization of edge contours

Edge contour extraction plays an important role in computer vision because edge contours are relatively invariant to the changes of illumination conditions, sensor characteristics, etc. In particular, edge contours can be used as matching primitives for correspondence determination, an important step in video geo-registration. In this paper, we present a new approach for edge contour extraction based on a three-step procedure that using a RCBS-based scheme, inherently more accurate results can be produced, even though the edge model used for edges is relatively simple. We also present recursive filters that can efficiently smooth splines by approximating a signal with a complete set of coefficients subject to certain regularization constraints. We demonstrate our method on both synthetic and real images.
Toward an AdS/cold atoms correspondence: A Geometric realization of the Schrodinger symmetry

We discuss a realization of the nonrelativistic conformal group (the Schroedinger group) as the symmetry of a spacetime. We write down a toy model in which this geometry is a solution to field equations. We discuss various issues related to nonrelativistic holography. In particular, we argue that free fermions and fermions at unitarity correspond to the same bulk theory with different choices for the near-boundary asymptotics corresponding to the source and the expectation value of one operator. We describe an extended version of nonrelativistic general coordinate invariance which is realized holographically.
Improving yield and reliability of chip multiprocessors

An increasing number of hardware failures can be attributed to device reliability problems that cause partial system failure or shutdown. In this paper we propose a scheme for improving reliability of a homogeneous chip multiprocessor (CMP) that also serves to improve manufacturing yield. Our solution centers on exploiting the natural redundancy that already exists in multi-core systems by using services from other cores for functional units that are defective in a faulty core. A micro-architectural modification allows a core on a CMP to use another core as a coprocessor to service any instruction that the former cannot execute correctly. This service is accessed to improve yield and reliability, but at the cost of some loss of performance. In order to quantify this loss we have used a cycle-accurate simulator to simulate the performance of a dual-core system with one or two cores sustaining partial failure. Our results indicate that when a large and sparingly-used unit such as a floating point arithmetic unit fails in a core, even for a floating point intensive benchmark, we can continue to run each faulty core with help from companion cores with as little as 10% impact to performance and less than 1% area overhead.