cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
He said, she said: Men’s reports of mate value and mate retention behaviors in intimate relationships

Abstract Previous research indicates that men may have evolved psychological mechanisms that motivate behaviors designed to retain a long-term partner. Some of these behaviors function by inflicting (or threatening to inflict) costs on a partner who might be tempted to be unfaithful or to terminate the relationship, whereas others function by bestowing benefits on a partner to encourage her fidelity and commitment. Previous research indicates that men of higher mate value are more likely than men of lower mate value to engage in benefit-provisioning mate retention behaviors, whereas lower mate value men are more likely than higher mate value men to engage in cost-inflicting mate retention behaviors. Existing evidence, however, rests on women’s self-reports of their own and their partner’s mate value as well as their partner’s mate retention behaviors. The current study investigates the extent to which the relationships between mate value and mate retention exist when men report on their own and their partner’s mate value and their own retention behaviors. Results suggest that men’s reports are sensitive to the relationship between women’s mate value and men’s mate retention, but not men’s mate value and men’s mate retention.
Remarks on the “method of effective counts” for combining experimental results

Abstract It has been shown with the help of the maximum likelihood principle that the “method of effective counts” which has been suggested on the combination of counting rates showing Poisson fluctuations only cannot be applied when the counting rates depend on additional parameters apart from the Poisson fluctuation. The combination of data in such a case has to be done in the same way as prescribed by the method of least squares.
Studies of the hepatocellular uptake of the hepatobiliary scintiscanning agent 99mTc-DISIDA.

Summary Bilirubin (BR) and organic anionic dyes such as sulfobromophthalein (BSP), indocyanine green (ICG) and rose bengal (RB) enter the hepatocyte by a specific non-sodium-dependent membrane transport system. Two analogous but distinct Na + -dependent transport systems effect the uptake of conjugated bile acids such as taurocholate (TC) and free fatty acids such as oleate, respectively. The mechanism of uptake of the acetanilidoiminodiacetic acid (HIDA) class of biliary scintiscanning agents is unknown. Accordingly, rat hepatocytes were isolated by collagenase perfusion of the liver and differential centrifugation, and incubated with 99m Tc-diisopropyl-HIDA ( 99m Tc-DISIDA) alone, or in the presence of various concentrations of BSP, ICG, RB, oleate or TC, with and without bovine serum albumin (BSA). Initial uptake velocity ( V o ) was determined from the initial slope of the cumulative radioactivity/time curve. In albumin free media, uptake of 99m Tc-DISIDA was temperature- and pH-dependent, with maximal uptake at 37 °C. There was virtually no uptake of inorganic 99m Tc. In incubations containing 15–1500 μ M 99m Tc-DISIDA, V o was saturable, with estimated V max = 65 nmoles/min/10 6 hepatocytes, and K m = 1200 μ M. In keeping with its weak albumin binding, 99m Tc-DISIDA V o was only minimally influenced by equimolar concentrations of BSA. 99m Tc-DISIDA V o was inhibited by BR, BSP, ICG and RB, as well as by a rabbit antibody to the rat liver plasma membrane BSP/BR binding protein. Surprisingly, V o was also inhibited by TC and oleate, but not influenced either by ouabain or by substitution of Li + for Na + in the medium. Hence, 99m Tc-DISIDA appears to enter the liver principally over the BSP/BR transport system. The basis for TC and oleate inhibition of 99m Tc-DISIDA uptake requires further investigation.
High-Energy Particle Nomograph

A nomograph is presented which has proved to be useful in calculations related to the design of high-energy particle accelerators. Rest mass is given in the range from 0.0001 to 100 atomic mass units with the energy equivalent of this mass in electron volts. The final velocity and mass of the particle are given for a range of energies from 5000 to 1015 electron volts. The equation for particle velocity is given in the form ?/c = [1 - 1/(1 + E/E0)2]?, where E is the particle energy and E0 is the energy equivalent of its rest mass. The frequency required for operation of a proton synchrotron is determined to illustrate the use of the nomograph.
Basic requirements for utility in the assessment of physical disability

Richard L. Stieg's focus article presents important challenges to which disability evaluators must respond. Much of Stieg's thesis is correct. There are serious problems with the use of physical testing in disability assessment. However, most of the problems are well understood and, given adequate resources and motivation, remediable. Properly implemented, physical testing of function is a cost-effective investment of medical resources and should be used more fully.
Amino acid age estimates of marine terraces and sea levels on San Nicolas Island, California

Fourteen marine terraces rising to an elevation of 274 m have been mapped on San Nicolas Island, California. The lowest terrace is ∼105 000 yr old, on the basis of amino acid ratios in fossil mollusks slightly lower than those from the ∼120 000 yr old, uranium-series dated second terrace. The age estimate and present elevation of the lowest terrace, along with an assumption of constant uplift rate, indicate a paleo–sea-level estimate of −10 to −12 m at about 105 000 B.P., supporting the general Barbados model of sea-level history. The fourth and fifth terraces probably represent separate high sea-level stands during the same interglacial complex ≥400 000 B.P. The eight and tenth terraces have amino acid ratios near equilibrium and imply ages of ≥600 000 yr. Collectively, the data suggest long-term average Quaternary uplift rates of 0.2–0.3 m/1000 yr.
Midlatitude nighttime enhancement in F region electron density from global COSMIC measurements under solar minimum winter condition

[1] Ionospheric electron density profiles retrieved from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) satellites measurements from 6 November 2006 to 5 February 2007 are used to study the ionospheric nighttime electron density enhancements under winter, solar minimum, and geomagnetically quiet conditions. In this work, the peak electron densities of F2 layer (NmF2) derived from COSMIC measurements are found to be in reasonably good agreement with ionosonde observations during the night. Therefore the morphology of nighttime enhancements is investigated at geomagnetic midlatitudes (MLAT 20–60°) in the northern hemisphere using COSMIC observations. The enhancements of electron density are evident near the F2 layer peak at most latitudes and longitudes; however, significant variations in the latitudinal dependence of the occurrence time and net magnitudes of the enhancements are found in different regions. The characteristics of enhancements in the North Atlantic Ocean sector are distinctly different from those in the eastern part of the North American sector and also from those at longitudes from Europe to Asia, in the Pacific Ocean, and in the western part of the North American sectors. The longitudinal variations of the morphology of the electron density enhancements during nighttime are possibly caused by different downward plasma flux, meridional winds, and electric field drifts under the effect of the geomagnetic field.
Factors Affecting Interpretation of Reliability Coefficients

It is now well understood that to make effective decisions based on patient data physical therapists need to know the psychometric properties of the clinical measurements they use. What may not be as well understood is that the calculation of various reliability coefficients often reported in the literature are not all based on the same statistical concepts. This technical note explores how variability among subjects affects interpretation of various reliability coefficients and how different coefficients, used with the same data, can lead to paradoxical interpretation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2004; 34(6):341–349. doi:10.2519/jospt.2004.0797
The influence of a new analgetic-antiphlogistic compound (2-(2-methyl-3'chloro)-anilino-nicotinic acid) on platelet function and fibrinolytic activity in vitro.

Abstract The effect of a new analgetic, Clonixin, on platelet function, clot retraction and fibrinolysis was studied in vitro. In Born's photometric technique platelet aggregation was inhibited starting at a Clonixin concentration of 1×10 −7 M. The inhibition is strongly dose dependent and involves mostly secondary aggregation. An inhibition of clot retraction was seen only at higher concentrations (1×10 −4 M) of Clonixin. This is a rather striking effect for an analgeticantiphlogistic compound. Fibrinolysis was unaffected at the concentrations tested.
Measuring compositional change along gradients

A new procedure for measuring compositional change along gradients is proposed. Given a matrix of species-by-samples and an initial ordering of samples on an axis, the ‘gradient rescaling’ method calculates 1) gradient length (beta diversity), 2) rates of species turnover as a function of position on the gradient, and 3) an ecologically meaningful spacing of samples along the gradient. A new unit of beta diversity, the gleason, is proposed. Gradient rescaling is evaluated with both simulated and field data and is shown to perform well under many ecological conditions. Applications to the study of succession, phenology, and niche relations are briefly discussed.
Exhaustive weakly wandering sequences

Abstract A sequence of integers { n i : i = 0, 1…} is an exhaustive weakly wandering sequence for a transformation T if for some measurable set W, X =⋃ ∞ i =0 T ni W ( disj . We introduce a hereditary Property (H) for a sequence of integers associated with an infinite ergodic transformation T , and show that it is a sufficient condition for the sequence to be an exhaustive weakly wandering sequence for T . We then show that every infinite ergodic transformation admits sequences that possess Property (H), and observe that Property (H) is inherited by all subsequences of a sequence that possess it. As a corollary, we obtain an application to tiling the set of integers ℤ with infinite subsets.
Impact expansions in classical and semiclassical scattering.

In the energy regime appropriate to classical and semiclassical atomic scattering theory, experimental data on differential cross sections $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\theta}, E)$ and interference patterns are conveniently analyzed through the use of reduced variables such as $\ensuremath{\tau}=E\ensuremath{\theta}$, $\ensuremath{\rho}=\ensuremath{\theta}$ $sin\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\theta}, E)$. In forward scattering, the reduced relationship is the leading term of an impact expansion of the type $\ensuremath{\rho}(\ensuremath{\tau}, E)=\ensuremath{\Sigma}{n}^{}{E}^{\ensuremath{-}n}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{n}(\ensuremath{\tau})$. The ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{n}(\ensuremath{\tau})$ are obtained by eliminating the impact parameter $b$ from expansions of the classical scattering functions of the type $\ensuremath{\tau}(b, E)=\ensuremath{\Sigma}{n}^{}{E}^{\ensuremath{-}n}{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{n}(b)$, introduced by Lehmann and Leibfried. Backscattering data are to be analyzed through expansions such as $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\theta}, E)=\ensuremath{\Sigma}{n}^{}{(\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\theta})}^{2n}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{n}(E)$, derived by eliminating $b$ from expansions like $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\theta}=\ensuremath{\phi}(b, E)=\ensuremath{\Sigma}{n}^{}{b}^{2n+1}{\ensuremath{\phi}}_{n}(E)$. If the scattering arises from a potential $V(r)$, the coefficients ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{n}(b)$, ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{n}(E)$, etc., are expressed in the form of integrals over the potentials which lend themselves to inversion procedures similar to Firsov's by which a lower bound to the potential can be extracted from the scattering data. In addition to deriving these expansions and testing them on several realistic interatomic potentials, we describe how the reduced variables they suggest can be applied to the presentation and analysis of experimental data.
Urinary Estrogen Production Rates in Normal and Endocrine-Ablated Subjects

ABSTRACT Urinary estrone and estradiol production rates have been measured using electroncapture GLC for quantification of mass. The precision of most measurements is 10–15%, and there is sufficient sensitivity to estimate estrone and estradiol production in endocrineablated subjects. Normal women had of 51 ± 11 and 70 ± 23 μg/day, respectively during the follicular phase, increasing 3-fold during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Normal men produced 40 μg/day of E1 and E2. was decreased 50% after 5 days of fluoxymesterone treatment. Post-menopausal women produced 19.7 ± 2.0 μg/day of E1 Two women with previous oophorectomy and hypophysectomy produced significantly higher quantities of E1 and E2 when compared with women who had undergone oophorectomy and adrenalectomy. Estrone production rates were elevated in 4/7 men with gynecomastia of varying etiologies; these elevations were associated with increased conversion of circulating androstenedione to E1.
Effects of wastewater spray irrigation on indigenous mosquito populations.

Four consecutive years of municipal sewage disposal by spray irrigation produced marked changes in the populations and species composition of the mosquitoes present in an experimental water quality management project in Michigan. These changes are described and their relevance to the widespread use of similar sewage disposal systems are discussed.
Phenotypic expression in wheat revealed using FT-IR microspectroscopy

Abstract Wheat selected for cultivation through the centuries has a glume that is “soft” instead of “tough” as naturally occurring. In production, this is desirable because it enables mechanical threshing with efficient separation of kernel from the head of each stalk without damaging the kernel. FT-IR microspectroscopy provides chemically based, objective assessment of genetic expression by measuring the extent of genetic expression. In the Microbeam Molecular Spectroscopy Laboratory, Manhattan, KS, an imaging FT-IR microspectrometer with a detector array focused on the image plane was used to obtain spectral data from dissected glume specimens of nine tough and eleven soft wheat cultivars in a rectangular mapping pattern. With cellulose as the substrate, the extent of lignification is measurable from the ratio of the lignin (1508 cm−1) baseline adjusted band area to the representative cellulosic (1370 cm−1) band area. A distinction between soft and tough glumes is obtained in numerical terms. Using a band ratio minimizes variation due to thickness differences. While analyzing mapped sections of glume, care is taken to avoid tabulation of spectral data from vascular bundles. Inclusion of these data would to avoid tabulation of spectral data from vascular bundles. Inclusion of these data would bias the analysis toward the composition of highly lignified vascular bundles. Spatially resolved focal plane array FT-IR microspectroscopy reveals the extent of glume lignification that is coincident with the toughness trait. This enables breeders to rank the degree of lignin expression and discriminate between soft and tough breeding results.
The eddy cannon

A new nonlinear mechanism for the generation of “Meddies” by a cape is proposed. The essence of the new process is that the flow-force associated with any steady current that curves back on itself around a cape cannot be balanced without generating and shedding eddies. The process is modeled as follows. A westward flowing density current advances along a zonal wall and turns eastward after reaching the edge of the wall (i.e. the Cape of St Vincent). Integration of the steady (and inviscid) momentum equation along the wall gives the long-shore flow-force and shows that, no matter what the details of the turning process are, such a scenario is impossible. It corresponds to an unbalanced flow-force and, therefore, cannot exist. Namely, in an analogy to a rocket, the zonal longshore current forces the entire system to the west. A flow field that can compensate for such a force is westward drifting eddies that push the system to the east. In a similar fashion to the backward push associated with a firing cannon, the westward moving eddies (bullets) balance the integrated momentum of the flow around the cape. Nonlinear solutions are constructed analytically using an approach that enables one to compute the eddies' size and generation frequency without solving for the incredibly complicated details of the generation process itself. The method takes advantage of the fact that, after each eddy is generated, the system returns to its original structure. It is based on the integration of the momentum equation (for periodic flows) over a control volume and a perturbation expansion in ϵ, the ratio between the eddies' westward drift and the parent current speed. It is found that, because of the relatively small size of the Mediterranean eddies, β is not a sufficiently strong mechanism to remove the eddies (from the Cape of St Vincent) at the observed frequency. It is, therefore, concluded that westward advection must also take place. Specifically, it is found that an advection of 2 cm s−1 will remove (and generate) a Meddy once every 50 days or so and an advection of 5 cm s−1 will remove a Meddy every 17 days. “Kitchen-type” laboratory experiments on a rotating table show that, indeed, a flow that curves back on itself produces an eddy next to the tip of the cape. However, since neither significant β nor advection was present in the laboratory, the laboratory eddy was not shed during the limited time that the experiment was in progress. Numerical simulations (using the Bleck and Boudra isopycnic model) demonstrate, however, that eddies are constantly shed as predicted by the model.
Silylene- and Germylene-Mediated C−H Activation: Reaction with Alkanes, Ethers, and Amines

The reaction of silylene Si[N2(tBu)2C2H2] and Ph−X (X = I, Br) in alkane and ethereal solvents results in the formation of C−H activation product [C2H2(tBu2)N2]SiRI and an equivalent of benzene or oxidative-addition product [C2H2(tBu2)N2]SiPhI. The ratio of products obtained is dependent upon substrate and concentration. This class of reaction has been extended for Si[N2(tBu)2C2H2] and Ge[CH(SiMe3)2]2 to alkylamines. The primary kinetic isotope effect has been measured for the reaction of Si[N2(tBu)2C2H2] with Et2O and determined to be kH/kD = 5.1 ± 0.1. The reaction of Ge[CH(SiMe3)2]2 and Ph−Br with THF was determined to be second order. A large isotope effect ranging from 1.8 to 1.1 was measured for a variety of deuterated aryl halides, consistent with an initial electron transfer to the aryl halide.
Prevalence and Correlates of Mental Health Problems and Treatment Among Adolescents Seen in Primary Care

Abstract Purpose In this study, we describe the characteristics of adolescents with mental health problems among those presenting to primary care clinics in urban areas. Methods The sample included 1,076 adolescents aged 12–18 years who presented to federally qualified community health clinics in urban cities in the Midwest. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between having a mental health problem with demographic characteristics, health-related variables, and other risk and promotive factors. We also examined the use of health services and involvement in activities among those with mental health problems. Results Approximately 14% of adolescents screened positive for a mental health problem; among those with a mental health problem, 42.8% received mental health services in the past 3 months. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, adolescents who were female, with poorer grades, fair to poor self-reported health, using drugs, and lower parental monitoring were more likely to have a mental health problem. In bivariate analyses, adolescents with mental health problems were less likely to participate in school activities and community activities and more likely to use emergency room services. Conclusions Adolescents with mental health problems were more likely to have several other difficulties including poor grades, poor self-rated health, drug/alcohol use, and sexual activity. This study highlights the importance of screening youth with multidimensional needs and referring them to the appropriate services.
Formulating adaptive marketing strategies in a global industry

Marketing adaptation has been considered a factor critical to a firm′s success in international markets. In order to know how companies can effectively adapt their marketing activities to international markets, one has to go beyond marketing function to understand the development of a firm′s experience curve advantage. Presents a framework for a firm to improve its adaptive abilities in developing appropriate marketing strategies for global expansion. Strategic managers should manage the process of investing organizational slacks in order to enhance adaptive ability. Globally‐oriented Taiwanese PC firms were studied to examine the relationship between a firm′s adaptive ability and its performance. Indicates that companies can improve performance by enhancing their adaptive abilities in the areas of technology, marketing mix and finance. Suggests further research.
Linear stretch-invariant systems

The class of linear stretch-invariant systems is defined, and the application of the Mellin transform to their analysis is outlined. This analysis reflects the exponential distortion relationship between the Fourier and the Mellin transforms.
Blind equalization in antenna array CDMA systems

Multipath induced interchip-interference (ICI) alters waveforms of transmitted signals and presents a major obstacle to direct-sequence (DS) code-division-multiple-access (CDMA) communications. For systems with aperiodic pseudorandom (PN) spreading sequences, the primary way to counter fading is through employing RAKE receivers that enhance the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) by combining multipath signals from the desired user. In this paper, we formulate a discrete-time model for antenna array CDMA systems and study the 2-D RAKE receiver problem by casting it into an optimum vector FIR equalizer design and estimation framework. A novel aspect of the present work is the full exploitation of the potential of 2-D RAKE receivers without requiring any detailed knowledge of the multipath channels.
Results of a Test and Win Contest to Raise Radon Awareness in Urban and Rural Settings

Background Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, but few test their homes to determine radon levels. Purpose The study assessed feasibility and success of a Test and Win Contest to promote radon testing in rural and urban communities. Methods The prospective, quasi-experimental study tested a novel contest to raise radon awareness. Paid and earned media recruited homeowners who received a free test kit and were eligible to win free home mitigation. Urban homeowners with the 5 highest radon levels and rural participants with the 3 highest won free radon mitigation systems. Cross-sectional surveys were completed via Internet or phone at enrollment. Results Most returned the radon test kits (71% urban; 86% rural). Participation was more prevalent in the rural location most likely due to longer media recruitment (6 weeks vs. 11 days) and more money spent on media advertising ($1.86 vs. $0.21 per eligible household). The contest attracted 102 per 10 000 households to test for radon in the rural area compare...
Excitability Constraints on Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels

We study how functional constraints bound and shape evolution through an analysis of mammalian voltage-gated sodium channels. The primary function of sodium channels is to allow the propagation of action potentials. Since Hodgkin and Huxley, mathematical models have suggested that sodium channel properties need to be tightly constrained for an action potential to propagate. There are nine mammalian genes encoding voltage-gated sodium channels, many of which are more than ≈90% identical by sequence. This sequence similarity presumably corresponds to similarity of function, consistent with the idea that these properties must be tightly constrained. However, the multiplicity of genes encoding sodium channels raises the question: why are there so many? We demonstrate that the simplest theoretical constraints bounding sodium channel diversity—the requirements of membrane excitability and the uniqueness of the resting potential—act directly on constraining sodium channel properties. We compare the predicted constraints with functional data on mammalian sodium channel properties collected from the literature, including 172 different sets of measurements from 40 publications, wild-type and mutant, under a variety of conditions. The data from all channel types, including mutants, obeys the excitability constraint; on the other hand, channels expressed in muscle tend to obey the constraint of a unique resting potential, while channels expressed in neuronal tissue do not. The excitability properties alone distinguish the nine sodium channels into four different groups that are consistent with phylogenetic analysis. Our calculations suggest interpretations for the functional differences between these groups.
The addiction model of eating disorders: A critical analysis

Abstract Addiction is a poorly understood and widely misused concept. Far from providing an explanation of eating disorders, the concept is itself in need of explanation. Addiction is most commonly viewed as a disease, and it is this notion that has been applied uncritically to eating disorders in general and binge-eating in particular. The associations between eating disorders and psychoactive substance abuse are reviewed. The evidence indicates a greater than expected rate of psychoactive substance abuse in patients with eating disorders, and vice versa. Interpretation of these findings is obscured by a number of methodological problems, including inconsistent diagnostic criteria and assessment methods of questionable validity. Family studies show a similar co-occurrence, but suffer from comparable shortcomings. Moreover, comorbidity rates between eating disorders and other psychiatric disorders are higher. Studies of clinical samples might simply reflect the well-known tendency for patients with multiple problems to seek treatment. Consistent with this view, the results of two community studies of eating disorder patients show no significant co-occurrence with substance abuse. Theoretical and therapeutic implications of the addiction model are measured against available evidence on the nature and treatment of eating disorders.
Challenges of Maintaining Academic Integrity in an Age of Collaboration, Sharing and Social Networking

The challenges facing faculty and academic institutions today in maintaining academic integrity come from several different areas. One is the increased availability of technology and connectivity. Another comes from the characteristics and viewpoints of today's college students and third is the environment where the students live—namely a society where cheating seems commonplace. The current generation of college students, often referred to as the Millennials, have grown up with the Internet during an age of technology where collaborating, sharing and social networking are part of everyday life. Sadly, the increased technology use by students has also resulted in increased misuse of technology in the classroom and encouraged unauthorized or unpermitted collaborations. Among educators, librarians, directors and administrators there is a growing opinion that the current generation of college students may not know how to write properly. Students also may not understand the importance of academic integrity which leads to unintentional violations of academic policies. Continuing to maintain academic integrity in the classrooms and the institutions can be accomplished by promoting academic integrity, educating students and including new technologies and new styles of teaching. This paper will also explore several of the recommended strategies being utilized to promote academic integrity.
Preconceptional health: Risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes by reproductive life stage in the Central Pennsylvania Women’s Health Study (CePAWHS)

This study used population-based data to examine how health status and risks vary by reproductive life stage, with particular focus on the proximal risks for preterm birth and low birthweight (LBW) infants in preconceptional and interconceptional women. Data are from the Central Pennsylvania Women's Health Study (CePAWHS), which included a telephone survey of a representative sample of 2,002 women ages 18-45 years residing in largely rural central Pennsylvania. Women were classified according to reproductive stage--preconceptional, interconceptional, and postconceptional--on the basis of pregnancy history and reproductive capacity. Multiple indicators of health status and health risks were examined by reproductive stage, stratified by age group (ages 18-34 and ages 35-45). Results show that many risk factors varied significantly by reproductive stage and by age group within reproductive stage. Preconceptional and interconceptional women exhibited several unhealthy behaviors (e.g., binge drinking, nutritional deficits, physical inactivity). Younger pre- and interconceptional women (ages 18-34) had more gynecologic infections, some less favorable health behaviors, and more psychosocial stress than older women (ages 35-45) in the same reproductive stages. Older preconceptional women were more likely to have chronic conditions (hypertension, high cholesterol) than younger preconceptional women. Results suggest how interventions could be tailored to women's reproductive stages.
The basic electrocardiogram and lethal arrhythmias in children with dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an important cause of heart failure in children, with reported 5-year heart transplant-free survival of approximately 50%. Lifethreatening arrhythmias are widely recognized in adults with DCM, and numerous data are available to guide risk assessment for life-threatening arrhythmias in adults with DCM. Most pediatric studies focusing on arrhythmias in this population are limited by sample size, low event rate (or incomplete capture of the event), and insufficient arrhythmia data for analysis. The study by Dao et al, published in this issue of the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, is a retrospective review from a large pediatric tertiary care center investigating the incidence of and risk factors associated with life-threatening arrhythmias in children with DCM. They found the annualized rate of life-threatening arrhythmias was 5% in this cohort and note that this incidence is higher than that reported by other studies. The 1-year cumulative incidence rate of sudden cardiac death reported by 2 other recent pediatric studies was o 1% in a singlecenter study and 1.3% in a large multisite registry of children with DCM. One obvious reason for this is that the current study included aborted sudden death, whereas the comparison studies reported the incidence of sudden death without the inclusion of resuscitated arrhythmia events. In addition, the study cohorts are different and likely have a different propensity for arrhythmias, as is shown in adult populations with different heart failure etiologies. The authors attempt to account for this heterogeneity by performing a sub-analysis of idiopathic DCM vs others, but the performance of this sub-analysis is limited by insufficient power. The single-center nature of the study improves access to inpatient monitoring data, Holter data, and device interrogation information. This complete acquisition of arrhythmia data most certainly contributes to the higher rate of life-threatening arrhythmias found by these authors. It is the extraction of this additional electrophysiologic data
Complexity and Diversity of Mammalian Adenylyl Cyclases

Molecular cloning has permitted identification of several novel isoforms of mammalian adenylyl cyclase; these proteins now comprise a family of at least 10. All of the membrane-bound enzymes are activated by the alpha subunit of G alpha, a receptor-regulated, heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein, and by the diterpene forskolin. Certain cyclases are also activated by Ca(2+)-calmodulin, while some are inhibited by the alpha subunits of the three Gi proteins. The discovery of new isoforms has also revealed unanticipated mechanisms of regulation, including activation or inhibition by the G-protein beta gamma subunit complex, inhibition by G(o) alpha, inhibition by Ca2+, and phosphorylation by protein kinases C and A. The effects of activators are often highly synergistic or conditional, suggesting function of these enyzmes as coincidence detectors. The plethora of receptors, G proteins, and adenylyl cyclases permits assembly of very complex signaling systems with a wide variety of integrative characteristics.
Nucleosomes, DNA-binding proteins, and DNA sequence modulate retroviral integration target site selection

Integration of retroviral DNA can serve as a paradigm for cellular functions that are affected by the packaging of DNA into chromatin. We have used a novel polymerase chain reaction-based assay to survey DNA and chromatin for the precise distribution of many integration sites. Integration into naked DNA targets is non-uniform, implying a nucleotide sequence bias. In chromatin, integration occurs preferentially at positions where the major groove is on the exposed face of the nucleosomal DNA helix, generating a 10 bp periodic spacing of preferred sites. Chromatin assembly enhances the reactivity of many sites, so that integration occurs most frequently at sites in nucleosomal, rather than nucleosome-free, regions of minichromosomes. In contrast, integration is prevented in a region occupied by a site-specific DNA-binding protein. Comparisons of integration events mediated by viral nucleoprotein complexes or by two different retroviral integrases show that the integration machinery also affects target site selection.
Integrating Wind Power: Can Controllable Load Substitute for Transmission Upgrades?

The Cornell SuperOPF is used to illustrate how the system costs can be determined for a reliable network (the amount of conventional generating capacity needed to maintain System Adequacy is determined endogenously). Eight cases are studied to illustrate the effects of geographical distribution, ramping costs and load response to customers payment in the wholesale market, and the amount of potential wind generation that is dispatched. The proposed regulatory changes for electricity markets are 1) to establish a new market for ramping services, 2) to aggregate the loads of customers on a distribution network so that they can be represented as a single wholesale customer on the bulk-power transmission network and 3) to make use of controllable load to mitigate the variability of wind generation as an alternative to upgrading the capacity of the transmission network. The cost of ramping reduces the amount of potential wind generation that is dispatched because of the inherent variability of wind speeds. The analysis evaluates whether the ability to dispatch some load that is not time-sensitive, such as charging the batteries in electric vehicles over night above the minimum usage requirement, can be an effective way to use more of the potential wind generation without upgrading the transfer capacity of a transmission network. The expectation is that more wind generation can be dispatched at times when load is relatively low and congestion on the network is not a major limitation.
Using GIS to Analyze Complaints against Police: A Research Note

Police departments across the country have turned to geographic information systems (GIS) to identify crime patterns within their jurisdictions, design responses, and evaluate their performance. In addition, many agencies have adopted a geography-based, COMPSTAT-like process to hold police managers accountable for activity within their commands. However, a purely external and descriptive focus fails to take full advantage of all that a true GIS has to offer. This is particularly true when trying to understand complex police-citizen interactions. In this article, we demonstrate how police agencies can use GIS to shift some of their focus to more “internal” matters and take advantage of the inferential capabilities of the geography-based approach. We concentrate on citizen complaints against police in the city of Philadelphia over a two-and-a-half-year period (1998–2000). Data include the type of complaint, the location of the incident, the home address of the complainant, and a variety of census measures. ...
Medication discrepancies associated with subsequent pharmacist-performed medication reconciliations in an ambulatory clinic

Abstract Objective To describe the number of medication discrepancies associated with subsequent medication reconciliations by a clinical pharmacist in an ambulatory family medicine clinic and the proportion of subsequent medication reconciliation visits that were associated with hospital discharge, long-term anticoagulation management, or both. Methods Data on medication reconciliations were collected over a 2-year time period in an ambulatory family medicine clinic for patients taking 10 or more medications. Results Medication reconciliation was performed 752 times for 500 patients. A total of 5,046 discrepancies were identified, with more than one-half deemed clinically important. A mean (± SD) of 6.7 ± discrepancies per visit (3.5 ± clinically important) were identified. The findings showed that the distribution of total discrepancies identified by pharmacist-performed medication reconciliation was significantly different over the course of subsequent medication reconciliations. However, the distribution of clinically important discrepancies was not significantly different; important discrepancies were as likely to be found in later reconciliations as in earlier ones. As subsequent medication reconciliation visits were performed, an increasing proportion consisted of post-hospital discharge visits, long-term anticoagulation managed by a clinical pharmacist, or both. Conclusion Patients with a recent hospital discharge, on long-term anticoagulation management, or both, were more likely to have multiple sessions with a clinical pharmacist for medication reconciliation. These findings can help identify patients for whom medication reconciliation is warranted.
A novel method for measuring dynamic changes in cell volume

Many cell types regulate their volume in response to extracellular tonicity changes through a complex series of adaptive mechanisms. Several methods that are presently used to measure cell volume changes include Coulter counters, fluorescent techniques, electronic impedance, and video microscopy. Although these methods are widely used and accepted, there are limitations associated with each technique. This paper describes a new method to measure changes in cell volume based on the principle that fluid flow within a rigid system is well determined. For this study, cos-7 cells were plated to line the inner lumen of a glass capillary and stimulated to swell or shrink by altering the osmolarity of the perfusing solution. The cell capillary was connected in series with a blank reference capillary, and differential pressure changes across each tube were monitored. The advantages of this method include 1) ability to continuously monitor changes in volume during rapid solution changes, 2) independence from cell morphology, 3) presence of physiological conditions with cell surface contacts and cell-cell interactions, 4) no phototoxic effects such as those associated with fluorescent methods, and 5) ability to report from large populations of cells. With this method, we could detect the previously demonstrated enhanced volume regulation of cells overexpressing the membrane phosphoprotein phospholemman, which has been implicated in osmolyte transport.
Spatial encoding circuit techniques for peak power reduction of on-chip high-performance buses

We propose various low-latency spatial encoder circuits based on bus-invert coding for reducing peak energy and current in on-chip buses with minimum penalty on total latency. The encoders are implemented in dual-rail domino logic with interfaces for static inputs and static buses. A spatial and temporally encoded dynamic bus technique is also proposed for higher performance targets. Comparisons to standard on-chip buses of various lengths with optimal repeater configurations at the 130nm node show the energy-delay and peak current-delay design space in which the different encoder circuits are beneficial. A 9mm spatially encoded static bus exhibits peak energy gains beyond that achievable through repeater optimization for a single cycle operation at 1GHz, with delay and energy overhead of the encoding included. For throughput constrained buses, the spatially encoded static bus can provide up to 31% reduction in peak energy, while the spatially and temporally encoded dynamic bus yields peak current reductions of more than 50% for all bus lengths.
Web-based learning and instruction: a constructivist approach

Previously Published in Distance Learning Technologies: Issues, Trends and Opportunities edited by Linda Lau, Copyright © 2000, Idea Group Publishing. INTRODUCTION The precipitous rise in Web-based education and employee training speaks volumes of technologys far-reaching potential. While most agree that Web-based instruction can be cost-effective and convenient, few academicians and practitioners have examined the efficacy of Web-based learning in terms of constructivism, the most widely accepted model of learning in education today. The constructivist approach to learning acknowledges that both teacher and student bring prior knowledge to the learning experience. Over time and through interaction with others in the learning environment, the student coconstructs new meaning as a knowledge-building processpiece by piece, new knowledge is built onto former knowledge. This differs from the former notion of learning that considered children as empty vessels waiting to be filled (tabula rasa). While constructivism is widely accepted by educators in theory, it is not always evident in teaching practices, including Web-based instruction. To help academicians and practitioners provide effective constructivist learning experiences for students and employees, the following issues will be addressed:
The Ever-Increasing Choices for Aortic Valve Replacement: Which One Will Win In the Marketplace?∗

Symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) is a fatal disease unless treated by transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). During the latter half of the 20th century, aortic valve replacement (AVR) was accomplished in the operating room using a variety of replacement valves, both mechanical and
Treatment of Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome with AICAR

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is neurological disorder caused by the complete deficiency of the purine salvage enzyme hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) (1). Patients display spasticity, choreoathetosis, and aggressive, self-injurious behavior; megaloblastic anemia is also commonly associated with these patients. The connection between the enzyme defect and the symptoms is unknown, but the role of HPRT in purine production suggests a possible purine nucleotide deficiency. Metabolic therapies designed to correct this supposed deficiency, including adenine, ribose, inosine, and guanosine, have not been successful (1); however, none of these compounds has been demonstrated in vi tro to be capable of replacing hypoxanthine as a source of purine nucleotides. The compound 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) has been shown to produce quantities of adenine and guanine nucleotides in HPRT¯ cells equal to those produced by hypoxanthine in normal cells (2). AICAR is therefore theoretically capable of compensating cells for the lack of HPRT Based on this rationale, treatment of Lesch-Nyhan patient with AICAR was undertaken. Patient MS was a 16 year old classic Lesch-Nyhan patient with megaloblastic anemia (MCV 110) and megaloblastic bone marrow. He was given 30 mg/kg/day AICAR orally for four days followed by 100 mg/kg/day for four days, along with 400 mg/day allopurinol. AICAR, uric acid, and oxypurines were determined in the plasma and urine as described previously (3). No improvement was noted in his neurological, behavioral, or hematological status. Plasma AICAR remained <2 uM, and no changes in plasma uric acid or oxypurines were noted. Nor was any AICAR detected in the urine; urinary uric acid and oxypurines were also unchanged. These results are in agreement with the manufacturer’s estimate of <5% oral bioavailabi1ity of AICAR in humans.
The Beleaguered Myth of Antebellum Egalitarianism: Cliometrics and Surmise to the Rescue

In his 1978 essay in this journal, Robert E. Gallman praised but also criticized my work on the "egalitarian myth," arguing that it had not in fact "dealt a death blow to the'egalitarian hypothesis'" (1978: 194). In my response the following year, I tried to show that his criticism was based in large part on a misreading of what I had written, attributing to me "statements I had never made and viewpoints I do not hold." He thus had created "an elaborate model to refute a point that I had not made" (1979a: 208). Although I argued that his overall criticism was invalid, primarily because it was not based on "germane historical evidence," I closed by praising the "admirably reasoned spirit that infuses Professor Gallman's essay," praise I publicly repeated in the American Historical Review (1979a: 224, 1980b: 1163). In his renewal of our debate, Professor Gallman continues to miss the point, as I shall try to show in this response the editors have invited me to write. But several of his comments, unfortunately, are sadly lacking in that reasoned spirit he displayed earlier. He is again wrongheaded but, more importantly, he lapses into a form of argument that leaves me no alternative but to respond. Mere error could go uncommented on, for all of us are at times subject to confusion, and no one should be faulted for not being more clearheaded than he is. Questionable form, however, as in Professor Gallman's comments on my "handling of [my] sources," is something else and requires refutation. As I shall