cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lack of Synergistic Effects of Metabolic Syndrome and Plasma Fibrinogen on Coronary Events and Mortality in Moderate CKD

Background Metabolic syndrome and inflammation are interlinked in patients with moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods We examined whether these 2 conditions exert additive or multiplicative joint effects on subsequent coronary events and death in 710 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study participants with a glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ( Results From the lowest to the highest quartile of level of plasma fibrinogen (an inflammation marker), the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (39%, 46%, 47%, and 64%; P P = 0.79) and death ( P = 0.29). However, patients without metabolic syndrome and in the lowest quartile of plasma fibrinogen levels had the lowest incidence of fatal/nonfatal coronary events or death, whereas those with metabolic syndrome and in the highest quartile of plasma fibrinogen levels had the highest incidence of these events. Conclusion Inflammation is associated strongly with metabolic syndrome in patients with moderate CKD. Inflammation and metabolic syndrome have additive and not multiplicative joint effects on coronary events and death.
The nuclear charge distribution of the charged particle fission of 238U

Abstract The distribution of nuclear charge in the fission of 238 U by protons of 11·2 MeV and deuterons of 10·6 MeV energy has been studied using Ge(Li) spectroscopy. Using the criteria of a Gaussian charge dispersion curve, it was found that the postulate of minimum potential energy best described the data in both systems although the proton data was fitted almost as well by the postulate of equal charge displacement.
A Portable Two-photon Fluorescence Microendoscope Based on a Two-dimensional Scanning Mirror

Towards overcoming the size limitations of conventional two-photon fluorescence microscopy for brain imaging in freely moving mice, we introduce a portable laser-scanning microendoscope based on a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) two-dimensional (2-D) scanning mirror, compound gradient refractive index (GRIN) micro-lenses, and a photonic bandgap fiber (PBF). The microendoscope achieves fast line scanning acquisition rates up to 3.5 kHz and micron-scale imaging resolution.
Reciprocal activation of transcription factors underlies the dichotomy between proliferation and invasion of glioma cells

Histology of malignant glioma depicts dense proliferative areas rich in angiogenesis as well as dissemination of neoplastic cells into adjacent brain tissue. Although the mechanisms that trigger transition from proliferative to invasive phenotypes are complex, the dichotomy of cell proliferation and migration, the "Go or Grow" hypothesis, argues for specific and coordinated regulation of these phenotypes. We investigated transcriptional elements that accompany the phenotypes of migration and proliferation, and consider the therapeutic significance of the "Go or Grow" hypothesis. Interrogation of matched core and rim regions from human glioblastoma biopsy specimens in situ (n = 44) revealed higher proliferation (Ki67 labeling index) in cells residing at the core compared to the rim. Profiling activated transcription factors in a panel of migration-activated versus migration-restricted GBM cells portrayed strong NF-κB activity in the migratory cell population. In contrast, increased c-Myc activity was found in migration-restricted proliferative cells. Validation of transcriptional activity by NF-κB- or c-Myc-driven GFP or RFP, respectively, showed an increased NF-κB activity in the active migrating cells, whereas the proliferative, migration restricted cells displayed increased c-Myc activity. Immunohistochemistry on clinical specimens validated a robust phosphorylated c-Myc staining in tumor cells at the core, whereas increased phosphorylated NF-κB staining was detected in the invasive tumor cells at the rim. Functional genomics revealed that depletion of c-Myc expression by siRNA oligonucleotides reduced cell proliferation in vitro, but surprisingly, cell migration was enhanced significantly. Conversely, inhibition of NF-κB by pharmacological inhibitors, SN50 or BAY-11, decreased both cell migration in vitro and invasion ex vivo. Notably, inhibition of NF-κB was found to have no effect on the proliferation rate of glioma cells. These findings suggest that the reciprocal and coordinated suppression/activation of transcription factors, such as c-Myc and NF-κB may underlie the shift of glioma cells from a "growing-to-going" phenotype.
High refractive index nanoparticle fluids for 193-nm immersion lithography

A critical issue preventing the implementation of 193nm immersion lithography (193i) to the 32nm node is the availability of high refractive index (n > 1.8) and low optical absorption fluids. To overcome these issues, we have synthesized high refractive index nanoparticles and introduced them into the immersion fluid to increase the refractive index. Hydrolysis and sol-gel methods have been implemented to grow high refractive index nanoparticles with diameters of 3-4nm. Depending on the synthetic route, it is possible to produce stable suspensions of nanoparticles in either aqueous or organic solvents, making it possible to synthesize a stable high-index immersion fluid.
Transaction Costs and the Structure of the Market: A Case Study

Drawing upon the development of fish markets in a Chinese fishery community, the impact of transaction costs on the institutional structure of exchange is investigated. Fish markets in this region are connected and organized into a hierarchical network. This structure of fish markets dramatically reduces the cost for geographically distanced fishermen and consumers to execute trades. However, the provision of the market itself requires entrepreneurial efforts. The market is conceptualized as a continuum of middlemen, whose entrepreneurial efforts of buying and selling make the market work. When the middleman makes profits, the market is at work. Otherwise, the market fails to emerge. Comparing the different ways of organizing fish transportation at two distinct villages, it is shown that the choice of the market or the firm to organize fish transportation is determined by the cost of putting the market to work.
The quest for high energy magnets: The coercivity issue

Abstract A high energy magnet requires a material with a large remanence Br and a large coercive force iHc. Many materials have suitable values of Br, but usually these have small values of iHc. Coercive force is usually an order of magnitude smaller than the Stoner-Wohlfarth limit for coherent rotation. Probably magnetization reversal occurs via a nucleation and growth mechanism. Nucleation occurs at a special place in the alloy at which magnetic anisotropy is weak. It is suggested that these special places are either impurity alloy phases, e.g. Pr2Co17 in PrCo5, or near the surface. With regard to the latter, anisotropy is weakened or even reversed in RCo5 (R  rare earth) systems by oxidation-driven surface segregation of the rare earth component. Auger spectroscopy measurements on RCo5 alloy are consistent with the concept that iHc and surface features are interrelated. Yb2Co13Fe3Mn is an example of a potential high energy magnetic material. It has an anisotropy field of 27 kOe (at 295 K) and a theoretical ((BH)max) of 85 MG Oe. Its iHc is as yet unknown. Elucidation and control of coercive force in such materials is the key to the production of new high energy magnet materials.
Differential regulation of CXC ligand 1 transcription in melanoma cell lines by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1.

The continuous production of the CXC ligand 1 (CXCL1) chemokine by melanoma cells is a major effector of tumor growth. We have previously shown that the constitutive expression of this chemokine is dependent upon transcription factors nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), stimulating protein-1 (SP1), high-mobility group-I/Y (HMGI/Y), CAAT displacement protein (CDP) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). In this study, we demonstrate for the first time the mechanism of transcriptional regulation of CXCL1 through PARP-1 in melanoma cells. In its inactive state, PARP-1 binds to the CXCL1 promoter in a sequence-specific manner and prevents binding of NF-κB (p65/p50) to its element. However, activation of the PARP-1 enzymatic activity enhances CXCL1 expression, owing to the loss of PARP-1 binding to the CXCL1 promoter, accompanied by enhanced binding of p65 to the promoter. The delineation of the role of NF-κB-interacting factors in the putative CXCL1 enhanceosome will provide key information in developing strategies to block constitutive expression of this and other chemokines in cancer and to develop targeted therapy.
Alcohol-related stimuli reduce inhibitory control of behavior in drinkers

Rationale Poor behavioral control and heightened attentional bias toward alcohol-related stimuli have independently received considerable attention in regard to their roles in alcohol abuse. Theoretical accounts have begun to speculate as to potential reciprocal interactions between these two mechanisms that might promote excessive alcohol consumption, yet experimental evidence is lacking.
Animal Models of Spinal Cord Injury

Animal models of spinal cord injury may be used both to investigate the biological responses of the tissue to injury and to test potential therapies. The most widely used models involve contusion o...
Light-induced turnover of chloroplast cytochrome b-559 in the presence of N-methylphenazonium methosulphate.

Abstract In the presence of 0.1–5 μM N -methylphenazonium methosulphate approx. 50–70% oxidation of cytochrome b -559 can be induced by far-red light. The oxidation is best observed with long wavelength far-red light (732 nm) of moderate intensities (approx. 10 4 ergs/cm 2 per s) and is reversed by subsequent illumination with red light. Concentrations of N -methylphenazonium methosulphate above 5 μM are inhibitory probably due to cyclic electron flow. The far-red oxidation is inhibited by low concentrations of the plastoquinone antagonist 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl- p -benzoquinone, while 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea inhibits red light reduction and increases the amplitude of far-red oxidation. The effect of N -methylphenazonium methosulphate is mimicked by N -methyl-phenazonium ethosulphate, but not by pyocyanine or diaminodurene. Low concentrations (2–3 μM) of N -methylphenazonium methosulphate also stimulate a 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl- p -benzoquinone-inhibitable red light reduction of cytochrome f .
Charge transfer switching in photoexcited Ru(II) porphyrins: A time-resolved resonance Raman and spectroelectrochemical study

The charge transfer (CT) excited states of Ru(II)OEP(Py)2 and Ru(II)TPP(Py)2 (TPP = tetraphenylporphyrin, OEP = octaethylporphyrin, and Py = pyridine) have been investigated by nanosecond time-resolved resonance Raman (TR3) spectroscopy. The spectra reveal unexpected differences between the two species. The TR3 spectrum of [Ru(II)TPP(Py)2]* resembles the resonance Raman (RR) spectrum of the RuTPP(Py)2 radical anion. Both spectra show strong enhancement of nontotally symmetric modes, resulting from a Jahn−Teller distortion due to the eg* orbital degeneracy. The band frequencies are slightly higher in the CT state than in the radical anion, reflecting the effect of the Ru(II) oxidation. Thus, the TR3 spectral features support a 3(dπ,π*) excited state assignment, with an electron transferred from Ru(II) to the porphyrin. In contrast, the TR3 spectrum [Ru(II)OEP(Py)2]* does not resemble the RR spectra of the Ru(II)OEP radical anion. Rather, it contains totally symmetric modes, at frequencies close to those of...
Is percutaneous balloon angioplasty appropriate in the treatment of graft and anastomotic lesions responsible for failing vein bypasses

We reviewed 95 cases of vein graft and anastomotic lesions treated with percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) and 30 cases treated surgically. The therapy was deemed a failure if the lesion recurred or if the graft closed. The 21-month patency rate of lesions treated surgically was 86%, which was significantly better than the 42% patency rate for all lesions treated with PTA ( P The 66% patency rate at 24 months for the 41 simple lesions (single, nonrecurrent, P
Conformational Changes and Complex Formation of the Non-Canonical Ribose ABC Transporter

Bacterial ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporters are vital for nutrient uptake. Structural and functional studies have revealed two distinct types (I and II) of importers based primarily upon mechanistic differences. The ribose transporter (RbsABC) in E. coli is a tripartite ABC importer. RbsABC consists of a cytoplasmic ATP-binding cassette, RbsA, with dual fused nucleotide-binding domains (NBD), a homodimeric transmembrane domain (TMD), RbsC, and a periplasmic substrate binding protein (SBP), RbsB. This study, using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and biochemical methods, demonstrates that RbsABC is a non-canonical ABC transporter that shares some structural and functional features with both type I and type II importers. ATP hydrolysis in the NBD is stimulated by the presence of substrate-loaded SBP, leading to ribose release, which is typical of type I importers. Quantitative measurements obtained from site-directed spin-labeling EPR spectroscopy reveal that hydrolysis promotes the opening of RbsB to release ribose and subsequently RbsB. Post-hydrolysis, both nucleotide and magnesium are required to maintain the complex interactions of RbsC and RbsA, based upon co-purification studies and EPR experiments, which is atypical for ABC importers of either type, where the high-affinity TMD-NBD association is maintained perpetually. In addition, the presence of ribose has a destabilizing effect on RbsB-RbsC interactions, a type II importer behavior. Further, RbsB and RbsC interact in an unusual apo-complex consisting only of the SBP-TMD. Finally, substrate transport is accomplished by hydrolysis at a single consensus site in RbsA, with the second site rendered degenerate by mutations of conserved amino acids. This feature is not uncommon to ABC exporters, but heretofore unobserved in importers. Taking these observations together, RbsABC appears to transport substrate by a distinct mechanism, and offers an opportunity to gain insight into the function of non-canonical systems.
Quantum-mechanical theory of the organic-dye laser

We develop a fully quantum-mechanical theory for the organic-dye-solution laser, obtain density-matrix equations of motion for the single-mode radiation-density operator and the matter-density operator, and solve and investigate the steady-state case. We generalize the usual Born-Markoff approximation master equation for two matter states to include four matter states, each one of which interacts with the laser radiation field. This allows us to treat exactly the organic-dye molecular triplet-state levels which participate in the laser operation in an essential way. For experimentally realizable conditions the steady-state solution contains features which are qualitatively different from nondye lasers. These effects are directly attributable to intensity-dependent triplet-state radiation absorption losses. At threshold the diagonal matrix elements of the radiation photon distribution (R/subn/) can be a decreasing function of the photon number n with an inflection point rather than the usual truncated Gaussian. This necessitates redefinition of threshold. For pumping just above threshold there may be both a maximum and a minimum in R/subn/ rather than just a maximum as in usual laser theories. We also specify the effect of triplets on the narrowing of R/subn/ for pumping above threshold and the subsequent widening of R/subn/ for pumping well above threshold. Many of our results more » require photon-counting experiments for verification. Also, our equations are easily reducible to a semiclassical theory, where our treatment of the triplets variables is an improvement over the usual rate equations. (AIP) « less
Surface waves in flowing water

Surface waves in flowing water and their stability are studied. With U(y) denoting the mean velocity and d the depth of water, the following results are obtained: (i) in the plane of the complex wave velocity, c = cr + ici, all eigenvalues c with a positive ci lie within a semicircle which has as its diameter the range of the velocity U(y) of the primary flow, y being the vertical co-ordinate. (ii) If U″(y) does not change sign and U is monotonic in the field of flow, singular neutral modes (for which c = U somewhere in the field of flow) are impossible and the flow is stable. (iii) If U is analytic and U″ vanishes at the point or points where U is equal to the same constant Uc and where U′ is not zero then at least one neutral mode exists with c = Uc, provided U(d) ≠ Uc. (iv) If U is monotonic and U″/(U—c) is finite and non-zero at the critical point (c real), where U″ vanishes, then the neutral mode mentioned in (iii) above is contiguous with unstable modes, (v) If U″ U(d). The eigenvalue c for any k is bounded.
Disruptive information system innovation: the case of internet computing

. Information system (IS) innovation can be defined as a novel organizational application of digital computer and information communication technologies (ICT). This paper discusses how modalities of applying ICT technologies in their form and scope exhibit radical breaks, which are introduced herein as ‘disruptive IS innovations’. This notion of disruptive IS innovation is developed by drawing upon and extending Swanson's (1994) theory of IS innovation as well as the concept of radical innovation. Disruptive innovations strongly influence the future trajectory of the adoption and use of ICT in organizational contexts and make the trajectory deviate from its expected course. In doing so, these disruptive innovations distinctly define what an IS is and how it is deployed in order to address current and future organizational and managerial prerogatives. Such changes are triggered breakthroughs in the capability of ICT that lead to the revision and expansion of associated cognitive models (frames) of computing. Disruptive IS innovations are those that lead to changes in the application of ICT that are both pervasive and radical. The pervasive nature implies that innovative activity spans all innovation subsets of the quad-core model of IS innovation introduced herein. Innovation types include: IS use and development processes; application architecture and capability; and base technologies. Radical in nature, disruptive is innovations depart in significant ways from existing alternatives and lead to deviation from expected use and diffusion trajectory. This paper demonstrates the importance of a concept of disruptive IS innovation by investigating how changes triggered by internet computing (Lyytinen et al., 1998) meet the conditions of a disruptive IS innovation defined herein. The analysis also affirms both the pervasive and radical nature of internet computing and explains how internet computing has fundamentally transformed the application portfolio, development practices and IS services over time. The analysis demonstrates that, with the concept of disruptive IS innovation, we can fruitfully analyse ‘long’ waves of ICT evolution – an issue that has largely been overlooked in the IS community. On a theoretical plane, the paper advocates the view that we need to look beyond linear, unidirectional, and atomistic concepts of the diffusion of IS innovations where innovative activity takes places in a linear fashion by oscillating between small technological innovations and small organizational innovations. In contrast, IS innovation can exhibit fundamental discontinuity; we need to theoretically grasp such disruptive moments. The recent influx of innovation, spurred by internet-based technology, offers one such moment.
Spinodal Ordering and Precipitation in U-6 wt% Nb

A combinative approach of microhardness testing, tensile testing, and TEM microstructural analysis was employed to study the microstructure and mechanical instability of a water-quenched U-6wt.% Nb (WQU6Nb) alloy subjected to different aging schedules including artificial aging at 200 C, 15-year natural aging at ambient temperatures, and 15-year natural aging followed by accelerative aging at 200 C. The changes in mechanical property during and after the aging processes were examined using microhardness and tensile-testing methods. During the early stages of artificial aging at 200 C, the microhardness of WQ-U6Nb alloy increased, i.e., age hardening, as a result of the development of nanoscale modulation caused by spinodal decomposition. Coarsening of the modulated structure occurred after a prolonged aging at 200 C for 16 hours, and it led to a decrease of microhardness, i.e., age softening. Phase instability was also found to occur in WQ-U6Nb alloy that was subjected to a 15-year natural aging at ambient temperatures. The formation of partially ordered domains resulting from a spinodal modulation with an atomic-scale wavelength rendered the appearance of swirl-shape antiphase domain boundaries (APBs) observed in TEM images. Although it did not cause a significant change in microhardness, 15-year natural aging has dramatically affected the agingmore » mechanisms of the alloy isothermally aged at 200 C. Microhardness values of the NA alloy continuously increased after isothermal aging at 200 C for 96 hours as a result of the phase decomposition of partially ordered domains into Nb-depleted {alpha} phase and Nb-enriched U{sub 3}Nb ordered phase in the alloy. It is concluded that the long-term natural aging changes the transformation pathway of WQ-U6Nb, and it leads to order-disorder transformation and precipitation hardening of WQ-U6Nb alloy.« less
Estramustine phosphate with multiple cytotoxic agents in treatment of advanced prostatic cancer

Twenty-five patients with histologically proved adenocarcinoma of the prostate were divided into two groups and submitted to combination therapy with estramustine (Estracyt), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), 5-fluorouracil, and Cisplatin. Group A consisted of 10 patients newly diagnosed Stage D disease with no prior treatment. Group B consisted of 15 Stage D patients who had become hormonally unresponsive. Group A patients demonstrated an initial 100 per cent response rate including 70 per cent partial objective responses and 30 per cent stabilizations. Group B patients had a 46 per cent response with 39 per cent complete and partial responses and 6 per cent as stabilized. Toxicity was tolerable judged by the NPCP criteria. Both groups of patients are still under study for up to two years to determine if this therapy is superior to other traditional therapies.
Representing Science that Isn’t: Harvest as Science Fiction Theatre

Engaging with the difficulty of plausibly staging scientific developments that have not yet been realized (or even those which might never occur), Manjula Padmanabhan’s 1997 play Harvest relies upon science fictional developments in two technologies, communications and medicine. Rather than merely working around them, Padmanabhan’s play makes use of the challenges inherent in staging a fictional future, calling both representation and power into question. In so doing the play exemplifies the increasing openness of science drama to science fictional ideas.
Facial development in normal and mutant chick embryos. I. Scanning electron microscopy of primary palate formation

Early facial development in normal chick embryos was studied by scanning electron microscopy, and compared to the abnormal facial development of a mutant in which primary palate formation does not occur, thus resulting in bilateral cleft lip. In both normal and "cleft primary palate" mutant embryos, subsequent to the appearance of the nasal placodes, the surrounding tissues elevate to give rise to the presumptive facial primordia. As the facial primordia grow forward, they gradually assume the configuration of a square which is most pronounced at five days development. In normal embryos, the square configuration is then lost as the facial primordia become aligned in preparation for primary palate formation. The primary palate is formed at six days development by fusion of the "free-ended" medial nasal processes with the combined lateral nasal and maxillary processes across the nasal grooves. Just prior to fusion, long, slender filaments extend from the apposing surfaces of the facial primordia in the regions of prefusion contact. It is speculated that these "prefusion filaments" may function in alignment or adhesion of the facial primordia. In "cleft primary palate" embryos, facial morphogenesis appears to arrest at five days development, so that the square configuration persists. The medial nasal processes never contact the lateral nasal and maxillary processes, but instead remain separated from them by wide nasal grooves. Furthermore, facial primordia of mutant embryos do not exhibit the "prefusion filaments" characteristic of normal embryos.
Stimulus uncertainty affects velocity discrimination

Abstract Velocity discrimination thresholds were determined for 1 c/deg drifting gratings when uncertainty about the reference velocity was introduced by interleaving stimuli with different reference velocities from trial to trial. When drifting gratings with reference velocities spanning 4 octaves (1–16 deg/sec) were mixed randomly within a series of trials, the velocity discrimination threshold for a 4 deg/sec stimulus increased by more than a factor of 3. The threshold elevation decreased as the range of interleaved velocities was reduced from 4 to approx. 0.75 octaves, below which velocity interleaving had little effect. In contrast, when gratings that spanned a 4-octave range in spatial frequency were interleaved on successive trials, velocity discrimination for 4 deg/sec was essentially unaffected. Our results indicate that the psychophysical mechanisms underlying velocity discrimination are not spatial-frequency specific, but are tuned to the velocity or speed of the stimulus.
Antarctica's role in global change research examined

The greatest discoveries about Antarctica's late Mesozoic and Cenozoic geologic history have been made since the International Geophysical Year in 1957. These discoveries were made by Earth scientists who conduct research in many countries under their National Antarctic Programs, which in turn follow the broad science guidelines recommended by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). SCAR has many subgroups that address thematic issues. One of these groups, the Antarctic Offshore Stratigraphy Project (ANTOSTRAT), was tasked by SCAR to bring together a cross-section of Antarctic Earth scientists to outline the critical thematic topics related to the last 100 m.y. of Antarctic Earth history and to recommend objectives for the coming decade of Antarctic Earth science studies. Such a group of specialists met at a recent workshop, with participation of over 40 scientists from 11 countries. A second SCAR workshop was held simultaneously by the Antarctic Ice Margin Environment (ANTIME) group to focus on the last 20,000 years of Earth history.
The nerve growth factor 35 years later

"Embryogenesis is in some way a model system. It has always been distinguished by the exactitude even punctitio, of its anatomical descriptions. An experiment by one of the great masters of embryology could be made the text of a discourse on scientific method. But something is wrong, or has been wrong. There is no theory of development in the sense in which Mendelism is a theory that accounts for the results of breeding experiments. There has therefore been little sense of progression or timeliness about embryological research. Of many papers delivered at embryological meetings, however good they may be in themselves . . . one too often feels that they might have been delivered five years beforehand without making anyone much the wiser, or deferred for five years without making anyone conscious of a great loss" (1). This feeling of frustration so incisively conveyed by these considerations by P. Medawar, pervaded, in the forties, the field of experimental embryology which had been enthusiastically acclaimed in the mid-thirties, when the upper lip of the amphibian blastopore brought this area of research to the forefront of the biological stage. The side branch of experimental neuroembryology, which had stemmed out from the common tree and was entirely devoted to the study of the tropic interrelations between neuronal cell populations and between these and the innervated organs and tissues, was then in its initial vigorous growth phase. It in turn suffered from a sharp decrease in the enthusiasm that had inflamed the pioneers in this field, ever since R. G. Harrison delivered his celebrated lecture on this topic at the Royal Society in London in 1935 (2). Although the alternate "wax and wane" cycles are the rule rather than the exception in all fields of human endeavor, in that of biological sciences the "wane" is all too often indicative of a justified loss of faith in the rational and methodical approach that had at first raised so much hope. A brief account of the state-of-the-art of experimental neuroembryology in the
A note on sampling a tape-file

The problem of selecting a random sample of precisely n records from a tape film containing N records sometimes arises in data processing applications. If a means of obtaining a random sample of n integers r1, r2, … ,rn selected from the N integers 1, 2, … , N is available, the problem is theoretically simple. All that need be done is to then select the r1th, r2th, … , rnth records.
Molecular theory of fluid interfaces

Abstract A new description of fluid interfaces, the local correlation model, is developed in a gradient approximation to the interfacial density distribution but otherwise rests on fewer assumptions than either the modified Van der Waals model or Toxvaerd's mean field perturbation theory, with both of which it is compared. Its numerical predictions agree quantitatively with those of the modified Van der Waals model for a Lennard-Jones fluid. The differential equation for the density profile, which results from the gradient approximation, provides a particularly simple description of an interface: the intermolecular contributions to interface structure are divided among (1) interactions occurring in homogeneous fluid, and (2) interactions peculiar to inhomogeneous fluid, the latter being represented by an influence factor c and the total thermodynamic potential density ω of inhomogeneous fluid. Numerical results indicate that for a wide range of temperatures the differential equation gives interfacial density profiles and tensions in good agreement with the more rigorous integral equations.
A Terror Management Perspective on Young Adults’ Ageism and Attitudes Toward Dementia

According to Terror Management Theory as applied to ageism, older adults may be associated with mortality, thereby generating death-thought accessibility, stereotypes, and mixed emotions among younger adults. However, it is unclear how older adults’ health conditions, such as dementia, affect ageist attitudes and mortality salience. In the current study, college student participants (N = 240) read descriptions of hypothetical target persons. Target age (29 or 71) and health status (normal, unknown, arthritis, or dementia) were manipulated. Participants then rated targets on stereotype content dimensions of competence and warmth; rated their emotions toward the targets; and completed a measure of death-thought accessibility. Results (p < .05 for all) indicated that, relative to younger targets, older targets triggered lower competence ratings, higher warmth ratings, greater death-thought accessibility, and more empathy and pity. Targets with dementia generated lower competence ratings, higher warmth rating...
Designing marine protected area networks to address the impacts of climate change

Abstract Principles for designing marine protected area (MPA) networks that address social, economic, and biological criteria are well established in the scientific literature. Climate change represents a new and serious threat to marine ecosystems, but, to date, few studies have specifically considered how to design MPA networks to be resilient to this emerging threat. Here, we compile the best available information on MPA network design and supplement it with specific recommendations for building resilience into these networks. We provide guidance on size, spacing, shape, risk spreading (representation and replication), critical areas, connectivity, and maintaining ecosystem function to help MPA planners and managers design MPA networks that are more robust in the face of climate-change impacts.
Circumcision information in a cancer detection center population.

Abstract For men attending the Cancer Detection Center, there is relatively little disagreement between the results of physical examination for the presence or absence of the foreskin and those obtained by questioning. When both the man and his wife were registered at the Cancer Detection Center, the accuracy of reporting by the wife is also high. Circumcision information is apparently not significantly related to religious affiliation, birthplace, age distribution or occupation. The accuracy may, however, be related to the fact that the subjects voluntarily attended a Cancer Detection Center, thus indicating a greater concern with their health than subjects in other studies who were hospital patients.
Intermediate-Term Memory for Site-Specific Sensitization in Aplysia Is Maintained by Persistent Activation of Protein Kinase C

Recent studies of long-term synaptic plasticity and long-term memory have demonstrated that the same functional endpoint, such as long-term potentiation, can be induced through distinct signaling pathways engaged by different patterns of stimulation. A critical question raised by these studies is whether different induction pathways either converge onto a common molecular mechanism or engage different molecular cascades for the maintenance of long-term plasticity. We directly examined this issue in the context of memory for sensitization in the marine mollusk Aplysia. In this system, training with a single tail shock normally induces short-term memory ( 90 min) and long-term memory (>24 hr). We now show that a single tail shock can also induce ITM that is expressed selectively at the trained site (site-specific ITM). Although phenotypically similar to the form of ITM induced by repeated trials, the mechanisms by which site-specific ITM is induced and maintained are distinct. Unlike repeated-trial ITM, site-specific ITM requires neither protein synthesis nor PKA activity for induction or maintenance. Rather, the induction of site-specific ITM requires calpain-dependent proteolysis of activated PKC, yielding a persistently active PKC catalytic fragment (PKM) that also serves to maintain the memory in the intermediateterm temporal domain. Thus, two unique forms of ITM that have different induction requirements also use distinct molecular mechanisms for their maintenance.
Deterministic Genetic Models in Varying Environments

J. B. S. Haldane and S. D. Jayakar [J. Genet. 58, 237–242 (1963)] argue that, when genotype fitnesses fluctuate from generation to generation, if the geometric and arithmetic means of the fitnesses satisfy certain inequalities, there will be a protected polymorphism. Their assertions are biologically interesting, but their mathematical analysis is not sufficient to support their conclusions. We present a firm mathematical analysis and several examples that demonstrate the need for stronger hypotheses and, in some cases, weaker conclusions.
Boron isotope fractionation during supercritical phase separation

Abstract Boron isotopic fractionation between vapor and brine phases separated under supercritical conditions has been experimentally examined using a Na-Ca-K-Cl fluid. Experiments were conducted at 425, 440, and 450°C. Phase separation was controlled by adjusting pressure. Fractionation between the coexisting phases was less than 0.5%.. In contrast, fractionation between trigonal and tetrahedral B, at these temperatures, has been predicted to be approximately 8%.. The lack of fractionation suggests that the trigonal/tetrahedral speciation of B is similar in the two phases. Although this result may not be general for other fluid compositions, it is relevant to ridge crest hydrothermal solutions and indicates that the boron isotopic compositions of these solutions reflect the proportions of B from seawater and crustal sources and not phase separation.
Computer-assisted quantitative videoscanning technique for measuring cross-sectional areas and dimensions of tissue components.

A computer-assisted image quantiser has been used to provide a means of measuring cross-sectional areas of placental peripheral villi. A standardising technique was developed to adapt the instrument for this purpose. Application of this technique has demonstrated that the average reduction of peripheral villous mass in placentas from a malnourished Central American population, as demonstrated by other techniques, results from a reduction in the number of villi rather than in the dimensions of the existing villi.
Fortalezas Familiares Program: Building Sociocultural and Family Strengths in Latina Women with Depression and Their Families

The purpose of this article is to describe Fortalezas Familiares (FF; Family Strengths), a community-based prevention program designed to address relational family processes and promote well-being among Latino families when a mother has depression. Although depression in Latina women is becoming increasingly recognized, risk and protective mechanisms associated with children's outcomes when a mother has depression are not well understood for Latino families. We begin by reviewing the literature on risk and protective psychosocial mechanisms by which maternal depression may affect Latino youth, using family systems theory and a developmental psychopathology framework with an emphasis on sociocultural factors shaping family processes. Next, we describe the theoretical basis and development of the FF program, a community-based 12-week intervention for Latina immigrant women with depression, other caregivers, and their children. Throughout this article, we use a case study to illustrate a Latina mother's vulnerability to depression and the family's response to the FF program. Recommendations for future research and practice include consideration of sociocultural processes in shaping both outcomes of Latino families and their response to interventions.
Quantum critical superconductors in string theory and M-theory

We construct zero-temperature solutions of supergravity theories in five and four dimensions which interpolate between two copies of anti-de Sitter space, one of which preserves an Abelian gauge symmetry while the other breaks it. These domain wall solutions can be lifted to solutions of type IIB string theory and eleven-dimensional supergravity. They describe quantum critical behavior and emergent relativistic conformal symmetry in a superfluid or superconducting state of a strongly coupled dual gauge theory. We include computations of frequency-dependent conductivities which exhibit power law scaling in the infrared, with exponents determined by irrelevant perturbations to the symmetry-breaking anti-de Sitter background.
Trivial pursuits or serious sociology

Did you know that in the eastern and western outlying parts of the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, white bread sells well because people are poor, whereas in the intervening wide swath of central to suburban space, inhabited by wealthier people, whole wheat is the bread of choice (p. 144)? Did you know that there is a Mason-Dixon "mayonnaise line," north of which customers prefer Kraft's tangy Miracle Whip and south of which consumers prefer creamy Hellman's (p. 129)? Did you know that NOW members are recruited mostly from urban "gold coasts," elegant low-density suburbs, well-to-do professional districts, Bohemian quarters in big cities, and zones favored by intellectual yuppies, whereas few members come from poor rural areas, Southern textile towns, or farms in the grain belt (p. 211)? Did you know that politics makes strange bedfellows? Americans with the most conservative political views are either raising children in struggling new suburban zones, living in the fanciest suburban estate zones, or wresting bare subsistence from the poorest rural areas of the country, whereas the least conservative views are held by inner city Bohemians, struggling singles, the emergent black middle class, new ethnics, and unionized workers in heavy industry?
Resonator based logarithmic filter banks

The paper provides a technique to design and approximate computationally efficient digital filter banks whose centre frequencies are spaced logarithmically. The design procedure consists of two steps: The design of ‘mother’ filter banks and the frequency windowing processing for the final filter banks. The resonator with the purely imaginary transfer function on the unit circle is treated as the basic element of the mother bank and the frequency interpolating filter bank structure is applied. Different pole-zero structures are studied and an infinite filter bank is explored from the theoretical point of view. The outputs of the mother filter banks are weighted and summed to produce the final banks with significantly improved responses. Linear programming is applied to find the optimal weighting coefficients, and the experiments for a variety of windows are made with a discussion of the results and some tradeoffs for window selection. The results show that these filter banks have good frequency response and allow control of crossover gain, and they are useful for voice and music analysis and tone receivers.
On-line fault detection of sensor measurements

On-line fault detection in sensor networks is of paramount importance due to the convergence of a variety of challenging technological, application, conceptual, and safety related factors. We introduce a taxonomy for classification of faults in sensor networks and the first on-line model-based testing technique. The approach is generic in the sense that it can be applied on an arbitrary system of heterogeneous sensors with an arbitrary type of fault model, while it provides a flexible tradeoff between accuracy and latency. The key idea is to formulate on-line testing as a set of instances of a non-linear function minimization and consequently apply nonparametric statistical methods to identify the sensors that have the highest probability to be faulty. The optimization is conducted using the Powell nonlinear function minimization method. The effectiveness of the approach is evaluated in the presence of random noise using a system of light sensors.
Contrasting the expectations for student understanding of chemistry with levels achieved: a brief case-study of student nurses

This case study examines the understanding of a small sample of nursing students in some aspects of general chemistry. In the United States most nursing programs require college- level nursing courses, with expectations that students will master basics of first-year general chemistry. Anxiety to achieve passing grades in such courses is high for nurses, and the courses are sometimes seen as a gatekeeper for who has access to the profession. This study examines understanding achieved for a small sample of nursing students regarding aspects of matter — basic ideas regarding understanding of matter composition, structure, amounts and properties. Our intention is to highlight the contrast between what chemistry knowledge is expected of nurses and what level they actually achieve, and what this may mean for their future professional performance. Findings include that the nursing students in the sample had limited understanding of the university-level chemistry they were being asked to master, and exhibited less comprehension and more pervasive misconceptions than comparison groups, including first term high school students, in our sample. [Chem. Educ. Res. Pract., 2006, 7 (3), 170-184]
Comparison of solid-phase radioimmunoassay and competitive protein binding method for post-dexamethasone cortisol levels in psychiatric patients

Results obtained by competitive protein binding assay (PBA) and a solid-phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) for cortisol were compared in 157 samples from 100 psychiatric patients given a dexamethasone suppression test (DST). Cortisol levels in plasma samples obtained at 8:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. the day following 1 .O mg dexamethasone orally at bedtime ranged from 0 to 30 pg/ dl and correlated closely (r 0.96). However, RIA gave values that were consistently and significantly lower (average = 8.9%) than those obtained by PBA. When samples were further assayed by a specific RIA for corticosterone, there was a strong correlation between cortisol and corticosterone RIA values (r = 0.79), and corticos- terone (7.8% of cortisol levels) accounted for most of the difference between PBA and RIA for cortisol. The relationship between results of the two cortisol assay methods can be expressed (in pg/dl) by the equation: RIA = 0.92(PBA) - 0.10. based on findings obtained in a separate analysis of 127 samples with cortisol values in the O-10 pg/dl range, critical to the valid interpretation of the DST in melancholia. A reported criterion of a "positive" DST in psychiatry, of plasma cortisol of > 5.0 pg/dl has been suggested by use of a PBA. Use of the present RIA required that this value be adjusted downward, at least to 4.5 pg/ dl; application of this criterion increased the clinical sensitivity of the DST by 10%. We urge local, independent verification of criteria to define the DST as "positive" in each labora- tory and with each method of .assay.
Influence of a Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Services Program on the lives of persons with mobility impairments.

Objective: To examine the effects of a consumer-directed personal assistance services (CDPAS) program on the lives of persons with disabilities. Methods: Thirteen individuals receiving paid agency-directed PAS services before enrollment in a CDPAS program (Agency Group) and 40 individuals receiving only unpaid PAS before enrollment (Informal Group) participated in this prospective study. In-home interviews were conducted just prior to CDPAS enrollment and again 6 months after CDPAS enrollment. Results: Overall choice and satisfaction with PAS improved significantly for both groups after CDPAS initiation (p ! .05). Total PAS hours increased significantly for the Informal Group (p ! .01) but not the Agency Group. The Informal Group used relatives to provide the majority of its CDPAS hours, while the Agency Group chose to use nonrelatives and nonfriends to provide the majority of its CDPAS hours. Few significant changes in health status were observed for either group after the CDPAS intervention, although most changes were in the positive direction. The CDPAS program did not appear to have a large effect on individuals’ personal and community participation, but participants reported a relatively high quality of participation at both time points. Conclusion: This study supports other findings that consumers prefer CDPAS to agency-directed care and provides new evidence that this preference cannot be explained by an increase in PAS hours that often accompanies enrollment in a CPDAS program. Although CDPAS appear to have subtle positive effects on consumer health and participation, ways in which CDPAS can maximize health status and partic