cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
VASECTOMY AND UROLITHIASIS

The relation between vasectomy and renal disease was examined in the data collection phase of a study of vasectomy and coronary artery disease. The date of onset and type of urological disease was obtained for 11,205 men enrolled in the US Coronary Artery Surgery Study. Urolithiasis was the most common reported urological disease. The relative risk for calculi in men who had had a vasectomy ranged from 2.6 for patients 30-35 years old to 1.3 for those aged 55-65. The age-adjusted relative risk was 1.67 (p less than 0.001).
Shifts in Discriminative Control with Increasing Periods of Recovery in the Rat

Background During recovery from alcoholism, other behavior likely increases. The development of alternative behavior may reduce attention to alcohol-associated stimuli. This could result in greater persistence of the alternative behavior when individuals again encounter alcohol-associated stimuli that might precipitate relapse. Developing animal models of this process could facilitate a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in relapse and recovery. However, current preclinical models of recovery and relapse rarely measure alternative behavior. Thus, our objective was to establish a procedure in rats in which an increase in alternative behavior (responding for food) reduced responding for ethanol (EtOH). The amount of responding for food and EtOH was then assessed after re-exposure to the alcohol-associated stimulus after varying the number of preceding sessions of increased responding for food and reduced responding for EtOH. These results were compared with those from a parallel group responding for saccharin solution instead of EtOH. Methods The solution (EtOH or saccharin) was always available following 5 responses. Presentation of flashing stimulus lights indicated food delivery followed 150 responses and resulted in responding predominately for the solution (84 to 86% of total responses). Presentation of solid stimulus lights indicated food delivery followed 5 responses and resulted in responding predominately for food (1 to 3% of total responses were for the solution). Rats were exposed to solid light conditions for 0, 1, 2, 4, or 16 consecutive sessions before being re-exposed to the flashing stimulus lights in extinction. Results Responding for either solution resumed when rats were re-exposed to the flashing stimulus lights (associated with solution-predominate responding). However, more responses occurred on the food lever with longer recent histories of responding for food instead of the solution. Conclusions These results suggest that the longer alternative behavior replaces drinking, the more that attention to stimuli associated with drinking decreases. These results are consistent with the notion that the risk of relapse declines with longer periods of recovery because alternative behavior comes to predominate even in the presence of stimuli associated with drinking.
The density structure associated with oceanic crustal rifting at the Hess Deep: a seafloor and sea-surface gravity study

Abstract Seafloor and sea-surface gravity measurements provide new constraints on the lithospheric structure of the Hess Deep at the triple junction between the Pacific, Cocos and Nazca plates. As the Cocos-Nazca ridge propagates westward, breaking into young oceanic crust created at the East Pacific Rise, rocks attributed to the base of the crust or to the upper mantle are exposed on the seafloor at Hess Deep, the tip of the propagator. Seafloor gravity data were collected along two north-south profiles: the western profile runs through the deepest part of the Hess Deep valley, and the eastern profile runs over the tip of the Cocos-Nazca neovolcanic ridge. Shipboard gravity track lines provide coverage of the rift valley from the northern to the southern rim. Bouguer gravity anomalies are negative over the deepest part of the basin and positive north of it at the intra-rift ridge where gabbros and hartzburgites have been drilled. Seafloor and sea-surface gravity data are modeled together in a 2D stochastic inversion and a 3D ideal body inversion. When interpreted in the light of geologic data, gravity results favor an asymmetric emplacement mode for the deep-origin rocks, the alteration of the mantle material playing a key role in the gravity signal. In addition, new magma is emplaced from the east forming a neovolcanic ridge over strongly serpentinized peridotite; the density distribution shows that positive buoyancy cannot be the driving force for magma ascent through the upper crust.
Luminescence from hydrogenfluorine flames, dilute in methane

Abstract Mechanisms producing luminescence from CH, C 2 , and CHF in CH 4 F 2 flames are studied by the method of very dilute flames, whereby small amounts of CH 4 (below 2%) are added to H 2 F 2 flames. This technique allows the dependence of the emission intensities on the concentration of CH 4 and carbon-containing radicals to be separated from its dependence on equivalence ratio and pressure, which determines flame temperature and the concentration of hydrogen and fluorine atoms. The most likely mechanism for C 2 emission is the reaction of two CH radicals, while CH emission (both A and B states) and CHF emission probably result from vibration-to-electronic (V-E) energy transfer from vibrationally excited HF. Experiments using CD 4 and D 2 are in agreement with the mechanism proposed for CH emission. The isotope experiments, as well as laser-induced fluorescence measurements on CH, indicate that the V-E energy transfer is by a single step, rather than by stepwise excitation up the vibrational ladder of CH(X). A diagnostics for the [F] [F 2 ] ratio in F 2 H 2 or F 2 hydrocarbon combustion is suggested. The mechanisms proposed for CH and C 2 luminescence are different from those generally discussed for the same emissions in oxygen-supported combustion.
Eyespot placement and assembly in the green alga Chlamydomonas.

The eyespot organelle of the green alga Chlamydomonas allows the cell to phototax toward (or away) from light to maximize the light intensity for photosynthesis and minimize photo-damage. At cytokinesis, the eyespot is resorbed at the cleavage furrow and two new eyespots form in the daughter cells 180° from each other. The eyespots are positioned asymmetrically with respect to the microtubule cytoskeleton. Eyespots are assembled from all three chloroplast membranes and carotenoid-filled granules, which form a sandwich structure overlaid by the tightly apposed plasma membrane. This review describes (1) my interest in cellular asymmetry and organelle biology, (2) isolation of mutations that describe four genes governing eyespot placement and assembly, (3) the characterization of the EYE2 gene, which encodes a thioredoxin superfamily member, and (4) the characterization of the MIN1 gene, which is required for the layered organization of granules and membranes in the eyespot. BioEssays 25:410–416, 2003. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indentation of a beam by a rigid cylinder

Abstract The problem of smooth indentation of a beam of finite length by a rigid, cylindrical indenter is studied. A simple method is developed to solve the two-dimensional problem of a beam subjected to an arbitrary but symmetrical loading on one side. The displacements are computed by superposing classical beam theory solution with the elasticity solution obtained through the use of finite Fourier transforms. The above method in conjunction with a point matching technique is used to solve the indentation problem. For small contact lengths, the contact stress distribution is assumed to be elliptical and the problem is solved in a more direct way. Values of overall deflection, indentation and contact lengths are computed and plotted as a function of total load.
Fueling efficiency of pellet injection on DIII-D

Pellet injection has been used on the DIII-D tokamak to study density limits and particle transport in H-mode and inner wall limited L-mode plasmas. These experiments have provided a variety of conditions to examine the fueling efficiency of pellets injected into DIII-D plasmas. The fueling efficiency, defined as the total increase in number of plasma electrons divided by the number of pellet fuel atoms, is determined by measurements of density profiles before and just after pellet injection. We have found that there is a decrease in the pellet fueling efficiency with increased neutral beam injection power. The pellet penetration depth also decreases with increased neutral beam injection power so that, in general, fueling efficiency increases with penetration depth. The fueling efficiency is generally 25% lower in ELMing H-mode discharges than in L-mode due to an expulsion of particles with a pellet triggered ELM. A comparison with fueling efficiency data from other tokamaks shows similar behavior.
Economic Factors Which Influence Consumer Search for Price Information

An ordinary least squares model was developed depicting relationships between four economic factors and search effort prior to purchase. The model was examined using data provided by a sample of 166 couples who had purchased an automobile or one of eight durable goods. Wife's education and relative size of expenditure were found to be positively associated with search effort. Policy implications of the research findings are noted for designers of consumer information programs.
A Fast Response Capability within NOAA/NOS/CO-OPS

Duuring a maritime emergency, such as an oil spill, it is important to develop an effective response based on sound scientific observations and expertise in order to protect the lives, commerce and environment in the affected area. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Ocean Service's (NOS) Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS), with support from the Emergency Response Division within the Office of Response and Restoration (a.k.a. NOAA Hazmat), has been developing a fast response capability to satisfy this objective. The Quick Response Estuarine Buoy (QREB) has specifically been developed as a rapid-deployment system for the collection of oceanographic and meteorological information at a targeted location in an effort to ensure safe, efficient and environmentally- sound navigation while supporting the environmental needs of Hazmat's response. The QREB is intended to be a self-contained, small moored system that can be easily deployed in coastal waters by a small size vessel. The buoy has a meteorological package and an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) mounted below its hull. The real time data are communicated through both an IP modem and a GOES satellite antenna for durations up to 30 days. The buoy was deployed during the NOAA Safe Seas 2006 (SS2006) exercise in the Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries. Real-time environmental data from the QREB near the site of a simulated oil spill were made available to the Scientific Support Team (SST), Hazmat, the National Weather Service (NWS) and other emergency responders at the Incident Command Post to provide guidance in managing the simulated situation and were also incorporated into the local weather forecasts and used to truth Hazmat's General NOAA Operational Modeling Environment (GNOME) forecasts. Although the Safe Seas drill proved successful, it is evident that improvements are still required for the QREB to become fully operational in response to a real event. Upon successful testing, the QREB will not only be available for event response, but will also be primarily used to collect current velocity data in key navigational areas of the United States in support of the mission of the National Current Observational Program (NCOP) within CO-OPS.
ACTIVATION OF RNA POLYMERASE II TRANSCRIPTION

Multiple alternative interactions between activators and co-activators stimulate transcription by RNA polymerase II. In the past two years, multiprotein co-activator complexes have been characterized and their subunits defined. TATA-box binding protein associated factor (TAF) subunits of yeast TFIID were found to be generally required for transcription in vivo. Mammalian multisubunit coactivator complexes with homologs of the yeast SRB/Mediator subunits have been characterized. Structures of nuclear receptor-coactivator complexes have been determined.
Does size matter most? Reassessing clinical staging for pancreatic cancer.

Cancer staging is an ever-evolving entity. Most would agree that staging systems are generally accurate and never perfect but, nonetheless, an integral tool in treatment planning, communication, research, and education. Although current American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging systems fulfill these missions adequately for most solid tumors, in this issue of Annals of Surgical Oncology, Morganti et al. 1 question the utility of staging for pancreatic cancer. It is certainly true that AJCC staging is rarely referred to during treatment planning for pancreatic cancer patients. Clinically, patients are generally classified as potentially resectable, unresectable because of locally advanced disease, and incurable because of the presence of metastatic disease. These clinical strata and the AJCC stages they encompass successfully segregate patients by their median survival and have formed the basis for clinical trial design. As is all too familiar to the readership, with current available therapies nearly all patients with pancreatic cancer are incurable at diagnosis because of the presence of metastatic disease, whether it is immediately visible or occult. Although we strive to cure, even for resectable patients, prolongation of survival with acceptable quality of life is what we can realistically achieve for most patients. Because of the morbidity of pancreatic surgery, numerous studies have been performed to determine whether clinical factors can identify patients who, even in the face of radiographically resectable disease, are unquestionably incurable and therefore should not be considered for operation. Although various authors have reported that CA19-9 levels of >750 or 1000 U/ml are associated with an ultimately fatal outcome, the ability to prognosticate length of life after resection is more difficult. 2 This, coupled with the lack of alternative treatments, makes it difficult for the surgeon to counsel against operation on the basis of a single clinical factor. Apart from the question of operability, then, what information should we seek from the diagnostic imaging tests we obtain in newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients?
Some effects of time-pressure on vertical structure and decision-making accuracy in small groups

Abstract Eighteen four-person groups were given a decision-making task to perform in one of three time-pressure conditions—3 min, 5 min, and 15 min (high, moderate, and low time-pressure, respectively). Observers recorded the number of times each group member communicated to other group members and to the group as a whole. As predicted, there were significant and strong effects of time-pressure on vertical structuring within the groups. Specifically, groups in the high time-pressure condition shared air-time less equally than did groups in the low time-pressure condition. Furthermore, group members in the high time-pressure condition reported more salient leadership than did group members in the low time-pressure condition. Finally, consistent with contingency theory, there was some evidence to indicate that unequal sharing of air-time was associated with low intermember attraction in the low time-pressure groups, but there was no such relationship for the high time-pressure groups. The decision-accuracy data showed some significant quadratic trends, but no effects of time-pressure on indices of efficiency. The vertical structuring findings were interpreted in terms of social expectations about how to behave under time-pressure, whereas the decision-accuracy findings were interpreted within a performance-arousal perspective.
Moderating effects of gender on the relationship between poverty and children’s externalizing behaviors:

Previous research suggests that boys are at a greater likelihood of exhibiting externalizing behaviors throughout their childhood than girls. In addition, previous research suggests that children who are born into impoverished conditions are more likely to exhibit externalizing behaviors than their peers who are born into higher socio-economic conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the trajectory of externalizing behaviors between boys and girls. In addition, the effects of poverty on externalizing behaviors by gender were also investigated. The findings suggest that in the sample used for this study, boys and girls were virtually equal in externalizing behaviors from 2 years old through 5th grade. In addition, analyses revealed that time spent in poverty predicted a greater occurrence of externalizing behaviors over time for girls, but not boys. These findings suggest that what has previously been assumed about externalizing behaviors in boys and girls may be less concrete than was once thought. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Some principles for the human use of computers in education

There are two recurring themes found in recent proposals for educational innovation. The first speaks to the importance of a humanistic approach to education; to the futility of imposing subject content on the student who does not perceive its acquisition as important; to the unlimited potential, on the other hand, of learners who elect to make the pursuit of some educational goal their own private crusade. The second theme is concerned with the potential of computing and information processing systems as instructional devices. This paper argues the importance of communication between these two views. Five principles for relating computer technology to a humanistic view of education are given, and an experimental program in the Pittsburgh public school system which is based on these principles is briefly described. A software system called NEW-BASIC/ CATALYST has been developed as a result of this undertaking. Several examples derived from this work are shown.
Research Evaluation of a Foster Grandparent Program.

Summary This paper describes the results of a longitudinal research paper evaluating the effect of a Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) on the personal development of its participants. It focuses on the hypotheses, methodology and outcome of a series of studies conducted at the Detroit Foster Grandparent Program, particularly as they relate to effects on the older participants.
Carotid artery stent type influences duplex ultrasonography derived peak systolic velocity: Findings of an in‐vitro model

Objective: The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of stenting on Doppler ultrasonography (DU) [velocity] signals in an in-vitro carotid model. Background: Considerable debate exists about whether DU overestimates velocity signals and thus the degree of stenosis in previously stented carotid arteries. Methods: Constant, pulsatile flow was simulated with an experimental circulatory system containing a nonstenotic ovine internal carotid artery segment. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and peak diastolic velocity were measured with an intravascular flow wire (FW) and DU. Velocities were evaluated at five predetermined locations within the vessel immediately prior to and following stent placement. Results: Eleven stents were implanted. DU-derived PSV increased significantly following placement of the X-Act stent (80 ± 26 cm/sec [pre] vs. 102 ± 29 cm/sec [post], P = 0.02), while FW-derived PSV (65 ± 23 cm/sec [pre] vs. 66 ± 9 cm/sec [post], P = 0.93) did not change. The Precise stent did not influence PSV with either method (DU: 76 ± 28 cm/sec [pre] vs. 72 ± 35 cm/sec [post], P = 0.95;), while the Acculink stent showed a trend towards a reduction in DU (69 ± 37 cm/sec [pre] vs. 51 ± 10 cm/sec [post], P = 0.075) and FW (50 ± 27 cm/sec [pre] vs. 40 ± 12 cm/sec [post], P = 0.14) derived PSV. Peak diastolic velocity revealed similar trends as PSV signals depending on the type of stent used. Conclusions: Stent type may have significant impact on DU derived velocity signals. DU seems to overestimate PSV in carotid arteries treated with the X-Act stent, but not with the Precise or Acculink stent. Larger scale clinical comparison of various stent types and their impact on DU are needed in order to clarify the value of DU surveillance following carotid artery stenting. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Least squares analysis of Voigt-shaped lines.

Abstract The retrieval of the Lorentzian width, intensity, and position of Voigt-shaped lines obtained with an instrument of finite spectral resolution by spectral curve fitting and the use of non-linear, least-squares techniques are described. The accuracy with which the values of these parameters can be retrieved was tested by analyzing synthetic spectra to which random noise was added. Some of the requirements of the experimental data to obtain good retrievals are identified.
Generalization of autistic children's social behavior change: Effects of developmentally integrated and segregated settings

Abstract This study was specifically designed to test the notion that a developmentally-integrated setting would yield superior generalized behavior change than would a developmentally-segregated setting. Four autistic boys served as target subjects. Each day, three 20-min play sessions were conducted. One setting was devoted to peer-mediated training, one to integrated generalization assessment, and one to segregated generalization assessment. The order of the three sessions was counterbalanced across the days of the study. The study employed a multiple baseline design across subjects to demonstrate experimental control over the subjects' positive social interaction, and a combined multiple baseline and simultaneous treatment design to evaluate the impact of developmentally-segregated and developmentally-integrated settings on generalized behavior change. During the Baseline condition each boy engaged in consistently low levels of positive interaction during all sessions. During the Peer Social Initiations I. condition each boy was exposed sequentially to a peer-mediated treatment package. Each day of this condition an integrated and a segregated generalization session was conducted. Only when the boys were exposed to the intervention did their level of positive interaction increase during training sessions. In the final condition, Peer Social Initiations II., treatment continued without alteration. However, now both generalization sessions were integrated. For each boy, clearly superior generalization effects were obtained during integrated sessions. The results of this study have clear social policy implications vis a vis Public Law 94-142 and its controversial stipulation for the placement of handicapped children in the least restrictive environment.
Hectochelle: High resolution multiobject spectroscopy at the MMT

Abstract Hectochelle is a optical fiber-fed echelle spectrograph commissioned at the MMT in early 2004 with 240 fibers. Hectochelle is a single order echelle where each order is ∼150 A and has a resolution of ∼34,000. The usable passband of the Hectochelle is 3800–9000 A.
A practical guide to the analysis of sirolimus using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection

Abstract Background Sirolimus, a new immunosuppressive agent, has recently been approved in the United States for use in combination with cyclosporine and corticosteroids in renal allograft transplantation. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of sirolimus is advocated by the drug's manufacturer in certain patient populations. Given the known pharmacokinetic interaction of sirolimus with cyclosporine and the requirement for patient compliance, physicians may wish to monitor steady-state trough levels of this agent. Several types of analytical methods have been investigated for use in TDM of sirolimus: immunoassay, high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV), and HPLC with mass-spectrometric detection (HPLC-MS or HPLC/MS/MS). Objective This review identifies analytical parameters that are critical to clinical TDM of sirolimus when HPLC-UV is used. Methods Extraction of sirolimus from whole blood was performed using either liquid-liquid or solid phase techniques, whereas liquid chromatography was performed on reverse-phase analytical columns. The drug was detected at its UV extinction maximum. Calculated analytical parameters were evaluated according to current industry standards. Results HPLC-UV methods for the quantification of sirolimus meet or exceed industry standards of performance for clinical TDM. Comparison of the sirolimus levels in clinical samples analyzed by both HPLC-UV and HPLC/MS/MS indicated that the methods provided similar results. Conclusion HPLC-UV methods, although they use a less-sophisticated mode of detection than HPLC-MS or HPLC/MS/MS methods, provide an alternative means of performing TDM without sacrificing the analytical performance required for clinical monitoring of sirolimus.
Characterization of Nonlinear Molecular Dynamics Using The Double Pump Probe Technique

We performed double pump-probe experiments to study the intra-molecular dynamics of several nonlinear organic dye molecules. The method allows for characterization of triplet states yield and cross-section. Several special cases of molecular dynamics are presented.
C-Terminal truncation affects subunit exchange of human αA-crystallin with αB-crystallin

In human lenses, C-terminal cleavage of αA-crystallin at residues 172,168, and 162 have been reported. The effect of C-terminal truncation of αA-crystallin on subunit exchange and heterooligomer formation with αB-crystallin and homooligomer formation with native αA-crystallin is not known. We have conducted fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies which have shown that the rates of subunit exchange of αA1–172 and αA1–168 with αB-wt were two-fold lower than for αA-wt interacting with αB-wt. The subunit exchange rate between αA1–162 and αB-wt was six-fold lower. These data suggest that cleavage of the C-terminal residues could significantly affect heterooligomerization. On the other hand, the subunit exchange rates between αA-wt and the truncated αA-crystallins were either unchanged or only slightly decreased, which suggest that homooligomerization may not be significantly influenced by C-terminal truncation. The main conclusion from this study is that cleavage of C-terminal residues of αA-crystallin including the nine residues of the flexible tail is expected to significantly affect the formation of heteroaggregates. Reconstitution experiments showed that the presence of an intact C-terminus is essential for the formation of fully integrated heteroaggregates with equal proportion of αA and αB subunits.
Low-temperature desorption treatment of co-contaminated soils: TCLP as an evaluation technique

Abstract The evaluation of a rotary kiln incinerator utilized as a low-temperature thermal desorber was carried out at EPA's Incineration Research Facility (IRF). The effectiveness of employing a direct fired unit was tested in decontaminating soil containing various organic and metallic pollutants. Test parameters were: soil moisture content, treatment temperature, treatment time, solid bed depth and the degree of agitation. The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) can be used as a way to show the change in mobility that metals experience as a result of low-temperature thermal treatment. The effects of low-temperature treatment varied, with treatment temperature having the biggest impact on the TCLP of metal residues.
Parfit's arguments for the present-aim theory

Summary This paper has been about the question of what there is most reason to doin situations in which either there are no moral considerations to be takeninto account or the moral considerations to be taken into account are equally balanced. I have assessed all Parfit's arguments for concluding that the Present-aim Theory is right and the Self-interest Theory wrong aboutthis question. In § III, I showed how Parfit's argument from personal identity leads not to the abandonment of the Self-interest Theory, but merely to a revision of it. In § IV, I argued that a premiss relied on by Parfit's argument from incomplete relativity — the premiss that theoretical and practical reason are relevantly similar — is too weak to support the conclusion that knowingly doing what is against one's long- term self-interest is rational (when no moral considerations are in play). In § V, I addressed Parfit's argument that we must reject the Self-interest Theory because we believe that it is rational to care more about certa...
Tectonic motions and systematic errors in leveling and trilateration data for California

Abstract We examined leveling and trilateration data for southern California. We used mathematical models that allow for both tectonic motion and systematic errors. For both data types we find evidence of systematic errors. The leveling data reveal no significant tectonic motion except the direct effects of earthquakes. Trilateration data show steadily accumulating shear strain, but previously reported episodic dilatations probably result from systematic errors.
The grid as city plan: New York city and laissez‐faire planning in the nineteenth century

(1987). The grid as city plan: New York city and laissez‐faire planning in the nineteenth century. Planning Perspectives: Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 287-310.
Quantum electrodynamical corrections to the fine structure of helium

Order α6mc2 corrections to the fine structure splitting of the deepest triplet P state (23P0,1,2) of the He4 atom have been investigated. The investigation is based on the covariant Bethe-Salpeter equation including external potential to take account of the nuclear Coulomb field. All order α6mc2 corrections which arise from Feynman diagrams involving the exchange of one, two, and three photons, as well as radiative corrections to the electron magnetic moment have been found. The results are presented in a form suitable for computerized numerical evaluation.
Effect of dichloromethane on sickle cells. An in vitro water proton magnetic resonance relaxation study.

To examine the manner in which dichloromethane inhibits sickling, sickle blood was subjected to both prevention and reversal schemes over a range of CH2Cl2 vapor pressures. Following CH2Cl2-treatment, the rotating frame spin lattice relaxation time (T1ϱ) of water protons in deoxygenated packed sickle cells was measured, cell types in a deoxygenated fixed sample were counted, and the extent of hemolysis determined. At CH2Cl2 vapor pressures above 200 mm, the NMR relaxation rate decreased sharply, the extent of hemolysis increased, the fraction of sickled cells and other abnormal erythrocytes decreased, and the fraction of biconcave discs increased. Apparently CH2Cl2 is absorbed by the cell membrane and preferentially lyses sickled cells and other abnormal cells. Part of the decrease in NMR relaxation rate with increased CH2Cl2 pressure is due to a larger fraction of discs, but an additional factor probably arises from CH2Cl2 inhibition of hemoglobin S gelation.
Prototype performance of novel muon telescope detector at STAR

Research on a large-area, cost-effective Muon Telescope Detector has been carried out for RHIC and for next generation detectors at future QCD Lab. We utilize state-of-the-art multi-gap resistive plate chambers with large modules and long readout strips in detector design [1]. The results from cosmic ray and beam test will be presented to address intrinsic timing and spatial resolution for a Long-MRPC. The prototype performance of a novel muon telescope detector at STAR will be reported, including muon identification capability, timing and spatial resolution.
Novel signed chromatic dispersion monitoring technique based on asymmetric waveform distortion in DQPSK receiver

We propose a novel monitoring technique targeting chromatic dispersion (CD) in a DQPSK system. A signed non-intrusive monitor can be realized by using asymmetric waverform distortion in a 43 Gbit/s DQPSK system without pilot tone.
Dispersion of particles in periodic media

We discuss the long-time properties of the dispersion of particles in periodic media, using the random walk formalism. Exact asymptotic results are obtained for the average velocity and the diffusion coefficient, expressed in terms of the Green's function of the random walk inside the periodically repeated unit cell. We explicitly calculate the transport coefficients for several specific cases of interest, including a system with “dead zones,” a simple model for field-induced trapping, and a one-dimensional map leading to deterministic diffusion.
Effect of North Carolina's restriction on teenage driver cell phone use two years after implementation

A majority of states now restrict teenagers from using a mobile communication device while driving. The effect of these restrictions is largely unknown. In a previous study, we found North Carolina's teenage driver cell phone restriction had little influence on young driver behavior four months after the law took effect (Foss et al., 2009). The goal of the present study was to examine the longer-term effect of North Carolina's cell phone restriction. It was expected that compliance with the restriction would increase, as awareness of the restriction grew over time. Teenagers were observed at high schools in North Carolina approximately two years after the law was implemented. Observations were also conducted in South Carolina, which did not have a cell phone restriction. In both states, there was a broad decrease in cell phone use. A logistic regression analysis showed the decrease in cell phone use did not significantly differ between the two states. Although hand-held cell phone use decreased, there was an increase in the likelihood that drivers in North Carolina were observed physically manipulating a phone. Finally, a mail survey of teenagers in North Carolina showed awareness for the cell phone restriction now stands at 78% among licensed teens. Overall, the findings suggest North Carolina's cell phone restriction has had no long-term effect on the behavior of teenage drivers. Moreover, it appears many teenage drivers may be shifting from talking on a phone to texting.
Comparing Tongue Positioning by Normal-Hearing and Hearing-Impaired Children during Vowel Production.

Glossometric measures of tongue positions of 10 normal-hearing (NH) and 10 profoundly hearing-impaired (HI) children were compared during production of the eight vowels /i,I,e,ae,u,U,o,a/. The NH su...
Alternative formulation of non-stationary behavior

Abstract A new formulation for non-stationary behavior is posed. The formulation engenders from the multiplicative group composition law (M-non-stationarity) in contradistinction to the additive group composition law of the traditional formulation. The formulation is pursued specifically for the case of uniform modulation, although a possible explicit example of non-uniform modulation is also suggested. It is shown that an evolutionary spectrum for M-non-stationary behavior can be rigorously defined, and the presence of invariant structure examined. The motion of “time-averaging” for M-non-stationary uniform modulation is investigated.
Breathing training for treating panic disorder. Useful intervention or impediment

Breathing training (BT) is commonly used for treatment of panic disorder. We identified nine studies that reported the outcome of BT. Overall, the published studies of BT are not sufficiently compelling to allow an unequivocal judgment of whether such techniques are beneficial. This article discusses problems with the underlying rationale, study design, and techniques used in BT, and it identifies factors that may have determined therapy outcomes. The idea that hypocapnia and respiratory irregularities are underlying factors in the development of panic implies that these factors should be monitored physiologically throughout therapy. Techniques taught in BT must take account of respiration rate and tidal volume in the regulation of blood gases (pCO2). More studies are needed that are designed to measure the efficacy of BT using an adequate rationale and methodology. Claims that BT should be rejected in favor of cognitive or other forms of intervention are premature.
A particle swarm optimization approach for estimating parameter confidence regions

Point estimates of the parameters in real world models convey valuable information about the actual system. However, parameter comparisons and/or statistical inference requires determination of parameter space confidence regions in addition to point estimates. In most practical applications, the relation of the parameters to model fitness is highly nonlinear and noisy data leads to further deviations. Thus the confidence regions obtained by using locally linearized models are often misleading. Uniform covering by probabilistic rejection (UCPR) is a robust technique that has been developed to solve this problem, and has been proven to be more efficient than other approximate random search techniques. In this paper, we propose a contour particle swarm optimization (C-PSO) technique and compare its performance against UCPR in predicting the confidence regions. Results indicate that for problems with low number of parameters, both the algorithms are quite comparable. However, real world models such as genetic networks have a large number of parameters and the UCPR fails in finding good convergence due to its limited search capabilities. In such problems, the C-PSO technique was able to find the confidence regions with better resolution and efficiency.
Ion channels in nociceptors: Recent developments

Nociceptors are specialized high-threshold sensory afferents from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) or other primary sensory (e.g., trigeminal) neurons that innervate the skin, muscle, joints, and viscera and respond to noxious or potentially damaging stimuli. Nociceptors express a unique repertoire of voltage-gated sodium (Na+) channels (Nav), potassium (K+) and calcium (Ca2+) channels, as well as cation channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP), acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC), and purinergic P2X families. These channels are responsible for the basic properties of nociceptors, including the lack of spontaneous activity and high threshold of activation. Products of inflammation or axonal injury trigger changes in the expression and function of these channels, resulting in increased excitability (reduced threshold of activation) of nociceptors. This process, known as peripheral nociceptor sensitization, manifests with spontaneous nociceptor activity (resulting in spontaneous pain), increased responsiveness and size of receptor fields for noxious stimulation (primary and secondary hyperalgesia), and nociceptor responses to innocuous mechanical or thermal stimuli (allodynia). These features characterize neuropathic and inflammatory pain. The wide variety of chemical signals that elicit nociceptor sensitization act via several types of receptors expressed in nociceptors, including G-protein-coupled receptors and tyrosine kinase receptors, which affect the expression or sensitivity of cation channels, particularly Nav1.7, Nav1.8, Nav1.9, TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and TRP ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels. Gain-of-function mutations affecting these channels are linked to familial syndromes characterized by episodic pain sporadic painful small fiber neuropathies (SFN); loss-of function mutations are associated with congenital insensitivity to pain. There are extensive and excellent reviews on all these subjects.1–15
Renewable Reagent Fiber Optic Based Ammonia Sensor

Many fiber optic based chemical sensors have been described which rely on a reagent chemistry fixed at the fiber endface to provide analyte specificity. In such systems, problems involving probe-to-probe reproducibility, reagent photolability and reagent leaching are frequently encountered. As a result, calibration and standardization of these sensors becomes difficult or impossible and thus inhibits their application for long term in situ chemical monitoring. Many of these problems can be addressed and several additional advantages gained by continuously renewing the reagent chemistry. To illustrate this concept, a fiber optic ammonia sensor is described in which the reagent is delivered under direct control to a sensing volume of approximately 400 nanoliters located at the probe tip. Using an acid-base indicator (bromothymol blue) as the reagent, the sample ammonia concentrations are related to modulations in light intensity with a lower limit of detection of 10 ppb. The sensor performance was studied with respect to reagent pH, concentration and reagent delivery rate. Compared with previous fiber optic ammonia sensors, the ability to reproducibly renew the reagent has resulted in improvements with respect to response and return times, probe-to-probe reproducibility, probe lifetime and flexibility of use.
Performance and results with a double-beam infrared camera

This paper describes the performance of a unique new IR array camera system which provides simultaneous imaging at two wavelengths in the near IR. Two-color imaging is achieved with a dichroic beam splitter which yields two independent beams, one short-wave (SW) from 1 to 2.5 micrometers and one long-wave (LW) from 2 to 5 micrometers . A Rockwell NICMOS 3 256 by 256 HgCdTe array is used in the SW channel and the LW channel has an InSb 256 by 256 array from SBRC. The instrument, which is designed for the University of California's Lick Observatory 3-m telescope and for the f/15 focus of the 10-m W.M. Keck telescope, employs a closed cycle refrigerator and a compact array control/data acquisition system based on transputers with a host 486 PC. On the Lick 3-m telescope the pixel size is 0.7' which gives a field of view of about 180' by 180'. Facilities are also provided for spectroscopy and polarimetry. Recent observational results are reported to illustrate the performance of this system.
Monetary co‐operation and economic growth in Africa: Comparative evidence from the CFA‐zone countries

This article compares economic growth performance of ten African countries, all members of the CFA monetary zone, with that of 23 non‐zone Sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries. Our descriptive results suggest that, overall, African economies have experienced similar growth trends, which are higher in the 1970s than the 1980s. However, contrary to previous studies, disaggregated comparison of the CFA with the SSA indicate that no significant growth differences exist between these economies. Moreover, our empirical findings suggest that monetary expansion and capital formation have positive impacts on output growth, whereas inflation, and government spending show negative effects. In sum, although participating in a monetary union has not necessarily resulted in faster output growth, it has enabled the CFA countries to better control price fluctuations and monetary expansion.
Effect of nutritional rehabilitation on the development of intestinal brush border disaccharidases of postnatally Malnourished weanling rats

ABSTRACT. The reversibility of the effects of postnatal malnutrition on the intestinal brush border enzymes and somatic and intestinal weights were examined using either ad libitum or restricted feedings. Malnutrition was induced in the immediate postnatal period by expanding newborn rat litters to 20 pups/dam. At 21 days of age, malnourished pups exhibited significantly decreased body and intestinal weights as compared to those from control litters. Malnourished pups also had significantly elevated lactase specific activities whereas sucrase and maltase activities were not affected in the proximal small intestine. With subsequent nutritional rehabilitation by an ad libitum (food available 24 h/day) or restricted feeding regimen (food available 2 h/day), body and intestinal weights remained significantly depressed by 56 days in malnourished as compared to control animals. Rats on 2–h feedings consumed approximately 35% of the food consumed by their ad libitum-fed counterparts. Comparison of the ratio of weight gained to the amount of food consumed did not demonstrate a greater food efficiency with any particular feeding pattern. With ad libitum or restricted feedings, lactase specific activity in the proximal segment attained control values by 14 days. Restricted feedings resulted in an apparent elevation of specific activity of sucrase and of maltase, when rats were sacrificed at one chosen time point. Multiple time studies in a 24–h cycle showed that maximal elevations in enzyme activities were associated with feeding time. There were no significant differences in mean specific daily enzyme activities between the two feeding regimens. Restricted feedings show no advantage in enzyme efficiency or in promoting the rate of recovery of the intestine after postnatal malnutrition.
Synthesis and properties of a new crosslinkable polymer containing benzoxazine moiety in the main chain

Using difunctional phenolic and amine compounds, a new polymer with benzoxazine groups in the main chain has been synthesized through the Mannich reaction of a phenol, formaldehyde, and an amine. 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and elemental analysis are used to characterize the resulting polymer. Polymer with molecular weight of approximately 10,000 Da is obtained. The resultant polymer has a moderately broad polydispersity index. The thermal properties of the polymer have also been studied by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Ischemia/reperfusion injury in coronary artery bypass grafting: time to revisit?

Surgical revascularization has demonstrated exceptional durability as a therapeutic intervention for ischemic heart disease. Objectively, major morbidity and mortality outcomes have improved steadily over the past 20 years, despite a well-documented increase in preoperative risk owing to cardiac and noncardiac comorbidity conditions. The overall risk-adjusted mortality for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 1989 exceeded 5%; for 2007 to 2009, the annual risk-adjusted mortality has hovered around 2.0% nationwide according to data from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons national database. This remarkable improvement can be attributed to better preoperative patient selection, better intraoperative technical and perioperative management (anesthesia and perfusion technique improvements), and substantially improved perioperative care, both short term and long term. It is of interest, then, that careful evaluation of these data from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons also documents that this risk-adjusted mortality for CABG has not continued to decline over the past 3 years, but rather has remained stable. Does this potentially suggest that the risk-adjusted mortality curve has reached its nadir, based on current technology and techniques, and in fact will start to increase as the preoperative risk continues to steadily increase? Addressing this question may be more complicated than first appears. With this low overall risk-adjusted mortality, substantial improvement in this overall metric cannot be accomplished by improvement in the lowest-risk subset of this overall group. There simply are not enough patients in this subset with adverse events to affect the overall group metric; the persistent occurrence of random events in this lowestrisk subset is what David Eddy has characterized as ‘‘the probabilistic component’’ of medicine. It is rather the high-risk group of patients in this overall subset to which attention needs to be refocused to continue to drive down the overall operative mortality. Better understanding of the impact of pulmonary and/or renal insufficiency, concomitant hepatic disease, and the structural components of cardiac care on CABG morbidity and mortality are examples of investigations that are ongoing.