cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Patent Ductus Arteriosus on Organ Blood Flow in Infants Born Very Preterm: A Prospective Study with Serial Echocardiography.

Objective To characterize the effects of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) on different organ blood flows in infants born preterm. Study design Infants born preterm at ≤30 weeks of gestational age had daily echocardiography and Doppler assessments of middle cerebral artery, celiac artery, superior mesenteric (SMA), and renal arteries (RA) during the first postnatal week. Abnormal organ blood flow was defined as either reverse or absent diastolic flow, abnormally low mean or systolic velocities, or abnormally high pulsatility or resistance index. Results Twenty-five infants born very preterm (gestational age 27.0 ± 2.1 weeks) were enrolled. PDA presence at time of measurement increased the risk of abnormal organ blood flows (39% vs 8%, P 2.0 mm, LA/Ao ratio >1.4, and their combination were associated with 8.0 (95% CI 1.6–39.4)-, 6.7 (1.3–34.7)-, and 38.2 (3.2–455.5)-fold increase in risk of abnormal organ blood flow index, respectively. Abnormal descending aorta flow was detected in only 2% of measurements. Conclusions Ductal size >2.0 mm and LA/Ao >1.4, especially in combination, are associated with a greater risk of abnormal organ blood flows. We suggest that Doppler assessment of the renal and superior mesenteric arteries are more likely to detect systemic hypoperfusion than the descending aorta.
Synthesis and Conductivity Studies of Tetraarylphosphonium Salts As Potential Electrolytes in Advanced Batteries

The purpose of this study was to synthesize polysubstituted tetraarylphosphonium/tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate salts 3, also known as TAPR/TFAB where R is a substituent, and to measure their conductance/conductivity in low-polarity media such as tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dichloromethane (DCM). Such determination was to provide a rationale to the question of whether these compounds, and other weakly coordinating cations/anions combinations are suitable electrolytes for advanced batteries which are energized in safer, low-polarity organic solvents.
Transformable peptide nanoparticles arrest HER2 signalling and cause cancer cell death in vivo

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in >20% of breast cancers. Dimerization of HER2 receptors leads to the activation of downstream signals enabling the proliferation and survival of malignant phenotypes. Owing to the high expression levels of HER2, combination therapies are currently required for the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer. Here, we designed non-toxic transformable peptides that self-assemble into micelles under aqueous conditions but, on binding to HER2 on cancer cells, transform into nanofibrils that disrupt HER2 dimerization and subsequent downstream signalling events leading to apoptosis of cancer cells. The phase transformation of peptides enables specific HER2 targeting, and inhibition of HER2 dimerization blocks the expression of proliferation and survival genes in the nucleus. We demonstrate, in mouse xenofraft models, that these transformable peptides can be used as a monotherapy in the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer.
Wealth Stratification and Portfolio Choice

This paper investigates the past decade's increase in wealth inequality along racial and ethnic lines. Using a new measure of wealth stratification based on data from the Survey of Consumer Finances, we find that stratification increased significantly for blacks from 2007 to 2016; Hispanics exhibited a similar but less pronounced trend. Our regression analysis shows that relative to whites, blacks and Hispanics tend to invest more in houses and less in stocks, controlling for observable demographic factors. Consequently, these groups did not benefit as much as whites from the decade's spectacular increase in stock prices.
Case 28-2020: A 64-Year-Old Man with Intrusive Thoughts and Fear of Being Poisoned

A Man with Intrusive Thoughts and Fear of Poisoning A 64-year-old man was evaluated at the geriatric psychiatry clinic for chronic depression, intrusive thoughts, and fear of being poisoned. The pa...
Inguinal Surgery in Children

The inguinal incision is employed for common pediatric problems such as undescended testicle, hydrocele, and hernia. It is also used for less common problems such as testicular tumor. An understanding of inguinal anatomy in the normal and abnormal setting is crucial for treating these disorders with a minimum of complications.
Joint uncertainty measures for maximally decimated M-channel prime factor cascaded wavelet filter banks

In this paper we study the joint time-frequency localization of cascade connections of maximally decimated wavelet filter banks. An M-channel bank is created by cascading a series of p/sub i/-channel maximally decimated filter banks where M=p1 p2.....pk is the prime factorization of M. Joint localization of the overall M-channel filter bank is quantified in terms of the geometric mean of certain discrete domain uncertainty measures of the analysis filters. As examples, we obtain interesting quantitative time-frequency localization measures for several two, four, and eight channel filter-banks.
El argumento como cognición práctica : Esquemas y patologías discursivas.

Este articulo revisa algunos esquemas de razonamiento practico. Los expresa en terminos del modelo de "logica practica" de Toulmin. Sin embargo, estos esquemas no son tratados como normas o procedimientos (legales), sino como mecanismos cognitivos. Se introduce la idea de que las metaforas son garantias o licencias argumentales. Un proposito general del articulo es el de introducir herramientas practicas para la evaluacion y para la produccion de afirmaciones y propuestas cotidianas.
Dynamic Claim Interpretation

Patent law hinges on the interpretation of a legal text, on construing the definitional claims that conclude the patent document, demarcating the characteristic features of the invention. Courts routinely construe the claims to determine questions of scope, of infringement, of validity, all of which are assessed in reference to the textually claimed invention. Not surprisingly, this interpretive exercise closely parallels common law interpretation of other legal texts, often encompassing familiar methodologies such as the application of competing canons of construction, reliance on dictionary definitions, and searching the documentary history for clues as to its original meaning. But, despite such parallels, surprisingly little of the vast literature on textual interpretation has been brought to bear on patent claim interpretation. In this chapter, I look to the interpretive principles laid out in William Eskridge’s landmark work Dynamic Statutory Interpretation for guidance in approaching claim construction. In particular, I critique the noted tendency of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to adopt formalist approaches to textual interpretation; as Eskridge noted more than a decade ago, formalism is merely interpretive purpose veiled behind claims of neutrality and determinism. As such, interpretive formalism subordinates legal functionality in order to maintain a facade of inevitability. Courts reviewing patent claims might do better to adopt realist approaches akin to Eskridge’s “dynamic statutory interpretation” in order to effectuate the proper function of claims in the patent system.
A Socioeconomic Analysis of Property Assessment Uniformity: Empirical Evidence on the Role of Policy

Though property assessment uniformity has been repeatedly studied as a technical problem related to the difficulty of the task, popular, and policy sentiment against the property tax is frequently directed at the incidence of nonuniformity across socioeconomic groups. Using data from Virginia, this paper brings socioeconomic determinants to the forefront of the analysis and their interaction with policy. Unlike the previous literature that employs controls for the time passed since the last reassessment, this paper consider show policy and socioeconomic variables may exert different influences between assessments. For example, the results indicate that elected and appointed assessors perform similarly during mass reappraisals in terms of maintaining uniformity, but appointed assessors perform far better during nonassessment years.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOLAR WIND SPEED AND THE AREAL EXPANSION FACTOR

Empirical studies indicate that the solar wind speed at Earth is inversely correlated with the divergence rate of the coronal magnetic field. This result suggests that the mechanical energy flux at the coronal base (in the form of Alfven waves, for example) is roughly constant within open field regions.
Identification of an operon and inducing peptide involved in the production of lactacin B by Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Aim: To determine if a 9·5-kb region on the Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM genome, encoded the genetic determinants for regulation and production of lactacin B, a class II bacteriocin. Methods: Transcriptional analysis was used to identify a 9·5-kb polycistronic region suspected of encoding the lab operon. The 12 putative open reading frames (LBA1803–LBA1791) were organized into three clusters: a production and regulation cluster encoding a putative two-component signal transduction system; an export cluster encoding a putative ABC transporter and a final cluster composed of three unknown proteins. Seven genes were typical of bacteriocins, encoding small, cationic peptides, each with an N-terminal double-glycine leader motif. Inactivation of a predicted ABC transporter completely abolished bacteriocin activity. When cloned and expressed together, LBA1803–LBA1800 resulted in markedly higher levels of lactacin B activity. The four peptides were chemically synthesized but exhibited no bacteriocin activity, alone or in combination. Only LBA1800 induced lactacin B production in broth cultures. Conclusions: Lactacin B production is encoded within the 9·5-kb lab operon of 12 genes that are transcribed in a single transcript. LBA1800 is an inducing peptide of bacteriocin production. Significance and Impact of the Study: A three-component regulatory system common to class II bacteriocins regulates the production of this bacteriocin by Lact. acidophilus.
Work in progress - assessing the impact of team dynamics on the design process

Successful teamwork relies on functions that team members assume throughout the life of a project. Task functions, critical to achieving product quality, focus on management activities aimed at the overall team goal. Operating functions, critical to maintaining team unity, focus on behaviors aimed at a team-centered approach to solving problems. Teams conduct a series of exercises in which half perform and the other half observe based on an observational technique developed by Eberhardt. Team operations follow phases described by Tuckman. We have discovered that undergraduate team performance relies on a balance of task and team functions. As the project progresses, men and women assumed different functions, probably due to differences in problem solving methods and technical exposure. Continuing this work in progress, we described teamwork exercises and statistics to identify functions that men and women assume. In addition, the paper offers a hypothesis for future research with respect to the impact that the functions men and women assume have on team decision making processes
Nonlinear Discrete Systems

In this chapter, a theory for nonlinear discrete systems is reviewed. The local and global theory of stability and bifurcation for nonlinear discrete systems is presented. The stability switching and bifurcation on specific eigenvectors of the linearized system at fixed points under a specific period are discussed. The higher-order singularity and stability for nonlinear discrete systems on the specific eigenvectors are also presented.
Regulator mode and master-slave series operation of the crossatron switch

Operation of crossatron modulator switches has been demonstrated in the linear regime for regulator and power-amplifier applications. In a grounded-grid circuit, the anode circuit was controlled for a fixed anode voltage by varying the discharge current between the control grid and cathode. Depending on the load circuit, the anode voltage may also be controlled by applying a low-voltage ( >
Early Changes in the Ultrastructure of Streptococcus faecalis After Amino Acid Starvation

Abstract Thin sections of Streptococcus faecalis (ATCC 9790) starved of one essential amino acid (threonine or valine) initially show rapid increases in (i) cell wall thickness, (ii) the apparent size of the central nucleoid region, and (iii) mesosomal membranes. The most rapid increases in all three variables occurred during the first 1 to 2 hr of starvation. After this initial period, the rates progressively decreased over the 20-hr observation period. During threonine starvation, the mesosomal membrane that accumulated in the first hour was subsequently degraded and reached a level similar to that found in exponential-phase cells after 20 hr. With valine starvation, mesosomal membrane continued to slowly accumulate over the entire 20-hr observation period. The mesosomes of the starved cells retained the same “stalked-bag” morphology of those in exponential-phase cells. These cytological observations agree with previously published biochemical data on membrane lipid and wall content after starvation.
Dietary Fat Modulates Serum Paraoxonase 1 Activity in Rats

We examined the effects of dietary fats with specific fatty acid compositions, on serum paraoxonase (PON1) activity in rats. Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into four dietary groups. One group received the control diet [AIN 93M with soybean oil (5 g/100 g diet)], whereas the remaining three groups received the modified control diet supplemented with (15 g/100 g diet) triolein, tripalmitin or fish oil, respectively. After 20 d, blood was obtained after overnight food deprivation and PON1 activity was determined. Serum lipids and lipid components of lipoproteins were also determined. Serum PON1 activity [micromol/(L.min)] was significantly (P: 1.15 kg/L). Serum PON1 activity correlated strongly with serum lipids as well as lipids of VLDL, HDL and its subfractions. Multiple linear regression analysis, however, showed a significant relationship of serum PON1 activity, principally with the phospholipids of VHDL (r = 0.47, P: < 0.002). These data suggest that the modulation of serum PON1 activity by dietary fat may be mediated via the effect of the specific fatty acids on the synthesis and secretion of VHDL, the subfraction of HDL that transports the majority of PON1 in the blood.
C2H2CO complex. Ab initio calculations with the coupled-cluster method and first-order correlation orbitals

Abstract The coupled cluster method and the first-order correlation orbital technique is applied to determine which N 2 OHCl configuration out of three planar equilibrium structures found in the MBPT (2) geometry optimizations is the most stable. The result agrees with the recent experimental determination of Kukolich and co-workers.
Dynamics of microscopic objects in optical tweezers: experimental determination of underdamped regime and numerical simulation using multiscale analysis

This article presents new experimental observations and numerical simulations to investigate the dynamic behavior of micro–nano-sized objects under the influence of optical tweezers (OTs). OTs are scientific tools that can apply forces and moments to small particles using a focused laser beam. The motions of three polystyrene microspheres of different diameters, 1,950, 990, and 500 nm, are examined. The results show a transition from the overdamped motion of the largest bead to the underdamped motion of the smallest bead. The experiments are verified using a dynamic model of a microbead under the influence of Gaussian beam OTs that is modeled using ray-optics. The time required to numerically integrate the classic Newton–Euler model is quite long because a picosecond step size must be used. This run time can be reduced using a first-order model, and greatly reduced using a new multiscale model. The difference between these two models is the underdamped behavior predicted by the multiscale model. The experimentally observed underdamped behavior proves that the multiscale model predicts the actual physics of a nano-sized particle moving in a fluid environment characterized by a low Reynolds number.
Perfluorinated alginate for cellular encapsulation

Molecules of pentadecafluorooctanoyl chloride (PFC) were grafted onto alginate (Alg) using a linear poly(ethylene glycol) linker and amide bonds. The resulting Alg-PFC material was characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopies. The degree of PFC functionalization significantly influenced the physical and chemical properties of Alg-PFC, particularly when the resulting polymer was ionically crosslinked into hydrogels. Alg-PFC hydrogel beads fabricated via Ba(2+) crosslinking were found to match the permeability properties of control alginate beads, except upon swelling over time in culture media. When used to encapsulate MIN6 cells, a beta cell line, Alg-PFC beads demonstrated enhanced cell proliferation over alginate control beads. These results indicate that Alg-PFC hydrogels retain some of the PFC's biological-relevant benefits, such as enhancement of mass transport and bioinertness, to enhance cellular viability within alginate three-dimensional hydrogel environments. We envision these functionalized hydrogels to be particularly useful in the encapsulation of cells with a high metabolic demand, such as pancreatic islets.
Spectral and catalytic properties of cytochrome P-450 from a diazinon-resistant housefly strain.

Abstract Microsomes from the diazinon-resistant Rutgers strain of housefly contain amounts of cytochrome P-450 that are larger than those reported for rat liver, but the specific activity expressed as nmole of cytochrome P-450 per mg protein is much lower. The hemoprotein shows that spectral changes type I, II and IV are essentially in the low-spin form as judged by the n -octylamine and ethyl isocyanide difference spectra, and is unstable at pH below 6.5 and above 8.0. Cytochrome P-420 is also produced with time when CO-difference spectra are recorded. This is accelerated at pH above 8.0. The presence of contaminating amounts of cytochrome P-420, due to denaturation during spectral analysis or to the method used to isolate the microsomes, makes questionable the practice of characterizing the hemoprotein on the basis of the 455 nm peak in the ethyl isocyanide spectra, since a 434 nm peak is produced with concomitant decrease of the 455 nm peak. Microsomes hydroxylate naphthalene, aminopyrine and aniline, but the activity when expressed as nmole of product per nmole of cytochrome P-450 is the same or lower than that reported for other resistant housefly strains.
Stability of multidimensional scalar and matrix polynomials

A comprehensive study of multidimensional stability and related problems of scalar and matrix polynomials is presented in this survey paper. In particular, applications of this study to stability of multidimensional recursive digital and continuous filters, to synthesis of network with commensurate and noncommensurate transmission lines, and to numerical stability of stiff differential equations are enumerated. A novel approach to the multidimensional stability study is the classification of various regions of analyticity. Various computational tests for checking these regions are presented. These include the classical ones based on inners and symmetric matrix approach, table form, local positivity, Lyapunov test, the impulse response tests, the cepstral method and the graphical ones based on Nyquist-like tests. A thorough discussion and comparison of the computational complexities which arise in the various tests are included. A critical view of the progress made during the last two decades on multidimensional stability is presented in the conclusions. The latter also includes some research topics for future investigations. An extensive list of references constitutes a major part of this survey.
Ghrelin--a new player in glucose homeostasis?

The hormone ghrelin regulates secretion of growth hormone and energy homeostasis. Sun et al. (2006), in this issue of Cell Metabolism, demonstrate that ghrelin inhibits insulin secretion. Deletion of ghrelin increased basal insulin level, enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and improved peripheral insulin sensitivity. These effects were not related to changes in food intake or weight, suggesting ghrelin has unique actions on key components of glucose homeostasis.
Pathophysiological preconditions promoting mixed "black" pigment plus cholesterol gallstones in a ΔF508 mouse model of cystic fibrosis

Gallstones are frequent in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). These stones are generally “black” pigment (i.e., Ca bilirubinate) with an appreciable cholesterol admixture. The pathophysiology and ...
AIDS and Intravenous Drug Use: A Growing Menace

The AIDS virus is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids between an infected person and an uninfected person, and the sharing of needles by IV drug users has been one of the primary means of transmission. The incidence of infection by this method has increased in the world, and in the inner cities of the United States has been a particular problem. Infected drug users also transmit the disease to their sexual partners and to their unborn children. Educational efforts have been directed at changing the behavior of drug users to reduce their sharing of needles, and some cities have tried handing out free needles. Such efforts, of course, run counter to the admonition not to use drugs at all, but health professionals believe changing behavior is the most important way of attacking the disease. While transmission of the HIV virus through IV drug abuse remains a significant problem, there is evidence that the educational efforts have been working and that, in some areas at least, behaviors have been changed and the risk has been reduced.
Issues in Education: Reflection is Essential in Teacher Education

(1995). Issues in Education: Reflection is Essential in Teacher Education. Childhood Education: Vol. 71, No. 4, pp. 228-231.
Recognition and Social Justice: What Critical Theory Can Learn From Paid Domestic Laborers in the United States

Working in private homes, often isolated from the community and denied the legal rights and protections that most other workers enjoy, paid domestic laborers make up some of the most socially marginalized, vulnerable, and exploited workers in the United States today. This article explores the theoretical possibilities for an account of justice, based on the concept of recognition, to critique their work experiences, legal exclusion, and social status. To do so, it draws on the contrasting accounts of recognition advanced by Axel Honneth and Nancy Fraser, which focus on the psychological and the socio-structural dimensions of recognition respectively. While both theories generate compelling critiques of the conditions of domestic laborers, it is shown that neither one alone can capture the full range of injustices experienced, and that each can in fact complement the other. The article thus sketches an account of justice based on both the psychological and socio-structural dimensions of recognition.
Computer Operations in Jordan: A Systems Development Study in an LDC

A computer survey of 101 data processing managers was conducted in Jordan to explore the life cycle of computer systems; sixty-two responses were collected. Six hypotheses were tested by chi-square analysis, two in each of the following systems phases: planning, acquisition, and operation. Four of the six hypotheses were supported. The two hypotheses dealing with the operation phase were not supported. The results of the study provided revealing insight into Jordan's progress and problems in the areas of system planning, acquisition, and operation. Specifically, the results indicate the importance of feasibility studies and managerial involvement in system planning, acquisition, and operation. In addition, the results indicate the importance of a strong ongoing relationship with local computer company representatives to ensure timely system updates.
Empirical evidence on the evolution of liquidity: Choice of market versus limit orders by informed and uninformed traders

Abstract We empirically investigate the evolution of liquidity, as well as the changing strategies of informed traders, over the course of the trading day. In particular, we empirically examine the relative use of market versus limit orders by informed and liquidity traders early versus later in the trading day using detailed order and audit trail data from the NYSE. Our study complements experimental research that shows that informed traders tend to take liquidity earlier in the trading day while acting as liquidity suppliers later in the day. We find that informed (i.e., institutional) traders actually use market orders more often in the first half of the day than the second. We also find support for informed traders’ use of limit orders. Limit orders placed by informed traders perform better than those placed by uninformed (i.e., individual) traders. Our findings serve to underscore the importance of developing new theoretical models to more accurately reflect the changing and complex trading milieu.
Physical Activity: The Role of Physical Activity and Fitness in the Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:

More than 18 million people in the United States are estimated to have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The prevalence of coronary heart disease has been estimated to be as high as 55% in adult dia...
Persons as Proper Parts of Organisms

The position that we are essentially thinking beings and not living entities is thought to commit its advocates to maintaining that the organism and person are distinct but spatially coincident entities. A problem for this position is that if the person can think, then it would seem that the organism can also since it shares a brain and every other atom with the person. Jeff McMahan and Ingmar Persson independently proposed that the problems presented by spatially coincident thinkers could be avoided by treating the person as a proper part of the organism. The organism would then only think in a derivative and unproblematic way as a result of having a thinking being as a part. However, their “solution” merely results in moving around the metaphysical bulge in the carpet. The problem of too many thinkers will reemerge. Instead of the spatial coincidence of the organism and person, there will be the problem of the spatial coincidence of the person and whatever bit of anatomy that constitutes or in some other way coincides with the person conceived as a small part of the organism.
Catalysis by a synthetic receptor sealed at one end and functionalized at the other.

A deep cavitand bearing a zinc (II) salen wall catalyzes the hydrolysis of para-nitrophenylcholine carbonate. The closed end of the cavitand properly positions the carbonyl function of the substrate for activation by the metal center. Substrate specificity for acetylcholine derivatives results from simultaneous cation−π interactions and a CO- - -Zn coordination bond.
CMB constraints on the thermal WIMP mass and annihilation cross section

A thermal relic, often referred to as a weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP), is a particle produced during the early evolution of the Universe whose present (relic) abundance depends only on its mass and its thermally averaged annihilation cross section (annihilation rate factor) $⟨\ensuremath{\sigma}v{⟩}_{\text{ann}}$. Late time WIMP annihilation has the potential to affect the cosmic microwave background (CMB) power spectrum. Current observational constraints on the absence of such effects provide bounds on the mass and the annihilation cross section of relic particles that may be, but need not be, dark matter candidates. For a WIMP that is a dark matter candidate, the CMB constraint sets an upper bound to the annihilation cross section, leading to a lower bound to its mass that depends on whether or not the WIMP is its own antiparticle. For a self-conjugate WIMP, ${m}_{\mathrm{min}}=50f\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$, where $f\ensuremath{\le}1$ is an electromagnetic energy efficiency factor. For a non--self-conjugate WIMP, the minimum mass is a factor of two larger. For a WIMP that is a subdominant component of the dark matter density there is no bound on its mass and the upper bound to its annihilation cross section imposed by the CMB transforms into a lower bound to its annihilation cross section. These results are outlined and quantified here using the latest CMB constraints for a stable, symmetric (equal number of particles and antiparticles), WIMP whose annihilation is s-wave dominated, and for particles that are, or are not, their own antiparticle.
Observation of Coulomb repulsion between Cu intercalants in Cu x Bi 2 Se 3

Using scanning tunneling microscopy and ab initio simulations, we have identified several configurations for Cu dopants in ${\text{Cu}}_{x}$${\text{Bi}}_{2}$${\text{Se}}_{3}$, with Cu intercalants being the most abundant. Through statistical analysis, we show strong short-range repulsive interactions between Cu intercalants. At intermediate range (g5 nm), the pair distribution function shows oscillatory structure along the $\ensuremath{\langle}10\overline{1}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ directions, which appear to be influenced by different diffusion barriers along the $\ensuremath{\langle}10\overline{1}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ and $\ensuremath{\langle}2\overline{1}\overline{1}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ directions.
C3, GBG, orosomucoid and haptoglobin polymorphisms. Improved staining methods.

. C3, GBG, and orosomucoid polymorphisms were electrophoresed in a high-voltage agarose method which permitted the typing of 15–20 samples. The increased sensitivity of the dye Coommassie blue was used to stain the protein, and yielded higher resolution than amido black. The typing of haptoglobin samples, was facilitated by devising a method which utilizes the peroxidase activity of the haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex with 0-tolidine and hydrogen peroxide as substrates and 4-chloro-1-naphthol as coupler.
Work Disability Among Adults With Asthma

Objective To estimate the incidence of work disability among adults with asthma and to evaluate a clinically based illness severity score as a predictor of such disability. Design Baseline and follow-up telephone interviews and medical record review. Setting University-based outpatient pulmonary specialty practice. Patients Fifty-six patients interviewed at baseline; 42 reinterviewed 2 years later. Measurements Work disability ascertained by interview report and defined as change in job duties, reduction in pay, or change in job or employment status attributed to asthma. Severity of asthma score derived from medical records and based on respiratory symptom frequency, asthma history, and prescribed medications. Pulmonary function by routine testing. Logistic regression analysis of the 5-year incidence of work disability on severity score and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ). Results The 5-year work disability cumulative incidence was 19 percent for change in duties, 17 percent for reduction in pay, 20 percent for change in job or work status, and 36 percent for any of these measures. The median asthma score was 10 (range, 2 to 26). The mean FEV 1 as a percent predicted (FEV 1 percent) was 88 ±25 percent. Score and FEV, percent were statistically correlated (r= − 0.6, p 2 = 1.3, p>0.2). Conclusions Work disability is common among adults with asthma. A severity of asthma score based on clinical variables is statistically correlated with lung function but appears to be a stronger predictor of disability than airflow measured at one point in time.
The Underground Economy: Achilles Heel of the State?

How important is the black economy? Bruce Bartlett, an undersecretary at the US Department of the Treasury, shows that the underground economy is pervasive around the world.
Development of a dynamic 4D anthropomorphic breast phantom for contrast-based breast imaging

Mammography is currently the most widely accepted tool for detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. However, the sensitivity of mammography is reduced in women with dense breast tissue due to tissue overlap, which may obscure lesions. Digital breast tomosynthesis with contrast enhancement reduces tissue overlap and provides additional functional information about lesions (i.e. morphology and kinetics), which in turn may improve lesion characterization. The performance of such techniques is highly dependent on the structural composition of the breast, which varies significantly across patients. Therefore, optimization of breast imaging systems should be done with respect to this patient versatility. Furthermore, imaging techniques that employ contrast require the inclusion of a temporally varying breast composition with respect to the contrast agent kinetics to enable the optimization of the system. To these ends, we have developed a dynamic 4D anthropomorphic breast phantom, which can be used for optimizing a breast imaging system by incorporating material characteristics. The presented dynamic phantom is based on two recently developed anthropomorphic breast phantoms, which can be representative of a whole population through their randomized anatomical feature generation and various compression levels. The 4D dynamic phantom is incorporated with the kinetics of contrast agent uptake in different tissues and can realistically model benign and malignant lesions. To demonstrate the utility of the proposed dynamic phantom, contrast-enhanced digital mammography and breast tomosynthesis were simulated where a ray-tracing algorithm emulated the projections, a filtered back projection algorithm was used for reconstruction, and dual-energy and temporal subtractions were performed and compared.
Dopaminergic influences on male sexual behavior of rhesus monkeys: effects of dopamine agonists.

Abstract Previous research has demonstrated that the mixed D 1 /D 2 dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine, and the specific D 2 dopamine receptor agonist, quinelorane, facilitated penile erections and masturbatory behavior of male rhesus monkeys when they were tested in the presence of a female monkey that they could see, hear, and smell but not physically contact. The present study was designed to further examine dopaminergic influences on male sexual behavior of rhesus monkeys by evaluating male copulatory behavior following administration of these dopaminergic agents, as well as a D 1 agonist, CY 208-243. Apomorphine and quinelorane treatment produced dose-dependent effects on male sexual responding. Compared to vehicle-based performance, postejaculatory intervals were shortened following treatment with either 100–200 μg/kg apomorphine or 2.5–10 μg/kg quinelorane. Higher doses of apomorphine or quinelorane did not reliably influence the postejaculatory interval. Ejaculation latency, intromission frequency, and number of thrusts/intromission increased following administration of 200–400 μg/kg apomorphine and 25 μg/kg quinelorane, indicating that dopaminergic stimulation in this dose range raised the monkeys' ejaculatory threshold. No behavioral effects of the D 1 agonist, CY 208-243, were observed in this testing situation. These experiments provide further evidence that dopaminergic mechanisms may play a role in the regulation of male sexual behavior of rhesus monkeys and, in particular, demonstrate that the direction of the effect depends on the dopamine receptor subtype and dosage of the dopamine agonist being administered.
Confirmation of crosses between lines of Agaricus brunnescens by isozyme analysis

Abstract In this paper are presented the results of isozyme analysis which confirmed intraspecific crosses between putative homokaryotic lines of Agaricus brunnescens . Putative homokaryotic lines were recognized by electrophoresis of single-spore-derived cultures and used as breeding stock. These breeding stock lines were grown together in dual culture on agar and selections were made from the interaction zone. These selections were then transferred to make spawn. Alternatively, spawns from each of two selected lines were mixed together and inoculated directly into compost. Intraspecific crosses were confirmed by the presence of heteromeric isozymes. Many of these newly developed lines were characterized by unique isozymic phenotypes reflecting unique genotypic classes.
Differential second-order aversive conditioning using contextual stimuli

Two experiments were conducted to determine if contextual stimuli used as S2 in a higher-order differential conditioning procedure would control the performance of rats. Discrete stimuli were first paired with footshock in a separate training context. During second-order training, a shock-associated discrete stimulus was presented in one of two discriminable observation chambers. Over 4 days of training, subjects engaged in more freezing in the context associated with an excitatory discrete S1, relative to a context in which no discrete stimulus, or a stimulus that had been explicitly unpaired with shock delivery, was presented. After acquisition of the second-order discrimination, animals were returned to the original training context where they received a “signaled inflation” treatment designed to change the current value of S1, and the US. This postconditioning manipulation did not selectively affect performance of defensive freezing or conditional analgesia in S2.
The Discredible Eyewitness

In a recent, widely publicized finding (Loftus, 1974), eyewitness testimony heightened judgments of guilt even when the testimony was discredited In Study I we offered two hypotheses to explain this finding: that it depends on the order of presentation of evidence, and/or that the discreditors had low credibility due to their self-interest. Contrary to prediction, we found that eyewitness testimony did not heighten judgments of guilt when it was discredited. In Study 2, we replicated our results, again reversing Loftus' original findings, even when the eyewitness was allowed to reaffirm his identification after the discreditation.
In vitro interaction of mouse hepatitis virus and macrophages from genetically resistant mice. I. Adsorption of virus and growth curves.

Peritoneal macrophages from genetically resistant C3H mice and genetically susceptible Princeton (PRI) mice adsorbed the MHV (PRI) strain of mouse hepatitis virus equally well. The difference between the permissive cells and the nonpermissive ones seems to reside in the ability of the former to "eclipse" the virus and, subsequently, support virus replication. C3H cells exposed to low multiplicities of the virus remained intact with no demonstrable viral replication. Virus, taken up by the resistant cells, was protected from heat and underwent slow inactivation while few or no virus particles were released into the medium.
Comparison of axillary artery or brachial artery pressure with aortic pressure after cardiopulmonary bypass using a long radial artery catheter

Arterial pressure measured in a peripheral artery may significantly underestimate central arterial pressure after discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Arterial pressure measured with a 50 cm radial artery catheter advanced into the brachial or axillary artery was compared to ascending aortic pressure in 31 patients before and after discontinuation of CPB. The radial artery catheter extended proximally into the brachial artery in 8/31 patients, and into the axillary artery in 23/31 patients. The patient's age, pre-CPB cardiac ejection fraction, and surgical procedures were similar in both groups. The systolic arterial pressure measured in the ascending aorta was found to be significantly different from that in the axillary artery after CPB, whereas the mean and diastolic pressures were not. The average aorta-to-axillary artery systolic pressure gradient was -3.0 +/- 4.0 mmHg, with no patient having a gradient greater than 10 mmHg. The systolic and mean arterial pressures measured in the ascending aorta were found to be significantly different from that in the brachial artery after discontinuation of CPB, whereas the diastolic pressure was not. The average aorta-to-brachial artery systolic pressure gradient was 6.9 +/- 6.9 mmHg, with 3/8 patients having a gradient greater than 10 mmHg. Long radial artery catheters, placed using the Seldinger technique, provide an accurate estimate of central aortic pressure after CPB when they are advanced into the axillary artery. Sites more distal than the axillary artery may result in significant underestimation of the central aortic pressure in these patients.
On the properties of a new classification of partitions into at most three parts

Let n be a positive integer, and let n = x + y + z, x greater than or equal to y greater than or equal to z greater than or equal to 0 be a partition of n into at most three positive parts; throughout the present paper the phase ''partition on n'' will tacitly embody this restriction. The number of such partitions is well known to be p(n, 3) = )(n + 2) (n + 4)/12), where the curly brackets in this formula (but not elsewhere in the paper) indicate nearest integer. Further, let m = x/sup 2/ + y/sup 2/ + z/sup 2/. Fixing n, we run through all p(n, 3) partitions of n, grouping together those which have the same m value. In other words, we impose a structure on the set of partitions by defining equivalence classes C/sub m/ labeled by the value of the sum of squares of the parts. Any given class will consist of some k-tuple of partitions, k = 1, 2,.... Let ..mu../sub i/ be the number of distinct i-tuples for given n, so that ..sigma.. r/sub i=2/ i..mu../sub i/ = p(n, 3); here r = r(n) is the maximum numbermore » of partitions in any of the classes C/sub m/; we shall call r(n) the rank of the integer n. In the sequel we investigate the properties of this new structure as n increases without limit. A complete characterization of the classification is given in terms of a suitably restricted set of solutions of a well-known binary diophantine equation.« less
What they wish they would have known: Support for comprehensive sexual education from Mexican American and White adolescents' dating and sexual desires

Abstract Focus groups were conducted to assess what Mexican American and White male and female adolescents wished they had known about romantic and sexual relationships. Relevant gender and ethnic differences emerged in adolescents' desires and findings across all groups supported a need for comprehensive sexual education that contextualizes sexual activity within a framework that emphasizes socio-emotional skills and well-being. Adolescents' desires were emotional, relational, physical and interpersonal in nature. Youth preferred parents and school educators as key sources of information and support. Recommendations for prevention programming and policy are discussed.
Using SAS PROC MCMC for Item Response Theory Models

Interest in using Bayesian methods for estimating item response theory models has grown at a remarkable rate in recent years. This attentiveness to Bayesian estimation has also inspired a growth in available software such as WinBUGS, R packages, BMIRT, MPLUS, and SAS PROC MCMC. This article intends to provide an accessible overview of Bayesian methods in the context of item response theory to serve as a useful guide for practitioners in estimating and interpreting item response theory (IRT) models. Included is a description of the estimation procedure used by SAS PROC MCMC. Syntax is provided for estimation of both dichotomous and polytomous IRT models, as well as a discussion on how to extend the syntax to accommodate more complex IRT models.
Inhibition of S-adenosylmethionine formation by analogues of methionine.

Abstract The reaction between ATP and methionine, catalyzed by methionine adenosyl-transferase (ATP: l -methionine S-adenosyltransferase, E.C. 2.5.1.6) was studied. Pan and Tarver (3) recently compared several different analogues of methionine as substrates for rat-liver methionine adenosyltransferase. In the present study analogues of methionine were used to inhibit the reaction to gain a better understanding of the specificity of the enzyme and the binding of methionine to the enzyme. Ethionine and S-trifluoromethyl-homocysteine inhibited the activation of methionine by rat-liver enzyme. The activation of methionine by extracts of the enzyme from Salmonella typhimurium was not inhibited by ethionine. The conformation of methionine required by the different enzymes, trans- or cis-like forms, could account for these results. Methionine activation showed higher inhibition only by those analogues of methionine that act as substrates. α-Methylmethionine and norleucine slightly inhibited the activation of methionine with rat-liver enzyme. S-Methyl and S-ethyl cysteine were also poor inhibitors. Ethionine and S-trifluoromethyl-homocysteine were shown to be competitive inhibitors of methionine activation. S-Adenosylmethionine and S-adenosylethionine were better inhibitors of S-adenosylmethionine formation than were the analogues of methionine. The end-product inhibition observed in these experiments suggest a control mechanism for the formation of S-adenosylmethionine.
An efficient two's complement systolic multiplier for real-time digital signal processing

The authors propose a fast, area-efficient, bit-parallel systolic architecture for two's complement multiplication, which can be implemented on a single VLSI chip. This architecture is more efficient than other reported bit-parallel architectures in terms of performance and utilization of silicon area. The bit cells are arranged in a 2-D array which enhances the extensibility and provides efficiency for high-precision data. Barrel shifters are employed on the cell level instead of a basic full adder, which increases the throughput rate by a factor of three over the other reported pipeline structures. The structure is highly regular and programmable, and it can be adapted to the requirements of different digital signal processing applications without significant loss in throughput and efficiency. >
Characterization of central axon terminals of putative stretch receptors in leeches.

Sensory feedback from stretch receptors, neurons that detect position or tension, is crucial for generating normal, robust locomotion. Among the eight pairs of putative stretch receptors associated with longitudinal muscles in midbody segments of medicinal leeches, only the ventral stretch receptor has been characterized in detail. To achieve the identification of all such receptors, we penetrated large axons in the nerve roots of nerve cords from adult leeches with dye-filled (Alexa Fluor hydrazide) electrodes. We identified the terminal arborizations of two additional putative stretch receptors with axons in anterior nerve roots and four more such receptors with axons in posterior roots of midbody ganglia. The axons are nonspiking and are individually identifiable by their entry point into the CNS; their projections within the neuropile; the pattern, extent, and orientation of their terminal branches; and the characteristics of small “spike-like” events. At least two of these axons undergo membrane potential oscillations that are phase locked to the swimming rhythm expressed in nerve cord-body wall preparations and, at a different phase angle, also in isolated nerve cords. Thus the membrane potentials of at least two axons are phasically modulated by the periphery and hence could provide cycle-by-cycle sensory input to coordinate swimming activity. One of these neurons has a soma associated with the dorsal body wall and hence is a putative stretch receptor in dorsal longitudinal muscle. Thus the traveling body wave expressed by swimming leeches may be regulated by sensory feedback from both ventral and dorsal longitudinal muscles. J. Comp. Neurol. 494:290–302, 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.