cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of schistocity on soil weathering on large boulder tops, Kärkevagge, Sweden

Abstract Weathering and soil development was examined on large boulder tops in Karkevagge, a deglaciated valley in Northern Sweden. Soil and weathered rock was collected from 15 mica-schist, and 5 garnet-mica-schist boulders. The boulders approximated “closed-systems,” as their tops were essentially horizontal, and assumed inputs were minimal, with the possible exception of rainwater and aeolian sediment. This provided a relatively uniform sample to determine influential soil-forming factors. Results showed that the soils were shallow, and exhibited minimal horizonation, mostly A over C horizons. Particle size was predominantly coarse sandy loam, with a significant percentage of silt and clay on a number of the boulders. Clay content was higher on the garnet-mica-schist than on the mica-schist boulders. Soil pH was acidic. Deeper soils had developed overlying vertical schistocity, emphasizing the role of microenvironment. Muscovite, chlorite and mixed-layer minerals were the predominant clay minerals in the boulder soils. Secondary clay formation in soils indicated that chemical weathering was occurring. Results concurred with previous research that chemical weathering is an active geomorphic process in Karkevagge.
Application mapping for express channel-based networks-on-chip

With the emergence of many-core multiprocessor system-on-chips (MPSoCs), the on-chip networks are facing serious challenges in providing fast communication for various tasks and cores. One promising solution shown in recent studies is to add express channels to the network as shortcuts to bypass intermediate routers, thereby reducing packet latency. However, this approach also greatly changes the packet delay estimation and traffic behaviors of the network, both of which have not yet been exploited in existing mapping algorithms. In this paper, we explore the opportunities in optimizing application mapping for express channel-based on-chip networks. Specifically, we derive a new delay model for this type of networks, identify their unique characteristics, and propose an efficient heuristic mapping algorithm that increases the bypassing opportunities by reducing unnecessary turns that would otherwise impose the entire router pipeline delay to packets. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve a 2~4X reduction in the number of turns and 10~26% reduction in the average packet delay.
Familial pulmonary stenosis and deaf-mutism: Clinical and genetic considerations

Abstract 1. 1. A unique family group is described in which the mother and 3 children exhibit clinical pulmonary stenosis, and 2 of the 3 children manifest concomitant deaf-mutism. 2. 2. The possible role of extrinsic etiologic factors is discussed, and their apparent absence emphasized. 3. 3. A genetic mechanism is postulated in which a dominant gene contributed by the mother is determinative for the cardiac lesion, and a recessive gene transmitted by both parents is important for the manifestation in homozygous off-spring of the sensory-motor abnormality.
Keeping up with the ′omics: non-equilibrium models of gene regulation

Non-equilibrium processes are vital features of biological systems. Despite this universally accepted fact, gene regulation is typically formalized into models that assume thermodynamic equilibrium. As experimental evidence expands the repertoire of non-equilibrium genome regulatory mechanisms, theoreticians are challenged to devise general approaches to accommodate and suggest functions for non-equilibrium processes. Ahsendorf et al. provide one such framework, which is discussed in the context of the growing complexity of eukaryotic gene regulation.
Validation study for the gas chromatographic-atmospheric pressure ionization-mass spectrometric method for the isomer-specific determination of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Abstract The results of this study serve to validate the extraction, cleanup and GC-atmospheric pressure ionization-MS methodology for the determination of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin in fish tissue, hog fat and clay soil and demonstrate the utility of the method for clear water samples.
Correlates of HIV Risk Among Female Sex Partners of Injecting Drug Users in a High-Seroprevalence Area

Abstract Risk factors for HIV infection were examined in 520 female sex partners (SPs) of injecting drug users (IDUs); 16% tested HIV positive (40% among former IDUs). In multivariate analyses, sex trade was associated with lower risk of HIV infection, whereas race, age, history of pneumonia or genital herpes, high self-rated AIDS risk, and IDU history were related to greater risk. Among women with no IDU history, cohabitation with a SP (not trading sex) predicted higher risk; having a female SP was also associated with higher risk. Secondary analyses suggest that total unprotected contacts with IDUs and both sex trade and cohabitation might account for these findings. The data suggest that, for female SPs of IDUs, reducing numbers of sex partners per se may not confer adequate protection from HIV. For women in committed relationships with IDUs, interventions should address contextual factors in relationships that elevate risk and complicate prevention.
Phonons at metal surfaces

A hydrodynamic model of collective motion at a metal surface is presented which treats ion and electron degrees of freedom on the same basis. In order to examine modes at a surface, the bulk equations of motion must be supplemented by additional boundary conditions. It is argued that at a free surface, continuity of surface traction is more appropriate than continuity of normal current density. The acoustic-phonon modes for several model systems are determined. Both the surface-mode dispersion and the bulk-and surface-mode external coupling to a charged probe show considerable sensitivity to the choice of boundary conditions. The implications of these results for electron-loss spectroscopy are discussed.
The University of Utah's Immersion/Multiliteracy Program: An Example of an Area Studies Approach to the Design of First‐year College Foreign Language Instruction

The University of Utah's Immersion/Multiliteracy (IM/ML) Program is an outgrowth of the post-WWII movement towards an extension of the area studies model to modern foreign language study. Where the IM/ML program has sought to innovate is in the creation of a first-year language course based on the area studies model. Using a methodology based on the Canadian immersion approach, the IM/ML Program has set as its goal multiliteracy, i.e, the pursuit of intellectually challenging and culturally broadening activities in more than one language. This article describes the pilot IM/ML Program in Spanish in which first-year language students used Spanish-language newspapers and culture/civilizations texts to study the history, geography and current affairs of Latin America. Results of the pilot program indicate 1) that IM/ML students are for the most part keeping up with students in traditional courses with respect to skill development, and 2) that the IM/ML Program holds promise for enhancing the contribution of introductory foreign language study to students' liberal education.
Moderate Childhood Stress Buffers Against Depressive Response to Proximal Stressors: A Multi-Wave Prospective Study of Early Adolescents

Although the majority of research in the field has focused on childhood stressors as a risk factor for psychopathology, a burgeoning body of literature has focused on the possible steeling effect of moderate types of stressful events. The current study investigated the effects of proximal life stressors on prospective changes in depressive symptoms, and whether a history of moderate childhood adversity would moderate this relationship in a multi-wave study of a diverse community sample of early adolescents (N = 163, 52 % female, 51 % Caucasian). Hierarchical linear modeling was run with four waves of data. Adolescents with greater moderately severe early life events evinced a blunted depressive symptom response to changes in proximal stressful events in the previous 9 months, compared to those with fewer early moderately severe experiences of adversity. These results held after controlling for between-subject factors such as race, gender, severe early life stress, and average stress over the four waves of data. Findings indicate that greater exposure to moderate childhood stressors may buffer against the negative effects of subsequent stressors, suggesting the importance of a nuanced developmental approach to studying the effects of early life stress.
Disaggregation of giant "DNA-like RNA" of yeast by denaturation in the presence of formaldehyde.

Abstract In yeast, cycloheximide causes the accumulation of heterogeneous RNA, most of which is high molecular weight RNA sedimenting faster than the 26E ribosomal RNA component, which has a molecular weight of 1.3 × 106. Heating of this heterogeneous RNA in the presence of formaldehyde shows that this RNA is an aggregate of molecules tha t have molecular weights ranging from about 0.2 × 106 to 1.4 × 106.
A rat model of neurobehavioral sensitization to toluene.

Some individuals report that, following either a single high-level or repeated lower-level exposures to chemicals (initiation), subsequent exposure to very low concentrations of chemicals (triggeri...
Protein Languages Differ Depending on Microorganism Lifestyle

Few quantitative measures of genome architecture or organization exist to support assumptions of differences between microorganisms that are broadly defined as being free-living or pathogenic. General principles about complete proteomes exist for codon usage, amino acid biases and essential or core genes. Genome-wide shifts in amino acid usage between free-living and pathogenic microorganisms result in fundamental differences in the complexity of their respective proteomes that are size and gene content independent. These differences are evident across broad phylogenetic groups-a result of environmental factors and population genetic forces rather than phylogenetic distance. A novel comparative analysis of amino acid usage-utilizing linguistic analyses of word frequency in language and text-identified a global pattern of higher peptide word repetition in 376 free-living versus 421 pathogen genomes across broad ranges of genome size, G+C content and phylogenetic ancestry. This imprint of repetitive word usage indicates free-living microorganisms have a bias for repetitive sequence usage compared to pathogens. These findings quantify fundamental differences in microbial genomes relative to life-history function.
Regulation of Cardiac Inward Rectifier Potassium Current (IK1) by Synapse-associated Protein-97

Synapse-associated protein-97 (SAP97) is a membrane-associated guanylate kinase scaffolding protein expressed in cardiomyocytes. SAP97 has been shown to associate and modulate voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel function. In contrast to Kv channels, little information is available on interactions involving SAP97 and inward rectifier potassium (Kir2.x) channels that underlie the classical inward rectifier current, IK1. To investigate the functional effects of silencing SAP97 on IK1 in adult rat ventricular myocytes, SAP97 was silenced using an adenoviral short hairpin RNA vector. Western blot analysis showed that SAP97 was silenced by ∼85% on day 3 post-infection. Immunostaining showed that Kir2.1 and Kir2.2 co-localize with SAP97. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) results demonstrated that Kir2.x channels associate with SAP97. Voltage clamp experiments showed that silencing SAP97 reduced IK1 whole cell density by ∼55%. IK1 density at −100 mV was −1.45 ± 0.15 pA/picofarads (n = 6) in SAP97-silenced cells as compared with −3.03 ± 0.37 pA/picofarads (n = 5) in control cells. Unitary conductance properties of IK1 were unaffected by SAP97 silencing. The major mechanism for the reduction of IK1 density appears to be a decrease in Kir2.x channel abundance. Furthermore, SAP97 silencing impaired IK1 regulation by β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-AR) stimulation. In control, isoproterenol reduced IK1 amplitude by ∼75%, an effect that was blunted following SAP97 silencing. Our co-IP data show that β1-AR associates with SAP97 and Kir2.1 and also that Kir2.1 co-IPs with protein kinase A and β1-AR. SAP97 immunolocalizes with protein kinase A and β1-AR in the cardiac myocytes. Our results suggest that in cardiac myocytes SAP97 regulates surface expression of channels underlying IK1, as well as assembles a signaling complex involved in β1-AR regulation of IK1.
T-stress effects on steady crack growth in a thin, ductile plate under small-scale yielding conditions: Three-dimensional modeling

Abstract The non-singular T-stress provides a first-order estimate of geometry and loading mode, e.g. tension vs. bending, effects on elastic–plastic, crack-front fields under mode I conditions. The T-stress has a pronounced effect on measured crack growth resistance curves for ductile metals – trends most computational models confirm using a two-dimensional setting. This work examines T-stress effects on three-dimensional (3D), elastic–plastic fields surrounding a steadily advancing crack for a moderately hardening material in the framework of a 3D, small-scale yielding boundary-layer model. A flat, straight crack front advances at a constant quasi-static rate under near invariant local and global mode I loading. The boundary-layer model has thickness B that defines the only geometric length-scale. The material flow properties and (local) toughness combine to limit the in-plane plastic-zone size during steady growth to at most a few multiples of the thickness (conditions obtainable, for example, in large, thin aluminum components). The computational model requires no crack growth criterion; rather, the crack front extends steadily at constant values of the plane-stress displacements imposed on the remote boundary for the specified far-field stress intensity factor and T-stress. The specific numerical results presented demonstrate similarity scaling of the 3D near-front stresses in terms of two non-dimensional loading parameters. The analyses reveal a strong effect of T-stress on key stress and strain quantities for low loading levels and less effect for higher loading levels, where much of the plastic zone experiences plane-stress conditions. To understand the combined effects of T-stress on stresses and plastic strain levels, normalized values from a simple void-growth model, computed over the crack plane for low loading, clearly reveal the tendency for crack-front tunneling, shear-lip formation near the outside surfaces, and a minimum steady-state fracture toughness for T = 0 loading.
Kinetic mechanism of the human cytoplasmic aldehyde dehydrogenase E1

The kinetic mechanism of human liver aldehyde dehydrogenase, E1, was investigated at pH 7.2 using initial velocity, product inhibition, dead end inhibition, and pre-steady-state techniques. Only NADH, which was found to be competitive with NAD+ at high (mm) and low (μm) concentrations of acetaldehyde, could be used as a product inhibitor. Chloral hydrate was found to competitively inhibit the enzyme with respect to acetaldehyde and also produce a hyperbolic slope replot when NAD+ was varied. Adenosine 5′-monophosphate was competitive with NAD+ and noncompetitive with acetaldehyde as the varied substrate. The results indicate that the reaction mechanism proceeds mainly through an enzyme·NAD binary complex, but at high concentrations of aldehyde a small degree of randomness occurs. In order to gain information concerning the rate-limiting step, deuteroacetaldehyde was used and found to increase the Km of the aldehyde (KmCH3CDOCH3CHO=3) but have no effect on the steady-state maximal velocity. When enzyme·NAD was rapidly mixed with acetaldehyde in the stopped-flow apparatus, a “burst” of NADH was observed followed by a slower steady-state turnover, indicating that the rate-limiting step of the dehydrogenase reaction occurs after ternary complex interconversion. The magnitude of the “burst” using high specific activity E1 was that which would be expected for four active sites per tetramer, indicating all-of-the sites reactivity.
Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs and the Heart: What Is the Danger?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and selective cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors, or "coxibs," are used for a number of disease conditions for relief of pain and inflammation. Currently available data suggest concern for prothrombotic risk with coxibs and some NSAIDs, and the magnitude of risk may vary with individual agents. NSAIDs and coxibs also increase blood pressure, worsen hypertension control, and may precipitate heart failure, with important differences among agents. Physicians should consider patterns of risk and benefit in selecting the most appropriate agent for individual patients based on the individual gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risk profile.
Biochemical characterization of the O-glycans on recombinant glycophorin A expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Alterations in N- and O-linked glycosylation affect cell surface expression and antigenicity of recombinant glycophorin A expressed in transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. To understand these effects further, glycophorin A was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography from transfected wild type and glycosylation deficient CHO cells. The O-glycans were characterized both biochemically, using gel filtration and high performance anion exchange chromatography, and immunologically, using carbohydrate specific monoclonal antibodies to probe Western blots. The O-glycans of human erythrocyte glycophorin A consist mainly of short oligosaccharides with one, two, or three sialic acid residues linked to a common disaccharide core, Gal beta 1-3GalNAc alpha 1-Ser/Thr, with the disialylated structure being the most abundant. With the exception of the trisialylated derivative, the same structures were found on recombinant glycophorin A expressed by wild type CHO cells. However, in contrast to human erythrocyte glycophorin A, the monosialylated oligosaccharide was the most abundant structure on the recombinant protein. Furthermore, recombinant glycophorin A was shown to express a small amount of the Tn antigen (GalNAc alpha 1-Ser/Thr). Recombinant glycophorin A had the same O-glycan composition, whether purified from clones expressing high or moderate levels of the recombinant glycoprotein. This indicates that the level of expression of the transfected glycoprotein did not affect its O-glycan composition. Deletion of the N-linked glycosylation site at Asn26, by introducing the Mi.I mutation (Thr28-->Met) by site-directed mutagenesis, did not markedly affect the O-glycan composition of the resulting recombinant glycoprotein expressed in wild type CHO cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The cell binding fragment of fibronectin is chemotactic for fibroblasts.

Abstract The fibroblast chemoattractant property of fibronectin is retained in the proteolytically produaed 160 kilodalton peptide that contains the heparin binding and cell binding domaine of the molecule, while the 40 kilodalton collagen binding peptide is inactive. Further degradation of the 160 kilodalton peptide leads to destruction of chemoattractant activity. An analysis of the migration of fibroblasts in varied gradients of the 160 K peptide shows that the effect is chemotactic, i.e. directed migration of cells towards a higher concentration of the peptide.
The Chitin Disaccharide,N,N′-Diacetylchitobiose, Is Catabolized byEscherichia coli and Is Transported/Phosphorylated by the Phosphoenolpyruvate:Glycose Phosphotransferase System

Abstract We have previously reported that wild type strains of Escherichia coli grow on the chitin disaccharideN,N′-diacetylchitobiose, (GlcNAc)2, as the sole source of carbon (Keyhani, N. O., and Roseman, S. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., U. S. A. 94, 14367–14371). A nonhydrolyzable analogue of (GlcNAc)2,methyl β-N, N′-[3H]diacetylthiochitobioside ([3H]Me-TCB), was used to characterize the disaccharide transport process, which was found to be mediated by the phosphoenolpyruvate:glycose phosphotransferase system (PTS). Here and in the accompanying papers (Keyhani, N. O., Boudker, O., and Roseman, S. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 33091–33101; Keyhani, N. O., Bacia, K., and Roseman, S. (2000)J. Biol. Chem. 275, 33102–33109; Keyhani, N. O., Rodgers, M., Demeler, B., Hansen, J., and Roseman, S. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 33110–33115), we report that transport of [3H]Me-TCB and (GlcNAc)2 involves a specific PTS Enzyme II complex, requires Enzyme I and HPr of the PTS, and results in the accumulation of the sugar derivative as a phosphate ester. The phosphoryl group is linked to the C-6 position of the GlcNAc residue at the nonreducing end of the disaccharide. The [3H]Me-TCB uptake system was induced only by (GlcNAc)n, n = 2 or 3. The apparentK m of transport was 50–100 μm, and effective inhibitors of uptake included (GlcNAc)n,n = 2 or 3, cellobiose, and other PTS sugars,i.e. glucose and GlcNAc. Presumably the PTS sugars inhibit by competing for PTS components. Kinetic properties of the transport system are described.
Thermoluminescence kinetic study of binary lead-silicate glasses

Abstract This paper describes a detailed experimental study of the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of four binary lead-silicate glasses, with PbO concentrations ranging from 32% to 62% in mole percent. The TL glow peaks between room temperature and 300 °C were analyzed using a systematic thermal cleaning technique. The T max – T stop and E – T stop methods of analysis were used to identify the number of peaks under the glow curves, and to obtain the activation energy E for each TL trap. A computerized glow curve fitting analysis is used to fit the experimental data to four first-order peaks with maxima at temperatures of 54, 80, 110 and 210 °C, as measured with a heating rate of 2 °C/s. The kinetic parameters of the glow-peak at 210 °C were confirmed by using phosphorescence decay methods of analysis. The TL traps associated with the low-temperature TL peak at 54 °C are found to depend strongly on the PbO concentration of the samples, while the higher-temperature TL peaks show a behavior independent of the PbO concentration. The activation energy E and frequency factor s of the low-temperature TL trap associated with the peak at 54 °C are consistent with a trap involving a delocalized transition through the conduction band. However, the activation energies and frequency factors for the higher-temperature TL traps are consistent with traps involving localized transitions via an excited state below the conduction band. The data suggest that these higher-temperature TL traps are associated with the common silicate matrix in these binary silicate glasses.
Associations between hemorrhoids and other diagnoses

PURPOSE: The risk factors and mechanisms that contribute to the occurrence of hemorrhoids are not well understood. The study of the comorbid occurrences of hemorrhoids with other diagnoses in identical patients may point to a common underlying pathophysiology. The present study was undertaken to determine which diagnoses are associated with the occurrence of hemorrhoids. METHODS: A case-control study compared the occurrence of comorbid diseases in case subjects with hemorrhoids with that of control subjects without hemorrhoids. The case population comprised all patients with hemorrhoids (International Classification of Diseases codes 455.0–455.9), who were discharged from hospitals of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs between 1986 and 1996. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, the occurrence of hemorrhoids served as outcome variable, and age, gender, ethnicity, and the comorbid occurrence of other diagnoses served as predictor variables. RESULTS: A total of 96,314 individual patients with hemorrhoids and the same number of control subjects were identified. In a chart review of a random sample of 100 cases, the diagnosis of hemorrhoids could be confirmed in 97 percent of all instances checked. The variety of diagnoses associated with hemorrhoids could be broken down into five large categories: 1) diseases associated with diarrhea (odds ratio, 1.30; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.27–1.33); 2) spinal cord injuries (odds ratio, 1.17; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.09–1.26); 3) constipation and related diseases (odds ratio, 1.48; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.43–1.54); 4) various types of anorectal diseases (odds ratio, 4.71; 95 percent confidence interval, 4.44–5.0); and 5) conditions that could be considered manifestations or sequelae of the hemorrhoidal disease itself (odds ratio, 3.41; 95 percent confidence interval, 3.30–3.51). CONCLUSIONS: The types and spectrum of comorbid diagnoses associated with hemorrhoids suggest that an increased tone of the anal sphincter constitutes a common pathophysiologic mechanism for the development of hemorrhoids.
The Effect of Milking Machine Liner Slip on New Intramammary Infections

New IMI of cows milked with high and low slip rate milking machine liners were compared. High slip liners used in this study averaged 6.1 initial slips and 7.6 major vacuum fluctuations per cow milking, and low slip liners averaged 3.6 initial slips and 3.1 major vacuum fluctuations per cow milking. Least squares means for new IMI rates per 100 cow days were .49 in the high slip group and .27 in the low slip group. Rates of clinical cases per 100 cow days were .35 in the high slip group and .20 in the low slip group. New IMI rates for cows entering the trial with an existing infection were .81 in the high slip group and .39 in the low slip group. More new IMI tended to occur with cows milked with the high slip liners than with low slip liners.
Investigation of basic imaging properties in digital radiography 10. Structure mottle of II-TV digital imaging systems.

Single‐frame images obtained with image intensifier (II)–TV digital systems contain a large amount of structure mottle. In the present study, we examined several II–TV digital systems by use of Wiener spectral analysis and noted considerable variation of the structure mottle over the wide spatial frequency range. We found that the structure mottle in these systems may originate in the input phosphor, the output phosphor, and/or the electronic components, and that the Wiener spectra of structure mottle seem to depend on the specific combination of these components. The results of observer performance studies indicated that structure mottle can significantly decrease the detection of low‐contrast objects in a single‐frame image when the exposure incident on the II is greater than approximately 0.1 mR. In addition, we showed that the structure mottle can be removed by subtraction of a uniformly exposed mask. This simple procedure will improve the quality of radiologic images obtained with II–TV digital systems. Note, however, that the structure mottle is largely eliminated by subtraction in digital subtraction angiography(DSA)images.
Real-time playback in animation systems

A technique often employed in animated vector graphics involves the use of a real-time playback mechanism. This technique is an alternative when it is not possible to generate animation frames in real-time. Instead frames are compiled in advance at non-real-time rates, saved in secondary storage, and then played back at desired real-time rates. The basic design of such a playback mechanism will be considered, including discussions of synchronization, buffering, and blocking. Two special properties will be established for these systems: the conditions required to achieve real-time reversal in the direction of the playback sequence, and the existence of upstream/downstream effects, performance differences between directions in systems that are run "too fast."
The use of imagery in environmental disaster preparedness and response

In recent years, great advances have been made in the use of imagery and remote sensing for monitoring and protecting the environment, as well as in disaster preparedness and response. Environmental emergency preparedness planners now have a vast “constellation” of imagery and remote sensing resources available to observe and respond to environmental disasters. The groups that have benefited from this technology range from federal, state, and local emergency management agencies down to the first responders. These resources are used to prepare for hurricanes and floods as well as recover from their effects; observe wildfires and forest fires and work to contain them; and respond to other disasters, thus protecting lives, valuable property, and the The Use of Imagery in Environmental Disaster Preparedness and Response environment. These imagery resources and their associated systems, as useful as they are, are not necessarily integrated nor marshaled in any coherent web in support of those protecting lives, property, or the environment. With the new openness, declassification, and commercial availability of high-resolution imagery, remote-sensing capabilities now available to preparedness and response individuals range from satellite sensors to aircraft platforms. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the Average Genus of a Graph

Not all rational numbers are possibilities for the average genus of an individual graph. The smallest such numbers are determined, and varied examples are constructed to demonstrate that a single value of average genus can be shared by arbitrarily many different graphs. It is proved that the number 1 is a limit point of the set of possible values for average genus and that the complete graph K4 is the only 3-connected graph whose average genus is less than 1.
Mie and Rayleigh modeling of visible-light scattering in neonatal skin

Reduced-scattering coefficients of neonatal skin were deduced in the 450-750-nm range from integrating-sphere measurements of the total reflection and total transmission of 22 skin samples. The reduced-scattering coefficients increased linearly at each wavelength with gestational maturity. The distribution of diameters d and concentration ρ(A) of the skin-sample collagen fibers were measured in histological sections of nine neonatal skin samples of varying gestational ages. An algorithm that calculates Mie scattering by cylinders was used to model the scattering by the collagen fibers in the skin. The fraction of the reduced-scattering coefficient µ(s)' that was attributable to Mie scattering by collagen fibers, as deduced from wavelength-dependent analysis, increased with gestational age and approached that found for adult skin. An assignment of 1.017 for n(rel), the refractive index of the collagen fibers relative to that of the surrounding medium, allowed the values for Mie scattering by collagen fibers, as predicted by the model for each of the nine neonatal skin samples to match the values for Mie scattering by collagen fibers as expected from the measurements of µ(s)'. The Mie-scattering model predicted an increase in scattering with gestational age on the basis of changes in the collagen-fiber diameters, and this increase was proportional to that measured with the integrating-sphere method.
Phonological and orthographic coding skills in adult readers.

Although less skilled readers are handicapped by their poor phonological skills, this may not be true of their visual and orthographic coding skills. Because of an increasing reliance on visual-orthographic coding with reading experience, the author predicted that there would be smaller differences between skilled and less skilled adult readers on orthographic coding measures than on phonological coding measures. The orthographic and phonological coding measures involved, respectively, judgments of which looks more like a word, filv-fild, and which sounds like a real word, kake-dake? On the orthographic measure, reading groups did not differ in coding speed—although the less skilled readers made more errors, but far fewer than on the phonological coding measure. Differences between reading groups were substantial for both speed and errors on the phonological coding measure. Phonological variables accounted for most of the variance in word recognition, and this was especially true for men. The results sugg...
Bridging network divides: Building capacity to support aging with disability populations through research

Federal and state efforts to rebalance long-term services and supports (LTSS) in favor of home and community based over institutional settings has helped create structural bridges between the historically separated aging and disability LTSS networks by integrating and/or linking aging and disability systems. These changes present new opportunities to study bridging mechanisms and program related outcomes at national and local levels through federally sponsored LTSS initiatives termed Rebalancing programs. Rebalancing programs also offer opportunities to explore and understand the capacity of LTSS networks (age integrated or linked aging and disability systems) to serve aging with disability populations, persons who live with long-term chronic conditions or impairments such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, intellectual or developmental disabilities. To date, there is limited evidence based LTSS program and practice knowledge about this heterogeneous population such as met and unmet needs or interventions to support healthy aging. Efforts that center on bridging the larger fields of aging and disability in order to build new knowledge and engage in knowledge translation and translational research are critical for building capacity to support persons aging with disability in LTSS. Generating the investment in bridging aging and disability research across stakeholder group, including researchers and funders, is vital for these efforts.
REGIONAL FINANCIAL SEGMENTATION IN THE UNITED STATES

. Responding to continuing discussions in this Journal regarding the importance of regional money supply and credit, a simple reduced-form regional money supply model is posited and an investigation of real regional money supplies is performed for several states around the country. Hypothesis tests are performed regarding the question of regional financial market segmentation, concluding that segmentation still exists in the United States. The empirical results also imply that interregional trade, presumably via the consequent constraint on regional banks, has at least as much effect on regional money supplies as Federal Reserve policies. These results lend further support for the assertion that regionally available money matters at the local level, and that regional analysis should continue to include regional money and credit as explanatory variables. The implications for policy makers are that: 1) national monetary policy cannot cure regional ills if the problems are manifested in regional industry mixes; and 2) some proposed banking reforms now being debated in Congress, i.e, nationwide branch banking and, particularly, industrial ownership of banks, are suspect. A healthy caution is warranted without more tests of these reforms.
Molecular quantification of toxic Alexandrium fundyense in the Gulf of Maine using real-time PCR

The toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense is widespread in the northeastern part of North America, including the Gulf of Maine, and is responsible for seasonal harmful algal blooms in these regions. Even at low cell densities, A. fundyense toxins can accumulate in shellfish and result in paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). PSP can be debilitating or lethal to humans and other shellfish consumers and is a public health concern. As a result, accurate measurements of A. fundyense distributions, particularly at low cell density, are critical to continued PSP monitoring and mitigation efforts. Towards this end we have developed a real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) method to monitor A. fundyense. Laboratory validation indicates that the qPCR assay is sensitive enough to detect 10 cells per sample, and that it does not detect co-occurring dinoflagellates such as Alexandrium ostenfeldii. The qPCR methodology was used to quantify A. fundyense cell densities in samples collected during a spring 2003 transect in the Gulf of Maine, and the data were compared to those obtained in parallel from light microscope and DNA hybridization-based methods. Results show that A. fundyense cell density was low during this period relative to typical cell densities required for PSP contamination of local shellfish, and that qPCR values were comparable to numbers determined by independent methods.
Case-control study of thromboembolic events associated with IV immunoglobulin

Serious adverse events related to IVIg treatment are unusual, and interventions can be taken to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis, congestive heart failure and renal failure. Stroke and other thromboembolic (TE) events have also been associated with IVIg administration but the risk factors are unknown. This paper investigates whether typical cardiovascular risk factors increase the risk of thromboembolic (TE) events during intravenous immunoglobulin infusion. This case-control study compares 19 patients (mean age = 71 ± 9 years) who experienced a TE event within 2 weeks of IVIg infusion with 38 age-matched controls who received IVIg without experiencing an event. No single cardiovascular risk factor increased the risk of TE event, but the risk was elevated when 2 or more cardiovascular risk factors were present (odds ratio = 1.39, 95 % CI: 0.45, 4.30) and became statistically significant when 4 or more risk factors were present (odds ratio = 10.50, 95 % CI: 1.91, 57.58). The 30 day mortality rate was high in cases (15.8 %) and controls (18.4 %) but not significantly different between the groups.
Towards a quantum pump of electric charges.

Here we give a critical examination of the possibility of realizing a quantum pump of electric charges. The physics is based on the theory of quantum adiabatic particle transport initially due to Thouless. We present theoretical guidelines on the experimental conditions for observing this phenomenon. We argue that potentially very accurate quantization of charge transport or electron current can be achieved, once these conditions are approximately satisfied. An example of experimental setup is outlined to demonstrate the practical possibilities. Some comments are also made on the scientific significance of such a quantum device.
The Kurdish Nationalist Movement: Opportunity, Mobilization and Identity

David Romano's 2006 book focuses on the Kurdish case to try and make sense of ethnic nationalist resurgence generally. In a world rent by a growing number of such conflicts, the questions posed about why, how and when such challenges to the state are mounted are becoming increasingly urgent. Throughout the author analyses these questions through the lens of social movement theory, considering in particular politico-social structures, resource mobilization strategies and cultural identity. His conclusions offer some thought-provoking insights into Kurdish nationalism, as well as into the strengths and weaknesses of various social movement theories. While the book offers a rigorous conceptual approach, the empirical material - the result of the author's personal experiences - makes it a compelling read. It will find a readership amongst students of the Middle East, and also amongst those interested in ethnic relations, minority rights, terrorism, state repression, social movement theories and many other related issues.
Cocaine-like neurochemical effects of antihistaminic medications.

The pattern of activation of dopamine (DA) neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of rats produced by H1 histamine antagonists which have behavioral effects like those of psychostimulant drugs was examined. Diphenhydramine and (+)-chlorpheniramine were compared with triprolidine, a potent and selective H1 antagonist and (−)-chlorpheniramine which is less active than its enantiomer at H1 receptors. Affinities of the drugs to DA, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters at H1 receptors and potencies for DA uptake inhibition in striatal synaptosomes were determined to assess mechanisms by which the compounds increased DA levels. Intravenous diphenhydramine (1.0–3.0 mg/kg) (+)- and (−)-chlorpheniramine (1.0–5.6 mg/kg) but not triprolidine (1.0–3.0 mg/kg) elicited a cocaine-like pattern of stimulation of DA transmission with larger effects in the NAc shell than core. The absence of stereospecific effects with chlorpheniramine enantiomers along with the lack of an effect with triprolidine suggest that the effects on DA transmission were not related to H1 receptor antagonism. Although in vivo potencies were not directly related to DA transporter affinities, it is hypothesized that actions at that site modulated by other actions, possibly those at the serotonin transporter, are primarily responsible for the neurochemical actions of the drugs on DA neurotransmission and might underlie the occasional misuse of these medications.
Evolution of steroid receptors from an estrogen-sensitive ancestral receptor.

Members of the steroid hormone receptor (SR) family activate transcription from different DNA response elements and are regulated by distinct hormonal ligands. Understanding the evolutionary process by which this diversity arose can provide insight into how and why SRs function as they do. Here we review the characteristics of the ancient receptor protein from which the SR family descends by a process of gene duplication and divergence. Several orthogonal lines of evidence – bioinformatic, phylogenetic, and experimental – indicate that this ancient SR had the capacity to activate transcription from DNA estrogen response elements in response to estrogens. Duplication and divergence of the ancestral SR gene subsequently generated new receptors that were activated by other steroid hormones, including progestagens, androgens, and corticosteroids. The androgen and progesterone receptors recruited as their ligands steroids that were previously present as biochemical intermediates in the synthesis of estrogens. This process is an example of molecular exploitation—the evolution of new molecular interactions when an older molecule, which previously had a different function, is co-opted as a binding partner by a newly evolved molecule. The primordial interaction between the ancestral steroid receptor and estrogens may itself have evolved due to an early molecular exploitation event.
Child Custody and Divorce: A Lawyer's View

The recommendations of child psychiatrists provide the substance and much of the content for the legal conclusion regarding the best interests of the child which must be reached by the court in cases where the contending parties cannot reach an agreement. In addition to his or her role as forensic expert, the child psychiatrist may be needed for treatment or therapy before, during, and after the divorce. Counseling may promote settlement of previously disputed issues. The applicable legal principles in child custody cases are amorphous but reflect current socioeconomic values. The former emphasis on parental fitness fortunately has given way to an emphasis of the child's welfare, which requires a prediction of the child's developmental needs and an assessment of interfamily relationships. The history of custodial law is summarized, the usual criteria that courts apply is examined, and the role of the expert witness is discussed.
Short texts, best-fitting curves and new measures of lexical diversity:

Following up on recent work by Malvern and Richards (1997, this issue; McKee et al., 2000) concerning the measurement of lexical diversity through curve fitting, the present study compares the accuracy of five formulae in terms of their ability to model the type-token curves of written texts produced by learners and native speakers. The most accurate models are then used to consider unresolved issues that have been at the forefront of past research on lexical diversity: the relationship between lexical diversity and age, second language (L2) instruction, L2 proficiency, first language (L1) background, writing quality and vocabulary knowledge. The participants in the study comprise 140 Finnish-speaking and 70 Swedish-speakinglearners of English, and an additional group of 66 native English speakers. The data include written narrative descriptions of a silent film, and the results show that two of the curve-fitting formulae provide accurate models of the type-token curves of over 90% of the texts. The texts...
Obesity in Living Kidney Donors: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in the Era of Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy

Acceptance of obese individuals as living kidney donors is controversial related to possible increased risk for surgical complications and concern that obesity may contribute to long-term renal disease. We retrospectively examined 553 consecutive hand-assisted laparoscopic living kidney donations between October 1, 1999 and April 1, 2003. We stratified donors into quartiles by baseline body mass index (BMI) assessing perioperative complications and 6-12 months post-donation metabolic and renal function. Compared to BMI or =35 kg/m(2)) had slightly longer operative times (mean increase 19 min), more overall perioperative complications (mostly minor wound complications), yet the same low rate of major surgical complications (conversion to open and re-operation) and similar length-of-stay (2.3 vs. 2.4 days). At 6-12 months after donation (mean 11 months), renal function and microalbuminuria did not differ with BMI. These results suggest that laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is generally safe in selected obese donors and does not result in a high rate of major perioperative complications. Obese donors have higher baseline cardiovascular risk and warrant risk reduction for long-term health. While early results are encouraging, we advocate careful study of obese donors and do not support their widespread use until longer follow-up is available.
Interpretation of the dual isotherm for ion absorption in beet tissue.

Beet discs aged in 0.5 mM CaSO(4) develop a capacity to absorb K(+) and Cl(-) from solutions of low concentration. The initial influx of these ions is described by a hyperbolic relationship with concentration in the range 0.01 to 0.5 mM KCl, which is identical with the system 1 absorption isotherm found in other tissues. A second hyperbolic isotherm, attributable to system 2, is found at higher concentrations (1-50 mM KCl).When the transport of labeled ion to the vacuole is studied by wash-exchanging the bulk of the cytoplasmic label following the absorption period, it is noted that in the range of system 1, isotope influx to the vacuole increases with time as the concentration of labeled ions in the cytoplasm increases, while in the range of system 2, influx to the vacuole is constant from the beginning. Diminution of the cytoplasmic specific activity during radio-isotope absorption by prefilling the cytoplasm with the analogous unlabeled salt, markedly reduces subsequent radioisotope uptake to the vacuole only in the range of system 1. These experiments suggest that the cytoplasm serves as a mixing chamber, and that the plasma membrane controls ion uptake to the tissue at low concentrations, indicating that the system 1 isotherm reflects ion movement into the cytoplasm through the plasma membrane. Flux experiments support this conclusion, showing that development with age of the system 1 isotherm corresponds to a quantitatively similar increase in plasma membrane influx in 0.2 mM KCl.At higher concentrations the outer membrane no longer rate-limits entry of ions to the vacuole. Isotope influx under these conditions, described by the system 2 isotherm, presumably reflects movement across the tonoplast.