cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crown thioether complexes of trivalent transition metal ions. The crystal structure of [Cr(18S6)Cl3]☆

Abstract The structure of the macrocyclic complex, [Cr(18S6)Cl 3 ] (18S6=1,4,7,10,13,16-hexathiacyclooctadecane), has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, the first Cr(III)-thioether coordination complex to be structurally characterized. An octahedral environment of three sulfur atoms and three chlorine atoms around the Cr(III) center is observed in the complex, and the stereoisomer obtained in our case is the one in which only three adjacent sulfur atoms in the 18S6 ligand are bonded to the CrCl 3 moiety. This is also the first reported structure of this atypical coordination mode for the 18S6 ligand which typically coordinates in hexadentate fashion or as a bridging ligand. The syntheses, characterization, and electronic spectra of a series of eleven additional thioether complexes of Cr(III) are described. All twelve Cr complexes have the general formula CrLCl 3 and potentially tetra-, penta- and hexadentate thioether ligands all function as tridentate ligands coordinating to a single metal center. The electronic spectra for the Cr complexes are all similar and enable ligand field parameters readily to be calculated. The thioethers function as weak field ligands, and there is a substantial reordering in their spectrochemical series when compared to the series obtained with softer metal ions such as Ni(II) or Fe(II). In addition, the synthesis and characterization of two novel V(III) complexes with the general formula VLCl 3 where L = 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane (9S3) or 1,4,7-trithiacyclodecane (10S3) are described. These are the first two reported examples of thioether complexes of vanadium(III). The reaction between 9S3 and the anion [Re 2 Cl 8 ] −2 has also been investigated.
SU-E-T-425: Implementation of the TG-147 Protocol in Conjunction with the Calypso GPS Tracking System for Higher Confidence of Prostate Patients Being Treated On RTOG Study 0938

Purpose: There are multiple factors that have lead to the need for an increased precision and accuracy in Radiation Therapy. The increased use of IMRT and SBRT with hypofractionated doses requires optimal precision and accuracy in aligning the treatment delivery with the target. Recent advances in imaging and motion management of patients during the treatment process have provided a higher level of confidence for these types of treatments. The GPS based Calypso system is a non‐radiographic localization and tracking systems. In order to ensure these systems are localizing and tracking with the high accuracy needed, a set of robust quality assurance procedures are required. Task Group Report (TG‐147) of the AAPM describes QA for non‐radiographic localization systems. The purpose of this work was to implement TG‐147 with the Calypso 4D. Methods: The Calypso 4D system is composed of a console and a tracking station. The Calypso 4D is delivered with several quality assurance tools for initial and ongoing QA tests of the system. There are 3 distinct QA tools, which were adapted to the TG‐147 protocol tests for the purpose of this study. TG‐147 was analyzed for the application of QA procedures to Calypso. Calypso was then used to track prostate movement during standard IMRT and SBRT treatments. Results: Based on the review of TG‐147 recommendations for daily, monthly, and annual tests new departmental QA procedures were implemented. The addition of an end‐end localization plan, static and dynamic localization tests, and stability tests were incorporated into the existing QA program. Using Calypso, prostate movement during treatment was analyzed. Movement ranged from 0–3mm in the posterior and inferior directions.ConclusionThe TG‐147 recommendations provided a robust set of QA procedures that confirmed the Calypsos accuracy within 1mm. The new QA procedures have increased the confidence for tracking prostate movement during treatments.
Clinicopathologic Features Associated With Cytohistologic Noncorrelation in the Diagnosis of Cervical Dysplasia: A Study of Concurrently Obtained Samples:

On the basis of the unique subset of our database comprising patients who received a Papanicolaou test and a cervical biopsy during the same clinic visit, clinicopathologic factors potentially associated with cytohistologic diagnostic noncorrelation in these concurrently collected samples is investigated. In the first analysis, a selected group of variables potentially associated with noncorrelation relative to the diagnosis of high-grade dysplasia were examined, whereas the second analysis was centered on the effect of varying levels of Papanicolaou test inflammation (below the Bethesda 2001 threshold, ie, partially obscuring inflammation) on noncorrelation regarding the overall diagnosis of dysplasia. For the latter, the overall density of neutrophilic infiltrate on each Papanicolaou test slide was graded in a blinded fashion on a 4-tiered scale (no significant amount, mild, moderate, and severe), followed by a comparison of correlating and noncorrelating cases at each tier. There was no overrepresentat...
A comprehensive approach for alloy selection in metal hydride thermal systems

Metal hydride thermal systems can be used in a variety of applications, but the selection of hydrides for such systems is often limited to a narrow set of materials. In this work, we present the methods and accompanying property database to conduct a comprehensive material selection analysis for a metal hydride thermal system using a database of over 300 hydrides from the open literature. To use this data effectively, we developed a robust thermodynamic equilibrium model that can be applied to a wide range of hydride types, a set of generic reaction rate expressions, and a set of relevant thermophysical property models. The combination of these features—distributed as a freely available object-oriented MATLAB® Toolbox—allows consideration of over 100,000 possible hydride pairs for a given two-hydride thermal system and shows trends otherwise unavailable from an analysis of only a few hydride pairs. We use a metal hydride heat pump system to demonstrate this capability and to identify trends of system coefficient of performance (COP) and the fraction of hydrogen transferred between hydrides. Using the simulation results from the 3999 hydride pairs which have suitable thermodynamics to work in the metal hydride heat pump system, we show that the system COP calculated only from material parameters is not a reliable predictor of the dynamic system COP.
Efficient frontier estimation: a maximum entropy approach

An alternative efficiency estimation approach is developed utilizing generalized maximum entropy (GME). GME combines the strengths of both SFA and DEA, allowing for the estimation of a frontier that is stochastic, without making an ad hoc assumption about the distribution of the efficiency component. GME results approach SFA results as the one-sided inefficiency bounds used by GME shrink. Results similar to DEA are achieved as the bounds increase. The GME results are distributed like DEA, but yield virtually the same rankings as SFA. The results suggest that GME may provide a link between various estimators of efficiency.
Stereology of lavaged populations of alveolar macrophages: Effects of in vivo exposure to tobacco smoke

Abstract A multi-level morphometric and stereologic study was performed on alveolar macrophages obtained by bronchopulmonary lavage of unexposed control rats and rats experimentally exposed to whole tobacco cigarette smoke for 90 consecutive days. Measurements of macrophage profile diameters made at the light microscope were used to derive cell size distribution curves, with a mean cell volume in the control group of 623 μm3. At the electron microscope level, the volume density and numerical density of mitochondria in unexposed control cells were lower than the values reported for peritoneal macrophages, but the mean volume of individual mitochondria was five times higher in the alveolar than in the peritoneal macrophage. The volume density of lysosomes was slightly higher in alveolar than in peritoneal macrophages. Exposure to smoke resulted in changes in several subcellular compartments, including a 2-fold increase in mean cell volume, a 19-fold increase in the volume density of lipid inclusions, an increase in the surface density of mitochondrial inner membrane and a decrease in the surface density of rough endoplasmic reticulum. The significance of these morphologic changes in terms of cell function is discussed.
Solid solutions of Pd containing hydrogen and a noble-metal substitutional component—II. Kinetic behavior

Abstract An electrochemical cell method has been used to measure the diffusivity of hydrogen in Pd-Au solid solutions in the temperature range 273–360 K and in the concentration range 1–50 at.% Au. Up to 10 at.% Au the mobility of H in the metal lattice is virtually unaffected by the presence of Au in the solid solution. There is then an increase in mobility with increasing Au-concentration. This phenomenon has been interpreted in terms of a statistical model in which interstitial sites adjacent to Au atoms act as antitraps.
Regulation of VEGF expression by HIF-1α in the femoral head cartilage following ischemia osteonecrosis

Juvenile femoral head osteonecrosis is due to disruption of blood supply which results in ischemic injury. Angiogenesis is an essential component for the healing of damaged head. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a master regulator of cellular response to hypoxia. Our histological studies showed increased vessel formation in cartilage in the ischemic group compared to the control group in a pig model of femoral head osteonecrosis. Microarray and RT-PCR indicated that VEGF expression was upregulated along with HIF-1α in the ischemic side. Immunohistochemistry assay demonstrated that HIF-1α and VEGF were upregulated in chondrocytes in ischemic femoral heads. Both HIF-1α and VEGF expression increased in primary chondrocytes under hypoxia station. Interestingly, an HIF-1α activator DFO further enhanced VEGF expression. Moreover, transfection of siRNA directed against HIF-1α led to inhibition of VEGF expression. Taken together, our data indicated that upregulation of VEGF during hypoxia in chondrocyte is mediated partially through HIF-1α.
Apoptosis and loss of renal tissue in polycystic kidney diseases.

Background Polycystic kidney disease is characterized by the enlargement of renal cysts, interstitial fibrosis, and gradual loss of normal renal tissue in association with progressive deterioration of renal function. The process causing the progressive loss of renal tissue is unknown, but it could be the result of a form of programmed cell death known as apoptosis. Methods We assayed apoptotic DNA fragmentation in normal and polycystic kidneys biochemically by gel electrophoresis and histochemically by in situ end-labeling. A DNA-specific dye, Hoechst 33258, was used to detect morphologic apoptosis in renal samples from patients with normal kidneys, polycystic kidney disease, and other kidney diseases. Results Apoptotic DNA fragmentation was detected in polycystic kidneys from 5 patients without renal failure and 11 patients with renal failure but not in kidneys from 12 patients with no renal disease. In situ end-labeling revealed apoptotic cells in glomeruli, in cyst walls, and in both cystic and noncyst...
Nearshore Depositional Environments of Upper Cretaceous Panther Tongue, East-Central Utah: ABSTRACT

The Upper Cretaceous Panther Tongue of east-central Utah is exceptionally well exposed in the Book Cliffs and Wasatch plateau and offers an unusual opportunity to study, in three dimensions, the morphology and internal structure of a nearshore depositional complex. Lithology, sedimentary structures, geometry, and trace fossil assemblages, considered collectively, permit recognition of seven depositional environments during Panther time. Transition from the underlying Mancos Shale to the coarser terrigenous clastic sediments of the Panther Tongue is represented by densely mottled gray siltstone in which primary lamination has been destroyed by the activity of detritus-feeding organisms. Overlying the gray siltstone is a very fine-grained sandstone which has a high matrix content and contains an abundant and varied trace fossil assemblage. This very fine-grained sandstone is present in bar and backbar depositional environments, but is divided into two areas of occurrence by an elongate sandstone body believed to be a longshore bar. The wedge-shaped forebar contains wavy laminated sediments near the base which grade upward into thin-bedded mottled sediments. Trace faunas in the forebar change in nature vertically and la erally away from the longshore bar. In the backbar, sediments are more poorly sorted and stratification is thin- to thick-bedded. The trace fossil assemblage in the backbar shows very little lateral change and is less variable than in the forebar. The longshore bar strikes northeast-southwest, and its cross section is well exposed in the western Book Cliffs and northern Wasatch plateau. The bar is characterized by massive bedding, lenticular shape, and asymmetrical flanks. Large-scale, low-angle (10°) foreset beds at the Panther type locality north of Helper, Utah, represent the seaward (southeast) face of the bar. These foreset beds have ripple-marked surfaces and contain an abundant and varied suite of sole marks. The dip and predominant current direction of sole marks are southwest, indicating that longshore currents flowed along the seaward side of the bar. Current ripples and oscillation ripple marks, however, developed in response to tidal action, as is indicated by orientation of their crests parallel with the longs ore bar. The bar and bar shore-face contain a characteristic trace fossil assemblage which is dominated by filter-feeding organisms and vagrants which left various surface trails on bedding planes. Behind the bar, a series of short, low- to medium-angle (5-20°), cross-stratified sandstone beds built landward over the backbar environment. A marine transgression late in Panther time truncated the previously deposited sediments, and a sequence of horizontal to subhorizontal strata was laid down across the erosional surface during a second regression of the sea. Panther deposition ended with the return of the Mancos sea and the deposition of clay and mud. End_of_Article - Last_Page 618------------
Correction to 'Hard-wired multipliers with encoded partial products'

Several typographical errors in the above-named work (see ibid., vol.40, no.11, p.1181-97 (1991)) are corrected. >
Capturing the Evasive Passive

In the 1980s, researchers in child language devised several new experimental techniques to assess children's emerging linguistic competence. Innovations in methodology were needed to bridge the apparent gap between the expectation of rapid language acquisition, based on linguistic theory, and the protracted acquisition that was being witnessed using the tools and tasks available at the time. This article discusses the use of elicited production in charting the course of development of verbal passives, a linguistic structure that was thought to be late developing (e.g., Borer & Wexler 1987). We compare the findings from an elicited production study with the findings from other tasks. We conclude that verbal passives emerge earlier in children's grammar than had been previously recognized, thereby bringing data from experimental studies of child language more in line with the expectations of linguistic theory.
Active Currents Regulate Sensitivity and Dynamic Range in C. elegans Neurons

Little is known about the physiology of neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans. Using new techniques for in situ patch-clamp recording in C. elegans, we analyzed the electrical properties of an identified sensory neuron (ASER) across four developmental stages and 42 unidentified neurons at one stage. We find that ASER is nearly isopotential and fails to generate classical Na+ action potentials. Rather, ASER displays a high sensitivity to input currents coupled to a depolarization-dependent reduction in sensitivity that may endow ASER with a wide dynamic range. Voltage clamp revealed depolarization-activated K+ and Ca2+ currents that contribute to high sensitivity near the zero-current potential. The depolarization-dependent reduction in sensitivity can be attributed to activation of K+ current at voltages where it dominates the net membrane current. The voltage dependence of membrane current was similar in all neurons examined, suggesting that C. elegans neurons share a common mechanism of sensitivity and dynamic range.
Holographic display of digital images

An optical hologram is a two-dimensional photographic plate which preserves information about the wavefront of coherent light which is diffracted from an object and is incident upon the plate. A properly illuminated hologram yields a three-dimensional wave-front identical to that from the original object, and thus the observed image is an exact reconstruction of the object. The observed image has all of the usual optical properties associated with real three-dimensional objects; e.g., parallax and perspective.
Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure in a County Emergency Department: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Comparison of Nesiritide Versus Placebo Treatment

Study objective Acutely decompensated congestive heart failure is a major cause of emergency department (ED) visits in county hospitals. This often underserved population has a high rate of return visits to the ED for heart failure. Nesiritide has been demonstrated to relieve symptoms of acutely decompensated congestive heart failure. We examined the effect of an 8-hour infusion of nesiritide on the composite of return to the ED or hospitalization at 30 days. Methods A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of nesiritide plus protocol-specified standard therapy versus standard therapy done in the ED for acutely decompensated congestive heart failure. Results One hundred one patients were randomized during a 16-month enrollment period. Sixty-six percent of the patients were men and 34% were women. Fifty-six percent were black; all patients had New York Heart Association class II to IV heart failure and most had dyspnea at rest or with minimal exertion. Complete follow-up data were available in 97 of 101 patients. After the 8-hour treatment period, acute symptom relief was experienced in 95.7% of the nesiritide group (95% confidence interval [CI] 88.9% to 100%) versus 86.8% of the placebo group (95% CI 72% to 98.9%), with an absolute difference between the 2 groups of 8.9% (95% CI –3.3% to 24.2%). Diuresis was similar between the 2 groups, but hypotension occurred more frequently in the nesiritide-treated group. The primary outcome measure of return visit to the ED or hospitalization at 30 days was higher for nesiritide (41.5%) than placebo (39.6%; absolute difference 1.9%; 95% CI –17.2% to 21.1%). There was only 1 death. No measurable change in renal function was observed. Conclusion Administration of nesiritide for acutely decompensated congestive heart failure in a county ED was no better than standard therapy alone for return to the ED or hospitalization at 30 days.
Using the jackknife to estimate the variance of regression estimators from repeated measures studies

We discuss methods for analyzing data from repeated measures studies. The marginal distribution of the response at each time is assumed to be from the exponential family. The maximum likelihood regression estimators, assuming the repeated measurements on the same individual are independent, have been shown to be consistent by Liang and Zeger (1986). Liang and Zeger (1986) propose a ‘robust’ estimator of the asymptotic variance of the estimated regression parameters. We show that a ‘one-step’ jackknife estimator of variance is asymptotically equivalent to the Liang and Zeger variance estimator; we perform simulation runs to compare the small sample performance of the jackknife and Liang and Zeger's estimator. We also show that SAS Proc Jackreg (1986), which does jackknife regression for ordinary least squares, can be used to calculate jackknife estimates of the regression parameters and the estimated parameters' covariance matrix.
Two-dimensional finite element simulation of material flow in the friction stir welding process

Abstract Solid mechanics based finite element models and computational procedures have been developed by the authors to study and simulate the friction stir welding process. In this paper, two-dimensional simulation results of the material flow pattern and spatial velocity field around the rotating tool pin during welding, and the positions of material particles around the pin after welding, are presented. Material flow pattern predictions are found to compare favorably with experimental observations. Simulation results suggest that material particles in front of the tool pin tend to pass and get behind the rotating pin from the retreating side of the pin. Similarities between predicted velocity fields based on two different tool-workpiece interface models are described in detail, and implications of these findings (e.g., to fluid dynamics based models) are discussed.
Practice What You Preach: A Teacher Educator is Reminded of Important Lessons.

The evolution of a writing project in a language arts methods course provided the author, a teacher educator, an opportunity to reformat a writing assignment so that students would be encouraged to write for an authentic audience. The author reflects on a series of changes made to a writing project assigned as part of a language arts methods course, from integrating writing and technology to creating a high-option writing project. The lesson learned and relearned is important for all teachers to put into practice.
Phosphorus sorption and extractability in Andic soil incubated with plant residues of variable P content

Sodium acetate extractable P and P sorption were measured in a high P-sorbing Andept soil (Mission series) following incubation with Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum (L.)Nugaines) and red clover (Trifolium pratense (L.)Florex) plant residue. The effects of plant residue P content, moisture regime, and quantity added were evaluated over a twelve week incubation period. Increased extractable P and decreased P sorption occured when the P content of residue exceeded 0.1% P for both winter wheat and red clover. The extractable P decreased and the P sorbed increased for all treatments and the check as the incubation time progressed. Extractable P increased and P sorption decreased more under air dry moisture conditions than at −0.03 MPa or saturation. Extractable P levels increased and P sorption decreased with increasing amounts of added residue. The effects of the residue additions decreased with increasing incubation time.
XeCl laser-induced fluorescence detection of peroxidized lipoproteins in lipid-rich atherosclerotic lesions

Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy of arterial surfaces provides information about the composition of atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of the study was to determine whether accumulation of peroxidized lipoproteins in arterial walls, a process postulated to play a role in initiating atherosclerotic changes, can be demonstrated by fluorescence spectroscopy. XeCl excimer laser ((lambda) equals 308 nm) induced fluorescence of human aortas containing early lipid-rich, non-collagenous lesions exhibited marked red shifts and broadening of the fluorescence spectra compared with spectra from non-atherosclerotic aortas. Similar profiles were observed in spectra obtained from oxidatively modified LDL, but not native LDL. In hypercholesterolemic rabbits with early foam cell lesions, spectral shifts resembled those of oxidized (beta) -VLDL, the major lipoprotein accumulating in arteries of rabbits fed cholesterol. XeCl laser-fluorescence spectroscopy of arterial surfaces may be useful for the identification of arterial plaques indicative of atherosclerosis in its early and probably reversible stages.
The Myth of the Eternal Rebirth Critical Notes On G.W. Bowersock, Hellenism in Late Antiquity1

In his famous work, Die Untergang des Abendlandes (ET, The Decline of the West [1928]), Oswald Spengler used the language of mineralogy to illustrate his thesis that in the Hellenistic age Greek philosophy and religion provided the hollow forms in which the Oriental material underwent a 'pseudomorphosis'. The simile used was the following: When a crystalline substance fills a hollow left in a geological layer made by a crystal which has disintegrated, the former is forced to take on the mould of the latter, thereby deceiving the observer who does not subject the substance to chemical analysis. In his slim book of less than 100 pages of text, Professor Glen Bowersock propounds a more perceptive view: 'Hellenism'-by which the author means Greek language, philosophy, and religion-did not disintegrate so quickly. Surely the great Dionysus remained alivc for a long time; in the chapter on 'Dionysos and His World', Bowersock cites that Dionysus is the 'controlling figure' in some beautiful late antiquity art work. Rather than effecting a 'pseudomorphosis' of Near Eastern religion, Hellenism was able to bring about a metamorphosis: it became a vehicle for 'strengthening and even transforming local worship without eradicating its local character' (p. 21). Bowersock also correctly notes: 'Christianity had a powerful influence on the paganism that prospered in the late antique world, to a degree [...] no less important than the influence-much more frequently remarked-of paganism on Christianity' (p. 26). However, in his eagerness to demonstrate the influence of Christianity upon paganism, Bowersock unfortunately makes many mistakes. This is rather glaring in his attempt at a 'thorough examination' of Epiphanius' account of the festival in the Alexandrian
Four-year follow-up of twenty-four first-episode manic patients

Twenty-four first-episode manic patients were followed to investigate the 4-year outcome after recovery from a manic episode. Patients had no documented previous manic or depressive episodes. The presence of psychotic features during the index episode and a history of alcoholism were statistically significant predictors of a shorter time in remission. Low occupational status at baseline predicted poor global social adjustment at 4 years. Also, a larger correlation among outcome measures was found at 48 than at 6 months. The importance of controlling for presence of multiple episodes in outcome studies is emphasized.
A sugar phosphatase regulates the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway in malaria parasites.

The malaria parasite uses the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway to synthesize crucial isoprenoid metabolites. Here the authors identify and characterize a sugar phosphatase that regulates the MEP pathway by indirectly regulating the levels of isoprenoid precursors.
Vicrostructure and Electrical Properties of Kevlar/Polypyrrole Composite Fibers

Abstract : Electrically conducting composite polypyrrole/poly(p-phenylene-terephthalamide) (PPTA or KEVLAR) fibers have been prepared by chemical polymerization of pyrrole within the interstices of the hydrogen-bonded gel structure of never-dried PPTA fibers. The resultant fibers contain a uniform dispersion of polypyrrole, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of these hybrid fibers is presented. The conductivity is well described by the fluctuation-induced charge transport model over the entire temperature range of interest. However, the low temperature electrical conductivity also exhibits a hopping-like temperature dependence, and an Arrhenius-like temperature dependence is observed in the high temperature limit. Measurements of the temperature-dependent thermopower are indicative of a p-type carrier.
Ethnicity as a predictor of graft longevity and recipient mortality in heart transplantation.

Abstract Background There is a dearth of data about the effect of donor and recipient ethnicity on survival and rejection rate after clinical heart transplantation, although the subject had been partly studied before. We compared the mortality and rejection rate among different ethnic groups at our institution. Methods In retrospect, 525 consecutive donors provided cardiac allografts to adult and pediatric patients undergoing orthotropic heart transplantation at a single, urban US medical center between 2000 and 2005. Donors and recipients were categorized according to ethnicity: African American, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic, and Others (Indian, Mediterranean/Arabic, Afghans). Donor and recipient ethnicity—as an independent factor and the interaction between them—were examined as a risk factor for mortality and rejection after heart transplantation. Mean follow-up period was 3.2 ± 1.9 years (range, 0.1 to 6.6). All recipients received triple immunosuppression consisting of a calcineurin inhibitor, an antiproliferative agent, and steroids. No patients received induction immunotherapy. The end points of the study were early and late mortality, rejection rate, and rejection-free survival time. Results The overall mortality was 17.3% (91 patients). Recipient mortality rate according to donor race was: African American, 23.1%; Asian, 11.1%; Caucasian, 18.7%; and Hispanic, 14.6%. No statistical significance was found, although the mortality differences presented. Recipient mortality with regard to recipients ethnicity was: African American, 22.2%; Asian, 6.3%; Caucasian, 18%; Hispanic, 18.9%; and others 40% (P = .048). Donor–recipient race match was not found as a risk factor influencing mortality as the matched group mortality was 17.5% comparing with the mismatched group mortality of 17.8% (P = .874). The overall rejection rate was 3.8% (20 rejection events). Rejection rate according donor race was: African American, 7.7%; Asian, 10.7%; Caucasian, 4%; and Hispanic, 1.3% (P = .027). Rejection rate with respect to recipients ethnicity was: African American, 0; Asian, 3.2%; Caucasian, 4.4%; Hispanic, 2.7%; and others, 20% with no statistical significance (P = .236). Donor recipient race match was not found as a risk factor influencing rejection rate (P = .58). Conclusions Recipients’ ethnicity was found as a significant risk factor for mortality. Rejection rate were found higher among the African American donors and significantly lower in the Hispanic donors. Significantly lower mortality rate was found among Asian recipients. Donor–recipient race match did not influence the mortality or rejection rate.
Do we need a global fisheries management organization

Global fisheries are increasingly overfished. The existing international regulatory structure, a set of regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), has failed to prevent overfishing. Regulatory problems exist because of the common pool resource character of fisheries and the fishing overcapacity that results from short-term planning and the political power of domestic fishing constituencies. But the regulatory problem comes from the region and species focus of RFMOs (micro-regulation), which creates what we refer to as a “balloon problem.” Even when RFMO regulations restrict access to a particular species or region, fishers move to another region to fish or target different species to maintain their fishing effort. We argue that in order to address these issues successfully and create more effective international fisheries governance, we need to begin a focus on macro-regulation, the creation of rules that address the amount of total fishing industry capacity in the overall system.
M -type smoothing splines with auxiliary scale estimation

Abstract A robust data smoothing procedure is derived from coupling M -type smoothing splines with appropriate robust scale estimators. These robustified smoothing splines are computed using an iteratively reweighted penalized least-squares algorithm. A numerical example is given to illustrate the utility of the proposed methodology and demonstrate that the case weights deriving from the robustification process have important diagnostic uses. Asymptotic theory is also provided including consistency and rates of convergence for the proposed estimator.
The effect of hyperoxia on superoxide production by lung submitochondrial particles.

Abstract Hyperoxia increases CN−-resistant respiration in rat lung mitochondria, rat lung submitochondrial particles, and porcine lung submitochondrial particles. Cyanide-resistant respiration increases from 0 at normal lung tissue oxygen tensions to 1.2 ± 0.06 nmol O2 · min−1 · mg protein−1 ( X ± SD ) in rat lung mitochondria and 2.7 ± 0.2 nmol O2 · min−1 · mg protein−1 in rat lung submitochondrial particles, when assayed at an oxygen concentration of 85%. Superoxide production by submitochondrial particles washed free of superoxide dismutase was directly measured by quantitating superoxide dismutase-inhibitable epinephrine oxidation or cytochrome c reduction, and compared to parallel measurements of CN− resistant respiration. Succinate or NADH was used as substrate and rotenone, antimycin, or CN− were used as respiratory chain inhibitors. At least two components of the respiratory chain produced O2−, the ubiquinone-cytochrome b region and the NADH dehydrogenase complex. Superoxide generation by the NADH dehydrogenase is 1.5-fold greater than superoxide production by the ubiquinone-cytochrome b segment. Oxidation of NADH by porcine lung mitochondria, treated with either rotenone, antimycin, or CN−, parallels rates of O2− formation and increases directly with oxygen tension, providing another indirect measurement of superoxide production by mitochondrial membranes. These findings support the hypothesis that oxygen toxicity is in part a consequence of increased rates of intracellular O2− and H2O2 production.
Getting around lethality with inducible Cre-mediated excision.

For almost two decades, geneticists have manipulated the mouse genome to explore gene function and to understand the role of individual genes in normal development and the disease process. Manipulating the mouse genome in a precise manner begins with a pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cell isolated from the inner cell mass of a developing blastocyst.1. and 2. The genome of the ES cell can be modified by gene targeting—a procedure involving homologous recombination between the endogenous target gene and a modified version of that gene present in the introduced targeting construct; accurate recombination at the target locus replaces the endogenous gene with the modified version. The targeting vector is extremely versatile; it can be used to ablate or ‘knock-out’ gene function by removing an essential region of the target gene, to introduce subtle mutations in the target gene, to insert or ‘knock-in’ an entirely different gene at the target locus, and to generate megabase chromosome rearrangements within defined regions of the genome. These approaches provide researchers with tools that can be used to address a diverse array of biological questions.
The virus of hepatitis, type B (first of two parts).

(First of Two Parts) The discovery of hepatitis B antigen1 2 3 4 has led to studies of the physical and chemical nature of the antigen and to the discovery of different structural forms of the antigen, some of which have properties of an incomplete virus and at least one having properties consistent with those of a complete virus. Here, we review some of the more recently acquired knowledge of the morphologic, antigenic and macromolecular structure of the hepatitis B antigen forms and compare hepatitis B virus (HBV) with better studied viruses. Some of the clinical and biologic implications of the recent findings . . .
RNAs Selected in vitro by the HIV-2 Tat Protein.

The Tat proteins of human immunodeficiency virus types 1 (HIV-1) and 2 (HIV-2), termed Tat-1 and Tat-2, respectively, are essential for efficient viral replication. Tat proteins activate viral transcription by binding to the TAR RNA stem-loop structure at the 5′ end of viral transcripts. We used an in vitro selection procedure to identify RNAs present in a large sequence pool that are able to bind to purified Tat-2 protein. The sequences of the selected RNAs demonstrated a consensus feature: 20 of 27 RNAs contained computer-predicted loop structures that were >50% U or C nucleotides. A selected RNA was characterized for its in vitro binding properties to various Tat-2 proteins. This synthetic RNA was bound by wild-type Tat-2 proteins with an affinity that was only slightly lower than that of the natural HIV-2 TAR RNA. Tat-2 required a wild-type RNA binding domain to bind to this synthetic RNA. This study indicates that in vitro selection techniques can be used to investigate Tat protein-TAR RNA interactions.
The Cost of Canine Rabies on Four Continents

Summary We estimated the economic impacts of canine rabies in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Direct and indirect costs of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, dog vaccination and control, rabies diagnostic testing and cattle mortality-related costs were accounted for. The number of human deaths was updated from previous estimates based on population growth, and the costs associated with the risk of human mortality were incorporated. We accounted for uncertainty associated with the parameter estimates using a Monte Carlo simulation and estimated that the global burden of canine rabies is approximately $124 billion annually. This result illustrates the potential benefits that could be realized if canine rabies was eliminated and provides an important benchmark against which the cost of any potential elimination campaign can be compared.
Measurement of the B+ and B0 meson lifetimes.

The lifetimes of the ${\mathit{B}}^{+}$ and ${\mathit{B}}^{0}$ mesons have been measured using fully reconstructed decays. In a sample of \ensuremath{\sim}49 600J/\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}^{+}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ decays recorded with the Collider Detector at Fermilab, 148\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}16 ${\mathit{B}}^{+}$ and 121\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}16${\mathit{B}}^{0}$ mesons have been reconstructed using the silicon vertex detector. Unbinned likelihood fits to the proper lifetime distributions of these B mesons give ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}^{+}$=1.61\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.16 (stat)\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 (syst) ps, ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}^{0}$=1.57\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.18 (stat) \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.08 (syst) ps, and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}^{+}$/${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}^{0}$=1.02\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.16 (stat) \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 (syst).
Submerged organ culture: An improved method

Explants of whole ovaries and oviducts from postnatal rats were completely submerged during cultivation as organ cultures in chemically defined medium. The oxygen concentration in the culture chamber was raised to over 90%, and the stainless steel platform, used for cultures at the surface of the medium, was abandoned and excluded from further use. Thus, all of the periphery of an explant had equal access to nutrients and oxygen. Throughout the ovarian explants the tissues appeared uniformly viable, and mitotic figures were distributed evenly. These observations are in contrast to those on organs cultivated at the surface of the medium where a lack of structural uniformity had been detected. The method has general application to a variety of organs.
Behavior in adult pairs of captive snow leopards (Panthera uncia)

Eight adult pairs of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) were observed for one to three years in the months December through March to determine the species' social and reproductive characteristics in captivity. To statistically examine the occurrence of behaviors as a function of estrus, the observation weeks were divided into three time blocks: before estrus, estrus, and after estrus. Using percentage of scan samples as an estimate of time spent in various behaviors, 16 behaviors and combined behavior categories were examined for (1) behaviors that differentiated successfully from unsuccessfully breeding pairs, (2) sex differences in behavior, (3) significant correlations between pair members, and (4) behaviors that showed time block effects. The rationale for identifying a behavioral profile of successful breeders in snow leopards was to aid zoos in their captive management programs by increasing their knowledge of the social behavior of this species. By finding correlates to breeding success, informed decisions on whether to change partners after a certain period of time, how to group the cats, and the optimum strategy for a survival plan can be made.
What prospects for European fiscal policy

This article investigates the potential contribution of a supranational fiscal automatic stabilisation mechanism to the architecture of European fiscal policy. Having briefly reviewed the literature on the subject, we report on a simulation of such a mechanism – on the basis of the one suggested by Garatti (2003) [Garatti, A. (2003) 'Implications des chocs communs et specifiques pour le federalisme budgetaire europeen', Economie Internationale, no. 93, 1er trimestre, pp.89-116.] – for the period 1995-2005 covering nine Eurozone countries. In conclusion, it is argued that its establishment would make the European Union more homogeneous and would make it less painful for member states to comply with the convergence criteria, especially in view of the enlargement(s) of the Eurozone that will take place in future.
A new tool for sharing and querying of clinical documents modeled using HL7 Version 3 standard

We present a new software tool called CDN (Collaborative Data Network) for sharing and querying of clinical documents modeled using HL7 v3 standard (e.g., Clinical Document Architecture (CDA), Continuity of Care Document (CCD)). Similar to the caBIG initiative, CDN aims to foster innovations in cancer treatment and diagnosis through large-scale, sharing of clinical data. We focus on cancer because it is the second leading cause of deaths in the US. CDN is based on the synergistic combination of peer-to-peer technology and the extensible markup language XML and XQuery. Using CDN, a user can pose both structured queries and keyword queries on the HL7 v3 documents hosted by data providers. CDN is unique in its design - it supports location oblivious queries in a large-scale, network wherein a user does not explicitly provide the location of the data for a query. A location service in CDN discovers data of interest in the network at query time. CDN uses standard cryptographic techniques to provide security to data providers and protect the privacy of patients. Using CDN, a user can pose clinical queries pertaining to cancer containing aggregations and joins across data hosted by multiple data providers. CDN is implemented with open-source software for web application development and XML query processing. We ran CDN in a distributed environment using Amazon EC2 as a testbed. We report its performance on real and synthetic datasets of discharge summaries. We show that CDN can achieve good performance in a setup with large number of data providers and documents.
Mutagenesis by exocyclic alkylamino purine adducts in Escherichia coli

Abstract Exocyclic alkylamino purine adducts, including N 2 -ethyldeoxyguanosine, N 2 -isopropyldeoxyguanosine, and N 6 -isopropyldeoxyadenosine, occur as a consequence of reactions of DNA with toxins such as the ethanol metabolite acetaldehyde, diisopropylnitrosamine, and diisopropyltriazene. However, there are few data addressing the biological consequences of these adducts when present in DNA. Therefore, we assessed the mutagenicities of these single, chemically synthesized exocyclic amino adducts when placed site-specifically in the supF gene in the reporter plasmid pLSX and replicated in Escherichia coli , comparing the mutagenic potential of these exocyclic amino adducts to that of O 6 -ethyldeoxyguanosine. Inclusion of deoxyuridines on the strand complementary to the adducts at 5′ and 3′ flanking positions resulted in mutant fractions of N 2 -ethyldeoxyguanosine and N 2 -isopropyldeoxyguanosine-containing plasmid of 1.4 ± 0.5% and 5.7 ± 2.5%, respectively, both of which were significantly greater than control plasmid containing deoxyuridines but no adduct ( p = 0.04 and 0.003, respectively). The mutagenicities of the three exocyclic alkylamino purine adducts tested were of smaller magnitude than O 6 -ethyldeoxyguanosine (mutant fraction = 21.2 ± 1.2%, p = 0.00001) with the N 6 -isopropyldeoxyadenosine being the least mutagenic (mutant fraction = 1.2 ± 0.5%, p = 0.13). The mutation spectrum generated by the N 2 -ethyl and -isopropyldeoxyguanosine adducts included adduct site-targeted G:C → T:A transversions, adduct site single base deletions, and single base deletions three bases downstream from the adduct, which contrasted sharply with the mutation spectrum generated by the O 6 -ethyldeoxyguanosine lesion of 95% adduct site-targeted transitions. We conclude that N 2 -ethyl and -isopropyldeoxyguanosine are mutagenic adducts in E. coli whose mutation spectra differ markedly from that of O 6 -ethyldeoxyguanosine.
Nuclear data sheets update for A = 80

Nuclear spectroscopic information for known nuclides of mass number 80 (Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Br, Kr, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr) have been evaluated and presented together with adopted energies and J{pi} of levels in these nuclei. No data are yet available for excited states in {sup 80}Zn and {sup 80}Y. This evaluation represents a revision of earlier ones (82Si20,75Gr19). No data are available for {sup 80}Ni, but calculations of %{beta}{sup -}n and T{sub {1/2}}(g.s.) using RPA method have been reported by 89Kr02. A severe disagreement is noted in the systematics (85Wa02) and measured (82De36,81LKi12) Q({epsilon}) of {sup 80}Y decay. A remeasurement of this value is required to clarify the difference of about 2 Mev.
The Interpersonal Nature of Suicide: A Qualitative Investigation of Suicide Notes

Prior investigations of suicide notes typically focus on verifying psychological theories about suicide motives. Fewer concern the interpersonal nature of suicide. This research investigated broad interpersonal themes related to suicide as revealed through suicide notes. This study was a qualitative investigation of suicide notes written by 138 individuals who completed suicide. Grounded theory analysis revealed seven interpersonal themes: 1) instructions; 2) positive relationships; 3) explanations; 4) relationship reconciliation/maintenance; 5) concern for others; 6) negative relationships; and 7) acknowledging end of relationship. These themes suggest that suicidal individuals consider positive and negative aspects of relationships in their notes, and they attempt to maintain and reconcile relationships even in the face of death.
Clinical correlates of the spike-wave complex.

Abstract Out of 2,000 consecutive EEGs of neurologic patients, 121 (or 114 patients) had spike-wave complexes. Clinically, the spike-wave complex is practically diagnostic of epileptic phenomena. Spike-wave complexes are divided into the “classical” type, which correlates best but not exclusively with petit mal epilepsy; other generalized spike-wave dysrhythmias of which the multiple spike-wave corresponds most closely to grand mal epilepsy; and focal spike-wave, in which group focal seizures are more frequently found. Known etiologic factors and positive neurologic signs are rare in the “classical” spike-wave group and common in the focal spike-waves. Activation techniques are important in eliciting spike-wave complexes.
Spectral interferometric coherent Raman imaging.

We propose a low-background and sensitive coherent Raman imaging technique that uses selective excitation of Raman levels with chirped pulses from a single femtosecond laser. The proposed scheme uses spectral interferometric detection to obtain the real and imaginary parts of χ(3) simultaneously. We combine three advantages desirable for microscopy namely, use of a single femtosecond laser, suppression of non-resonant background, and measurement of complex resonant Raman χ(3).