cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association between age and sex and mortality after adjuvant therapy for renal cancer

Background In phase 3 trials of patients with resected high-risk renal cell carcinoma, adjuvant sunitinib has demonstrated no overall survival (OS) benefit, an uncertain disease-free survival (DFS) benefit, and increased toxicity versus placebo. To identify patients who may derive benefit or harm from adjuvant therapy, the authors assessed the effects of age and sex on treatment outcomes in the phase 3 Adjuvant Sorafenib or Sunitinib for Unfavorable Renal Cancer (ASSURE) trial. Methods The authors conducted a post hoc subgroup analysis of age and sex among patients in the ASSURE trial. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for OS and DFS were evaluated with sunitinib or sorafenib versus placebo in 4 patient subgroups defined by sex and median age at the time of the study. Results Sunitinib treatment was associated with decreased OS (HR, 2.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-3.80) among women aged >56 years, but not in women aged ≤56 years or men of any age. Similar associations with age and sex were observed for DFS, but these were not statistically significant (women aged >56 years: HR, 1.41 [95% confidence interval, 0.94-2.10]). No such association was found for sorafenib. The interaction by age and sex on mortality was found to be statistically significant for sunitinib (P = .01), but not sorafenib (P = .10). Conclusions Adjuvant sunitinib may increase mortality among older women with renal cell carcinoma. Given the recent approval of adjuvant sunitinib for patients with high-risk resected renal cell carcinoma, additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.
The effect of body mass index on 30-day complications after total hip arthroplasty:

Background:Evaluating body mass index (BMI) as a continuous variable eliminates the potential pitfalls of only considering BMI as a binary or categorical variable, as most studies do when correlati...
Analytical Methods for the Comprehensive Characterization of Produced Water

Abstract During the unconventional oil and gas development stimulation process, referred to as hydraulic fracturing, millions of gallons of freshwater can be used, as well as the production of millions of gallons of wastewater with a highly variable, chemically rich composition. This waste stream can contain a mixture of organic and inorganic additives, transformation products, as well as inorganic and organic substances from the formation. Unfortunately, there is limited knowledge with regard to the composition of chemical additives used during hydraulic fracturing. Additionally, there currently do not exist any methods approved by the US regulatory agencies for the evaluation of produced water. Collectively, these two factors have led to significant knowledge gaps with respect to exposure, hazard data, and analytical methods. As a result, there is an inadequate understanding of the environmental and human exposure implications during contamination events. Furthermore, pursing a deeper understanding of the chemicals that could be present in produced water can provide valuable insight when monitoring the efficacies of various treatment technologies for the reuse of produced water. This chapter will discuss the analytical methods that have been used to evaluate five key constituent categories found in produced water: bulk measurements, organics, biological, inorganics, and naturally occurring radioactive material. In addition, the chapter will touch on the outstanding concerns and remaining knowledge gaps.
Surface Potential at the Air−Water Interface Computed Using Density Functional Theory

An accurate prediction of the surface potential (ϕ) at the air−water interface is critical to calculating ion hydration free energies and electrochemical half-cell potentials. Using density functional theory (DFT), model interfacial configurations, and a theoretical definition of ϕ, we report a value of +3.63 V at 0.92 g/cm3 water density. A maximally localized Wannier function analysis confirms that ϕ is dominated by molecular quadrupole (or “spherical second moment”) contributions. We find that the predicted surface potential depends on computational details and conclude that standard DFT codes and the existing theoretical definition of ϕ does not yield surface potentials directly comparable to existing experiments.
Neuronal Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) mediates cytokine release in Transgenic Tau P301S mice organotypic brain slice cultures

The Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (SYK) is known for its involvement in B-cell and T-cell signaling, modulating the peripheral immune response. We have previously shown that SYK is overactive in the brains of human Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients, as well as mouse models of AD and tauopathy including Tg Tau P301S mice. More specifically, SYK activation occurs mainly in neurons in human AD brain specimens and mouse models of AD and colocalizes with tau pathogenic species, suggesting it could play a role in AD pathobiology. To assess the possible contribution of SYK to the inflammatory response induced by tau pathology, we analyzed cytokine production in organotypic brain slices cultures from Tg Tau P301S mice and wild-type littermates. Organotypic brains slices from Tau P301S mice produce more cytokines than brain slices from wild-type littermates while SYK inhibition completely antagonizes cytokine production from Tg Tau P301S brain slices. Interestingly, LPS exacerbates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in Tg Tau P301S brain sections compared to wild-type organotypic sections while SYK inhibition alleviates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS. Given that SYK is mainly activated in neurons in Tg Tau P301S mice and not in glial cells, these data suggest that neuronal SYK contributes to the neuroinflammation triggered by the tau pathology. SYK represents an attractive target for regulating the underlying neuroinflammatory component induced by tau pathology.
The Four-Parameter Normal Ogive Model with Response Times

In recent years, interest in the four-parameter logistic (4PL) model (Barton and Lord, ETS Res Rep Ser 198(1):i-8, 1981), and its normal ogive equivalent, has been renewed (Culpepper, Psychometrika, 81(4):1142–1163, 2016; Feuerstahler and Waller (Multivar Behav Res 49(3):285–285, 2014)). The defining feature of this model is the inclusion of an upper asymptote parameter, in addition to those included in the more common three-parameter logistic (3PL) model. The use of the slipping parameter has come into contact with many assessment applications, such as high-stakes testing (Loken and Rulison, Br J Math Stat Psychol 63(3):509–525, 2010), low-stakes testing (Culpepper, Psychometrika, 81(4):1142–1163, 2016), and measuring psychopathology (Waller and Reise, Measuring psychopathology with nonstandard item response theory models: Fitting the four-parameter model to the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, 2010). Yet as mentioned in Culpepper (Psychometrika, 81(4):1142–1163, 2016), the recovery of the slipping parameter also requires larger sample sizes and longer iterations for the sampling algorithm to converge. Response time (RT), which has already been widely utilized to study student behaviors, such as rapid-guessing, was included in our model to help recover the slipping parameter and the overall measurement accuracy. Based on the hierarchical framework of response and RT (van der Linden, Psychometrika 72(3):287–308, 2007), we extended the four-parameter normal ogive model by incorporating RT into the model formulation. A Gibbs sampling approach to estimation was developed and investigated.
The Long Shadow of Jacobson v. Massachusetts: Epidemics, Fundamental Rights, and the Courts

When emergency health measures have impinged on constitutional rights, judges have often turned to a 1905 Supreme Court case decision, Jacobson v. Massachusetts, which upheld a state law requiring smallpox vaccination. Courts are all over the map on how to apply Jacobson.. Some have viewed Jacobson as providing a special constitutional standard during epidemics. As this paper shows, history doesn’t support that view. Other judges have used “business as usual” constitutional analysis that ignore the crisis conditions under which the government must contend with today. During a pandemic, the government confronts a fast-changing situation presenting risks of catastrophic loss of life, under conditions of uncertainty. Similar conditions prevail in national security cases. There, courts apply the normal constitutional tests but give extra deference to the government. Many though not all of the reasons are similar to the coronavirus situation. The lesson would be to utilize the usual tests, but with allowances for the government’s need to take precautionary actions despite high uncertainty.
Predicting Dermal Absorption from Contact with Chemically Contaminated Soils

Dermal absorption from contaminated soils is poorly understood and more experimental study is needed. To guide selection of experimental variables for testing and to facilitate interpretation of resulting data, we have developed mathematical models describing dermal absorption of organic chemicals (1.59 < log 1 0 K o / w < 5.53 and MW < 700) from contaminated soils (with about 0.2% or more organic carbon and with clay fractions which are less than 60 times the weight fraction of organic carbon). Assumptions about the kinetics of soil desorption relative to dermal absorption must be included in these models, although little quantitative information is presently available. Consequently, the models presented here represent two extreme situations in which either the dermal barrier, or the soil controls the rate of dermal absorption. For estimating the relative effect of changing exposure conditions (e.g., changes in soil loading, contamination levels, chemical, etc.), the predictions from both models are generally consistent with experimental results. However, the models assuming fast soil release kinetics predict more absorption than was observed experimentally for lindane and 2,4-D. This suggests that soil release kinetics may limit the amount of dermal absorption in at least some situations.
Spatial-frequency Analysis of the Anatomical Differences in Hamstring Muscles

Spatial frequency analysis (SFA) is a quantitative ultrasound method that characterizes tissue organization. SFA has been used for research involving tendon injury, but may prove useful in similar ...
Sequential Alkaline and Ultrasound Pretreatments of Oat Hulls Improve Xylanase Production by Aureobasidium pullulans in Submerged Cultivation

Xylanases are hydrolase enzymes mainly produced by microorganisms and applied in several industrial segments. In this paper, the effects of different pretreatments of oat hulls were evaluated on the production of xylanase by Aureobasidium pullulans CCT 1261 under submerged cultivation. Oat hulls were subjected to several pretreatments: alkaline (0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4% of NaOH, w/v), alkaline hydrogen peroxide (7.5% of H2O2, v/v), ultrasound-assisted alkaline (1% of NaOH, w/v, 90 W, 20 kHz), and sequential alkaline and ultrasound procedures. Both untreated and pretreated oat hulls were used as substrates for xylanase production by the strain CCT 1261. Changes caused by the pretreatments were observed through the characterization of oat hulls (i.e. lignocellulosic composition and scanning electron microscopy) and then related to the enzymatic production. Sequential alkaline and ultrasound pretreatments on oat hulls promoted the highest xylanase production (30.2 U/mL) and productivity (0.42 U/mL.h) in comparison to the other strategies evaluated. The sequential pretreatment of oat hulls also increased xylanase production more than 11-fold when compared to the untreated substrate. The effectiveness of the sequential procedure, and consequent increase in xylanase production, were attributed to the physical modification of the biomass surface by the ultrasound waves, as well as the lignin removal and hemicellulose maintenance by the alkaline pretreatment with 1% NaOH. Sequential pretreatment of oat hulls allowed the production of microbial xylanases in a more sustainable way using an agricultural by-product as substrate.
Unidirectional coherent energy transport via conjugated oligo(p-phenylene) chains

We discovered a way to funnel high-frequency vibrational quanta rapidly and unidirectionally over large distances using oligo(p-phenylene) chains. After mid-IR photon photoexcitation of a -COOH end group, the excess energy is injected efficiently into the chain, forming vibrational wavepackets that propagate freely along the chain. The transport delivers high-energy vibrational quanta with a range of transport speeds reaching 8.6 km/s, which exceeds the speed of sound in common metals (∼5 km/s) and polymers (∼2 km/s). Efficiencies of energy injection into the chain and transport along the chain are found to be very high and dependent on the extent of conjugation across the structure. By tuning the degree of conjugation via electronic doping of the chain, the transport speed and efficiency can be controlled. The study opens avenues for developing materials with controllable energy transport properties for heat management, schemes with efficient energy delivery to hard-to-reach regions, including transport against thermal gradients, and ways for initiating chemical reactions remotely.
A revision of the minor species group in the millipede genus Nannaria Chamberlin, 1918 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Xystodesmidae).

Millipedes in the family Xystodesmidae (Polydesmida) are often referred to as "colorful, flat-backed millipedes" for their bright aposematic coloration and tendency to form Mullerian mimicry rings in the Appalachian region. However, there are many species of Xystodesmidae that do not display colorful warning patterns, and instead have more cryptic appearances. Perhaps for this reason, groups such as the genus Nannaria have remained understudied, despite containing a large number of undescribed species. Before his death in 2012, R. L. Hoffman worked on a revision of the genus Nannaria, and synthesized material and drawings since 1949. Here the work is continued, inferring a molecular phylogeny of the Nannariini (Nannaria + Oenomaea pulchella), and revealing two clades within the genus. One clade is named the minor species group, and the second is the wilsoni species group. This revision, using a molecular phylogenetic framework, is the basis for descriptions of 35 new species in the minor species group. A multi-gene molecular phylogeny is used to make taxonomic changes in the taxon. Eleven putative species of Nannaria are also illustrated and discussed. Additionally, detailed collection, natural history and habitat notes, distribution maps, and a key to species of the Nannaria minor species group are provided. These items are synthesized as a basis for a revision of the genus, which hopefully will aid conservation and evolutionary investigations of this cryptic and understudied group.
First Mars year of observations with the InSight solar arrays: Winds, dust devil shadows, and dust accumulation

Abstract Solar array currents recorded on the InSight lander indicate a handful of faint (
Between the ‘yellow-skinned enemy’ and the ‘black-skinned slave’: early modern genealogies of race and slavery in Sa`dian Morocco

This paper situates Morocco’s invasion of the West African Songhai Empire in 1591 within the global histories of race, slavery, and capitalism. Morocco’s invasion, which took place during the heigh...
Abstract 875: Associations of aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications with breast cancer risk by the status of COX2 receptor

Purpose: We investigated the associations of aspirin and other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with breast cancer risk by the status of COX2 receptor expression. Methods: This study included 421 cases and 3,166 controls from a nested case-control study within the Nurses9 Health Study (NHS) and Nurses9 Health Study II (NHSII) cohorts. Information on medication use was first collected in 1980 (NHS) and 1989 (NHSII) and was updated biennially. Medication use was defined as none, past or current; average cumulative dose and frequency were calculated for all past or current users using data collected from all bi-annual questionnaires preceding the reference date. Immunochemistry for COX2 expression was performed using commercial antibody (Cayman Chemical and Thermo Fisher Scientific). We used polychotomous logistic regression to quantify associations of aspirin and NSAIDs with the risk of COX2+ and COX2- breast cancer tumors, while adjusting for known breast cancer risk factors. All tests of statistical significance were two-sided. Results: In multivariate analysis, heterogeneity tests indicated statistically significant differences in associations of most of the aspirin exposures and regular use of NSAIDs with breast cancer risk by COX2 receptor status. However, we observed no distinct differences in the patterns of associations between COX2+ and COX2- tumors for any of the exposure variables. Significant associations of these medications with breast cancer risk were observed for dosage of aspirin among current users in COX2- tumors (OR for >5 tablets per week vs. none 1.71, 95% CI 1.01-2.88, p-trend 0.04) Regular aspirin use was marginally associated with the risk of COX2- tumors (p-trend=0.06) only (p-heterogeneity Conclusions: Our findings suggested no differences in associations of aspirin and other NSAIDs with COX2+ and COX2- tumors. Citation Format: Lusine Na Yaghjyan, Heather Eliassen, Graham Colditz, Bernard Rosner, Akemi Wijayabahu, Rulla Tamimi. Associations of aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications with breast cancer risk by the status of COX2 receptor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 875.
Modeling shield immunity to reduce COVID-19 transmission in long-term care facilities

Abstract Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in the United States have experienced severe COVID-19 outbreaks and elevated mortality rates, often following upon the inadvertent introduction of SARS-CoV-2. Following FDA emergency use approval, widespread distribution of vaccines has resulted in rapid reduction in COVID-19 cases in vulnerable, older populations. Yet, vaccination coverage remains incomplete amongst residents and healthcare workers. As such, mitigation and prevention strategies are needed to reduce the ongoing risk of transmission and mortality amongst vulnerable, nursing home populations. One such strategy is that of ‘shield immunity’, in which recovered individuals increase their contact rates and therefore shield individuals who remain susceptible to infection. Here, we adapt recent population-scale shield immunity models to a network context. To do so, we evaluate network-based shield immunity by evaluating how restructured interactions in a bipartite network (e.g., between healthcare workers and long-term care residents) affects SARS-CoV-2 epidemic dynamics. First, we identify a series of rewiring principles that leverage viral testing, antibody testing, and vaccination information to reassign immunized healthcare workers to care for infected residents while retaining workload balance amidst an outbreak. We find a significant reduction in outbreak size when using infection and immune-based cohorting as a weekly intervention. Second, we also identify a preventative strategy using shield-immunity rewiring principles, by assigning susceptible healthcare workers to care for cohorts of immunized residents; this strategy reduces the risk that an inadvertent introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into the facility via a healthcare worker spreads to susceptible residents. Network-based epidemic modeling reveals that preventative rewiring can control the size of outbreaks at levels similar to that of isolation of infectious healthcare workers. Overall, this assessment of shield immunity provides further support for leveraging infection and immune status in network-based interventions to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Predicting Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms Following Burn Injury: A Risk Scoring System.

Depression and post-traumatic stress are common psychiatric comorbidities following burn injury. The purpose of this study was to develop an admission scoring system that assesses the risk of development of depression or post-traumatic symptoms in the burn population. This study is a retrospective review of the prospectively collected Burn Model System National Database. Adult burn survivors enrolled from 2014-2018 (n=486) were included. The primary outcome was the presence of depression or post-traumatic stress symptoms at 6, 12, or 24 months post-injury. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify demographic and clinical predictors of depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms. A risk scoring system was then created based on assigning point values to relevant predictor factors. The study population had a mean age of 46.5±15.8 years, mean burn size of 18.3±19.7%, and was 68.3% male. Prior to injury, 71.3% of the population was working, 47.9% were married, and 50.8% had completed more than a high school education. An 8-point risk scoring system was developed using the following predictors of depression or post-traumatic stress symptom development: gender, psychiatric treatment in the past year, graft size, head/neck graft, etiology of injury, and education level. This study is the first to develop a depression and post-traumatic stress symptom risk scoring system for burn injury. This scoring system will aid in identifying burn survivors at high risk of long-term psychiatric symptoms that may be used to improve screening, monitoring, timely diagnosis and interventions.
Digital computer simulation studies: Studies of information networks

Digital computer simulation models for analysis of information networks are being developed. Concepts from a variety of sources (2,3,6,8) provide the basis for formulation of the models. Several of the major aspects that are incorporated include: user behavior; scheduling within the information processing center; (machine- readable) file organization and maintenance; and distribution of conventional library resources. A single comprehensive model for the entire network is also being developed to allow for detailed study of special portions of the system, followed by a study of the effects of changes in the sub-system upon the entire system. Using a higher level programming language (GPS/360) was deemed to be essential because of the necessity of model change and adaptation imposed upon us in this area. Modelling must allow for many different detailed systems designs (corresponding to the variety of plans) and for changes in any single plan many of which cannot be foreseen.
Human aldehyde dehydrogenase. Purification and characterization of a third isozyme with low Km for gamma-aminobutyraldehyde.

Abstract An enzyme which catalyzes dehydrogenation of gamma-aminobutyraldehyde has been purified to homogeneity from human liver and identified as an isozyme of aldehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.3); two other isozymes, previously obtained in a homogeneous form, are known as E1 and E2. Affinity chromatography on NAD-agarose (N6 with 8 carbon spacer) yields homogeneous enzyme which migrates as two components on isoelectric focusing with pI = 5.3 and 5.45. These two components, separated by fast protein liquid chromatography on a Mono-P HR 5/20 column, have similar Km values for gamma-aminobutyraldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, and NAD. The Km value for gamma-aminobutyraldehyde is 8.0-14.0 microM versus 760 microM for E1 and 512 microM for E2. The enzyme's molecular weight, subunit molecular weight, and amino acid composition are similar to those of the E1 and E2 isozymes. The enzyme also interacts with anti-E1 and anti-E2 antibodies; it is relatively insensitive to disulfiram inhibition and is neither activated nor inhibited by magnesium. Its absorption spectrum, where the ratio of 280/260 nm is 1.1 and a weak absorption is seen in the 340 nm range (Racker band), suggests the presence of bound coenzyme. gamma-Aminobutyraldehyde dehydrogenase (with Km value of 15 microM for gamma-aminobutyraldehyde) was previously partially purified from Pseudomonas fluorescens (Jakoby, W.B., and Fredericks, J. (1959) J. Biol. Chem. 234, 2145-2150) but never from a mammalian organism.
The Strongly Coupled OCP Plasmon Dispersion for Finite Wavenumbers

In a strongly coupled OCP the plasraon dispersion becomes negative (dω)/dk)k=0 Γcrit, 2 < Γcrit < 10. This has been established both by MD simulations and analytic studies (Hansen, Pollock and MacDonald, 1974; Hansen, Pollock and MacDonald 1975; Abramo and Parrinello, 1975).
Achievements of the hermeneutic-phenomenological approach to natural science

The hermeneutic-phenomenological approach to the natural sciences has a special interest in the interpretive phases of these sciences and in the circumstances, cognitive and social, that lead to divergent as well as convergent interpretations. It tries to ascertain the role of the hermeneutic circle in research; and to this end it has developed, over the past three decades or so, a number of adaptations of hermeneutic and phenomenological concepts to processes of experimentation and theory-making. The purpose of the present essay is to show how appropriate these concepts are to an important current research program (solar neutrinos) and thus to point out what difference they make to our understanding of science as a whole. This goal is pursued by means of comparison. The program of social constructivism in natural science has produced alternative but parallel concepts, embodied in an alternative and parallel vocabulary. The contrast between this vocabulary and that of hermeneutics and phenomenology reveals, so I argue, the advantages of the latter. But actually it does more: It reveals as well the “pre-understanding” or “prejudgment” of science embedded in each approach.
Performance comparison of the Cray-2 and Cray X-MP/416

The serial and parallel performance of the Cray-2 is analyzed using the standard Los Alamos benchmark set plus codes adopted for parallel processing. For comparison, architectural and performance data are given for the Cray-X-MP/416. Factors affecting performance, such as memory bandwidth, size and access speed of memory, and software exploitation of hardware, are examined. The parallel-processing environments of both machines are evaluated, and speedup measurements for the parallel codes are given. >
A report of the workshops on the current status of the histologic grading of prostate cancer.

A national multidisciplinary study of four major systems for the histological grading of primary prostatic cancer was completed during 1978. In a series of workshops culminating in a final review, criteria of grading were critically assessed against the background of patient survival data. The overall consensus was that the Gleason system should tentatively be adopted as the pathologic reference point for classifying patients. This system can be used in conjunction with other systems. It seems definable, reproducible, reasonably simple, and has clinical relevance as judged by correlations with patient survival. Further study may demonstrate advantages from incorporation of the nuclear or cytologic characteristics of tumor cells into the Gleason system. Newer techniques of acid phosphatase determination, bone scans, and assessment of the regional lymph nodes should provide better staging criteria for correlation with primary tumor histology in the future. These workshops presented a unique opportunity for representative clinicians and pathologists in the United States to express their viewpoints in a comprehensive fashion on this timely and important topic.
Graph-based strategies for multi-player pursuit evasion games

Maximization of the second smallest eigenvalue of the graph Laplacian has recently been studied in the field of cooperative control. Instead of the second smallest eigenvalue, we design a gradient-based control law for multiple agents to maximize an arbitrary nonzero eigenvalue. The gradient of an eigenvalue is derived through a standard sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, connections are drawn between the connectivity control and pursuit-evasion (PE) problems with multiple players. A gradient-based strategy is designed and the performance is verified by simulations. A comparison with the previously designed suboptimal strategy is provided. This is a preliminary study of a graph theoretical approach to multi-player PE problems.
Electronic structure of N,N′-ethylene-bis(1,1,1-trifluoropentane-2,4-dioneiminato)-copper(II) (Cu-TFAC), from soft X-ray spectroscopies and density functional theory calculations

The element and orbital-specific electronic structure of thin films of the organic material N,N'-ethylene-bis(1,1,1-trifluoropentane-2,4-dioneiminato)-copper(II) (designated as Cu-TFAC) has been studied using a combination of synchrotron radiation-excited resonant X-ray emission spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. Furthermore, resonant X-ray emission at the carbon K-edge was used to measure the density of states for individual C sites in the molecule.
Metabolic mapping of brain regions associated with behavioral extinction in preweanling rats

Fluorodeoxyglucose autoradiography, quantitative image analysis, and a multivariate tool (partial least squares) were used to assess distributed patterns of brain activation in postnatal day 17 and day 12 rat pups engaged in extinction of instrumental behavior. Pups were trained in a straight alley runway on an alternating reward schedule, or on a pseudorandom reward schedule, injected with fluorodeoxyglucose, and then shifted to continuous nonreward (extinction). Another group at each age served as handled controls. Day 17 pups trained on the alternating schedule demonstrated faster extinction rates compared to those trained on the pseudorandom schedule, a phenomenon known as the partial reinforcement extinction effect. No differences were found between day 12 groups. Partial least-squares analysis revealed age-related increases in fluorodeoxyglucose uptake across all three training conditions in the cingulate and frontal cortices, amygdala, midline thalamic nuclei, cerebellum, and in several brainstem regions. Training-related increases common to both age groups were found in the orbital frontal cortex, limbic thalamus, gigantocellular reticular nucleus, the somatosensory system, and cerebellum. Age-dependent training effects were found in the interpositus and medial cerebellar nuclei wherein fluorodeoxyglucose uptake increased in the day 12 alternation and pseudorandom groups relative to controls. Day 12 pups trained on the alternating schedule demonstrated increased uptake in the anterior dorsal thalamus relative to pseudorandom and control pups. Hence, a large-scale neural system comprised by somatosensory, cerebellar, and brainstem regions govern extinction behavior in preweanling rats. Recruitment of limbic structures may allow the older pups to modify extinction behavior based on prior learning.
GaAs compliant substrates: a new substrate with a stretchable lattice for mismatched III-V epitaxial growth

We present the theoretical foundations and implementation methods for forming GaAs compliant substrates that have a 'stretchable' lattice to be used for high quality lattice- mismatched heteroepitaxial growth. The theoretical calculations predict an increase of several orders of magnitude in the critical thickness of a film when it is grown on another thin film that has been wafer-bonded to an angularly misaligned bulk substrate. The calculations show that the increase in critical thickness is sustained even for a 3 percent lattice mismatch between the growth and the stretchable lattice. The dependence of the growth's critical thickness on a variety of parameters are presented including the bonding energy between the compliant and bulk substrates, the lattice mismatch between the growth and compliant substrates, and the thickness of the misaligned film. Thick films of In0.35Ga0.65P were grown on the compliant substrates. Bright-field transmission electron micrographs of the growth's cross-section showed no dislocations, whereas the same films grown on bare GaAs substrates produced stacking faults and threading dislocations. The concept and technology of compliant substrates may have important applications in forming optoelectronic devices of new characteristics and wavelengths.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Costs of Milk Harvest in Dairy Cattle: Implications for Direct Selection and Cow Culling

Abstract Labor and machine costs of milking were derived from data on Holstein and Jersey cows to determine their importance for direct selection and culling. The labor cost of milking Holsteins ranged from $.16 to $.27/day for milk yields when labor was valued at $4.50/h. Machine stripping comprised about one-third of this labor cost. Effects of lactation number for labor and machine costs were small, $.05 and $.02/day, for cows of same yield and stage of lactation. Standard deviations of labor and machine costs of milking Holstein cows were $13.39 and $7.25/305-day lactation. Variation in labor or machine costs was insufficient to warrant direct selection for improved economy of milking. Parity of cow could contribute to a decision to cull in extreme cases of low production and high labor and/or machine requirements but is otherwise inconsequential.
AN OPTICAL DIRECTIONAL BEACON

Apparently the principle of the Orfordness radio beacon has not been applied to optical lighthouses. Operation of this sort would form an easy extension of the ordinary technique and would provide improved service by permitting determination of the azimuth of a vessel from a lighthouse or aircraft beacon without reference to the course or attitude of the vessel.
Morphology of the Drifting Osteon

Drifting osteons were followed longitudinally through the cortex of human and baboon long bones using serial sections. Direction of transverse drift was recorded at different cross-sectional levels of
A comparison of two doses of melperone, an atypical antipsychotic drug, in the treatment of schizophrenia

Melperone at a dose of 300 mg/day has been reported to be as effective as thiothixene and superior to placebo in the treatment of schizophrenia. Limited ability to cause extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) and absence of an effect on plasma prolactin (pPRL) levels suggests that it is an atypical antipsychotic drug. The goal of this pilot study was to determine: (1) the ability of melperone 400 mg/day to produce greater improvement in psychopathology than melperone 100 mg/day; and (2) to compare side effects of these two doses of melperone. Melperone, 100 or 400 mg/day, was administered to 34 acutely hospitalized patients with schizophrenia for 6 weeks in a randomized, double-blind manner. Psychopathology, EPS, pPRL levels, and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks. Twenty-seven completed the 6-week treatment. A last carried forward analysis revealed no significant difference in the ability of the two doses of melperone to improve psychopathology as measured by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)-Total and Positive subscale, the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Disorganization subscale, and the Global Assessment Scale (GAS). Treatment with melperone was not associated with exacerbation of EPS, or an increase in pPRL levels or BMI. The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) was not significantly changed by treatment with melperone. These results suggest that melperone was equally effective at doses 100 and 400 mg/day, for ameliorating psychopathology and improving overall psychiatric status in patients with schizophrenia. However, the lack of difference and a placebo control group, as well as modest degrees of change in psychopathology, require caution about assuming efficacy of either dose. The lack of significant side effects such as exacerbation of EPS, pPRL elevation, and weight gain indicates melperone is well tolerated.
Randomized controlled trial of health maintenance reminders provided directly to patients through an electronic PHR.

BACKGROUND Provider and patient reminders can be effective in increasing rates of preventive screenings and vaccinations. However, the effect of patient-directed electronic reminders is understudied.
Local density exchange approximations versus hartree‐fock for ground‐state calculations

Crystalline x-ray structure factors are presented for C (diamond) which have been calculated using the local density approximation and an LCAO-plane wave mixed basis. They are compared to both experimental and crystalline Hartree-Fock calculated values.
Ordering and fluctuations in the ground state of the one-dimensional and two-dimensional S=1/2 XXZ antiferromagnets: A study of dynamical properties based on the recursion method.

The recursion method is applied to the T=0 dynamics of the S=1/2 XXZ model on a linear chain and a square lattice. By means of new calculational techniques for the analysis of the continued-fraction coefficients pertaining to specific dynamical quantities, we obtain reliable information on the type of ordering in the ground state, on the size of gaps in the dynamically relevant excitation spectrum, on the bandwidths of dominant structures in spectral densities, on the exponents of infrared singularities, and on the detailed shape of spectral-weight distributions. We investigate some characteristic properties of the dynamic structure factors ${\mathit{S}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}$(q,\ensuremath{\omega}) and the spin autocorrelation functions ${\mathit{S}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}$(\ensuremath{\omega})=${\mathit{N}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ t${sum}_{\mathbf{q}}$${\mathit{S}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}$(q,\ensuremath{\omega}), specifically their dependence on the uniaxial anisotropy, i.e., on the parameter which controls the type of ordering and the amount of quantum fluctuations in the ground state. We find, for example, that the different degrees of ordering in the planar regime of the one-dimensional and two-dimensional systems (criticality versus antiferromagnetic long-range order) have characteristic signatures in the dynamical properties which are conspicuously displayed in our results.
A symbiotic relationship of energy metabolism between a ‘non-glycolytic’ mammalian red cell and the liver

Abstract The red cell of newborn pig loses the ability to carry out glycolysis within a month after birth. The metabolic energy source for this ‘non-glycolytic’ mammalian red cell is unknown. Hepatectomy of an adult pig results in the loss of red cell ATP with a characteristic half-time of 7–8 h which is identical to the rate with which ATP disappears in the pig cells under in vitro substrate-free incubation. Exposure of pig red cells with either normal or depleted levels of ATP to isolated hepatocytes causes a net synthesis of red cell ATP during a 12 h incubation. These findings suggest that a symbiotic relationship of energy metabolism may exist between the red cell and the liver of the pig.
Geoffrey Hill, René Girard, and the Logic of Sacrifice

Abstract According to Rene Girard, the logic of sacrifice is scapegoating, the logic of self-sacrifice is self-transcendency true or deviated. Ibsen completed his unfinished epic poem “Brand” by rewriting it as a dramatic poem; dramatization clarified the mutually complicit nature of Brand’s useless self-sacrifice to and by his community. Ibsen rewrote Brand with great speed and facility and, ten years later, perhaps with the lesson of Brand’s unnecessary self-sacrifice in mind, achieved that regularity of intense focus that produced a play every two years. Geoffrey Hill’s stage version completes the process of dramatizing Brand. By his own accounting in a 1979 interview Hill wrote his Brand with great speed and facility; ten years later, he began the current period of unrivalled periodic productivity.
Arsenic, Nitrate, Chloride And Bromide Contamination In The Gulf Coast Aquifer, South-Central Texas, USA

Arsenic, nitrate, chloride, and bromide concentrations in the Gulf Coast Aquifer of south-central Texas, USA, were compiled, mapped, and evaluated in the context of local land use and geology. Agriculture and oil production are predominant land uses and potential sources of groundwater contamination in the study area. Data were compiled from 69 wells with a median depth of 160.5 v m. Eight observations surpassed the 44.3 v mg/L standard for nitrate (10 v mg/L NO 3 -N), and 24 observations exceeded the 10 v µg/L standard for arsenic. There was a statistically significant, inverse correlation between nitrate and well depth, and a direct correlation between nitrate and arsenic. Arsenic concentrations were significantly higher in a uranium-bearing sand formation compared to other formations in the study area. Chloride concentrations were also high relative to the (secondary) drinking water standard (250 v mg/L), with a median of 342 v mg/L and maximum of 6840 v mg/L. Most chloride/bromide ratios were near 300...
Estimates related to sumfree subsets of sets of integers

A subsetA of the positive integers ℤ+ is called sumfree provided (A+A)∩A=o. It is shown that any finite subsetB of ℤ+ contains a sumfree subsetA such that |A|≥1/3(|B|+2), which is a slight improvement of earlier results of P. Erdos [Erd] and N. Alon-D. Kleitman [A-K]. The method used is harmonic analysis, refining the original approach of Erdos. In general, defines k (B) as the maximum size of ak-sumfree subsetA ofB, i.e. (A) k = $$\underbrace {A + ... + A}_{k times}$$ % MathType!End!2!1! is disjoint fromA. Elaborating the techniques permits one to prove that, for instance, $$s_3 \left( B \right) > \frac{{\left| B \right|}}{4} + c\frac{{\log \left| B \right|}}{{\log \log \left| B \right|}}$$ % MathType!End!2!1!as an improvement of the estimate $$s_k \left( B \right) > \frac{{\left| B \right|}}{4}$$ % MathType!End!2!1! resulting from Erdos’ argument. It is also shown that in an inequalitys k (B)>δ k |B|, valid for any finite subsetB of ℤ+, necessarilyδ k → 0 fork → ∞ (which seemed to be an unclear issue). The most interesting part of the paper are the methods we believe and the resulting harmonic analysis questions. They may be worthwhile to pursue.
Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 activation negatively regulates Polo-like kinase 2-mediated homeostatic compensation following neonatal seizures

Homeostatic plasticity is characterized by compensatory changes in synaptic strength and intrinsic membrane properties in response to chronic changes in neuronal activity. Neonatal seizures are a naturally occurring source of neuronal overactivation and can lead to long-term epilepsy and cognitive deficits. Using a rodent model of hypoxia-induced neonatal seizures that results in a persistent increase in AMPA receptor (AMPAR) function in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, we aimed to determine whether there was any evidence of an opposing endogenous homeostatic antiepileptic response. Given that this model results in long-term epilepsy, we also examined mechanisms whereby this homeostasis fails. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from neurons in slices removed at intervals following seizure onset revealed an initial up-regulation of AMPAR function that was followed by a transient dynamic attenuation of this enhancement by 48–72 h, although AMPAR function was still increased compared with nonseizure control baseline. This secondary down-regulation of enhanced AMPAR function was coincident with a marked transient increase in expression and function of the Polo-like kinase 2 (PLK2), which has previously been implicated in homeostatic down-regulation of neuronal excitability in cell/slice culture models. The effects were transient and at 1 wk AMPAR function once again became up-regulated, simultaneous with a decrease in PLK2 expression and function. This negative regulation was mediated by subacute postseizure increases in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Application of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin prevented post-hypoxic seizure impairment of homeostasis, suggesting that homeostatic plasticity mechanisms may be potentially modifiable therapeutic targets in epileptogenesis.
Barrier Winds Along the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Abstract Observational evidence from instrumented aircraft, Doppler radar and rawinsondes suggest low-level, mountain-parallel jets are a common wintertime feature along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Range and extending into the California Valley. It is proposed that the formation and maintenance of the low-level jet is a result of the pressure field created by the damming of stable air as it is forced up against the steep mountain barrier. Numerical experiments, using a two-dimensional (x, z) primitive equation model incorporating terrain representative of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, are carried out to test this assertion.
Reactive Oxygen Species in Cancer: A Dance with the Devil

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can initiate cancer, but oxidant generation in tumors leaves them vulnerable to further stresses. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Harris and colleagues show that augmenting oxidant stress in normal cells limits tumor initiation and progression. Hence, strategic targeting of antioxidant systems may undermine survival of new tumor cells.
Defect passivation using ultrasound treatment: fundamentals and application

Ultrasonic vibrations introduced into semiconductor thin-films can trigger defect reactions, which are beneficial for electronic materials and devices. This type of semiconductor processing is assigned as ultrasound treatment (UST). The UST technology was initially developed in compound semiconductors and recently successfully applied to Si-based materials. The analysis of UST effects is performed within a general scenario of three-step point-defect gettering comprised of the (a) release, (b) diffusion, and (c) capture of the defects. As a demonstrating vehicle of UST mechanisms, the experimental data on ultrasonically enhanced diffusion of atomic hydrogen in thin polycrystalline Si films are discussed. UST applied to plasma-hydrogenated films improves the homogeneity of recombination and transport properties. Ultrasound promotes a passivation of grain boundary defects as revealed using scanning photoluminescence spectroscopy, contact potential difference with nano-scale resolution, and sheet resistance measurements. The results favor a model of trap-limited hydrogen diffusion facilitated by ultrasound. Illustrative examples of the UST application for electronic devices are presented.
Errata: Precursor/incubation of multi-scale damage state quantification in composite materials: Using hybrid microcontinuum field theory and high-frequency ultrasonics [Jun 13 1141-1151]

In our earlier publication [1], a comparatively simple but efficient novel approach is proposed to quantify the incubation of damage state using a scanning acoustic microscope (SAM). The proposed approach exploits the hybrid microcontinuum field theory to quantify intrinsic (multiscale) damage states. Defying the conventional route of bottom-up multi-scale modeling methods, a hybrid topdown approach is presented, which is then correlated to the ultrasonic signature obtained from the materials. In [1], Table I reported the wave travel distances rather than the thickness of the specimens, as indicated by the column head. The specimen thicknesses were close to 0.512 mm and the wave travel distances were twice the thickness of the specimens along the thickness direction. The errors were detected and corrected herein.