cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temperature dependence of the optical properties of semiconductor microcrystals

The linear optical properties of commercial semiconductor-doped glasses were measured by absorption and by photoluminescence spectroscopy. Here we place emphasis on their temperature dependence, with the aim of characterizing the trap states in these systems. The dynamics of electron-hole-trap interaction are investigated, together with the band structure. Three major traps were identified from the temperature dependence of the photoluminescence signals. A model for the recombination mechanism is given.
Nonlinear AC response of YBCO weak link bridges and quantum circuit theory

Microbridge weak links fabricated on YBCO films with artificial single grain boundary are discussed. The weak link bridges show typical Shapiro step behaviour upon application of microwave radiation at 20 GHz. However, application of signals at 0.1-4 MHz induced nonlinear responses at temperatures below T/sub c/ of the weak link bridges. The AC nonlinearity was independent of external magnetic fields and microwave radiation up to 20 GHz. The authors propose a circuit theory model based upon a quantum macroscopic Hamiltonian of the Josephson junction to explain the experimental results. The theoretical predictions are in good agreement with the experimental results. >
Biomechanical characterization of unicortical button fixation: a novel technique for proximal subpectoral biceps tenodesis

Proximal biceps tenodesis is one method for treating biceps-related pain. Tenodesis protects the length–tension relationship of the biceps muscle, maintains strength, and provides a better cosmetic appearance than tenotomy. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the mechanical properties of a unicortical metal button and an interference screw in proximal biceps tenodesis. Six pairs of fresh-frozen shoulders were dissected, leaving the proximal biceps tendon as a free graft. On each pair of shoulders, a biceps tenodesis was performed using an interference screw or a unicortical metal button. The specimens were mounted and a cyclic load (10–60 N) was applied at 1 Hz for 200 cycles, followed by an axial load to failure. The displacement, ultimate load to failure, and mode of failure were recorded. Displacement in response to cyclic loading was 3.7 ± 2.2 mm for the interference screw and 1.9 ± 1.0 mm for the cortical button (P = 0.03). Load at failure for the interference screw was 191 ± 64 N (stiffness: 24 ± 11 N/mm) and 183 ± 61 N (stiffness: 24 ± 7. N/mm) for the unicortical button (P = n.s. for both cases). As a novel technique for subpectoral biceps tenodesis, a unicortical button demonstrated significantly less displacement in response to cyclic loading than the interference screw. The ultimate load to failure and stiffness for the two methods were not different. In this way, a unicortical button may provide a reliable alternative method of fixation with a potentially lower risk of post-operative humeral fracture and a construct that permits early mobilization following biceps tenodesis.
Bipartite Distance-regular Graphs, Part II

This is a continuation of “Bipartite Distance-regular Graphs, Part I”. We continue our study of the Terwilliger algebra T of a bipartite distance-regular graph. In this part we focus on the thin irreducible T-modules of endpoint 2 and on those distance-regular graphs for which every irreducible T-module of endpoint 2 is thin.
Abstract 516: Obinutuzumab (GA101): A novel type II glycoengineered CD20 antibody exhibits enhanced cell death against Rituximab-resistant and -sensitive cell lines in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Background: Rituximab (RTX), an antibody targeting the B-cell antigen CD20, in combination with chemotherapy, is safe, well tolerated and associated with > 90% EFS in children with advanced mature B-Cell NHL (Cairo M.S. et al, ASCO 2010). However, RTX resistance has evolved as one of the limiting factors of such therapy and the exact cause of this resistance is not well understood. C-terminal deletion mutations of CD20 may be one possible reason such resistance or for relapse (Mishima Y. et al, Blood Cancer Journal 2011). Obinutuzumab (GA101), a novel type II glycoengineered CD20 antibody of the IgG1 isotype, demonstrates superior cell death induction and its glyco-engineered Fc region has shown to cause significant enhanced ADCC (Mossner et al, Blood 2010; Niederfellner G. et al, Blood 2011). The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of GA101 as compared to RTX against RTX resistant cell lines (Raji-2R and Raji-4RH, generously supplied by M. Barth, MD, Roswell Park Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY) in-vitro. Methods: We evaluated the efficacy of GA101 against Raji (Burkitt Lymphoma), a RTX sensitive cell line (RSCL) and RTX resistant cell lines (RRCL), Raji-2R and Raji-4R (Barth M. et al, ASH 2010). All cell lines were cultured in RPMI with 10% FBS and incubated with dose escalation of GA101 (1-100 µg/ml) for 24 hrs. Cell death was evaluated by staining with AnnexinV/7AAD using a standard kit (BD Biosciences) and flow-cytometry. B-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma (BLL) U-698-M cells (CD20+) (DSMZ, Germany) were used as the positive control; whereas, Loucy cells (CD20−) (T-ALL) (ATCC, Manhass, VA) were used as the negative control. Results: At 100 µg/ml of GA101 when incubated for 24 hrs, Raji and U-698-M demonstrated 26.5±0.42% and 32.4±1.9% cell death, respectively. Cell death of the RRCL, Raji-2R and Raji-4RH, was 16.3±3.4% and 17.5±0.07% respectively, at 100 µg/ml of GA101 at 24 hrs. Significant cell death was demonstrated with RSCL as compared to the RRCL, Raji vs Raji-2R (p<0.05) and Raji vs Raji-4RH (p<0.01). There was no significant change in cell death with any concentration of GA101 with the Loucy cell line. Conclusion: Based on these findings, GA101 is a promising novel CD20 antibody for the treatment of RTX resistant B-Cell Lymphomas and related B-Cell malignancies. Further studies are aimed to identify novel candidates that may increase the efficacy of GA101 against RTX resistant cell lines in-vitro and in-vivo. One such approach is to combine GA101 with activated NK cells or a chemotherapeutic agent. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 516. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-516
The effects of constraint-induced therapy on precision grip: a preliminary study.

Objective. This preliminary study examines the effects of a 2-week constraint-induced therapy (CIT) intervention on the force-producing capabilities of the hemiparetic hand during the performance of a functional dexterous manipulation task. Methods. A 6-degree-of-freedom force/torque transducer that was embedded into the handle of a key allowed for the quantification of grasping forces and torques produced during the performance of a functional key-turning task. Clinical and kinetic data were collected from 10 subacute patients (3-9 months poststroke) who were participating in an ongoing national clinical study (EXCITE trial) examining the effects of CIT on upper extremity motor performance. Investigators were blinded to treatment designation. Five patients receiving treatment immediately completed 2 weeks of intensive CIT, whereas a group randomized to treatment 1 year later did not receive any therapy during a similar 2-week span. Results .Results indicated that 4 of the 5 patients in the CIT group, com...
Newman's Challenge to the Contemporary Academy

Newman challenges the contemporary academy by raising afresh the question of what constitutes intellectual excellence. J. M. Roberts' diagnosis of the postliberal world leads to the conclusion that the very idea of intellectual excellence is being held hostage by materialism and moral disintegration. In the midst of the pluralism that this disintegration generates, the voice of libertarianism seeks to dominate the debate. It either sidesteps defining excellence, as Bill Readings observes, or it elevates individual rights over an academic freedom subordinated to the pursuit and advancement of knowledge. Newman's voice joins this pluralism, entering into a fruitful collision with it. He reminds us that intellectual excellence cannot be adequately understood without grounding it in the true and the good and considering how human rationality appropriates this ground. He reminds us that conscience links intellectual and moral excellence into an indispensable reciprocity. He reminds us that religion and theolog...
Charge trapping, isolated Ge defects, and photosensitivity in sputter deposited GeO2:SiO2 thin films

The nature of the defects in sputter‐deposited GeO2:SiO2 thin films and their relationship to charge trapping and enhanced photosensitivity have been studied using electron paramagnetic resonance, capacitance–voltage, and optical bleaching and absorption spectroscopies. We find a good qualitative agreement between the density of isolated Ge dangling bonds measured magnetically, the density of charge trapping sites measured electrically, and the density of absorbing centers measured optically. Collectively, all observations can be modeled by assuming that a change in spin state and charge state of isolated paramagnetic neutral Ge dangling bonds, to form either diamagnetic positively or negatively charged Ge sites, are largely responsible for the charge trapping and photosensitivity in these thin films.
Enzymatically Synthesized Conducting Polyaniline Nanocomposites: A Solid‐State NMR Study

Abstract The chiral conducting polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites [polyacrylic acid/polyaniline/(−) camphorsulphonic acid (CSA)] were synthesized using enzyme, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the aqueous buffer solution at pH 4.3. It appears that the enzyme HRP apart being a biocatalyst, plays an important role during the polymerization, which allows PANI to prefer a specific helical conformation whether the induced chirality in the monomer‐CSA complex is either by (+)CSA or (−)CSA. In this paper, we report, the structural characterization of these nanocomposites by solid‐state 13C cross‐polarization with magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) NMR techniques. The structural features of PANI in the conducting form of nanocomposite (as‐synthesized) are similar to that of enzymatically and chemically synthesized PANI. Preliminary data also suggest that some portion of nanocomposite samples are not completely doped. Dedoping of as‐synthesized PANI nanocomposite with aqueous NH4OH shows the spectral features that of the...
Does spell-checking software need a warning label?

Users---ironically, often those most verbally armed---put too much trust and little effort in questioning spell- and grammar-checking programs.
Performance and potential of information technology: An international perspective

Abstract Rising information content of economic activity worldwide is making the use of information technology (IT) increasingly relevant in a broad range of countries and activities. Effective planning and organizational capabilities are essential to successful adoption of the new technologies; authors in this issue have concluded that “managerial skills and entrepreneurship” are key to effective use of IT. In addition to human capital development, IT diffusion requires a strategy for generating large investments in telecommunications. While proactive measures at accelerating the diffusion of IT have their place, they need to be complemented by reduction of barriers to the international flow of services and investment.
Synaptic Vesicle Endocytosis at a CNS Nerve Terminal: Faster Kinetics at Physiological Temperatures and Increased Endocytotic Capacity During Maturation

Synaptic vesicle membrane must be quickly retrieved and recycled after copious exocytosis to limit the depletion of vesicle pools. The rate of endocytosis at the calyx of Held nerve terminal has be...
Lysophosphatidic acid stimulates PC‐3 prostate cancer cell matrigel invasion through activation of RhoA and NF‐κB activity

This study was performed to determine the relationship of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) stimulation and increased Ras homolog A (RhoA) activity to nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activity, and the role of these factors in regulating prostate cancer cell invasion. PC-3 high invasive cells demonstrated constitutively increased RhoA, NF-kappaB, and in vitro Matrigel invasion which were further induced by LPA stimulation or transfection with constitutively active RhoA Q63E mutant. LPA treatment rapidly and transiently induced RhoA activity followed by maximally increased DNA binding of NF-kappaB at 1 h and AP-1 at 4 h. The LPA-induced NF-kappaB DNA binding was preceded by transient IkappaBalpha phosphorylation, and decreased total IkappaBalpha levels. Further demonstrating the relationship between RhoA and NF-kappaB activation, PC-3 cells stably transfected with constitutively active RhoA Q63E demonstrated constitutively increased phospho-IkappaBalpha, while PC-3 cells transfected with dominant negative RhoA N19 exhibited decreased phospho-IkappaBalpha levels. The LPA-induced Matrigel invasion and NF-kappaB DNA binding activity were both inhibited by expression of the RhoA inhibitor C3 exoenzyme or dominant negative mutant NF-kappaB inhibitor IkappaBalpha S32/36A. Similarly, transfection with dominant negative IkappaBalpha S32/36A inhibited PC-3 RhoA Q63E cell in vitro invasion. Treatment of PC-3 high invasive and RhoA Q63E cells with sodium salicylate or lactacystin inhibited NF-kappaB and invasion, while pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) treatment of PC-3 high invasive cells inhibited NF-kappaB only. Each inhibitor blocked LPA-induced invasion while PDTC inhibited LPA-induced NF-kappaB and invasion to the greatest extent. These results point to a model where LPA stimulates RhoA and increased PC-3 prostate cancer cell invasion activity through an NF-kappaB-dependent pathway.
Psychosocial Stress and the Duration of Cocaine Use in Non‐treatment Seeking Individuals with Cocaine Dependence

The aim of this study was to explore a potential link between psychosocial stress and cocaine dependence among 36 non-treatment-seeking individuals enrolled in a brain imaging protocol. Stress was assessed using computerized multidimensional instruments, including the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Additional clinical assessments employed were the Addiction Severity Index and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). Based on the median POMS' tension-anxiety scale score the entire sample was divided into two groups, those with high and low levels of stress. The two groups (n = 16 and 20) were similar in terms of age, gender distribution, and severity of addiction. Compared with the low stress group, high-stress individuals displayed significantly longer duration of cocaine use, greater POMS, STAI-state, STAI-Trait, and HRSD scores. Our results replicate those of prior reports implicating stress in the course of cocaine dependence and extend these prior findings by 1) including a new subject population of non-treatment-seekers and 2) by suggesting that the stress-cocaine link may be generalizable to psychosocial stress and negative affective states defined by POMS, STAI, and HRSD scores.
Atmospheric Predictability and Two-Dimensional Turbulence

Abstract Recent observations indicate that the planetary-scale motions of the atmosphere obey some of the laws of two-dimensional turbulence. The eddy-damped Markovian approximation to two-dimensional turbulence is applied to these motions to predict for an observed energy spectrum the nonlinear transfer rates, characteristic error spectra, and the rate of error growth. In this way estimates are derived of the predictability of the atmosphere and of the errors inherent in numerical models. The use of stochastic models for turbulence approximations is described in an Appendix.
The impact of news media on child abuse reporting

This study explores the relationship between news stories on child abuse and neglect and reports of child abuse and neglect made to a mandated agency. Academic literature on crime news is reviewed to provide a context for interpretation. News stories from metropolitan daily newspapers were compared with child maltreatment reports made to mandated agencies on a local and national basis were surveyed over 25 years. The results suggested that both child maltreatment reports and news coverage increased over the period surveyed. However, rather than media stories increasing prior to increases in mandated reports and therefore contributing to the rise in reported cases, they appeared to increase at the same time. It is suggested that the initial cause of both increases may be national policy changes. More recent increases in child abuse reports may be due to economic downturns and other widespread societal changes rather than media attention.
RefSeer: a citation recommendation system

Citations are important in academic dissemination. To help researchers check the completeness of citations while authoring a paper, we introduce a citation recommendation system called RefSeer. Researchers can use it to find related works to cited while authoring papers. It can also be used by reviewers to check the completeness of a paper's references. RefSeer presents both topic based global recommendation and also citation-context based local recommendation. By evaluating the quality of recommendation, we show that such recommendation system can recommend citations with good precision and recall. We also show that our recommendation system is very efficient and scalable.
Neither elitism nor egalitarianism: Gifted education as a third force in american education ∗

This article argues that there are three traditions in American politics that have filtered into American education. The first, Hamiltonian tradition, is essentially elitist, and is based on the idea that there is an upper cognitive or other class that is intrinsically superior to other groups. Those following this tradition seek to identify a class of people in whom to concentrate the resources and power of society. The second, Jacksonian tradition, is essentially egalitarian, and is based on the idea that everyone is equal to everyone else in every way that matters. Those following this tradition seek to equalize not only opportunities, but outcomes, because everyone should be doing comparable work and making equal contributions. These two traditions have battled for dominance in American society, as the polar right and the polar left, and have largely crowded out a third, Jeffersonian tradition, which is neither elitist nor egalitarian. Those following this tradition believe in equality of opportunity ...
Metal binding to the HIV nucleocapsid peptide

Co(II) and Zn(II) binding constants have been measured for binding to the HIV-1 nucleocapsid N-terminal metal binding domain (residues 1-18), using competition titration methods and monitoring Co(II) binding by visible absorbance spectroscopy. Enthalpies for binding were directly measured by isothermal titration colorimetry. The results are compared with recent studies of related systems, including a study of Zn(II) binding by the full length protein.
Molecular characterization of petroporphyrins in crude oil by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Petroporphyrin compositional analysis of a heavy crude oil has been realized by isolation and subsequent ESI-FT-ICR mass spectrometric analysis of the porphyrin-containing fractions. Vanadium octae...
Serum vitamins and the subsequent risk of bladder cancer.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We determined whether serum vitamins are inversely related to bladder cancer risk.Materials and Methods: A cohort of 9,345 Japanese-American men was examined from 1971 to 1977. At examination a blood specimen was obtained and the serum was frozen. After a surveillance period of more than 20 years 111 tissue confirmed incident cases of bladder cancer were identified. Stored serum and that of 111 age matched controls were tested by high pressure liquid chromatography for certain micronutrients, including lutein, zeaxanthin, anhydrolutein, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, dihydrolycopene, α-carotene, β-carotene, total carotenoids, retinol, α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol and total tocopherols.Results: Based on quartiles of serum micronutrient levels the ORs for bladder cancer were determined using the general estimating equations approach. There were statistically significant inverse linear trends in risk for α-carotene (p <0.01), β-carotene (p = 0.03), lute...
An efficient asymmetric synthesis of key intermediates in the synthesis of aphanorphine and eptazocine

Efficient, formal syntheses of aphanorphine and eptazocine are reported that involve epoxide cyclizations. The necessary chiral epoxides were prepared following treatment of diols prepared by Sharpless asymmetric osmylations of an alkene. The cyclizations formed a ring compound with the same enantiomeric purity as the starting epoxide.
Association between computer use speed and age, impairments in function, and touch typing training in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective To explore the associations between impairments in hand function associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and limitations in computer peripheral use. Methods A total of 45 computer users with RA were recruited from the Arthritis Network Research Registry. Impairments in hand function were measured using the Keitel Hand Function Index, and the Arthritis Hand Function Test, while general activity limitations were measured with the Health Assessment Questionnaire. Speed of computer peripheral device use was obtained at a laboratory work station using the Assessment of Computer Task Performance (ACTP). Results Multiple regression models suggested that keyboarding speed was significantly associated with touch typing training and age, while mouse speed was significantly associated with age. Impairments in hand function were significantly associated with only 2 of 7 keyboarding tasks and no mouse tasks. General activity limitations were associated with 2 of 7 keyboarding tasks and 2 of 5 significant mouse tasks. A comparison of this study's sample with a normative sample reported for the ACTP suggested that this sample's keyboarding speed was similar to a nonimpaired sample, while mouse speed was much slower. Conclusion Reduced keyboarding speed is most strongly associated with touch typing skill. General activity limitations appear to be the strongest arthritis-related predictor of decreased computer use speeds. Many computer users with RA will not experience reduced productivity in typing speeds, although many may be slower than their nonimpaired counterparts for mouse use.
The Rise and Development of Urban Political Machines: An Alternative to Merton's Functional Analysis

The accepted wisdom about the rise of urban political machines leans heavily on sociologist Robert K. Merton's functional analysis of machine politics. Merton contended that centralized machine org...
On the computation and finite sample behavior of the constrained M-estimates for multivariate location and scatter

Abstract Constrained M (CM) estimates of multivariate location and scatter [Kent, J. T., Tyler, D. E. (1996). Constrained M-estimation for multivariate location and scatter. Ann. Statist. 24:1346–1370] are defined as the global minimum of an objective function subject to a constraint. These estimates combine the good global robustness properties of the S estimates and the good local robustness properties of the redescending M estimates. The CM estimates are not explicitly defined. Numerical methods have to be used to compute the CM estimates. In this paper, we give an algorithm to compute the CM estimates. Using the algorithm, we give a small simulation study to demonstrate the capability of the algorithm finding the CM estimates, and also to explore the finite sample behavior of the CM estimates. We also use the CM estimators to estimate the location and scatter parameters of some multivariate data sets to see the performance of the CM estimates dealing with the real data sets that may contain outliers.
Requirement for the second coding exon of Tat in the optimal replication of macrophage-tropic HIV-1

HIV-1 Tat is essential for virus replication and is a potent transactivator of viral gene expression. Evidence suggests that Tat also influences virus infectivity and cytopathicity. Here, we find that the second coding exon of Tat contributes a novel function for the replication/infectivity of macrophage-tropic HIV-1. We show that macrophage-tropic HIV-1 which expresses the full-length two-exon form of Tat replicates better in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) than an otherwise isogenic virus which expresses only the one-exon form of Tat. Similarly, two-exon Tat expressing HIV-1 also replicates better than one-exon Tat expressing HIV-1 in two different models of human cells/tissue reconstituted SCID mice.
Thermo-Mechanical Fatigue Life Estimation of Organic BGA Packages Using Laser Moire Interferometry

Accelerated Thermal Cycling (ATC) is traditionally used for assessing solder joint reliability. ATC typically takes as long as three to four months to complete. This paper proposes a new method to determine the fatigue life of solder joints using laser moire technique. The developed method takes about a week to complete and gives us the detailed deformation behavior of each solder ball in the package at various temperatures. The developed method has been demonstrated for a high I/O organic BGA package. To illustrate the efficacy of the method, the results have been validated using experimental thermal cycling data.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The Early History of the Law of Bills and Notes: A Study of the Origins of Anglo-American Commercial Law

Preface Table of cases and precedents Note on citation Introduction 1. The central courts, commercial law, and the law merchant 2. Early exchange transactions: commercial practice 3. Early exchange transactions: private law 4. Early exchange transactions: public law and policy 5. From exchange transactions to bills of exchange: the transformation of commercial practice 6. The custom of merchants and the development of the law of bills 7. The civilians and the law of bills in the seventeenth century 8. Transferability and negotiability 9. The law of bills and notes in the eighteenth century 10. The problem of accommodation bills Conclusion Bibliography Index.
Challenge and Urgency in Defining Doctoral Education in Marriage and Family Therapy: Valuing Complementary Models.

In this overview, I comment on the strong theme of the need to define and improve the quality of doctoral education in marriage and family therapy that pervades the three essays. Deficits in research training are the central concern, although the essayists take different perspectives on the nature of the research training needed. The different perspectives can be understood in terms of three different models of doctoral education. The institutional model focuses on professional training with little financial support for students and lower expectations for faculty research. The community of scholars model emphasizes a balance of research and practice with students required to attend full-time and financial support provided. Research is a mix of faculty- and student-driven and is often focused on professional issues. The star researcher model often held out as the ideal, although not yet represented in marital and family therapy (MFT), emphasizes faculty externally funded programmatic research with students working on and supported by faculty grant funding. The value and role of all three models in MFT doctoral education are described and discussed.
World ethics: Its foundation

Although there are enormous differences between humans, it is also the case that they are fundamentally alike in certain ways. As a prelude to universal ethics, this paper enumerates many commonalities among humans.
Refinement of gamma delta resolvase reveals a strikingly flexible molecule.

Abstract Background γ δ resolvase is a 20.5 kDa enzyme that catalyzes a site-specific recombination in the second step of the transposition of the γ δ transposon and requires no cofactors other than Mg 2+ for activity. Dimers of resolvase bind cooperatively to DNA at three inverted repeat sequences of differing geometry but catalyze recombination at only one site. Results The structure of the catalytic domain of γ δ resolvase, which provides the protein–protein interactions in the synaptic complex, has been refined to an R-factor of 20 % at 2.3 a resolution. The structures of the three independent monomers in the asymmetric unit are similar but not identical. Differences occur in the positions of surface loops and in the overall twist of the central β -sheet of the molecule. The crystal also gives two independent structures for the dimeric form of the molecule, which also show significant differences in the relative orientations of their subunits. Conclusions Resolvase is an unusually flexible protein. This conformational adaptability may be necessary to allow each of the 12 resolvase subunits in the synaptic complex to play a different but specific role in wrapping DNA, binding sites of differing geometry and catalyzing recombination.
Chronic Acetazolamide Intoxication

AbstractSevere acidosis associated with acetazolamide therapy is rare. We report the first case in which plasma and whole blood acetazolamide concentrations were measured. A 61 year-old patient receiving oral acetazolamide for treatment of glaucoma presented with a 7 day history of declining mental status. The patient was lethargic and oriented only to name. The respiratory rate was 36 per minute in a Kussmaul pattern with arterial blood gases revealing a pH of 7.23, pO2 68 mmHg, paCO2 14 mmHg_ and bicarbonate 6 mEq/L. Serum creatinine was 3.1 mg%, CI 126 mEq/L, and anion gap 15. Urine pH was 6.0. Infection and other causes of acidosis and bicarbonate loss were excluded, and he was discharged with normal mental status and improving acid-base balance 18 days after admission. Acetazolamide concentrations four days after the last dose were 26.38 mcg/ml and 38.84 mcg/ml in serum and whole blood, respectively. The serum half-life was 34 hours, compared to a range of 1.5 to 6 hours in subjects with normal renal...
Short sleep as an environmental exposure: a preliminary study associating 5-HTTLPR genotype to self-reported sleep duration and depressed mood in first-year university students.

OBJECTIVES This study examined whether the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in the SLC6A4 gene is associated with self-reported symptoms of depressed mood in first-year university students with a persistent pattern of short sleep. DESIGN Students provided DNA samples and completed on-line sleep diaries and a mood scale during the first semester. A priori phenotypes for nocturnal sleep and mood scores were compared for the distribution of genotypes. SETTING Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. PARTICIPANTS A sample of 135 first-year students, 54 male, 71 Caucasian, mean age 18.1 (± 0.5) yr. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS Students completed on-line sleep diaries daily across the first term (21-64 days; mean = 51 days ± 11) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) mood scale after 8 wk. DNA was genotyped for the triallelic 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. Low-expressing S and L(G)polymorphisms were designated S', and high-expressing L(A) was designated L'. Phenotype groups were identified from a combination of CES-D (median split: high > 12; low < 13) and mean nocturnal total sleep time (TST) from diaries: (shorter ≤ 7 hr; longer ≥ 7.5 hr). Three genotypes were identified (S'S', S'L', L'L'); the S'S' genotype was present in a higher proportion of Asian than non-Asian students. RESULTS FOUR PHENOTYPE GROUPS WERE COMPARED: 40 students with shorter TST/high CES-D; 34 with shorter TST/low CES-D; 29 with longer TST/high CES-D; 32 with longer TST/low CES-D. Female:male distribution did not vary across phenotype groups (chi-square = 1.39; df = 3; P = 0.71). S'S' participants (n = 23) were overrepresented in the shorter TST/high CES-D group (chi- square = 15.04; df = 6; P < 0.02). This association was sustained after removing participants with preexisting evidence of depressed mood (chi-square = 12.90; df = 6; P = 0.045). CONCLUSION These data indicate that young adults who reported shorter nocturnal sleep and higher depressed mood are more likely than others to carry a variant of the SLC6A4 gene associated with low expression of the serotonin transporter.
A Cognitive Approach to Work Intention: The Stuff That Employee Work Passion Is Made of?

The Problem.The measurement of intention has not been used enough in employee engagement and work passion researchThe Solution.Using a social cognitive process model for employee work passion, the authors (a) define and describe the term work intention, (b) present three reasons why work intention should be measured, (c) summarize relevant research, and (d) suggest three recommendations for human resource development (HRD) professionals to consider.The Stakeholders.Stakeholders include human resource development scholars, practitioners, and scholar–practitioners concerned with the consequences of employee engagement.
Nanomechanics of Self-Assembled Monolayers on Nanoscale Gold Films

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are thin organic films formed by a single layer of molecules adsorbed on a substrate. Since their discovery the preparation of these molecular assemblies has attracted the attention of interfacial researchers interested in controlled wetting of surfaces, adhesion, friction, chemical sensing, and high resolution lithography. However, little effort has gone into understanding how this nano-layer affects the mechanics of the underlying surface. In this study the nanomechanics of alkanethiolate SAMs on Au (111) films has been investigated using nanoindentation techniques. The research is aimed at establishing the effect of a SAM on the measured mechanical properties of the Au film. The SAMs considered for this study were made from 1-decanethiol, 96% (CH3(CH2)9-SH). Nanoindentation experiments were performed using a Triboindenter (Hysitron Inc., MN) using displacement control mode. Comparisons were made between the mechanical behavior of the Au films, the Au films plus SAMs and the glass substrate. A range of maximum indentation displacements were used. During the nanoindentation tests the load-displacement curves and the apparent mechanical properties were found to depend on the presence of the SAM film. Surprisingly, the effects of the SAM layer are seen even when the nanoindentation displacement is orders of magnitude greater that the SAM thickness. Many of the effects of the SAM can be explained by changes in the contact geometry and the ability of the SAM to sustain compressive loads when it is in a confined volume. The results and conclusions are potentially relevant to all thin adsorbed organic films, including protein layers on biomaterial surfaces and lubricants on engineering components.
Mapping stereo and image matching algorithms onto parallel architectures

In this paper we present parallel implementations of two vision tasks; stereo matching and image matching. Linear features are used as matching primitives. These implementations are performed on a fixed size mesh array and achieve processor-time optimal performance. For stereo matching, we proposeO(Nn3/P2) time algorithm on aP ×P processor mesh array, whereN is the number of line segments in one image,n is the number of line segments in a window determined by the object size, andP ⩽n. The sequential algorithm takesO(Nn3) time. For image matching, a partitioned parallel implementation is developed.O[((nm/P2) +P)nm] time performance is achieved on aP ×P processor mesh array, whereP2 ⩽nm. This leads to a processor-time optimal solution forP ⩽ (nm)1/3.
Cadmium acclimation and hormesis in Fundulus heteroclitus during fin regeneration

We have previously demonstrated that exposure to cadmium at 0.1 and 0.5 mg/liter will retard the rate of fin regeneration in Fundulus heteroclitus. Since there is a body of literature indicating that preexposure to low levels of metals may increase tolerance during subsequent exposure, these experiments were designed to investigate the effects of preexposure to cadmium, using fin regeneration as the parameter of effect. Fish were exposed for 1 week to 0, 0.01, or 0.05 mg/liter Cd. Following this preexposure, the lower third of the caudal fin was amputated, and regrowth of the fins measured by ocular micrometer twice weekly for 2 weeks. During regeneration fish were maintained in either clean water (25‰ S, 23–25°C) or in water with 0.1 mg/liter Cd. Fish newly placed in Cd (C → 0.1 Cd) regenerated at the slowest rate, while the 0.01 → 0.1 Cd group approached the growth of control fish regenerating in clean water, indicating a protective effect or acclimation brought about by the preexposure. The 0.05 → 0.1 Cd group regenerated even more rapidly than controls, a phenomenon which has been termed “hormesis” and is believed to be due to an overcompensation by homeostatic regulatory mechanisms. In a second set of experiments in which regeneration took place in 0.5 mg/liter rather than 0.1 mg/liter, a protective effect of preexposure was again seen, but no hormesis was observed. Uptake data indicated that preexposed groups took up less Cd than the groups not preexposed.
The significance of carotid artery atheromas on panoramic radiographs in the diagnosis of occult metabolic syndrome.

Objective Metabolic syndrome (MetS), the co-occurrence of abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, reduced HDL cholesterol, hypertension, and insulin resistance promotes carotid atherosclerosis and stroke. The objective of this study was to determine if the presence of calcified atheromas detected on panoramic radiographs of individuals free of overt vascular disease may herald occult MetS. Study design Ninety-four individuals (mean age 65.6 years) with a calcified atheroma detected by a VA dental clinic were evaluated. A like-aged group was used for comparative analysis. Results Fifteen percent of individuals (mean age 64 years) with an atheroma had occult MetS. Mean waist circumference was 116 cm, BMI 32.7 kg/m 2 , triglycerides 250 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol 35 mg/dL, blood pressure 147/87 mm Hg, and glucose 117 mg/dL. Only 6% of controls had occult MetS but this difference in prevalence was not proven to be statistically significant ( P = .059). Conclusion Some individuals with a calcified atheroma may have undiagnosed MetS and should be referred to their physician because aggressive management may preclude a stroke.
Minimizing the cost of errors with a Markov random field

Abstract Sher, D.B., Minimizing the cost of errors with a Markov random field, Pattern Recognition Letters 12 (1991) 85–89. Marroquin (1985) and Dinton et al. (1988) argue that the MPM estimator is superior to the MAP estimator for vision algorithms. We translate a Markov random field into another Markov random field whose MAP estimate is the MPM estimate of the original field. Our technique uses global optimization algorithms such as simulated annealing to compute a MPM estimate for a Markov random field.
Middle-Aged Children of Persons With Alzheimer’s Disease: APOE Genotypes and Cognitive Function in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention

Adult children of persons with Alzheimer’s disease are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease because of hereditary, environmental, and health risk factors shared with affected parents. The Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP) has completed baseline assessments on 452 middle-aged persons (mean = 53 years) who have at least 1 parent with AD. Forty-five percent had 1 or more apolipoprotein (APOE) e4 alleles. There were few significant differences between e4 carriers and noncarriers in demographics, health, and lifestyle measures or in neuropsychological performance. The high percentage of WRAP participants who are carriers of APOE e4 underscores their increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, but the absence of differences related to APOE status and high mean scores on cognitive tests suggests that the APOE e4 gene has yet to have a clinical impact on cognitive functioning. The WRAP cohort may be a valuable group to follow prospectively to characterize the nature of cog...
What hypotheses are you willing to entertain

The 2005 American Society of Naturalists Vice-Presidential Symposium was organized on the theme of "Integrating across Scientific Disciplines." Integration implies considering some aspect of nature from disparate vantages that cut across disciplinary boundaries. The articles presented here illustrate that taking integrative approaches to addressing research questions yields much greater insights than do piecemeal contributions by separate fields.
Lifelong Learning in Social Work Education: A Review of the Literature and Implications for the Future

Social workers practice in rapidly changing and complex environments where they encounter challenges that include increasing evidence-based practice requirements, a shifting information landscape, and diminishing workplace resources. To address these challenges, social workers need to engage in lifelong learning. The purpose of this article is to explore conceptual elements and assumptions underlying lifelong learning; propose social work specific approaches to lifelong learning; present a conceptual model to orient social work educators to the possibilities inherent in lifelong learning for practice, with inclusion of suggested practice behavior; and offer a research agenda for practice.
(Almost) present at the creation: 25 years of modelling and simulation in semiconductor manufacturing

Over the last three decades an extensive research literature on modelling and simulation applications in the semiconductor industry has developed. Extensive relationships between academic research groups and industry have also been in evidence. This presentation will briefly review the evolution of modelling and analysis research in semiconductor manufacturing from an academic perspective, discuss its implications for academic research and industrial practice, and suggest a number of future directions for research and for more effective industry-university collaboration.
Sexual selection and the fitness consequences of male body size in the seed beetle Stator limbatus

Abstract We examined sexual selection on male body size in a laboratory population of the seed beetle,Stator limbatus, and the fitness consequences to females of mating with larger males. Large males produced larger ejaculates than small males. Both males and females lost body weight as a consequence of breeding, and large males lost more weight than small males. The amount of weight lost by males correlated as highly with female fecundity as did the amount of weight lost by females. Similarly, male and female body weight correlated equally highly with female fecundity. These results indicate that males make substantial contributions to female fecundity, probably through nutrients transferred in their ejaculate. As a consequence, fecundity selection should favour large body size in both males and females. We found no preference for large males when virgin females were presented with only one male, but when presented with two males simultaneously, females were more likely to mate with the larger male. This result is consistent with relative female choice or male–male competition, although no indications of male–male competition were observed. Females that mated with small males re-mated sooner than females that first mated with large males. Females that first mated with a non-virgin male were also more likely to re-mate than females that first mated with a virgin male, suggesting that females re-mate to obtain additional sperm or nutrients and not just as a form of mate choice. In addition to the possible benefits from mate choice and male–male competition, large males gain a mating advantage through reduced sperm competition. This large male advantage, combined with fecundity selection on males as well as females, may account for males being larger than females in this species.
Life-history and behavioural adaptations to flow regime in aquatic insects.

Evolutionary history determines how aquatic insects cope with extreme fl ow events, both natural and anthropogenic. From a macroevolutionary point of view, aquatic insects possess different modes of adaptation (morphological, behavioural, or life history) to cope with fl ow events. For example, some Ephe meroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera are adapted to long-term average cycles of fl and drought via life-history timing, while other groups with aquatic adults (Hemiptera and Coleoptera) may use rain-triggered behavioural responses to escape fl oods on a per-event basis. From a microevolutionary point of view, populations may also evolve in response to fl ow regimes at very local scales. Models of life-history and behavioural evolution illustrate how disturbance regime characteristics (timing, frequency, predictability of events) and population structure (course- versus fi ne-grained, organism lifespan) determine how populations might evolve in response to different fl ood or drought regimes. All of these factors have implications for the structure of natural lotic insect communities, and for the effective management of dammed rivers and streams using ecological fl ows.
Offshore Wind Turbine Load Reduction Employing Optimal Passive Tuned Mass Damping Systems

Offshore wind turbines can capture the high-quality offshore wind resource but suffer from increased loading from waves and ice. Reducing these loads through structural control techniques has the potential to be an economically viable solution. Both fixed-bottom and floating substructures are considered in this paper, which will investigate a fixed-bottom monopile as well as a barge, spar buoy, and tension-leg platform for the floating platforms. A set of optimum passive tuned mass dampers are developed by creating a limited degree-of-freedom model for each of the four offshore wind platforms. These models are then integrated into an optimization function using a genetic algorithm to find a globally optimum design for the tuned mass damper. The tuned mass damper parameters determined by the optimization are applied to a series of wind turbine design code simulations using FAST. A sensitivity analysis of the tuned mass damper parameters and a study on the effect of misaligned wind and waves on load reductions are also conducted. Results from these simulations are presented, and tower fatigue damage reductions of up to 20% are achieved for the various tuned mass damper configurations.
Talent Development in Science: A Unique Tale of One Student's Journey:

This narrative presents the educational route followed by an Intel Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) winner who was not always recognized for his scientific abilities. Factors contributing ...
Kantian Non-Ideal Theory and Nuclear Proliferation

Recent revelations of Iran’s hitherto undisclosed uranium enrichment programs have once again incited western fears that Tehran seeks nuclear weapons’ capability. Their fears seem motivated by more than the concern for compliance with the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). Rather, they seem strongly connected to the western moral assumptions about what kind of government or people can be trusted with a nuclear arsenal. In this paper, I critically examine the western assumptions of the immorality of contemporary nuclear proliferation from an international ethical stance that otherwise might be expected to give it unequivocal support – the stance of Kantian nonideal theory. In contrast to the uses of Kant that were prominent during the Cold War, I advance and apply a sketch of a Kantian nonideal theory that specifies the conditions (although strict conditions) under which nuclear proliferation for states like Iran is morally permissible even though the NPT forbids it.