cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Average properties of bipolar magnetic regions during sunspot cycle 21

We examine the statistical properties of some 2700 bipolar magnetic regions (BMRs) with magnetic fluxes ≥3 × 1020 Mx which erupted during 1976–1986. Empirical rules were used to estimate the fluxes visually from daily magnetograms obtained at the National Solar Observatory/Kitt Peak. Our analysis shows the following: (i) the average flux per BMR declined between 1977 and 1985; (ii) the average tilts of BMRs relative to the east-west line increase toward higher latitudes; (iii) weaker BMRs had larger root-mean-square tilt angles than stronger BMRs at all latitudes; (iv) over the interval 1976–1986, BMRs with their leading poles equatorward of their trailing poles contributed a total of 4 times as much flux as BMRs with ‘inverted’ tilts, but the relative amount of flux contributed by BMRs with inverted or zero tilts increased as the sunspot cycle progressed; (v) only 4% of BMRs had ‘reversed’ east-west polarity orientations; (vi) although the northern hemisphere produced far more flux during the rising phase of the sunspot cycle, the southern hemisphere largely compensated for this imbalance during the declining phase; (vii) southern-hemisphere BMRs erupted at systematically higher latitudes than northern-hemisphere ones through most of sunspot cycle 21.
Sedimentation field flow fractionation of bacterial cell wall fragments

Abstract Sedimentation field flow fractionation (SFFF) is a novel technique for the high-resolution separation of a wide variety of particulates and soluble macromolecules in the 10 6 –10 12 molecular weight range. This approach has been applied to the fractionation and on-line molecular weight-distribution analysis of heterogeneous mixtures of streptococcal cell fragments. The results suggest that SFFF is a reliable, rapid procedure for particle size analysis of bacterial cell wall constituents.
TEM study of the microstructure of carbon-carbon composite

A detailed study of the structure of carbon-carbon composite was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Structural characterization is essential in order to understand fully the mechanical and physical properties of these materials. The use of an atom mill in sample preparation made it possible to perform TEM analysis on the fibres, matrix, and the fibre-matrix interface. Full characterization of the fibres was performed across the fibre diameter. Structural heterogeneity was characterized in terms of preferred orientationZ, stack heightL c, stack widthL a, and d002 spacing. The use of 002 dark field imaging showed the orientation and size of turbostratic and graphitic crystallites in the fibre and the matrix. Amorphous resin was located in the interbundle matrix.
Primary lung tumors in children and adolescents: a 90-year experience.

Abstract Purpose Primary lung tumors in children are rare. A wide range of histopathologic tumor types occurs. The incidence of these lesions and their outcomes are still largely unknown. This study aims to determine the incidence of different primary lung tumors in children and to contribute data leading to the development of evidence-based treatment models. Methods A single institution retrospective review was performed with institutional review board approval. Patients were included if they had primary, nonhematologic lung tumors. Simple squamous papillomas subjected to endoscopic biopsy and not resected, and vascular lesions associated with multisystem lesions, such as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, were excluded. Medical records and pathologic material for patients from 1918 to 2008 were reviewed. Results Forty patients were identified (23 boys, 17 girls) with a mean age of 9.6 years (range, 3 months to 19 years). Fourteen distinct histopathologic tumor types were identified. The most common tumor types were carcinoid (8), inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (7), and pleuropulmonary blastoma (6). Rare pediatric lung tumors including small cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis were also seen. The mortality rate was 17.5% (7) in our series. Chemotherapy was used in 23% (9) and radiation in 20% (8) of the patients. Of the 33 survivors, 28 had follow-up with a median duration of 29.5 months (mean, 63.2 months; range, 1-471 months). Conclusions Primary lung tumors in children are rare and histopathologically diverse. The tumor spectrum involves many types not seen in adults, and unlike adults, patients rarely have a history of exposure to external predisposing factors. Although complete resection remains the standard for treatment of most tumors, addition of adjuvant therapy is dependent on both tumor stage and histopathologic type.
Disruption of Epithelial Cells by Heat and Specific Chemical Agents1

In a previous publication (1) work was presented which showed that disulfide-splitting agents caused disruption of tonofibrils and intercellular bridges present in human epidermal cells. This disruption resulted in separation of epidermal cells from each other or in vitro blister formation. It was postulated that intercellular bridges and tonofibrils play an important role in maintaining the integrity of the epidermis and that these structures are chemically related to keratin. It was also pointed out that mild thermal injury provokes an enzymic breakdown of tonofibrils and intercellular bridges, again with a resultant separation of cells from each other or in vitro blister formation.
Meta-iodobenzyl guanidine for detection and staging of neuroendocrine tumors

Abstract Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NET) are slow-growing neoplasms that arise from the neuroendocrine system of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. These may be classified based on location into the following: pheochromocytomas and parangangliomas; carcinoids; and pancreatic endocrine tumors. The majority of these tumors are nonfunctional, and thus, molecular imaging methods are critical in detection and staging of disease. Meta-iodobenzyl guanidine (MIBG) is a norepinephrine analog taken up by norepinephrine transporters that are overexpressed in the majority of GEP-NET. Radioactive MIBG can be used to image GEP-NET. The isotopes suitable for imaging include iodine-123 and iodine-131, using single-photon cameras, and iodine-124, using positron emission tomography (PET). Imaging is usually carried out a day or more after administration of the radiotracer, and serial and tomographic imaging may be necessary for optimal delineation. MIBG imaging is more useful for detecting pheochromocytoma, with reported accuracies greater than 80%, than for detecting carcinoid tumors, where the accuracy has been ∼70% and is reportedly higher in mid-gut tumors. MIBG imaging has been invaluable in the accurate staging of children with neuroblastoma, a lethal childhood tumor of the sympathetic nervous system. An important application of MIBG imaging is to demonstrate targeting of therapeutic I-131 MIBG. Imaging is thus useful in the detection of disease as well as in the demonstration of adequate targeting for therapy — either qualitatively or quantitatively with dosimetry. The latter will probably be feasible with PET using isotopes like iodine-124, and perhaps with single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography. Imaging with MIBG will continue to be the mainstay for detection and staging of GEP-NET. More importantly, perhaps, imaging with MIBG will form part of an imaging continuum, including assessment of glycolytic rate and somatostatin receptor status, that will enable assessment of tumor phenotype and guide management.
A comparison of multilesion percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in elderly patients (> 70 years) and younger subjects

Results of multilesion percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) were compared in 210 elderly patients (70 to 92 years, [group I] and 210 younger patients (40 to 69 years, [group II]). The elderly patients included more women (43% versus 24%) and patients with unstable angina (73% versus 55%). PTCA was successful in 87% of lesions in group I and in 94% in group II (p < 0.001). Only circumflex artery dilatation was less successful in group I (78% versus 91%, p < 0.002). PTCA was successful in all lesions of at least one vessel in 89% of group I patients and in 94% of group II patients (p < 0.06). Successful dilatation of all lesions was achieved in 77% of group I and in 85% of group II patients (p < 0.05). Complication rates were similar for both groups. These data demonstrate a high rate of success and safety in elderly patients undergoing multilesion PTCA despite the presence of several risk factors (advanced age, female sex, unstable angina). The lower PTCA success rate in these patients compared with younger subjects is almost entirely attributable to reduced success for circumflex artery lesions.
Contrasting Compositions of the Youngest Columbia River Basalt Flows in Union and Wallowa Counties, Northeastern Oregon

Note: This paper is dedicated to Aaron and Elizabeth Waters on the occasion of Dr. Waters' retirement. Several new chemical analyses of flows confined to a structural downwarp in northeastern Oregon indicate the first reported occurrence of Late-Yakima–type basalt in the region and the close stratigraphic association of Yakima–type and Late-Yakima–type flows, as well as andesite. The andesite is the most silicic flow rock yet found on the Columbia Plateau.
Marketing one-to-one and its dependence on knowledge discovery in databases

One‐to‐one marketing has received increased attention by academics and practitioners. In essence, one‐to‐one marketing reconfigures the familiar four Ps into one element: the relationship. It represents the ultimate expression of target marketing ‐ a market of one ‐ or at least one at a time. It is safe to say that the concept has been refined and its potential has been highlighted. Still unresolved is the means by which organizations can implement one‐to‐one marketing. A promising solution is the application of the information technology data mining technique. Data mining allows organizations to find patterns within their internal customer data. As a result, data mining is often called Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD). Whatever patterns are uncovered can lead to identification of likely target segments. Armed with such information, organizations can refine their targets and develop their technology to achieve true one‐to‐one marketing. While a promising technique, data mining must be developed and applied intelligently by managers. In addition, managers must realize that marketing 1:1 requires the combined skills of a multi‐disciplinary team.
Effects of the Fataki campaign: addressing cross-generational sex in Tanzania by mobilizing communities to intervene.

The national multimedia “Fataki” campaign aired in Tanzania from 2008 to 2011 with the goal of addressing cross-generational sex (CGS) by mobilizing communities to intervene in CGS relationships. A cross-sectional household survey was used to evaluate the campaign. Logistic regression analysis found a dose–response relationship between campaign exposure and interpersonal communication about CGS, intervening in CGS relationships, and lower CGS engagement among women. No association was found between campaign exposure and current CGS involvement among men, though longer-term data collection may be needed to assess changes in relationship patterns. Findings indicated that engaging in interpersonal communication about CGS was associated with a higher likelihood of actually intervening. Strategies to generate further discussion surrounding CGS and increase impact, such as through community-based components to supplement campaigns, are discussed.
The effectiveness of clear speech as a masker.

Purpose It is established that speaking clearly is an effective means of enhancing intelligibility. Because any signal-processing scheme modeled after known acoustic–phonetic features of clear spee...
Temperature and fluence effects on the evolution of regular surface morphologies on ion-sputtered Si(111)

Results of a survey of the morphological evolution of the surface of Si(111) are presented for conditions in which regular patterned morphologies are spontaneously created during low energy $(250--1200\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV})$, oblique incidence (60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} from normal), ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ ion beam etching at elevated temperature $(500--750\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C})$. The morphological evolution was found to vary with sputtering time (fluence), ion flux, ion energy, and sample temperature. Experimental regimes in which it is appropriate to analyze ripple evolution in terms of the linear Bradley-Harper theory are identified, through which we find that the activation energy for surface mass transport on ion-bombarded Si(111) is $1.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$, in general agreement with measurements made in other manners. At higher fluence, nonlinear pattern forming effects are observed, including the observation of the formation of three distinct regular morphologies: two types of one-dimensional ripple arrays that differed both in orientation and regularity, and a two-dimensional array consisting of dots, all of which appear in different fluence regimes. All patterns possessed submicron periodicity and nanometer scale amplitudes. In addition, the wavelengths of one-dimensional ripples were often observed to coarsen with fluence, an effect potentially attributable to step-edge dynamics.
Actinomycin D Blocks Formation of Memory of Shock-Avoidance in Goldfish

When 2 micrograms of antinomycin D was injected intracranially into goldfish immediately after a training session, the formation of long-term memory of a shock-avoidance was blocked. The results are discussed in relation to similar findings with acetoxycycloheximide and puromycin in the goldfish and with apparently conflicting results in the mouse.
Effects of selegiline (l-deprenyl) during smoking and short-term abstinence

Abstract Rationale. Changes in dopamine level are thought to play an important role in both smoking reward and withdrawal symptoms during abstinence. Medications that modulate dopamine levels may have beneficial effects on both withdrawal symptom levels and on response to smoking lapses during abstinence. Objectives. To examine the effects of the selective MAO-B inhibitor selegiline on withdrawal symptoms, smoking behavior and smoking satisfaction ratings. Methods. Fifteen smokers received selegiline (10 mg/day) and placebo (in counterbalanced order) on Monday through Thursday of 2 study weeks, separated by a 2-week washout. During each study week, ad lib smoking sessions were scheduled to assess smoking behavior both before and after a brief period of abstinence. Subjective withdrawal symptoms and mood were measured daily, and a modified Stroop test sensitive to withdrawal was scheduled during the period of abstinence. Results. Selegiline decreased craving, especially during abstinence, and impaired performance on the modified Stroop test during subjects' attempts to abstain. Medication also reduced number of cigarettes smoked and smoking satisfaction ratings during the smoking sessions both before and after the brief abstinence attempt. Conclusion. These results are consistent with an important role of dopamine in smoking behavior and abstinence. They suggest that pharmacological reduction of MAO-B levels during the early part of a quit attempt may aid in smoking cessation.
Perioperative outcomes comparing patient controlled epidural versus intravenous analgesia in gynecologic oncology surgery.

Abstract Objectives Our aim was to compare perioperative patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) versus patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCA) after gynecologic oncology laparotomy. Methods This was a prospective cohort study where perioperative pain management was decided through patient-centered discussion by anesthesia and surgical teams. The study was designed to accrue 224 patients, to test for equivalence in pain control on postoperative day 1, defined as less than a 10% difference in the proportion of patients with a visual analog scale pain score of Results Two hundred forty patients were enrolled, with 205 patients evaluable for outcomes: 98 received PCA, while 107 received a thoracic level PCEA. Utilization of PCEA was associated with longer anesthesia time pre-op (means: 60 vs. 44 min, p p =0.002). Pain control was comparable between groups on postoperative day 1 (mean VAS: 2.4 vs. 2.5, p =0.56), but patients with PCEA tended to require more supplemental pain medications. Time to first ambulation was longer in the PCEA patients (means: 49 vs. 36 h post-op, p =0.03), with no difference in time to tolerating regular diet (means: 89 vs. 77 h post-op, 0.17) and no difference in readiness for discharge (means: 144 vs. 145 h post-op, p =0.95). Conclusions In this nonrandomized prospective study, selection of a PCEA for perioperative pain management did not improve pain management for patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery.
The consortium for lexical research

The Consortium for Lexical Research (CLR), established by the Association for Computational Linguistics, with funding from DARPA, is now ending its third year. The Consortium is sited at the Computing Research Laboratory, New Mexico, USA, under its Director, Louise Guthrie, and an ACL advisory committee consisting of Roy Byrd, Ralph Grishman, and Mark Liberman.
Correlates of programmer proficiency

This is a report of progress on a long-term research program devoted to computer personnel selection and evaluation. The overall program is outlined in Exhibit 1. Phase I deals with the job analysis and job description of computer programmer and analyst positions. Phase II deals with the development of proficiency tests for evaluating the effectiveness of programmers and analysts. Phase III deals with the development of selection tests and procedures that will be predictive of success in programming and analysis as measured by the proficiency tests developed in Phase II.
Self-polarization and dynamical cooling of nuclear spins in double quantum dots

The spin-blockade regime of double quantum dots features coupled dynamics of electron and nuclear spins resulting from the hyperfine interaction. We explain observed nuclear self-polarization via a mechanism based on feedback of the Overhauser shift on electron energy levels, and propose to use the instability toward self-polarization as a vehicle for controlling the nuclear spin distribution. In the dynamics induced by a properly chosen time-dependent magnetic field, nuclear spin fluctuations can be suppressed significantly below the thermal level.
Petrology, chemistry and origin of Apollo 15 regolith breccias

Variations in modal petrology, mineral compositions, and bulk compositions were determined for ten Apollo 15 regolith breccias for comparison with local soils and assessment of the intrasite petrologic variability of the Apollo 15 regolith. Based on the above criteria the breccias are of local origin and mimic the soils from the corresponding sampling stations, with the exception of station 2 breccia 15205. This sample formed from an anomalous regolith, and although not considered exotic to the site is not representative of the soil at the site. KREEP basalt and green glass components vary from trace amounts to dominant in the breccias, evidence that these materials entered the regolith prior to formation of the breccias. Breccias from the edge of Hadley Rille are modally richer in highland fragments than the soils, whereas at the base of Hadley Delta the reverse is true. This is explained by the loss of material into the Rille to be replaced by basalt-derived material, making the soils more basalt-rich. At the base of Hadley Delta highland material is accumulating and the soils are becoming more highland-rich. Over billions of years these processes have developed differences between the present day, evolving soils, and 'fossil' nonevolving soils represented by the regolith breccias. This shows that there has been little change in the geology and the morphology of the Apollo 15 site, probably since the eruption of mare basalts at the site (about 3.3 b.y.).
Quaternions, Frechet differentiation, and some equations of mathematical physics 1. Critical point theory

Abstract Following an introduction discussing some properties of maps Q → Q and Q × Q → Q, where Q denotes the ring of quaternions, it is shown that many equations of mathematical physics can be written in this formalism. A concept of Frechet differentiation is given in this setting, in a manner analogous to the usual definition. Variational principles are derived. The physical examples involve elasticity, motion of rigid bodies, fluid flow and Maxwell's equations of electromagnetic field theory.
Poised on the brink between a bistable complex and a compound.

An enmeshed supramolecular complex, based on a semi-dumbbell-shaped component containing an asymmetrically substituted tetrathiafulvalene site and a 1,5-dioxynaphthalene site for encirclement by a cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) ring component and with a “speed bump” in the form of an thiomethyl group situated between the two recognition sites, has been self-assembled. This complex is a mixture in acetone solution of two slowly interconverting [2]pseudorotaxanes, one of which is on the verge of being a [2]rotaxane at room temperature.
Retaining nearly one-third more majors with a trio of instructional best practices in CS1

Beginning in 2008, we introduced a new CS1 incorporating a trio of best practices intended to improve the quality of the course, appeal to a broader student body, and, hopefully, improve retention in the major. This trio included Media Computation, Pair Programming, and Peer Instruction. After 3 and 1/2 years (8 CS1 classes, 3 different instructors, and 1011 students passing the course) we find that 89% of the majors who pass the course are still studying computing one year later. This is an improvement of 18% over our average retention of 71% for the previous version of the course (measured since Fall 2001). If the focus shifts from retention of passing CS1 majors to retention of CS1 initially enrolled majors, multiple improvements--fewer students drop, more students pass, and more passing students are retained--compound to increase retention by 31% (from 51% to 82%). In this paper we analyze further aspects of these results, detail the three instructional design choices, and consider how they impact issues known to affect retention.
Superimposition, symbology, visual attention, and the head-up display

In two experiments we examined a number of related factors postulated to influence head-up display (HUD) performance. We addressed the benefit of reduced scanning and the cost of increasing the number of elements in the visual field by comparing a superimposed HUD with an identical display in a head-down position in varying visibility conditions. We explored the extent to which the characteristics of HUD symbology support a division of attention by contrasting conformal symbology (which links elements of the display image to elements of the far domain) with traditional instrument landing system (ILS) symbology. Together the two experiments provide strong evidence that minimizing scanning between flight instruments and the far domain contributes substantially to the observed HUD performance advantage. Experiment 1 provides little evidence for a performance cost attributable to visual clutter. In Experiment 2 the pattern of differences in lateral tracking error between conformal and traditional ILS symbology supports the hypothesis that, to the extent that the symbology forms an object with the far domain, attention may be divided between the superimposed image and its counterpart in the far domain.
Type 2 diabetes and incidence of dementia and cognitive decline: what are the mechanisms?

Background: Type 2 diabetes has been associated with higher rates of dementia and more rapid cognitive decline in a number of studies. Elevated central body obesity (CBO) and hypertension are potential mechanisms that may account for this association. CBO is known to increase insulin and related metabolites which may increase the risk of neurodegeneration. Hypertension has a direct effect on both subclinical and clinical stroke. Obesity is linked to increased risk of hypertension. A complex set of relationships exist between these factors and cognitive decline and dementia. Mexican Americans (MAs) experience a higher prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes and untreated hypertension than non Hispanic Whites so are at higher risk for dementia. Methods: In a cohort of 1789 older MAs followed over 12 years, this paper will examine how both obesity and blood pressure change over time and modify the effects of type 2 diabetes on dementia incidence and cognitive decline. Trajectories of change in both CBO and blood pressure will be modeled for their impact on cognitive function. Moderation of these effects by type 2 diabetes status will be examined. Results: Initial results suggest that those with an increase in BP or who maintain a high blood pressure, experience 50% more rapid decline over time. Type 2 diabetics with a high blood pressure or declining blood pressure over time experience a significantly greater rate of cognitive decline than non diabetics (P interaction between DM2 and blood pressure trajectory 1⁄4 0.008). Treatment with medication attenuates this association. Conclusions: These findings imply that effective hypertension treatment could prevent or mitigate cognitive impairments associated with type 2 diabetes.
Probing the adenosine receptor with adenosine and xanthine biotin conjugates

Biotin-containing analogs of a potent agonist (N6-phenyladenosine) and a potent antagonist (1,3-dipropyl-8-phenylxanthine) of adenosine receptor activity have been synthesized. A spacer chain to the biotin moiety is attached in both cases to the para-position of the phenyl ring. Two biotin conjugates of N6-phenyladenosine differing only in the length of the spacer chain bind to the adenosine receptor and to avidin simultaneously. The shorter-chain derivative was more potent in inhibiting binding of N6-[3H]lcyclohexyladenosine to rat cerebral cortical membranes (Ki of 11 nM in the absence of avidin, 36 nM for the avidin complex). Three biotin conjugates of 1,3-dipropyl-8-phenylxanthine bound competitively to the adenosine receptor, but only in the absence of avidin. The results are interpreted in terms of the possible orientation of the ligands at the receptor binding site.
Phase analysis of radionuclide ventriculograms for the detection of coronary artery disease.

Abstract The value of phase analysis of multiple gated acquisition blood pool images for identifying wall motion abnormalities due to stress-induced ischemia was examined. Myocardial segments with an abnormal phase, i.e., delayed onset of wall motion, were localized on a phase distribution image of the LV and the synchrony of LV systolic wall motion was assessed from histograms of the LV phase distribution, i.e., the standard deviation (SD) from the mean of this peak, which was defined as SDP. Its upper limits of normal at rest and exercise were established in seven normals as the mean +2 SD and were 12 degrees at rest and 10 degrees at maximum exercise. Of the 56 patients, 37 had coronary artery disease (CAD), 11 had valvular disease but normal coronary arteries, and eight had normal coronary arteries, no valvular disease, but had either cardiomyopathy or typical angina. In the CAD patients, SDP was abnormal in 95% during exercise while only 86% had an abnormal ejection fraction (EF) response and/or exercise-induced wall motion abnormalities by visual interpretation. By contrast, in the 11 valvular heart disease patients, SDP was abnormal in only two despire exercise-induced wall motion abnormalities in five and an abnormal EF response in all 11. Thus although an abnormal EF response to exercise is a sensitive indicator of cardiac disease, it is, however like exercise induced wall motion abnormalities, not specific for CAD. By contrast, phase analysis not only permitted separation of wall motion abnormalities induced by ischemia from those associated with valvular disease, but was also an objective, highly sensitive, and specific indicator of regional myocardial ischemia.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy via gold nanostars

Anisotropic metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have unique optical properties, which lend them to applications such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. Star-shaped gold (Au) NPs were prepared in aqueous solutions by the seed-mediated growth method and tested for Raman enhancement using 2-mercaptopyridine (2-MPy) and crystal violet (CV) probing molecules. For both molecules, the SERS activity of the nanostars was notably stronger than that of the spherical Au NPs of similar size. The Raman enhancement factors (EFs) for 2-MPy on Au nanostars and nanorods are comparable and estimated as greater than 5 orders of magnitude. However, the enhancement for CV on nanostars was significantly higher than for nanorods, in particular at CV concentrations of 100 nM or lower. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CDF - Run II Status and Prospects

After a five year upgrade period, the CDF detector located at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider is back in operation taking high quality data with all subsystems functional. We report on the status of the CDF experiment in Run II and discuss the start-up of the Tevatron accelerator. First physics results from CDF are presented. We also discuss the prospects for B physics in RunII, in particular the measurements of B{sub S}{sup 0} flavour oscillations and CP violation in B decays.
Force Measurements on Single Molecular Contacts through Evanescent Wave Microscopy

We introduce a new method to apply controlled forces on single molecules. The motion of a micron-sized bead attached to a solid surface through a single molecular contact is tracked by evanescent wave microscopy as a force is exerted through a flow. We report measurements of the streptavidin-biotin bond rupture force obtained with this technique. We also obtain detailed measurements of the balance of forces involved in detaching an adhering bead with a flow. A small lateral force translates into a much bigger normal force on the attachment point. This effect is relevant for the interpretation of common cell adhesion assays.
Porfiromycin as an adjunct to radiotherapy in young and old mice

Abstract Radiobiological data and measurements with O2 microelectrodes show that EMT6 tumors implanted into aged mice have a higher proportion of radioresistant, hypoxic cells than do tumors implanted into young adult animals; radiation is less effective in killing cells in tumors in old mice than in tumors in young adult mice. The studies reported here examine the effects of porfiromycin (POR), a bioreductive alkylating agent shown previously to be preferentially toxic to hypoxic EMT6 cells in vitro and in solid tumors in young adult mice. POR was effective in attacking the hypoxic cells of tumors in aged mice; regimens combining POR with x-rays overcame the radioresistance of tumors in the old animals. Comparisons of the distribution of 3H-labeled POR in young and old mice showed that tumors in aged mice had a slightly larger proportion of areas with necrotic features. which bound higher levels of tritiated POR than did healthy tumor regions without necrotic features. Studies of histology, lissamine green distributions, binding of tritiated POR, and radiation and POR cytotoxicity suggested that tumors in old mice contained a larger proportion of poorly perfused tumor cells, and that cells in these regions were resistant to radiation and sensitive to POR. Studies of the distribution of POR in normal tissues and of the toxicity of POR to bone marrow progenitor cells (CFU-GM) revealed no differences between young and old animals, showing that the differences observed in tumors reflected differences in the microenvironments within the tumors, rather than differences in the processing of drug in young and old animals
Dynamic simulation of reversible solid-fluid reactions in nonisothermal porous spheres with Stefan-Maxwell diffusion

Abstract As is so often the case, an effort to apply numerical dynamic simulation to complicated physical phenomena must begin with overly simplified equations and overly powerful computers. Certainly, early models of the transient behavior of reacting porous solid/fluid pellets could represent special cases only and consumed up to a minute of CRAY-1 CPU time for one pellet. However, as the authors gained familiarity with the problem and applied better-suited methods to alternative forms of the original equations, simulation costs dropped two orders of magnitude. In this paper, the authors describe a common, second phase of numerical simulation: the exchange of solution efficiency for model enhancement. Porous solid/fluid reacting systems provide a vivid demonstration of the interdependence of the model features which can be accommodated and the available methods for numerical solution. The addition of Stefan-Maxwell diffusion, thereby eliminating the necessity to assume equimolar counter-diffusion transport, converts a set of time-dependent partial differential equations into a set of mixed time-dependent and time-independent partial differential equations. After the spatial operators are discretized by finite differences, one gets a system of differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) instead of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The level of difficulty, and of potentially poor numerical behavior, of a DAE system is quantifiable by an integer called its index, with an ODE system having index 0. Solvers of generally good performance, e.g. DASSL and LSODI, are available for index 1 DAE systems, but are not reliable for the index 2 problems we obtain by direct approaches here. Thus alternative formulations of the models are derived having a lower index, and careful use and misuse of index 0 and index 1 solvers are presented in considerable detail. As a result, efficient simulations of nonequimolar counter-diffusion, nonisothermal, nonpseudosteady, reacting, porous solid/fluid pellets can be obtained using available, general purpose software solvers.
Temporary Left Ventricular Assistance in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiogenic Shock: Rationale and Criteria for Utilization

Left ventricular bypass may offer significantly better salvage of left ventricular myocardium in patients who remain hemodynamically unstable in spite of aggressive medical therapy and intra-aortic balloon support. Indeed, those 25 percent of patients refractory to intraaortic balloon pumping may be salvageable with the prompt institution of left ventricular pumping assistance; however, just as early initiation of intra-aortic balloon pumping is critical, the early identification of balloon pumping failures and the institution of left ventricular bypass pumping may lead to a lower incidence of patients dependent on circulatory assistance and a higher rate of primary weaning. The results of left ventricular pumping assistance may indeed be totally different than those achieved with the intra-aortic balloon pump under these same conditions, because of the marked left ventricular unloading and hence the greater reduction in myocardial consumption of oxygen. The self-perpetuating cycle of progressive irreversible cardiac damage and shock may be broken, resulting in salvage of critical myocardial mass. Thus, cases of pumping dependence may be uncommon. There is also reason to believe that the heart without anatomically correctable lesions might function satisfactorily, but with a low cardiac reserve. Successful clinical application of left ventricular pumping assistance and subsequent analysis of therapeutic results demand a carefully devised protocol. This must be based on knowledge of the natural history of the disease and the results of previous sound clinical and experimental studies.
Immigration and the Structure of Demand: Do Immigrants Alter the Labor Market Composition of U.S. Cities?

Does the presence of immigrants help determine the types of jobs that exist in American cities and the size of various sectors of these cities' economies? This study explores the relationship betwe...
Assessing the influence of individual observations on a goodness-of-fit test based on nonparametric regression

Abstract When it is reasonable to assume that a model exhibits smoothness, goodness-of-fit statistics can be constructed that have higher power to detect deviations from a specified parametric model than tests based only on the empirical distribution. Recently Azzalini, Bowman and Hardle (1989) proposed a pseudo-likelihood ratio test using nonparametric (kernel) regression based on this principle. In this paper a diagnostic is developed to assess the influence of individual cases on the test, and on a more robust version of the test. An approximation to the diagnostic is also proposed. It is shown that the diagnostic can expose potentially incorrect inferences concerning model checking due to unusual individual cases. Although the focus is on linear and nonlinear regression models, the ideas also apply to other regression families, such as generalized linear models.
Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by thalidomide in magnesium deficiency

The effect of thalidomide on circulating cytokines and myocardial lesion formation was investigated in Mg-deficient rats. After two weeks on a Mg-deficient diet, rats show an increase in circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 1. Thalidomide (1 mg/day) caused a complete inhibition of the increase in circulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, without having an effect on interleukin 1. However, a marked increase in cardiomyopathic lesion formation was observed in Mg-deficient animals treated with thalidomide; possible mechanisms for thalidomide's enhancement of myocardial injury are discussed. (Mol Cell Biochem129: 195–200, 1993)
User errors in SMS based reporting systems

This note presents data from two large-scale data reporting projects in Pakistan and Laos using SMS as a channel of data collection. These projects share several major features: (1) the use of health workers personal mobile phones for data reporting (2) support from the Ministry of Health (3) planned expansion to every health facility in the country or province and (4) low ICT penetration at the periphery of the health system. Both projects are currently at the stage of rolling out to additional health facilities. The purpose of this note is to help understand the challenges faced in the early stages of the deployment by reviewing the content and errors in submitted SMS messages.
Effects of neighboring plants on the growth and reproduction of Deschampsia antarctica in Antarctic tundra

Populations of the two native vascular plant species on the Antarctic Peninsula have increased over the past 40 years. This increase has been attributed to improved reproductive performance resulting from regional warming and increased growing season length. However, little is known of the influence that vascular plants have on the performance of neighboring plants in developing and well-established communities. We compared the aboveground growth and reproduction of Deschampsia antarctica plants growing alone or in close proximity to neighboring plants (D. antarctica, Colobanthus quitensis, or mosses) at a young, recently colonized and an older, well-developed plant community on the Antarctic Peninsula to assess whether neighboring plants had a positive or negative effect on D. antarctica performance, and whether these effects varied from young to old communities. In both communities, tillers on D. antarctica plants near neighbors produced 48–89% fewer leaves and 49–93% fewer tillers than those on D. antarctica plants growing alone. These tillers also had relative growth rates that were 25–66% lower- and tiller-size indices that were 42–87% less than those on plants growing alone. In addition, the biomass of tillers on plants growing near neighbors was 40–91% lower than those on plants growing alone. Leaf and tiller production was generally higher in the older, more developed community than in the younger community. Our findings illustrate that vegetative growth of D. antarctica is reduced when growing in close proximity to neighboring plants, suggesting that negative plant interactions are an important constraint at our field sites.
C6 radiculopathy: the initial presentation of fibromuscular dysplasia.

Fibromuscular dysplasia is a noninflammatory, nonatherosclerotic vascular disease that causes aneurysmal dilatation and stenosis of smalland medium-sized arteries. Although most commonly affecting the renal and carotid arteries, it may occur in any arterial bed. The clinical presentation is dependent upon the affected vascular supply. Common clinical presentations of fibromuscular dysplasia include hypertension, transient ischemic attack, stroke, syncope, and vertigo [1-3]. We report an unusual case of cervical radiculopathy as the initial presentation of fibromuscular dysplasia that affected the vertebral arteries.
Effects of HIV infection on age and cause of death for persons with hemophilia A in the United States.

Because of changes in factor replacement therapy and in treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, we examined death record data for persons with hemophilia A in the United States to evaluate effects of HIV infection on age and causes of death. Multiple cause-of-death data from 1968 through 1998 were examined to assess death rates for persons with hemophilia A. ICD-9 coded causes of death from 1979 through 1998 were examined to assess long-term trends. From 1979 through 1998, 4,781 deaths among persons with hemophilia A were reported, of which 2,254 (47%) had HIV-related disease listed as a cause of death. In the late 1980s, mortality among persons with hemophilia A increased markedly, and the age-adjusted death rate peaked at 1.5 per 1,000,000 population in 1992. Median age at death decreased from 55 years in 1979–1982 to 40.5 years in 1987–1990, and increased to 46 years in 1995–1998. In the period 1995–1998, the median age of hemophilia A decedents with HIV-related disease was 33 years, compared to 72 years for those without HIV-related disease; the most frequently listed causes of death for those without HIV-related disease were hemorrhagic and circulatory phenomena; the most frequently listed for those with HIV-related disease were diseases of liver and the respiratory system. From 1995 to 1998, hemophilia A-associated deaths decreased by 41%, with a 78% decrease among those who had HIV-related disease. Although HIV infection has adversely effected mortality for persons with hemophilia A, the marked recent decrease in the death rate among persons with hemophilia A appears to reflect advances in care for those with HIV-related disease and is consistent with a decline in HIV mortality observed in the general population. Am. J. Hematol. 66:229–240, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Anti‐inflammatory mechanisms of mapracorat, a novel selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist, in human conjunctival fibroblasts

Purpose Mapracorat (BOL-303242-X; ZK 245186) is a selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist (SEGRA), under clinical evaluation for the treatment of inflammatory eye and skin diseases. It is structurally distinct from glucocorticoids and NSAIDs. Data suggest an improved side effect profile of this compound compared to traditional glucocorticoids. This study was to determine its anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Methods Primary human conjunctival fibroblasts (HConF)were challenged with IL-1s and Luminex technology or ELISA was used to determine the effect of mapracorat on IL-1s-induced cytokine, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) release in the presence or absence of mifepristone (RU-486), a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist. The effect of mapracorat on IL-1s-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression was assessed by Western blotting. Dexamethasone was used as the control. Results IL-1s induced release of multiple cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and of PGE2 and MMPs (MMP-1 and MMP-3), as well as the expression of COX-2. Mapracorat inhibited cytokine, PGE2 and MMP release as well as COX-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner with comparable effectiveness as dexamethasone. The inhibition of cytokine and PGE2 release was fully or partially reversed by mifepristone. Conclusion Mapracorat acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent in HConF by inhibiting multiple intracellular mediators. The fact that mapracorat is effective on inhibiting PGE2 pathway suggests that it may reduce post-surgery pain. Clinical significance of these findings needs further investigation. Commercial interest
THE INFORMATION CONTENT OF DIVIDEND RESUMPTIONS

We investigate the empirical characteristics of firms resuming cash dividends to determine if dividend resumption is most like dividend initiation, a large dividend increase, or a completely unique event. Firms that resume dividends earn considerably larger returns than firms initiating or increasing dividends, both before and after the announcement. Dividend‐resuming firms exhibit changes in profits similar to firms increasing dividends, but the risk change following dividend resumption is more like that reported by studies of dividend initiation. These findings are unaffected by the length of time it takes firms to resume paying cash dividends, or whether the firm also declares a stock split and/or stock dividend during the period surrounding the resumption announcement. We conclude that dividend resumption is sufficiently unlike other dividend events to be regarded and studied as its own unique event.
The epidemiology and characteristics of carbon monoxide poisoning among recreational boaters.

AbstractIntroduction. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning has been reported in the setting of recreational boating however, previous research addressing the epidemiology of carbon monoxide-related injury and death in recreational boaters has been limited. Materials and methods. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Recreational Boating Statistics annual reports for the 10-year period 2002 – 2011 were analyzed to determine the epidemiology and characteristics of carbon monoxide poisoning among recreational boaters in the United States. Regression analysis was performed to determine statistical significance for trend. Results. The mean number of accidents, injuries and deaths per year due to CO exposure on recreational watercrafts was 14.5 (95% CI 12.1-16.9), 30.9 (95% CI 22.4-39.4) and 6.7 (95% CI 4.5-9.0) respectively. Cabin motorboats accounted for 49 accidents, 123 injuries and 29 deaths. California had 24 carbon monoxide- related accidents over the 10-year study period. Regression analysis showed no overall ...