cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reversible, Time-Dependent Inhibition of CYP3A-Mediated Metabolism of Midazolam and Tacrolimus by Telaprevir in Human Liver Microsomes

Purpose Telaprevir inhibits CYP3A resulting in drug-drug interactions (DDI) of unprecedented magnitude. We investigated the mechanisms by which telaprevir inhibits the oxidation of midazolam and tacrolimus in human liver microsomes (HLM). Methods We performed a static mechanistic DDI prediction to evaluate whether previously reported competitive inhibition of CYP3A by telaprevir and its diastereomeric metabolite ― VRT-127394 is sufficient to explain the remarkable reduction in oral clearance observed with oral midazolam and tacrolimus. To further explore the inhibitory mechanisms of telaprevir, we assessed whether telaprevir-mediated inhibition of the oxidation of midazolam and tacrolimus is time-dependent in human liver microsomes, and whether any observed time-dependency was irreversible or reversible in nature. Results The competitive inhibition model failed to account for the magnitude of telaprevir interactions in human subjects. In comparing HLM incubations with and without a prior 30-min exposure to telaprevir, a respective 4- and 11-fold reduction in IC50 was observed with midazolam and tacrolimus as substrates. This time-dependent inhibition was shown to be NADPH-dependent. Upon dilution of microsomes following pre-incubation with telaprevir, time-dependent inhibition of midazolam metabolism was completely reversed, whereas partial reversal occurred with tacrolimus. Conclusions The interaction between telaprevir and midazolam or tacrolimus involves both competitive and time-dependent inhibition. The time-dependent component is not explained by irreversible inactivation of CYP3A. Formation of potent inhibitory metabolites may contribute to the remarkable in vivo inhibitory potency of telaprevir. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW . Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
MEXICAN GENOMICS AND THE ROOTS OF RACIAL THINKING

This article confronts the cultural limitation of critical race work in the United States by examining genomic practices at two national institutes in Mexico—one focused on people and aimed at sampling “the Mexican genome,” the other focused on plant biodiversity and “razas de maiz” or races of corn. The human genome project emphasizes admixture in ways that seem to confound claims about the racialization of genomics research in the United States; the biodiversity project highlights the broad extent to which “race” is also about nonhumans. Taken together, these projects suggest a greater breadth and depth to racial thinking than is typically considered in U.S.-based accounts. Grasping this wider scope to race involves, first, foregoing a strict delineation of the social and the biological and, secondly, recognizing that uses of race on nonhumans indicate that racial thinking entails profound questions concerning the nature of species. “Razas de maiz” suggest that racial thinking is both older and more deeply engrained than the modern forms with which we have been most concerned; it may well derive from processes of domestication that are quite ancient and encompass a range of contradictory, complex ideas and practices concerning the relations of humans and nonhumans.
Effect of Tooth Profile Modifications on the Dynamics of High-Contact-Ratio Gears With Different Tooth Spacing Errors

A computer simulation was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of profile modification for reducing dynamic loads in high-contact-ratio gears with different tooth spacing errors. The simulation examined varying amplitudes of spacing error and differences in the span of teeth over which the error occurs. The modification considered included both linear and parabolic tip relief. The dynamic analysis was performed using a revised version of a NASA gear dynamics code, modified to take into consideration the tooth spacing errors in the dynamic analysis. The findings of this study can be used to design robust tooth profile modification for improving dynamic performance of high-contact-ratio gear sets with different tooth spacing errors.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Risk Cognition and the Public: The Case of Three Mile Island

Residents of within 50 miles of the nuclear power plant at Three Mile Island (TMI), Pennsylvania, were surveyed in 1979, 1980, and 1982 to assess their general attitudes toward nuclear power, to assess their individual coping responses to the March 1979 accident, and to monitor changes in attitudes over the three-year period. Most respondents feel that future accidents like TMI will occur once or twice more in their lifetimes, that operating nuclear power stations should have improved safeguards and should continue operating, and that major institutions—government and utility companies—are experiencing a continued erosion of public trust.
Synthesis of cytoplasmic membrane-associated DNA in lymphocyte nucleus.

The unique species of DNA associated with the cytoplasmic membranes of human lymphocytes in culture is synthesized in the nucleus during the S growth phase and then transported to the plasma membrane.
Patients With Typical Laboratory Features of Autoimmune Hepatitis Rarely Need a Liver Biopsy for Diagnosis

Background & Aims The importance of histologic analysis of biopsy samples in the diagnosis and management of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is unclear. Methods Patients with AIH were identified from a 10-year database. Individuals with overlap syndromes and decompensated liver disease were excluded. The proportion of patients who fulfilled the new simplified criteria for AIH was calculated. Results A total of 257 patients (203 female) with a median age of 52 years (interquartile range, 39–63 y) were diagnosed with AIH. Overall, 183 of 257 (71%) were positive for antinuclear antibodies, 116 (45%) had positive smooth muscle antibodies, and 29 of 257 (11%) were seronegative. A total of 250 (97%) patients had increased levels of autoantibodies and/or γ-globulins. In 95% (243 of 257 cases), the histology was compatible with AIH whereas 5% (14 cases) had atypical histology. Overall, 77% had a score of at least 6, indicating probable or definite AIH according to most recent criteria; 22% were diagnosed with AIH with less than 6 points and 1 patient had nonalcoholic steatohepatitis based on biopsy analysis. Immunosuppression occurred in 93% of patients. Patients with atypical versus compatible histology were similar in terms of seronegativity or γ-globulins; 86% (12 of 14) received immunosuppressive therapy despite atypical histology. Conclusions Most patients with features of AIH, based on laboratory analyses, are likely to have a compatible liver histology. Few patients have atypical histology and these findings have little impact on patient management. These findings indicate biopsy samples might not need to be collected from patients who meet other clinical criteria for AIH.
Effects of U–Th-rich grain boundary phases on apatite helium ages

Abstract Single-grain apatite (U–Th–Sm)/He ages (He ages) from non-detrital samples sometimes show larger dispersions than can be explained by known sources of age dispersion, such as grain size, radiation damage, parent zonation, fracturing, or intracrystalline inclusions. We present observations and model age bias effects of an additional source of apatite He age dispersion observed in some cases: U–Th-rich grain boundary phases (GBPs) precipitated on apatite crystal surfaces. Apatite grains from several samples with dispersed apatite He ages are coated or partially coated by reddish-orange GBPs rich in Fe, U, and Th. These GBPs are heterogeneous in thickness, grain coverage, and composition, and have effective U concentrations ([eU]) up to ~ 1000 ppm. These phases may have large effects on the bulk [eU] and 4He compositions of apatite grains and can produce significant He age biases. The direction and magnitude of this age bias is primarily a function of four factors: 1) the host grain's size, 2) the GBPs' thickness and [eU] relative to the host grain, 3) the timing of GBP formation relative to the cooling age of the host grain, and 4) whether the GBPs are preserved and analyzed with the grain during He dating. Some of the most severe effects occur when GBPs formed before or near the time of the apatite cooling age but were lost just prior to analysis, for example during mineral separation. In this case, GBPs of commonly observed thicknesses (1–10 μm) with [eU] 2–10 times that of the host apatite grain implant enough 4He into typical-sized apatite grains to produce hundreds of percent positive age biases. In contrast, when U–Th-rich GBPs are preserved and analyzed with apatite grains, the resulting He ages can be negatively biased. Though the heterogeneity, variable preservation, and ambiguous formation ages of GBPs preclude a general, quantitative, and practical solution to this problem, our model demonstrates that observed age dispersions in some samples are consistent with the effects of U–Th-rich grain boundary phases and illustrates the conditions under which, and by how much, they will bias He ages.
Dopamine D4 receptor deficiency in mice alters behavioral responses to anxiogenic stimuli and the psychostimulant methylphenidate

An allele of the human dopamine D4 receptor (D4R) gene (DRD4), containing seven tandem repeats of a 48-base nucleotide sequence (DRD4.7), has been reproducibly found in novelty seekers, substance abusers, and individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. One hypothesis predicts the resultant protein product of the DRD4.7 polymorphism is deficient in G protein-coupled signaling. If attenuated D4R signaling contributes to these complex behaviors, then wild-type (WT) mice and mice completely lacking D4Rs (D4R KO) might be expected to display significantly different behavioral responses to stimuli known to affect dopamine signaling, such as novelty or psychostimulants. Adolescent male D4R KO mice exhibited greater locomotor activity and spent less time in the anxiogenic center of a novel open field environment than WT littermates. The presence of D4Rs had no effect on emergence into a novel environment from a sheltered space or exploration of a novel object. Low doses of acute methylphenidate (MP) had no effect on the exploration of a novel object, but dose-dependently increased the latency to emerge into a novel environment from a sheltered space. WT and D4R KO mice responded differently to high doses of acute MP, displaying significantly elevated locomotor activity and reduced stereotypy relative to WT mice. Chronic MP treatment produced enhanced locomotor sensitization in D4R KO mice, however this effect could not be fully recapitulated using the putative D4R antagonist L-745-870. These studies suggest that the roles of D4R signaling in novelty-seeking behaviors and the response to psychostimulants are not as clear as previously reported, and that some of these effects may be due to developmental compensatory effects as a consequence of lost D4R expression. If the DRD4.7 variant results in deficient D4R signaling in vivo, this may contribute to an elevated risk of sensitization to drugs of abuse including psychostimulants used to treat ADHD.
Integrated-Optic Modulators-A Review And An Assessment

Modulation and defelction are two basic functions needed in any optical communication and data transmission systems. High speed modulation may be accomplished through various physical mechanisms, only modulators based on linear electrooptic effects (Pockels effect) and acoustooptic effects are of practical use in the visible and near infrared regions. A brief review of the physical principles and schemes to achieve intensity modulation are presented, leading to the establishment of the basic device parameters. Various integraed electrooptic modulators are discussed.
Visual Analytics for Multimodal Social Network Analysis: A Design Study with Social Scientists

Social network analysis (SNA) is becoming increasingly concerned not only with actors and their relations, but also with distinguishing between different types of such entities. For example, social scientists may want to investigate asymmetric relations in organizations with strict chains of command, or incorporate non-actors such as conferences and projects when analyzing coauthorship patterns. Multimodal social networks are those where actors and relations belong to different types, or modes, and multimodal social network analysis (mSNA) is accordingly SNA for such networks. In this paper, we present a design study that we conducted with several social scientist collaborators on how to support mSNA using visual analytics tools. Based on an openended, formative design process, we devised a visual representation called parallel node-link bands (PNLBs) that splits modes into separate bands and renders connections between adjacent ones, similar to the list view in Jigsaw. We then used the tool in a qualitative evaluation involving five social scientists whose feedback informed a second design phase that incorporated additional network metrics. Finally, we conducted a second qualitative evaluation with our social scientist collaborators that provided further insights on the utility of the PNLBs representation and the potential of visual analytics for mSNA.
N-Glycosylation of pig flavin-containing monooxygenase form 1: determination of the site of protein modification by mass spectrometry.

By using a combination of biochemical methods (i.e., endoglycosidase H digestion and immunoblot and plant lectin binding studies), it was verified that pig flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO1) was N-glycosylated. By using mass spectrometry approaches [i.e., peptide mapping, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, microbore HPLC/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/MS), chemical ionization gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (CI/GC/MS), and matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry (MALDI/MS)], we were able to confirm that pig FMO1 was N-glycosylated and we were able to identify the site of N-glycosylation. Pig FMO1 contains two putative consensus sites of N-glycosylation. The results showed that pig FMO1 amino acid Asn120 was selectively N-glycosylated. Highly purified pig FMO1 avidly bound concanavalin A and reacted positively for carbohydrates by the periodic acid/Schiff's base method of analysis. In addition, treatment of pig FMO1 with endo-N-acetylglucosaminidase converted the e...
Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma improves survival in Asian-American patients with hepatitis B: results from a community-based clinic.

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy in Asians with hepatitis B virus infection. HCC patients often present with poor liver function and large tumors resulting in rapid mortality. The impact of HCC surveillance and subsequent therapy on patient survival remain controversial.
Let’s Show Patients Their Mental Health Records

Should we health professionals encourage patients with mental illness to read their medical record notes? As electronic medical records and secure online portals proliferate, patients are gaining ready access not only to laboratory findings but also to clinicians’ notes.1 Primary care patients report that reading their doctors’ notes brings many benefits including greater control over their health care, and their doctors experience surprisingly few changes in workflow. 2 While patients worry about electronic records and potential loss of privacy, they vote resoundingly for making their records more available to them and often to their families.
Cytogenetics of double cross hybrids between Pennisetum americanum - P. purpureum amphiploids and P. americanum x Pennisetum squamulatum interspecific hybrids.

Pearl millet, Pennisetum americanum L. Leeke-napiergrass, Pennisetum purpureum Schum. amphiploids (2n=42) were crossed with pearl millet X Pennisetum squamulatum Fresen. interspecific hybrids (2n=41) to study the potential of germplasm transfer from wild Pennisetum species to pearl millet. These two interspecific hybrids were highly cross-compatible and more than two thousand trispecific progenies were produced from 17 double crosses. All doublecross hybrids were perennial and showed a wide range of morphological variations intermediate to both parents in vegetative and inflorescence characteristics. Some crosses resulted in sublethal progenies. Chromosomes paired mainly as bivalents (¯x15.88) or remained as univalents. At metaphase I, trivalents, quadrivalents, an occasional hexavalent and a high frequency of bivalents indicated some homeology among the genomes of the three species. Delayed separation of bivalents, unequal segregation of multivalents, lagging chromosomes, and chromatin bridges were observed at anaphase I. Although approximately 93% of the double-cross hybrids were male-sterile, pollen stainability in male-fertile plants ranged up to 94%. Seed set ranged from 0 to 37 seed per inflorescence in 71 plants under open-pollinated conditions. Apomictic embryo sac development was observed in double-cross progenies when crosses involved a pearl millet x P. squamulatum apomictic hybrid as pollen parent. These new double-cross hybrids may serve as ‘bridging hybrids’ to transfer genes controlling apomixis and other plant characteristics from the wild Pennisetum species to pearl millet.
Grain refinement in CuIn alloys through thermal cycling

Abstract A thermal cycling technique which allows grain refinement of Cu  In alloys from 400 μm to less than 10 μm has been developed. The process consists of annealing in the α phase field of a fully precipitated alloy. The time and temperature dependence of the grain size indicated a value of 0.45 for the exponent n in the general equation for the grain growth law, D = kt n . The value of n was found to be slightly dependent on temperature in a 50 deg C interval. The temperature dependence of the grain growth rate suggested an apparent activation energy Qg = 21.5 k cal/mole for the grain boundary migration. This value lies in the range of 0.4 to 0.5 of the activation energy for the diffusion of In in pure Cu, which is approximately the same value required for boundary migration. A small change in the composition from 15 wt.% In to 16.2 wt.% In balance Cu does not seem to have an appreciable effect on either the exponent n or the absolute value of the grain diameter. The apparent activation energy was also found to be independent of composition. A change in the thickness of the alloy resulted in smaller grain size but the effect was noticeable only in specimens solution annealed for longer durations. The value of the exponent decreased from 0.45 to 0.42. It has been observed that during normal grain growth in these alloys, growth continued to larger grain diameters when using single anneals than during multi anneals. The effect was noticeable only after the fourth cycle. The results were found to be in reasonable agreement with a recently proposed single boundary migration theory.
On combining stein estimation problems: An adaptive rule under classical criteria

Abstract A new rule is developed using Stein's unbiased risk estimator to decide whether to group populations in the Stein estimation problem. Methods are developed for evaluating the risk of this rule in cases where shrinkage is toward zero or toward the group sample means. The new rule has risk that typically is quite close to the minimum of the risks that would result from grouping and from not grouping.
Using Fluorescent-Labeled Nanodiscs to Study Lipid Interactions with Yeast Cytochrome C

Cytochrome c (cyt c) is a positively charged protein (+8 at neutral pH) that interacts with the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is composed of a large fraction of negatively charged phospholipid, cardiolipin (CL) (−2 at neutral pH). The peroxidation of CL by cyt c initiates the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. We are investigating the interaction between cyt c and CL and the cyt c-CL complex using nanodiscs (ND). ND are a discoidal phospholipid bilayer model system, for which size and shape are governed by two membrane scaffolding proteins (MSP) belt proteins. The lipid composition can be altered to represent native-like or other experimental conditions. ND preparations are more stable and consistent between preps when compared to liposomes. Fluorescent labeling of the MSP belt proteins provides an effective method to monitor cyt c-CL interactions without perturbing the formation of cyt c-CL complexes. The quenching of the emission from the fluorophore-labeled MSP belt protein by the cyt c heme group is used to measure the binding affinity of cyt c for cardiolipin. Quenching is also used to determine stoichiometry and higher order assembly of cyt c-CL complexes.
Presence of radial glia in foetal mouse cerebellum.

The ventricular layer (VL) of foetal mouse cerebellum at days 13–15 of gestation was studied by light and electron microscopy. In Golgi-stained material, round or ovoid cells are located in the VL. These cells have ascending processes, which extend to the pial surface. Ultrastructurally, the ascending processes are electron-lucent, contain microfilaments, some smooth endoplasmic reticulum and scant free ribosomes. They appear to be immature glial processes, oriented radially away from the ventricle. The perikarya of these glial cells lie either in the ventricular or subventricular zones.
Aesop's symposium of animal tongues

This essay is an attempt to ‘triangulate’ in a theoretical fashion three textual sites that address in quite different ways the ‘animal turn.’ The first site is comprised of the first literary texts studied in the medieval classroom, a collection of Aesopian fables. The second is a collection of modern and postmodern studies of animality – most notably by Marin, Agamben, Derrida, Wolfe and Oliver. The third is the Vita Aesopi, a rarely studied biography that served in the late Middle Ages as a prolegomenon and metafable for the fables themselves. What holds these three discursive sites together is their sustained interrogations of language, and most preeminently, of metaphor. Metaphor, as well as a number of closely related locutions such as ‘clinamen,’ ‘l’aperto’ and ‘l’animot,’ is essential in our attempts, both medieval and modern, at conceptualizing and redefining the foliated frontier between the so-called animal and the so-called human. The vigilance with which the demarcations between human and animals, humans and things, and humans and children are watched over and safeguarded tells us much about the assailability of what they seek to preserve: an abstract notion of the human as unified, autonomous, and unmodified subject. Diana Fuss, ‘Introduction: Human, All Too Human’
Seeded Femtosecond Supercontinua in Various Media

We investigate enhancement of femtosecond supercontinua (SC) in various nonlinear media including solvents by seeding the SC with nanojoule to microjoule visible pulses. Increasing enhancement for decreasing nonlinear refraction is observed.
An Investigation of the Effects of Total School Flexible Cluster Grouping on Identification, Achievement, and Classroom Practices

This paper presents the findings of a longitudinal, causal comparative investigation of an elementary school cluster grouping program. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used. Although the cluster grouping program was originally designed to provide differentiation of content and instruction for gited students, positive effects were also found on the achievement of all students in the school. During the three program years, students involved in the school using cluster grouping were more likely to be identified as high achieving or above average. Fewer students were identified as low achieving. A significant increase in achievement test scores of all students was found when these students were compared to similar students from a comparison school district. Qualitative analyses yielded three core categories—the use of grouping, the impact of teachers, and the general school environment—that helped to provide an understanding of the quantitative findings.
Ice Adhesion Mechanisms of Erosion-Resistant Coatings

The physical mechanism responsible for impact ice adhesion variations for different coatings is not well understood. This research examines the effects of surface characteristics on ice adhesion strength for three erosion-resistant materials. The materials tested were titanium grade 2, titanium aluminum nitride coated on titanium grade 2, and titanium nitride coated on titanium grade 2. The surface roughness of the material contributed to the ice adhesion strength but did not explain the variation in ice adhesion strength for materials at similar surface roughness values. To compare the materials, the ice adhesion strength was divided by the environmental temperature to allow for the comparison of ice adhesion measured at varying temperature conditions. The new quantity was called temperature-adjusted adhesion strength. When the surface roughness of the titanium grade 2 substrate increased from 26.4 to 86.1 μin. Ra, the temperature-adjusted adhesion strength increased 29%. The titanium nitride temperatur...
MEMBRANE DAMAGE CAN BE A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN THE INACTIVATION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI BY NEAR‐ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

A DNA repair competent strain of Escherichia coli K-12 showed sensitivity to inorganic salts (at concentrations routinely used in minimal media) after irradiation with broad spectrum near–UV radiation, at fluences that caused little inactivation when plated on complex growth medium. This effect was not observed with cells that had been exposed to 254 nm radiation. This sensitivity to minimal medium was increased by increasing the salt concentration of the medium and by increasing the pH of the medium. This sensitivity was greatly increased by adding to the medium a low concentration of commercial glassware cleaning detergent that had no effect on unirradiated cells or far-UV irradiated cells. These findings may explain the large variability often observed in near-UV radiation survival data, and demonstrate that, at least on minimal medium plates, membrane damage contributes significantly towards cell killing. This phenomenon is largely oxygen dependent.
Smoking is associated with an increased risk of first and recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias in ischemic and nonischemic patients with mild heart failure: A MADIT-CRT substudy

Background Limited data exist regarding the proarrhythmic effects of smoking. Objective To evaluate the relationship between smoking and the risk of first and recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs) in patients with mild heart failure. Methods The risk of a first and recurrent appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy for VTAs or death was compared between nonsmokers (n = 465), past smokers (n = 780), and current smokers (n = 197) in patients with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy who were enrolled in the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial-Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy study. Results The cumulative probability of a first VTA or death was significantly higher in current smokers than in past and nonsmokers (P Conclusions Current smokers with left ventricular dysfunction and mild heart failure are at a significantly higher risk of VTAs or death than are past smokers and nonsmokers. Smoking is associated with a significant increase in the risk of recurrent VTAs in both patients with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy.
Recoil resolution and particle stability under irradiation

Abstract The stability of a dispersion of particles may be affected by resolution due to radiation recoil. Simple models of the diffusion of solute that recoils into the matrix allow an estimate of when this process will be important, leading either to the complete dissolution of the particles or to inverse coarsening in which small particles grow and large particles shrink. We first find the concentration profile for which solute diffuses back to a particle as fast as it is expelled by recoils. The transient concentration profiles in the matrix demonstrate the time required to approach steady state. The solution for a single particle is then used to calculate the rate of inverse coarsening by the diffusion of solute from the region near large particles to the region near small particles. The rate of growth or shrinkage depends directly on the recoil rate and the recoil distance cubed. It depends only weakly on the particle spacing and not at all on the diffusion coefficient.
Genome Sequence and Phenotypic Characterization of Caulobacter segnis

Caulobacter segnis is a unique species of Caulobacter that was initially deemed Mycoplana segnis because it was isolated from soil and appeared to share a number of features with other Mycoplana. After a 16S rDNA analysis showed that it was closely related to Caulobacter crescentus, it was reclassified C. segnis. Because the C. segnis genome sequence available in GenBank contained 126 pseudogenes, we compared the original sequencing data to the GenBank sequence and determined that many of the pseudogenes were due to sequence errors in the GenBank sequence. Consequently, we used multiple approaches to correct and reannotate the C. segnis genome sequence. In total, we deleted 247 bp, added 14 bp, and changed 8 bp resulting in 233 fewer bases in our corrected sequence. The corrected sequence contains only 15 pseudogenes compared to 126 in the original annotation. Furthermore, we found that unlike Mycoplana, C. segnis divides by fission, producing swarmer cells that have a single, polar flagellum.
Light Rail Transit Impacts in Portland: The First Ten Years

The ways in which the first decade of light-rail transit (LRT) in the Portland region have affected auto ownership, mode share, density, and property values are examined. Empirical analysis provides evidence that light rail has had some positive effects on single-family property values, transit use, and slower growth of two-plus car households in the outer part of the LRT corridor as compared with an outer part of a parallel bus corridor. These effects might be the result of households self-selecting to locate near LRT rather than the result of current households changing their mode. This assessment of the evidence indicates the extent to which consumer preferences have responded to LRT investments. This kind of assessment is needed to provide the basis for estimating travel-mode shares and market shares for dispersed and concentrated development forms. Examination of data suggests that it might be advisable for planners to entertain more modest expectations of LRT.
The effect of the Cl− ion on the passive film on anodically polarized 304 stainless steel☆

Abstract The differential capacity-potential behaviour of AISI 304 was determined during anodic polarization in de-aerated KCl/Na2SO4 solutions at pH 2.4 using the single pulse technique. The behaviour characterizing potentiostatic and galvanostatic polarization in non-pitting systems is paralleled during galvanostatic polarization in pitting solutions up to the maximum potential attained prior to breakdown. Characteristic potentiostatic potentials also agree well with galvanostatic potential arrests. The potentiostatic capacity-potential behaviour of the passive region is not influenced by pitting. No capacity peak is associated with the onset of pitting and similar film thicknesses are calculated in both pitting and non-pitting environments.
Using Self-assembly and Selective Chemical Vapor Deposition for Precise Positioning of Individual Germanium Nanoparticles on Hafnia

Germanium nanoparticle nucleation was studied in organized arrays on HfO2 using a SiO2 thin film mask with ~20–24 nm pores and a 6×1010 cm−2 pore density. Poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer was employed to pattern the SiO2 film. Hot wire chemical vapor deposition produced Ge nanoparticles using 4–19 monolayer Ge exposures. By seeding adatoms on HfO2 at room temperature before growth and varying growth temperatures between 725-800 K, nanoparticle size was demonstrated to be limited by Ge etching of SiO2 pore walls.
Your and my little sprout

While the significance of teamwork is becoming increasing important in many settings, many teams in schools have problems working together. The "Your and My Little Sprout" design aims to address factors affecting the success of team collaborations, such as lack of participation and unbalanced distribution of workload. We hope our design can help raise awareness of team objectives amongst team members.
X-ray spectroscopy and variability of AGN detected in the 2 Ms Chandra Deep Field-North Survey

Abstract We investigate the nature of the faint X-ray source population through X-ray spectroscopy and variability analyses of 136 active galactic nuclei (AGN) detected in the 2 Ms Chandra Deep Field-North Survey with >200 background-subtracted 0.5–8.0 keV counts [ F 0.5–8.0 keV = (1.4−200) × 10 −15 erg cm −2 s −1 ]. Our preliminary spectral analyses yield median spectral parameters of Γ = 1.61 and intrinsic N H = 6.2 × 10 21 cm −2 ( z = 1 assumed when no redshift available) when the AGN spectra are fitted with a simple absorbed power-law model. However, considerable spectral complexity is apparent (e.g., reflection, partial covering) and must be taken into account to model the data accurately. Moreover, the choice of spectral model (i.e., free vs. fixed photon index) has a pronounced effect on the derived JVH distribution and, to a lesser extent, the X-ray luminosity distribution. We also find that among the 136 AGN, 10 (≈7%) show significant Fe Kα emission-line features with equivalent widths in the range 0.1–1.3 keV. Two of these emission-line AGN could potentially be Compton thick (i.e., Γ
Sentence comprehension processes

The processes involved in comprehending sentences were examined in three experiments. In the first two experiments, results supported the models of G. M. Kleiman (Memory and Cognition, 1980 , 8, 336–344) and D. E. Rumelhart (in R. J. Spiro, B. C. Bruce, & W. F. Brewer (Eds.), Theoretical issues in reading comprehension: Perspectives from cognitive psychology, linguistics, artificial intelligence and education, Hillsdale, N.J.: Erlbaum, 1980 ) by demonstrating that activation of appropriate schemata is important in achieving comprehension of a sentence. The critical condition involved difficult to comprehend sentence primes followed by masked target words related to schemata appropriate to the meaning of the sentence. It was found that subjects could report the targets more accurately only when the sentence prime was comprehended. In the third experiment, it was hypothesized that sentence comprehension might be viewed as a process of spreading activation from the words in the sentence through a semantic network to contact appropriate schemata. To investigate this proposed model, difficult to comprehend sentence primes were followed by masked words normatively associated to a word in the sentence. In the model, associates to words in the sentence were activated during sentence comprehension because of the structure of the semantic network, and were expected to show processing facilitation. However, no such facilitation for associates was found, indicating that an alternative model not involving activation of associates within a semantic network might be more appropriate. Such an alternative model might be one which involves an interaction between bottom-up processing from the sentence and top-down processing from activated schemata.
The role of babbling in the child's acquisition of language.

The nature of babbling and its function(s) in the development of language in children are viewed differently by each of two major theoretical approaches. The learning theory approach accounts for babbling in the development of phonological skills, but not for normal variation in babbling behaviour or the relationship between babbling and other aspects of language development. The maturational approach postulates no significant relationship between babbling and the normal development of language. The resolution of these viewpoints must await further normative data on the limits of normal babbling behaviour.
Metkephamid effects on operant behavior

Abstract Intravenous injections of high doses of metkephamid (20 and 40 mg/kg) decreased responding by pigeons under a multiple fixed-ratio, fixed-interval schedule of grain presentation. Naloxone antagonized in a dose-related manner the suppression of behavior produced by 40 mg/kg of metkephamid. Daily maintenance on large doses (30 and 60 mg/kg PO) of dl -methadone produced a slight shift of the dose-effect curve of metkephamid to the right. The data suggest that the behavioral effects of metkephamid are due to an action at a mu-opioid receptor.
An Introduction to Health Services Research

Abstract Analysts performing health services research must analyze large observational databases of real world medical care. These databases provide important information about real world patient outcomes, but confound the evaluation of therapies since patients and physicians select the treatment assignment. Because traditional statistical tools for testing hypotheses are based on random assignment to treatment, they are not appropriate to analyze observational databases: their inappropriate use results in biasing treatment results, and can lead to the wrong conclusion concerning treatment effectiveness. In this talk I will provide an overview of statistical methods in health services research, focusing on case-mix determination and propensity score adjustment. These methods adjust for selection bias in patient treatment assignments, and allow correct inferences to be made about the effectiveness of therapies. Examples from on-going analyses being conducted at Washington University, and from published articles will be presented.
On the Chebyshev spectral continuous time approximation for constant and periodic delay differential equations

Abstract In this paper, the approximation technique proposed in Breda et al. (2005) [1] for converting a linear system of constant-coefficient delay differential equations (DDEs) into a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using pseudospectral differencing is extended to linear and nonlinear systems of DDEs with time-periodic coefficients. The Chebyshev spectral continuous time approximation (ChSCTA) technique is used to study the stability of first and second-order constant coefficient DDEs, a delayed system with a cubic nonlinearity and parametric sinusoidal excitation, the delayed Mathieu’s equation, and delayed systems with two fixed delays. In all the examples, the stability and time response obtained from ChSCTA show good agreement with either analytical results, or the results obtained before by other reliable approximation methods. The “spectral accuracy” convergence behavior of Chebyshev spectral collocation shown in Trefethen (2000) [2] which the proposed technique possesses is compared to the convergence properties of finite difference-based continuous time approximation for constant-coefficient DDEs proposed recently in Sun (2009) [3] and Sun and Song (2009) [4] .
Definitions and pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents.

Definitions and pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents
Experimental and theoretical characterization of the plasma in an ECR reactor

Summary form only given. We have measured the spatial distribution of electron temperature and density, and plasma potential, in a two-magnet ECR reactor that is being used for etching. We report here on characterization of an Ar plasma. Work on Ar/Cl mixtures is beginning at the present time. The principal electron diagnostics at present are Langmuir probes, and a 140 GHz microwave interferometer. A variety of optical diagnostics, including VUV and optical emission spectroscopies, are being employed. The control parameters scanned cover the range of pressure 0.5 to 5 mT, flow rate 2.5 to 30 sccm, microwave input power 100 to 700 W, and a variety of magnetic field profiles. The location and bias of the etching stage has also been varied. We have developed a fast-running quasineutral PIC simulation code (particle ions, particle electrons), which represents the sheaths by means of appropriate potential jump and Bohm flow boundary conditions, and provides spatially resolved plasma densities, temperatures and distribution functions within the bulk plasma. Simulation results and analytic theory will be compared with the experimental results.
Efficacy and Persistence of Bacillus sphaericus and B. thuringiensis H. 14 Against Mosquitoes Under Laboratory and Field Conditions

Bacillus sphaericus Neide, strain 1593–4, and B. thuringiensis Berliner serotype H.14 de Barjac ( B. t . H. 14) were less active in raw and autoclaved sewage effluent than in tap water. Reduction of activity of B. sphaericus in polluted waters was caused by the suspended solids fraction of the effluent. Activity of B. sphaericus was lost by exposure to direct sunlight, while the activity of B. t . H. 14 remained stable. Both bacilli maintained activity at constant temperatures of 10°, 25° and 35° C. B. sphaericus lost activity in unbuffered water at pH 10.0±1.0 SD; however, B. t . H. 14 remained active. The active ingredient of B. sphaericus settled to the bottom of treated street catch basins where prolonged residual activity occurred. Reinfesting larvae were not affected: apparently they did not feed from the bottom. The residual action of B. t . H. 14 was short-lived in the catch basins. Treatment of 0.02-ha pasture plots with B. t . H. 14 resulted in effective control of Aedes spp . and Culex tarsalis Coquillett at 1 kg/ha. An aerial application on a 12 ha duck club pond with B. t . H. 14 at 1 kg/ha produced a 99% reduction of C. tarsalis , apparently without adverse affect on predator populations.
Myositis ossificans progressiva

Summary In this report, we have given a review of the most important factors associated with myositis ossificans progressiva, and a presentation of another case. This case has followed the usual course, the malady beginning as an attack of acute rheumatism with progression and later a partial ankylosis of the neck, shoulders, and spine, and the formation of bony layers. This child is unusual in that he is one of the 25 per cent that presents no congenital anomalies. Current investigators state that the disease is most probably embryonic in origin. The nature of the dystrophy is still obscure, and the treatment is unsatisfactory.
INCREASED PEROXYNITRITE PRODUCTION BY ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES (AM) FOLLOWING INHALATION OF NITRIC OXIDE (NO). • 1621

Inhaled NO is a selective pulmonary vasodilator that is used for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. In the present studies, we examined the effects of inhalation of NO on AM. These cells regulate host defense, in part, through the production of reactive nitrogen and oxygen intermediates. Overproduction of these reactive mediators has been implicated in tissue damage. Balb/c mice were exposed to 80 ppm NO for 5 h; control animals received room air. AM were isolated 0, 24, or 48 h after exposure and measurements made of NO and superoxide anion production. Unstimulated AM from both control and NO-treated animals exhibited low levels of inducible NO synthase expression, as determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence, and negligible NO production, quantified as nitrite accumulation in the culture medium. Treatment of the cells for 24-72 hr with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), known physiologic activators of AM, resulted in a time-dependent induction of NO synthase and NO production. AM from NO-exposed mice produced significantly more NO than AM from control animals. This was correlated with increased NO synthase expression. We also found that AM from NO-exposed animals produced significantly more superoxide anion in response to 12-O-tetradecanoyl- phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) than cells from control animals. This was evident in vitro in isolated cells and in situ in histologic sections. NO rapidly reacts with superoxide anion to form peroxynitrite, a potent oxidizing agent. Peroxynitrite induces lipid peroxidation, nitration and oxidation of proteins, and damage to DNA. Using dihydrorhodamine 123 and fluorescent image analysis, we measured peroxynitrite production by AM cultured with LPS and IFN-γ and then stimulated with TPA (30 min). Whereas minimal peroxynitrite was detected in AM from control animals, peroxynitrite production was significantly increased in AM from NO-exposed animals. Taken together, these data demonstrate that inhaled NO activates AM to release reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates. Increased production of these intermediates by AM may lead to tissue damage and long term toxicity, including potential genotoxicity. (Supported by N.J. Thoracic Society)
Neutronic analysis of candidate accident-tolerant cladding concepts in pressurized water reactors

A study analyzed the neutronics of alternate cladding materials in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) environment. Austenitic type 310 (310SS) and 304 stainless steels, ferritic Fe-20Cr-5Al (FeCrAl) and APMT™ alloys, and silicon carbide (SiC)-based materials were considered and compared with Zircaloy-4. SCALE 6.1 was used to analyze the associated neutronics penalty/advantage, changes in reactivity coefficients, and spectral variations once a transition in the cladding was made. In the cases examined, materials containing higher absorbing isotopes invoked a reduction in reactivity due to an increase in neutron absorption in the cladding. Higher absorbing materials produced a harder neutron spectrum in the fuel pellet, leading to a slight increase in plutonium production. A parametric study determined the geometric conditions required to match cycle length requirements for each alternate cladding material in a PWR. A method for estimating the end of cycle reactivity was implemented to compare each model to that of standard Zircaloy-4 cladding. By using a thinner cladding of 350 μm and keeping a constant outer diameter, austenitic stainless steels require an increase of no more than 0.5 wt% enriched 235U to match fuel cycle requirements, while the required increase for FeCrAl was about 0.1%. When modeling SiC (with slightly lowermore » thermal absorption properties than that of Zircaloy), a standard cladding thickness could be implemented with marginally less enriched uranium (~0.1%). Moderator temperature and void coefficients were calculated throughout the depletion cycle. Nearly identical reactivity responses were found when coolant temperature and void properties were perturbed for each cladding material. By splitting the pellet into 10 equal areal sections, relative fission power as a function of radius was found to be similar for each cladding material. FeCrAl and 310SS cladding have a slightly higher fission power near the pellet’s periphery due to the harder neutron spectrum in the system, causing more 239Pu breeding. An economic assessment calculated the change in fuel pellet production costs for use of each cladding. Furthermore, implementing FeCrAl alloys would increase fuel pellet production costs about 15% because of increased 235U enrichment and the additional UO2 pellet volume enabled by using thinner cladding.« less