cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth and magnetic properties of epitaxial Au/Fe/Au and Ag/Fe/Au films on α-Al2O3

Abstract Nanoscale Fe(1 1 0) layers have been fabricated on α -Al 2 O 3 using DC magnetron sputtering with Au(1 1 1) or Ag(1 1 1) as a buffer layer. Atomic force microscopy shows that Au(1 1 1) grows as a continuous layer and Ag(1 1 1) grows as nanoislands of irregular shapes and sizes. Magneto-optic Kerr effect shows that a 12 nm Fe(1 1 0) layer deposited on Au(1 1 1) at 295 K and on Ag(1 1 1) at 640 K is ferromagnetic at room temperature. In-plane magnetic anisotropy is observed for the Fe(1 1 0) layer on Au(1 1 1). The layer thickness, the surface coverage and the magnetization of the films have been determined by polarized neutron reflectometry.
Solvent and Ligand Effects Associated with the Rh(II)-Catalyzed Reactions of α-Diazo-Substituted Amido Esters

We report a detailed investigation into the Rh(II)-catalyzed reactions of 2-alkynyl 2-diazo amido-substituted esters. The distribution of products was found to be dependent on the substituent group on the nitrogen atom, the ligand on the Rh(II) center, and the solvent used. The dominant product obtained from the reaction of 3-(trimethylsilyl)prop-2-ynyl-2-(dibenzylcarbamoyl)-2-diazoacetate (34) with Rh2(OAc)4 in hexane corresponds to an azetidinone derived by CH-insertion of the carbenoid into the neighboring benzyl group. In contrast, the Rh2(esp)2-catalyzed reaction of 34 in CH2Cl2 afforded a 3-oxocyclohepta[c]pyrrole formed by cyclopropanation of the rhodium carbenoid across the aromatic π-bond. Related systems were studied, and CH-insertion into an adjacent alkyl group was found to be the dominant or exclusive pathway. In none of the cases studied was it possible to detect products derived from a carbenoid/alkyne cascade sequence as had previously been found with a series of 2-alkynyl-2-diazo-3-oxobut...
Development of a Finite Element Model for Porcine Scalp

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, head injuries account for 44% of all injury related deaths in the United States. Predictive head injury indicators are being used in car crash evaluations, forensic science investigations, and in research as an alternative to expensive, unpractical, and sometimes unethical animal or human experimentation [1]. The purpose of the present work is to characterize the structural and mechanical properties of the multilayer scalp and create a preliminary FEA model based on our findings. A longer term goal is to develop a high fidelity Finite Element (FE) model of human head.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Modification of apomorphine induced aggression by changing central cholinergic activity in rats.

Abstract The aggression produced in groups of rats by apomorphine was dose-dependently antagonized by the cholinergic agonist, pilocarpine and intensified by the anticholinergic, dexetimide. The pilocarpine effect was evident even when its peripheral actions were blocked by isopropamide. The possible importance of a dopaminergic-cholinergic interaction in drug-induced aggression is discussed.
Short-term and medium-term health effects of 9/11

The New York City terrorist attacks on Sept 11, 2001 (9/11), killed nearly 2800 people and thousands more had subsequent health problems. In this Review of health effects in the short and medium terms, strong evidence is provided for associations between experiencing or witnessing events related to 9/11 and post-traumatic stress disorder and respiratory illness, with a correlation between prolonged, intense exposure and increased overall illness and disability. Rescue and recovery workers, especially those who arrived early at the World Trade Center site or worked for longer periods, were more likely to develop respiratory illness than were other exposed groups. Risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder included proximity to the site on 9/11, living or working in lower Manhattan, rescue or recovery work at the World Trade Center site, event-related loss of spouse, and low social support. Investigators note associations between 9/11 exposures and additional disorders, such as depression and substance use; however, for some health problems association with exposures related to 9/11 is unclear.
Hierarchy in the mind: The predictive power of social dominance orientation across social contexts and domains

article i nfo The question of whether social dominance orientation represents a generalized orientation towards group-based hi- erarchies continues to arouse heated debate. Some researchers maintain that rather than indexing support for hier- archy across a variety of situations and social contexts, social dominance orientation scores simply reflect individuals' attitudes towards whatever specific context individuals had in mind while completing the scale. We systematically examine the generality of SDO by investigating its pattern of relationships with a very wide range of variables across a variety of disparate contexts, exploring inequality both as an ideal and as manifested in specific policies towards particular groups. We also experimentally test an important question raised by Sibley and Liu (2010) about whether administration of modified instructions to think only of "groups in general" is required to ensure SDO's generality. Evidence that SDO functions as a generalized orientation only when administered with instructions to think of groups in general would be a cause for much concern among the many researchers who have used the unmodified scale to index such an orientation. As expected, our results are clear in suggesting (a) that SDO represents a gener- alized orientation towards group-based hierarchy, and (b) that this property is not dependent on specifi ci nstruc- tions to participants to think only of groups in general. Theoretical and practical implications for the status of SDO are discussed.
The effect of food deprivation on shock elicited aggression in rats

Aggressive responses were tabulated for albino rats under conditions of shock stimulation only, food deprivation only, and shock plus food deprivation. Results indicated that while deprivation alone did not result in aggression as defined in the experiment, deprivation plus shock elicited more aggression than shock alone. Further, the number of aggressive responses was found to vary positively with amount of deprivation.
Distinct Clusterings and Characteristic Path Lengths in Dynamic Small-World Networks with Identical Limit Degree Distribution

Many real-world networks belong to a particular class of structures, known as small-world networks, that display short distance between pair of nodes. In this paper, we introduce a simple family of growing small-world networks where both addition and deletion of edges are possible. By tuning the deletion probability q t , the model undergoes a transition from large worlds to small worlds. By making use of analytical or numerical means we determine the degree distribution, clustering coefficient and average path length of our networks. Surprisingly, we find that two similar evolving mechanisms, which provide identical degree distribution under a reciprocal scaling as t goes to infinity, can lead to quite different clustering behaviors and characteristic path lengths. It is also worth noting that Farey graphs constitute the extreme case q t ≡0 of our random construction.
Making Listening Instruction Meaningful: A Literature Review

Listening to, analyzing, and describing music, is perhaps the most difficult standard to present effectively in allotted classroom time. The purpose of this literature review is to better understan...
The Non-catalytic Function of XPG Protein during Dual Incision in Human Nucleotide Excision Repair

XPG is a member of the FEN-1 structure-specific endonuclease family. It has 3′-junction cutting activity on bubble substrates and makes the 3′-incision in the human dual incision (excision nuclease) repair system. To investigate the precise role of XPG in nucleotide excision repair, we mutagenized two amino acid residues thought to be involved in DNA binding and catalysis, overproduced the mutant proteins using a baculovirus/insect cell system, and purified and characterized the mutant proteins. The mutation D77A had a modest effect on junction cutting and excision activity and gave rise to uncoupled 5′-incision by mammalian cell-free extracts. The D812A mutation completely abolished the junction cutting and 3′-incision activities of XPG, but the excision nuclease reconstituted with XPG (D812A) carried out normal 5′-incision at the 23rd–24th phosphodiester bonds 5′ to a (6–4) photoproduct without producing any 3′-incision. It is concluded that Asp-812 is an active site residue of XPG and that in addition to making the 3′-incision, the physical presence of XPG in the protein-DNA complex is required non-catalytically for subsequent 5′-incision by XPF-ERCC1.
Improved efficiency in apricot breeding: Effects of embryo development and nutrient media on in vitro germination and seedling establishment

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) embryos at three stages of development were cultured on C2d, SBH and WPM media. In vitro culture produced high percentages of germination and seedlings throughout all three developmental stages. Significant media effects were noted for changes in both embryo length and weight during the culture period, as well as number of plants produced. Embryos between 5 and 9 mm (developmental stage I) germinated and developed into plants in a significantly higher percentage than in the other two more mature stages. Therefore, embryo culture can be successfully used as a tool in an apricot breeding program to obtain higher percentages of seedlings from planned hybridization or to overcome a lack of seed germination.
Breast cancer: beyond the cutting edge.

Remarkable progress has been made in the treatment of breast cancer over the past 100 years. The ability to probe at the genomic level increased our understanding of the disease but the improved survival outcomes can also be attributed to screening programs, which have altered the pattern of diagnosis and prognosis, and to a number of groundbreaking clinical trials. Indeed, the latter are largely responsible for the most startling paradigm reversals in oncology; namely, that optimal benefit can be achieved with minimal, rather than maximal, intervention. As such, surgical lumpectomy can replace the radical mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy may circumvent the need for complete (axillary) nodal dissection, hormonal therapy – depending on tumor sensitivity to endocrine manipulation – is likely to be beneficial without the addition of chemotherapy, and some targeted therapies can be used selectively in those most likely to benefit. However, despite the advances, controversies remain; patients die; and cure rem...
Electrophysiological Interventions for Inherited Arrhythmia Syndromes

IInherited arrhythmia syndromes are electrical myopathies with genetic origins and risk of sudden death. They may present from infancy through adulthood, although the specific diseases have stereotypic but variable phenotypic onset and severity. There is clinical and genetic overlap among the syndromes, with variable penetrance and expressivity. Although underlying mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis may differ between syndromes, the electrophysiological (EP), pharmacological, and interventional options overlap. Specifics of the genetics, pharmacological therapies, and lifestyle modifications have been reviewed recently and are beyond the scope of this article, which focuses on interventional electrophysiology for inherited arrhythmias. The congenital long-QT syndromes (LQTSs) are the prototypic group of inherited arrhythmias. They were initially described as autosomal-recessive LQTSs with congenital sensorineural hearing loss, Jervell and Lange-Nielson (JLN) syndrome,1 and the more common autosomal-dominant LQTS with normal hearing, Romano-Ward syndrome.2,3 LQTS is caused by mutations in ion channel (or related anchoring protein) –encoding genes,4–6 presenting with prolonged QTc, stress-induced syncope, ventricular arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac death (SCD). The diagnosis is ascertained from clinical symptom complex, family history, ECG manifestations (at baseline or with provocative stimulation), and genetic testing. The principal treatment is pharmacological for most LQTS patients.7,8 ### Interventions for Congenital Long-QT Syndromes #### Catheter Ablation There is little role for diagnostic EP testing in LQTS. Studies have shown that programmed ventricular stimulation, QT interval response to pacing, and infusion of β-blocking medication in LQTS are of limited value.9 Monophasic action potential studies demonstrated afterdepolarizations but were not prognostic, and proarrhythmia can occur with ventricular stimulation.10 #### Left Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation Left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) can reduce cardiac events in LQTS but is not commonly performed at many institutions.11 Indications for LCSD include failure of medical therapy or frequent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks. Clinical results vary, likely because of the level of sympathetic denervation and operator experience. Left cervicothoracic sympathectomy involves resection of …
Three-Dimensional Orientation of Male Cadra cautella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Flying to Calling Females in a Windless Enviromnent

A male Cadra cautella (Walker) flying in a windless environment first reacts behaviorally to the sex pheromone plume of a calling female from a distance of ≈40 cm. Its angular velocity (turning rate in degrees per second) increases and, if it approaches within ≈20 cm, its velocity decreases gradually until it lands near the female. The orientation pattern differs from orientation in wind primarily in the fraction of turns with net movement away from the female, initially ≈0.5.This fraction decreases to ≈0.2 if the male approaches within ≈10 cm. Previously developed computer models suggest that such behavior is less efficient for finding a pheromone source than pheromone–stimulated optomotor anemotaxis but more efficient than random searching. Thus, it can be expected that pheromone traps are less effective at sampling remote populations of insects in a warehouse than in a field, but are helpful in pinpointing nearby infestations.
Comparative efficacy of hand hygiene agents in the reduction of bacteria and viruses.

Background Health care-associated infections most commonly result from person-to-person transmission via the hands of health care workers. Methods We studied the efficacy of hand hygiene agents (n = 14) following 10-second applications to reduce the level of challenge organisms (Serratia marcescens and MS2 bacteriophage) from the hands of healthy volunteers using the ASTM-E-1174-94 test method. Results The highest log 10 reductions of S marcescens were achieved with agents containing chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), triclosan, benzethonium chloride, and the controls, tap water alone and nonantimicrobial soap and water (episode 1 of hand hygiene, 1.60-2.01; episode 10, 1.60-3.63). Handwipes but not alcohol-based handrubs were significantly inferior from these agents after a single episode of hand hygiene, but both groups were significantly inferior after 10 episodes. After a single episode of hand hygiene, alcohol/silver iodide, CHG, triclosan, and benzethonium chloride were similar to the controls in reduction of MS2, but, in general, handwipes and alcohol-based handrubs showed significantly lower efficacy. After 10 episodes, only benzethonium chloride (1.33) performed as well as the controls (1.59-1.89) in the reduction of MS2. Conclusions Antimicrobial handwashing agents were the most efficacious in bacterial removal, whereas waterless agents showed variable efficacy. Alcohol-based handrubs compared with other products demonstrated better efficacy after a single episode of hand hygiene than after 10 episodes. Effective hand hygiene for high levels of viral contamination with a nonenveloped virus was best achieved by physical removal with a nonantimicrobial soap or tap water alone.
Methods for solving nonlinear equations used in evaluating emergency vehicle busy probabilities

In this paper we present two iterative methods for solving a model to evaluate busy probabilities for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) vehicles. The model considers location dependent service times and is an alternative to the mean service calibration method; a procedure, used with the Hypercube Model, to accommodate travel times and location-dependent service times. We use monotonicity arguments to prove that one iterative method always converges to a solution. A large computational experiment suggests that both methods work satisfactorily in EMS systems with low ambulance busy probabilities and the method that always converges to a solution performs significantly better in EMS systems with high busy probabilities.
Surviving Cancer or Other Serious Illness: A Review of Individual and Community Resources†

In order to provide appropriate individual and community support for cancer survivors, there is a great need to better understand how people who have survived cancer or other serious illness adapt positively to health challenges and to identify effective approaches for helping people cope with health challenges over their lifetime. Studies have identified a number of personal factors that are associated with resilience, increased quality of life, and positive adaptation to illness. Of particular interest is the ability of individuals to survive or even thrive despite an adverse event, as influenced by both individual factors such as resiliency and external factors like social support. The experience of having a potentially life-threatening illness can lead to positive adaptation and increased ability to thrive despite difficult circumstances. The cancer survivorship movement and the cancer community in general provide important resources for improving quality of life and alleviating human suffering and distress among patients and survivors and for adding personal meaning and hope to people's lives.
TREATMENT OF CHRONIC SCHIZOPHRENIA BY BEHAVIOUR THERAPY: CASE REPORTS.

Abstract Three cases of schizophrenic reaction, chronic paranoid type are reported using the method of modifying behaviour by means of direct manipulation of rewards and punishments. Psychotropic medication was used as an adjunct to therapy. Significant improvement was obtained in all three patients within a relatively short time and in two cases the improvement has been maintained six months after discharge.
The Balance between T Cell Receptor Signaling and Degradation at the Center of the Immunological Synapse Is Determined by Antigen Quality

The role of the center of the immunological synapse (the central supramolecular activation cluster or cSMAC) is controversial. One model suggests that the role of the cSMAC depends on antigen quality and can both enhance signaling and receptor downregulation, whereas a second model proposes that the sole function of the cSMAC is to downregulate signaling. An important distinction between the models is whether signaling occurs in the cSMAC. Here, we demonstrate that at early time points, signaling occurs outside the cSMAC, but occurs in the cSMAC at later time points. Additionally, we show that cSMAC formation enhances the stimulatory potency of weak agonists for the TCR. Combined with previous studies showing that cSMAC formation decreases the signaling by strong agonists, our data support a model proposing that signaling and receptor degradation both occur in the cSMAC and that the balance between signaling and degradation in the synapse is determined by antigen quality.
Metabolism of some meta-carboxy aromatic amino acids.

Abstract Radioactive meta -carboxytyrosine was synthesized and administered to detached leaves of Reseda odorata, Lunaria annua, Reseda luteola , and to Wedgewood iris ( Iris tingitana X Iris xithium ). Phenylalanine- 14 C was fed similarly. There was a small but significant conversion of meta -carboxytyrosine to 3-carboxy-4-hydroxyphenyl-glycine by iris leaves; the only other leaves that brought about the conversion were R. odorata , and they produced up to four times as much as did iris leaves. Phenylalanine was converted to meta -carboxyphenylalanine by R. odorata and iris.
Structure-activity relationship observations for the bagworm moth pheromone

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) observations were made for the bagworm moth pheromone, (R)-2-pentyl decanoate, and a series of analogs with modifications in the alcohol portion of the molecule. Observed attractiveness of these analogs was related to molecular structure and their physical attributes using computational chemistry. Electrostatic potential and Van der Waals (VdW) electrostatic coded surface three-dimensional (3D) maps of the molecular mechanics (MM) minimized lowest energy conformation of the pheromone show that size, shape, charge distribution, and chirality of the molecule are related to attractiveness.
The use of dimethoxytetraethyleneglycol and triethyl phosphate in histological technic.

For a considerable period of time the author has used these two compounds in histological technic. As they have proved valuable, the information is described.
DEVELOPMENT OF COLUMBIA'S VIDEO ON DEMAND TESTBED

Abstract This paper describes our progress in developing an advanced video-on-demand (VOD) testbed, which will accommodate various multimedia research and applications such as Electronic News on Demand, Columbia's Video Course Network, and Digital Libraries. Two different prototypes have been completed. The first generation of the testbed was based on a constant-bit-rate (CBR) video server utilizing Ethernet delivery. Contents were encoded and stored as MPEG-2 audio/video elementary streams. Software encoders/decoders were used in content generation and playback. The second generation of the testbed was enhanced with the capability of transmitting true MPEG-2 transport streams over the campus ATM network as well as the wide-area NYNET ATM network. A real-time video pump and a distributed application control protocol (MPEG-2's DSM-CC) have been incorporated. Hardware decoders and set-tops are being incorporated to test wide-area video interoperability. Our VOD testbed also provides an advanced platform for implementing proof-of-concept prototypes of related research. Our current research focus covers video transmission with heterogeneous quality-of-service (QoS) provision, video storage architecture design, content-based video indexing and browsing, multi-resolution (MR) video coding, efficient manipulation of compressed video, and advanced user interfaces. An important aim is to enhance interoperability. Accommodation of practical multimedia applications and interoperability testing with external VOD systems are currently being undertaken.
Cleavage fracture in an Al3Ti-based alloy having the Ll2 structure

Selected area electron channeling patterns were used to identify the cleavage planes in a polycrystalline Al–23Ti–6Fe–5V alloy, which is an Al3Ti-based alloy having the Ll2 structure. Alloys like this one are of scientific and technological interest because they fracture by brittle transgranular cleavage, despite the availability of more than five independent slip systems in the Ll2 structure and their relatively low hardness when compared to ductile Ll2 alloys like Ni3Al. Homogenized bars of the levitation zone melted and directionally solidified alloy were fractured at room temperature in three point bending. The fracture surfaces, which consisted almost entirely of brittle transgranular cleavage facets, were examined in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped to take channeling patterns. An optical microscope with a short depth of focus was inserted in the SEM column just below the objective lens, and by focusing it on several points on the cleavage facets, it was possible to orient the facets normal to the optic axis of the SEM prior to taking the channeling patterns. Of the eight cleavage facets examined in this study, six were of the {110} type and two were of the {111} type. Although it cannot be said that these are the only two cleavage planes in this alloy, the availability of more than one plane with low cleavage strength contributes to the brittleness of this alloy. These results are examined in the light of theoretical treatments of cleavage fracture, and comparisons are made with earlier studies on other Ll2 materials.
Differential regulation of phosphoglycolate and phosphoglycerate phosphatases in Euglena

Abstract Exposure of dark grown resting Euglena to light induced the synthesis on cytoplasmic ribosomes of phosphoglycerate and phosphoglycolate phosphatases. Ethanol and malate, utilizable carbon sources, also induced phosphoglycerate phosphatase. Ethanol but not malate inhibited the photo-induction of phosphoglycolate phosphatase. Phosphoglycerate phosphatase was induced by light in the plastidless mutant W 3 BUL but not in the mutant W 10 BSmL while ethanol induced phosphoglycerate phosphatase synthesis in both mutants. The induction of phosphoglycerate phosphatase appears to represent a nutritional shift up response mediated by the non-chloroplast photoreceptor while phosphoglycolate phosphatase photoinduction appear to represent the catabolite repressible induction by a carbon source (light + CO 2 ) of an enzyme required to utilize that carbon source.
Photoluminescence and optically detected magnetic resonance in polythiophene and poly(3-alkylthiophenes); substitution, disorder and ageing effects

Abstract The influence of side-group substitution, disorder, and ageing in the photoluminescence (PL) and related optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) has been studied. Alkyl substitution causes energy shifts and broadening in the PL spectra. Ageing and disorder has a profound effect on the PL and PL excitation spectra, and a possible effect on the temperature dependence of the ODMR intensity. Our results suggest that ageing substantially increases the subgap absorption tail and this in turn displaces the PL spectrum to lower energies due to reabsorption.
Values and the Organization: Suggestions for Research

Despite long interest in human values, few investigators have focused on values and organizational process. Questions regarding how values relate to reward structure, upward mobility, goal commitme...
Implicit functions with guaranteed differential properties

Theory of R-functions [12] provides the methodology for constructing exact implicit functions for any semianalytic set. This paper systematically explores and compares the known constructions in terms of their differential properties and explains how such functions may be constructed automatically from CSG and boundary representations of solids. The constructed functions may be automatically differentiated and integrated and have many important applications in meshfree engineering analysis, motion planning, and scientific visualization.
Time-varying ultimate strength of aging tanker deck plate considering corrosion effect

Abstract This paper presents a semi-probabilistic approach to assess the time-varying ultimate strength of aging tanker's deck plate considering corrosion wastage. The procedure includes (1) defining the limit state function of deck plate failure, (2) determining the time-varying probability density function of corrosion wastage and values for selected severity levels of corrosion, (3) calculating the time-varying ultimate strength of deck plates corresponding to the selected levels of corrosion wastage, (4) determining the time-varying maximum nominal stress, (5) calculating when the deck plate reaches the ultimate strength limit state, and (6) determining the inspection intervals based on the risk of ultimate strength failure. A nonlinear corrosion model was proposed for deriving the time-varying probability density function of deck plates' corrosion wastage. The probability density function was determined based on a statistical analysis of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) corrosion wastage database [Wang G, Spencer J, Sun HH. Assessment of Corrosion Risks to Aging Oil Tankers In: 22nd International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering, Cancun, Mexico, 8–13 June 2002]. To simplify the calculations of ultimate strength, a semi-probabilistic model was adopted. Three levels of corrosion severity were considered, and the corresponding values of corrosion wastage were used instead of the probability density function. The increasing nominal stresses as ships age were also taken into account considering the loss of global hull girder section modulus. The loads of still-water-induced and wave-induced bending moments were treated as deterministic values. The ultimate strength calculation was based on the latest International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) – Common Structure Rule (CSR) formula [Common Structural Rules for Double Hull Oil Tankers, http://www.iacs.org.uk/ ; 2007]. Deck failure was defined as deck plate's ultimate strength becoming lower than the maximum nominal stress. An inspection should be conducted before such failure takes place. A total of nine sample tankers, designed in 1970s, 1980s and 1990s were selected for demonstrating this approach. Time to deck plate's failure by ultimate strength varies in a wide range depending on the initial designs and corrosion severity at both local plate and global hull girder levels.
Comment on the CP-violating electric charge of the magnetic monopole

It is shown, using an effective theory, that the electric charge that develops on a magnetic monopole, due to the presence of the CP-violating term\([\theta e^2 /(32\pi ^2 )]F_{\mu v}^a \tilde F^{\mu va} \), does not vanish for massless fermions.
Curvature and spatial organization in biological membranes

Cellular membranes bend and curve into a multitude of shapes as they perform various functions. These deformations make use of the remarkable material properties of biological membranes inherent in their nature as two-dimensional fluids. The curvature of membranes is controlled by the constituent proteins and lipids, but conversely, curvature itself provides mechanisms for organizing mobile membrane molecules. In this article we survey recent experiments that have uncovered intriguing connections between mechanics and biochemistry at membranes, focusing on the influence of molecular shape on curvature, links between phase separation and curvature, and membrane bending at inter-cellular contacts. We describe the concepts that emerge from these studies, especially the existence of long-range, curvature-mediated mechanisms for spatial organization in membranes, and highlight open areas for future research.
Varicella vaccine in non-immune household contacts of children with cancer or leukaemia.

Objective To assess the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a new formulation of live attenuated varicella vaccine (Oka strain) in non-immune household contacts of children with cancer or leukaemia. Methodology This was an open study with one group. Healthy varicella-susceptible adults and children living in the same household as children with cancer or leukaemia were vaccinated with a new live attenuated varicella vaccine (Oka strain) which is stable when stored at 2-8 degrees C (refrigerator temperature) for at least 24 months (Varilrix). Children less than 13 years of age received one dose (0.5 mL containing at least 103.3 plaque forming units) by subcutaneous injection and those aged over 13 years received two doses 8 weeks apart. Adverse reactions following vaccination were recorded daily by the vaccinees. Post-vaccination antibody estimation was determined using indirect immunofluorescence 6 weeks after vaccination. Results Thirty-five seronegative subjects (28 children and 7 adults and adolescents) were vaccinated. All subjects tested (34) had seroconverted after vaccination. Local injection site reactions were experienced by 15/35. Other adverse reactions were uncommon (rash 2/35, fever (>/= 37.5 degrees C) 3/35). No cases of clinical varicella occurred amongst the high-risk household contacts of the vaccine. Conclusion This is the first study of this formulation of varicella vaccine in household contacts of children with cancer or leukaemia. The vaccine was found to be safe and immunogenic, but further follow-up is needed to document duration of immunity.
Health policy and the WTO.

Critics of international trade agreements often cast them as threats to human health, and they can point to some sobering warnings from world history. Infectious diseases have swept across political boundaries, carried by traders, colonists, and other agents of globalization. Transnational epidemics have laid economies low, undermining political stability. The spread of viruses and bacteria to peoples previously unexposed and therefore lacking immunity has decimated populations and changed the political course of continents. Trade, exploration, and warfare have repeatedly produced encounters between peoples at different levels of agricultural and technological development. Often, the results have been devastating for the disadvantaged group — economic marginalization, loss of sovereignty and culture, and collapse of public health. Yet the rise of civilization — plant and animal domestication, division of labor, technology, and resulting prosperity — was powered in large part by movement of products and knowledge along routes of trade and migration.
Life events and life quality variability

This study used survey data from three Arizona communities in an attempt to test whether residents experiencing life crises would display less differentiation in ratings of quality of life. Reduced variance in life quality ratings was thought to identify life space constriction, which might function as a defense mechanism in times of high life stress. A Life Quality Variability (LQV) score was obtained for each resident, based on the variance in subjective ratings of items from a life quality scale. This score was analyzed in conjunction with measures of stressful life events. The results were contrary to expectations; life events were positively correlated with the LQV score. Additionally, it was noted that negative life events were more potent predictors than positive events of ratings of life quality.
Interoperable secure voice communications in tactical systems

With the increased dependence on peace-keeping operations under the auspices of the UN and NATO, interoperability among and between coalition member nations is imperative. An essential element is to overcome differences in voice coding algorithms from system to system and nation to nation. Our goal is to ensure interoperability between communications equipment produced by different nations designed to common standards. Tactical environments are very often characterized by harsh acoustic environments, and stressed or jammed channels. The next generation tactical communications systems are conceived with interoperability as a primary consideration. A key step is to adopt a single high performance voice coding algorithmic suite. This suite must be capable of multiple transmission rates which can dynamically adapt to available bandwidth, channel SNR, or by user direction. Integrating powerful forward error correction codes will optimize the system quality of service, delivered to the user by selecting the optimal combined voice and channel coding for a given impaired scenario. Most importantly, this adaptation must occur seamlessly, dynamically and instantaneously. This paper discusses one voice coding technology, the enhanced mixed excitation linear prediction, MELPe voice coding algorithmic suite, where it is today, and the additions under development and in consideration. (13 pages)
Drude weight in systems with open boundary conditions

For finite systems, the real part of the conductivity is usually decomposed as the sum of a zero frequency delta peak and a finite frequency regular part. In studies with periodic boundary conditions, the Drude weight, i.e., the weight of the zero frequency delta peak, is found to be nonzero for integrable systems, even at very high temperatures, whereas it vanishes for generic (nonintegrable) systems. Paradoxically, for systems with open boundary conditions, it can be shown that the coefficient of the zero frequency delta peak is identically zero for any finite system, regardless of its integrability. In order for the Drude weight to be a thermodynamically meaningful quantity, both kinds of boundary conditions should produce the same answer in the thermodynamic limit. We shed light on these issues by using analytical and numerical methods.
A phase I trial of toremifene, a new antiestrogen.

Hormonal therapy of patients has been used for a century and is still one of the more successful systemic therapies available. Endocrine ablation, estrogens, progestins, antiestrogens, aromatase inhibitors, and LHRH analogues have all been utilized. The antiestrogen tamoxifen has become the hormonal agent of first choice in many Todae is a triphenylethylene derivative structurally related to tamoxifen. The compound was selected for its ability to bind to estrogen receptors in breast tissue, and its activity against MCF-7 cell lines and DMBA-induced rat !mamma~j cancer. At equivalent antiestrogenic doses it appears to have less estrogenic effect than tamoxifen. At high doses it has a cytolytic effect in mice estrogen receptor-negative uterine sarcoma tumors. A Phase I study was initiated to determine tolerance to toremifene over a range of doses, assess endocrine effects, and determine steady-state pharmacokinetics. A cohort of 107 postmenopausal women with various tumor types were treated with toremifene at oral doses of 10, 20,40,60,200, and 400 mg/day for at least 8 weeks. Initial evaluation included a medical history and physical examination, chest x-ray, complete blood count, serum chemistry, ophthalmological examination, serum hormones, antithrombin 111 levels, ECG, and tumor measurements. Laboratory profiles, chest x-ray performance status, and toxicity assessment were performed at clinical settings.
Exclusivity in licensing alliances: using hostages to support technology commercialization

We examine why exclusivity provisions are used in licensing alliances, and when restrictions in licensing scope (e.g., by product or geography) accompany these exclusivity provisions. We find broad support for the proposition that these features are associated with the contractual challenges of allying with licensees when they contribute valuable complementary capabilities toward the commercialization of licensed technologies. Evidence from our data suggests that exclusivity is used as a contractual hostage to safeguard licensee investments in complementary assets and to enable contracting over early stage technologies. Scope restrictions are employed to balance the tradeoffs between the value creation made possible by licensee complementary capabilities and the transactional hazards entailed in working exclusively with licensees. Our results also suggest that scope restrictions and other formal safeguards may be substitute mechanisms for managing similar transactional concerns in licensing alliances. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Invited paper. Algorithms for functional testing of digital systems

In this paper, a novel functional model is presented. This functional model is based on a Iarge-scale dynamical characterization of a multi-unit digital system in which test results can be invalidated. Two algorithms are presented. The first algorithm is applicable to the diagnosis of a system with only a single fault and requires a Iower number of execution steps than similar algorithms. This algorithm is exact. A new heuristic algorithm is proposed for multiple faults. Conditions for the nonsequential execution of the algorithms are analysed; a covering set approach is proposed as the basis for a parallel process. The parallel process uses an adaptive diagnostic criterion to establish the validity of the test results by progressive refinement. Using a Steiner system characterization, it is proved that the proposed parallel techniques offer significant advantages over a sequential execution. A novel architecture for the diagnostic system is proposed; this architecture exploits the parallel nature of the ...
Nonadversarial Methods for Sensitizing Jurors to Eyewitness Evidence

Tested the effects, on juror decision making, of court-appointed expert testimony and judge's instructions designed to sensitize jurors to eyewitness evidence. Subjects (N= 144) viewed a videotaped trial in which the primary evidence was the testimony of and identification by an eyewitness. Three levels of expert advice (court-appointed expert, judge's instructions, no expert advice) were crossed with two levels of witnessing and identification conditions and two levels of witness confidence The court-appointed expert produced skepticism toward the identification but did not improve juror sensitivity to the eyewitness evidence. The judge's instructions produced neither skepticism or sensitization effects.
Formation of Tubuloreticular Inclusions in Human Lymphoma Cells Compared to the Induction of 2′-5′-Oligoadenylate Synthetase by Leucocyte Interferon in Dose-Effect and Kinetic Studies

Abstract Exposure of human lymphoblastoid cell cultures to leukocyte interferon initiated the formation of membranous tubuloreticular inclusions (TRI) within the endoplasmic reticulum or perinuclear envelope. In four different cell lines originating from patients with lymphocytic cancers (Daudi, Raji, H-SB2, and SB), this unique ultrastructural effect displayed a log-linear relationship to increasing doses of interferon-α and was dose and time dependent. TRI morphogenesis began within 12 hr in Daudi or Raji cells exposed continuously to 500 IU of leukocyte interferon/ml, but only at 20 hr after 2- to 4-hr pulse exposures to 50 to 100 IU/ml. The TRI accumulation, determined by thin-section counts, reached maximal levels of up to 16% of cell sections within 48 to 72 hr. Experiments with Raji cells indicated a decrease in TRI formation during successive cell divisions; detection of TRI after a pulse of interferon was enhanced when DNA replication was arrested. TRI morphogenesis appeared to be independent of several other known biological actions of interferons. It manifested later than the induction of 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase activity which has been correlated with establishment of the antiviral state and occurred in cell lines, including Daudi K IFN R , which resist the growth-inhibitory effects of leukocyte interferon. Participation of new polypeptide synthesis was indicated by experiments with inhibitors of transcription (actinomycin D) or translation (cycloheximide): TRI morphogenesis was blocked when actinomycin D was added 4 hr after interferon and was reduced when cycloheximide was added for the interval of 13 to 23 hr after interferon.
The effects of ambient temperature variation on respiratory hospitalizations in summer, New York State.

Objective: A time-series study was used to assess the effect of temperature variation during summer on respiratory disease in New York State. Methods: Daily respiratory admissions were linked with various meteorological indicators including daily and weekly temperature variation from June–August, 1991–2004. Two-stage Bayesian hierarchical models were used to first compute percent excess risks at the region level while controlling for air pollutants and time-varying variables using Poisson generalized additive models, and then to pool statewide estimates together after controlling for regional confounders. Results: This study found that the daily temperature range between maximum and minimum temperature was associated with a 0·27–0·38% increased risk of admission. Minimum temperature (TMIN) above the previous 6-day average was associated with a 0·93% higher risk of respiratory morbidity. Multiday temperature ranges within 5 and 7 days were associated with 0·49 and 0·73% increases in admissions, respectivel...
Fully Lagrangian modeling of MEMS with thin plates

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sometimes use beam or plate shaped conductors that can be very thin-with h/LapO(10-2-10 -3) (in terms of the thickness h and length L of the side of a square pate). Such MEMS devices find applications in microsensors, microactuators, microjets, microspeakers and other systems where the conducting plates or beams oscillate at very high frequencies. Conventional boundary element method (BEM) analysis of the electric field in a region exterior to such thin conductors can become difficult to carry out accurately and efficiently especially since MEMS analysis requires computation of charge densities (and then surface tractions) separately on the top and bottom surfaces of such plates. A new boundary integral equation (BIE) is proposed to handle the computation of charge densities for such high aspect ratio geometries. In the current work, this has been coupled with finite element method (FEM) to obtain the response behavior of devices made of such high aspect ratio structural members. This coupling of electrical and mechanical problem is carried out using a Newton scheme based on a Lagrangian description of both the mechanical and electrical domains
Value of Information as a Context-Specific Measure of Uncertainty in Groundwater Remediation

The remediation of groundwater sites has been recognized as a difficult and expensive task for years. One of the challenges is that the success of remediation is usually contingent upon an appropriate level of characterization of the physical, chemical, and biological site properties. For example, thermal treatment cannot be economically applied if the location of a non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) source is unknown. Both characterization and remediation are expensive. Thus, efforts need to be prioritized and optimized taking effects of uncertainty into consideration. Traditional measures of uncertainty, such as variance and correlation coefficients, do not fully depict the significance of uncertainty. For example, a small error in a parameter to which performance is sensitive may affect the prospect for remediation success much more than a large error in a parameter that has minor influence. In this paper, we quantify uncertainty as the expected increase in the cost of achieving clean-up objectives that is associated with uncertainty in performance prediction models, i.e., the minimum expected cost attainable with the present state of uncertainty minus the expected cost achievable if uncertainty were fully or partially removed. This measure, a.k.a., the value of information (VOI), is context-specific, i.e., it is dependent on site conditions and remediation strategies as well as specific remediation objectives and unit costs. We consider clean-up objectives, cost formulations, and sensitivity of costs to uncertainty in parameters, measurements, and the model itself and seek to minimize expected cost under conditions of incomplete information. We present results from a synthetic case study of dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) plume treatment. The results quantify the cost attributable to uncertainty, thus setting an upper limit on how much one should pay for characterization, and helping decision makers to decide whether the data should be collected or not.