cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Response of Surface Micromachined Thermal Actuators

Thermal microactuators, devices that use the principle of thermal expansion to amplify motion, have several advantages in comparison with other actuators used to motivate surface micromachined components such as rotary microengines. They provide higher output forces and have simple geometries. Accurate steady-state and transient modeling of such thermal actuators provides a tool for design optimization to obtain better actuator performance. This paper describes the development, modeling issues and results of a three dimensional multiphysics non-linear finite element model of a surface micromachined thermal actuator. The simulation results are compared with experimentally measured data. Reasonable agreement is observed for static actuator deflection response. The measured transient response is observed to be significantly slower than that predicted by the finite element model.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Research on Teaching Physical Education: New Hope for a Dismal Science

(1977). Research on Teaching Physical Education: New Hope for a Dismal Science. Quest: Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 2-16.
The reliability of the WISC-R performance scale with deaf children

Though the Wechsler tests are widely used to assess the intellectual ability of hearing impaired children, data on the reliability of the WISC-R with this population have been lacking. The Performance Scale of the WISC-R was administered to 59 prelingually deaf children attending a state-supported day school program. The reliability coefficients and standard errors of measurement were computed for each subtest and for the Performance Scale IQ. The results compare favorably with those found by Wechsler with the standardization sample.
(+/-)-3-[4'-(N,N-dimethylamino)cinnamyl]benzazepine analogs: novel dopamine D1 receptor antagonists.

Neurochemical studies and structure−activity relationships of dopamine D1 receptor ligands suggest that their intrinsic activity may depend on the conformational state or binding site at which they interact on the receptor protein. Important differences in the modes of binding of these ligands may confer their agonist, partial agonist, or antagonist properties. In an effort to develop novel dopamine D1 antagonists and investigate the D1 antagonist pharmacophore, a series of (±)-(N-alkylamino)benzazepines were prepared in which (±)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-[6-(N,N-dimethylamino)hexyl]-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine (1) demonstrated the highest binding affinity (Ki = 49.3 nM) and selectivity to dopamine D1 receptors. This compound inhibited dopamine-stimulated adenylyl cyclase, in rat caudate, confirming a D1 receptor antagonist profile. From this initial series of N-alkylamino-substituted benzazepines, structure−activity relationships suggested that the terminal amino function was necessary for o...
Issues of cross-contextual information quality evaluation—The case of Arabic, English, and Korean Wikipedias

An initial exploration into the issue of information quality evaluation across different cultural and community contexts based on data collected from the Arabic, English, and Korean Wikipedias showed that different Wikipedia communities may have different understandings of and models for quality. It also showed the feasibility of using some article edit-based metrics for automated quality measurement across different Wikipedia contexts. A model for measuring context similarity was developed and used to evaluate the relationship between similarities in sociocultural factors and the understanding of information quality by the three Wikipedia communities.
On the impact of atmospheric thermal stability on the characteristics of nocturnal downslope flows

The impacts of background (or ambient) and local atmospheric thermal stabilities, and slope steepness, on nighttime thermally induced downslope flow in meso-β domains (i.e., 20–200 km horizontal extent) have been investigated using analytical and numerical model approaches. Good agreement between the analytical and numerical evaluations was found. It was concluded that: (i) as anticipated, the intensity of the downslope flow increases with increased slope steepness, although the depth of the downslope flow was found to be insensitive to slope steepness in the studied situations; (ii) the intensity of the downslope flow is generally independent of background atmospheric thermal stability; (iii) for given integrated nighttime cooling across the nocturnal boundary layer (NBL), Qs the local atmospheric thermal stability exerts a strong influence on downslope flow behavior: the downslope flow intensity increases when local atmospheric thermal stability increases; and (iv) the downslope flow intensity is proportional to Qs1/2.
A direct approach for the determination of absorbed dose from electron beams using non-water phantoms

Non‐water solid phantoms are often used in the determination of absorbed dose to water for electron beams. Protocols have been established and widely accepted. In these procedures, several assumptions in addition to the Spencer–Attix conditions are required, and several correction factors are needed. A direct approach, in which the conversion is carried out in a single step using a modified Spencer–Attix formula, is studied in this paper. The approach is consistent with the protocols for water phantom, and the conversion factors can be calculated using Monte Carlo simulation. The behavior of the conversion factors is described by comparing the results from the AAPM protocol and experiment data for three electron energies (6, 12, and 16 MeV). This study demonstrates that for beam calibration at d max, the results from the new approach agree with those from the protocol with a maximum discrepancy of 1% for PMMA and 1.3% for polystyrene. For the depth dose measurement from near the surface to R 80, the agreement is within 1.5% for PMMA, 2.5% for polystyrene, and 2.8% for electron solid water. It also demonstrates that for electron solid water, the new approach provides better agreement with experiment data for the beam calibration at d max.
Effects of sodium molybdate on the androgen receptor from the R3327 prostatic tumor

The present study describes the effects of sodium molybdate on several physicochemical properties of the androgen receptor from the Dunning R3327 prostatic tumor. Molybdate was found to stabilize the steroid-binding activity of the receptor. Maximum binding activity was found with concentrations of 10 mm molybdate or greater. Density gradient and gel filtration analyses of the receptor revealed an 8.5–9.0S, 68A form (mol wt, ∼265,000–275,000) in either the presence or absence of molybdate (20 mm) when determined under low ionic conditions. Under high ionic conditions (400 mm KC1), the receptor was maintained in a similar form (8.5–9.0S; 72–73A; mol wt, ∼275,000–295,000) in the presence of molybdate; however, it disaggregated to a smaller 4.4S, 61 A form (mol wt, ∼120,000) in the absence of molybdate. Affinity labeling of the receptor with 17β-[(bromoacetyl)oxy]-[l,2,4,5)6,7,16)17-3H8]5α-androstan- 3-one showed a mol wt of 118,000 by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorograph...
Hydrogen bonding. Part 81. Infrared and molecular orbital study of the hydrates of N, N-dimethyl-1-adamantamine-hydrogen fluoride

Abstract N , N -dimethyl-1-adamantamine-hydrogen fluoride is a molecular species which does not dissociate in aqueous solution, and which contains a covalent three-center NHF bond. This compound forms three hydrates, a stoichiometric liquid pentahydrate, a reasonably stable crystalline trihydrate, and an ephemeral crystalline monohydrate. Infrared spectra and ab initio geometry optimization demonstrate that the monohydrate forms a dimeric cluster of C i symmetry with a C 2 h planar (H 2 O·F) 2 unit sandwiched between bound amine units. This structure contains 4HOHF, 2CHF, 4CHOH 2 , and 2NHF hydrogen bonds. The association energies of these bonds are estimated by molecular orbital methods, and the possible reasons for the extraordinary instability of the (H 2 O·F) 2 unit relative to similar units in quaternary ammonium fluoride monohydrates are discussed.
Poverty and Economics in the Qur'an

The underlying principles of "Qur'anic economics" include "purification"— giving up a portion of wealth as alms—and the "return" of property. Just as God distributed his "surplus" as a gift that can never be reciprocated, so were Muslims expected to give freely and unstintingly. The Qur'anic community comprised "those upon whose wealth there is a recognized right for the beggar and the deprived." The Qur'anic virtuous cycle—or more accurately, return—of generosity and solidarity replaced the old Arabian cycle of recurring, crippling obligation.
Receptor-regulated ion channels

Recent advances in the study of receptor-regulated ion channels include the cloning of the genes encoding three types of potassium channel that are favorite targets of receptors for transmitters and hormones. Studies of these channels have also provided a strong indication that G-protein betagamma subunits may gate ion channels via direct protein-protein interactions. Similarities between channel regulation by natriuretic peptides and channel regulation by secreted peptide products of the Alzheimer's beta-amyloid precursor protein offer hints for the existence of a receptor for the latter. There are also other novel examples of channel regulation in excitable and nonexcitable cells, including liver cells and blood cells.
Racial discripancies in breast cancer in urban hospital retrospective analysis.

CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2008 Abstracts Abstract #6098 Background: Certain races, specifically African-Americans, have less overall lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, but have higher mortality rates for the disease. Race has been found as an independent risk factor and may be associated with variables such as treatment differences, socio-economic factors and differences in biological behavior of tumor . The search for explanations for persistent disparity in outcomes of breast cancer between races particularly between African-American and Caucasian women stills seems to be elusive.The objective of this study was to help us better define if differences in outcomes for African-American women are due to specific tumor biology and/or socioeconomic issues. This will allow us to create programs with regards to screening, education and prevention directed toward high risk populations at our institution. Methods and Participants: Subjects included 446 women ( 189 blacks and 257 non blacks) aged 27 to 91 residing in metropolitan Jacksonville, Fl who were diagnosed with invasive or noninvasive breast cancer. Information on stage, insurance status, tumor profile/subtype, demographics and menopausal status was obtained from analysis of tumor registry at University of Florida/Shands Hospital between 2000 and 2005. Aggressive subtype was defined as triple negative (ER-, PR-, Her2 -) or HER2 + only. Indigent insurance was defined as Medicaid or no insurance. Advanced stage disease was defined as Stage IIb or greater. Menopausal status was defined as age greater than 50 as post menopausal and equal to or less than 50 as pre-menopausal. Comparisons were made by race with breast cancer subtype, insurance status, menopausal status and advanced stage presentation with differences analyzed by Chi-Square test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in advanced stage disease between black and non-black patients (p= .0007). Advanced stage disease was present in 42% (95% confidence intervals [CI] 35% to 49%) of black females and in 28% (95% CI 22% to 33%) of non-blacks. There was a statistically significant difference in aggressive subtype between black and non-black females (p= .0012). Aggressive subtypes were present in 30% (95% CI 24% to 37%) of black females and 17% ( 95% CI 13% to 22%) in non-black females. Based on Cochrane Mantel-Haenszel analysis the odds of having an aggressive subtype are 1.81 (95% CI 1.13 to 2.89) times greater in pre-menopausal than post-menopausal females. An aggressive subtype was seen in 39% of black pre-menopausal females and in 27% of black post-menopausal females. There was no statistically significant difference in insurance status between black and non-black females. Conclusion: Black females tend to have more advanced breast cancer at initial presentation and aggressive tumor subtypes than non-black females. Aggressive tumor subtypes occurred at a higher prevalance in pre-menopausal black females compared. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 6098.
Benefits of Neuropsychiatric Phenomics: Example of the 5-Lipoxygenase-Leptin-Alzheimer Connection

Phenomics is a systematic study of phenotypes on a genomewide scale that is expected to unravel, as of yet, unsuspected functional roles of the genome. It remains to be determined how to optimally approach and analyze the available phenomics databases to spearhead innovation in neuropsychiatry. By serendipitously connecting two unrelated phenotypes of increased blood levels of the adipokine leptin, a molecule that regulates appetite, in 5-lipoxygenase- (5-LOX) deficient mice and patients with a lower risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), we postulated a leptin-mediated basis for beneficial effects of ALOX5 (a gene encoding 5-LOX) gene-deficiency in AD. We suggest that it might be possible to avoid relying on serendipity and develop data-mining tools capable of extracting from phenomics databases indications for such novel hypotheses. Hence, we provide an example of using a free-access Arrowsmith two-node search interface to identify ALOX5 as unsuspected putative mechanisms for the previously described clinical association between increased plasma levels of leptin and a lower risk of incident dementia and AD.
Results of electrophysiologic testing and long-term prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease and aborted sudden death

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of electrophysiologic testing and the long-term prognosis of 56 patients with coronary artery disease who presented with aborted sudden death unrelated to acute myocardial infarction. The mean age of the patients was 62 + 6 years (2 standard deviation) and 46 were men. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 0.34 i 0.16. During the baseline electrophysiology test, sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) was inducible in 22 patients who then underwent electropharmacologic testing: 11 patients were treated with antiarrhythmic drugs that suppressed the induction of VT or resulted in the VT becoming hemodynamically stable; 10 patients who failed drug testing received an automatic implantable cardioverter/deflbrlllator (AICD); one patient underwent endocardlal resection. Among 34 patients who did not have inducible sustained VT, a precipitant of cardiac arrest (severe ischemla, proarrhythmia) was identified and was corrected in 9 of 34. An AICD was recommended in the remaining 25 patients; however, nine patients refused and were treated empirically with antiarrhythmic drugs. The mean follow-up was 22 +- 12 months. The P-year actuarial incidence of sudden death was 31% in patients who were treated with drugs based on the results of electropharmacologic testing, 26% in patients who were treated with antiarrhythmic drugs on an empiric basis, 0% among patients in whom a correctable etiology for the cardiac arrest was identified, and 9% among patients who underwent implantation of an AICD. The 3-year actuarial incidence of sudden death among the 20 patients treated with antiarrhythmic drugs was 53%, compared with 9% among the 26 patients who underwent AICD implantation (p = 0.03). In conclusion, antiarrhythmic therapy, whether guided by electrophysiologic testing or administered on an empiric basis, is associated with a high incidence of recurrent sudden death in patients with coronary artery disease and aborted sudden death. Implantation of an AICD may be advisable in all patients with coronary artery disease and aborted sudden death in whom a correctable precipitant cannot be identified. (AM
Adjective order and the recall of adjective-noun triples

When a noun is modified by two adjectives there is typically a preferred ordering of those adjectives. The S s were given one study trial with a list of 30 nouns, each modified by two adjectives which normative data showed to be strongly ordered. The order in which the adjective pairs were actually presented for study was counterbalanced. The test trial consisted of presenting one of the words from each triple and asking S to recall the remaining two words. When cued with the adjective preferred close to the noun, recall was superior to when cued with the adjective preferred furthest from the noun. When cued with the noun, recall is superior to either condition of adjective cueing. These results confirm a prediction based on the theory that adjective ordering is a function of the concreteness and specificity of adjective meaning.
Analysis of factors influencing milling yield and their association to other traits by QTL analysis in two hexaploid oat populations

Milling yield, or the grain weight from which 100 kg of rolled groats is obtained upon milling, is an important quality characteristic of cultivated oat (Avena sativa L.). Kernel morphology and the groat (caryopsis) percentage of the whole kernel including hull are factors that influence milling yield. We mapped QTLs for kernel area, kernel length, kernel width, and groat percentage in two populations of 137 recombinant inbred lines by RFLP and AFLP analysis to evaluate the prospects of marker-assisted selection (MAS). Phenotypic correlations between kernel morphology traits and groat percentage were not significant. For kernel morphology traits and groat percentage, one to five QTLs were detected, explaining 7.0–60.7% of the total phenotypic variance depending on the trait. One QTL for kernel length in each population and one QTL for kernel width in one population were found at the same location as a QTL for groat percentage, indicating that a change in kernel size or shape could have an influence on groat percentage. The positions and effects of QTLs for kernel morphology and groat percentage were compared to QTLs detected previously for chemical grain composition (oil andβ-glucanconcentration) and agronomic traits to evaluate the selection response on these traits through MAS. Several regions of the oat genome were identified that contained clusters of QTLs influencing two or more traits. While the allele from one parent at a QTL could simultaneously improve two or more traits in one population, it could have opposite effects on the same traits at another QTL or in the other population. Associations among traits were complex and will require careful consideration when employing QTL-marker associations in MAS to avoid negative selection response. Future research to discover candidate genes for those QTL clusters could provide information about trait associations and help in designing selection programs.
The Chilly Climate Continues: Defrosting the Gender Divide in Political Science and Politics

This paper examines whether there is a continued gender gap in the political interest and engagement of first-year college students enrolled in introductory American politics classes. Using data from a survey completed by over 2,000 students at 20 colleges and universities across the United States, we look for variations in students' plans to vote, parental interest in politics, attention to political events, plans to influence public policy, and plans to run for office. We present evidence that while male and female students register to vote and plan to go to the polls at similar rates, female students are less likely to follow politics, to have an interest in influencing public policy, and to consider running for office than their male peers. With these trends in mind, we offer a number of suggestions for instructors to adopt both in and outside the classroom in an effort to warm this chilly climate.
Electroencephalography and Epilepsy

Objective: To describe the role of the electroencephalogram (EEG) in the evaluation of patients with epilepsy. The EEG is the most frequently performed neurodiagnostic study in the patient with recurrent unprovoked seizures, ie, epilepsy. EEG studies typically record interictal changes in patients with epilepsy because of the paroxysmal nature of the disorder. The interictal EEG may be useful in the diagnosis of epilepsy and in classifying seizure type. Ictal EEG recordings are most commonly obtained in epilepsy-monitoring units during long-term EEG studies. The ictal EEG is essential in the preoperative evaluation of patients with intractable partial or localization-related epilepsy in order to localize the epileptogenic zone, ie, the site of seizure onset and initial seizure propagation. Selected patients may require prior chronic intracranial EEG recordings, using depth or subdural electrodes, to determine surgical candidacy. Intracranial EEG monitoring may be used to identify the epileptogenic zone and to allow delineation of the normal functional cortex that must be spared in a surgical resection.
Chemical documents and their titles: Human concept indexing vs. KWIC‐machine indexing

The machine-produced, key-word-in-context title index was introduced as a temporary bridge between current literature and its indexes. Due to the lower cost and more rapid production, some researchers might substitute these indexes for the conventional ones, but valuable research findings might be lost if titles omit important descriptive words. Comparing the indexing of the same documents in Chemical Titles and Chemical Abstracts Subject Index shows that more than half of the titles included all concepts, or their equivalents, as indexed by Chemical Abstracts. However, in many cases, more definitive titles might have been assigned to the documents. Authors and editors must continue to upgrade their titles by examining each title word. Does each word define some aspect of the report? Have words been included in the title to describe, as nearly as possible, each important new development reported?
DNA techniques for screening of inborn errors of metabolism

Molecular genetic techniques are being used increasingly in newborn screening programs. Initial applications involved genotypic confirmation of positive screening tests by DNA microextraction or direct amplification from the dried blood spots. More recently we have shown that RNA can be microextracted from newborn screening specimens, treated with reverse transcriptase and amplified by the polymerase chain reaction. Primary DNA screening is being considered for medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in an attempt to identify and treat affected children before their first hypoglycemic episodes. An exciting new development is the application of DNA “fingerprinting” to the microorganisms used in the bacterial inhibition assays for quality control of these critical biological reagents. Thus, molecular genetic approaches will be valuable, not only for confirmatory testing, but also for primary newborn screening for inborn errors of metabolism.
Diiron(II) μ-Aqua-μ-hydroxo Model for Non-Heme Iron Sites in Proteins

We have synthesized a diiron(II) complex with a novel aqua−hydroxo bridging motif, [Fe2(μ-H2O)(μ-OH)(TPA)2](OTf)3 (1). This is a new member of the diiron diamond core family. The complex is stable in solution in nonpolar solvents as well as in the solid state. Two high-spin iron(II) sites are antiferromagnetically coupled (J = −9.6 cm-1). The drastic difference of ca. 1 V in the redox potential between complex 1 and its bis(hydroxo)-bridged analogue Fe2(OH)2(TPA)3+ is accompanied by only a moderate difference in the dioxygen reactivity. This observation is consistent with the inner-sphere mechanism of iron(II)−dioxygen association rather than the outer-sphere electron transfer.
An adaptive system for dynamic storage allocation

We describe a technique (the adaptive creation of free lists) for dynamic storage allocation that is particularly suited to situations in which the distribution of sizes of blocks requested has one or more sharp peaks. We describe a particular dynamic storage allocation system and the environment in which it runs, and give the results of some experiments to determine the usefulness of the technique in this system. Our experiments also tested the efficacy of a technique suggested by Knuth for improving the performance of similar systems.
Predictors of driving outcomes in advancing age

This study aimed to develop predictive models for real-life driving outcomes in older drivers. Demographics, driving history, on-road driving errors, and performance on visual, motor, and neuropsychological test scores at baseline were assessed in 100 older drivers (ages 65-89 years [72.7]). These variables were used to predict time to driving cessation, first moving violation, or crash. Using Cox proportional hazards regression models, significant individual predictors for driving cessation were greater age and poorer scores on Near Visual Acuity, Contrast Sensitivity, Useful Field of View, Judgment of Line Orientation, Trail Making Test-Part A, Benton Visual Retention Test, Grooved Pegboard, and a composite index of overall cognitive ability. Greater weekly mileage, higher education, and "serious" on-road errors predicted moving violations. Poorer scores from Trail Making Test-Part B or Trail Making Test (B-A) and serious on-road errors predicted crashes. Multivariate models using "off-road" predictors revealed (a) age and Contrast Sensitivity as best predictors for driving cessation; (b) education, weekly mileage, and Auditory Verbal Learning Task-Recall for moving violations; and (c) education, number of crashes over the past year, Auditory Verbal Learning Task-Recall, and Trail Making Test (B-A) for crashes. Diminished visual, motor, and cognitive abilities in older drivers can be easily and noninvasively monitored with standardized off-road tests, and performances on these measures predict involvement in motor vehicle crashes and driving cessation, even in the absence of a neurological disorder.
Atomistic modeling of nanoscale patterning of L12 order induced by ion irradiation

Theoretical predictions indicate that ordered alloys can spontaneously develop a steady-state nanoscale microstructure when irradiated with energetic particles. This behavior derives from a dynamical competition between disordering in cascades and thermally activated reordering, which leads to self-organization of the chemical order parameter. We test this possibility by combining molecular dynamics (MD) and kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations. We first generate realistic distributions of disordered zones for Ni3Al irradiated with 70 keV He and 1 MeV Kr ions using MD and then input this data into KMC to obtain predictions of steady state microstructures as a function of the irradiation flux. Nanoscale patterning is observed for Kr ion irradiations but not for He ion irradiations. We illustrate, moreover, using image simulations of these KMC microstructures, that high-resolution transmission electron microscopy can be employed to identify nanoscale patterning. Finally, we indicate how this method could b...
Electrochemically synthesized polypyrrole films: effects of polymerization potential and electrolyte type

Polypyrrole films containing either the perchlorate or p-toluenesulfonate ion were prepared from an aqueous solution by applying an anodic potential in the range 0.6–2.0 V (relative to a saturated calomel electrode). The effects of applied potential on electropolymerization, morphology, chemical structure, electrochemical properties and tensile modulus have been investigated. The chronoamperometric response of pyrrole electropolymerization depends on the applied potential and not on the counterion. The electrochemical properties and structure of polypyrrole depend on the polymerization potential as well as the counterion. An empirical expression relating peak current to the scan rate and charge passed during polymerization is proposed. This relationship provides some insight into the nature of the polypyrrole switching reaction. For polypyrrole containing perchlorate, the concentration of dicationic species or dipolarons decreases as the polymerization potential increases from 0.6 to 1.0 V. The large concentration of dicationic species in polypyrrole prepared at 0.6 and 0.75 V is responsible for the second reduction peak observed in the cyclic voltammograms.
Neurochemical evidence for a nigrotegmental GABAergic projection

Axonal transport of [3H]GABA from substantia nigra to the pontomesencephalic tegmentum was demonstrated in rats pretreated with the GABA-transaminase inhibitor, gamma-vinyl-GABA. In addition, kainic acid lesions of substantia nigra resulted in a significant loss of glutamic acid decarboxylase activity in the vicinity of the ipsilateral pedunculopontine nucleus and in adjacent tissue of the pontomesencephalic tegmentum. These data support the thesis that the nigrotegmental projection is both diffuse and GABAergic.
Research Methods in Geography

Research Methods in Geography Basil Gomez & John Paul Jones III (Eds) Chichester, Wiley-Blackwell, 2010, 459 pp., $44.95, ISBN 978-1-405-10711-2 (paperback) This year I started taking responsibilit...
Horn structures for integrated optics

Abstract The results of an experimental study of linear and shaped horns for integrated optics in Ti-diffused LiNbO 3 waveguide structures are reported. The single mode to single mode coupling efficiencies for various tapers are measured with greater than 90% throughput for shaped horns. The use of tapered horn structures in an optical switch design is discussed.
Further aspects of the thermal degradation of epoxide resins

This paper describes an investigation into the degradation of a purified epoxide based on the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A hardened with p,p′-diaminodiphenylmethane. The method used was that of hot-wire pyrolysis followed by gas chromatography. Special attention was given to the problem of solid residues formed on the pyrolyzer tube, and evidence was found that these probably contain oligomers. Resonance-stabilized free radicals also appear to be formed, and evidence is found to support the idea of dehydration during degradation, originally put forward by Lee. An attempt, based on first principles, is made to explain the degradation of epoxides, using evidence from previous work as well as that described in this paper.
Human lymphocyte complement receptors. Stimulation of lymphocyte RNA synthesis by complement-coated human red cells

Abstract A subpopulation of human lymphocytes (CR+ lymphocytes) possesses receptors for the third component of complement (C3). This paper examines the rate of incorporation of uridine in RNA of CR+ lymphocytes compared to lymphocytes without complement receptors (CR− lymphocytes) and the effect of interaction of lymphocytes with human complement-coated autologous red cells (EC). CR+ lymphocytes had a greater baseline RNA synthesis than CR− lymphocytes. Stimulation of RNA synthesis was observed in CR+ lymphocytes after 3 hr of incubation with EC, as compared to lymphocytes incubated with red cells which lacked membrane-bound complement (E). RNA synthesis in CR− lymphocytes was unaffected by incubation with EC. This increased uridine incorporation into RNA in CR+ lymphocytes was due neither to increased intracellular flux of uridine nor to decreased degradation of RNA. Lymphocytes incubated with EC had increased incorporation of amino acids into intracellular proteins as compared to controls. Thus, the interaction of complement-coated red cells with complement-receptor-bearing human lymphocytes causes an immediate increase in lymphocyte RNA synthesis.
Cultural awareness through medical student and refugee patient encounters

Purpose: This paper presents findings from a qualitative investigation of cultural awareness that medical students developed in the context of providing medical care to refugees. Our evaluation question was: What kinds of cultural awareness and communication lessons do medical students derive from clinical encounters with refugee patients? Methods: Thirty-eight semi-structured interviews were conducted to debrief a sample of 27 medical students. A multidisciplinary research team analyzed the debriefing texts following an interpretive “immersion-crystallization” approach. Results: Three domains in cultural awareness training encompassed 13 key lessons or themes. Students reported enhanced awareness about the use of interpretation services and cross-cultural communication. A second set of lessons reflected awareness of the refugees’ cultural background, and a third learning component involved experiences of cultural humility. The refugee plight prompted reflection on the students’ own culture, and validated the rationale for empathetic care and patient empowerment. Conclusion: As medical school curricula incorporate more cultural diversity training, a patient-based learning approach with selected ‘hands-on’ experiences will create opportunities for students to increase their cultural sensitivity and competency. This program’s experiential model indicates that after refugee medical encounters, these beginning medical students reported greater awareness of communication issues, and sensitivity toward religious values, family patterns, gender roles and ethnomedical treatments. It will be important to test these kinds of preceptor/apprenticeship models of cultural sensitivity training at later stages of medical training; in order to assess long-term effects.
Patterns of regular use of mammography--body weight and ethnicity: the Multiethnic Cohort.

Purpose: To describe the association between body mass index (BMI) and frequency of regular mammography over an approximate 6-year period after controlling for the influence of demographic factors, behavioral factors, and medical history. This association was examined overall and by race/ethnicity in a multiethnic cohort of women including African American, Japanese American, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, and non-Hispanic White women. Data source: Analysis of 81,722 women from the Hawaii and Los Angeles Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) using unconditional logistic regression to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between BMI and regular annual or biennial (every 1–2 years) mammography overall and by race/ethnicity. Results: Overall, 36% of MEC women reported regular annual mammography over an approximate 6-year period of follow-up. African American, Hispanic, and Native Hawaiian women had significantly lower annual and biennial mammography use compared to White women even after controlling for age, education, family history, BMI, menopausal status, and hormone therapy. Women who were overweight (OR = 0.96; 95% CI 0.92–1.01) or obese (OR = 0.88; 95% CI 0.84–0.93) were less likely to have regular annual mammography compared to women of normal weight. Similar findings were noted among women who had mammograms every 1–2 years (biennial). Conclusions: BMI is associated with the frequency of regular annual and biennial mammography in multiethnic women, especially among women who are overweight and obese. Implications for practice: Culturally sensitive educational strategies that promote healthy behaviors toward regular mammography and maintenance of normal BMI are warranted.
Ergodic properties and equilibrium of one-dimensional self-gravitating systems

Recent studies of one-dimensional self-gravitating systems have raised new questions about their ergodic properties, what defines equilibrium for these systems, and their ability to reach a state of thermal equilibrium in a finite time. Earlier studies of small-$N$ systems $(Nl11)$ using Lyapunov exponents have shown that stable regions exist in the phase space which prevent these systems from thermalizing. Here we investigate several small-$N$ systems with specific initial states in an attempt to answer some of the questions of ergodicity and relaxation toward equilibrium which have been sparked by recent large-$N$ $(N=64)$ simulations. Using time averages of the specific particle energy deviations from equipartition, we see similar peaks occurring in the data for small-$N$ simulations as have been reported for large $N.$ Instead of being an indication of the onset of equilibrium, these peaks may indicate regions of the phase space where the system resides for extremely long periods of time. The existence of sticky regions in the phase space in both small- and large-$N$ systems raises questions about the structure of the phase space, relaxation, and the appropriateness of various tests of equilibrium. Here we show that equipartition is not sufficient to remove fundamental doubts concerning the system's ergodic properties.
The Evolution of Training in Brain Stereotactic Radiosurgery: A Growing Part of Intracranial Neurosurgery

Objective Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has evolved to become an established, well-studied treatment modality for intracranial pathologies traditionally treated with more invasive neurosurgical management. As the field expands, among neurosurgeons and across multiple disciplines, resident training will become increasingly crucial. Methods In this review, we reflect on 25 years of SRS at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the development of formal training in this area at our institution. We describe the formal resident rotation, fellowship opportunities, and training courses for multidisciplinary physician teams and allied health professionals. Results The number of SRS cases performed annually has significantly increased in recent years and indeed surpassed caseloads for certain more traditional surgeries. Residents report high rates of expectation for including SRS in future practice, yet participate in only a small fraction of annual cases. The formal postgraduate year 3 rotation established at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center provides a way to expose and educate residents in this growing subspecialty within the confines of duty hour regulations. In combination with extended clinical elective opportunities and postresidency fellowships, this rotation prepares residents at our institution for the use of SRS in future clinical practice. Conclusions SRS is a rapidly expanding field that requires a unique skill set and current neurosurgical resident training often does not fully prepare trainees for its use in clinical practice. Focused resident training is necessary to ensure trainees are proficient in this specialty and well equipped to become leaders in the field.
Transition from dislocation creep to melt-enhanced diffusion creep in fine-grained granitic aggregates

Abstract Sintered aggregates composed of quartz, albite, and microcline of two different grain sizes (2–10 and 10–50 μm), each with two different melt contents (
Primary cultures of embryonic rat heart cells.

In contrast to neonatal rat heart cells in culture, embryonic myocardial cells form colonies. They also differ from neonatal cells in their appearance and behavior; they have fewer striations, fewer binucleated cells, loose packing and sorting from nonmuscle cells, and most of all a greater capacity to divide.
Validated, Electronic Health Record Deployable Prediction Models for Assessing Patient Risk of 30-Day Rehospitalization and Mortality in Older Heart Failure Patients

Objectives The study sought to derive and validate risk-prediction tools from a large nationwide registry linked with Medicare claims data. Background Few clinical models have been developed utilizing data elements readily available in electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate “real-time” risk estimation. Methods Heart failure (HF) patients ≥65 years of age hospitalized in the GWTG-HF (Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure) program were linked with Medicare claims from January 2005 to December 2009. Multivariable models were developed for 30-day mortality after admission, 30-day rehospitalization after discharge, and 30-day mortality/rehospitalization after discharge. Candidate variables were selected based on availability in EHRs and prognostic value. The models were validated in a 30% random sample and separately in patients with reduced and preserved ejection fraction (EF). Results Among 33,349 patients at 160 hospitals, 3,002 (9.1%) died within 30 days of admission, 7,020 (22.8%) were rehospitalized within 30 days of discharge, and 8,374 (27.2%) died or were rehospitalized within 30 days of discharge. Compared with patients classified as low risk, high-risk patients had significantly higher odds of death (odds ratio [OR]: 8.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.58 to 10.26), rehospitalization (OR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.86 to 2.13), and death/rehospitalization (OR: 2.65, 95% CI: 2.44 to 2.89). The 30-day mortality model demonstrated good discrimination (c-index 0.75) while the rehospitalization and death/rehospitalization models demonstrated more modest discrimination (c-indices of 0.59 and 0.62), with similar performance in the validation cohort and for patients with preserved and reduced EF. Conclusions These predictive models allow for risk stratification of 30-day outcomes for patients hospitalized with HF and may provide a validated, point-of-care tool for clinical decision making.
Bridges to the baccalaureate: engaging associate degree students

Abstract Institutions of higher education currently face a number of challenges including an increasing diversity of nursing students who are successful in the profession and who can care for patients using knowledge and skills that are evidence based. Transition of an industrial economy to an information-driven society affects how academic institutions teach and prepare its students to work in our globalized society. The Bridges Project, funded by the National Institute of Health, was awarded to pilot the integration of academia, research, and career development among a cadre of nursing students from a community college. This article will share findings from this 3-year project.
The 2D Hubbard Model and the High Tc Cuprate Problem

Numerical calculations are being used to explore both the properties of strongly-correlated electron systems and the interactions which give rise to these properties. Here, we review what has been learned about the two-dimensional (2D) Hubbard model and comment on its relationship to the high T c cuprate problem.
Suppression of a thymus dependent humoral response in mice by concanavalin A in vivo

Abstract Mice treated with Concanavalin A prior to immunization with sheep erthyrocytes exhibit a markedly reduced plaque forming spleen cell response. This immunosuppressive effect could be reversed by using higher doses of antigen or priming the animals with nonimmunizing doses of antigen prior to Concanavalin A injection designed to either by-pass or enhance thymus derived lymphocyte functions. It was also demonstrated that Concanavalin A in vivo activated the thymus derived lymphocyte subpopulation in the spleen, and this activation was dose dependent and correlated with the immunosuppression observed. Animals injected with Concanavalin A at various times prior to whole body lethal irradiation would not support the plaque forming cell response of adoptively transferred normal syngeneic spleen cells. This effect was shown to be time and dose of Concanavalin A dependent. It was also shown that the route of injection of Concanavalin A prior to irradiation determined the results observed, in that the intravenous route resulted in the suppression of transferred cells, while the intraperitoneal route showed no effect. It is suggested that Concanavalin A induced immunosuppression of the humoral, thymus dependent immune response in mice results for the activation of a subpopulation of thymus derived suppressors cells, and that the effect is short lived, radiation resistant, and dose of Concanavalin A and antigen dependent.
A classification and verification of real pattern defects with dust filtering in tape substrate inspection

Tape substrate pattern of ultra-fine pitch circuit less than 10 micrometers in pattern width, is required to be inspected through high resolution optics. In the process of picking out defects at the level of the critical dimension through image processing, however, trivial blemishes formed by dust or micro particles may be detected simultaneously. This leads to unnecessary work on the part of operators reviewing and verifying the additional detected points. To maximize the efficiency of the inspection process, we need to identify and classify the defect candidates whether it is a real pattern defect or simply a trivial blemish by dust. Since a real defect arising from under or over etching bears inherent features in shape and brightness, it can thus be discriminated from other trivial blemishes. In this article, we propose an image feature based defect classification method, where proper measures were obtained from a series of image analysis with FFT. Based on the data collected from experiments, we devised a statistic model for classification.
The Influence of Laboratory Aging Method on the Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binders

Asphalt binders used in asphalt concrete roadway pavements experience aging during construction and subsequently during their service lives. Aging is the combined effect of the evaporation of volatile compounds and the chemical reaction of residual compounds with oxygen. This aging affects the rheological properties of asphalt binders. The SuperpaveTM testing and specification system uses two laboratory procedures for aging of binders prior to measuring their rheological properties, namely the rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and the pressure aging vessel (PAV). These two procedures are used to simulate the aging that takes place during construction and during service, respectively. This paper examines whether the SuperpaveTM prescribed sequence of binder aging procedures (i.e., the RTFO followed by the PAV) is necessary, or whether similar binder rheological properties are obtained using the PAV procedure only. For this purpose, three binders were tested, namely an unmodified PG 64-28, an SBS polymer-modified binder of the same grade, and an SBS polymer-modified PG 76-28. The low temperature and fatigue rheological properties were measured by a bending beam rheometer (BBR) and a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), respectively. The findings of the study suggest that, with a few exceptions, the rheological properties measured after aging with the RTFO followed by PAV are significantly different than those obtained after PAV aging only.
C5b-9 terminal complement complex assembly on apoptotic cells in human arterial wall with atherosclerosis

Apoptosis plays an important role in atherosclerosis. The factors regulating this process are not well defined. We examined the relation of apoptotic cells with the terminal complement complex C5b-9 in human atherosclerotic lesions. The extent of apoptosis was determined using TdT dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and immunohistochemistry of apoptosis regulators caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax, and Bcl-2. C5b-9 was localized by immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy. The apoptotic index was higher in fibrous plaques when compared with intimal fatty streaks and intimal thickenings. Bax expression was present in TUNEL+ apoptotic cells, and Bcl-2 was rarely present in the atherosclerotic wall. Active caspase 9 and caspase 3 deposits were present in the same areas, suggesting an involvement of the mitochondrial pathway. C5b-9 deposits colocalized with TUNEL+ cells, and the percent of double-positive cells was 2% in fatty streaks, 12% in intimal thickenings, and 35% in fibrous plaques. Colocalization of apoptotic cells with C5b-9 was also confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy. In conclusion, some apoptotic cells carry C5b-9 deposits, suggesting that complement might be activated by apoptotic cells and involved in the promotion of apoptosis, contributing to the progression of atherosclerotic lesions.