cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cancer-specific survival outcomes among patients treated during the cytokine era of kidney cancer (1989-2005): a benchmark for emerging targeted cancer therapies.

BACKGROUND. The management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is evolving toward less extirpative surgery and the use of targeted therapy. The authors set out to provide a benchmark against which emerging therapies should be measured. METHODS. A prospective database including clinical and pathological variables for 1632 patients with RCC treated between 1989 and 2005 was queried. Patients were stratified using the University of California-Los Angeles Integrated Staging System (UISS) into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups. Disease-specific survival (DSS) was measured. Response to systemic therapy for patients with advanced disease was assessed. RESULTS. Nephrectomy was performed in 1492 patients. Overall 5-, 10-, and 15-year DSS was 55%, 40%, and 29%. For localized disease, 5- and 10-year DSS for UISS low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups was 97% and 92%, 81% and 61%, and 62% and 41%, respectively. For metastatic disease, 5- and 10-year DSS for UISS low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups was 41% and 31%, 18% and 7%, and 8% and 0%, respectively. Patients with metastatic disease receiving immunotherapy (n = 453) had complete response in 7% (median survival [MS], 120+ months), partial response in 15% (MS, 42.8 months), stable disease in 33% (MS, 38.6 months), and progressive disease in 45% (MS, 11.6 months). CONCLUSIONS. Most patients with localized RCC do well with surgery alone, but effective adjuvant therapy is needed for patients identified as at high risk for recurrence. For advanced disease, newer targeted and potentially less toxic treatments should be at least as effective as those achieved with aggressive surgical resection and immunotherapy. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Simulating the Effects of Forest Roads on Watershed Hydrology

The Distributed Hydrology-Soil-Vegetation Model (DHSVM) was enhanced to represent the interception and redirection of surface and subsurface flow by road cuts and stream channels. Two channel networks are imposed in vector form on the DHSVM grid: one representing roads, the other representing streams. Impacts of the road network on channel flows are modeled explicitly; road location and geometry, along with soil moisture, determine the timing and volume of intercepted water, while road drainage characteristics and culvert placement determine the flow path and travel time to the channel system. The active road drainage/channel network may expand and contract as grid cell water tables rise and fall below their channel beds. The model was applied to a 10-km2 experimental watershed to study the influence of road network design on streamflow characteristics. It was demonstrated that even where the road network produces minor changes in streamflow at the basin outlet, subsurface flow interception by roads could alter significantly streamflow in tributary channels. The impact of the road network on channel flows was shown to vary during a storm based on the road design, storm characteristics, topography, local geology, and soil moisture conditions. The impact occurs earlier in a storm when the road networkmore » diverts flow into the drainage rather than out of it. When flows are redirected into a channel, the road contributing area quickly increases the current total contributing area for the channel, causing a proportional increase in discharge. If the road design allows some water to pass under the road, there may be only minor impacts early in the storm with increasing impact as watertables rise and subsurface flow begins to be intercepted. When flows are redirected out of the natural drainage the impact is not felt until the channel contributing area extends upslope to the road system.« less
Czochralski growth of NiAl single crystals:: effect of crucible support/insulation material

Abstract Single crystals of NiAl were grown by Czochralski pulling. The crystals were grown in the [1 0 0] direction up to 3 cm in diameter from alumina crucibles of 99.8% purity in a vacuum induction furnace under argon purging. EPMA analysis of the crystals indicated uniformity in composition. It was observed during crystal growth that an ashy material grew inward from the crucible wall to reduce the space available for crystal growth. It was found that the amount of the ashy material is affected significantly by the material supporting and/or insulating the crucible, and that it decreases in the order of graphite, zirconia and alumina. The ashy material was identified as mainly Al 4 O 4 C in the case of graphite, and Al 2 O 3 in the cases of zirconia and alumina. The formation of the ashy material was explained.
Senses of Time Evoked by Artistic Images

_Time and the Image_ Edited by Carolyn Bailey Gill Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2000 ISBN 07190 58139 (hb) 07190 58147 (pb) 221 pp
Prolonged perturbations of tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ in mice inoculated with Clostridium piliforme

Clostridium piliforme is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes enterohepatic disease in many animal species. C. piliforme infections are commonly subclinical in laboratory rats and mice, and little is known about host regulation of disease or of the effects of C. piliforme infections on investigations that use subclinically infected animals. To assess host regulation of subclinical C. piliforme infections and the effects of those infections on laboratory mice, the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was evaluated at 0, 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after inoculation with C. piliforme . Subclinical infection was induced in weanling C. piliforme -susceptible DBA/2 or -resistant C57BL/6 mice with either a toxic or a non-toxic C. piliforme strain. Hepatic lesions and bacteria were demonstrated histologically in both mouse strains for 14 days after inoculation with the toxigenic bacterial strain, but were never demonstrated histologically following inoculation with the non-toxigenic strain. Hepatic TNF-α and IFN-γ mRNA and serum protein levels were similarly elevated in both mouse strains 1 day after inoculation with both C. piliforme strains, as evaluated by reverse transcription PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Elevation of IFN-γ persisted for 14 days after inoculation; TNF-α remained elevated at 28 days after inoculation.
Quality of care in hospitals with a high percent of Medicaid patients.

Background:Certain hospitals play a central role in ensuring Medicaid-insured patients' access to care. Their quality of care is critical to evaluate.Objective:To determine whether hospitals for which Medicaid patients represent a high percentage of total discharges provide a different quality of ca
Case Report: Hypercalcemia of Immobilization in an Adult Patient with Peripheral Neuropathy

ABSTRACT A 48-year-old man developed a marked and persistent hypercalcemia 3 months after admission for paraplegia resulting from severe peripheral neuropathy most likely of alcoholic etiology. Serum ionized calcium was elevated, and parathyroid hormone levels were low normal by the two separate radioimmunoassays. Urinary calcium excretion was markedly elevated, and serum 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D level was decreased. An extensive clinical evaluation for possible occult malignancy, myeloma, and sarcoidosis as a cause of hypercalcemia produced no positive findings. Treatment with calcitonin caused prompt normalization of serum calcium, and its discontinuation resulted in recurrence of hypercalcemia. With improvement of neuropathy, the patient started active physical therapy. We gradually discontinued calcitonin, and the patient’s serum calcium remained normal during the following 11 months. We discuss difficulties in both clinical and laboratory diagnosis of hypercalcemia of immobilization in the adult patient because no specific laboratory test is available.
Total electron scattering cross sections of Kr and Xe in the energy range 250 – 4500 eV

Total electron scattering cross sections are reported for $\mathrm{Kr}$ and $\mathrm{Xe}$ for $250--4500\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ electrons by measurement of the electron-beam intensity attenuation through a gas cell. These cross sections are compared with the previous experimental measurements and the predictions by theoretical and semiempirical models. Discrepancies in experimental cross sections between different experimental groups are explained using the oscillator strengths and inelastic threshold of electron-energy-loss spectra. The correlation between the total electron scattering cross section and the atomic radius is discussed for $\mathrm{Ne}$, $\mathrm{Ar}$, $\mathrm{Kr}$, and $\mathrm{Xe}$ atoms.
A NATURAL ANTIBODY THAT REACTS IN VITRO WITH A SEDIMENTABLE CONSTITUENT OF NORMAL TISSUE CELLS : II. SPECIFICITY OF THE PHENOMENON: GENERAL DISCUSSION.

Continued serological investigations of the sedimentable constituents of normal and neoplastic tissues have shown that the blood serum of normal rabbits will fix complement in mixture with saline extracts of normal rabbit tissues. The phenomenon has proved referable, not to anticomplementary effects of serum or antigen nor to so called non-specific complement fixation, but to a naturally occurring serum principle, hitherto unrecognized, which reacts specifically in vitro with a sedimentable constituent of normal tissue cells. The principle exists in the blood of nearly all adult rabbits but is absent from that of rabbits less than 1 month old. It can be salted out from serum with ammonium sulfate and is destroyed when heated at 65°C. for 20 to 30 minutes. Its titer was found to run parallel in general with that of two natural antibodies also present in normal rabbit's blood (natural Wassermann reagin, natural anti-sheep hemolysin); but absorption tests showed it to be distinct from these. Because of its properties, the serum principle has been termed the natural tissue antibody. The substance with which the natural tissue antibody reacts is regularly present in saline extracts of many normal tissues,—those of rabbits and of other species as well. Kidney and liver tissues always yield it in abundance, while spleen, brain, and testicle provide somewhat less; heart and voluntary muscle extracts contain relatively little, and non-nucleated erythrocytes and skin are practically devoid of it. The results of affinity and absorption tests indicate that it is nearly or quite the same from whatever tissue or species derived. It is readily sedimentable in the high-speed centrifuge, little or none remaining in the supernatant liquid of potent suspensions spun at 25,000 R.P.M. (45,400 g) for 1 hour. It either does not come away into alcohol or is inactivated thereby, is readily destroyed by heat (56–70°C. for 30 minutes), and diminishes notably in antigenic potency upon standing overnight in saline suspension or when the tissues containing it are kept in glycerol. Its properties suggest that it may be a protein. The implications of the findings are discussed in relation to the formation of the natural antibody and its place amongst serological phenomena, to so called "non-specific" fixation of complement and other serological complexities, and with particular reference to the character of the sedimentable constituents of normal and neoplastic tissue cells.
Identifying optimal active sites for heterogeneous catalysis by metal alloys based on molecular descriptors and electronic structure engineering

Broadly speaking, bottom-up catalyst design is based on detailed understanding of the molecular transformations that govern catalytic processes and controlling these transformations through targeted synthesis of optimal catalysts. In this document, we highlight recent progress in this area and comment on how it might affect the future of catalyst discovery. We mainly focus on the design of optimal active sites for metal alloy catalysts. Rather than focusing on listing relevant examples and success stories, we emphasize the critical framework underpinning these efforts. The central questions we attempt to address are: first, how to identify the critical molecular descriptors of catalytic performance; and second, how to search for optimal active sites based on these critical descriptors.
Experimental cross-validation of DSM-IV types of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Abstract Objective To examine the discriminant validity of DSM-IV attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) types by testing the hypothesis that types are associated with specific kinds of functional impairment and to compare overlap of DSM-IV and DSM-III-R ADHD. Method Consecutive referrals ( n = 692) to a pediatric subspecialty clinic for ADHD were classified into 1 of each of the 3 DSM-IV types of ADHD using parent and teacher checklist ratings of ADHD symptoms. The resulting types were compared on clinical correlates and on whether the children also met criteria for DSM-III-R ADHD. Results The validity of DSM-IV types was supported by dimension-specific impairment and other distinct correlates. Academic problems aggregated in the 2 types defined by extreme inattention, and externalizing problems aggregated in the 2 types defined by extreme hyperactivity. Conclusion DSM-IV appeared superior to DSM-III-R in subcategorical homogeneity and in exhaustiveness (ability to classify all apparent cases). J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 1999, 38(1):17–24.
SUPERSEDING THE MOTIVATIONAL DISTORTION SCALE

Summary.-Use of the ordinary motivational correction for questionnaire faking is theoretically bankrupc Use of attribution theory, in the Spectrad Model, puts correction in the ordinary range of the behavioral equation. Two approaches are given toward obtaining this equation, (1) by factoring scale scores and (2) by regressing scale scores in a particular distorting situation on an independent measure of the true scores. Examples of both are given. In using the latter the practitioner needs to accumulate a file of "correction matrices" simply obtainable for the chief situations of testing. The customary correction of questionnaire and rating scores by an adjunct "motivational distortion scale score" is open to several disabling objections. First, it derives from Edwards' (1957) view of a "social desirabdity factor," whereas in fact there are several different sorts of social desirabilities, varying with testing circumstances. Secondly, the correction is often made by simply taking the known average distortion on each factor from the given score, basing the correction on the known distortion between a biased and a normal "honest" response. The usual distortions in a "fake good" response are shown in Table 1. The present proposal derives from attribution theory (Cattell, 1982) as it is properly presented in the Spectrad Model. The Spectrad Model (Cattell, 1982) handles by "trait view" consideration the distortion both in ratings and in questionnaires, both by single observers and by the population. It is basic in "that the act of distortion like any other behavioral act, can be estimated from all factors in the observing personality by the behavioral equation (sometimes called the specification equation)" (Cattell, 1973, p. 413). Two ways of getting at the weights of personality factors in producing a given distortion situation suggest themselves. First, since we regard factors as the underlying influences in a given behavior, we could factor analyze the scores among the (tainted) scales and regard the obtained underlying factors as representing the true scores. The difficulty with this approach is that we would have to produce as many factors as there are scales in the questionnaire (Cattell, 1973). There are well-discussed distortions when we come to taking out as many factors as there are variables (Cattell, 1978). The difficulty lies in getting a simple structure rotation from the given set of components. Confactor rotation, however, might solve ths (Cattell & McArdle, in press; Cattell & Brennan, 1977). The sort of composite scores one gets from this approach is shown by 'Address correspondence to R. B. Cattell, Ph.D., Forest Institute of Applied Psychology, 662 Kalanipuu Street, Honolulu, HI 96825.
Acute nephrotoxicity following cis‐dichlorodiammine‐platinum

The effects of a single dose of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (DDP) on the kidney function were investigated in 14 patients with disseminated malignancy and normal renal function. A single dose of DDP (30-50 mg/m2) caused severe proximal tubular dysfunction with increased urinary losses of calcium, magnesium, and amino acids. Phosphate excretion was not affected. DDP can cause proximal tubular dysfunction and close attention must be paid to serum calcium and magnesium levels.
Electronic origin of the surface reactivity of transition-metal-doped TiO2(110)

We investigate the surface reactivity of doped rutile M-TiO2(110) (M = V, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Ru, Co, Ir, and Ni) using density functional theory (DFT) and Hubbard-U corrected DFT calculations (DFT+U method). The oxygen adsorption bond, used as the surface reactivity measure, is stronger on the doped TiO2 surfaces as compared with that on the undoped TiO2 surface. We relate this increase in reactivity of the doped TiO2 surfaces to the presence of localized surface resonances and surface states in the vicinity of the Fermi level. We find that the center of these localized states on doped TiO2 is a good descriptor for the oxygen adsorption energy. The inclusion of the Hubbard-U correction to DFT barely modifies the oxygen adsorption energy on undoped TiO2, whereas it destabilizes the oxygen adsorption energies on doped TiO2 when compared with results from standard DFT. Nevertheless, we find that the oxygen adsorption energy trends predicted by a standard GGA-DFT functional are reproduced when the Hubbard-U c...
Characterization of temperate phages ofBacillus subtilis

Nine known temperature phages ofBacillus subtilis, including four that are newly isolated (ϱ6, ϱ10, ϱ14, and ϱ18), have been compared. Analysis by serology, immunity, host range, and adsorption site similarity place the phages into four groups: Group I, ϕ105, ϱ6, ϱ10, and ϱ14, which are 80–90% related; Group II, SPO2; Group III, ϕ3T and ϱ11, 100% related; and Group IV, SP16. The phage ϱ18 is largely uncharacterized, but is heteroimmune to other groups.
Intravascular stents in congenital heart disease: short- and long-term results from a large single-center experience.

Abstract Objectives. This report describes the results of the Food and Drug Administration’s phase 1 and 2 clinical trials of intravascular stents at Texas Children’s Hospital. Background. Since the late 1980s, intravascular stent implantation for the treatment of arterial and venous stenoses in congenital heart disease has been highly successful. Methods. Stents were placed in postoperative pulmonary artery (PA) stenoses, congenital PA stenoses or stenoses of systemic veins/venous anastomoses. Prospective collection of data according to protocol was done before intervention, after stent implantation and at follow-up catheterization. Results. At stent implantation, pressure gradients decreased significantly in all three groups (mean ± SD): from 46 ± 25 to 10 ± 13 mm Hg in postoperative PA stenoses (p Conclusions. Intravascular stents for the treatment of vascular stenoses in congenital heart disease provide excellent immediate and long-term results.
Randomization analysis of randomized blocks design extended to growth and response curves

The randomization analysis of a randomized blocks design is extended to the situation where the observations are growth (or response) curves. A randomization test is developed for testing treatment effects over time (or stimulus) intervals pre-specified by the investigator.
All three species of Ptychodactiaria belong to order Actiniaria (Cnidaria : Anthozoa)

Ptychodactiaria, currently recognized as an order equivalent to Actiniaria (sea anemones sensu stricto) and Scleractinia (‘true’ or hard corals) of cnidarian class Anthozoa, contains three monotypic genera, Dactylanthus, Ptychodactis, and Preactis, in two families, Ptychodactiidae and Preactiidae. Features that had been considered distinctive to the order among hexacorallian anthozoans were that gametes mature in protrusions from the mesenteries, as in octocorallian anthozoans, and that gametes do not mature embedded in mesogloea. However, we found that ptychodactiarian gametes develop in the mesenteries, surrounded by mesogloea, as in other sea anemones. We conclude that the three species constitute a clade, the most distinctive feature of which is medially fused mesenteries at the proximal end of the body. This clade merits subordinal status within order Actiniaria. We redefine Ptychodactiaria and its component taxa, moving Dactylanthus from family Ptychodactiidae to family Preactiidae.
Priming with BTCP, a dopamine reuptake blocker, reinstates cocaine-seeking and enhances cocaine cue-induced reinstatement.

Abstract N -[1-(2-benzo[ b ]thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (BTCP), a potent dopamine reuptake inhibitor, substitutes for the reinforcing effects of cocaine and meets other criteria for possible agonist pharmacotherapeutic potential. The purpose of this study was to determine (1) whether BTCP modifies reinstatement of cocaine-seeking elicited by cocaine-related environmental stimuli and (2) whether this compound produces priming effects. Male Wistar rats were trained to associate discriminative stimuli (S D ) with cocaine availability (0.25 mg/infusion) versus non-reward and then were subjected to repeated extinction sessions during which the reinforcer and S D were withheld. Subsequent presentation of the cocaine S D produced recovery of cocaine-seeking. BTCP (2.5–30 mg/kg; i.p.) did not attenuate the conditioned reinstatement induced by the cocaine S D but, rather, potentiated this effect at 10 mg/kg. To test whether BTCP, by itself, exerts priming effects, different groups of rats were trained to self-administer cocaine (0.25 mg/infusion) for 2 weeks. After a 2-week extinction period, BTCP (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) reinstated cocaine-seeking, showing that BTCP not only increases cocaine-seeking induced by cocaine-related stimuli but also produces priming effects following abstinence. The results suggest that, in cocaine abstinent rats, BTCP produces cocaine-like effects.
Parasitism and the demography of wheat stem sawfly larvae, Cephus cinctus

Previous research has suggested that insect herbivores in protected environments have higher mortalities from biotic factors such as parasitism compared to herbivores in less protected situations, although overall mortalities in protected environments are often lower. However, this has not been examined using life table approaches. In this study, we used demographic methods to characterize the mortality dynamics of parasitism for pre-diapause wheat stem sawfly larvae, Cephus cintus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), a stem-mining wheat pest. Larvae were intensively sampled from commercial wheat fields at two locations in Montana, USA from 2005 through 2008. The feeding larvae present in the summer succumbed to only two mortality categories: parasitism and unknown factors. In Conrad, a location with relatively high densities of the parasitoids, mortality by parasitism was largely irreplaceable. In contrast, in Amsterdam, where parasitism did not occur to any appreciable degree, overall mortality remained relatively low.
Excess parathyroid hormone adversely affects lipid metabolism in chronic renal failure

Excess parathyroid hormone adversely affects lipid metabolism in chronic renal failure. Hyperlipidemia is common in chronic renal failure (CRF), but the underlying mechanisms are not clearly defined. Certain data points toward a potential role for the state of secondary hyperparathyroidism of CRF in its pathogenesis. We examined the effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on lipid metabolism utilizing intravenous fat tolerance test (IVFTT) and post-heparin lipolytic activity in five normal dogs, in six animals with CRF and secondary hyperparathyroidism (NPX) and in six normocalcemic-thyroparathyroidectomized dogs (NPX-PTX) with comparable degree and duration of CRF. NPX dogs had fasting hypertriglyceridemia (82 + 6.0 mg/dl vs. 49 ± 2.7 mg/dl in normal dogs, P
Age vs Alzheimer's: a computational model of changes in representation.

Previous research has demonstrated that the language of older adults leads to denser representations in a high dimensional model of memory than does the language of younger adults (Conley & Burgess, in press), and thus that density in the model (HAL or the hyperspace analogue to language) may constitute a useful metric in comparing memory for younger and older adults. This paper extends the previous research by examining the role of density in semantic representations that emerged from the language generated by adults with Alzheimer's and comparing the results with age-matched normal controls. We found that, just as older adults have denser representations in semantic space than do younger adults, adults with Alzheimer's have still denser representations than normal older adults. These results support the hypothesis that greater density, normally associated in the model with good semantic depth, may in fact reach a “saturation point” and affect retrieval in older adults and especially adults with Alzheimer's.
Measurement of spin‐lattice relaxation times and chemical exchange rates in multiple‐site systems using progressive saturation

A new method for measuring spin-lattice relaxation times and chemical exchange (CE) rate constants in multiple-site exchanging systems is described. The method, chemical exchange and T1 measurement using progressive saturation (CUPS), was applied to determine T1s and analyze phosphorus exchange among phosphocreatine (PCr), ATP, and inorganic phosphate (Pi), mediated by creatine kinase (CK) and ATP synthase, using 31P-MRS. Two-site exchange was analyzed in vitro and in the rat leg, and three-site exchange was analyzed in the rat heart. Data were fitted to a model of progressive saturation incorporating T1 relaxation and CE. For the in vitro system at 8.45T, we found T1(PCr) = 2.86 s and T1(γ-ATP) = 1.72 s. For the rat gastrocnemius at 1.9T, we found T1(PCr) = 6.60 s and T1(γ-ATP) = 2.06 s. For the rat heart at 9.4T, we found T1(PCr) = 3.35 s, T1(γ-ATP) = 0.69 s, and T1(Pi) = 1.83 s. All of these values were within 20% of literature values. Similarly, the determined exchange rates were in the same range as published values. Using simulations, we compared CUPS with transient saturation transfer as a method for measuring T1s and rates. The two methods showed similar sensitivity to noise. We conclude that CUPS is a viable alternative for measuring T1s and CE rates in exchanging systems. Magn Reson Med 58:8–18, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Application of Active Base Isolation Control

The structural control can provide the potential protection through passive and active control techniques. Structures with base isolations have been successfully implemented and proven effective in the vibration mitigation. To enhance the functionality of base isolations, a hybrid control system can be considered using a combination with active control devices. This research applies the hybrid control technique to a three-story two-bay steel building. The base isolation is installed under the structural base, and three actuators are placed at the lowest level. The control objective is to reduce the structural responses in the motion of three directions. First, the control system has been identified through the proposed system identification technique and considered with the control-structure interaction. Different controllers are designed to examine the performance under different types of excitation. Finally, this control system is tested on the shake table for evaluation of the controllers, and the two-dimensional control strategy is also realized through the whole procedures.
The applications of the enhanced CCHE2D model to study the alluvial channel migration processes

This paper is to report a newly developed numerical-empirical model, the Enhanced CCHE2D (EnCCHE2D), and its application to simulating the alluvial channel migration phenomena. EnCCHE2D model is ca...
Wind Directionality Factors for Nonhurricane and Hurricane-Prone Regions

AbstractThe wind directionality factor, Kd, is a nondimensional quantity smaller than unity that reflects the fact that the climatologically and aerodynamically or dynamically most unfavorable wind directions typically do not coincide. The ASCE 7-10 standard specifies for buildings a directionality factor Kd=0.85, although no justification appears to have been adduced for this value in the literature. This paper presents a more informed discussion of this topic by the engineering and codification communities. The results of this work show that the directional factor Kd varies as a function of type of wind storm, geographical location within an area with a given type of wind climate, type of wind effect (e.g., local pressures, internal forces in members of wind force resisting systems, global shear or torsion), and position of the wind effect being considered in the structure. These results suggest that, in most if not all cases, the dependence of the directionality factor on mean recurrence interval of wi...
Markovian Decision Processes with Probabilistic Observation of States

This is a study of finite state discrete time discounted Markovian decision process when the states are probabilistically observed. A model of this process is formulated, and an implicit enumeration algorithm is presented which optimizes the total expected discounted reward given the initial state. Several numerical examples are presented.
Line sources for seismic modeling by finite differences in inhomogeneous media

Abstract Initial (source) conditions for second-order finite-difference seismic-wave equation computations are usually implemented by inserting an analytic solution of the wave equation into the finite difference grid at two successive time steps. This approach is difficult to use in an arbitrarily inhomogeneous model and when free-surface boundary conditions are a required component due to proximity of the source to that surface. These problems can be overcome by noting that a small aperture behaves as a point source. In this algorithm, an aperture placed at the free-surface admits energy to the inhomogeneous structure from a small portion (a ‘line’) of a wavefront propagating in an auxiliary homogeneous medium defined above the free-surface. After the source pulse has passed through the aperture, the aperture is closed and is replaced by the free-surface boundary conditions. Examples include both acoustic and elastic sources initiated by both spherical and plane waves in both homogeneous and heterogeneous media.
A new scaling technique for absolute judgments

The results of an experiment using the method of absolute judgments can be viewed as a matrix of conditional probabilities in which the rows represent stimuli and the columns responses. The cosine of the angle between two row vectors is a measure of the similarity of the corresponding stimuli. This cosine provides the basis for a method of scaling the stimuli. Unlike the method of paired comparisons, this new technique does not require arbitrary fixing of a unit of measurement. A numerical example is given.
Heat capacities in the range 95 to 260 K and enthalpies of fusion for structure-II clathrate hydrates of some cyclic ethers☆

Abstract Molar heat capacities between 95 and 260 K, molar enthalpies of fusion, and melting temperatures are reported for the structure-II clathrate hydrates of propylene oxide, 1,3-dioxolane, 2,5-dihydrofuran, and 1,3-dioxane. All properties show dependence on the nature of the hydrate former. The molar enthalpies of fusion of the hydrates are lower by 4 to 12 per cent and the molar heat capacities are higher by 16 to 28 per cent than the corresponding values for ice. The molar heat capacities of the hydrates show a linear correlation with the corresponding unit-cell constants. An analysis of the heat-capacity results indicates that in the temperature range 95 to 260 K, the heat capacity of the empty hydrate lattice is greater than that of ice and its temperature dependence is different from that of ice.
Trade-offs between target hardening and overarching protection

Defenders concerned about protecting multiple targets can either choose to protect them individually (through target hardening), or collectively (through overarching protections such as border security, public health, emergency response, or intelligence). Decision makers may find it relatively straightforward to choose which targets to harden, but are likely to find it difficult to compare seemingly incommensurate forms of protection—e.g., target hardening, versus a reduction in the likelihood of weapons being smuggled through the border. Unfortunately, little previous research has addressed this question, and fundamental research is needed to provide guidance and practical solution approaches. Therefore, in this thesis, we develop a model to optimally allocate resources among various targets and overarching protection, and investigate the factors affecting the relative desirability of target hardening versus overarching protections. We also apply our model to a case study of protecting critical assets in Wisconsin. The case study demonstrates the value of our method by showing that in some cases, the optimal solution performs much better than the historical budget allocation.
Effect of Alkali and Silane Treatment on the Thermal Stability of Hemp Fibers as Reinforcement in Composite Structures

Natural fiber reinforced composites are being used as reinforcement material in composite system due to their positive environmental benefits. Added to that, natural fibers offer advantages such as low density, low cost, good toughness, high specific strength, relatively non-abrasive and wide availability. However, the low thermal stability of natural fibers is one of the major challenges to increase their use as reinforcing component. In this study, a thorough investigation has been done to compare the effect of two chemical treatment methods on the thermal stability of hemp fibers. 5wt% sodium hydroxide and 5wt% triethoxyvinylsilane was used for the treatment of hemp fibers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermo gravimetric analysis were used for characterization of untreated and treated fiber. The results indicated that 24 hours alkali treatment and 3 hours silane treatment time enhanced the thermal stability of the hemp fiber. However, alkali treatment shows better improvement compared to silane treatment.
Effect of α-ketoglutarate against selenite cataract formation

Abstract We have previously shown that pyruvate protects against reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced damage to lens in vitro. It has also a significant effect against cataract development. Its effectiveness has been ascribed to the presence of alpha-keto-carboxylate group in the molecule, acting as a scavenger of ROS. Hence, it was felt desirable to determine if other alpha-keto-acids could have similar effects. These studies have hence been conducted with alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG), a compound with greater stability and without any known significant effect on the glycolysis. Its effectiveness has been assessed by monitoring cataract development in rat pups given sodium selenite. A large percentage of such animals (about 80%) developed nuclear opacity 7–8 days after its administration. In animals treated with alpha-ketoglutarate, the incidence of cataracts was only 23%. The agent therefore has a very substantial anticataractogenic effect, as apparent by direct slit lamp examination followed by photography, as well as by examination of the isolated lenses through transillumination. The significance of the ophthalmologic findings was apparent also by better physiological maintenance of the tissue, reflected by higher levels of ATP and GSH. In view of these in vivo beneficial effects, studies are in progress to identify the biochemical and metabolic sites of its action. Whether the effectiveness is related only to its action as a ROS scavenger or it could be contributed also by some metabolic effects independent of ROS remains to be determined.
Sinusitis in adults and its relation to allergic rhinitis, asthma, and nasal polyps

Sinusitis, an infection of the paranasal sinuses, has been linked to allergic rhinitis, asthma, and nasal polyps. Sinusitis is a common complication of allergic rhinitis, which can lead to inflammation of the sinus mucosa, obstruction of the sinus opening or ostium, and generally favorable conditions for bacterial growth. Sinusitis can trigger asthma. Stimulated nerves in an infected sinus may result in parasympathetic stimulation to the bronchial tree and in smooth muscle contraction. Sinusitis may be a cause of nasal polyps, which are common when sinusitis complicates allergic rhinitis and even more common in nonallergic rhinitis. Treatment of sinusitis strives to eliminate infection and promote drainage. Ampicillin or amoxicillin is the antibiotic of choice. All patients with sinusitis should be treated with antibiotic to encourage drainage. Fluids, expectorants, and decongestants, both oral and topical, should be used. As many as half of patients with sinusitis also have marked rhinitis (either allergic or nonallergic), nasal polyps, or swollen, edematous mucosa; these patients should also receive topical steroids, such as flunisolide. Flunisolide promotes drainage and aeration by decreasing inflammation, swelling, and the influx of white blood cells. Persistent sinusitis may need to be treated surgically.
Examination of the stability of two methods of defining specific language impairment

Two commonly applied methods of differentially classifying language-delayed children as either specifically language impaired or developmental lag language impaired (i.e., children with low IQ and low language performance) were examined for stability over 1-and 2-year periods. One classification method, following the DSM III.R guidelines, was based on an absolute cut-off level for performance on a measure of cognitive ability, in conjunction with other exclusionary criteria (i.e., language delay that is not the result of hearing loss, social– emotional disorder, etc.). The second classification method included the same absolute cut-off for cognitive ability as the DSM III-R guidelines, but it also required that a minimum relative difference be present between the general cognitive performance and the language performance. These two methods were examined for differences in classification of children, as well as for stability of classification across time. We used the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities Perceptual-Performance Index as the cognitive measure and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised and the Test of Early Language Development as language performance measures. Results indicated significant differences in classification between the two methods of defining SLI, as well as substantial changes in classification over time using either method. Alternative classification systems are discussed.
Building Organization Theory from First Principles: The Self-Enhancement Motive and Understanding Power and Influence

In developing and advancing organization theory, it is useful if we can uncover fundamental constructs that can then be used to integrate larger areas of inquiry, even as we continue to accumulate more knowledge, evidence, and concepts. However, accomplishing this will require a somewhat different approach to theory building and testing. We illustrate the process of building an integrated model from fundamental constructs by using the idea of self-enhancement to explore phenomena of power and influence. We argue that many psychological processes related to power and social influence (such as escalation of commitment, similarity attraction and in-group favoritism, the disinhibiting effects of power, and the persistence of hierarchical structures) can all be logically derived from the self-enhancement idea, the desire to see oneself and one's actions in a positive light. The conceptual model can help us understand apparently anomalous behavior (such as individuals being willing to tolerate poor treatment at the hands of leaders), bringing together a number of ideas and constructs frequently treated as distinct in the literature and providing some hypotheses for future research.
On the computation of the tertiary structure of globular proteins II

Abstract A method is presented to compute the approximate locations of α carbon atoms of proteins using experimentally obtainable information. This information consists of distances between nearest neighbor α carbon atoms, locations of SS bonds, primary sequence of amino acids as reflected by hydrophobic and hydrophylic residues and the assumption of globularity. The method permits the reconstruction of structure similar to the real ones, and is readily extendable to compute structures more accurately by incorporating additional information.
Parallel encoding of focus and interrogative meaning in Mandarin intonation.

Despite much research, disagreements abound regarding the detailed charac-teristicsof question intonation in different languages or even in the same language.The present study investigates question intonation in Mandarin by also consideringthe role of focus that is frequently ignored in previous research. In experiment 1,native speakers of Mandarin produced statements, yes/no questions, particle ques-tions,wh-questions, rhetorical questions and confirmation questions with narrowfocus on the initial, medial or final word of the sentence, or on none of the words.Detailed F0 contour analyses showed that focus generated the same pitch rangemodification in questions as in statements, i.e., expanding the pitch range of thefocused word, suppressing (compressing and lowering) that of the post-focuswords, but leaving that of the pre-focus words largely unaffected. When the effects offocus (as well as other functions also potentially present) were controlled by sub-tractingstatement F0 contours from those of the corresponding yes/no questions,the resulting difference curves resembled exponential or even double-exponentialfunctions. Further F0 analyses also revealed an interaction between focus andinterrogative meaning in the form of a boost to the pitch raising by the question start-ingfrom the focused word. Finally, subtle differences in the amount of pitch raisingwere also observed among different types of questions, especially at the sentence-finalposition. Experiment 2 investigated whether listeners could detect both focusand question in the same utterance. Results showed that listeners could identifyboth in most cases, indicating that F0 variations related to the two functions could besimultaneously transmitted. Meanwhile, the lowest identification rates were foundfor neutral focus in questions and for statements with final focus. In both cases, theconfusions seemed to arise from the competing F0 adjustments by interrogativemeaning and focus at the sentence-final position. These findings are consistent withthe functional view of intonation, according to which components of intonation aredefined and organized by individual communicative functions that are independentof each other but are encoded in parallel.
Balanced and partially balanced incomplete block designs with autocorrelation errors

The paper aims to find variance balanced and variance partially balanced incomplete block designs when observations within blocks are autocorrelated and we call them BIBAC and PBIBAC designs. Orthogonal arrays of type I and type II when used as BIBAC designs have smaller average variance of elementary contrasts of treatment effects compared to the corresponding Balanced Incomplete Block (BIB) designs with homoscedastic, uncorrelated errors. The relative efficiency of BIB designs compared to BIBAC designs depends on the block size k and the autocorrelation ρ and is independent of the number of treatments. Further this relative efficiency increases with increasing k. Partially balanced incomplete block designs with autocorrelated errors are introduced using partially balanced incomplete block designs and orthogonal arrays of type I and type II.
Predicting the diffusion of information to mass audiences

(1972). Predicting the diffusion of information to mass audiences. The Journal of Mathematical Sociology: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 121-130.
Temperature in mice after ethanol: Effect of probing and regain of righting reflex

Abstract The handling involved in rectally probing a mouse in order to measure body temperature is a stress which results in an increase in body temperature. However, after an injection of ethanol the fall in body temperature caused by ethanol is exacerbated by probing. In mice, decreases in temperature following probing are ethanoldose dependent and can be generated on both the falling and rising phases of the ethanol induced change in temperature. The effect of probing can be observed when the mice are under the hypnotic influence of ethanol, and regain of righting reflex itself is followed by a fall in temperature. The resumption of motor activity in undisturbed mice following an hypnotic dose of ethanol also is accompanied by a fall in temperature. Therefore, the drop in temperature observed in any of these procedures which involve moving the mice may be attributable to the disruption of heat conservation rather than a stress interaction.
All-trans -retinoic acid decreases cell proliferation and increases apoptosis in an animal model of vein bypass grafting

Abstract Background: We have previously demonstrated a decrease in intimal hyperplasia in vein bypass grafts from animals treated with all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of atRA on proliferation and apoptosis rates in healing vein bypass grafts. Methods: Interposition jugular vein bypass grafts were placed in the carotid artery of 30 New Zealand white rabbits. Animals received either atRA (10 mg/kg/d) or vehicle (corn oil) for a period of 2 weeks. Animals were killed at 3, 7, or 28 days after graft placement after having received 3 doses of 5-bromo-2'-\Deoxyuridine (BRDU, 35 Mg/KG). Animals Were Perfusion Fixed, And Vein Grafts Were Prepared For Immunohistochemistry By Using Antibodies To Brdu, Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen, And Bcl-XL. Apoptosis Was Measured By Using The Tunel Assay. Histologic Sections Were Analyzed By A Pathologist Blinded To The Study, And An Index Of Positively Stained Cells Was Generated For Each Layer Of The Vein Graft Wall. Results: All-trans-retinoic acid reduced the proliferation index in the neointima of vein grafts during the first week after surgery. Apoptotic rates were higher in the intima of vein grafts from animals treated with atRA, which could not be explained by changes in bcl-xl expression. No differences were noted in the media or adventitia between the groups. Conclusions: atRA decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in the intima of healing vein bypass grafts. These effects contribute to decreased intimal hyperplasia, which has been previously noted. (Surgery 2000;128:178-84.)