cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The acute toxicity of sarin in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): A behavioral analysis

Abstract In marmosets, the clincial signs of poisoning following the administration of sarin and the effects of sarin upon performance in three behavioral test models were investigated. The sensitivity of marmosets to the lethal action of sarin was shown to be greater than that of rodent species and rabbits but very similar to that of the rhesus monkey. Doses of sarin ranging from 33 to 55% LD50, resulting in erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase inhibitions of 88% or more, were shown to disrupt the performance of a food-reinforced visually guided reaching response. However, the pattern of disruption did not suggest a specific action of sarin upon visuomotor coordination and could not be explained on the basis of an indirect effect of this agent upon either feeding motivation or changes in gross mobility. It was suggested that possible changes in animals' perception of the reaching task and/or their own drugged ability may be relevant to any interpretation of sarin-induced changes in visuomotor coordination in this species.
High turnover remote catalytic oxygenation of alkyl groups: how steric exclusion of unbound substrate contributes to high molecular recognition selectivity.

H-bonding mediated molecular recognition between substrate and ligand −COOH groups orients the substrate so that remote, catalyzed oxygenation of an alkyl C−H bond by a Mn-oxo active site can occur with very high (>98%) regio- and stereoselectivity. This paper identifies steric exclusionexclusion of non H-bonded substrate molecules from the active siteas one requirement for high selectivity, along with the entropic advantage of intramolecularity. If unbound substrate molecules were able to reach the active site, they would react unselectively, degrading the observed selectivity. Both of the faces of the catalyst are blocked by two ligand molecules each with a −COOH group. The acid p-tBuC6H4COOH binds to the ligand −COOH recognition site but is not oxidized and merely blocks approach of the substrate therefore acting as an effective inhibitor for ibuprofen oxidation in both free acid and ibuprofen ester form. Dixon plots show that inhibition is competitive for the free acid ibuprofen substrate, no doubt be...
GROWTH OF RURAL US NON-FARM PROPRIETORS WITH A FOCUS ON AMENITIES

In this research we explore how local amenities relate to proprietorship growth by merging two lines of work: amenities and rural growth and the drivers of proprietorship and small business growth. We do so to examine what role, if any, different types of amenties play in promoting the growth of small businesses in rural USA. Using data for rural US counties we explore the role of natural and built amenities in the growth of rural non-farm proprietorships between 2000 and 2008 by employing a spatial Durbin model to account for both spatial dependency in the data and to explicitly model spatial spillover effects. The results offer evidence that proprietorship growth is spatially clustered, spatial spillover effects matter, and proprietorship growth is higher in those areas with particular climate attributes. That is, the effect of climate on quality of life may be enough to attract individuals who wish to start new firms.
COX-2 oxidative metabolism of endocannabinoids augments hippocampal synaptic plasticity

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are important endogenous lipid mediators in synaptic transmission and plasticity and are oxygenated by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) to form new types of prostaglandins. However, little is known about whether COX-2 oxidative metabolism of eCBs and their metabolites alter synaptic signaling. Here we demonstrate that increased COX-2 expression significantly enhances basal synaptic transmission and augments long-term potentiation (LTP) in the mouse hippocampus. This augmentation was inhibited in the presence of a selective COX-2 inhibitor or with deletion of the COX-2 gene. The CB1 receptor-mediated depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI) was diminished when COX-2 expression was increased either with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation or transgenic neuronal over-expression of COX-2. Conversely, DSI was potentiated when COX-2 activity was pharmacologically or genetically inhibited. Interestingly, COX-2 oxidative metabolites of eCBs elevated LTP, an effect opposite to that of their parent molecules 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA). In addition, the ERK/MAPK and IP3 pathways were found to mediate PGE2-G-induced enhancement of LTP. Our results indicate that COX-2 oxidative metabolism of eCBs is an important signaling pathway in modulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity.
Control Architecture for 30MHz Linear Imaging Array

The purpose of this system is to have the capability to characterize the performance of very high frequency transducers and arrays. The analog front end is computer controlled by a set of de-multiplexers and multiplexers. The output of the multiplexer network is connected to a TGC array, which is interfaced to a high-speed data acquisition system. A software GUI (Graphical User Interface) has been designed to accomplish this task [1]. A programmable digital I/O interface allows collection of RF channel data and has the capability to be interfaced to a very high frequency analog beam-former under construction. The system front-end electronics (pulsers, receivers, T/R switches, multiplexers, and demultiplexers) have been characterized [2, 3]. The digital I/O signal interface has been integrated and tested. The hardware front end has been integrated to the array interface distribution panel. The individual transducer elements impulse responses have been evaluated and the performance of the array has been tested with a wire test phantom to characterize lateral and axial resolution.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Regression and Weighting Methods for Causal Inference Using Instrumental Variables

Please see the supplementary material for a correction and a new result.Recent researches in econometrics and statistics have gained considerable insights into the use of instrumental variables (IVs) for causal inference. A basic idea is that IVs serve as an experimental handle, the turning of which may change each individual's treatment status and, through and only through this effect, also change observed outcome. The average difference in observed outcome relative to that in treatment status gives the average treatment effect for those whose treatment status is changed in this hypothetical experiment. We build on the modern IV framework and develop two estimation methods in parallel to regression adjustment and propensity score weighting in the case of treatment selection based on covariates. The IV assumptions are made explicitly conditional on covariates to allow for the fact that instruments can be related to these background variables. The regression method focuses on the relationship between respo...
Equity Value Implications of Lease Accounting

SYNOPSIS: The literature exhibits a long tradition of attention to the financial statement effects of accounting for operating leases. For the most part, that attention has focused on what are commonly viewed as errors in operating assets, deferred tax liabilities, debt, stockholders’ equity, and net income that, if not properly corrected, can lead to errors in financial statement analysis. There has been, at least, an implied effect of such financial statement analysis errors on estimated equity value. What has been lacking is a discussion of the precise nature of how the errors may, or may not, translate into errors in estimating equity value. We bring clarity to this matter through an example in which a nai¨ve reliance on financial statements unadjusted for the errors in accounting for operating leases has no effect on equity value estimated with three popular equity valuation models. We then discuss prior empirical evidence suggesting that the critical aspect of the example, namely the cost of equity ...
Pheromone-induced aggregation of ixodid ticks before host contact.

The presence of a pre-feeding aggregation pheromone was demonstrated in the speciesDermacentor variabilis, Dermacentor andersoni Dermacentor parumapertus, Amblyomma americanum andHaemaphysalis leporispalustris by assay within a petri dish. However,Amblyomma maculatum andAmblyomma cajennense did not aggregate in the sector containing discs of presumed pheromone within the hour period.D. andersoni andA. americanum recognized each other's pheromone andA. americanum recognized that ofH. leporispalustris. Preliminary experiments with guanine and hemin as possible aggregating factors have thus far given inconsistent results.
Direct transport of geriatric trauma patients with pelvic fractures to a Level I trauma center within an organized trauma system: impact on two-week incidence of in-hospital complications.

Abstract Background Undertriage of elderly trauma patients to tertiary trauma centers is well documented. This study evaluated the impact of directness of transport to a Level I trauma center on morbidity in geriatric trauma patients sustaining severe pelvic fractures. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of 87 geriatric trauma patients diagnosed with potentially unstable pelvic fractures, treated at a Level I trauma center between 2008 and 2010. Results Of the 87 patients, 39% (34 of 87) initially were transported to a nontertiary trauma center. After adjusting for presence of comorbidity and injury severity, the 2-week incidence of complications was 54% higher in transferred patients compared with those directly transported (rate ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, .95–2.54). In particular, transferred patients had increased odds of developing pneumonia/systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Conclusions Despite lacking precision, results of this study suggest an increased risk of complications in transferred geriatric trauma patients with severe pelvic fractures compared with their directly transported counterparts.
The use of multiple scenarios by U.S. industrial companies

Abstract A growing number of firms have responded to the ‘unpredictable future’ by developing ways to measure their proposed strategies against several plausible alternative futures. Probably the most widely used of these techniques is multiple (or alternative) scenario analysis (MSA). Survey results indicate that approximately 150 of the Fortune ‘1000’ industrials now use MSA in their formal planning processes. Most have begun using MSA within the last 3 or 4 years. Furthermore, a number of other companies are considering its use. Survey results also show that firms do not follow the relatively rigorous procedures as suggested in the literature. Also, MSA seems to be most successful when management is both knowledgable and involved with scenarios from the beginning.
Angular Momentum in Nonlocal Field Theory

The decomposition of arbitrary nonlocal fields into irreducible parts is discussed. It is shown that the spin of a nonlocal particle is made up of two parts arising, respectively, from the transformation properties and from the nonlocal nature of the field; the two parts combine vectorially to give the total spin.
Direct analysis of growth factor requirements for isolated human fetal hepatocytes.

Hepatocytes were isolated from human fetal liver in order to analyze the direct effects of growth factors and hormones on human hepatocyte proliferation and function. Mechanical fragmentation and then dissociation of fetal liver tissue with a collagenase/dispase mixture resulted in high yield and viability of hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were selected in arginine-free, ornithine-supplemented medium and defined by morphology, albumin production and ornithine uptake into cellular protein. A screen of over twenty growth factors, hormones, mitogenic agents and crude organ and cell extracts for effect on the stimulation of hepatocyte growth revealed that EGF, insulin, dexamethasone, and factors concentrated in bovine neural extract and hepatoma cell-conditioned medium supported attachment, maintenance and growth of hepatocytes on a collagen-coated substratum. The population of cells selected and defined as differentiated hepatocytes had a proliferative potential of about 4 cumulative population doublings. EGF and insulin synergistically stimulated DNA synthesis in the absence of other hormones and growth factors. Although neural extracts enhanced hepatocyte number, no effect on DNA synthesis of neural extracts or purified heparin-binding growth factors from neural extracts could be demonstrated in the absence or presence of defined hormones, hepatoma-conditioned medium or serum. Hepatoma cell-conditioned medium had the largest impact on both hepatocyte cell number and DNA synthesis under all conditions. Dialyzed serum protein (1 mg/ml) at 10 times higher protein concentration had a similar effect to hepatoma cell-conditioned medium (100 μg/ml). The results suggest that hepatoma cell conditioned medium may be a concentrated and less complicated source than serum for purification and characterization of additional normal hepatocyte growth factors.
Frequency response study of the dynamics of the platinum catalyzed interconversion of methylcyclohexane, toluene, and hydrogen near equilibrium.

The dynamics of the platinum catalyzed interconversion of methylcyclohexane, toluene, and hydrogen near equilibrium were investigated in a closed reactor system by a frequency response method at temperatures in the range of 433 to 473 K and at total pressures in the vicinity of 80 to 110 Torr. The gas phase in contact with the platinum catalyst was always hydrogen-rich, with hydrogen to hydrocarbon mole ratios maintained in the range of 3.2 to 4.6. The frequency response method utilized small perturbations (lower than 1%) of the volume of the system, with measurements of the total pressure being used to determine the response of the system. The range of perturbation frequencies investigated was approximately 0.002 to 3 Hz (0.013 to 19 rad s - 1 ). The experiments revealed two characteristic relaxation frequencies that are associated with the dynamics of the interconversion. The dynamics of the system are interpreted in terms of a simple two-step interconversion sequence with the aid of a phenomenological frequency response theory formulated in terms of relaxation frequencies of the steps and equilibrium properties of the system. It is concluded that one of the steps, a toluene adsorption-desorption step, is much slower than the other, a step involving the interconversion of the gas-phase methylcyclohexane and chemisorbed toluene that releases or consumes hydrogen in the process.
Mechanistic study of precursor evolution in colloidal group II-VI semiconductor nanocrystal synthesis.

The molecular mechanism of precursor evolution in the synthesis of colloidal group II−VI semiconductor nanocrystals was studied using 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Tri-n-butylphosphine chalcogenides (TBPE; E = S, Se, Te) react with an oleic acid complex of cadmium or zinc (M−OA; M = Zn, Cd) in a noncoordinating solvent (octadecene (ODE), n-nonane-d20, or n-decane-d22), affording ME nanocrystals, tri-n-butylphosphine oxide (TBPO), and oleic acid anhydride ((OA)2O). Likewise, the reaction between trialkylphosphine selenide and cadmium n-octadecylphosphonic acid complex (Cd−ODPA) in tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) produces CdSe nanocrystals, trialkylphosphine oxide, and anhydrides of n-octadecylphosphonic acid. The disappearance of tri-n-octylphosphine selenide in the presence of Cd−OA and Cd−ODPA can be fit to a single-exponential decay (kobs = (1.30 ± 0.08) × 10-3 s-1, Cd−ODPA, 260 °C, and kobs = (1.51 ± 0.04) × 10-3 s-1, Cd−OA, 117 °C). The reaction approaches completion at 70...
Optical sectioning microscopy with planar or structured illumination

A key requirement for performing three-dimensional (3D) imaging using optical microscopes is that they be capable of optical sectioning by distinguishing in-focus signal from out-of-focus background. Common techniques for fluorescence optical sectioning are confocal laser scanning microscopy and two-photon microscopy. But there is increasing interest in alternative optical sectioning techniques, particularly for applications involving high speeds, large fields of view or long-term imaging. In this Review, I examine two such techniques, based on planar illumination or structured illumination. The goal is to describe the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques.
Patterns of assistance between adult children and their older parents: Resources, responsibilities, and remarriage:

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of patterns of resource exchange on beliefs about intergenerational responsibilities in older parent—adult child relationships. The effects of adult children's resources and later-life remarriage on beliefs about intergenerational responsibilities also were examined. A national sample of 1025 adults responded to a multiple segment factorial survey. Responsibilities to parents were associated with prior patterns of exchanges, older cohorts had lower expectations for adult children to help their parents, and parental remarriage creates limited responsibilities toward new stepparents. Family obligations were the main reason for helping, but histories of intergenerational assistance, the adult child's resources, and other obligations of the adult child also were considerations. Later-life remarriage complicates intergenerational obligations.
The hidden variable: How organizations influence teacher responses to secondary science curriculum reform

(1995). The hidden variable: How organizations influence teacher responses to secondary science curriculum reform. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 34, Reforming Science Education, pp. 4-11.
First Place — Student Research Award 1995: A Mechanism for Sympathectomy-Induced Bone Resorption in the Middle Ear

BACKGROUND: Recent investigations have demonstrated a link between sympathectomy and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. The exact nature of this link, however, is unknown, We hypothesize that substance P, a potent vasoconstrictive neuropeptide found in peripheral sensory fibers, including those innervating bone, is the mediator of this phenomenon. To test this theory, the effects of substance P on in vitro calcium release from cultured neonatal mouse calvaria were assessed. In addition, an in vivo study was conducted whereby gerbils were injected with capsaicin to eliminate substance P-containing fibers before sympathectomy with 6-hydroxydopamine. If the effects of 6-hydroxydopamine were eliminated by prior administration of capsaicin, the role of sensory nerves in sympathectomy-induced resorption would be strongly implicated.IN VITRO STUDY: Substance P at 10−8 mol/L was incubated with eight newborn Swiss-Webster mouse hemicalvarial explants and compared with explants incubated in control media alone. T...
A nuclear binding assay for measurement of biologically active androgen receptors in animal tissues and human prostate cancer

Abstract A nuclear binding (NB) assay has been developed for the measurement in intact viable cells of biologically active (functional) estrogen and progesterone receptors, i.e. those capable of binding to nuclear acceptor sites [Spelsberg et al., Endocrinology121: 631 (1987)]. This paper describes the application of this assay to analyses of androgen receptors in the guinea pig seminal vesicle and in human prostatic carcinoma. Cells from fresh animal seminal vesicles or human prostate carcinoma are isolated using collagenase and are incubated with [3H]R1881 for 1 h at 22°C, after which nuclei are isolated at 4°C and assayed for DNA and radioactivity. This NB assay demonstrates a saturable, temperature dependent, steroid and tissue specific nuclear binding of [3H]R1881 for the guinea pig-seminal vesicle system. The nuclear binding is of high affinity and low capacity. The NB assay reveals several important aspects of the androgen and estrogen receptors in target tissues: (1) the nuclear acceptor sites for androgen receptor (AR) are steroid receptor specific; (2) there are different concentrations of the androgen and estrogen receptors between the epithelium and the fibromuscular components of the guinea pig seminal vesicle; and finally (3) some biopsies of human prostate cancer appear to contain biologically inactive AR. This assay may be useful in the analyses of functional receptors in biopsies of human cancer cells.
The moderating role of parental smoking on their children's attitudes toward smoking among a predominantly minority sample: a cross-sectional analysis

In general having a parent who smokes or smoked is a strong and consistent predictor of smoking initiation among their children while authoritative parenting style, open communication that demonstrates mutual respect between child and parent, and parental expectations not to smoke are protective. It has been hypothesized that parental smoking affects their children's smoking initiation through both imitation of the behavior and effects on attitudes toward smoking. The goals of the current analysis were to examine these two potential mechanisms. In 2003, 1,417 high school students in Houston, Texas, completed a cross-sectional survey as part of the evaluation of an interactive smoking prevention and cessation program delivered via CD-ROM. To assess the relationship between number of parents who currently smoke and children's smoking status, we completed an unconditional logistic regression. To determine whether the attitudes that children of smokers hold toward smoking are significantly more positive than the attitudes of children of non-smokers we examined whether the parents smoking status moderated the relationship between children's attitudes toward smoking and their ever smoking using unconditional logistic regressions. Compared to participants whose parents did not currently smoke, participants who reported one or both parents currently smoke, had increased odds of ever smoking (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.03–1.68; Wald χ2 = 4.78 (df = 1) p = 0.03 and OR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.51–3.10; Wald χ2 = 17.80 (df = 1) p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, the relationship between attitudes and ever smoking was stronger among participants when at least one parent currently smokes (OR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.96–3.19; Wald χ2 = 54.71 (df = 1) p < 0.001) than among participants whose parents did not smoke (OR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.40–2.12; Wald χ2 = 26.45 (df = 1) p < 0.001). Children of smokers were more likely to smoke and reported more favorable attitudes toward smoking compared to children of non-smokers. One interpretation of our findings is that parental smoking not only directly influences behavior; it also moderates their children's attitudes towards smoking and thereby impacts their children's behavior. Our results demonstrate a continued need for primary prevention smoking interventions to be sensitive to the family context. They also underscore the importance of discussing parental smoking as a risk factor for smoking initiation, regardless of ethnicity, and of tailoring prevention messages to account for the influence that parental smoking status may have on the smoking attitudes and the associated normative beliefs.
The Allegory of the Humidifier: A case study of Return on Investment in Systems Engineering

Following is a case study of the down stream affects of short term decisions based solely upon short-horizon cost savings. A case is made for “no decision is a island” and documents how a simple (<$10k) initial decision had million dollar impacts down stream. This allegory also points out the importance of getting our Systems Engineering right before launching into other productivity improvement programs–JIT, reengineering efforts, cycle time reduction, Continuous Improvement, and others-all of which points out the key importance that Systems Engineering should be playing in our companies.
Applicability of two-step models in estimating nitrification kinetics from batch respirograms under different relative dynamics of ammonia and nitrite oxidation.

A mechanistically based nitrification model was formulated to facilitate determination of both NH4+-N to NO2−-N and NO2−-N to NO3−-N oxidation kinetics from a single NH4+-N to NO3−-N batch-oxidation profile by explicitly considering the kinetics of each oxidation step. The developed model incorporated a novel convention for expressing the concentrations of nitrogen species in terms of their nitrogenous oxygen demand (NOD). Stoichiometric coefficients relating nitrogen removal, oxygen uptake, and biomass synthesis were derived from an electron-balanced equation.%A parameter identifiability analysis of the developed two-step model revealed a decrease in correlation and an increase in the precision of the kinetic parameter estimates when NO2−-N oxidation kinetics became increasingly rate-limiting. These findings demonstrate that two-step models describe nitrification kinetics adequately only when NH4+-N to NO3−-N oxidation profiles contain sufficient information pertaining to both nitrification steps. Thus, the rate-determining step in overall nitrification must be identified before applying conventionally used models to describe batch nitrification respirograms. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 70: 54–64, 2000.
Model-based emissivity correction in pyrometer temperature control of rapid thermal processing systems

Single-wavelength pyrometers are most often used to infer wafer temperature in rapid-thermal-processing (RTP) systems. A constant wafer emissivity is assumed with a pyrometer, but a variation in the wafer's surface emissivity can result in an error in the inferred temperature which affects the temperature control of the RTP system. A time-dependent variation is evident in rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition where the emissivity is a function of the film type and thickness. An approach which uses a physically based model of the emissivity variation as part of the feedback control loop is described. The technique employs a first-order model of the emissivity as a function of film thickness from which a projected actual wafer temperature is inferred. The film thickness is approximated using a valid growth-rate expression and temperature as a function of time. These models are then incorporated into the feedback loop of the RTP control system. >
Examination of elongation factor Tu for aluminum fluoride binding sites using fluorescence and 19F-NMR methodologies.

This article reports on a comparison or the interaction of AP3+ and F− with two GTP-binding proteins, elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) and the hormone sensitive regulatory protein (G protein) Goα. The methodologies chosen to elucidate possible between protein and aluminum fluoride were fluorescence spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (19F-NMR). Both proteins have tryptophan residues near their nucleotide binding sites, the purported site of aluminum fluoride interaction. It has been assumed for G proteins (including Goα) that aluminum fluoride, in the presence of Mg2+, mimics the magnesium coordinated γ-phosphate group for the GDP-form of the protein and shifts the protein's conformation toward the active GTP-form. Indeed, changes in intrinsic fluorescence of Goα affected by aluminum fluoride are observed. The presence of aluminum fluoride did not affect the intrinsic fluorescence, spectra of lifetimes, of EF-Tu·GDP. 19F-NMR was then used to directly test for bound F−. Fluoride alone or in the presence of either protein gave a single 19F-NMR peak at −10 ppm, characteristic of free F−. With the addition of aluminum to the protein and F− samples a second peak, shifted upfield from the first to −29 ppm, was observed for Goα·GDP. This second peak, which has been assigned to protein-bound F−, was not observed for EF-Tu·GDP. These observations show that the interaction of Al3+ and F−, in the presence of Mg2+, may be quite different between the hormone-sensitive G proteins, which bind aluminum fluoride, and the GTP-binding proteins as a whole, which include EF-Tu. Care must therefore be exercised when structural data on the elongation factor, specifically on the nucleotide site, are used to interpret data or compose models intended to describe the hormone-sensitive regulatory G proteins.
Spectroscopic study of the effect of confinement on shallow acceptor states in GaAs/AlxGa1−xAs quantum wells

Transitions from the ground state to excited states of the Be acceptor confined in GaAs/ ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$As quantum wells (QW's) have been observed via two independent spectroscopic techniques: Two-hole transitions of the acceptor bound exciton (BE) observed in selective photoluminescence and resonant Raman scattering. The effect of confinement on the observed acceptor transitions has been investigated by varying the QW thicknesses in the range 50--138 A\r{}. The results obtained are compared with recent theoretical predictions. An almost linear relationship was found between the binding energy of the acceptor BE and the observed acceptor transitions. This fact implies that a correspondence to Haynes's rule in bulk should be valid also for this QW system.
Single-particle response function in finite nuclei

Abstract I derive expressions for the single-particle response (structure) function S(E, q) and its sum rule, (Pauli blocking factor) P(q)=∫ dE S(E, q), in terms of the Wigner transforms (WTs) of the single-particle wave functions and the scattering probe σ( q,r ) and discuss the semi-classical phase-space interpretation of the results. For σ( q,r )= e i q · r , I derive simple expressions for S(E,q) and P(q) for finite nuclei within the harmonic-oscillator model and compare the results with the well-known results of the Fermi-gas model.
Health in fragile and post-conflict states: a review of current understanding and challenges ahead

Health systems face enormous challenges in fragile and post-conflict states. This paper will review recent literature to better understand how, within a context of economic volatility, political instability, infrastructural collapse and human resource scarcity, population health deteriorates and requires significant attention and resources to rebuild. Classifications of fragile and post-conflict states differ among organizations and reviewing the basic consensus as well as differences will assist in clarifying how organizations use these terms and how statistics on these nations come about. Of particular interest is the increase in local conflicts within states that may not affect national mortality and morbidity but pose heavy burdens on regional populations. Recent research on sexual and reproductive health, children’s health and mental health within fragile and post-conflict states highlights the effects of healthcare systems and their breakdown on communities. We propose a research agenda to further e...
Globus pallidus deep brain stimulation in dystonia

Globus pallidus deep brain stimulation (GPi-DBS) is a useful alternative in the treatment of dystonia. Patients selected for GPi-DBS were prospectively rated with the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale (UDRS). Also, "blinded" videotape assessments were performed. Eleven patients were identified. Compared with pre-DBS scores, there were improvements in mean total UDRS score (15.3%) and in the following subscores: neck (18.18%), trunk (32.9%), arm (17.9%), and leg (19.9%). One patient developed a skin infection and erosion requiring surgical debridement. GPi-DBS is a safe and effective treatment for generalized dystonia in patients who remained impaired, despite optimal medical therapy.
The feasibility of isolation and detection of fullerenes and carbon nanotubes using the benzene polycarboxylic acid method

The incorporation of fullerenes and carbon nanotubes into electronic, optical and consumer products will inevitably lead to the presence of these anthropogenic compounds in the environment. To date, there have been few studies isolating these materials from environmental matrices. Here we report a method commonly used to quantify black carbon (BC) in soils, the benzene polycarboxylic acid (BPCA) method, for measurement of two types of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), two types of fullerenes and two forms of soot. The distribution of BC products (BPCAs) from the high pressure and high temperature oxidation illustrates the condensed nature of these compounds because they form predominantly fully substituted mellitic acid (B6CA). The conversion of carbon nanoparticles to BPCAs was highest for fullerenes (average of 23.2+/-4.0% C recovered for both C(60) and C(70)) and lowest for non-functionalized SWCNTs (0.5+/-0.1% C). The recovery of SWCNTs was 10 times higher when processed through a cation-exchange column, indicating the presence of metals in SWCNTs compromises the oxidation chemistry. While mixtures of SWCNTs, soot and sediment revealed small losses of black carbon during sample processing, the method is suitable for quantifying total BC. The BPCA distribution of mixtures did not agree with theoretical mixtures using model polyaromatic hydrocarbons, suggesting the presence of a matrix effect. Future work is required to quantify different types of black carbon within the same sample.
Constructivist Pedagogy Meets Agile Development A Case Study

This paper introduces a structured agile software engineering methodology that we use at NITLE to guide teams of inexperienced software engineering interns through complex engineering tasks. We have employed the method successfully in classroom settings, for grant funded extracurricular projects, and in industry. Most recently, we employed it to complete a Tetris-variant for an accelerometer-enabled mobile phone. The task was accomplished by two undergraduates who had no prior knowledge of game programming, of the Android platform, or of mobile development in general -- yet they completed the project within two weeks. Here, we present their case study and discuss our method's possible incorporation into undergraduate curricula.
Single-level electric testsites for phase-shifting masks

The phase shifting mask technology has quickly progressed from the exploratory phase to a serious development phase. This requires high resolution measurement techniques to quantify experimental results to optimize the designs. This paper describes a set of electrical linewidth measurement testsites which covers all five representative lithographic features in combination of dark-field and light-field patterns, positive and negative resists. The testsites can investigate binary intensity mask, attenuated, alternating, subresolution-assisted, rim, unattenuated, edge, and covered edge phase shifting masks. All testsites can be used with a single-level wafer exposure. There is no need to remove extra shorts or opens induced by uncovered phase shifters.
Online stochastic optimization under time constraints

Recent advances in both computational power and communications technologies have created novel opportunities for research in combinatorial optimizations. Many applications in routing, scheduling, and networking raise exciting challenges, in particular in uncertainty. These applications are often online optimization problems, where the input is not known a priori, but characterized by a probabilistic model, and where decisions are made under severe time constraints. This thesis presents an online stochastic optimization framework whose goal is to maximize expected profit. It presents two algorithms, consensus and regret, designed to operate under severe time constraints. Theoretical results show that the framework and algorithms provide strong guarantees on solution quality under reasonable assumptions about the input distribution). Moreover, experimental results on a variety of applications in packet scheduling, vehicle dispatching, and vehicle routing indicate that the approach provides significant improvements in quality of service, even under severe time constraints. The framework is also shown to be robust even when the distribution itself is unknown. Finally, a large neighborhood search that hybridizes constraint programming and local search in novel ways is presented for its success in online vehicle routing problems.
Evaluation of frame aggregation schemes for the p-persistent based next generation WLANS

The next Generation IEEE 802.11n is designed to improve the throughput of the existing standard 802.11. It aims to achieve this by increasing the data rate from 54 Mbps to 600 Mbps with the help of physical layer enhancements. Therefore, the Medium Access Layer (MAC) requires improvements to fully utilize the capabilities of the enhanced 802.11n physical layer. In this paper, we present the performance evaluation results of two frame aggregation schemes viz., MAC Protocol Data Unit Aggregation (A-MPDU) and MAC Service Data Unit Aggregation (A-MSDU) and study their performance impact when the two schemes are incorporated in a p-persistent based 802.11n. The simulation results have shown that the two schemes achieve consistent performance improvement over the standard non-aggregation scheme.
Light scatter in cataractous lenses

A hypothesis is presented concerning the source of narrow-angle light scatter in lenses with nuclear or cortical senile cataracts.
Continuum simulations of the formation of Kirkendall-effect-induced hollow cylinders in a binary substitutional alloy

Abstract We examine binary substitutional diffusion in cylindrical diffusion couples in which free surfaces are considered explicit vacancy sources and sinks. The central region of the cylinder is initially occupied by an atomic species with a larger hop frequency, while the outer region is occupied by another atomic species with a smaller hop frequency. Equilibrium vacancy concentration is maintained at free surfaces that serve as vacancy sources and sinks. In the crystal, diffusion is governed by the standard diffusion equations with analytically evaluated diffusion coefficients. The void growth dynamics and hollow cylinder formation stemming from the Kirkendall effect are simulated. Our results show that the Kirkendall void growth involves two competing factors. One is the net inward vacancy flux that favors void growth. The other is the Gibbs–Thomson effect that favors void shrinkage. We compute the critical initial radius for void growth above which the Kirkendall effect dominates over the Gibbs–Thomson effect. The fully grown void radius and the elapsed time to the fully grown size are also predicted for different fast-diffuser volume fractions and fast-to-slow diffuser atomic hop frequency ratios.
High-Q capacitive-piezoelectric AlN Lamb wave resonators

The use of capacitive-piezoelectric transducers, formed by separating a piezoelectric structure from its electrodes by sub-micron gaps, has raised the measured quality factor of aluminum nitride (AlN) Lamb wave resonators (LWR) from the ~1,000 of typical square-edged conventional devices (with contacting electrodes) to over 5,000 at 940 MHz, posting the highest reported Q for non-overmoded pure AlN resonators using d31 (e31) transduction at this frequency range. The Q · f product achieved here is significantly higher than that of a previous 1.2-GHz capacitive-piezoelectric contour-mode ring, mainly due to the use of Lamb wave modes that allow better support isolation to prevent energy loss to the substrate. In addition, the use of interdigital transducer (IDT) electrodes successfully decouples the resonance frequency from overall device dimensions, offering a CAD-definable design parameter for fine-frequency control. The effective coupling coefficient of keff2 = 0.3% achieved by this device is lower than the 1.6% typically observed for conventional AlN Lamb wave resonators, but still sufficient to avoid pass-band distortion in the 0.1% bandwidth filters needed for next-generation RF channel-selecting communication front-ends.
Uncertainty Threat and Inhibition of Compensatory Behaviors: A Goal Conflict Management Perspective

Much research on uncertainty focuses on the compensatory responses that this psychological threat can trigger. Previous work has provided considerable insight into the kinds of effects that uncertainty can cause, but provides somewhat less insight into the actual process of uncertainty management. We consider this process from the perspective of uncertainty as a signal of goal conflict, and suggest that this conflict can be conceptualized in terms of the interplay between behavior inhibition and activation systems. We present two studies following from this conceptualization which are consistent with the idea that a temporary, cognitive resource-dependent inhibition process may precede compensatory responses to uncertainty threat.
Automated radiosynthesis of [11C]morphine for clinical investigation.

Abstract To meet a multiple-dose clinical evaluation of the P-gp modulation of [ 11 C]morphine delivery into the human brain, radiosynthesis of [ 11 C]morphine was accomplished on an automated system by N -methylation of normorphine with [ 11 C]CH 3 I. A methodology employing optimized solid phase extraction of the HPLC eluent was developed. Radiosynthesis took 45 min with a radiochemical yield ranging from 45% to 50% and specific activity ranging from 20 to 26 Ci/μmol (decay corrected to end-of-bombardment); radiochemical and chemical purities were >95% ( n =28).
Growth factors regulate cell survival by controlling nutrient transporter expression.

Growth factors provide permission signals that allow mammalian cells to grow, proliferate and survive. One mechanism by which growth factors maintain this control is through the regulation of cell surface nutrient transporter expression. Following growth factor withdrawal, nutrient transporters are endocytosed and degraded in the lysosome, effectively terminating the cell9s ability to obtain nutrients. This results in a state of pseudostarvation in which cells atrophy and initiate a catabolic metabolic programme in the midst of abundant extracellular nutrients. Oncogenic forms of Akt can support growth factor-independent nutrient transporter expression through a mechanism that depends upon mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). The ability of activated Akt to support nutrient transporter expression is an essential component of its prosurvival function. When the destruction of nutrient transporters is inhibited, cells are capable of long-term growth-factor-independent cell survival in the absence of receptor-dependent signal transduction. These results imply that proteins involved in nutrient transporter turnover in response to growth factor withdrawal are components of a novel tumour suppressor pathway. Preliminary data suggest that Rab7, a GTPase required for transporter degradation, functions as a tumour suppressor protein, as inhibiting Rab7 activity promotes colony formation in soft agar. These studies indicate that drugs affecting this pathway might have utility as anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Cardioprotective effects of verapamil on myocardial structure and function in a murine model of chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection (Brazil Strain): an echocardiographic study.

Verapamil has been shown to attenuate the extent of myocardial injury in murine models of chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Infected mice treated with verapamil have significantly lower myocardial expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cytokines and substantially less inflammatory infiltrate and myocyte necrosis at necropsy. In the present study, we examined the cardiac structural and functional correlates of verapamil treatment in CD1 mice infected with the Brazil strain of T. cruzi using serial transthoracic echocardiography. There were four groups: uninfected- untreated control, uninfected-verapamil-treated, infected-untreated control, and infected-verapamil-treated. Verapamil was given in drinking water (1 gm/l) continuously from the day of infection for a total of 120 days. Mice were evaluated at baseline, 40 and 150 days p.i. Mice in the untreated-infected group compared with the mice in the infected-verapamil-treated group showed thinning of the left ventricular wall (0.84±0.02-vs-0.92±0.04, P<0.05 mm), increase in the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (3.27±0.15-vs-2.74±0.05 mm, P<0.05) and reduction in percent fractional shortening (37±2-vs-53±4%, P<0.05). No differences in these parameters were noted among mice in the uninfected-untreated and uninfected-verapamil-treated groups. Furthermore, right ventricular dilation was more severe in mice from the infected-untreated group as compared with those in the infected- verapamil-treated group (visual grade 1.9±0.4-vs-1.0±0.2, P<0.05). At necropsy, the extent of myocardial injury, as determined histologically, was significantly greater in the infected-untreated mice. These data provide cardiac structural and functional correlates for the previously observed cardioprotective effects of verapamil in chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy.
Studies of children’s probability learning behavior: VIII. Effect of punishment at two grade levels

Twenty-four fifth graders and 24 second graders participated in a.75:.25 probability learning task under three different punishment conditions—0, 1, and 3 units lost for any incorrect guess. The results indicated that these punishment amounts did not affect second-grade children’s overall response tendencies or strategies. The older children, however, made more A, responses when the amount of punishment was increased from the immediately preceding level. The results were further evidence that older children are more sensitive to the experimental contingencies set up in probability learning tasks.
Case report 787

An unusual case of desmoplastic fibroma of the pelvic bones is presented, showing spontaneous arrest of growth. The tumor showed a marginal sclerosis, a rather rare finding in these lesions and a phenomenon probably related to the tumor's very slow growth in the presented patient.
Alpha fetoprotein determinations in germ cell tumors of testis

Alpha fetoprotein was demonstrated in 15 of 115 patients with histologically proved germinal testicular neoplasms. Alpha fetoprotein was detected in patients only with embryonal carcinoma and teratocarcinoma; determinations were negative in all cases of pure seminoma, teratoma, and choriocarcinoma. Of 15 patients having detectable alpha fetoprotein, 14 had Stage III disease and one had Stage II disease. When alpha fetoprotein is present, it usually heralds progression of the disease and therefore may serve as a valuable biologic marker to monitor response to therapy.
Better extensibility through modular syntax

We explore how to make the benefits of modularity available for syntactic specifications and present Rats!, a parser generator for Java that supports easily extensible syntax. Our parser generator builds on recent research on parsing expression grammars (PEGs), which, by being closed under composition, prioritizing choices, supporting unlimited lookahead, and integrating lexing and parsing, offer an attractive alternative to context-free grammars. PEGs are implemented by so-called packrat parsers, which are recursive descent parsers that memoize all intermediate results (hence their name). Memoization ensures linear-time performance in the presence of unlimited lookahead, but also results in an essentially lazy, functional parsing technique. In this paper, we explore how to leverage PEGs and packrat parsers as the foundation for extensible syntax. In particular, we show how make packrat parsing more widely applicable by implementing this lazy, functional technique in a strict, imperative language, while also generating better performing parsers through aggressive optimizations. Next, we develop a module system for organizing, modifying, and composing large-scale syntactic specifications. Finally, we describe a new technique for managing (global) parsing state in functional parsers. Our experimental evaluation demonstrates that the resulting parser generator succeeds at providing extensible syntax. In particular, Rats! enables other grammar writers to realize real-world language extensions in little time and code, and it generates parsers that consistently out-perform parsers created by two GLR parser generators.