cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of physiologic aqueous solutions on the perovskite material lead-lanthanum-zirconium titanate (PLZT): potential retinotoxicity.

Context: Perovskite compounds, including lead-lanthanum-zirconium titanate (PLZT), have wide technological application because of their unique physical properties. The use of PLZT in neuro-prosthetic systems, such as retinal implants, has been discussed in a number of publications. Since inorganic lead is a retinotoxic compound that produces retinal degeneration, the long-term stability of PLZT in aqueous biological solutions must be determined.Objective: We evaluated the stability and effects of prolonged immersion of a PLZT-coated crystal in a buffered balanced salt solution.Materials and methods: Scanning Electron Microscopy and Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) using a JEOL JSM 5410 microscope equipped with EDS were utilized to evaluate the samples before and after prolonged immersion.Results: We found that lead and other constituents of PLZT leached into the surrounding aqueous medium.Discussion: By comparing the unit cell of PLZT with that of CaTiO3, which has been found to react with aqueous f...
IMMORTAL INTERCONNECTS— PREVENT CRACKING AND LIMIT VOID SIZE

This paper considers an aluminum line in a multilevel interconnect structure. Upon cooling from the processing temperature, differential thermal contraction causes a triaxial tensile stress state in the aluminum line; voids may initiate and grow to relax the stress. When a direct voltage is applied, the electric current causes aluminum atoms to diffuse. The interconnect will evolve to a state with a high pressure at the anode, and a large void at the cathode. The pressure may crack the surrounding insulator or debond an interface, extruding aluminum. The void may uncover the via contact area, substantially increasing electrical resistance. Provided neither failure mode occurs, aluminum electromigration will stop and the interconnect will function forever. This paper examines the conditions under which the interconnect is immortal.
On a class of Bayesian nonparametric estimates: II. Hazard rate estimates

The Bayes estimation of hazard rates for a family of multiplicative point processes is considered. We study the model for which a hazard rate can be linearly parametrized by a freely varied measure. The weighted gamma process is assumed to be the prior distribution of this measure; the posterior distributions and the posterior means are given in explicit forms. Examples of the evaluation of posterior means are given.
Radiative properties of an electrically-vaporized thin film plasma in an external magnetic field

Abstract An external magnetic field of a few kilogauss is used to alter significantly the radiative properties of the plasmas generated by the capacitive discharge vaporization ofthin Ag films. The magnetic field is generated by the plasma current in a large inductor surrounding the plasma. The magnetic field is oriented normal to the electric field in the plasma. This generates a drift motion of the plasma normal to the plane established by the electric and magnetic field vectors. The drift motion can direct the plasma toward the plastic substrate on which the Ag film and a powder or solution residue sample were originally located. This increases the plasma-sample interaction. Time integrated, spatially resolved photographic spectra and spatially resolved photoelectric radiation profiles show that with the magnetic field, the continuum background radiation is confined to a relatively small region near the substrate surface. This results in significantly larger analyte line-to-background intensity ratios in the region 1–2 cm above the substrate surface.
Exact Probabilities for First-Order and Second-Order Interactions In 2 X 2 X 2 Contingency Tables

A FORTRAN program to calculate exact probabilities for first- and second-order interactions in 2 x 2 x 2 contingency tables with fixed marginals is presented. Computational speed and accuracy are ensured with the use of an arbitrary constant for the initial table and recursively defined values for all subsequent tables.
Methyl Bromide Recovery on Activated Carbon with Repeated Adsorption and Electrothermal Regeneration

Methyl bromide is commonly used as a postharvest fumigant. Because it has been identified as an ozone-depleting substance, production of methyl bromide has been targeted for phaseout. Methyl bromide readily adsorbs onto activated carbon. In situ carbon regeneration is being investigated as a means of decreasing the expense of methyl bromide recovery. Heating by passing an electrical current through an adsorbent bed is an efficient means of regenerating carbon and can be performed in the same vessel in which adsorption occurs. Carbon adsorbs roughly 10% of its weight in methyl bromide and can be repeatedly regenerated using electrothermal desorption. Methyl bromide desorbed in this manner is easily condensed at moderate temperatures. Carbon was submitted to 12 adsorption/regeneration cycles and then compared with virgin samples in terms of adsorption equilibria and adsorption rate. The regenerated carbon experienced no loss of mass and exhibited nearly the same capacity as the fresh samples.
Providing a critical service today for tomorrow's consumers: A relational model of customer evaluations and responses in the child care industry

Abstract Based on data collected in the important and rapidly expanding child care services industry, this study develops and tests a model that examines the relationships among customers’ evaluations of service performance dimensions, their satisfaction with and trust in the organization, as well as their word-of-mouth intentions and also investigates the role of social status in the proposed relationships. The results show that non-interpersonal (i.e., hard) service quality attributes have a greater impact on customer satisfaction while interpersonal (i.e., soft) service quality attributes have more influence on trust. Word-of-mouth intentions are primarily driven by trust and the hard dimension of service performance. Social status is shown to act as a moderator of many of the relationships in the model. The findings of the study offer important implications for providers of child care and other consumer services that are high in credence qualities.
STUDIES IN SYNERGY : THE SYNERGIC ACTION OF STAPHYLOTOXIN AND BEEF LENS EXTRACT IN RABBITS.

The degree of immunization and sensitization of rabbits following injections of beef lens is markedly increased when the animals are under the influence of staphylotoxin. Since the effect of the latter is exerted when the two substances are introduced separately into the same tissues with several hours elapsing between injections, or into different veins, it appears that an intimate association of them is unnecessary. A stimulating action of the toxin on the antibody-forming cells is a more probable explanation of the phenomena observed. Animals actively immune to staphylotoxin fail to show any synergic effect of this toxin when introduced with beef lens. Neutralization of the toxin in vitro, on the other hand, fails to eliminate this stimulating effect.
Structure-function relations and rigidity percolation in the shear properties of articular cartilage.

Among mammalian soft tissues, articular cartilage is particularly interesting because it can endure a lifetime of daily mechanical loading despite having minimal regenerative capacity. This remarkable resilience may be due to the depth-dependent mechanical properties, which have been shown to localize strain and energy dissipation. This paradigm proposes that these properties arise from the depth-dependent collagen fiber orientation. Nevertheless, this structure-function relationship has not yet been quantified. Here, we use confocal elastography, quantitative polarized light microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared imaging to make same-sample measurements of the depth-dependent shear modulus, collagen fiber organization, and extracellular matrix concentration in neonatal bovine articular cartilage. We find weak correlations between the shear modulus |G∗| and both the collagen fiber orientation and polarization. We find a much stronger correlation between |G∗| and the concentration of collagen fibers. Interestingly, very small changes in collagen volume fraction vc lead to orders-of-magnitude changes in the modulus with |G∗| scaling as (vc – v0)ξ. Such dependencies are observed in the rheology of other biopolymer networks whose structure exhibits rigidity percolation phase transitions. Along these lines, we propose that the collagen network in articular cartilage is near a percolation threshold that gives rise to these large mechanical variations and localization of strain at the tissue’s surface.
Determining approximate age of digital images using sensor defects

The goal of temporal forensics is to establish temporal relationship among two or more pieces of evidence. In this paper, we focus on digital images and describe a method using which an analyst can estimate the acquisition time of an image given a set of other images from the same camera whose time ordering is known. This is achieved by first estimating the parameters of pixel defects, including their onsets, and then detecting their presence in the image under investigation. Both estimators are constructed using the maximum-likelihood principle. The accuracy and limitations of this approach are illustrated on experiments with three cameras. Forensic and law-enforcement analysts are expected to benefit from this technique in situations when the temporal data stored in the EXIF header is lost due to processing or editing images off-line or when the header cannot be trusted. Reliable methods for establishing temporal order between individual pieces of evidence can help reveal deception attempts of an adversary or a criminal. The causal relationship may also provide information about the whereabouts of the photographer.
Morphology of the Near-Terminator Martian Ionosphere: A Comparison of Models and Data

[1] We have constructed low and high solar activity models of the Martian thermosphere/ionosphere for solar zenith angles from 60 to 90° in 5 degree increments. The solar fluxes that we have adopted are those from the Solar 2000 v2.22 models of Tobiska (2004), without enhancements of the soft X-ray fluxes. The background neutral density and temperature profiles are similar to those that we have recently presented (Fox, 2004). We compute the density profiles for 14 ions and nine neutral species. For all the models, we present altitude profiles of the photoionization rates, electron impact ionization rates, total ion production rates, and the predicted electron density profiles. Each model exhibits both an F1 peak and an E peak, although the latter usually appears as a shoulder, rather than as a separate peak. The altitudes of the model peaks are found to be slightly too high. We fit the model peak densities to the equation nmax,χi = A(cos χ)k, where, for an ideal Chapman layer, A is the value of the subsolar peak density, nmax,0i, and the exponent k is 0.5. We compare the behavior of the model electron density profiles to that of a theoretical Chapman layer and to the values of A and k obtained by fitting the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) radio science electron density profiles for occultation seasons 1, 2, and 4. We also compare our results to those of previous investigators who have analyzed data from earlier Mars missions and those from MGS and from the Mars Express spacecraft. We find that our model best fit values of k for the F1 peak and those derived from the MGS data are less than the Chapman value of 0.5. We note, however, that the use of spherical geometry alone reduces the value of k below the Chapman value for large solar zenith angles, but the deviation from the experimental values also indicates that there are changes in the neutral atmosphere as the terminator is approached. Our peak densities and predicted subsolar peak densities for both the F1 and E peaks are somewhat smaller than those derived from the data. This is attributed to the use of the S2K v2.22 solar flux models, rather than the S2K v1.24 models or those from Hinteregger (1981). We also evaluate the neutral, ion, and plasma pressure scale heights at the peaks, 33 km above the peaks and at 250 km for all the models. We find that the solar activity variation of our peak densities are in substantial agreement with those determined by other investigators. We argue that the peaks near 90° solar zenith angle are above the photochemical equilibrium region and fitting these peaks to a Chapman profile is therefore inappropriate.
Cardiac norepinephrine releasing action of kynuramine, an endogenous diamine derived from L-trytophan

Abstract Kynuramine, an endogenous metabolite of L-tryptophan, was found to function as an indirectly acting sympathomimetic amine in rat atria in vitro . Kynuramine released tritium from atria preloaded with [3H]norepinephrine (NE), an effect which was blocked completely by pretreatment with reserpine or 6-hydroxydopamine. Release by kynuramine was calcium-independent and was potentiated by inhibition of monoamine oxidase but was only partially sensitive (50%) to inhibition by cocaine (10−4M). The ability of kynuramine to enter cardiac cells was demonstrated in whole atria by measuring its intracellular deamination rate by monoamine oxidase. Blockade of neuronal uptake (cocaine) and extraneuronal uptake (SKF 550) had no effect upon this measure. It is concluded that kynuramine releases cardiac NE, in part, by a cocaine-sensitive mechanism but that the process operating for the membrane transport of kynuramine in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells remains uncertain. The data are discussed in relation to the possible cardiac consequences of L-tryptophan ingestion in man.
Observer theory for lumping analysis of monomolecular reaction systems

A new approach for the lumping analysis of reversible and/or irreversible monomolecular reaction systems (MRS) with constant or time-dependent rate coefficients in discrete and continuous mixtures is presented. The observer theory initiated by Luenberger is proposed and extended to obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions of exact and approximate lumping of such systems. Examples are given to illustrate the implications of lumping and to demonstrate the generality and promising aspects of the observer approach. It is shown that this theory is a unifying method for the lumping analysis of MRS. New insights on lumping analysis are discussed.
Orchestrating reality through a cinema of relation: Interview with Agostino Ferrente

ABSTRACTAgostino Ferrente's documentary, L'Orchestra di Piazza Vittorio/The Orchestra of Piazza Vittorio (2006), about the formation of a multiethnic music band in Rome, has enjoyed substantial attention since it was first released. In Italy the film received the prestigious Nastro d'Argento/Silver Ribbon and the Globo d'Oro/Golden Globe for Best Documentary in 2007. In this interview Ferrente discusses his beginnings, his stylistic influences and his insights on documentary film-making in Italy. He credits directors Vittorio De Seta and Alberto Grifi, along with Joris Ivens and Henri Storck's Misere au Borinage/Poverty in Borinage (1934), as instrumental in his ‘cinema of relation’. The interview concentrates on the interwoven relationship between the making of the film L'Orchestra di Piazza Vittorio and of the musical group itself. Finally, Ferrente reflects on the difficulties faced by documentary film-makers in Italy and on the experience of the Apollo 11 cultural association that helped fund his proj...
Children's plans for joining play: An analysis of structure and function

An analysis of children's strategies for joining playmates' activities reveals age- and sex-linked differences in affiliative planning. Differential rates of development in the structure of entry strategies are reported.
Health-Related Internet Use in Older Primary Care Patients

Background: Adults aged 65 years and older stand to benefit from the accumulating wealth of Internet-based health resources, including online interventions to assist in the self-man
Semantics-Based Automated Service Discovery

A vast majority of web services exist without explicit associated semantic descriptions. As a result many services that are relevant to a specific user service request may not be considered during service discovery. In this paper, we address the issue of web service discovery given nonexplicit service description semantics that match a specific service request. Our approach to semantic-based web service discovery involves semantic-based service categorization and semantic enhancement of the service request. We propose a solution for achieving functional level service categorization based on an ontology framework. Additionally, we utilize clustering for accurately classifying the web services based on service functionality. The semantic-based categorization is performed offline at the universal description discovery and integration (UDDI). The semantic enhancement of the service request achieves a better matching with relevant services. The service request enhancement involves expansion of additional terms (retrieved from ontology) that are deemed relevant for the requested functionality. An efficient matching of the enhanced service request with the retrieved service descriptions is achieved utilizing Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI). Our experimental results validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed approach.
Bis(dithiolene)molybdenum analogues relevant to the DMSO reductase enzyme family: synthesis, structures, and oxygen atom transfer reactions and kinetics.

A series of dithiolene complexes of the general type [MoIV(QR‘)(S2C2Me2)2]1- has been prepared and structurally characterized as possible structural and reactivity analogues of reduced sites of the...
Objects, Words, and Bodies in Space: Bringing Materiality into Cultural Analysis

What can actor-network theory’s approach to analyzing objects offer to cultural sociology? To answer this question we ask a more specific one: How does materiality affect people’s experience of art in a museum exhibition? Research at two museums suggests that non-human agents—object and words—interact with human bodies to choreograph the art encounter. This process works through interactions between two processes of emplacement: physical position and cognitive location. Position guides location in the process of meaning-making, a relationship mediated by three mechanisms: distance, legibility, and orientation.
Noninvasive low-frequency ultrasound energy causes vasodilation in humans.

Objectives We evaluated the potential vasodilator effects of transcutaneous low-frequency ultrasound (US) in human brachial arteries. Background Recent data show that transthoracic low-frequency US energy results in canine coronary artery vasodilation. Methods Brachial artery diameters were measured before and after low-frequency US (29 kHz, 1.4 W/cm 2 ) exposure using US imaging with a linear-array transducer. We assessed the time course of diameter changes after US in 20 subjects. In 10 of 20 subjects, brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) was measured to compare the effect of US to a standard method of evaluating endothelial function. Results Significant vasodilation was seen after 2 min of US compared with baseline values. At 5 min of US, the brachial artery diameter increased by 4.1%. In addition, the arteries continued to dilate after US exposure. At 3 min after US there was a 5.4%, and at 5 min after US a 6.0% increase in vessel diameter (p Conclusions This is the first study to demonstrate that noninvasive transcutaneous low-frequency US energy dilates human brachial arteries. This arterial vasodilator effect has a rapid onset (within 2 min), lasts about 20 min, and is similar in magnitude to that of FMD. The vasodilator effect of US may have diagnostic and therapeutic potential in patients with or at risk for vascular disease.
Genetic Analysis of New Sources of Soybean Resistance to Brown Stem Rot

Brown stem rot (BSR) of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], caused by Phialophora gregata (Allington & D.W. Chamb.) W. Gams 1971, is an economically important disease prevalent in soybean producing regions of the north-central United States and Canada. To date, all BSR resistant genes identified are located on chromosome 16 (formerly molecular linkage group J). The objective of this study was to determine if four plant introductions from south-central China identified as BSR resistant have resistance genes mapping to the same location on chromosome 16 as previously mapped BSR resistance genes. The four plant introductions, PI 594637, PI 594638B, PI 594650A, and PI 594858B, were crossed to the BSR-susceptible cultivar ‘Century 84’ to develop four F₂ populations. Each segregating population and the parental lines were screened for BSR resistance in growth chamber conditions. The F₂:₃ individual plants of each population were tested with the simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers Satt431 or Satt547, which map closely to BSR resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosome 16. Associations between molecular data and phenotypic data used to validate QTL were analyzed using single factor ANOVA. Three of the four populations had markers on chromosome 16 significantly associated with BSR resistance with R ² values from 24 to 48%. However, when marker Satt547 was regressed on BSR resistance in population PI 594637 × Century 84, no significant association was observed. This result suggests that PI 594637 could have a new BSR resistance gene. Transgressive segregation also was observed in this population, and highly BSR resistant progeny could be used in the development of BSR resistant cultivars. Additional research and testing in this population will be conducted to identify resistance QTL(s) from this source.
Thallium image of ventricular aneurysm

A case of ventricular aneurysm shown on the thallium image is presented. Radionuclide ventriculography is quite reliable in the detection of the aneurysm, but thallium imaging of the aneurysms has not been described before. Ventricular aneurysm is usually secondary to a myocardial infarct. A thallium uptake shown bulging from a ventricular wall, which has low uptake, may represent a true ventricular aneurysm.
Registration of multimodal 3D cardiac information using the iterative closest point approach

A new implementation of the iterative closest point method for automatic registration is introduced. It is designed to unify three-dimensional models of the coronary artery tree created from biplane angiograms with three-dimensional models of the left ventricular epicardial surface created from perfusion SPECT. The speed and efficacy of the technique is evaluated using simulations and five patient studies. The technique is shown to be fast and quantitatively accurate in the simulations; evaluations of the results in patients are also satisfactory.
Regional patterns of major nonnative invasive plants and associated factors in upper midwest forests

Nonnative invasive plants (IPs) are rapidly spreading into natural ecosystems (e.g., forests and grasslands). Potential threats of IP invasion into natural ecosystems include biodiversity loss, structural and environmental change, habitat degradation, and economic losses. The Upper Midwest of the United States encompasses the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin, a region populated with 46 million people. Concerns of IP threats to the productive timberlands in the region have emerged with rapid expansion of urban areas and associated land cover changes caused by increasing human disturbances. Using the strategic inventory data from the 2005-2006 US Department of Agriculture Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis program and other data such as forestland cover and transportation coverage/layers, we modeled the regional patterns of IPs by using a combination of nonparametric techniques, including classification and regression tree analysis, kernel density smoothing, and bootstrapping. For the Midwest region, a probability map and historical records of human-related introduction of IPs of interest suggests that invasive shrubs, herbs, and grasses were initially introduced into the central (sparsely forested) areas and then spread north and south (densely forested areas), whereas invasive vines spread primarily from the south into other parts of the region. The probability of IPs in densely forested areas (0.1) was one-fifth of that in sparsely forested areas. Shrubs are the predominant IP threat and are distributed across the vast region with the exception of the northern part. Invasive grasses and herbs are most abundant in the central part of the region, and invasive vines are most common in the southern part. Percent forest cover and road proximity (distance to roads) as indicators of anthropogenic disturbances, were the most significant drivers of IP occurrence/abundance. Site factors, including forest productivity and stand biodiversity, were significantly correlated with the occurrence of vines.
Biocatalysis, biodegradation and bioinformatics

Biocatalysis, biodegradation and bioinformatics are prominent scientific fields in industrial microbiology and biotechnology. This paper describes developments in these fields with a focus on the role of David T Gibson as a researcher and mentor. He has pioneered studies on the mechanisms by which aerobic microorganisms transform aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition, his research has served as a model for further investigations into bacterial atrazine and dichloromethane catabolism described here. Microbial catabolism research requires information on organic chemistry, microorganisms, metabolic pathways, catabolic genes, and enzymes. These information needs are now being met more comprehensively by development of the University of Minnesota Biocatalysis/Biodegradation Database.
Surface Treatment on Silicon Field-Emission Cathodes

Arrays and single-tip p-type silicon micro-emitters have been formed using a subtractive tip fabrication technique. Following fabrication, several different surface treatments have been attempted for comparison. We utilized ion and electron bombardment at elevated pressures (with interrupted pumping), and also hydrogen seasoning during field emission operation. The objectives of these treatments include stabilization of the emission, lowering the effective workfunction, and reducing low-frequency noise. The tips were evaluated using I-V measurements in the diode configuration. A flat Si anode, spaced nominally 6 μm and 150 μm from the cathode, was used. For the purpose of treatment, the field emission characteristics are measured in a high vacuum chamber at a pressure range between 10−5 and 10−8 Torr. The results suggest that the emitters benefit from seasoning or conditioning, for optimal performance, low noise, minimum work function and maximum reproducibility and reliability over the lifetime of the cathode.
Lobomycosis in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida: Estimation of Prevalence, Temporal Trends, and Spatial Distribution

Lobomycosis (lacaziosis) is a chronic fungal disease of the skin that affects only dolphins and humans. Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of lobomycosis in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida (IRL). We studied the occurrence and distribution of lobomycosis in the IRL using photo-identification survey data collected between 1996 and 2006. Our objectives were to (1) determine the sensitivity and specificity of photo-identification for diagnosis of lobomycosis in free-ranging dolphins; (2) determine the spatial distribution of lobomycosis in the IRL; and (3) assess temporal patterns of occurrence. Photographs from 704 distinctly marked dolphins were reviewed for skin lesions compatible with lobomycosis. The presumptive diagnosis was validated by comparing the results of photographic analysis with physical examination and histologic examination of lesion biopsies in 102 dolphins captured and released during a health assessment and 3 stranded dolphins. Twelve of 16 confirmed cases were identified previously by photography, a sensitivity of 75%. Among 89 dolphins without disease, all 89 were considered negative, a specificity of 100%. The prevalence of lobomycosis estimated from photographic data was 6.8% (48/704). Spatial distribution was determined by dividing the IRL into six segments based on hydrodynamics and geographic features. The prevalence ranged from <1% in the Mosquito Lagoon to 16.9% in the south Indian River. The incidence of the disease did not increase during the study period, indicating that the disease is endemic, rather than emerging. In summary, photo-identification is a useful tool to monitor the course of individual and population health for this enigmatic disease.
TOPS: television object promoting system

In this short paper, we propose the Television Object Promoting system (TOPS), a What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) user interface and user experience designed for users to interact with objects in TV programs. Using TOPS while watching TV, consumers can acquire informa-tion about objects appearing in TV programs, such as mer-chandise, people, and scenic spots. Moreover, consumers can purchase merchandise directly, or can obtain services or items related to those objects. Besides, vendors are able to provide detail and selling information about the objects. The Television Object Promoting system (TOPS) offers not only convenience to consumers, but also new marketing methods to vendors. The paper also discusses the features, design, and implementation of TOPS.
Nasal Mucosal Cell Alterations in HIV-Infected Patients

Patients with HIV infection often have nasopharyngeal symptoms related to inflammatory or infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract. In this study, we examined specific nasal mucosal cytologic alterations in adult patients with HIV infection for associations with nasopharyngeal symptoms and other clinical parameters. Mucosal cytology was obtained in 62 patients from an urban HIV clinic using a plastic curettelike probe. The quantities of goblet cells, vacuolated cells, and leukocytes were determined and analyzed for associations with various clinical aspects of these patients and specifically with the presence or absence of prolonged (> 2-week duration) nasopharyngeal symptoms. Goblet cell, but not vacuolated cell, increases were observed in samples in which nasal eosinophilia was present and in samples obtained from April to October without specific associations with nasopharyngeal symptoms or histories of atopic disease. A history of allergic rhinitis or recent upper respiratory infection was significantly associated with increased proportions and total numbers of epithelial cells that showed vacuolization. In patients with prolonged nasopharyngeal symptoms, significantly higher numbers of nasal leukocytes were observed but higher proportions of vacuolated cells were not. Scores of tests for abnormal physical findings in the nose were higher for patients with prolonged nasopharyngeal symptoms than for those without. Peripheral blood CD4 concentrations, gender, nasal substance abuse history, and other comorbidities did not influence either vacuolated cell or goblet cell quantities. These data show that prolonged nasopharyngeal symptoms in HIV infection are associated with a certain nasal cellular pattern. It is conceivable that this pattern relates to recurrent or prolonged nasal inflammation secondary to upper respiratory infection.
A semi-empirical model for the complete orientation dependence of the growth rate for vapor phase epitaxy - Chloride VPE of GaAs

A semi-empirical model has been developed to determine the complete crystallographic orientation dependence of the growth rate for vapor phase epitaxy (VPE). Previous researchers have been able to determine this dependence for a limited range of orientations; however, our model yields relative growth rate information for any orientation. This model for diamond and zincblende structure materials is based on experimental growth rate data, gas phase diffusion, and surface reactions. Data for GaAs chloride VPE is used to illustrate the model. The resulting growth rate polar diagrams are used in conjunction with Wulff constructions to simulate epitaxial layer shapes as grown on patterned substrates. In general, this model can be applied to a variety of materials and vapor phase epitaxy systems.
Bernoulli serial lines with deteriorating product quality: performance evaluation and system-theoretic properties

Manufacturing systems with perishable products are widely seen in practice (e.g. food, metal processing, etc.). In such systems, the quality of a part is highly dependent on its residence time within the system. However, the behaviour and properties of these systems have not been studied systematically and, therefore, it is carried out in this paper. Specifically, we assume that the probability that each unfinished part is of good quality is a decreasing function of its residence time in the preceding buffer. Then, in the framework of serial production lines with machines having Bernoulli reliability model, we derive closed-form formulas for performance evaluation in the two-machine line case, and develop an aggregation-based procedure to approximate the performance measures in -machine lines. In addition, we study monotonicity properties of these production lines using numerical experiments. A case study in an automotive stamping plant is described to illustrate the theoretical results obtained.
Modulation of [3H]Paroxetine Binding to the 5‐Hydroxytryptamine Uptake Site in an Animal Model of Depression

The effects of learned helplessness on the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake site were studied in rats using [3H]paroxetine binding. This ligand was chosen because it was demonstrated to label directly the 5-HT uptake site whereas the [3H]imipramine binding site has been demonstrated to be heterogeneous in nature. Moreover, [3H]imipramine appears to bind to a presynaptic recognition site different from the uptake site. Exposure to uncontrollable shock training and testing resulted in an overall increase in [3H]paroxetine binding in all the groups studied [nonhelpless (NLH), learned helpless (LH), spontaneously helpless (SPLH)] as compared to naive controls (NC). However, the increase in [3H]paroxetine binding was significantly higher in the LH and SPLH groups. The maximum number of [3H]paroxetine binding sites in the rat hippocampus was increased significantly in learned helpless rats (LH and SPLH) at day 4 and day 30 after the shock escape test as compared to NC and NLH rats. By contrast, in the rat hypothalamus the maximum number of [3H]paroxetine binding sites was reduced significantly in the LH rats as compared to naive controls and NLH rats during the same time course. There was no change in [3H]paroxetine binding sites in any other brain regions examined in LH, NLH, and NC rats. The results suggest that a hippocampal hypothalamic connection might play a role in the serotonergic mediation of learned helpless behavior.
C−(Halide) Oxidative Addition Routes to Ruthenium Carbenes

Ru(H)2(H2)2L2 (L = PCy3) reacts with CHRCl2 (R = H, Ph) to give Ru(CHR)Cl2L2 and H2. Using Cl2CCH2 as the gem-dihalide gives Ru(CHCH3)Cl2L2, due to hydrogenation of the CC bond of the presumed vinylidene primary product by released H2. Released H2 also reacts with Ru(CHR)Cl2L2 (R = H, Ph) to give H3CR, HCl and RuHCl(H2)L2. This undesirability of H2 as a coproduct can be diminished by using Ru(H)2(N2)2L2 as the reagent, giving Ru(CHR)Cl2L2 and 1H2 and 2N2 as products. Reaction of Ru(H)2(N2)2L2 with Cl2CHEt gives RuCl2(CHEt)L2 and RuHCl(N2)L2, the latter apparently by competitive β-H migration from an intermediate RuHCl(CHClEt)L2 species. When Ru(H)2(N2)2L2 is reacted with the monochloride PhCH2Cl, the primary product RuCl(CH2Ph)(H2)L2 slowly (hours) evolves further to give RuHCl(N2)L2 and PhCH3. Reaction of Ru(H)2(N2)2L2 with C6F6, BrHCCHPh, and CH3I give RuHX(N2)L2 (X = F, Br, I, respectively). The N2 ligand in RuHCl(N2)L2 can be displaced by H2 and by CO, while H2 converts RuHF(N2)L2 to Ru(H)2(H2)2L2 and HF.
Flood hydrology and geomorphic effectiveness in the central Appalachians

This paper compares hydrologic records and geomorphic effects of several historic floods in the central Appalachian region of the eastern United States. The most recent of these, occurring in November 1985, was the largest ever recorded in West Virginia, with peak discharges exceeding the estimated 500-year discharge at eight of eleven stations in the South Branch Potomac River and Cheat River basins. Geomorphic effects on valley floors included some of the most severe and widespread floodplain erosion ever documented and exceeded anything seen in previous floods, even though comparable or greater rainfall and unit discharge have been observed several times in the region over the past 50 years. Comparison of discharge-drainage area plots suggests that the intensity and spatial scale of the November 1985 flood were optimal for erosion of valley floors along the three forks of the South Branch Potomac River. However, when a larger geographic area is considered, rainfall totals and discharge-drainage area relationships are insufficient predictors of geomorphic effectiveness for valley floors at drainage areas of 250 to 2500 km2. Unit stream power was calculated for the largest recorded flood discharge at 46 stations in the central Appalachians. Maximum values of unit stream power are developed in bedrock canyons, where the boundaries are resistant to erosion and the flow cross-section cannot adjust its width to accommodate extreme discharges. The largest value was 2570 W m−2; record discharge at most stations was associated with unit stream power values less than 300 W m−2, but more stations exceeded this value in the November 1985 flood than in the other floods that were analysed. Unit stream power at indirect discharge measurement sites near areas experiencing severe erosion in this and other central Appalachian floods generally exceeded 300 W m−2; reach-average values of 200-500 W m−2 were calculated for valleys where erosion damage was most widespread. Despite these general trends, unit stream power is not a reliable predictor of geomorphic change for individual sites. Improved understanding of flood impacts will require more detailed investigation of interactions between local site characteristics and patterns of flood flow over the valley floor.
Tension and bending stress concentration factors in ‘U’, ‘V’, and opposed ‘U’–‘V’ notches

AbstractAn analytical and experimental study has been performed to determine the tension and bending stress concentration factors as a function of notch depth for ‘U'—‘V’, and opposed ‘U'—‘V’ notches. Accurate results are produced using quadrilateral finite elements where the edge-lengths in the notch region are less than 10 percent of the notch radius, and using strain gauges where the active gauge length is less than 1/3 the notch radius. Results are presented for single ‘U’ and ‘V’ notches that are outside the range of previously published studies. A detailed stress analysis of a single notched specimen revealed the presence of a tension stress concentration factor (Kt > 1) and a bending stress reduction factor (Kb < 1) on the un-notched side of the bar directly opposite the notch. An approximate method of determining stress concentration factors for opposed ‘U'—‘V’ notch geometries is presented.
Development of quaternary Fe-based bulk metallic glasses

Abstract Fe-based bulk metallic glasses have been designed using several modeling criteria. Quaternary alloys were successfully developed in the Fe-rich compositional region where the only solutes used were Cr, Nb, and B. Furthermore, the exceedingly high level of Fe, exceeding 75 wt.% in some alloys, makes this series of alloys, compositionally very close to conventional steel alloys. Therefore, their production using conventional facilities and materials is more easily attainable than previously developed bulk metallic glasses. The modeling criteria used, simultaneously analyzes the thermodynamics and kinetics of the vitrification behavior in a potential glass-forming alloy. A liquidus model, which determines and ranks the presence of deep eutectics, is used to determine the optimal compositional region. This criterion is cross-checked with an elastic strain model. Alloys compositionally located near a deep eutectic, while simultaneously containing a topology that induces significant elastic strain in a developing crystalline lattice exhibits experimentally good glass forming ability.
Individual differences and adaptive flexibility in lower-income children's strategy choices

Abstract Lower-income first graders' strategy choices were examined in addition, subtraction, and word identification. In Experiment 1, it was found that the lower-income children, like previously-studied middle-income ones, most often used backup strategies (e.g., finger-counting) on problems where correct answers were unlikely without such strategies. The relation of backup strategy use to problem difficulty did not differ between income groups. Also, within the lower income sample as within the middle income one, three individual difference clusters were found: perfectionists, good students, and not-so-good students. The relation of backup strategy use to problem difficulty was similar for all three groups on all tasks. On standardized achievement tests, good students and perfectionists did not differ, but both scored higher than not-so-good students. In Experiment 2, the same lower income children were presented timed addition tests six months later in second grade. Individual differences were found to be quite stable longitudinally. Accuracy of backup strategies in Experiment 1 predicted frequency and accuracy of retrieval in Experiment 2. Children exercised the option to skip items predominantly on problems for which neither retrieval nor backup strategies were likely to yield a correct answer. The results indicate that in domains in which they have experience, lower income children, even lower-income not-so-good students, choose strategies adaptively.
RNA binding protein RBMS3 is expressed in activated hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis and increases expression of transcription factor Prx1

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are mesenchymal cells of the liver, activation of which is responsible for excessive synthesis of extracellular matrix, including type I collagen, and development of liver fibrosis. The activation of HSCs is driven by transcription factors and pair-related homeobox transcription factor Prx1 was identified as one of the transcription factors involved in this process, because transcription of collagen alpha1(I) gene is stimulated by Prx1 in HSCs and in the liver. Here, we show that expression of the RNA-binding protein RBMS3 is upregulated in the activation of HSCs and fibrotic livers. Immunoprecipitation followed by differential display identified Prx1 mRNA as one of the mRNAs interacting with RBMS3. The RBMS3 sequence-specific binding site was mapped to 60 nt located 1946 nt 3' of the stop codon of Prx1 mRNA. Ectopic expression of RBMS3 in quiescent HSCs, which express trace amounts of type I collagen, increased expression of Prx1 mRNA and collagen alpha1(I) mRNA. Expression of reporter Prx1 mRNA containing the RBMS3 binding site was higher than the mRNA lacking this site. Over-expression of RBMS3 further increased the steady-state level of the reporter mRNA-containing RBMS3 binding site, but had no effect on the mRNA lacking this site. Binding of RBMS3 to the Prx1 3' UTR increased the half-life of this mRNA, resulting in increased protein synthesis. These results suggest that RBMS3, by binding Prx1 mRNA in a sequence-specific manner, controls Prx1 expression and indirectly collagen synthesis. This is the first description of the function of RBMS3, as a key regulator of profibrotic potential of HSCs, representing a novel mechanism by which activated HSCs contribute to liver fibrosis.
Some characteristics of a new isolate of Helicosporidium and its effect upon mosquitoes.

Abstract A Helicosporidium sp. was isolated by feeding spores concentrated by continuous flow centrifugation from ditch water to starved Heliothis zea larvae. This Helicosporidium sp was infectious to Anopheles quadrimaculatus, Culex salinarius, and Aedes aegypti with IC50's of 4.4 × 102, 2.6 × 104, and 2.4 × 104 spores/ml, respectively. Larval mortality was dosage dependent with LC50 values 72 hr postexposure of 6.8 × 104 for An. quadrimaculatus, 9.4 × 103 for Cx. salinarius, and 1.5 × 105 for Ae. aegypti. The spores of this Helicosporidium were also tolerant of freezing and desiccation. Because of these traits and the melanization response they provoked in host tissues, this is probably not naturally a mosquito pathogen and is most likely from a terrestrial insect.
Tax avoidance, corporate transparency, and firm value

Tax avoidance that reduces transfers from shareholders to the government is traditionally viewed as value enhancing to shareholders. The agency perspective of tax avoidance, however, suggests that opportunistic managers may exploit the obfuscatory nature of tax avoidance to mask rent extraction. To shed light on these conflicting views, I use a self-constructed opacity index and multiple measures of tax avoidance to examine how corporate transparency relates to tax avoidance. I find that transparent firms, which potentially have less severe agency problems, avoid more tax relative to their opaque counterparts. This result suggests that managers engage in tax avoidance transactions mainly to enhance shareholder wealth. Further, I find that investors place a value premium on tax avoidance, but the premium decreases with corporate opacity. This is consistent with the notion that corporate transparency facilitates the monitoring of managerial actions and thus alleviates outside investors’ concern about the hidden agency costs associated with tax avoidance.
The overall effectiveness of prophylaxis in severe haemophilia

The aim of this retrospective review was to assess the overall effectiveness of prophylaxis when compared with on-demand treatment of haemophilic patients. Twenty-five children (22 with severe haemophilia A and three with severe haemophilia B) were evaluated. Five haemophilia A patients received primary prophylaxis (instituted before the onset of any joint bleed) while the other 17 haemophilia A and all three haemophilia B patients were on secondary prophylaxis. We compared factor usage, number of bleeding episodes, emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalizations while on prophylaxis to those while on demand therapy. All subjects were male, the median age at time of review was 11.4 years and at start of prophylaxis was 4.5 years. Thirteen of the 25 patients (52%) required indwelling venous catheters for access, seven of these had one or more (one-six) episodes of line sepsis. Haemophilia A patients received an average of 23.8 U kg(-1) (20-30 U kg(-1)) of recombinant factor VIII three times a week while haemophilia B patients received 50 U kg(-1) recombinant FIX twice weekly. There was a significant reduction in the mean number of major bleeds on prophylaxis from 15.5 to 1.9 per year and a significant decrease in target joints, ER visits and hospitalizations. Although factor usage per year was higher on prophylaxis, there was an overall reduction in number of bleeds and resultant decrease in hospitalizations and ER visits. By preventing new target joints, prophylaxis can lead to reduction in long-term morbidity and a better quality of life despite increased central lines and higher factor usage.