cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polyurethanes from soybean oil, aromatic, and cycloaliphatic diamines by nonisocyanate route

Polyurethanes were prepared via a nonisocyanate route, by reacting carbonated soybean oil (CSBO) with aromatic and cycloaliphatic diamines. Nonisocyanate polyurethanes prepared form CSBO and aliphatic diamines have relatively low tensile strength and one of the possible ways to increase strength and rigidity is to use diamines with rigid aromatic or cyclic structure. The effect of amine structure and amine to carbonate ratio on polyurethane structure and mechanical, physical, and swelling properties was stud- ied. m-xylylene diamine (m-XDA), p-xylylene diamine (p-XDA), and isophorone diamine were used as the reactants, with amine to carbonate ratios of 0.5 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1 : 2. All amines produced elastomeric polyurethanes with glass transitions between � 6 � C and 26 � C, as measured by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Tg was primarily controlled by the amine-to-cyclic carbonate ratio, and to a lesser extent by the amine structure. The highest tensile strength was obtained for p-XDA and the lowest for m-XDA as a result of differences in hydrogen bonding. Tensile strength and hardness were higher than in aliphatic diamine-based polyurethanes. Swelling in toluene and water depended on the polarity of polyurethane networks that was dominantly controlled by the amine-to- cyclic carbonate ratio. Swelling in toluene was higher at the lower amine to carbonate ratio due to lower polarity of the polyurethane matrix. Swelling in water behaved quite the opposite, the degree of swelling for the more polar polyurethane matrix was higher. Reac- tion temperatures of 70-100 � C were high enough to promote ester group cleavage and along with urethanes, amide formation was always present. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 000: 000-000, 2012
Moth Fauna of Biguemdo Island in Korea

This study was conducted to investigate the moth fauna of the Bigeum-do Island in 2011. A total of 160 species of 15 families was identified. Noctuidae with 60 species was dominant in the area followed by Geometridae (37 species) and Crambidae (16 species). The most dominant species was a noctuid moth, Euproctis pulverea (126 individuals).
Neonatal multicystic kidney with associated respiratory distress, obstruction of contralateral ureter, and gastric compromise

A case is described of a baby girl born with such a large multicystic kidney that it partially obstructed the contralateral ureter, made feeding impossible due to gastric compression, and caused respiratory distress by thoracic cavity compression. Management of the case is described, and a literature review is presented.
High-Power, Ultralow-Noise Semiconductor External Cavity Lasers Based on Low-Confinement Optical Waveguide Gain Media

For the past several years, we have been developing a new class of high-power, low-noise semiconductor optical gain medium based on the slab-coupled optical waveguide (SCOW) concept. The key characteristics of the SCOW design are (i) large (> 5 x 5 μm), symmetric, fundamental-transverse-mode operation attained through a combination of coupledmode filtering and low index-contrast, (ii) very low optical confinement factor (Γ ~ 0.3-0.5%), and (iii) low excessoptical loss (αi ~ 0.5 cm -1 ). The large transverse mode and low confinement factor enables SCOW lasers (SCOWLs) and amplifiers (SCOWAs) having Watt-class output power. The low confinement factor also dictates that the waveguide length be very large (0.5-1 cm) to achieve useful gain, which provides the benefits of small ohmic and thermal resistance. In this paper, we review the operating principles and performance of the SCOW gain medium, and detail its use in 1550-nm single-frequency SCOW external cavity lasers (SCOWECLs). The SCOWECL consists of a doublepass, curved-channel InGaAlAs quantum-well SCOWA and a narrowband (2.5 GHz) fiber Bragg grating (FBG) external cavity. We investigate the impact of the cavity Q on SCOWECL performance by varying the FBG reflectivity. We show that a bench-top SCOWECL having a FBG reflectivity of R = 10% (R = 20%) has a maximum output power of 450 mW (400 mW), linewidth of 52 kHz (28 kHz), and RIN at 2-MHz offset frequency of -155 dB/Hz (-165 dB/Hz).
Implementation of Vancomycin Monitoring Criteria in a Pediatric Hospital

OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this retrospective study was to determine if implementation of vancomycin monitoring criteria could reduce the number of serum vancomycin concentrations obtained without adversely affecting patient outcomes. BACKGROUND Controversy regarding the correlation between serum vancomycin concentrations and its efficacy and/or toxicity persists. Little evidence has shown a correlation between vancomycin peak concentration (20–40 mg/L) and toxicity. Likewise, there is little information that supports an association between trough (5–15 mg/L) serum concentrations and clinical cure or in vitro killing rates. For these reasons, many question the clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of monitoring serum vancomycin concentrations. METHODS We reviewed medical records of 193 patients (1 d-19 yrs) who received vancomycin during a 2-month period before (Group 1; n = 100) and after (Group 2; n = 93) implementation of vancomycin monitoring criteria. RESULTS There was no difference (P > 0...
The Retinoic Acid and cAMP-dependent Up-regulation of 3-O-Sulfotransferase-1 Leads to a Dramatic Augmentation of Anticoagulantly Active Heparan Sulfate Biosynthesis in F9 Embryonal Carcinoma Cells*

Retinoic acid (RA) and dibutyryl cAMP plus theophilline (CT) trigger F9 cells to differentiate into parietal endoderm. The differentiation induces a 9-fold increase in total heparan sulfate (HStotal) biosynthesis and a 170-fold increase in anticoagulantly active HS (HSact) biosynthesis. Measurement of 3-O-sulfotransferase-1 mRNA and enzymatic activity demonstrated an increase of over 100-fold whereas determination of N-, 2-O, and 6-O-sulfotransferase enzymatic activities showed elevations of 2-, 3.5-, and 3.7-fold, respectively. HSact precursor pool measurements reveal that 30% of control F9 HStotalcan be converted into HSact while only an additional 10% of RACT F9 HStotal can be transformed into HSact. Disaccharide analysis of metabolic labeled HS indicated that 32% 3-O-sulfate containing disaccharides,i.e. GlcA-anManR3S and GlcA-anManR3S6S, are present in HSact and 68% GlcA-anManR3S and GlcA-anManR3S6S are found in anticoagulantly inactive HS (HSinact). By using adenosine 3′-phosphate 5′-phosphosulfate and purified 3-O-sulfotransferase-1, 30% of 3-O-sulfation occurs in HSact and 70% of 3-O-sulfation occurs in HSinact. The similar ratio of 3-O-sulfate distribution in HSact versus HSinact suggests that HSactproduction in the F9 system is determined by the abundance of 3-O-sulfotransferase-1 as well as the size of the HSact precursor pool. Extensively 3-O-sulfated HSinact may play an important functional role underin vivo conditions within the murine placenta.
Impact of dynamic loading on backcalculated stiffness of rigid airfield pavements

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the deterioration of Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) slabs throughout trafficking. A full-scale accelerated pavement testing at the National Airport Pavement Test Facility (NAPTF) was conducted on Construction Cycle 6 (CC6) on rigid pavements with low, medium and high flexural strengths on both a concrete and asphalt stabilised base. Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD) testing was conducted on the test sections to backcalculate the stiffness of the layers. The majority of PCC deterioration occurred roughly within the first 1500–2000 passes of trafficking. On average, the MRS-1 (low flexural strength) PCC elastic modulus was found to decrease by 20%, from 5.0–.4 × 106 (34.5–37.2 GPa) to 4.0–4.3 × 106 psi (27.6–29.7 GPa), whereas the PCC elastic modulus of MRS-2 and MRS-3 was found to decrease by 17% and 22%, respectively. However, neither the MRS-2 nor MRS-3 elastic modulus was found to drop below 5.0 × 106 psi (34.5 GPa) after 15,000 passes.
Existentially Closed Torsion-Free Nilpotent Groups of Class Three

We denote by Nj and N' the classes of torsion-free nilpotent groups of nilpotency class at most two and three, respectively. In this paper we show that most of the known results about existentially closed (e.c.) groups in Nj remain true in N3: Up to isomorphism, there exist only countably many countable e.c. groups and they are distinguished by the ranks of their centers. An e.c. group is finitely (infinitely) generic if and only if the center has dimension one (? W). Apart from trivial exceptions, e.c., algebraically closed, and "closed with respect to systems of equations in one unknown" are equivalent. ?
Determination of intact splenic weight based on morcellated weight

Background: Comparisons of splenic size based on splenic weight are difficult after laparoscopic splenectomy, which results in a morcellated specimen. We report the results of a direct comparison between morcellated and intact splenic weights. Methods: Porcine spleens were harvested via a midline laparotomy, and an intact splenic weight was obtained, which served as the control. The spleen then was placed into an impermeable retrieval bag and returned to the peritoneal cavity. A separate 10-mm incision was made and the spleen mechanically morcellated with a uterine forceps. This design most faithfully recreates the morcellation process during laparoscopic splenectomy in humans. The aggregate weight of the fragments was compared with intact splenic weight. Results: Intact and morcellated weights were obtained from 58 porcine spleens. The mean intact splenic weight was 145 g, and the mean morcellated weight was 78 g. For a given morcellated weight achieved at laparoscopic splenectomy, an estimated intact weight can be determined by the following formula: intact weight (g) = morcellated weight (g) × 1.34 + 45. Conclusions: On the basis of our calculations, a normal spleen weighing 150 g would have a mean morcellated weight of 78 g, and splenomegaly (intact spleen weighing 250 g or more) would be defined by a morcellated weight exceeding 153 g.
Evolution of protein lipograms: A bioinformatics problem

A protein lacking one of the 20 common amino acids is a protein lipogram. This open-ended problem-based learning assignment deals with the evolution of proteins with biased amino acid composition. It has students query protein and metabolic databases to test the hypothesis that natural selection has reduced the frequency of each amino acid specifically in the enzymes required for its biosynthesis. Student groups work in parallel on different amino acids and share strategies. Aside from content objectives that integrate knowledge of protein structure, function, synthesis, and evolution, this problem incorporates oral and written presentations, statistical analysis, and substantial decision making. The point of the problem described here is that a deficiency or absence of a particular amino acid in a protein may be more than a chance occurrence and may be driven by natural selection. The challenge is to demonstrate the difference.
Carbon nanofibers with nanoporosity and hollow channels from binary polyacrylonitrile systems

Abstract Carbon nanofibers with new structural features, e.g. nanoporosity, hollow, U-shape cross-section, were generated by utilizing the phase separation behavior of polymer additive with polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The approach involved the formation of precursor fibers by electrospinning of binary mixtures of PAN with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), cellulose acetate (CA) or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), the removal of the polymer and the carbonization of the remaining PAN. The carbon nanofiber yield was ca 50% of PAN in all cases. Nanoporous carbon nanofibers with an average diameter of 100 nm were generated from the water treated PAN/PEO precursors. Multi-channel hollow fibers (90–190 nm diameters) were produced from the acetone treated PAN/CA precursors. Carbon fibers produced from the chloroform treated PAN/PMMA precursors were 250–400 nm in diameters and consisted of varied hollow structures, i.e., hollow and U-shape cross-sections from those containing 30% and 50% PAN, respectively, and multi-channel hollow fibers from the 70/30 PAN/PMMA precursor. Carbonization of equal-mass PAN/PMMA as-spun fibers also produced similarly U-shape cross-sections as the chloroform treated ones, showing promise of direct carbonization. This simple and yet versatile approach to create new structural features in carbonized fibers has shown to depend on the distinct phase separation as well as the pyrolytic behaviors of the second polymer component.
Implications of Negative Tax Plans as Antipoverty Measures in Low-Income Regions

VARIOUS income maintenance plans based upon negative taxation have been proposed as measures to counter poverty [4]. Most peisons are familiar with positive taxes, those taxes based upon adjusted income multiplied by the appropriate tax rate-adjusted income being, of course, total income less exemptions and standard deductions. A negative tax would be based upon the same formula, but it would apply only when adjusted income is less than zero. This means that a negative tax liability would be incurred by the government when exemptions and deductions for a tax unit exceed total income. Using exemptions and standard deductions ($200 plus exemptions times $100), the government would incur a negative tax liability should a family's income fall below $900 for the first exemption plus $700 for each additional exemption. The amount of the transfer payment from the government to the tax unit would depend, not only upon the negative difference between total income and exemptions plus deductions, but also on the tax rate applicable. Thus, a 75-percent negative tax rate would mean that the government's liability would be increased $750 per $1,000 income decrease, or that an individual tax unit could keep $250 of each $1,000 earned income increase if the unit were in a negative tax bracket. The objectives of negative tax plans generally are (a) to treat poverty more effectively, (b) to offer a substitute for present welfare assistance, and (c) to create work incentives. As a result of research on which this paper is based, the plans as presently constructed appear inadequate on all counts.
Monte Carlo simulations of sputter deposition and step coverage of thin films

A combined reactor scale and feature scale Monte Carlo model of sputter deposition has been developed. The model is based on the statistically averaged behavior of a large number of sputtered atoms which undergo gas phase collisions in the physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber and surface interactions within the reactor scale and feature scale domains. The feature scale module is directly coupled with the reactor scale module to predict step coverage at selected locations on the wafer. The simulation results compare favorably with experimental measurements of cross-wafer uniformity and step coverage of PVD Ti films. Application of the integrated model to assist in optimizing PVD processes for high aspect ratio features and tailoring target magnet designs for optimal cross-wafer uniformity is demonstrated.
BCL11B Regulates Epithelial Proliferation and Asymmetric Development of the Mouse Mandibular Incisor

Mouse incisors grow continuously throughout life with enamel deposition uniquely on the outer, or labial, side of the tooth. Asymmetric enamel deposition is due to the presence of enamel-secreting ameloblasts exclusively within the labial epithelium of the incisor. We have previously shown that mice lacking the transcription factor BCL11B/CTIP2 (BCL11B hereafter) exhibit severely disrupted ameloblast formation in the developing incisor. We now report that BCL11B is a key factor controlling epithelial proliferation and overall developmental asymmetry of the mouse incisor: BCL11B is necessary for proliferation of the labial epithelium and development of the epithelial stem cell niche, which gives rise to ameloblasts; conversely, BCL11B suppresses epithelial proliferation, and development of stem cells and ameloblasts on the inner, or lingual, side of the incisor. This bidirectional action of BCL11B in the incisor epithelia appears responsible for the asymmetry of ameloblast localization in developing incisor. Underlying these spatio-specific functions of BCL11B in incisor development is the regulation of a large gene network comprised of genes encoding several members of the FGF and TGFβ superfamilies, Sprouty proteins, and Sonic hedgehog. Our data integrate BCL11B into these pathways during incisor development and reveal the molecular mechanisms that underlie phenotypes of both Bcl11b(-/-) and Sprouty mutant mice.
An assay for transaminase B enzyme activity in Escherichia coli K-12.

Abstract The Friedmann-Haugen assay for keto acids has been modified to allow the quantitative extraction of the hydrazone of a monocarboxylic keto acid from a mixture of hydrazones of mono- and dicarboxylic keto acids. The modification consists of extracting the monocarboxylic keto acid hydrazone into toluene as it is being formed. The extraction is performed in a tube, containing the reactants and toluene, held on a Vortex Mixer for 5 min. Using this assay to determine α-ketoisovaleric acid, the optimum conditions of pH and reactant concentrations for assaying the transaminase B activity in Escherichia coli were determined. The specificity of the assay for transaminase B in the isoleucine valine pathway is confirmed by results obtained with wild-type and mutant strains of Escherichia coli K-12 and Proteus mirabilis .
Statistical Mechanics of Dilute Copper Manganese

The low-temperature specific heat and magnetic susceptibility for dilute concentrations of manganese in copper are studied, using the "statistical model" of Margenau and an expansion of the partition function in a power series of the concentration. An indirect "Ising model" interaction via the conduction electrons is assumed to exist between the magnetic impurities. To find a correction to the statistical model, the two-particle correlation function between impurities is derived in the limit as the temperature approaches zero. It is shown that, in this limit, the system is composed of small clusters of spins that are strongly correlated to each other within a cluster, but various clusters are randomly oriented relative to each other. An impurity within one of these clusters finds itself in an "effective field" arising from the other spins within the cluster and from the random orientation of all spins outside the cluster. This field is a random variable and its probability distribution is easily obtained from the model. The detailed shape of the probability distribution of the field is given for a particular concentration. As the temperature is increased, the internal structure of the clusters is broken up and, at high temperatures, the system exhibits paramagnetic behavior. The theory predicts correctly the experimental low-temperature specific heat and magnetic susceptibility of dilute Cu-Mn.
Continuous ethanol production by yeast immobilized on to channeled alumina beads

Abstract Vertical and near-horizontal (15° angle) packed-bed columns were compared for continuous ethanol fermentation using an alcohol- and glucose-tolerant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain immobilized on to channeled alumina beads (5·0 × 10 9 cells g −1 beads). Spaces between beads (1·0–6·5 mm) and angle (15°) of near-horizontal reactor columns (with six ports in each) efficiently removed CO 2 and increased ethanol productivity. Malt-glucose-yeast-extract broth containing 16·7% glucose at 35°C fed at a dilution rate of 3· h −1 to thw two horizontal columns (in series) yielded maximum ethanol productivity of 40·0 g liter −1 h −1 . Feedstock flow rate and other factors (temperature, pH, nutrients, and glucose levels) affected productivities. The immobilized-cell system showed operational stability for >3 months without plugging, and could be stored for at least one year with no loss of bioreactor performance. Scanning electron micrographs of the beads revealed large numbers of yeast-cells attached on to internal and external surfaces of beads.
Using the QIDS-SR16 to Identify Major Depressive Disorder in Primary Care Medical Patients

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious and prevalent mental health issue. As the majority of MDD cases are identified and treated by one's primary care physician, it is imperative that care providers utilize accurate and efficient methods for diagnosing MDD in primary care settings. The present study is the first to investigate the accuracy of the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report (QIDS-SR(16)) as a screen for MDD. A heterogeneous sample of 155 primary care patients completed the QIDS-SR(16) prior to attending a primary care appointment. Participants were then assessed for psychopathology using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders (SCID) by clinicians who were blind to QIDS-SR(16) scores. Scores on the QIDS-SR(16) were compared to clinician-assessed current and lifetime diagnoses derived from the SCID, which represented the gold-standard criterion measure. Receiver operator characteristic analysis was utilized to determine the optimal QIDS-SR(16) cut score to correctly classify participants based on their MDD status as assessed by the SCID. The test revealed a robust area under the curve (.82, p<0.00001) and suggested that a cut score of 13 or 14 provided the best balance of sensitivity (76.5%) and specificity (81.8%) in this primary care sample. Over 80% of participants were correctly classified. Separate analyses by race were conducted to address the possibility that different cut scores may be more accurate for African American and Caucasians. Findings from the present study provide support for the use of the QIDS-SR(16) as a screening measure for identifying primary care patients who will meet diagnostic criteria for MDD based on clinician assessment.
Cooperative Service Delivery Between a University Clinic and a School System

A cooperative service delivery model was developed between a university clinic and a public school system to evaluate and treat a child with phoneme-specific nasal emission. The youngster was diagn...
Self-reported hepatitis B and C virus infections had low sensitivity among HIV-infected patients

Abstract Objective To determine the validity of self-reported hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in HIV-infected injection drug users (IDUs) vs. nonIDUs. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed among HIV-infected IDUs and nonIDUs in the Penn Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Database. Self-reported past HBV, HCV, and serostatus were obtained from the CFAR Database. Results Among 970 subjects (798 nonIDUs; 172 IDUs), there was no difference in sensitivity of self-reported HBV between nonIDUs (27% [95/346]; 95% CI, 23%–32%) and IDUs (26% [31/117]; 95% CI, 19%–35%; P >0.5), but specificity was greater among nonIDUs (96% [360/374; 95% CI, 94%–98%] vs. 78% [28/36; 95% CI, 61%–90%]; P P =0.02), but there was no difference in specificity (97% [626/643]; 95% CI, 96%–98% for nonIDUs vs. 93% [26/28]; 95% CI, 76%–99%] for IDUs; P =0.2). Conclusions The sensitivity of self-reported HBV and HCV compared to actual serostatus are not sufficiently high enough to warrant their use to estimate the prevalence and incidence of these infections.
Scattering by inhomogeneous nonspherical objects

The extended boundary condition method is applied to 3-D electromagnetic scattering problems involving multilayered dielectric objects. The theoretical formulation is reviewed, and the numerical problems are discussed. Angular scattering calculations have been made for bacteria-like layered prolate spheroids with a nucleus-like inner layer and a membrane-like outer layer. Comparing the results with those obtained for corresponding homogeneous models, it is found that the internal structure results in a significant difference in the angular scattering characteristics. Calculations are also made to study the variation of the scattering, absorption, extinction, and backscattering cross sections of an oblate spheroidal model of a melting hailstone as either its shape or size changes. These results indicate that the backscattering cross section is most sensitive to changes in structure.
Theory of the resonant neutron scattering of high-T c superconductors

Recent polarized neutron scattering experiments on Y${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ have revealed a sharp spectral peak at the ($\ensuremath{\pi}$, $\ensuremath{\pi}$) in reciprocal lattice centered around the energy transfer of 41 meV. We offer a theoretical explanation of this remarkable experiment in terms of a new collective mode in the particle particle channel of the Hubbard model. This collective mode yields valuable information about the symmetry of the superconducting gap.
Ontological labels for automated location of anatomical shape differences

Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted Highlights? Visual inspection found significant expansion in mid-anterior of left ventricle. ? High resolution human LV atlas labeled with terms from large reference ontology. ? Atlas mapped to previous study's coordinates. Semantic tools used to query. ? Automated methods found same region in apical anterior. Other metrics agree. ? A formal, precise, automated, and reproducible way to make location-based inferences. A method for automated location of shape differences in diseased anatomical structures via high resolution biomedical atlases annotated with labels from formal ontologies is described. In particular, a high resolution magnetic resonance image of the myocardium of the human left ventricle was segmented and annotated with structural terms from an extracted subset of the Foundational Model of Anatomy ontology. The atlas was registered to the end systole template of a previous study of left ventricular remodeling in cardiomyopathy using a diffeomorphic registration algorithm. The previous study used thresholding and visual inspection to locate a region of statistical significance which distinguished patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy from those with nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Using semantic technologies and the deformed annotated atlas, this location was more precisely found. Although this study used only a cardiac atlas, it provides a proof-of-concept that ontologically labeled biomedical atlases of any anatomical structure can be used to automate location-based inferences.
Teaching with Alice (abstract only)

This session is for anyone currently using Alice 2.2 and / or thinking about using Alice 3, or exploring the possibility of using Alice in his or her curriculum. The discussion leaders and experienced Alice instructors will share teaching strategies, tips, and tricks with each other and those new to Alice. The session provides an arena for sharing Alice instructional materials and ideas for courses at all educational levels. This is an opportunity to share assignments and pointers to web sites where collections of instructional materials, such as syllabi, student projects, exams, and other resources are available.
Biophysical modelling of proton radiation effects based on amorphous track models

Purpose : To define a photon-equivalent dose in charged particle therapy one needs to know the RBE (Relative Biological Effectiveness) in the target region as well as in the surrounding tissue. RBE estimates are difficult since both the physical input parameters, i.e. LET distributions, and, even more so, the biological input parameters, i.e. cell nucleus size and local response, are not known in general. Track structure theory provides a basis for predicting dose-response curves for particle irradiation. There are (at least) two somewhat different algorithms: the Amorphous Track Partition model (ATP) and the Amorphous Track Local effect model (ATL). Both have been reported to give good agreement with observed radiobiological data. We were interested in a general comparison and in the predictive power of these models for protons. Materials and methods : We compared the principles of the two track structure approaches. The general dependencies of the model predictions on the input parameters are investigat...
Substance Use, the Social Bond, and Delinquency

This research integrated elements from the drugs-delinquency field with life course criminology to examine the reciprocal relationship between substance use and delinquency during adolescence. Data from three waves of the National Youth Survey were used to examine research hypotheses. Findings indicate that there were significant direct and indirect effects. There was evidence of stability in both behaviors, prior substance use predicted future substance use and prior delinquency predicted future delinquency. In addition, prior substance use predicted future delinquency and prior delinquency predicted future substance use. This was due, in part, to the significant indirect connections in the relationship between substance use and delinquency. It appears that substance use and delinquency weaken the social bond, which leads to continued substance use and delinquency.
Continuous distribution of disclination loops

Kroupa's theory of a continuous distribution of dislocation loops is extended to include disclination loops. The relation of the loop densities to the plastic strain and bend-twist are derived. This provides the connection with the theory of the continuous distribution of dislocations and disclinations. Mura has recently introduced the new concepts of “plastic distortion” and “plastic rotation”, and they are indentified in this paper as the dislocation-and disclination-loop density tensors. The significance of these quantities for a finite loop is discussed. Die Kroupasche Theorie einer kontinuierlichen Verteilung von Versetzungsschleifen wird auf Disklinationsschleifen erweitert. Die Beziehungen der Schleifendichten zur plastischen Verformung und Verdrillung werden abgeleitet. Dies liefert die Verbindung mit der Theorie der kontinuierlichen Verteilung von Versetzungen und Disklinationen. Kurzlich wurden von Mura neue Vorstellungen einer „plastischen Verzerrung” und „plastischen Drehung” eingefuhrt, diese werden in der Arbeit als Tensoren der Versetzungs- und Disklinationsschleifendichten identifiziert. Die Bedeutung dieser Grosen fur eine endliche Schleife wird diskutiert.
Classifiers utilized to enhance acoustic based sensors to identify round types of artillery/mortar

Feature extraction methods based on the statistical analysis of the change in event pressure levels over a period and the level of ambient pressure excitation facilitate the development of a robust classification algorithm. The features reliably discriminates mortar and artillery variants via acoustic signals produced during the launch events. Utilizing acoustic sensors to exploit the sound waveform generated from the blast for the identification of mortar and artillery variants as type A, etcetera through analysis of the waveform. Distinct characteristics arise within the different mortar/artillery variants because varying HE mortar payloads and related charges emphasize varying size events at launch. The waveform holds various harmonic properties distinct to a given mortar/artillery variant that through advanced signal processing and data mining techniques can employed to classify a given type. The skewness and other statistical processing techniques are used to extract the predominant components from the acoustic signatures at ranges exceeding 3000m. Exploiting these techniques will help develop a feature set highly independent of range, providing discrimination based on acoustic elements of the blast wave. Highly reliable discrimination will be achieved with a feedforward neural network classifier trained on a feature space derived from the distribution of statistical coefficients, frequency spectrum, and higher frequency details found within different energy bands. The processes that are described herein extend current technologies, which emphasis acoustic sensor systems to provide such situational awareness.
Echinomycin, a bis-intercalating agent, induces C-->T mutations via cytosine deamination.

Summary Echinomycin, a bis-intercalating, antitumor drug, has been studied for its ability to induce the deamination of cytosine to uracil (C→U) in double-stranded DNA. We have employed a sensitive lacZ α-complementation reversion assay to detect G·C→A·T mutations at a number of sites in M13mp2 DNA to determine the extent to which distortions of DNA structure induced by echinomycin may effect C→U rates. When double-stranded M13mp2 DNA with a 12-base target containing a CpG site was incubated at 37°C, the reversion frequency of the echinomycin-treated DNA increased linearly over time, with a rate constant 3-fold greater than DNA incubated without echinomycin. Of the 11 ways that blue pseudo-revertants can occur in the target, 96% of the observed revertants arose from C→T and tandem CC→TT transitions, with 78% attributable to single-base C→T changes at three sites. Transfection into ung + cells decreased the reversion frequencies by 85% to near background levels, indicating that the increase in C→T mutations was due to deamination of C to U. The cytosine deamination rate constants for the entire target at pH 6.0 and 37°C were 1.2 × 10 −11 sec −1 for untreated DNA and 3.5 × 10 −11 sec −1 for echinomycin-treated DNA. The increase in C→T mutation rates occurred at cytosines both proximal and distal to a CpG echinomycin-binding site. We hypothesize that this increase in deamination rate is due to a more open or single-stranded DNA structure caused by the echinomycin: DNA interaction.
The adrenal cholesterol and ascorbic acid contents after injury.

SELYE (1946) and Long (1946) have reviewed the responses of the organism to various types of stress. The role of the anterior pituitary and the adrenal hormones in the adaptation phenomena are generally accepted. Decreases in the cholesterol and ascorbic acid content of the adrenals after (1) injection of adrenotrophic hormone (Sayers, Sayers, Fry, White and Long, 1944), (2) hemorrhage (Sayers, Sayers, Liang and Long, 1944), (3) scalding (Harkins and Long, 1945) (Harkins, 1945) and (4) exposure to cold (Levin, 1945) (Long, 1946) are characteristic changes noted a few hours after injury. A decrease in adrenal cholesterol content and concentration occurs a few days after trauma (Popjack, 1944) and after injection of β-chloroethyl vesicants (Ludewig and Chanutin, 1946). The latter investigators pointed out that the decrease in ester cholesterol is responsible for the drop in total cholesterol concentration. The present experiments were carried out to determine the changes in adrenal cholesterol and ascorbic ...
What can be learned with an iodine solar-neutrino detector?

We study the potential benefits of an iodine-based solar-neutrino detector for testing hypotheses that involve neutrino oscillations. We argue that such a detector will have a good chance of distinguishing the two allowed regions of {Delta}{ital m}{sup 2}-sin{sup 2}2{theta} parameter space if neutrino conversion is occurring in the Sun. It should also be able to detect seasonal variations in the signal due to vacuum oscillations and might be sensitive enough to detect day/night variations due to MSW transitions in the earth. Although it would need to be calibrated, a working iodine detector could be completed long before more ambitious projects that seek to accomplish the same things.
What Principals and Students Should Know About College Admissions.

College-bound high school students devour multitudes of college recruitment materials, and agonize over the required applications and essays. Parents encourage visits to college campuses, while guidance counselors confirm enrollment in rigorous high school courses. Teachers are asked to write letters of recommendation. But high school administrators must ask themselves if any of these tactics really contribute to college admission for their students.
Sealer Distribution in Coronal Dentin

A major cause of tooth discoloration is sealer remnants in the pulp chamber after root canal treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess coronal distribution and color changes of four commonly used sealers placed in the pulp chamber after 2 yr. Fifty extracted premolars were cross-sectioned in the coronal third of the root. The chamber contents were removed, and instrumentation was via the canal; then freshly mixed sealer was placed in each chamber. Sealers evaluated were: AH 26, Kerr Pulp Canal Sealer, Roth 801, and Sealapex. The apical access was sealed with white sticky wax, and the tooth was maintained in a moist environment at 37°C for 2 yr. Teeth were split longitudinally, and digital images of the exposed dentin were made, scrambled, and evaluated blindly by trained evaluators for color changes and for presence of sealer in dentin. There was no measurable penetration of sealer into dentin for all groups and no dentin discoloration occurred. The sealers displayed marked discoloration. At 2 yr, the sealers discolored and remained confined primarily to the pulp chamber.
Shape matching using polygon approximation and dynamic alignment

Abstract A method for classifying closed planar shapes is presented. A shape is preprocessed and represented by several ordered sequences of vertices which are obtained by using polygon approximation algorithms with different approximation error criterions. A dynamic alignment algorithm is used to compute the similarity index between two sets of shape descriptors. The shape recognition process is hierarchical and is invariant to rotation, translation and scaling. Classification experiments using noisy contours and objects are performed and satisfactory results are obtained.
Notch and PI3K: how is the road traveled?

In this issue of Blood, Wong et al present evidence that the Notch and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathways cross-talk through a Hes1–phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) axis during normal T-cell development.1
Maximizing customer equity subject to capacity constraints

Abstract This paper considers a firm that wants to optimally allocate limited capacity to heterogeneous customer segments in order to maximize its customer equity. The decision whether to accept or to reject a customer׳s request in a current period influences his repurchase behavior in later periods. The allocation process becomes complex, when demand exceeds capacity, because the isolated determination and optimization of a single customer׳s lifetime value is no longer feasible. Using a Markov decision process formulation, we study how to trade off short-term attainable revenues and long-term customer relationships. Furthermore, we analyze when and how intertemporal customer behavior influences capacity allocation. Finally, we investigate the impact of limited capacity on the customer lifetime value by introducing an opportunity cost-based approach that understands customer profitability as a customer׳s contribution to customer equity.
An Argument for Separate Analyses of Attitudes Toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Men, Bisexual Women, MtF and FtM Transgender Individuals

While past research has certainly investigated a variety of correlates of U.S. attitudes toward lesbians, gays, bisexual men, bisexual women, male-to-female (MtF) and female-to-male (FtM) transgender (LGBT) individuals, there are no U.S. quantitative studies that could be located that examined attitudes toward each of these groups separately. This is especially important because efforts to combat prejudices are likely to be most successful if they are based in research that explores how attitudes are both similar and different across specified targets of prejudice. Toward that goal, this essay underscores the significance of examining U.S. attitudes toward LGBT individuals as separate constructs. Both the gender and sexual orientation of the target of prejudice and the gender and sexual orientation of the respondent are highlighted as important constructs that should be considered when investigating U.S. attitudes toward LGBT individuals. First, I review previous U.S. studies that have examined attitudes toward LGBT individuals. Second, I offer arguments for how the intersections of gender and sexual orientation may affect attitudes toward LGBT individuals. Third, I discuss future considerations in studies of attitudes toward LGBT individuals in the context of multiple intersectionalities. I suggest that U.S. initiatives to reduce sexual stigma, gender nonconformity stigma, and transgender stigma should be grounded in research that highlights prejudicial attitudes as they vary by the target of prejudice and the respondents’ characteristics.
Packet fragmentation in inter-network protocols

Abstract Individual computer networks may impose very different upper limits on the size of packets which they can accept and transport. As networks are inter-connected, the successful design of general inter-network protocols must include a mechanism to cope with these differences; this is often accomplished by breaking up oversize packets into smaller fragments for transport through some networks, a process usually known as fragmentation . A gateway into a network may choose 1) some form of intra-network fragmentation , providing reassembly of fragments before entering the next network, or 2) some form of inter-network fragmentation , producing smaller inter-network packets which can propagate through subsequent networks. Either approach is acceptable, and there has already been some experience with intra-network fragmentation; several more general inter-network schemes have been proposed, but none of them yet seems to be in regular use.
Estimating Griliches' k-Shifts

Griliches’ k-shift, a crucial parameter in the welfare evaluation of technological change, is shown to be equal to the radial rate of technological change plus a vector of commodity bias parameters obtained from the distance function. The analysis permits decomposition of sectoral productivity growth into productivity growth by commodity. The k-shifts estimated for wheat, corn, soybeans, and beef in U.S. agriculture indicate a decrease in the marginal cost of production of corn, soybeans, and wheat during the 1950-1993 years.
Disrespected and dealing with it: a quantitative and qualitative exploration of stress and coping among urban, African American teens

protective role of having a close friend to talk to about anything at all as a way to reduce such risks in adolescents has not been adequately addressed in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine if lack of a confidant was associated with getting depressed or upset easily, or with having thoughts of self-harm in adolescents. Methods: The study was cross-sectional in design and included 181 consecutive patients 13–17 years of age seen for their initial visit at an Adolescent Medicine Clinic in a tertiary care medical center. The hospital serves both urban and rural populations in a 19 county area. All adolescents completed Personal Questionnaires as part of their health history. Survey questions included, in part, views on freedom, privacy, family and friends, behaviors, depression, abuse, self-harm and harming others. Analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square analyses and multivariable logistic regression modeling, with p 0.05 deemed statistically significant. Results: The study group was 75% female and 87% white, with a mean age ( standard deviation) of 15.1 ( 1.4) years. Among the salient findings, 11% of the patients reported not having a close friend they could talk to about anything at all, 55% reported getting depressed or upset easily and 28% reported thoughts of self-harm. Of the adolescents without a confidant, getting depressed or being upset easily was reported by 79% compared to 51% with a confidant (p 0.027). Adolescents without a close friend also were significantly more likely to have thoughts of self-harm than those with a friend (47% versus 25%). In a multivariable logistic model assessing predictors of getting depressed or upset easily, adolescents without a close friend, as well as those with thoughts of self-harm were 4.5 times more likely to report getting depressed or upset easily (p 0.05 for both variables). Conclusions: This study suggests that getting depressed or upset easily and thoughts of self-harm are more likely to occur in adolescents who do not have a confidant. Teenagers who have no one to whom they can voice their innermost concerns should be considered at increased risk for self-injurious behavior, especially at times when they are depressed or upset. Clinicians who care for adolescents must be aware of these associations and be prepared to screen for the presence of a confidant on a routine basis. This is an essential role for practitioners as they are often the last line of defense to prevent ongoing distress and/or injury in teenagers who are unwilling or unable to find such support on their own.
Novel high force-density PM linear oscillating motors and their controllers

A DC permanent-magnet (PM) linear oscillating motor/controller system is discussed. The device described uses a novel manufacturing technique that results in a high force-density device. The mechanism of static force production and the effects of airgap leakage flux on the force are treated theoretically. Emphasis is on the exact determination of electromagnetic fields and forces for the resulting magnetic circuit. The analysis leads to these parameters and ultimately to the dynamic performance of these devices. The construction and initial tests for a PM linear oscillator motor and its controller have been carried out. The motor and its design and power electronics are discussed. >
TREE MORTALITY DURING EARLY FOREST DEVELOPMENT: A LONG-TERM STUDY OF RATES, CAUSES, AND CONSEQUENCES

Tree mortality is a critical but understudied process in coniferous forest development. Current successional models assume that mortality during early forest development is dominated by density-dependent processes, but few long-term studies exist to test this assumption. We examined changes in forest structure and patterns of tree mortality 14-38 years (1979-2001) after clear-cut logging of two experimental watersheds in the western Cascade Range of Oregon, USA. We sampled 193 permanent plots (250 m 2 ) six times generating 75 126 data records and 7146 incidents of mortality. Mean density peaked at .3000 stems/ha (� 1.4 m tall) after 22-25 years; bole biomass increased continuously to .100 Mg/ha. At final sampling, stem density varied by two orders of magnitude and biomass by a factor of 10 among sample plots. Suppression mortality occurred in .80% of plots and was .2.5 times as frequent as mechanical damage (uprooting, stem snap, and crushing). However, biomass lost to mortality via mechanical damage was nearly four times that lost to suppression, a result of episodic storms that created windthrow patches, with some plots losing 30-50% of biomass. Total annual mortality increased from 1.0% to 5.3% of stems over the study period and was highly variable among species. Although mortality rates were highest for sprouting hardwoods (reaching 9.7% in Cornus nuttallii), biomass of most hardwood species increased through canopy closure as dominant stems achieved large sizes. Shade-tolerant conifers (Tsuga heterophylla and Thuja plicata), typically assumed to be absent or to play a minor role in early forest development, accounted for 26% of stems after 38 years. In regression tree models, environmental attributes of plots had limited ability to predict mortality. Instead, stem density prior to canopy closure was the strongest predictor of cumulative mortality (either suppression or mechanical damage). Our long-term studies suggest that current models of early forest development are overly simplistic, particularly in their treatment of mortality. Although suppression was the dominant demographic process, mechanical damage yielded greater loss of biomass and greater structural heterogeneity through creation of windthrow gaps. Thus, gap-forming processes that operate late in succession and contribute to structural complexity in old-growth forests can also occur early in stand development.