cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advocating for Children With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders An Interview With Eleanor Guetzloe

Eleanor Guetzloe shares her unique professional history in a conversation. Eleanor outlines her views on the history of the field and provides the reader with her insights on the future of the fiel...
The progressive lag of sediment concentration with flood waves

Numerous investigations of suspended-sediment discharge have shown that an increase in stream flow usually is accompanied by an increase in sediment concentration. The sediment-concentration peak during a rise may precede, coincide with, or follow the water-discharge peak. Observations on the Bighorn River in Wyoming and Montana show a progressive lag in peak concentration behind peak flow. The lag is most apparent when a single storm produces a flood wave that starts many miles upstream from the sampling sections.
A single-chip highly linear 2.4GHz 30dBm power amplifier in 90nm CMOS

In recent years, there has been tremendous interest in trying to implement power amplifiers (PAs) in CMOS, due to cost and integration benefits. However, the low supply voltage, conductive substrate, and high loss of on-chip passives make monolithic, linear, high-power PA design challenging in CMOS. Most of the high-power CMOS PAs reported to date are switching-type [1,2], and have not exhibited sufficient linearity required for modern wireless standards. In this paper, a single-chip linear CMOS PA with sufficient power and linearity for emerging OFDM-based applications is reported. This 90nm fully-integrated PA adopts a differential topology and operates at 3.3V supply.
Solubilization of dyes in mineral oil and its application to a model biological cell membrane

Abstract 1. 1. The model biological cell of Nirenstein is shown to operate by solubilization of dyes in oil. 2. 2. The solubilization in oil of the oil-insoluble F. D. and C. dyes is measured for different solubilizing agents at 1% concentration. 3. 3. The solubilizing ability of each agent depends on its physicochemical behavior in solution and, within wide limits, does not depend on the structure of the dye. 4. 4. The effect was observed of a single agent, at different concentrations, on the solubilization of three different dyes. 5. 5. The change of solubilizing power with change in concentration is of the same general form for one agent with different dyes. 6. 6. In these oil solutions of association colloids, there is an equilibrium between different kinds of micelles present in the same solution, changing with concentration and other factors.
The binding of gold(I) to metallothionein

The binding of gold(I) to metallothionein, MT, has been unambiguously established by the reaction of Na2AuTM with purified horse kidney MT. Zinc was displaced more readily than cadmium although the latter could be displaced using large Au/Cd ratios. The metal exchange reactions were complete within 2 hr of mixing. Further evidence that such reactions might be physiologically significant were obtained by studying in vitro metal displacements in the liver cytol of in vivo metal treated rats: When Na2AuTM was added to the cytosol of rats administered CdCl2 in vivo, zinc, copper and cadmium were displaced in 2/1/1 ratios from the metallothionein fraction. The zinc and cadmium displacement provide direct evidence that the gold was binding to MT. Addition of Cd+2 to liver cytosol of gold-treated rats resulted in displacement of copper and zinc, but not gold, from the MT fractions. When liver MT is prepared from rats exposed to Au or Cd, the Cd/protein ratio increased during the preparation, but the Au/protein ratio decreased. The Mt-bound metals account for 95% of the cytosolic Cd but only 15%-30% of the cytosolic gold in these studies. Thus, the nonspecific binding of gold to MT in vivo should be considered as one aspect in its equilibration among protein binding sites, which include, inter alia, metallothionein. Gold was found to coelute with zinc and cadmium in the MT fraction of rat kidney cytosol, when both Cd and Na2AuTM were administered to the rats. The possible significance of gold binding to MT in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis--chrysotherapy--is briefly discussed.
Alzheimer's amyloid story finds its star.

β-Amyloid peptides (Aβ) have been genetically implicated as the cause of Alzheimer's disease, but the causality of amyloid deposited as plaques has been challenged. The controversial role of amyloid peptides in Alzheimer's disease has been highlighted in a recent paper from Lesne and colleagues, who applied Koch's postulates to cast a specific memory-deficit-inducing oligomer species as a central player causing memory loss. These authors used a transgenic mouse model to identify a specific type of aggregate that emerges with cognitive deficits and is capable of transmitting a spatial memory defect to unimpaired animals.
Determining the shape of cylindrical second phases by two-dimensional sectioning

Abstract An investigation has been performed of the relationship between the aspect ratios of rod- and disc-shaped microstructural entities and their profiles observed on a planar section. The analysis reveals that such sections are essentially incapable of allowing determination of actual aspect ratios when the material comprises predominantly rod-shaped entities. Conversely, for discs, the profiles observed on a planar section relate explicity to the actual aspect ratios and microstructural characterization can be achieved from measurements performed on etched sections. The characterization procedure is illustrated for sintered α-SiC containing a large proportion of disc-shaped grains.
Identity of PSA purified from seminal fluid by different methods: Comparison by amino acid analysis and assigned extinction coefficients

To determine the true extinction coefficient of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and to measure any differences in PSA when isolated from seminal fluid by four different published methods, we studied 10 different lots of PSA by quantitative amino acid analysis. Despite an expected PSA concentration of 1 mg/ml based on gravimetric analysis at an average optical density of 1.45 at 280 nm, we recovered only 0.79 mg/ml by quantitative amino acid analysis (range 0.752 to 0.820 mg/ml with a coefficient of variation [C.V.] of 3.3% among the 10 lots). The concentration of 0.79 mg/ml was based on a molecular weight of 28,430 daltons for glycosylated PSA determined by ion spray mass spectroscopy [Belanger et al: Prostate, 27:187-197, 1995]. From these 10 amino acid analyses, we calculated the extinction coefficient of PSA at 280 nm as 1.84 +/- 0.04 ml x mg-1 x cm-1 (range 1.78 to 1.90 with a C.V. of 2.2%). Similar concentrations of PSA were obtained by amino acid analysis regardless of the method of purification. These observations support the presence of a single form of PSA in seminal fluid and are consistent with the molecular evidence that PSA is transcribed from a single gene locus on the long arm of chromosome 19 [Riegman et al.: Genomics 14:6-11, 1992]. They do not support the recent contention by the Roswell Park group that the PSA they isolated in 1979 [Wang et al.: Invest Urol 17:159-163, 1979; Wang et al.: Prostate 24:107-108, 1994] is different from p30 reported a year earlier [Sensabaugh: J Forensic Sci 23:106-115, 1978].
Evidence that inhibition of muscle amino acid uptake during endotoxemia is not mediated by glucocorticoids.

Abstract Sepsis and endotoxemia are associated with increased muscle protein breakdown and inhibited amino acid uptake. Glucocorticoids are important for the regulation of muscle protein breakdown in catabolic conditions; in contrast, the role of glucocorticoids in the regulation of muscle amino acid transport during sepsis or endotoxemia is not known. The present study was designed to test the role of glucocorticoids in the regulation of muscle amino acid uptake during endotoxemia. Amino acid transport, determined as uptake of 3H-α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) by incubated soleus muscles in vitro, was reduced by approximately 40% 2 hours after intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 10 μg/kg endotoxin in rats. Administration of 5 mg/kg of the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU 38486 2 hours before endotoxin injection did not affect the inhibition of amino acid uptake. In vitro addition of plasma from endotoxemic rats to incubated rat soleus muscles inhibited amino acid uptake by approximately 30%. This effect of endotoxic plasma also was noted when muscles were from rats that had been treated with RU 38486 and when RU 38486 was present in the incubation medium. Results confirm previous reports of reduced muscle amino acid transport during endotoxemia and of the presence of a circulating factor that inhibits muscle amino acid uptake in this condition. Data suggest that inhibited muscle amino acid transport during endotoxemia is not regulated by glucocorticoids.
Vertical Earthquake Loads on Seismic Isolation Systems in Bridges

An important consideration for the design of seismic isolation systems composed of elastomeric and lead–rubber bearings is the safety of individual bearings for maximum considered earthquake shaking. One assessment of bearing safety involves the calculation of the vertical (or axial) earthquake load on the individual seismic isolation bearings. This paper investigates the influence of vertical earthquake excitation on the response of a bridge isolated with low-damping rubber and lead–rubber bearings through earthquake simulation testing. Response data collected from the experimental program are used to determine the vertical load on the isolation system due to the vertical component of excitation. A comparison of the normalized vertical load data to the vertical base acceleration showed significant amplification of the vertical response for each simulation and configuration. Disaggregation of the axial load history showed the summation of maximum values from the vertical earthquake load and overturning mo...
An all-organic composite actuator material with a high dielectric constant

Electroactive polymers (EAPs) can behave as actuators, changing their shape in response to electrical stimulation. EAPs that are controlled by external electric fields--referred to here as field-type EAPs--include ferroelectric polymers, electrostrictive polymers, dielectric elastomers and liquid crystal polymers. Field-type EAPs can exhibit fast response speeds, low hysteresis and strain levels far above those of traditional piezoelectric materials, with elastic energy densities even higher than those of piezoceramics. However, these polymers also require a high field (>70 V micro m(-1)) to generate such high elastic energy densities (>0.1 J cm(-3); refs 4, 5, 9, 10). Here we report a new class of all-organic field-type EAP composites, which can exhibit high elastic energy densities induced by an electric field of only 13 V micro m(-1). The composites are fabricated from an organic filler material possessing very high dielectric constant dispersed in an electrostrictive polymer matrix. The composites can exhibit high net dielectric constants while retaining the flexibility of the matrix. These all-organic actuators could find applications as artificial muscles, 'smart skins' for drag reduction, and in microfluidic systems for drug delivery.
Consideration of a Collaborative Based Taxonomy for a Reusable Information Management System

This exploratory study outlines the rationalization of why Ontology's taxonomy requires a strong hierarchy, accuracy, and interoperability in order to be used as a successfully re-useable information management system. Finding the relevant information in a plethora of possible resources by bridging the gap between the user's needs and the resources of the information technology system is the goal that the information management field should find a way to achieve. This study is based on discussions and interviews with a taxonomist, information architect, and information manager, whose discussions were based on the usability and interoperability of the knowledge based information systems. These professional perspectives are necessary as they are the liaison between users and the information technology group. We found that in order for information managers to ensure successful sharing of knowledge across the end users, a common sense language must be issued in order to achieve reasoning for the artificial intelligence system.
Children's Memory for Atypical Actions in Script-Based Stories: An Examination of the Disruption Effect☆

The disruption effect was examined in two recall experiments with 6- and 8-year-old children. The disruption effect refers to the finding that atypical actions that disrupt the goal or subgoals in a story are better recalled than atypical actions that are irrelevant to the goals. However, in the first recall experiment, vivid irrelevant actions were better recalled than disruptions that were obstacles (i.e., blocked or impeded the flow of the story's actions in some way), but were not better recalled than disruptions that were distractions, or unexpected mishaps. In order to examine why the disruption effect was found for distractions but not for obstacles several factors were considered, including type of disruption, typicality ratings, and the potential consequences that could be generated from the disruptions. The results of a second recall experiment suggest that disruptions that lead to more potential consequences, particularly more severe consequences, are better recalled than other disruptions. The results of these experiments provide evidence that the disruption effect is more complex than originally believed and may be dependent upon both the type of irrelevant and disruptive atypical actions present in a story.
Synthesis of camphor-derived chiral cyclopentadienes via the nazarov cyclization: Preparation of chiral bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium and -titanium dichlorides

Abstract Nazarov cationic π-cyclizations were employed in the synthesis of three substituted camphor-derived cyclopentadienyl ligands bearing a 3-methyl, 3-t-butyl or 3-phenyl substituent on the (1R,7S)-1,10,10-trimethyltricyclo[5,2,1,02,6]deca-2,5-diene framework. These ligands were converted to diastereomeric mixtures of bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium and -titanium dichlorides. In each case, a C2-symmetrical isomer was the major isomer in the crude reaction product mixture and in all but one case a pure C2-symmetrical diastereomer could be obtained by recrstallization.
Classification via kernel product estimators

SUMMARY Multivariate kernel density estimation is often used as the basis for a nonparametric classification technique. However, the multivariate kernel classifier suffers from the curse of dimensionality, requiring inordinately large sample sizes to achieve a reasonable degree of accuracy in high dimensional settings. A variance stabilising approach to kernel classification can be motivated through an alternative interpretation of linear and quadratic discriminant analysis in which rotations of the coordinate axes are employed to obtain an assumed mutual independence among the components of the rotated data. This alternative method, which we call the method of kernel product estimators, performs well in a variety of examples, including a 20-dimensional target recognition problem.
Optimal parallel colouring algorithms for totally decomposable graphs

Call a graph G totally decomposable if there exists a unique rooted tree T(G) whose leaves correspond to the vertices of G and whose internal nodes correspond to certain graph operations. As it turns out, totally decomposable graphs are extremely attractive from the computational point of view since many notoriously difficult problems on arbitrary graph become tractable for this class. We present optimal cost parallel colouring algorithms for a vast class of totally decomposable graphs. With an n-vertex graph represented by its parse tree input, all our algorithms run in O(n/p + log n) time using p (p ≤ n log n) processors in the EREW-PRAM model.
Vortex nucleation by a moving ion in a Bose condensate

The nonlinear Schrodinger equation is used to analyze the superfluid flow around an ion and to elucidate the vortex nucleation process. Asymptotic expansion for the flow is used to find the critical velocity of the ion for vortex production. 3D numerical calculations demonstrate, that if the axisymmetry of the flow is broken by introducing a solid boundary several healing length from the sphere, vortex loops rather than vortex rings may be formed. These loops may detach from the ion and attach themselves to the wall. In the presence of small 3D random noise, the system still favors the creation of vortex rings. © 2000
Simulations of the Asian monsoon using a regionally coupled-global model

This study examines the simulation of June–September mean of the Asian monsoon in three different numerical experiments with a global climate model in which the atmosphere and ocean are coupled (coupled general circulation model, CGCM), regionally coupled (“Pacemaker”), and with specified sea surface temperature as in the Atmospheric Model Inter-comparison Project (AMIP) applied to a global atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM). The main features of the climatology for wind at 850 hPa, rainfall and zonal wind shear (U200–U850 hPa) over the South China Sea, subtropical western Pacific and Arabian Sea regions are remarkably well simulated in the Pacemaker experiment, compared with observations, whereas the CGCM and AGCM experiments either underestimate or overestimate magnitude of anomalies. The observed relationships between NINO3.4 (an index of El Nino and the Southern Oscillation, ENSO) and the Indian summer monsoon indices are remarkably better captured in the Pacemaker experiment than in the CGCM or AGCM/AMIP experiments. The pattern correlations between the first empirical orthogonal function (EOF) of the model simulations and that of the observed precipitation is higher in the Pacemaker experiment than in the CGCM or AGCM experiments over a large region (40°E–80°W, 20°S–30°N). The temporal correlation between the first principal component of the model simulation and the observations is also higher for the Pacemaker experiment than for the AGCM experiment. The northward/eastward propagation features and the spectral peaks (30–60 days) of rainfall are significantly more realistically captured by Pacemaker in comparison to CGCM and AGCM/AMIP. Based on the correlation coefficient between seasonal and pentad EOF1 and the related composite analysis, we have found that the Pacemaker is able to reproduce the relationship between the intraseasonal and interannual variability of the South Asian monsoon. The observed improvement in simulation in the Pacemaker experiment, as compared to the CGCM experiment, illustrates that a simple system having only local air–sea feedback is capable of greater realism than sophisticated coupled models.
Public Value Accounting: Establishing the Philosophical Basis

Questions of how best to define the ends, justify the means, and measure the performance of governments have preoccupied political economists for centuries. Recently, the concept of public value—defined in terms of the many dimensions of value that a democratic public might want to see produced by and reflected in the performance of government—has been proposed as an alternative approach. This article develops three philosophical claims central to the practice of public value accounting: (1) when the collectively owned assets of government are being deployed, the appropriate arbiter of public value is the collectively defined values of a “public” called into existence and made articulate through the quite imperfect processes of democratic governance; (2) the collectively owned assets include not only government money but also the authority of the state; (3) the normative framework for assessing the value of government production relies on both utilitarian and deontological philosophical frameworks.
Human anti-idiotypic antibody responses to autoantibody against the alternative pathway C3 convertase.

Abstract Anti-idiotypic antibodies to autoantibody against the alternative pathway C3 convertase (C3NeF) were isolated and purified from normal human serum as well as from serum from six patients with membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). All preparations of anti-id antibody blocked C3NeF deposition on EC3bBb as well as C3NeF stabilization of EC3bBb functional activity. The Ka of these anti-id antibodies for C3NeF was 109 liters/mol which is comparable to the Ka of C3NeF for its antigen. In addition, 90% of anti-id antibody isolated from patients with MPGN and 20% isolated from normal individuals resembled Bb and bound to C3b as well as to antibody specific for the Bb portion of Factor B. These anti-id antibodyes also resembled C3b and bound to antibody specific for the C3c portion of C3b. Immunization of rabbits with this latter form of anti-id antibody led to the production of functionally active C3NeF. These data indicate that C3NeF anti-idiotypic antibodies exist in two distinct forms, with and without internal imagery of C3bBb, and can occur in both normal individuals and patients with MPGN.
Disparities in the use of minimally invasive surgery for colorectal disease

Morbidity and mortality rates for major surgical procedures are decreased in high-volume hospitals (HVH). Additionally, HVH are often leaders in the utilization of novel surgical technology such as minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Although HVH often serve diverse patient populations, it is unknown if there are disparities in the application of new surgical technologies within these hospitals. We sought to determine if ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in the use of MIS for colorectal disease exist at HVH. Laparoscopic and open colectomies performed at HVH were identified using the 2008 Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. ICD-9 codes were used to identify MIS colorectal resections. Multiple logistic regression including ethnic and socioeconomic variables were used to identify independent predictive factors for undergoing MIS. A total of 211,862 colorectal resections were performed at HVH in 2008. Only 16,637 (7.3%) colorectal resections were performed using MIS. When evaluating racial and socioeconomic factors, patients within the highest income quartile were more likely to undergo MIS than those in the lowest income groups. In addition, patients with Medicaid and uninsured patients were significantly less likely to undergo MIS compared to patients with private insurance. Lastly, race was not a significant predictive factor for undergoing MIS for colorectal disease at HVH. There are significant socioeconomic disparities in the use of MIS for colorectal disease at HVH. Future studies should be aimed at identifying access barriers to MIS in the treatment of colorectal disease.
Pauli Suppression of Momentum Fluctuations

Pauli correlations are shown to be important in interpreting the momentum distribution of nuclear fragments formed in high-energy heavy-ion collisions.
Aortic Pseudo-Aneurysm with Aspergillus Aortitis: An Unusual Complication of Coronary Bypass Surgery

This is the first report of fetal postoperative Aspergillus infection in an aortic pseudoaneurysm associated with a jet lesion produced by a deformed, but hemodynamically normal aortic valve. Widespread arterial embolization was the principal feature and resulted in death on the 12th hospital day due to massive thromboembolism to the brain three months after successful coronary bypass surgery. Possible sources of such infections and the potential effect of the jet lesion are discussed.
Optical Computer Switching Network

The design for an optical switching system for minicomputers that uses an optical spatial light modulator such as a Hughes liquid crystal light valve is presented. The switching system is designed to connect 80 minicomputers coupled to the switching system by optical fibers. The system has two major parts: the connection system that connects the data lines by which the computers communicate via a two-dimensional optical matrix array and the control system that controls which computers are connected. The basic system, the matrix-based connecting system, and some of the optical components to be used are described. Finally, the details of the control system are given and illustrated with a discussion of timing.
Filtered reactor beams for fast neutron capture γ-ray experiments

Abstract A flexible filtered neutron beam facility has been installed at the High Flux Beam Reactor at Brookhaven. In this facility, filters, of which the primary components are iron and scandium, are used to provide external beams of 2 and 24 keV neutrons, respectively, with low γ-ray and thermal-neutron contamination. The installation of these filters in a rotary collimator arrangement external to the biological shielding of the reactor allows for rapid interchange between filters and also for changes in the individual filter configurations with the reactor operating at full power. The collimator also includes a bismuth single crystal filter for producing a thermal neutron beam. Measurements with hydrogen-filled proton recoil detectors have been use to optimize the filter configurations and to deduce the neutron energy distributions in the filtered beams. These measurements have established the critical importance of the Al in the Fe/Al filter in obtaining the highest beam purity with minimum attenuation of the 24 keV neutron group. The average neutron flux over a beam area of ∼7.27 cm 2 at the collimator exit is 1.28 × 10 6 neutrons/cm 2 ·s for a filter consisting of 22.86 cm Fe, 36.20 cm Al and 6.35 S. With this filter arrangement, 98.1% of the transmitted neutrons are in the 24 keV group, and the energy distribution in the group is calculated to have a fwhm ≈ 2.0 keV. For the 2 keV filter we studied the effect on beam intensity and beam purity of filter components of Mg, Al, S, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Co, and Ni added to the basic Sc filter. The results of this study establish that a filter composed of Sc, Ti, and Co has good beam purity with minimum attenuation of the 2 keV neutron group. The average 2 keV neutron flux over a beam area of 7.27 cm 2 is 6.54 × 10 6 neutrons/cm 2 ·s for a filter consisting of 188.5 g/cm 2 Sc. The fwhm of the 2 keV neutron group is observed to be ∼0.9 keV. With this filter arrangement ∼70% of the transmitted neutrons are in the 2 keV group, while for a filter consisting of 188.5 g/cm 2 Sc, 8.497 g/cm 2 Ti and 26.92 g/cm 2 Co we estimate that ∼91% of the transmitted neutrons are in the 2 keV group. The average 2 keV neutron flux with this latter filter arrangement is estimated as ∼2.0 × 10 6 neutrons/cm 2 ·s. Features of these filtered neutron beams which make them useful for (n, γ) spectroscopy are discussed.
Blood Transfusion in the Critically ill Patient: Role of Erythropoietin

SUMMARY The earliest blood transfusions date back to the mid-seventeenth century1. It was not until the early part of the twentieth century that blood transfusion became a mainstay of clinical practice. The value of blood transfusion was unchallenged through most of this century. Blood transfusion was looked upon as relatively risk-free, making surgery with levels less than 10 g/dL unthinkable. It was not until the early 1980's that transfusion practices began to come under systematic scrutiny24.The debate over transfusion risks has over the last decade led to a more critical examination of transfusion benefits. This review will focus on transfusion practice in the critically ill patient and the potential role of erythropoietin in the management of these patients.
Upstream Changes in Fish Populations following Impoundment of Sagehen Creek, California

Abstract Fish populations were compared before (1952–1961) and after (1970–1972) construction of Stampede Reservoir in a mile of Sagehen Creek above the reservoir. Relative abundance and species composition were quite different after reservoir construction. Suckers (Catostomus platyrhynchus and C. tahoensis) are now numerically dominant (79% of all fish); whereas, formerly they made up 18% (by numbers) of the fish composition. Rainbow trout have increased, but brown trout and whitefish have decreased; and brook trout have not been collected since impoundment. Reservoir construction is the only major change in the Sagehen Creek watershed.
Toward Metrics of Design Automation Research Impact

Design automation (DA) research has for over fifty years been performed in academia, semiconductor and system companies, and EDA companies worldwide. This research has been enabling to continued scaling of design productivity and growth of the semiconductor industry. For product companies, funding program managers and individual researchers alike, a highly relevant question is: what DA research, and what DA research outcomes, ultimately have the greatest "impact"? In this paper, we present measurements and analyses of DA research outputs (papers, patents, EDA companies), upon which future metrics of DA research impact might be based. Our studies consider 47000+ conference and journal papers from 1964--2014; the inter-patent citation graph over 759000+ DA-related patents; abstracts of 1150+ U.S. NSF projects over a three-decade span; 36 research needs documents of the Semiconductor Research Corporation from 2000--2013; and market segmentation of hundreds of EDA companies. We identify several interesting correlations, but do not claim to identify causal relationships; indeed, connecting traditional measures of research output to real-world impacts seems quite challenging. We conclude with several directions and targets for future investigation.
B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Infiltrative Renal Disease

Acute renal failure is rarely the presenting manifestation of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Of the reported cases of renal insufficiency secondary to diffuse renal infiltration with lymphoma, few have presented with acute renal failure. We present a patient with acute renal failure secondary to diffuse bilateral renal infiltration by a B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The findings of an elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lymphopenia, and homogenous bilateral renal enlargement on computed tomographic (CT) imaging were important in suggesting the diagnosis of primary renal lymphoma. Renal biopsy with immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis was instrumental in confirming this diagnosis.
Plasma sphingolipids and lung cancer: a population-based, nested case-control study.

Background: Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramides are bioactive signaling sphingolipids that regulate pathways that are central to cancer pathogenesis. Methods: A nested case–control study was implemented to test whether prediagnostic circulating concentrations of S1P and ceramides were associated with future lung cancer risk. In the community-based CLUE II cohort study in Washington County, Maryland, the study consisted of 100 incident lung cancer cases, each matched to two cancer-free controls on age, sex, race, and cigarette smoking status. Plasma stored at −70°C at the beginning of follow-up in 1989 was assayed for sphingolipids using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry methodology (LC/MS-MS). Results: Compared with controls, geometric mean plasma concentrations of S1P and total ceramides were 2.9% ( P = 0.10) and 5.1% ( P = 0.02), respectively, greater in lung cancer cases. For S1P, the ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for lung cancer risk were 2.7 (1.2–5.9), 2.7 (1.1–6.4), and 1.9 (0.8–4.5) for the second, third, and highest fourth, respectively, compared with the lowest fourth (overall P = 0.006). Compared with those with total ceramide concentrations in the lowest fourth, the ORs (and 95% CI) for lung cancer risk were 1.6 (0.7–3.3), 1.5 (0.7–3.4), and 2.1 (0.9–4.7) for the second, third, and highest fourth, respectively ( P trend = 0.01). Conclusions: Higher concentrations of S1P and total ceramide in plasma were associated with increased future risk of lung cancer. Impact: These novel findings suggest that perturbation of sphingolipid metabolism and S1P generation may either contribute to the etiology of lung cancer or be a marker of latent lung cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(8); 1374–82. ©2013 AACR .
Synthesis and Characterization of [Mo(2)O(5)](2+)-Bridged Complexes Containing Cofacially-Oriented, Catechol-Functionalized Macrocyclic and SALPHEN Ligands.

The synthesis of a new class of supermolecules with cofacially-oriented, planar subunits employs the [Mo2O5]2+ bridge unit and catechol-functionalized, metalated macrocyclic [M(TAD-(OH)2)] and SALPHEN [M(EtO2SALPHEN-(OH)2)] ligands. Of the reported (Bu4N)2[Mo2O5[Ni(TAD-(O)2)]2] and (Bu4N)2[Mo2O5[M(EtO2SALPHEN-(O)2)]2] (M = H2, Cu, Ni) complexes, the structurally characterized (Bu4N)2[Mo2O5[Ni(TAD-(O)2)]2] shows the two Ni atoms separated by 3.938 A. The structure of (Bu4N)2[Mo2O5[Cu(EtO2SALPHEN-(O)2)]2] shows two Cu atoms separated by 4.110 A.
Overview of the acute, subchronic, reproductive, developmental and genetic toxicology of β-chloroprene

β-Chloroprene (CD), the 2-chloro derivative of 1,3-butadiene, is used for the manufacture of the synthetic rubber, polychloroprene. Acute inhalation studies show that CD is lethal to Crl:CD® rats at >2300 p.p.m. (4 h); the primary target organ effects were pulmonary hemorrhage and edema, and hepatic necrosis. In 2- and 4-week inhalation studies in Fischer 344 (F344) and Wistar rats, early deaths occurred at 500 and ≥161 p.p.m., respectively. Organ system injury was found in the nose (degeneration/metaplasia of olfactory epithelium), liver (centrilobular necrosis), and blood (decreased red blood cell count in F344 rats only). In a 90-day inhalation study with F344 rats, degeneration/metaplasia of the olfactory epithelium and reduced nonprotein sulfhydryl content of lungs and liver were found in animals exposed to 80 p.p.m., and anemia, hepatocellular necrosis, and forestomach inflammation were observed at 200 p.p.m. In a 90-day study with B6C3F1 mice, CD caused deaths at 200 p.p.m., the highest concentration tested, and epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach at 80 p.p.m. Other than a slight (<10%) reduction in sperm motility in male rats at 200 p.p.m., all other reproductive parameters (sperm count or morphology in males, and estrous cyclicity or cycle length in females) were unaffected in these 90-day rat/mouse studies. There were no significant indications of neurological toxicity. The study No-Observable Adverse Effect Level was 32 p.p.m. based on nasal injury in rats. Despite some early reports of reproductive system abnormalities at levels <1 p.p.m., recent studies show no embryotoxic or developmental toxicity in female Wistar or Crl:CD® rats, or in New Zealand White rabbits at CD exposure concentrations up to 25 or 175 p.p.m., respectively. In a one-generation reproduction study with Wistar rats, CD produced growth retardation in the F0 generation exposed to 100 p.p.m., and in the F1 offspring at 33 and 100 p.p.m.; no effects on reproductive parameters or histopathology were found. CD is nonmutagenic in standard plate incorporation bacterial reverse mutation assays (Ames assays) but positive using direct gas-phase incubation methods. Bacterial mutagenicity (primarily base pair substitution) was either negative or weakly positive when freshly prepared CD was tested. Mutagenicity increased markedly with time, presumably from CD dimer formation, and also by addition of liver S9 metabolic activation system. In vivo micronucleus, chromosome aberration and sister chromatid exchange studies in mice showed no structural chromosomal damage. Overall, the pathological effects in the liver and nose dominate the subchronic toxicity of CD. The genotoxicity of CD is inconsistent and requires further study.
Phenology and life history of Belgica antarctica, an Antarctic midge (Diptera: Chironomidae)

. 1 An account of the life-history with emphasis on phenology and number of instars is presented for Belgica antarctica Jacobs, the southernmost holometabolous insect. 2 Contrary to earlier reports, Belgica has four instars, in common with most other chironomids. Mean head capsule lengths varied between different populations but no overlap was found between discrete size classes of successive instars. 3 Belgica overwinters in all four instars. 4 Relative frequency of different instars from samples taken through the season indicates that a 2-year life-span is the commonest pattern. 5 Emergence of adults is relatively synchronous. Belgica exhibits protandry, which may be established at the time of pupation.
Isolation and characterization of a cellulolytic actinomycete Microbispora bispora

Protocols for the isolation of cellulolytic actinomycetes are described, and their use illustrated in the selection of thermophilic bacteria from soil. One isolate, Microbispora bispora, was selected for further study. It grew readily at 55°C, produced an extracellular cellulase in good yield (endoglucanase, 5.9 U/ml) that had a broad pH range (pH 5.5–7.2) and was thermally stable. Its aryl-β-glucosidase was cell-associated and was relatively resistant to end-product inhibition.
On the experimental determination of the hole-hole repulsion energy in x-ray excited auger electron spectroscopy☆

Abstract A method for determining the hole-hole repulsion energy in X-ray excited Auger spectra is presented. The method utilizes both photoemission and Auger data with the result being independent of sample charging or absolute energy calibration.
Estimating the Lag Structure of a Nonlinear Time Series Model

Abstract Suppose that the time series {Y(t)} is the output of a linear plus quadratic filter observed with additive noise. The relationship is a second-order approximation to a nonlinear distributed lag model. Assume that the input to the filter {X(t)} is a stationary Gaussian process. This article presents a relatively simple procedure for determining the values of the parameters of the quadratic filter by using the sample cross bispectrum between the two series. The asymptotic properties of the parameter estimates are derived when the spectrum of {X(t)} is known. Artificial data results are presented.
Role of Gabapentin in the Treatment of Uremic Pruritus

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of gabapentin for the treatment of uremic pruritus (UP).Data Sources:Literature retrieval was accessed through MEDLINE (1950–March week 3. 2006; In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, April 1, 2008} and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–March 2008) using the terms gabapentin, pruritus, itch, urem$ (truncated), dialysis, and kidney disease. The Google Scholar search engine was used to identify articles that MEDLINE did not capture with the described search terms. Additionally, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Alt articles in English and studies conducted in humans were identified and evaluated.Data Synthesis:UP is an unpleasant Itching sensation that affects approximately 30% of patients on hemodialysis (HD). The current mainstays of therapy include antihistamines and topical therapies, although many patients remain symptomatic despite these treatments. Alternative therapeutic approaches, Incl...
From User Query to User Model and Back: Adaptive Relevance-Based Visualization for Information Foraging

Adaptive information filtering is a promising tool for both casual Web news readers and professional intelligence analysts. Adaptive filtering augments the traditional query- or profile-based rankings provided by search engines. An interesting research challenge in this context is to offer users more control over the rankings by letting them mediate between the two extremes -- query- and profile-based rankings. To address this challenge, we developed an adaptive relevance-based visual exploration tool based on the VIBE (Visual Information Browsing Environment) visualization approach, which was previously developed at our School. This paper presents the rationale and functionality of this visual exploration tool and reports the results of its preliminary evaluation.
A close-range photogrammetry laboratory activity for mechanical engineering undergraduates

This paper describes a new laboratory activity used to introduce undergraduate mechanical engineering students to close-range photogrammetry mechanical engineers typically use close-range photogrammetry for the non-contact dimensioning of objects ranging in area between 10/sup -3/ to 10/sup 2/ m/sup 2/. It is especially useful in cases where an object is visible but cannot be touched (e.g. a contaminated or fragile part), or has a complex geometry (e.g. collision damage in an automobile). While close-range photogrammetry is widely used in industrial and government laboratories and is commonly taught to civil engineering undergraduates, this technique is rarely discussed in most undergraduate mechanical engineering programs. Our photogrammetry laboratory was implemented at a very low cost, using a single consumer-grade digital camera with free photogrammetry software downloaded from the Internet (PhotoModeler Lite). Students achieved mastery of the major features of the software after about 2-3 hours of individual practice, using a series of tutorials and example images integrated into the software package. Working in 3 to 4 person groups, they then took a series of photographs of a small part using the digital camera, processed the images using the software, and compared the measurements calculated by PhotoModeler with those obtained using calipers and micrometers. Issues that affected the students ' results included (1) quality of the lighting used, (2) camera calibration, (3) number and orientation of images chosen, and (4) ability to discern and consistently mark features of the object that appeared in more than one photograph. In post-project questionnaires completed by the students, most found the lab to be interesting and useful, and a number of them were eager to use the technique to perform measurements and construct solid models for projects they were working on in other classes.
Structure and dielectric properties of amorphous tantalum pentoxide thin film capacitors

Amorphous tantalum pentoxide films are currently being studied as a high-k dielectric for high energy-density metal-insulator-metal capacitors. Tantalum pentoxide thin films were prepared through pulsed-dc reactive magnetron sputtering at a high deposition rate (15 Aring/s). The films were amorphous as determined by X-ray and electron diffraction through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at all sputtering conditions of both low and high ion bombardments unlike other oxides such as zirconium oxide. The structure was also confirmed by electron energy loss spectra using anodized Ta2O5 films as a benchmark. After annealing at 750degC, the films crystallized to the beta-Ta2O5 phase (X-ray analysis). The dielectric constant and loss of the 2 mum-thick films are 21 and 0.3%, respectively, at 1 kHz at room temperature of 25degC. The amorphous films have a Temperature Coefficient of dielectric constant (TCK) of 2.1x10-3ldrC-1, similar to crystalline forms of Ta2O5 namely, alpha-Ta2O5 and beta-Ta2O5. Electrical breakdown field of these amorphous tantalum pentoxide films is as high as 400 MV/m with a corresponding energy density of 14 J/cm3. Electrical breakdown is affected by material crystallinity, which is controlled by annealing. The crystallinity is studied both at bulk level through X-ray diffraction and at the local atomic level through fluctuation electron microscopy (FEM), which is an electron microscopy technique used to study medium range order (MRO) on the length scale of 1-3 nm in apparently diffraction amorphous (TEM and X-ray) materials.
Microspectrophotometric and enzymatic analyses of fish plasma proteins electrophoretically separated in thin polyacrylamide gels

A system for horizontal, discontinuous electrophoresis in thin sheets of polyacrylamide gel was developed to permit rapid and direct comparison of multiple samples of fish plasmas for population studies. The resulting electropherograms are suitable either for screening for enzyme polymorphisms or for densitometric scanning after gels are stained for total proteins. Each gel sheet (110×90×0.8 mm) can be used for simultaneous separation of 10–15 different samples. Since total voltage and the running time required for successful resolution of fine protein bands are greatly reduced in this system, minimal heating occurs within the gel matrix during electrophoresis. Up to 120 different blood samples (8 gel sheets) can be processed in about 8 h. Gel sheets are routinely stained overnight in Coomassie Brilliant Blue (0.1%, v/v), rinsed several times and stored overnight in 7% acetic acid to complete destaining. Particular gel sectors are then transferred to distilled water and mounted on glass microslides for photography or for densitometric evaluation with a Leitz microspectrophotometer. These procedures have been used to identify characteristic differences in the electrophoretic mobilities of plasma enzymes and albumin fractions from several populations of poeciliid fishes. Observed differences in albumin mobilities (albumin phenotypes) were verified by mixing isoaliquots of test plasmas with plasma samples containing albumins of known mobility. Resultant patterns for albumin bands for such mixed plasmas were indistinguishable from those obtained with plasma samples from the F1 hybrid progeny of parents possessing albumins of characteristically different electrophoretic mobilities. Procedural details for gel casting, electrophoresis and sample evaluation are described.
Assessing Whiteness Scholarship: A Response to James Barrett, David Brody, Barbara Fields, Eric Foner, Victoria Hattam, and Adolph Reed

The valuable and thoughtful responses to my essay, “Whiteness and the Historians' Imagination,” illustrate the existence of a wide range of opinions on the emergence, claims, and methodologies of the whiteness genre in US and US labor history. Like Eric Foner, it is my hope that this scholarly controversy will mark the beginning of a much longer discussion that will draw in many more participants from history, American Studies, political science, and other disciplines. This is a debate that I believe is long overdue. While David Brody is certainly correct to note that readers have not been so “dazzled” that they could not be critical of whiteness scholarship, serious historiographical assessments of the genre's strengths and weaknesses have been scarce. This scholarly controversy, which aims at providing such an assessment, will not and should not be the final word on the subject. In this response, I welcome the opportunity to address a fraction of the many important issues raised by James Barrett, David Brody, Barbara Fields, Eric Foner, Victoria Hattam, and Adolph Reed.
Microsatellite and Mitochondrial DNA Differentiation in the Fox Sparrow

Abstract I investigated variation among 46 populations of the Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) using five microsatellite loci, to determine whether populations assorted into the four groups (red, slate-colored, sooty, and thick-billed) previously defined on the basis of morphology and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Results of neighbor-joining and principal components analyses showed that the red, sooty, and thick-billed phenotypic-mtDNA groups were mostly differentiated from each other. Some populations of the slate-colored group were intermingled with other groups. Thus, there was not complete agreement between microsatellites and the mtDNA gene tree. Some of the populations of slate-colored Fox Sparrows that aligned with other groups were geographically adjacent. A plot of principal components 1 and 2 showed populations of the slate-colored group surrounded by members of the other three groups, which mirrored their geographical arrangement. The lack of clear differentiation in microsatellites could be due to...
Politics and Religion in 'Umān: A Historical Overview

From the dawn of Islam to the present, the political history of 'Umān followed a different path from that of the rest of the Arabian peninsula. Until recently, the country was practically unknown, an almost forgotten outpost of a once prosperous maritime Arab civilization.