cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unconscionability's Greatly Exaggerated Death

Reports of unconscionability’s demise are greatly exaggerated. According to conventional wisdom, the common-law contracts doctrine is rarely used, except in limiting clauses that purport to waive consumers’ remedial rights. In fact, as this Article documents, the doctrine is quietly flourishing, and courts regularly use it to strike down substantive terms. In recent years judges across the country have rewritten or voided payday loans, signature loans, overdraft fees, and mortgage contracts on the grounds that their interest rates, prices, or other core terms were unconscionably unfair. Since unconscionability is alive and well, the time is ripe to answer an unexplored question in the doctrine’s contours: How tailored should the unconscionability analysis be to the characteristics of a particular consumer entering into a contract, versus untailored to the typical or median consumer? This Article advances an argument in favor of tailoring unconscionability. In addition to consistency with unconscionability’s theoretical underpinnings, tailoring brings the doctrine in line with modern contracting practices. Today’s consumer contracts involve increasing market segmentation, individualized pricing, and customization of terms, in stark contrast to the stylized view of boilerplate that most scholars take for granted. Unconscionability can thus play an important role in consumer protection policy, which faces the challenge that consumers are highly heterogeneous and need different protections. Courts have a particular edge here: they specialize in individualized fact-finding, in contrast to regulations, which are generally one-size-fits-all.
Cesarean Section in a Heart Failure Patient with Previous Lumbosacral Spine Surgery

A 29-year-old female with a history of nonischemic cardiomyopathy and lumbosacral spine surgery presents for Cesarean section. A carefully titrated continuous lumbar epidural was used as the primary anesthetic with an intrathecal injection of fentanyl to augment the block. Ultrasound guidance was used to facilitate placement of the epidural catheter given the patient’s history of lumbosacral spine surgery.
Gonadal hormone contributions to individual differences in eating disorder risk.

Purpose of review Females experience eating disorders at substantially higher rates than males. Although sociocultural factors have traditionally been thought to underlie this sex disparity, accumulating evidence implicates differential exposure to gonadal hormones early in life. Gonadal hormones also impact within-sex variability in disordered eating, helping to explain why not all women develop an eating disorder, and some men do. We review recent findings regarding these gonadal hormone effects and their implications for the etiology of eating disorders. Recent findings Males are exposed to significantly higher testosterone levels than females perinatally, and this exposure appears to protect against later binge eating in males relative to females. Within-sex, higher estradiol levels among females and higher testosterone levels among males appear to be protective. Progesterone exhibits minimal direct phenotypic effects on disordered eating but appears to counteract the protective effects of estrogen in adult females. Importantly, gonadal hormone effects may be moderated by psychosocial factors. Summary Evidence suggests that gonadal hormones play a critical role in the etiology of disordered eating. Overall, higher testosterone and estrogen appear to be protective across development. Additional research is needed to identify mechanisms underlying these effects and further explore interactions between hormonal and psychosocial risk.
Nursing students use of teach-back to improve patients' knowledge and satisfaction: A quality improvement project.

Abstract Background Nurses provide education on medications to hospitalized patients and this intervention is measured by patient's satisfaction on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey [HCAHPS] ( Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services[CMS], 2008 ). Purpose Nursing students implement the teach-back method in a quality improvement project to improve patients' knowledge of medications and satisfaction on the HCAHPS survey. Specific aim 1: increase nursing students use of teach-back from the current state of 0% to 80% of their patient encounters; Specific aim 2: ensure that 80% of the patients approached can state the name, purpose and side effects of their current medications; Specific aim 3: have 80% of the patients satisfied with their medication teaching. Methods The Model for Improvement framework from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement was used (Ogrinc et al., 2012). Process and outcome measures and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles were analyzed. Results Senior nursing students used teach back on 82.9%% of their patient encounters. Of the N = 55 patients who received the intervention, 58.2% could state the name and purpose, and 50.9% knew the side effects of their medications. HCAHPS survey responses did not achieve the benchmarks of 77.2% and 52.3% for “always” responses for medication education questions. However, patient satisfaction was measured at 96.4% with the One Minute Evaluation (Appendix A) by nursing students following the intervention. Conclusion Integrating QI into the clinical environment is a method to not only increase patient outcomes but also exposes students to the methods of QI. Although the intervention did not meet the benchmark for patient satisfaction in “Communication about Medicines” category as measured by HCAHPS survey results, the teach-back method was an effective evidence-based tool for improving patient knowledge of medications.
Complications of Palatal Pillar Implants: An analysis of the MAUDE database and literature review.

Abstract Purpose The Pillar Palatal Implant System is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Prior studies have examined the effectiveness of this procedure, however no prior study has thoroughly evaluated its complications. We anticipate that this analysis will provide valuable insight into these procedures which can be used in patient education and post-operative follow-up. Materials and methods The Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database was queried for cases reporting injury related to the pillar procedure. The case narratives were individually analyzed and categorized by type of complication. A comparison of extruding parts and select complications was also performed using chi-square analysis. Results Of the 261 cases reported, 73.6% reporting extruding parts, 47.5% described patient pain, and 38.7% included patients describing a foreign body sensation. Infection was reported in 7.7% of the cases with cellulitis and abscess formation specifically mentioned in one case. Cases describing pain and difficulty swallowing were significantly more likely to have reported extruding parts (p Conclusions This study describes various complications associated with this procedure. The description of these complications and accompanying literature review may provide healthcare professionals and patients with an understanding of the scope of adverse events related to this procedure.
SWISH: A Shifting-Weight Interface of Simulated Hydrodynamics for Haptic Perception of Virtual Fluid Vessels

Current VR/AR systems are unable to reproduce the physical sensation of fluid vessels, due to the shifting nature of fluid motion. To this end, we introduce SWISH, an ungrounded mixed-reality interface, capable of affording the users a realistic haptic sensation of fluid behaviors in vessels. The chief mechanism behind SWISH is in the use of virtual reality tracking and motor actuation to actively relocate the center of gravity of a handheld vessel, emulating the moving center of gravity of a handheld vessel that contains fluid. In addition to solving challenges related to reliable and efficient motor actuation, our SWISH designs place an emphasis on reproducibility, scalability, and availability to the maker culture. Our virtual-to-physical coupling uses Nvidia Flex's Unity integration for virtual fluid dynamics with a 3D printed augmented vessel containing a motorized mechanical actuation system. To evaluate the effectiveness and perceptual efficacy of SWISH, we conduct a user study with 24 participants, 7 vessel actions, and 2 virtual fluid viscosities in a virtual reality environment. In all cases, the users on average reported that the SWISH bucket generates accurate tactile sensations for the fluid behavior. This opens the potential for multi-modal interactions with programmable fluids in virtual environments for chemistry education, worker training, and immersive entertainment.
Pre/Post Session Measurement

Mobile simulation is an emerging environment and platform that educators can leverage when conducting simulation encounters. Though the intended audience may vary from site to site, the flexibility of an immersive platform merits consideration due to the benefits seen with existing successful mobile simulation programs. Implementing and utilizing an effective pre/post evaluative tool can assist facilities, sites, and planners in demonstrating the impact of an immersive encounter. A well-planned tool can assist program, facility, and site administrators in highlighting the impact of simulation in a mobile environment. Effective data collection has the ability to depict results that demonstrate benefits and staff-reported outcomes of a mobile program. Conducting simulation with a mobile platform allows underserved clinical areas the opportunity to experience simulation outside of the traditional fixated brick and mortar facility and within their own native clinical environment. Deliberate planning should go into the design of the pre/post assessment tool to demonstrate the impact of simulation. Designing questions that leverage the immersive experience collectively with clinical and educational objectives has the potential to showcase the return on investment in mobile simulation encounters across various clinical professions.
Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder

This comprehensive chapter covers manifold aspects of delayed sleep-wake phase disorder. This condition of extreme “night owl” circadian preference captures predominantly adolescents and young adults in misalignment with the timing of the light-dark cycle and is associated with considerable disability. Clinical features and comorbidities, differential diagnosis, and epidemiology are covered, as well as pathophysiology and new findings in genetics. Treatment studies of light therapy, melatonin, and other modalities are presented and referenced in detail. Avenues for future research are thoroughly discussed, with the need for collaboration between the scientific and clinical communities.
Extremum Seeking for Creating Optimal Feedback Controls of Unknown Systems by Tuning Basis Functions

We consider the problem of optimal feedback control of unknown dynamic systems. Optimal feedback control is important for systems with time-varying initial conditions, which cannot rely on feedforward controllers. For example, components in particle accelerators are turned on and off hundreds of times per second, with pulse widths of ~1 ms and repetition rates >100 Hz, whose dynamics and initial conditions vary slowly over time due to external disturbances, such as temperature fluctuations. Our approach allows us to quickly learn an optimal feedback control, which can then be applied for all initial conditions even as the system begins to drift and change. For linear systems we reproduce the cost minimizing linear quadratic regulator (LQR) optimal controller that could have been designed had the system been known.
Ethical and public health implications of genetic testing for suicide risk: family and survivor perspectives.

Purpose Death from suicide has an estimated heritability of ~50%. Research may soon allow calculation of polygenic risk scores (PRS) for suicide death, which could be marketed directly to consumers. This raises ethical concerns. Understanding how consumers will utilize this information is urgent. Methods We conducted three focus groups involving suicide attempt survivors ("survivors") and family members of suicide decedents ("family members") to gauge their reactions to this technology. Questions focused on positive and negative implications of PRS results. Qualitative research methods were used to summarize studio results. Results Eight survivors and 13 family members participated. Both groups postulated benefits of suicide PRS, including prevention and reduced stigma. Their concerns ranged from increased stigma to adverse psychological effects. They suggested that suicide PRS should be accompanied by extensive education and counseling. Participants experienced no adverse effects. Conclusion Many ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic testing for suicide risk are highly salient to community stakeholders. Our participants hoped that suicide PRS could have significant individual and community-level benefits, but had concerns about effects in several domains, including stigma, access to insurance and employment, and increased anxiety and depression.
On the MV(peak) versus Orbital Period Relation for Dwarf Nova Outbursts

We present computations for the accretion disk limit cycle model in an attempt to explain the empirical relation for dwarf nova outbursts between the peak visual absolute magnitude and orbital period found by Warner. For longer period systems one sees intrinsically brighter outbursts. This is accounted for in the limit cycle model by the scaling with radius of the critical surface density Σmax that triggers the dwarf nova outbursts. During the storage phase of the instability, the accretion disk mass must be less than some maximum value, a value that scales with radius and therefore with orbital period. When the instability is triggered and the accumulated mass is redistributed into a quasi-steady state disk in outburst, the resultant peak optical flux from the disk is a measure of the total mass that was stored in quiescence. We compute light curves for a range in outer disk radius (or equivalently, orbital period), and find that our peak values of MV are within less than 1 mag of the observed relation MV(peak) = 5.64 - 0.259Porbital for 2 Porbital 8, where Porbital is in hours.
Speculation and food-grain prices

The impact of speculative activities in financial markets on food-grain prices is a topical but debated issue. We consider four major food-grain commodities and several speculation measures–which r...
A Multidisciplinary Collaborative Approach to Retinal Toxic Effects Screening for Dermatology Patients Taking Antimalarials.

Clinical question What are the roles of antimalarial therapy prescribers and eye care specialists in regard to antimalarial dosing, screening for retinal toxic effects, and antimalarial treatment cessation? Bottom line Antimalarial prescribers should prescribe antimalarial dosages at 5 mg/kg/d or less of actual body weight. A baseline retinal examination with optical coherence tomography should be performed within 6 months of starting antimalarial therapy to rule out confounding disease. Patients at low risk for retinopathy do not require annual screening until 5 years of antimalarial use. Eye care clinicians should not stop treatment with antimalarials because of equivocal findings, as retinopathy occurs slowly, and therefore there is time for repeated testing. Antimalarial treatment cessation should be a collaborative decision that involves the patient, the prescriber, and the eye care clinician and that focuses on patient values, the severity of the underlying disease, and the estimated risk of visual loss if treatment with the drug is continued.
Effects of pressure on wetted area of submerged superhydrophobic granular coatings. Part II: poly-dispersed coatings

Abstract The effects of hydrostatic pressure on the stability of the air–water interface over submerged superhydrophobic coatings comprised of mono-dispersed particles was studied in the first part of this two-part publication [Colloids and Surfaces A, 465 (2015) 87–98]. In this second part, our formulations are extended to cover granular coatings comprised of randomly arranged particles having bi-dispersed or poly-dispersed size and contact angle distributions. Simple analytical formulations are developed to predict how the air–water interface transitions from a non-wetted (Cassie) state to the fully-wetted (Wenzel) state through a series of intermediate wetting states. In particular, a simple mono-dispersed equivalent particle diameter is proposed to be used in predicting the critical pressure and wetted area of poly-dispersed coatings comprised of particles of different diameters and contact angles as a function of hydrostatic pressure. Numerical simulations conducted via the Surface Evolver finite element code have been used to examine the accuracy of the analytical formulations developed in this study.
Flight test evaluation of a digital controller used in a VTOL automatic approach and landing system

As part of the NASA Langley Research Center's effort to develop technology for VTOL operation in the air transportation system in the late 1980's and beyond, research has been conducted aimed at developing digital controller design procedures. This paper describes the verification of one design procedure by the flight evaluation of an advanced digital control algorithm. The control algorithm, operating at 10 iterations per second, follows step guidance commands with zero steady state error and thus provides an autotrim capability for the nonlinear vehicle. Changes in vehicle dynamics are accounted for using a gain scheduling technique. This control algorithm is combined with sensor filters, a trajectory generator, and a closed loop guidance algorithm to form a VTOL autoland system. A CH-47 tandem rotor helicopter which contains a set of sensors, onboard digital flight computers and electro-hydraulic actuators is used in the evaluation. All software, except input-output routines, is coded in FORTRAN using floating point arithmetic and executed in the flight computer. This autoland system is exercised by automatically flying straight-in descending decelerating trajectories typical of VFR manual approaches to a predetermined landing pad.
A critical review of efforts to protect Florida panther habitat on private lands

This paper examines the use of federal regulations and market-based incentives to conserve habitat for the Florida panther on private lands. We examine: the role of habitat conservation in panther recovery efforts; the limitations of existing regulatory mechanisms, in particular the Endangered Species Act, in conserving panther habitat on private lands; and how market-based incentives for habitat conservation may complement regulations. In particular, we examine how a payment for ecosystem services (PES) program could attain both economic and ecological efficiency in habitat conservation on private lands. We conclude that a strategic combination of regulatory and market-based incentives would be more effective at conserving contiguous habitat on private lands, especially when the loss of habitat is driven by rapid urban and exurban development.
CW optical parametric oscillation near 2.1 /spl mu/m, pumped by 1064 nm

All previously demonstrated continuous wave (cw) optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) have required noncritical (90/spl deg/) phasematching. Critical (non 90/spl deg/) phasematching can reduce the parametric gain by orders of magnitude due to Poynting vector walkoff. For example, room temperature conversion between 1 and 2 microns in lithium niobate (LN) phasematches at 45/spl deg/ to the z axis and has a Boyd-Kleinman gain reduction factor of h/spl les/0.1. In fact, Boyd and Kleinman pointed out that a 1064 nm pumped degenerate cw OPO using LN has a threshold pump power of 4.5 W, assuming a round trip power loss of 2% We can decrease the threshold pump power by reducing the losses in our resonator. We have designed an uncoated, total internal reflection (TIR) resonator that has a finesse limited only by the absorption and scatter loss of the nonlinear crystal. >
A Formal Verification Methodology for FPGA-Based Stepper Motor Control

Stepper motors are electric motors that are used extensively in safety-critical applications such as auto, medical devices, and surgical robots. A popular trend is the use of FPGA-based digital control for stepper motors. We present a formal verification methodology for 6 types of stepper motor (SM) control. Our methodology is based on the theory of Well-Founded Equivalence Bisimulation refinement , where both formal specifications and implementations are treated as transition systems. We define formal specifications for six types of Stepper Motor control. We also develop correctness proof obligations for FPGA implementations of stepper motor control. The methods are demonstrated using six case studies. The specifications are simple, with less than 50 transitions. We have used our methodology to verify FPGA controllers with millions of transitions against these simple specifications.
Development of a miniaturized four-culture method for the rapid enumeration of four bacterial groups in ground beef.

D . H . K A N G , M . S . R H E E A N D M . C O S T E L L O . 2003. Aims: A simplified and rapid method was developed to identify and enumerate total mesophilic microbial load, gram-negative bacteria, coliforms, and Escherichia coli in ground beef, using a single module. Methods and Results: A 96-well microtiter plate was divided into four sections of two lanes (24 wells), with each section dedicated to each of the four critical bacterial groups. Double strength of four different selective broths (100 ll) was added to each well and an aliquot of sample (100 ll) from the first well was transferred to the next to achieve a twofold serial dilution in each series (24 wells). Initial bacterial load was calculated using the final consecutive positive reaction exhibiting color change or fluorescence. To validate the method, ground beef (n ¼ 32), inoculated with a three-strain mixture of E. coli, together with 30 samples of commercial ground beef, were assayed by the four-culture method and conventional plating. For all media tested, the coefficients of determinations (r 2 ) between the results derived from the four-culture method and those of conventional plating method ranged from 0AE83 to 0AE92. Conclusions: The high degree of association between the two methods indicates that the four-culture method could be easily applied to the enumeration of four critical bacterial groups in ground beef. Significance and Impact of the Study: This method will facilitate sanitation monitoring at meat processing plants by shortening time required for results, reducing consumable material costs, simplifying procedures, reducing the space required, and cutting the cost of start up equipment.
Bioware. Mass Effect 3.

In 2012, Canadian video game developer BioWare released Mass Effect 3, the epic conclusion to an action/adventure video game trilogy set in the distant future. Players, taking on the role of protag...
Prognostic significance of Philadelphia chromosome-positive cells detected by the polymerase chain reaction after allogeneic bone marrow transplant for chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Although rare cells expressing the bcr/abl fusion transcript can be detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patient blood or marrow after allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT) for Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+)-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), the prognostic significance of this finding is unknown. This paper reports clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular data derived from 64 CML patients following allogeneic BMT. Nested primer PCR was performed on patient blood and bone marrow samples to detect the presence of residual bcr/abl (+) cells in CML patients considered to be in clinical remission at the time of study. Bcr/abl transcripts were detected in 37 of 64 patients for at least one timepoint post-BMT. Thirteen of these 37 bcr/abl (+) patients have subsequently relapsed, as defined by clinical and/or persistent cytogenetic findings, in contrast to 0 relapses among the 27 bcr/abl (-) patients (P = .0025). The median time from first (+) bcr/abl PCR signal to relapse was 150 days (range 90 to 832). Fifty-four patients were studied at two or more timepoints post- BMT: five of eight patients persistently bcr/abl (+) have relapsed; 5 of 23 patients with both bcr/abl (+) and (-) assays during follow-up have relapsed; and none of 23 patients persistently (-) have relapsed (cumulative actuarial relapse rates 77%, 20%, and 0%, respectively, P = .0017). These data indicate that among CML patients in apparent clinical remission after BMT, nested primer bcr/abl PCR can define subgroups with low, intermediate, and high risk of relapse. The pattern of bcr/abl PCR detection after transplant may aid in the development of trials designed to reduce the risk of relapse, or allow for early intervention in patients who fail to clear the malignant clone.
In Search of the Right Spouse: Interracial Marriage among Chinese and Japanese Americans

(1995). In Search of the Right Spouse: Interracial Marriage among Chinese and Japanese Americans. Amerasia Journal: Vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 77-98.
Phase II trial of liposomal daunorubicin in the treatment of AIDS-related pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma.

PURPOSEKaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common tumor in patients with AIDS and can be fatal in patients with lung involvement. Systemic chemotherapy is the most effective treatment for pulmonary KS. We thus conducted this study to determine the efficacy of liposomal daunorubicin in the treatment of patients with pulmonary KS.METHODSPatients with biopsy-proven, symptomatic pulmonary KS were accrued. Liposomal daunorubicin was given at a dose of 60 mg/m2 intravenously every 2 weeks. Response was monitored by chest radiographs, pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases, and grading of pulmonary symptoms.RESULTSFifty-three male patients were accrued. The median CD4+ lymphocyte count was 13/microL (range, 0 to 200); 70% reported a prior AIDS-defining opportunistic infection. All patients were symptomatic, with cough reported in all patients, shortness of breath in 94%, and hemoptysis in 55%. The mean study entry diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) was 58.5% (percent of predicted). The median dos...
Regulation of actin function by protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation of Limk1

Proper regulation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A, PKA) is necessary for cellular homeostasis, and dysregulation of this kinase is crucial in human disease. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking the PKA regulatory subunit Prkar1a show altered cell morphology and enhanced migration. At the molecular level, these cells showed increased phosphorylation of cofilin, a crucial modulator of actin dynamics, and these changes could be mimicked by stimulating the activity of PKA. Previous studies of cofilin have shown that it is phosphorylated primarily by the LIM domain kinases Limk1 and Limk2, which are under the control of the Rho GTPases and their downstream effectors. In Prkar1a−/− MEFs, neither Rho nor Rac was activated; rather, we showed that PKA could directly phosphorylate Limk1 and thus enhance the phosphorylation of cofilin. These data indicate that PKA is crucial in cell morphology and migration through its ability to modulate directly the activity of LIM kinase.
Laser therapy in acute stroke treatment

Recent development of near infrared light therapy (NILT) as an acute stroke treatment is promising. In various preclinical animal stroke models, NILT has been shown to be effective in improving long-term stroke outcome. More importantly, NILT has a long postischemic therapeutic window that has not been previously observed in other treatment modalities. The preliminary efficacy and safety of NILT in acute stroke patients were demonstrated in the recently published phase II NeuroThera Effectiveness and Safety Trial (NEST-1). If confirmed by the NEST-II trial, NILT will revolutionize acute stroke management as ut has a long time window (possible 24 hr) for therapy. Moreover, understanding the mechanisms of action of NILT will provide a new therapeutic target for future drug or device development.
Redundant single gimbal control moment gyroscope singularity analysis

The robotic manipulator is proposed as the mechanical analog to single gimbal control moment gyroscope systems, and it is shown that both systems share similar difficulties with singular configurations. This analogy is used to group gimbal angles corresponding to any momentum state into different families. The singularity problem associated with these systems is examined in detail. In particular, a method is presented to test for the possibility of nontorque-producing gimbal motion at a singular configuration, as well as to determine the admissible motions in the case when this is possible. Sufficient conditions are derived for instances where the singular system can be reconfigured into a nonsingular state by these nontorque-producing motions.
Bäcklund transformations, energy shift and the plane wave limit

We discuss basic properties of the Backlund transformations for the classical string in AdS space in the context of the null-surface perturbation theory. We explain the relation between the Backlund transformations and the energy shift of the dual field theory state. We show that the Backlund transformations can be represented as a finite-time evolution generated by a special linear combination of the Pohlmeyer charges. This is a manifestation of the general property of Backlund transformations known as spectrality. We also discuss the plane wave limit.
Obesity and cancer

Substantial evidence supports the link between increasing adiposity and a higher risk of many cancers
Botanical expeditions of The New York Botanical Garden

A list is given of the botanical expeditions undertaken by staff members, graduate students, and close collaborators of The New York Botanical Garden from 1897 to 1994.
High Energy cosmic neutrinos

Abstract We discuss the production of neutrinos in interactions of high energy cosmic ray nuclei accelerated in different astrophysical objects. Neutrino fluxes of different magnitude and energy spectra are produced in interactions on diffuse galactic matter and possibly at or close to the acceleration site. Different potential sources inside and outside our galaxy are discussed with an increased attention to neutrinos generated in photoproduction interactions at active galactic nuclei. The observability of these neutrinos with current and future generation detectors is estimated.
A new form of decavanadate: hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterization of Ba5.33(H3O)0.33[V10O30]

Abstract The hydrothermal reaction of V2O5, BaCl2·2H2O, ethylenediamine and H2O in the mole ratio 1:1:2.8:925 at 200°C for 5 days yielded black crystals of Ba5.33(H3O)0.33[V10O30] in 20% yield. The structure consists of discrete decavanadate clusters [V10O33]11− and Ba2+ and H3O+ cations. The molecular anion is constructed from four [V2O7]4 units, each acting in a bidenatate linkage mode to the central [V2O2]5+ unit. The tetrahedral sites associated with the [V2O7]4 moieties are in the +5 oxidation state, while the reduced site is delocalized over the two central square pyramidal sites. Crystal data for HBa5.33O30.33V10: cubic lm 3 a = 16.9439(2) A , V = 4864.5(1) A 3 Z = 6, D cale = 3.540 g cm 8 : R = 0.0255 for all 1077 reflections.
Theory of branched growth.

We present a theory of branched growth processes, notably diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA). Using a simple model of the dynamics of screening of competing branches, we compute statistics of the growth probability distribution. These statistics are multifractal only for stochastic models. Applying this general approach to diffusion-limited aggregation, we obtain results for the dimension D of a DLA cluster that are extremely close to the Muthukumar formula, D=(${\mathit{d}}^{2}$+1)/(d+1), in spatial dimensionality d [Phys. Rev. Lett. 50, 839 (1983)]. This formula is believed to be accurate for DLA clusters in dimensions dg2. The maximum growth probability of the cluster scales as ${\mathit{p}}_{\mathrm{max}}$\ensuremath{\sim}${\mathit{r}}^{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{D}}$, with r the cluster radius, as predicted by Turkevich and Scher [Phys. Rev. Lett. 55, 1026 (1985); Phys. Rev. A 33, 786 (1986)]. We also discuss the scaling of the minimum growth probability, the behavior of nonstochastic models, and possible approaches to direct computation of the screening dynamics. Our results are in good qualitative, and in some cases good quantitative, agreement with numerical studies of the screening dynamics.
Aberrant cyclic nucleotide regulation in a behavioral mutant of Phycomyces blakesleeanus

Abstract The sporangiophore of Phycomyces blakesleeanus bends toward unilateral blue light and may transiently double its growth rate upon uniform stimulation. The sporangiophore of the mutant strain C149, mad D 120 (−), has no observable bending response and a much attenuated growth response. Uniform light stimulation of wild type produces an immediate 60% dip and recovery of cyclic AMP completed well before the growth response initiates. In C149, the same stimulation elicits a very small cyclic AMP response. In accord with this, cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity is shown to be altered in C149. This is the first biochemical alteration reported in a mad mutant and it may be related to the genetic lesion.
Chaos-assisted adiabatic passage of molecular rotation

The exact dynamics of the rotational degrees of freedom of diatomic molecules, in the presence of sequentially applied radiation pulses, is studied. The radiation pulses induce chaos in the rotational phase space. In the adiabatic limit, this induced chaos is found to cause a transition to high angular momentum states due to chaos induced avoided crossings among Floquet states. The effect of finite temperature on the distribution of transitions is also discussed.
Specificity in the Reactions of Larval Heliothis zea and H. virescens to Light

Very young larvae of Heliothis zea (Boddie) and H. virescens (F.) proved to have different sensitivities to light. H. zea larvae required a “long-day equivalent” photoperiod (short-day photoperiod (10L) plus a ½-hour light exposure introduced 4 hours after beginning of the dark phase) for the first 6 days and then a short-day photoperiod for the remainder of larval development to produce maximum diapause. Percentage diapause of H. virescens was maximal regardless of the photoperiod to which the 1st-stage larvae were exposed. Larvae of both species must be subjected to light interruptions for at least ¾ of the developmental period to substantially inhibit diapause.
Fluorination of La2 − xSrxCuO4 + δ: Exhibition of superconductivity for x ≤ 0.05

Abstract La2−xSrxCuO4+δ with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 was fluorinated. Nonsuperconducting samples with x ≤ 0.05were rendered superconducting after fluorination. Tc is little affected for x ≥ 0.1; low-field diamagnetic properties are improved for these compositions.
Learning new words from storybooks: an efficacy study with at-risk kindergartners.

Purpose: The extant literature suggests that exposure to novel vocabulary words through repeated readings of storybooks influences children’s word learning, and that adult elaboration of words in c...
Reaction of aluminum cluster ions with oxygen and nitrous oxide: Energetics and dynamics of cluster oxidation

We report a study of the absolute cross sections, reaction threshold energies, and product branching ratios for interactions of aluminum cluster ions (Al+n, n=1–9) with O2 and N2O. Most of the reactions are observed to have collision energy thresholds which are attributed to activation barriers or bottlenecks. At collision energies above threshold, exoergic oxidation of the cluster ions occurs, and the resulting energy release causes extensive fragmentation to yield a variety of product ions. Comparison of threshold behavior for different product channels suggests that in addition to the dominant oxidation reactions, the clusters undergo Al abstraction, O2–Al+ exchange, and collision induced dissociation.
Development and applications of time-of-flight neutron depth profiling (TOF-NDP)

Neutron depth profiling (NDP) is a surface analysis technique based on the irradiation of samples with thermal or sub-thermal neutrons, and subsequent release of charged particles. Emitted particles rapidly lose kinetic energy primarily through interactions with the electrons of the substrate material. The depth of the reaction site can be found by using stopping power correlations. In conventional NDP, particle residual energy is measured by using a silicon semiconductor detector. In time-of-flight NDP (TOF-NDP), the energy can be determined by particle flight time. Time measurement can be made more sensitively than the energy measurement. Silicon semiconductor detectors can be replaced by microchannel plates (MCP). In this study, TOF-NDP concept will be briefly explained; Penn State TOF-NDP facility will be introduced; preliminary measurements performed with an alpha-source will be presented.
Photoionization of Phenolates and Scavenging of Hydrated Electrons by No3-: A Study of the Reaction Mechanism by FT-EPR

The mechanism of photoionization of phenol, p-cresol, and tyrosine in alkaline aqueous solution was investigated with Fourier Transform EPR. The spectra given by the phenoxyl radicals and hydrated ...
MHC antigen expression in human liver grafts: its role in rejection.

The present study documents major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I and II expression during early acute rejection of human liver grafts. Serial graft biopsies (pretransplant, time zero, and 1 week) were studied. Ten patients received azathioprine (AZA) and prednisone; the other six patients were treated with quadruple therapy (azathioprine, cyclosporine A, prednisone, and cyclophosphamide). To study the specificity of changes in MHC antigen expression, biopsies of six patients with minor or no morphologic abnormalities served as controls. In addition, phenotypes of inflammatory cells present during rejection were analyzed using a panel of monoclonal antibodies. The results show that during acute rejection expression of MHC Class I and II antigens increased significantly in the AZA-treated patients, in a pattern similar to that seen in the patients treated with quadruple therapy, showing enhanced MHC Class I expression on hepatocytes, bile duct epithelium, and sinusoidal endothelium, and Class II antigen on Kupffer cells and sinusoidal endothelium. Bile duct epithelium was consistently positive for Class II antigen; no significant difference with the nonrejection group was observed. T cells are the predominant inflammatory cells during rejection with equal quantities of CD4 + and CD8 + cells. A majority of the infiltrating T cells show expression of Class II antigen but do not react with antiinterleukin-2 receptor antibody. This may be the result of immunosuppressive therapy or a simple reflection of the temporary expression of interleukin-2 receptors during lymphocyte activation. The authors hypothesize that the induction of MHC antigens on bile duct epithelium leads to rejection whereas the expression on hepatocytes represents an epiphenomenon.
Characterization of Assembly Intermediates Containing Subunit 1 of Yeast Cytochrome Oxidase

Mitochondrial-encoded Cox1p, one of the three core subunits of yeast cytochrome oxidase (COX), was previously shown to associate with regulatory proteins and nuclear-encoded subunits into five high molecular weight complexes that were proposed to constitute the pathway for biogenesis of the Cox1p assembly module. One of the intermediates (D5) was inferred, but not directly shown to exist. In the present study mitochondria of strains expressing C-terminal-tagged subunits of COX that had not been looked at previously were pulse-labeled and analyzed for the presence of newly translated Cox1p in the immunoprecipitates. These studies revealed that of the eight nuclear-encoded COX subunits, only Cox5ap, Cox6p, and Cox8p are present in the Cox1p module. Both Cox5ap and Cox8p share interfaces with Cox1p in the holoenzyme, whereas Cox6p interacts indirectly through Cox5ap. These results suggest that the subunit contacts in the holoenzyme are probably established during biogenesis of the Cox1p module. To confirm the existence of the largest Cox1p intermediates (D5), which was only inferred previously, radiolabeled Cox1p with a C-terminal tag was expressed in COX-deficient pet111 and pet494 mutants. Pulldown assays confirmed the presence of newly translated Cox1p in D5, which in wild type cannot be demonstrated directly because of its co-migration with COX in the native electrophoresis system used to separate the intermediates. Jointly, the results of these analyses substantiate our previous proposal that COX is assembled from separate assembly modules, each containing one of the mitochondrial-translated core subunits in association with a unique set of nuclear-encoded subunits. Background: Yeast mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase has been proposed to assemble from three modules. Results: The Cox1 module assembles independently of the two other modules and contains mitochondrial- encoded Cox1p and three nuclear encoded subunits. Conclusion: The composition of the Cox1p module reflects the subunit interactions in the holoenzyme. Significance: Cytochrome oxidase is assembled from several rather than a single linear pathway.
Density-dependent mortality and the evolution of social interactions

Abstract Existing models of kin selection implicitly assume that the intensity of density-dependent mortality depends on the size or density of the entire deme. If individuals compete for locally limited resources, then mortality may also depend on local population density. In this paper, I derive conditions for evolutionary equilibrium when the fitness of an individual depends on (1) the phenotypes of a local group of conspecifics with which it interacts and (2) the size of the local group. In general, altruistic behaviours which reduce the individual fitness of the actor but increase that of the recipient are favoured towards individuals whose coefficient of relationship exceeds a threshold value. ‘Harming’ behaviours which reduce the individual fitness of both the actor and the recipient are favoured towards individuals below this threshold value. The magnitude of this threshold depends on the nature of the processes that cause density-dependent mortality and the average coefficient of relationship in the group.
Studies on the in vitro uncoating of poliovirus. III. Roles of membrane-modifying and -stabilizing factors in the generation of subviral particles.

Abstract Interaction of type I poliovirus with isolated HeLa cell membranes resulted in a modification of the viral capsid. As a consequence of the modification, the capsid became sensitive to proteases and detergents, and the sedimentation value of the virion was slightly diminished. Further treatment of the early modified (M) particle with membrane at 36° generated a particle (C) with a lower sedimentation value, and although the RNA genome was still encapsidated, it was degradable by RNase. While M particles have lost VP4, C particles have lost both VP2 and VP4. Treatment of M or C particles with detergent (sodium dodecyl sulfate) disengaged the viral RNA as an intact (i.e., 35 S) molecule. The membrane component responsible for inducing early modification (modifying factor) was extracted from membrane by low-speed centrifugation or by solubilization with Triton X-100. Treatment with either nonextractable or nonsolubilizable membrane stabilized the virion against thermal degradation. In the presence of these stabilizing membrane fractions, M particles subjected to heat treatment at 36° were converted to C particles. In the absence of stabilizing fractions, thermal degradation of M virus was more extensive and viral oligonucleotides were released. The stabilizing fractions were also found to inhibit the modifying activities of membrane extract and solubilized membrane. Some properties of the Triton X-100-solubilized membrane-modifying factor were studied. The solubilized factor was inactivated by treatment with trypsin, lipase, sodium deoxycholate, wheat germ agglutinin, or concanavalin A.
Equivalence of the time and Laplace domain solutions for the steady state concentration of radiometric tracers and the groundwater age equation

It has been previously shown that the normalized concentration of a radioactively decaying tracer defines one point on the Laplace transformed age distribution and that point corresponds to the decay rate of the tracer. However, it is unclear how two time domain quantities, the decay rate and normalized concentration, are related to the elements of a Laplace transformed distribution; this note clarifies these relationships mechanistically. It is shown that the Laplace transformed age distribution is equivalent to the late-time concentration of a radiometric tracer if transport and age are both at steady state. The result is general and may be applied to any age distribution, including non-Fickian distributions. The significance of the generality is that the steady state concentrations and known decay rates may be used to help constrain the parameters of an unknown age distribution in a wide range of flow systems.
The observation of ocean surface phenomena using imagery from the SEASAT synthetic aperture radar: An assessment

The principles governing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and its use on the Seasat spacecraft are reviewed. The way in which wind stress, surface currents, long gravity waves, and surface films modulate the scattering properties of resonant (approximately 30-cm-wavelength) waves is discussed, with particular emphasis placed on the mechanisms that could produce images of long gravity waves. Doppler effects by ocean motion are also described. Measurements of long (wavelength more than about 100 m) gravity waves made using Seasat SAR imagery are compared with surface measurements during several experiments. Combining these results, it is found that dominant wavelength and direction are measured by Seasat SAR within + or - 12% and + or - 15 deg, respectively. It is noted, however, that ocean waves are not always visible in SAR images, and detection criteria are discussed in terms of wave height, length, and direction.
Oxidation of phenothiazine and phenoxazine by Cunninghamella elegans

1. To determine the ability of fungi to metabolize sulphur- and oxygen-containing azaarenes, Cunninghamella elegans ATCC 9245 was grown in 125-ml flasks containing fluid Sabouraud medium. The cultures and controls were incubated at 28°C with shaking and dosed with 16.7 mM phenothiazine or phenoxazine. After incubation for 72h, the mycelia and filtrates were extracted with ethyl acetate and the combined residues analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Residual phenothiazine and phenoxazine were 21 and 22%, respectively, of the total UV absorbance at 254 nm. 2. The metabolites were identified by mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The fungus oxidized phenothiazine to phenothiazine sulphoxide, 3-hydroxyphenothiazine sulphoxide, phenothiazin-3-one, and 3-hydroxyphenothiazine and oxidized phenoxazine to phenoxazin-3-one. 3. Three of the four compounds produced by C. elegans from phenothiazine were identical to those produced by mammals, supporting the use of the fu...