cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reversal of bradykinin action: possible involvement of prostaglandins or dual receptors.

Abstract The vascular effects of synthetic bradykinin were studied in perfused isolated canine hind limb preparations. Repeated low doses of bradykinin or high doses administered at sufficiently long time intervals elicited dose-related hypotensive responses. In contrast, administration of increasing doses of bradykinin at short time intervals led first to diminishing hypotensive responses followed by frank increases in perfusion pressure. This autoreversal of bradykinin might be explainable either on the basis of known effects of bradykinin on prostaglandin synthesis with specific reference to PGF 2α , or the existence of two types of bradykinin receptors.
Specialized Assessments for Children in Foster Care

Objective. To investigate the differences in health problems identified and health services received by children newly entering foster care who participated in a comprehensive multidisciplinary program, compared with children newly entering foster care who received customary community-based services. Methods. Using a 2-group quasiexperimental design, 120 young children entering foster care were enrolled in a multidisciplinary intervention program (n = 62) or were followed by customary care providers (n = 58). An interview with the foster parent; a complete medical examination; and a battery of developmental, psychological, speech/language, and motor assessments were completed for each child at baseline. Children in both groups participated in follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months. Results. No significant differences between the 2 groups existed in medical, educational, developmental, or mental health problems identified by foster mothers. However, children in the intervention group were more likely to be identified with developmental (56.5% vs 8.6%) and mental health problems (37.1% vs 13.8%) by providers than children in the comparison group. Children in the intervention group were also more likely to be referred for health services at baseline (71.0% vs 43.1%) and receive follow-up care at 6 and 12 months of age than children in the comparison group. Conclusions. Findings indicate that community providers identify medical and educational needs but do not recognize developmental and mental health needs of young children newly entering foster care. The discrepancies in the number of recommended services and follow-up care between the 2 groups make a case for the establishment of specialized services for children entering out-of-home care.
Dynamic anchoring transitions at aqueous–liquid crystal interfaces induced by specific and non-specific binding of vesicles to proteins

This paper reports on the dynamics of continuous anchoring transitions at interfaces formed between nematic liquid crystals (LCs, 4′-pentyl-4-cyanobiphenyl (5CB)) and immiscible aqueous phases that are induced by either non-specific or specific interactions between phospholipid vesicles and proteins adsorbed at the LC interfaces. By analyzing the dynamic response of LCs to non-specific adsorption of lipids onto bovine serum albumin (BSA)-decorated LC interfaces, we provide evidence that the LC anchoring transitions are slower than diffusion-controlled accumulation of lipid at the interface, consistent with the hypothesis that the LC transition involves lateral reorganization of proteins and lipids at the interface. Significantly, optical measurements of the tilt angle of the LC as a function of the amount of lipid captured at the interface were found to be quantitatively consistent with theoretical predictions of LC anchoring directed by nanoscopic domains of molecules that cause planar (protein) and homeotropic (lipid) anchoring of the LC. Finally, specific binding interactions between the antibody-decorated LC interfaces and vesicles (through antibody-antigen recognition) greatly accelerated the continuous LC anchoring transitions, with dynamics that were measured to scale with the logarithm of the ligand composition of the vesicles (over four orders of magnitude). The latter dynamics were found to be strongly influenced by addition of synthetic surfactants, consistent with our proposal that the rate-limiting step underlying the response of the LC was the transfer of lipids from captured vesicles into the protein-decorated LC interface. Overall, the results presented in this paper provide quantitative insight into the origin of continuous anchoring transitions triggered by vesicles at protein-decorated LC interfaces and, more broadly, guidance for the design of stimuli-responsive LC systems.
Potential neurotoxin formation in thermally degraded synthetic ester turbine lubricants.

Under extreme conditions of thermal degradation, a potent neurotoxin, trimethylolpropane phosphate (TMPP), may be formed by reaction of tricresyl phosphate (TCP, an anti-wear additive) and trimethylolpropane esters (TMPE) of carboxylic acids that may be contained in turbine engine lubricant formulations. The neurotoxin is only formed at extreme temperatures (350–700° C), which has minimized concern for use of the synthetic lubricants under intended applications; however, since researchers are often not privy to the proprietary composition of such lubricants, extreme caution should be exercised in studies of or applications of synthetic lubricatns degraded under extreme conditions.
Current Status of thin film HgCdTe: Relationship of Structure and Chemistry to Device Application

This paper addresses the current status of thin film HgCdTe and limitations in the currently achievable thin film properties. The emphasis is placed on Hg1−xCdxTe since this material is presently most seriously considered for infrared devices and particularly resistant to high quality film preparation due to large elemental vapor pressure differences. The current status of thin film HgCdTe is reviewed and the various thin film deposition techniques utilized to prepare HgCdTe thin films are compared. Finally, results are reviewed which still support the claim that the less investigated technique of bias-sputtering, modified to accommodate deposition in a high partial pressure background of Hg vapor, can yield structurally high quality Hg1−xCdxTe films with device-worthy properties. Significant is the fact that the deposition process still provides the simple and systematic control over all relevant film properties without post-deposition treatment. Such control is required to achieve the desired material for device application. As is also reviewed here, this work was one of the first to demonstrate the ability to use low cost foreign substrates for HgCdTe thin film device fabrication.
On the explanatory power of some metaethical views

Is goodness a natural property of objects? A nonnatural property? Strictly speaking, not a property at all? In the 'golden age' of metaethics, these questions were almost invariably addressed as questions about the meaning of "good"; about the sort of vocabulary one would need to define it; about whether its meaning had to be explained in terms of special 'nondescriptive' uses of language. But whatever the merits of this approach may have been, it cannot be said that it has produced much in the way of original work lately. In the last decade or so, while interest in normative ethics has peaked, metaethics has become almost a dead subject. Hence the need, I believe, for new approaches. I f golden age metaethicists may be described as having executed a "linguistic turn", the turn to be taken here is a frankly ontological one. I want to view naturalism and its rivals as stating explanatory ontological hypotheses respecting the nature of goodness. An ontological conception, like any other theory, may be judged by its explanatory power in this case, by its capacity to explain (to yield as logical consequences of its basic postulates) those structural features of goodness we take to be sufficiently deep rooted to serve as appropriate tests for a theory of this sort. Obviously, the more deeply entrenched the features we select, the better. the test for a theory the less likely that an explanatory failure can simply be ignored. The goal, then, is simply to see which conception of goodness better explains what a theory of goodness ought to explain. The conclusion will be that there is no serious contest here: the view that goodness is a natural property far exceeds its rivals in explanatory power. One particular type of naturalist view (a dispositional view) is to be preferred on these grounds, I go on to show, over all contenders naturalist or not.
Use of Out-of-hospital Interventions for the Pediatric Patient in an Urban Emergency Medical Services System

. Objective: To determine appropriateness of out-of-hospital interventions by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel on children with respiratory illnesses. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed on a random sample of 304 children transported by an urban EMS system during 1994. Data were abstracted from EMScan (a computerized database of all EMS dispatches) and the EMS narrative records. Appropriate utilization of interventions was determined by comparison with the standard EMS protocol for respiratory complaints in this system. An assessment of whether interventions were inappropriately underutilized or inappropriately underutilized or inappropriately overutilized was made. Effect of severity of illness, patient age, transport times, and use of medical command on the use of interventions was evaluated. Results: Two hundred three patients (67%) were classified as having respiratory distress. Overall, 56% of the patients received appropriate interventions, 39% received one or two inappropriate interventions, and 5% received three or more inappropriate interventions. Rates of inappropriate utilization with 95% CI for each intervention were: oxygen 16% (95% CI = 12 to 20), assisted ventilation 2% (95% CI = 0.5 to 4), medication use 9% (95% CI = 6 to 13), vascular access 11% (95% CI = 7 to 14), phlebotomy 9% (95% CI = 6 to 13), and cardiac monitoring 18% (95% CI = 14 to 22). Oxygen and medications were underutilized (p < 0.005), whereas vascular access, cardiac monitoring, and phlebotomy were over-utilized (p < 0.005). Online medical command (used in 9% of transports) improved appropriate use of vascular access [OR 8.3 (95% CI = 3 to 25) (p < 0.001)] and cardiac monitoring [OR = 3 (95% CI = 1 to 8) (p < 0.05)]. Conclusions: Emergency medical services personnel underutilized oxygen and medications and overutilized vascular access, phlebotomy, and cardiac monitoring in children with respiratory illness in this urban setting. Increasing patient age, transport times, and illness severity tend to increase the use of certain interventions, while contact with online medical direction seems to improve appropriate use of interventions.
Measurement of large group delay in photonic crystal waveguides using phase sensitive lock-in techniques

We present measurements of the transmission and group delay properties of W1 triangular-lattice photonic crystal waveguides (PCWs) using a phase sensitive lock-in technique. Using a lock-in amplifier improved the SNR of the power transmission measurements by at least one order of magnitude, and also correlated features in the group delay spectra (obtained from phase measurements) to the complex transmission properties of the PCWs. We observed large group delay dips at two specific frequencies, which can be attributed to the edge of the photonic mode gap (PMG) and modal parity changes between the even and the odd modes.
Raman and infrared spectra, conformational stability, ab initio calculations and vibrational assignments for chloromethyl methyl silane

Abstract The infrared (3500 to 30 cm −1 ) spectra of gaseous and solid and the Raman (3500 to 10 cm −1 ) spectra of the liquid with quantitative depolarization ratios and solid chloromethyl methyl silane, ClCH 2 SiH 2 CH 3 , have been recorded. Similar data have also been recorded for the Si-d 2 isotopomer. These data indicate that two conformers are present in the fluid states but only one conformer is present in the annealed crystalline state. The mid-infrared spectra of the sample dissolved in liquified xenon as a function of temperature (− 100 to − 70°C) have been recorded. Utilizing conformer pairs at 738 ( gauche ), 685 ( gauche ), and 700 ( trans ) cm −1 the enthalpy difference has been determined to be 180 ± 18 cm −1 (515 ± 51 cal mol −1 ) with the gauche conformer the more stable species. However, in the spectrum of the solid, the trans conformer is the stable rotamer remaining after the sample is well annealed. Utilizing the SiH stretching frequencies from the infrared spectrum of the ClCH 2 SiHDCH 3 isotopomer, the two SiH bond distances are calculated to be 1.482 and 1.487 A for the gauche conformer. The optimized geometries, conformational stabilities, harmonic force fields, infrared intensities, Raman activities, depolarization ratios, and vibrational frequencies are reported for both conformers from RHF 6-31 G ∗ and/or MP 2 6-31 G ∗ ab initio calculations. The gauche conformer is predicted to be the more stable rotamer from both ab initio calculations in agreement with the experimental results. The other calculated quantities are compared to the experimentally determined values where applicable as well as with some corresponding results for some similar molecules.
Patellofemoral joint kinetics during squatting in collegiate women athletes.

Abstract Objective . To characterize the biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint during squatting in collegiate women athletes. Design . Repeated measures experimental design. Background . Although squatting exercises are required components of most intercollegiate resistance-training programs and are commonly performed during rehabilitation, the effects of various squatting depths on patellofemoral joint stress have not been quantified. Methods . Anthropometric data, three-dimensional knee kinematics, and ground reaction forces were used to calculate the knee extensor moment (inverse dynamics approach) in five intercollegiate female athletes during squatting exercise at three different depths (approximately 70°, 90° and 110° of knee flexion). A biomechanical model of the patellofemoral joint was used to quantify the patellofemoral joint reaction force and patellofemoral joint stress during each trial. Results . Peak knee extensor moment, patellofemoral joint reaction force and patellofemoral joint stress did not vary significantly between the three squatting trials. Conclusions . Squatting from 70° to 110° of knee flexion had little effect on patellofemoral joint kinetics. The relative constancy of the patellofemoral joint reaction force and joint stress appeared to be related to a consistent knee extensor moment produced across the three squatting depths. Relevance The results of this study do not support the premise that squatting to 110° places greater stress on the patellofemoral joint than squatting to 70°. These findings may have implications with respect to the safe design of athletic training regimens and rehabilitation programs.
Power Measurement in the Distribution Channel

The measurement of power is a prerequisite for the analysis of the distribution channel as a behavioral system. This article presents a model for power measurement and the results of a first attemp...
EXACT SOLUTION OF THE PERCUS-YEVICK INTEGRAL EQUATION FOR HARD SPHERES

ABS>The equation of state and the pair distribution for the Percus- Yevick integral equation for the radiai distribution function of a classical fluid are obtained in closed form for the prototype of interacting hard spheres. (D.C.W.)
Confinement of slave particles in U(1) gauge theories of strongly interacting electrons

We show that slave particles are always confined in $\mathrm{U}(1)$ gauge theories of interacting electron systems. Consequently, the low-lying degrees of freedom are different from the slave particles. This is done by constructing a dual formulation of the slave-particle representation in which the no-double-occupancy constraint becomes linear and, hence, soluble. Spin-charge separation, if it occurs, is due to the existence of solitons with fractional quantum numbers in a particular dual action.
Drift mobility correlation in a simple cubic lattice

Abstract A Monte Carlo method is described for the calculation of the drift mobility of interacting ions on a simple cubic lattice in an electric field. This formalism provides a useful operational model for electromigration in interstitial solid solutions. The results, which show a correlation in the drift of the ions, can be interpreted either in terms of a deviation from the Nernst-Einstein relation in the sense of vacancy wind effects or as an intrinsic correlation effect in the diffusion coefficient of the charge carriers. It is also shown that the usual tracer correlation factor can be calculated upon subtracting the square of the average drifts from the average squared displacements.
Phenoxybenzamine stability in aqueous ethanolic solutions. I. Application of potentiometric pH stat analysis to determine kinetics

Abstract The kinetics of decomposition of phenoxybenzamine (I) were determined as a function of apparent pH in 1:1 absolute ethanol : water. Decomposition proceeds through reversible cyclization to an unprotonated ethylenimonium ion [N-benzyl-N-(1-phenoxy-2-propyl)ethylenimoniumion, II], which then reacts with both water and ethanol to form solvolysis products. Both I and solvolysis products are weak bases that exist partially protonated. Decomposition of I involves the formation of titratable hydrogen ion from protonated I as II is formed. Solvolysis of II yields titratable hydrogen ion as the products are formed. At apparent pH values of 4.50 and below, all titratable hydrogen ion may be assigned to the cyclization process. At apparent pH values of 6.50 and above all titratable hydrogen ion may be assigned to the solvolysis process. This unambiguous assignment of titratable hydrogen ion to the individual processes allows individual rate constants to be determined from pH stat data only. Complementary analytical methods such as chloride ion analyses are unnecessary to elucidate the kinetics of I decomposition. The rate of cyclization was pH-dependent due to reaction of unprotonated I only. The pK a of the conjugate acid of I was 5.01 and the specific rate constant for cyclization was 0.293 min −1 . The reversibility of the cyclization reaction was found to be minimal. The rate constant for the reaction between II and chloride ions to form I was 4 × 10 −6 M · min −1 . The solvolysis was found to be pH-independent with a rate constant of 0.0289 min −1 .
A fast marching approach to multidimensional extrapolation

A computationally efficient approach to extrapolating a data field with second order accuracy is presented. This is achieved through the sequential solution of non-homogeneous linear static Hamilton-Jacobi equations, which can be performed rapidly using the fast marching methodology. In particular, the method relies on a fast marching calculation of the distance from the manifold @C that separates the subdomain @W"i"n over which the quanity is known from the subdomain @W"o"u"t over which the quantity is to be extrapolated. A parallel algorithm is included and discussed in the appendices. Results are compared to the multidimensional partial differential equation (PDE) extrapolation approach of Aslam (Aslam (2004) [31]). It is shown that the rate of convergence of the extrapolation within a narrow band near @C is controlled by both the number of successive extrapolations performed and the order of accuracy of the spatial discretization. For m successive extrapolating steps and a spatial discretization scheme of order N, the rate of convergence in a narrow band is shown to be min(N+1,m+1). Results show that for a wide range of error levels, the fast marching extrapolation strategy leads to dramatic improvements in computational cost when compared to the PDE approach.
Noninvasive imaging of hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation for detection of osteoarthritis in the finger joints using multispectral three-dimensional quantitative photoacoustic tomography

We present quantitative imaging of hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation in in vivo finger joints and evaluate the feasibility of detecting osteoarthritis (OA) in the hand using three-dimensional (3D) multispectral quantitative photoacoustic tomography (3D qPAT). The results show that both the anatomical structures and quantitative chromophore concentrations (oxy-hemoglobin and deoxy-hemoglobin) of different joint tissues (hard phalanges and soft cartilage/synovial fluid between phalanges) can be imaged in vivo with the multispectral 3D qPAT. Enhanced hemoglobin concentrations and dropped oxygen saturations in osteoarthritic phalanges and soft joint tissues in joint cavities have been observed. This study indicates that the multispectral 3D qPAT is a promising approach to detect the angiogenesis and hypoxia associated with OA disease and a potential clinical tool for early OA detection in the finger joints.
A phantom feasibility study of acoustic enhanced drug perfusion in neurological tissue

To test the feasibility of using 1.1 MHz focused ultrasound to increase the perfusion of drug through neurological tissue, tissue mimicking agar phantoms and a water soluble dye mimicking drug were exposed to 1.1 MHz ultrasonic sound fields for 1 to 4 minutes in duration. Histology was then performed on the phantoms to assess the effect of ultrasound on the perfusion of drug. Mathematical analysis was used to quantify the extent of perfusion of dye and parametrically fit the experimental data to the theoretical diffusion equation. Results show a substantial increase in drug perfusion and not diffusion like behavior for the sonicated phantoms.
The use of antithymocyte globulin in the treatment of severe aplastic anemia in children

The benefit of antithymocyte globulin in severe aplastic anemia in the pediatric age group was assessed. Four children received ten alternate-day courses of ATG (horse antihuman thymocyte globulin) as well as antihistamines and corticosteroids to minimize allergic reactions. The outcome of 19 other children with severe aplastic anemia who received ATG was also summarized. Combined data reveal that 12 of 23 have had a complete or partial response with residual thrombocytopenia and a probability of 48% survival one year from the start of ATG therapy as projected by life table analysis. Only one death has been recorded in the responding group. Response rate did not appear to be influenced by age, sex, etiology, initial blood count, interval prior to ATG therapy, or dose of ATG employed. Complications were minimal and included minor urticarial reactions and intermittent fever. Therapy with ATG should be considered in childhood severe aplastic anemia when bone marrow transplantation is not possible.
Emergency Surgery in Patients Who Have Undergone Recent Radiotherapy is Associated With Increased Complications and Mortality: Review of 536 Patients

There is a paucity of data regarding patients undergoing emergency surgery following radiotherapy. This study examines the morbidity and mortality of patients having emergent surgery ≤90 days after irradiation. We identified patients ≥18 years of age in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (Radiation group) who underwent irradiation ≤90 days before emergency surgery. Patients receiving concomitant chemotherapy were excluded. Subjects were compared to a Control group that did not have preoperative irradiation but underwent similar emergent procedures (matched 1:1 on age and procedure). Demographic and clinical characteristics, including patient co-morbidities, functional status, and preoperative laboratory values, were assessed. Primary outcomes included 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality. Log-transformed data, bivariate and multivariate linear and conditional logistic regression were used. A total of 536 patients were included, 268 per group. Patient demographics and preoperative co-morbidities were similar between groups. The Radiation group had more mortality [23.9% vs. 11.6%, P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) 2.4], major complications (45.1% vs. 34.7%, P = 0.014; OR 1.55), and a greater likelihood of sustaining a complication (48.1% vs. 38.1%, P = 0.019; OR 1.51). Days from admission to operation, operating time, likelihood of reoperation, days from operation to death, and length of hospital stay were not statistically different. By conditional logistic regression, death was independently associated with irradiation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), impaired preoperative functional status, and thrombocytopenia; and a major complication was associated with COPD, hypoalbuminemia, and preoperative wound infection. Patients who require emergent surgery ≤90 days after irradiation sustain increased morbidity and mortality. Optimizing the nutritional and functional status of these patients may improve surgical outcomes.
Broadband Electromagnetic Modeling of Woven Fabric Composites

We demonstrate a new method for predicting the broadband electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation characteristics of woven fabric composites. The method combines a rigorous EM model with effective media theory to predict the EM properties of structural composites from dc to 50 GHz. Experimental results are provided that demonstrate the validity of the method. We also describe the presence of large narrow band electromagnetic resonances that occur above 30 GHz. These resonances, which are shown to be guided mode resonances, can be predicted by solving a simple dispersion relation.
Potential use of melatonin as adjunct antihypertensive therapy.

S ystemic arterial blood pressure (BP) normally declines overnight during sleep, yet some hypertensive patients lack this sleep-related “dip” in BP. These so-called nondippers are generally thought to be at higher risk for adverse cardiovascular events. One report found that such nondipper hypertensive patients have reduced nocturnal melatonin secretion compared to other hypertensive subjects. Recently, it has been demonstrated that 3 weeks of night-time melatonin supplementation lowers night-time BP levels in untreated men with essential hypertension. In this issue of American Journal of Hypertension, Cagnacci and colleagues describe the effect of 3 weeks of bedtime melatonin administration on BP in women in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. They studied 9 normotensive women and 9 women with essential hypertension controlled by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. They found a reduction of night-time BP in the combined group of 18 middle-aged women. This study extends the earlier finding that melatonin administration can lower night-time BP levels in men with essential hypertension. The double blind, placebo-controlled design and the repeated BP assessments are strengths of the current study. Of special interest was the indication that night-time melatonin administration is most effective in those subjects who showed the smallest decline in BP at night under placebo conditions (akin to nondippers). This is an important area of research that may lead to a new strategy in the treatment of hypertension with few adverse side effects. A limitation of the study is that the main finding of a reduction of night-time BP is based on pooling of data from women with hypertension treated with ACE inhibitors and normotensive women. No such statistical analysis was provided for both groups independently. Cagnacci et al did provide data showing similarity in age, body mass index (BMI), and BP between the groups. Larger studies in both groups separately will be required to verify the BP reduction in both groups independently. A second limita-
Molecular Pathways: Cbl Proteins in Tumorigenesis and Antitumor Immunity-Opportunities for Cancer Treatment

The Cbl proteins are a family of ubiquitin ligases (E3s) that regulate signaling through many tyrosine kinase dependent pathways. A predominant function is to negatively regulate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling by ubiquitination of active RTKs, targeting them for trafficking to the lysosome for degradation. Also, Cbl-mediated ubiquitination can regulate signaling protein function by altered cellular localization of proteins without degradation. In addition to their role as E3s, Cbl proteins play a positive role in signaling by acting as adaptor proteins which can recruit signaling molecules to the active RTKs. Cbl-b, a second family member, negatively regulates the costimulatory pathway of CD8 T-cells and also negatively regulates Natural Killer (NK) cell function. The different functions of Cbl proteins, and their roles both in the development of cancer and the regulation of immune responses provide multiple therapeutic opportunities. Mutations in Cbl which inactivate the negative E3 function while maintaining the positive adaptor function have been described in approximately 5% of myeloid neoplasms. Understanding how the signaling pathways (e.g. Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3), PI-3 kinase, and signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)) are dysregulated by these mutations in Cbl has identified potential targets for therapy of myeloid neoplasms. Conversely, the loss of Cbl-b leads to increased adaptive and innate antitumor immunity suggesting that inhibiting Cbl-b may be a means to increase antitumor immunity across a wide variety of tumors. Thus, targeting the pathways regulated by Cbl proteins may provide attractive opportunities for treating cancer.
The effect of surface mass transfer on buuyancy-induced flow in a variable-porosity medium adjacent to a horizontal heated plate

Abstract The effect of surface mass tranfer on the buoyancy-induced flow in a varibale-porosity medium adjacent to a horizontal heated plate is studied. Similary solutions are obtained for a power law variation in surface temperature, T w ∝ χ λ , and surface blowing, v w ∝χ (λ−2)/3 , for a wide range of parameters that define the ratio of solid to fluid thermal conductivity, b . It is shown for the case of uniform surface mass transfer (λ=2) that the variable porosity model in general predicts a higher surface heat flux compared to the uniform porosity model. This increased heat flux depends strongly on the quantity b .
The decay of 94Ru to levels in 94Tc

Abstract The nucleus 94 Ru decays with a 53 min half-life by electron capture to states in 94 Tc at 474 and 998 keV which de-excite by emitting gamma rays with energies 367.2, 525, and 891.2 keV and relative intensities 100, 2 and 40.
Identifying significant mutations in large cohorts of cancer genomes

Cancer is a disease that is driven by somatic mutations that accumulate in the genome during an individuals lifetime. Recent advances in DNA sequencing technology are enabling genome-wide measurements of these mutations in large cohorts of cancer patients. A major challenge in analyzing this data is to distinguish functional, “driver” mutations that contribute to cancer progression from random, passenger mutations not related to the disease. One of the standard approaches to identify driver mutations is to identify genes that are recurrently mutated in a large cohort of cancer patients. However, the large mutational heterogeneity of cancer reduces the ability of this approach to identify driver mutations. This mutational heterogeneity is due in part to the fact that somatic mutations target pathways, or sets of interacting genes, and that a mutation in dozens of possible genes might be sufficient to perturb a pathway. Standard methods for pathways analysis focus only on known pathways, reducing the ability to discover novel driver genes and sets.
Distributed, game-based, intelligent tutoring systems — The next step in computer based training?

This paper proposes what may be the step in computer based training, a distributed, game-based intelligent tutoring system, and discusses possible complications with creating such a system. Recent research has demonstrated a positive effect on learning by integrating intelligent tutoring systems within virtual worlds and video games as teaching aids. These systems cover many topics including reading and math for elementary students as well as computer programming, physics, and medicine for college level students. As well, there has been work demonstrating the positive outcomes of using web-based tutoring systems. While these systems have shown that computer based training is effective, none have investigated multi-user tutoring systems in which teams of players work together within a virtual world to solve more complex problems such as operating a multi- operator robot. Such a system could increase a students understanding of a subject by allowing them to discuss the problem in real time with the other players on their team.
Hosts, Pattern of Seasonal Emergence and Flight, and New Distributional Records of Palearctic Pasiphila rectangulata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in the Northeastern United States

Abstract Hosts, pattern of seasonal emergence and flight, and distribution of the palearctic moth Pasiphila rectangulata (L.) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) were examined in the upper northeastern United States. Larvae developed on 29 hosts in three genera (Amelanchier, Malus, and Pyrus) in the Rosaceae. At Hamden, CT, larval density was significantly higher on ‘Delicious’ and ‘McIntosh’ apple, Malus domestica Borkhausen, than on ‘Bartlett’ pear, Pyrus communis L. Larvae were absent from ‘Napoleon’ sweet cherry, Prunus avium L.; ‘Shiro’ Japanese plum, Prunus salicina Lindley; and ‘Stanley’ European plum, Prunus domestica L., which grew in the same orchard as the infested apples and pear. In the Hamden orchard, moths were captured in emergence traps beneath apple trees over 12–15 d between late May and mid-June in 1999–2001. In 2000 and 2001, emergence was earlier for males than females, and in all years the sex ratio did not depart significantly from 1:1. Based on captures at a mercury vapor light-trap in 200...
CD5' B Cell Lymphomas of Mice

Spontaneous murine lymphomas commonly arise from CD5 B cells. They appear late in life and the frequency of their occurrence can be increased by transferring syngeneic lymphoid cells from old animals to young. Such transfer experiments show that although the lymphomas are not detected until late in life, the commitment to neoplasia is made much earlier and is followed by an indolent phase before the neoplastic phenotype becomes manifest. The repertoire of immunoglobulin (Ig) V genes expressed is not random, but certain VH genes appear repeatedly and, at least in some cases, are specifically associated with particular VK genes. This unbalanced repertoire is similar to that expressed by normal CD5 B cells of young adult mice, implying that the process of lymphomagenesis operates after the normal CD5 B cell repertoire has been established. Development of new CD5 B cells from pre-B cells only occurs before and shortly after birth; in the adult, the population is self sustaining and is not replenished from Ig negative precursors. The newly generated population of CD5 B cells present at birth more nearly approximates a random selection from the germ line genes. Skewing of the repertoire occurs during the first few weeks of post-natal life and results from antigen driven clonal selection by self antigens, predominantly type 2 thymus independent antigens. From 5-20% of normal adult CD5 B cells (and lymphomas) produce antibody reactive with phosphatidyl choline. Almost exclusively, these cells express VH11 or VH12 family genes in combination with specific VK genes and displaying severe constraints as to size and sequence of VDJ regions. These VH genes have not been seen expressed by conventional B cells. Neither do conventional B cells produce antibody of this specificity. In vivo, murine CD5 B cell lymphomas produce IgM; in vitro they can respond to differentiative signals and undergo isotype switching, with a marked predilection for IgA. Somatic mutation of assembled Ig genes has not been seen in these tumors and idiotype-loss variants have not been seen to result from anti-idiotype therapy.
Genetic discontinuity revealed by chloroplast microsatellites in eastern North American Abies (Pinaceae)

Development of conservation strategies for Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) in the southern Appalachian Mountains depends in part on recognition of the extent to which Fraser fir is genetically distinct from the closely related balsam (A. balsamea) and intermediate (A. balsamea var. phanerolepis) fir. These sibling species have exhibited intergrading, clinal variation in morphological, chemical, and genetic characteristics in prior research. Chloroplast microsatellite markers were polymerase chain reaction amplified from genomic DNA samples of 78 individuals representing the geographic ranges of Fraser, balsam, and intermediate fir. Gene diversity levels at two loci ranged among taxa from 0.65 to 0.84. Allele frequencies demonstrated significant differentiation among taxa, with R ST values of 0.36 and 0.10. Haplotype diversity and D 2 SH were highest for balsam fir and lowest for intermediate fir. A haplotype network analysis based on allele size distribution for the two loci revealed two distinct clusters of haplotypes and population-specific haplotypes. Ninety-two percent of the haplotypes in one cluster were from balsam fir and intermediate fir, and 84% of the haplotypes in the other cluster were from Fraser fir and intermediate fir. The genetic differentiation of chloroplast DNA markers provides justification for the recognition of Fraser fir as a distinct Management Unit (MU) for conservation purposes, regardless of its taxonomic classification.
Adhesive Bonding of Various Materials to Hard Tooth Tissues XVIII: Synthesis of a Polyfunctional Surface-active Comonomer

An oligomeric diglycidyl ether was allowed to react first with one mole of acrylic acid and then with one half mole of lithium o-aminobenzoate. The nature of the complex product was estimated by probability statistics. This appears to be the best method, so far, for synthesis of a PolySAC (poly-functional surface-active comonomer).
Output-feedback stabilization of stochastic nonlinear systems driven by noise of unknown covariance (

Abstract We address the class of stochastic output-feedback nonlinear systems driven by noise whose covariance is time varying and bounded but the bound is not known a priori. This problem is analogous to deterministic disturbance attenuation problems. We first design a controller which guarantees that the solutions converge (in probability) to a residual set proportional to the unknown bound on the covariance. Then, for the case of a vanishing noise vector field, we design an adaptive controller which, besides global stability in probability, guarantees regulation of the state of the plant to zero with probability one.
THE MARINE DIATOM ETHMODISCUS REX: ITS MORPHOLOGY AND OCCURRENCE IN THE PLANKTON OF THE SARGASSO SEA1,2

SUMMARY Living cells of the diatom Ethmodiscus rex (Rat-Iray) Wiseman & Hendey 1953 were found in the plankton of the southern Sargasso Sea. Apparently, this is the first report, of E rex from the plankton of the Atlantic Ocean. Scanning electron microscopy of peroxide-cleaned frustules revealed, some new morphological features for this species. When viewed, from inside the frustule, the puncta appear as rimmed pits. From outside the frustule, they appear to he shallow depressions with a small opening at the bottom. The so-called mucous tubules in the center of the valve were seen from the out side to be elongate slits and from the inside as obliquely directed flattened cylinders which cap the tubes.
Power analysis and sample size estimation for sequence-based association studies

Motivation: Statistical methods have been developed to test for complex trait rare variant (RV) associations, in which variants are aggregated across a region, which is typically a gene. Power analysis and sample size estimation for sequence-based RV association studies are challenging because of the necessity to realistically model the underlying allelic architecture of complex diseases within a suitable analytical framework to assess the performance of a variety of RV association methods in an unbiased manner. Summary: We developed SEQPower, a software package to perform statistical power analysis for sequence-based association data under a variety of genetic variant and disease phenotype models. It aids epidemiologists in determining the best study design, sample size and statistical tests for sequence-based association studies. It also provides biostatisticians with a platform to fairly compare RV association methods and to validate and assess novel association tests. Availability and implementation: The SEQPower program, source code, multi-platform executables, documentation, list of association tests, examples and tutorials are available at http://bioinformatics.org/spower. Contact: ude.mcb@laels Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Modeling and design of transformers and coupled inductors

The modeling and design of transformers and coupled inductors are discussed. After a brief review of Maxwell's laws and magnetic circuit models, the magnetic and electric models of transformers and coupled inductors are developed, including both magnetizing and leakage effects. An integrated structure with both transformer and coupled inductor on the same core is discussed, together with the special case of the coupled inductor used on a multiple-output transformer-isolated power converter. >
Daechuri as Symbolic Battleground: Failure to Integrate Divergent Frames for Conflict Interpretation

This study examined how government negotiators' and opponents' different frames for construing others' motivations prevented a settlement and intensified the Daechuri policy conflict over appropriation of land for a military base. Although communication- and consensus-based processes have been acknowledged as useful methods of conflict resolution, the issue of how partici- pants' divergent definitions and interpretations of the situation may inhibit effective communication has rarely been empirically examined. Employing frame analysis, this study explored how two parties' motivations and issue interpretations were persistently mismatched over time without reaching consensus. The results revealed that government negotiators tended to oversimplify opponents' motiva- tions as being economically driven, while they were in fact more complicated. These results suggest that communicative negotiation will not likely be conducive to effective conflict resolution unless it is based on thorough understanding of the situation.
Critical Appraisal of the Utility and Limitations of Animal Models of Scleroderma

Scleroderma, also called systemic sclerosis (SSc), is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by abnormality of the immune system, cardiovascular disorder, and fibrosis of the skin, lung, kidney, and other internal organs. Skin symptom and stiffness of the skin with accumulation of collagen cause severe disability, and cardiovascular and lung complications lead to high mortality. Despite recent progress, therapies for these complications in SSc are limited and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Animal models are one strategy to identify molecular mechanisms and pathways underlying these complications of SSc and could provide a mechanistic basis for a design of clinical trials. However, although several animal models have been reported to reproduce some aspects of SSc, none of them recapitulates all of the pathological features of SSc. In this review, we describe previously reported animal models of scleroderma and discuss their utility and limitations in efforts to understand the mechanisms underlying scleroderma and develop new treatments for this disease.
Importance of biophysical effects on climate warming mitigation potential of biofuel crops over the conterminous United States

Current quantification of climate warming mitigation potential (CWMP) of biomass-derived energy has focused primarily on its biogeochemical effects. This study used site-level observations of carbon, water, and energy fluxes of biofuel crops to parameterize and evaluate the community land model (CLM) and estimate CO2 fluxes, surface energy balance, soil carbon dynamics of corn (Zea mays), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) ecosystems across the conterminous United States considering different agricultural management practices and land-use scenarios. We find that neglecting biophysical effects underestimates the CWMP of transitioning from croplands and marginal lands to energy crops. Biogeochemical effects alone result in changes in carbon storage of −1.9, 49.1, and 69.3 g C m−2 y−1 compared to 20.5, 78.5, and 96.2 g C m−2 y−1 when considering both biophysical and biogeochemical effects for corn, switchgrass, and miscanthus, respectively. The biophysical contribution to CWMP is dominated by changes in latent heat fluxes. Using the model to optimize growth conditions through fertilization and irrigation increases the CWMP further to 79.6, 98.3, and 118.8 g C m−2 y−1, respectively, representing the upper threshold for CWMP. Results also show that the CWMP over marginal lands is lower than that over croplands. This study highlights that neglecting the biophysical effects of altered surface energy and water balance underestimates the CWMP of transitioning to bioenergy crops at regional scales.
A Statistical Appraisal of the Results of Metabolic Profile Tests on 75 Dairy Herds

SUMMARY A survey of the blood chemistry of 75 dairy herds is reported. Most of the variation in blood chemistry was due to differences between herds, and to a lesser extent to differences between groups of cows giving various milk yields on the day of the test. Seasonal trends also appeared to be important though these need to be defined with greater precision. The results confirm those of a previous survey, and support this laboratory’s standards for population mean values and confidence limits.
Self-Awakening and Faith — Zen and Christianity

The dialogue between Zen and Christianity has been becoming more serious and important during the past decade or so. Those of us involved in it are pleased with this development because we maintain that such a dialogue is necessary for the development of mutual understanding between East and West.
An energy estimate of an exterior problem and a Liouville theorem for harmonic maps

Abstract We prove that the exterior harmonic maps, from Rn\Ω(n ≧ 3) to a bounded strictly convex geodesic ball of some Riemannian manifolds, have finite conformal invariant energy. A consequence of this estimate is a Liouville theorem which states that harmonic maps between Euclidean space (Rn, g0) and Riemannian manifolds are constant maps provided their image at infinity falls into a bounded strictly convex geodesic ball.
Understanding and Evaluating L2 Personal Letter Writing: A Systemic Functional Linguistics Analysis of Student Texts in German

Adopting a genre lens informed by Systemic Functional Linguistics (cf. Halliday & Matthiessen, 2004; Martin & Rose, 2008), this paper explores the text-structural and lexico-grammatical choices that second language (L2) writers of German make in personal letter writing. Close analysis of two student texts from an advanced, content-based, college-level German course help to illustrate more and less successful realizations of a complex letter task. Both genre and register analyses of these texts show how letter writing can offer L2 learners opportunities to practice evaluative (especially affective) discourse and develop understanding for different subject positions. Key text-structural and linguistic patterns are summarized in a writing rubric that teachers can use to guide and assess students’ personal letter writing. As the writing task at the center of the study is based on the young-adult novel, Damals war es Friedrich (1961), and is situated within an instructional unit on German memories of the Holocaust, the analysis additionally contributes to ongoing dialogue concerning the teaching of the Holocaust (cf. Hirsch & Kacandes, 2004), by focusing on students’ engagement with the content material through a linguistic perspective.