cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of two related markers for common acute lymphoblastic leukemia as heat shock proteins.

Abstract By direct analysis of the polypeptide constituents of leukemic cells, we have previously detected several polypeptides that are restricted in their expression to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In this study, we provide evidence that two polypeptides designated L2 and L4 are structurally related and represent novel markers for common ALL. Partial amino acid sequence analysis did not uncover differences between L2 and L4. The sequences obtained correspond to a previously cloned human gene designated hsp 27 that is expressed, following heat shock treatment, in a variety of cells. 32Pi incorporation studies indicate that L4 is an unphosphorylated form and L2 is a phosphorylated form of hsp27. The two forms were inducible by heat shock in leukemic and nonleukemic lymphoid cells. Thus, in acute leukemia, the common ALL subtype is uniquely characterized by the constitutive expression of a polypeptide that represents a major cellular phosphoprotein.
Protection against oxidative protein damage induced by metal-catalyzed reaction or alkylperoxyl radicals: Comparative effects of melatonin and other antioxidants

Melatonin is a well-known hydroxyl radical (·OH) scavenger that protects DNA and lipids from free radical attack. In this paper, we studied the ability of melatonin to prevent oxidative damage to bovine serum albumin (BSA) induced by two different paradigms: the metal-catalyzed oxidation (MCO) induced by Cu2+/H2O2 and the alkoxyl and alkylperoxyl radicals formed by the azo initiator 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH, 40 mM). The protective effects of melatonin were compared with 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (trolox), glutathione (GSH), ascorbate, 3,4′,5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene (resveratrol, 0.1 μM–4 mM) and mannitol (50 μM–100 mM). Melatonin efficiently prevented protein modification induced by both models, as assayed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and carbonyl content. Both trolox and ascorbate had an obvious pro-oxidant effect in the Cu2+/H2O2 model, whereas both prevented BSA damage induced by AAPH. In the MCO model, the efficacy of GSH in terms of protein protection was higher than melatonin at relatively high concentrations (250 μM–4 mM); however, at lower concentrations (50–250 μM), the efficacy of melatonin was superior to GSH. d-Mannitol (50 μM–100 mM) and resveratrol did not protect BSA from the site-specific damage induced by Cu2+/H2O2. On the other hand, the relative protective efficiency in the AAPH model was melatonin≈trolox>GSH>ascorbate.
Plant-soil-water relations in forestry and silvopastoral systems in Oregon

Plant-soil-water relations of a silvopastoral system composed of a Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) timber crop, subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) as a nitrogen-fixing forage, and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) as a forage crop were investigated near Corvallis, Oregon, during 1983–1986. Treatments included all possible combinations of two tree-planting patterns (trees planted 2.4 m apart in a grid, and groups of five trees spaced 7.6 m between clusters) and two grazing/understory management systems (agroforests were seeded to subclover and grazed by sheep; forests were unseeded and ungrazed). Mean twig xylem water potential (XWP) for Douglas-fir trees ranged from −0.3 to −1.5 MPa on forest plots and from −0.3 to −1.2 MPa on agroforest sites. Pre-dawn and sunset XWP were more negative for forest than for agroforest plots during dry summer periods. Midday XWP was similar for both agroforest and forest plots on all dates. Soil water content at 50–100 cm depth was greater under agroforest plots as compared to forest plots in 1984, but not in 1985 (unusually dry spring). Average foliage nitrogen content of tree needles was 1.54% vs. 1.43% for agroforests vs. forests, respectively. Our data are consistent with the hypotheses that: (1) grazing of understory vegetation may reduce water stress of trees during dry periods by reducing transpirational water use by the forage plants; and (2) nitrogen-fixing vegetation combined with grazing increases nitrogen uptake of associated trees. However, neither mean foliar N nor average XWP differences experienced by trees in agroforest versus forest plantations were sufficient to have an effect on tree growth. Our data demonstrate that it is possible to produce a second crop (i.e. forage grazed by sheep) in timber plantations without reducing the growth of the main tree crop.
Estimated absorbance spectra of the visual pigments of the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)

To assess the spectral sensitivities of the retinal visual pigments from the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), we have cloned and sequenced two exons from the rod opsin gene and two exons from the middle-wavelength sensitive (MWS) cone opsin gene in order to determine the amino acids at positions known to be key regulators of the spectral location of the absorbance maximum (λmax). Based on previous mutagenesis models we estimate that the right whale possesses a rod visual pigment with a λmax of 499 nm and a MWS cone visual pigment with a λmax of 524 nm. Although the MWS cone visual pigment from the right whale is blue-shifted in its spectral sensitivity like those from odontocetes, the spectral sensitivity of the right whale rod visual pigment is similar to those from terrestrial mammals.
Evolution of unstable shear layers in a rotating fluid

The time development of non-axisymmetric disturbances on a shear layer in a uniformly rotating fluid is studied theoretically. It is assumed that the Rossby number, Ekman number, shear-layer length scale, and initial disturbance amplitude are small, and that disturbances grow if vorticity transfer from the shear flow exceeds Ekman-layer vorticity dissipation, a mechanism investigated by Busse (1968). Expressions for the ultimate instability amplitude are determined for specified relations among the small parameters, using the volume-integrated energy equation, the shape assumption, and approximations for the spatial dependence of disturbances. Disturbance growth is limited by modification of the initially-unstable shear-layer profile, and the eventual amplitude is shown to be fairly insensitive to the specific form of the profile. Using data from observations by Hide & Titman, the predicted maximum velocity amplitude of the non-axisymmetric motions for their experiments is approximately one-quarter of the velocity of the shear flow at the point of maximum gradient.
Predictors of success with methotrexate treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy at Grady Memorial Hospital

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine our institutional success rate with single-dose intramuscular methotrexate therapy for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy and to identify predictors of treatment outcome. Study Design: This was a retrospective review of consecutive patients who were treated with methotrexate from January 2000 until April 2002. Successful treatment was defined as the resolution of the ectopic pregnancy without surgical intervention. Results: Our overall success rate was 85% (69/81 patients). The median pretreatment serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin level was lower in those women in whom treatment was successful compared with those women with treatment failure (793 vs 3804 mIU/mL, P <.002). The presence of a yolk sac that was visualized on vaginal ultrasonography was the only significant predictor of treatment failure (adjusted odds ratio, 19.3; P <.002). Conclusion: Our institutional success rate (85%) with methotrexate for treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy is comparable with other published results. However, a finding unique to this study was that visualization of a yolk sac was a risk factor for failure. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:1192-4.)
Resonant photoemission study of ternary transition-metal silicides

The electronic structure of three ternary transition-metal silicides ${\mathrm{Ti}}_{4}$${\mathit{M}}_{4}$${\mathrm{Si}}_{7}$ (M=Ni,Co) and ${\mathrm{TiFeSi}}_{2}$ was studied using synchrotron-radiation-based photoemission. In each, the Ni, Co, or Fe makes the largest contribution to the valence-band photoemission spectrum. The main nonbonding 3d Ni, Co, or Fe feature moves toward the Fermi level (${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$) as Ni is replaced by Co or Fe. The presence of Ti increases the number of states near ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$ when compared to the Ni, Co, or Fe mono- and disilicides. The Si 2p core level becomes less symmetric and moves to lower binding energy when Ni substitutes for Co or Fe, suggesting that the Si 2p core hole is more effectively screened in ${\mathrm{Ti}}_{4}$${\mathrm{Ni}}_{4}$${\mathrm{Si}}_{7}$ than in the other ternary transition-metal silicides.
Production of molecular iodine from the heterogeneous reaction of nitrogen dioxide with solid potassium iodide

[1] Molecular iodine impacts tropospheric chemistry, especially in coastal regions of the marine boundary layer where iodine bursts correlate with ultrafine particle formation. Although biogenic sources dominate coastal I2 release, inorganic heterogeneous chemistry may also contribute to the global iodine budget. We investigated the heterogeneous chemistry of NO2/N2O4 with solid KI, a component of dehydrated sea salt aerosol, and identified I2(g) as the major gaseous product. Diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy and ion chromatography identified nitrite as the major condensed-phase product for the reaction of KI(s) + NO2(g) (5.4 × 1013 to 2.0 × 1015 molecules cm−3) at relative humidities between 2% and 30%. The reaction was second order with respect to NO2, suggesting that N2O4 was the reactive species. Reactive uptake coefficients, calculated with respect to [N2O4], were independent of relative humidity with an average value of γBET = (6.1 ± 0.3) × 10−4. Concurrent gas phase UV-visible spectroscopy indentified I2(g) production with near stoichiometric release corresponding to 2 KI(s) + N2O4(ads) → 2 KNO2(s) + I2(g). Condensed-phase nitrate was also identified at high [N2O4] and low RH, which was attributed to the oxidation of product KNO2 by gaseous NO2/N2O4. The heterogeneous chemistry of ozone with aqueous iodide has previously been considered as a source of molecular iodine in the marine boundary layer. These results suggest that the heterogeneous chemistry between NO2/N2O4 and iodide deserves further consideration as a nonbiogenic source of molecular iodine.
Development and Demonstration of a Method to Evaluate Bio-Sampling Strategies Using Building Simulation and Sample Planning Software.

In an effort to validate and demonstrate response and recovery sampling approaches and technologies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with several other agencies, have simulated a biothreat agent release within a facility at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) on two separate occasions in the fall of 2007 [1] and the fall of 2008. Because these events constitute only two realizations of many possible scenarios, increased understanding of sampling strategies can be obtained by virtually examining a wide variety of release and dispersion scenarios using computer simulations. This research effort demonstrates the use of two software tools, CONTAM [2], developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Visual Sample Plan (VSP), developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) [3]. CONTAM is a computer program that is used to simulate building airflow and contaminant transport on a whole-building scale. VSP is a software tool that employs statistically defensible approaches in developing sampling designs and analyzing data. CONTAM and VSP were used to 1) virtually examine a wide range of biological contaminant release and dispersion scenarios at the INL facility and 2) develop a process for creating and evaluating sampling strategies for a given scenario. The CONTAM modelingmore » software was used to virtually contaminate a model of the INL test building under various release and dissemination scenarios. Simulations were based on a range of building design and operation parameters, thereby providing information not constrained by experimental parameters as in the real-world testing. The results of these numerous CONTAM simulations were then used to investigate the relevance and performance of various sampling strategies using VSP.« less
Evaluating alternative segmentation strategies in standard industrial markets

Examines alternate segmentation strategies in the standard industrial products market. Using data obtained from 164 Indian industrial buyers, provides several empirical tests of a widely held belief that traditional segmentation approaches may serve as effective surrogate measures for distinct benefit segments. Results suggest that the link between traditional and benefit segmentation approaches are far weaker than might be expected. There is no strong empirical evidence supporting the proposition that benefit segments derived from cluster analysis are dependent on sales volume, industry type, characteristics of purchasing agents, and other potential correlates of benefit segments. The findings have implications for both academics and practitioners in industrial marketing.
Probing molecular shape. 1 : conformational studies of 5-hydroxyhexahydropyrimidine and related compounds

Understanding the factors that determine molecular shape enables scientists to begin to understand and tailor molecular properties and reactivity. Many biomolecules and bioactive compounds contain aliphatic heterocyclic rings whose conformations play a major role in their biological activity. The interplay of a number of factors, both steric and electronic, is examined for 5-hydroxyhexahydropyrimidine (1) and related compounds with use of spectroscopy and molecular modeling.
Image fusion by compressive sensing

We propose a new method of image fusion that utilizes the recently developed theory of compressive sensing. Compressive sensing indicates that a signal that is sparse in an appropriate set of basis vectors may be recovered almost exactly from a few samples via l 1 -minimization if the system matrix satisfies some conditions. These conditions are satisfied with high probability for Gaussian-like vectors. Since zero-mean image patches satisfy Gaussian statistics, they are suitable for compressive sensing.
Small-scale turbulence measurements from a buoy during MAPTIP

Turbulent wind and temperature fluctuations were measured with an ultrasonic anemometer deployed on a buoy near the Meetpost Nordwijk platform during MAPTIP. These measurements were designed to provide MAPTIP investigators with knowledge of over-water turbulence properties and the suitability of existing bulk models for describing them. The friction velocity, u*, and the temperature structure function parameter, C t 2 , were determined using both bulk and inertial-dissipation methods. Inertial-dissipation measured C T 2 values agreed well with bulk estimates for values greater than about 0.02. Below this value the inertial-dissipation C T 2 measurements were larger than the bulk estimates, probably due to noise contamination of the weak temperature fluctuation signal in the temperature variance spectrum. Inertial-dissipation u* values were larger than the bulk determinations for higher wind speeds. The bulk formulation used in this study was determined for large fetches with west winds at the MPN location, while only east winds with shorter fetches occurred during MAPTIP. Since fetch limited seas are rougher for a given wind speed, this would cause the inertial- dissipation measured u* values to be higher than the bulk estimates.
Gauge finite element method for incompressible flows

A finite element method for computing viscous incompressible flows based on the gauge formulation introduced by Weinan E. and Liu J-G. is presented. This formulation replaces the pressure by a gauge variable. This new gauge variable is a numerical tool and differs from the standard gauge variable that arises from decomposing a compressible velocity field. It has the advantage that an additional boundary condition can be assigned to the gauge variable, thus eliminating the issue of a pressure boundary condition associated with the original primitive variable formulation. The computational task is then reduced to solving standard heat and Poisson equations, which are approximated by straightforward, piecewise linear (or higher-order) finite elements. This method can achieve high-order accuracy at a cost comparable with that of solving standard heat and Poisson equations. It is naturally adapted to complex geometry and it is much simpler than traditional finite element methods for incompressible flows. Several numerical examples on both structured and unstructured grids are presented
Effects of the Antidepressant Duloxetine on Body Weight: Analyses of 10 Clinical Studies

Objective: To assess the effect of duloxetine, an inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine reup-take, on body weight of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Method: Body weight data were obtained from all 10 phase II and III registration studies of duloxetine in the treatment of MDD, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), performed by Eli Lilly and Company between February 1999 and July 2003. Both acute (8–9 weeks) and long-term (26, 34, and 52 weeks) studies were analyzed. Results: In the acute placebo-controlled studies, duloxetine-treated patients had a mean change of −0.5 kg compared with a change of 0.2 kg for placebo-treated patients (p < .001); no consistent relationship between duloxetine dose and weight change was observed. In placebo-controlled studies including an active comparator arm, similar acute mean weight changes were seen in duloxetine-treated and fluoxetine-treated patients (−0.7 kg vs. −0.6 kg) and in duloxetine-treated and paroxetine-treated patients (−0.3 kg vs. −0.2 kg). During longer-term treatment (34 weeks), mean weight change in patients treated with duloxetine 40 mg b.i.d. was not significantly different from that seen in placebo-treated patients (0.7 kg vs. 0.1 kg), while patients treated with the higher duloxetine dose of 60 mg b.i.d. or with paroxetine gained significantly (p ≤?.05) more weight than placebo-treated patients (0.9 kg, 1.0 kg, and 0.1 kg, respectively). In a 52-week open-label study, duloxetine-treated patients had a mean weight gain of 1.1 kg at endpoint (p < .001). Conclusion: Duloxetine-treated patients experienced weight loss after short-term treatment, followed by modest weight gain on longer-term treatment. The size of the weight changes observed suggests that the antidepressant duloxetine has minimal effects on weight for the majority of patients.
Investigation of extractable organic compounds in deep-sea hydrothermal vent fluids along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Abstract The possibility that deep-sea hydrothermal vents may contain organic compounds produced by abiotic synthesis or by microbial communities living deep beneath the surface has led to numerous studies of the organic composition of vent fluids. Most of these studies have focused on methane and other light hydrocarbons, while the possible occurrence of more complex organic compounds in the fluids has remained largely unstudied. To address this issue, the presence of higher molecular weight organic compounds in deep-sea hydrothermal fluids was assessed at three sites along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that span a range of temperatures (51 to >360 °C), fluid compositions, and host-rock lithologies (mafic to ultramafic). Samples were obtained at several sites within the Lucky Strike, Rainbow, and Lost City hydrothermal fields. Three methods were employed to extract organic compounds for analysis, including liquid:liquid extraction, cold trapping on the walls of a coil of titanium tubing, and pumping fluids through cartridges filled with solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbents. The only samples to consistently yield high amounts of extractable organic compounds were the warm (51–91 °C), highly alkaline fluids from Lost City, which contained elevated concentrations of C8, C10, and C12 n-alkanoic acids and, in some cases, trithiolane, hexadecanol, squalene, and cholesterol. Collectively, the C8–C12 acids can account for about 15% of the total dissolved organic carbon in the Lost City fluids. The even-carbon-number predominance of the alkanoic acids indicates a biological origin, but it is unclear whether these compounds are derived from microbial activity occurring within the hydrothermal chimney proximal to the site of fluid discharge or are transported from deeper within the system. Hydrothermal fluids from the Lucky Strike and Rainbow fields were characterized by an overall scarcity of extractable dissolved organic compounds. Trace amounts of aromatic hydrocarbons including phenanthrenes and benzothiophene were the only compounds that could be identified as indigenous components of these fluids. Although hydrocarbons and fatty acids were observed in some samples, those compounds were likely derived from particulate matter or biomass entrained during fluid collection. In addition, extracts of some fluid samples from the Rainbow field were found to contain an unresolved complex mixture (UCM) of organic compounds. This UCM shared some characteristics with organic matter extracted from bottom seawater, suggesting that the organic matter observed in these samples might represent seawater-derived compounds that had persisted, albeit with partial alteration, during circulation through the hydrothermal system. While there is considerable evidence that Rainbow and Lost City vent fluids contain methane and other light hydrocarbons produced through abiotic reduction of inorganic carbon, we found no evidence for more complex organic compounds with an abiotic origin in the same fluids.
Evolutionary adaptation of a reflex system: sensory hysteresis counters muscle 'catch' tension.

The metathoracic femoral chordotonal organ is a receptor of the locust,Schistocerca, hindleg that encodes the angle of the femoro-tibial joint. However, the discharge of the organ shows considerable hysteresis, in that there is a substantial decline in the level of afferent firing when the tibia is moved and then returned to its initial position. Similar hysteresis is also seen in some joint receptors and interneurons of other invertebrates and vertebrates. When the chordotonal organ is stimulated in freely moving locusts, mimicking sudden changes in joint angle, reflex discharges can be elicited in the tibial extensor muscle that resist apparent joint movement and also show similar hysteresis. This pattern of motoneuron activity is demonstrated to potentially function to eliminate residual, ‘catch’ muscle tensions that result from increases in motoneuron firing frequency. This adaptation could also serve to produce accurate load compensation.
Cycloheximide inhibits the induction of collagenase mRNA in chondrocytes exposed to synovial factors or recombinant interleukin-1

Synoviocytes secrete “chondrocyte activating factors” (CAF) which, like recombinant interleukin-1 (IL-1), induce the synthesis of collagenase by cultures of articular chondrocytes. Enzyme synthesis is preceded by the appearance of collagenase mRNA some 3–5 hours after exposure of the chondrocytes to CAF or IL-1. Cycloheximide (CX) inhibits the appearance of this message in a dose-dependent manner. At a concentration of 5 μg/ml inhibition by CX is completely reversible, with superinduction being observed in certain experiments.
Separable convex programs with ratio constraints over a directed tree

This paper describes a class of separable convex programs with ratio constraints over a directed tree that has applications in production planning, regression analysis, quality improvement, and other related areas. To develop a simple procedure for solving this class of problems, we extend the procedure for solving separable convex programs with partially ordered variables (Tang, 1988). For any problem that has N variables, our simple procedure finds an optimal solution by solving at most 2N convex subproblems with one variable.
An Evaluation of Simple Methods for Following Rigor Development in Fish

Measurements obtained with a simple rigorometer (muscle tension measuring device) were found to correlate well with measurements of the relative ATP/IMP content ratio (258/250 nm absorbance ratio of perchloric extracts), muscle pH, and visual measurements of stiffness in whole fish (tilapia, Areochromis aureus) during rigor development. These simple tests yielded measurements which clearly differentiated the effects of ante-mortem stress on the rate of onset of rigor mortis and associated biochemical changes in the fish muscle.
Factors affecting the magnetic susceptibility of baked rocks above a burned coal seam

Abstract Magnetic susceptibility was determined for ninety-nine mixed sandstone, siltstone and shale samples collected above a burned coal seam near Kemmerer, Wyoming. Magnetite is the predominant ferrimagnetic mineral present. Magnetic susceptibility of unbaked sedimentary rocks from this location is quite low ( ƒ O 2 > 10 −5 atm ). In contrast, the massive siltstones with low permeabilities have larger magnetic susceptibilities because the oxidizing gases do not penetrate the rocks. Large magnetic susceptibilities were also recorded along the edges of the burns and in vents used by escaping volatiles and were probably caused by reduction of hematite during the final stages of combustion in response to a decrease in the oxygen fugacity.
HLA antigens in stomach cancer.

HLA antigens were identified for 99 Japanese patients with stomach cancer and for 222 controls in Hawaii. There were 68 patients with the intestinal / other histological type of stomach cancer and 31 patients with the diffuse type who may be genetically predisposed towards developing the disease. No significant differences in antigen frequency were noted between cases of the diffuse or intestinal/other histological type and the controls, or between the diffuse and intestinal/other type stomach cancer cases.
Interaction between Oxygen and Cell Membranes: Modification of Membrane Lipids to Enhance Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cell Tolerance to Hypoxia

Because high partial pressures of oxygen (Of) can cause peroxidative cleavage of membrane lipids, it is plausible to hypothesize that hyperoxia alters the physical state and composition of lipids in the membranes of pulmonary endothelial cells and that manipulation of the lipid profile may modify endothelial cell tolerance to hyperoxic injury. To test this, porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells were exposed to 95% O2 at 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA) in the presence or absence of as vacennic acid (CVA), a monounsaturated fatty acid (C18:1#11). Plasma membrane fluidity was assessed by fluorescence spectroscopy, plasma membrane lipid composition was quantitated using thin layer and gas chromatography, and cytotoxicity was monitored by measuring release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Hyperoxia caused peroxidation of membrane lipids and decreased fluidity in three distinct lipid domains within the plasma membrane. Incubation with CVA was associated with a reduction in the degree of unsaturation of the cons...
On voting machine design for verification and testability

We present an approach for the design and analysis of an electronic voting machine based on a novel combination of formal verification and systematic testing. The system was designed specifically to enable verification and testing. In our architecture, the voting machine is a finite-state transducer that implements the bare essentials required for an election. We formally specify how each component of the machine is intended to work and formally verify that a Verilog implementation of our design meets this specification. However, it is more challenging to verify that the composition of these components will behave as a voter would expect, because formalizing human expectations is difficult. We show how systematic testing can be used to address this issue, and in particular to verify that the machine will behave correctly on election day.
Prostitution and Economic Modernization in China

Over the past two decades, more than a dozen statutes and laws have been enacted seeking to curtail the problem of prostitution in China. During that time, the government has shifted its policy from an attempt to eradicate prostitution entirely in the 1980s to a strategy of control and later of regulation in the 1990s. Although women prostitutes continue to be seen as the victims of sexual exploitation by males, when these women are arrested they, and not their male customers, are subjected to mandatory rehabilitation. The deterioration of women's rights under the new economic order has further limited the capacity of women to enjoy equal access to education, employment, welfare, and social and political advancement. Without adequate protection for women's access to social, economic, and political advancement, prostitution cannot be properly prevented and controlled.
Investigation of Eu $^{2+}$ Doped Barium Silicates as Scintillators

Room-temperature scintillation properties were determined for five Eu2+ doped compounds in the Ba-Si-O ternary system: Ba2SiO4, BaSiO3, Ba2Si3O5, Ba5Si8O21, and BaSi2O5. These materials were synthesized as polycrystalline powders from conventional solid-state reactions. Of the materials studied, Ba2SiO4: 0.2% Eu2+ is the most luminous scintillator having a luminosity of 2.7 times the reference material, Bi4Ge3O12. Its scintillation decay curve is comprised of two components with lifetimes of 242 and 668 ns.
Identity Strivings within the Mother-Daughter Relationship

Summary.-The purpose of this study was to examine mother-daughter relationships and their individual perceptions of autonomy, intimacy, conact, and qual~ty of relationship. For 221 matched pairs of postadolescent females and their mothers, scores on autonomy were explored in relation to ratings of intimacy, conflict. and quality of relationshp. Multiple regression analysis for daughters yielded two s~gn~f~cant predictor variables for quality of relationship, confict and one measure of auton. omy. The regression for mothers yielded two significant predictor variables, conflict and intimacy. Implications for these findings were discussed in relation to development of idendty of mothers and their adult daughters.
Negro and white children's television program preferences

A 1965 Journal article by James W. Carey, “Variations in Negro/White Television Preferences,”; aroused considerable discussion when it appeared. The following article is on a similar topic, using a different sample. Alan D. Fletcher earned his Ph.D. in Communication at the University of Illinois; this article is based on a section of his dissertation. He presently is associate professor of marketing at Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.
Form and function of cytochrome b-559

Cytochrome b-559 is an integral part of all Photosystem II reaction centers. The cytochrome is composed of two polypeptides that are linked by a single heme. The linkage is created by two histidine residues that serve as axial ligands for the protoheme. Each polypeptide provides one histidine. The structure of cytochrome b-559 is not known, nor is its organization in the Photosystem II reaction center. Although genetic and biochemical data show that cytochrome b-559 is composed of two different subunits, α and β, it is not known if the native protein is a heterodimer(α β) or two homodimers (α 2 and β 2). The function of cytochrome b-559 is also a mystery, although it is clear that the cytochrome is not involved in the primary electron transfer reactions of Photosystem II. Among its more perplexing features is the occurrence of two different thermodynamic forms, one high potential and one low potential, that differ by 300 mV Furthermore, although cytochromes typically function as electron carriers, cytochrome b-559 is a reluctant electron donor or acceptor. Under physiological conditions its detectable light-induced turnover is negligible. When conditions are selected to promote a significant light-induced turnover, the rate of electron transfer to or from the cytochrome is slow compared to the rate of photosynthetic electron transport. The sluggish behavior of cytochrome b-559 has prompted suggestions that it is involved in secondary electron transport that serves to protect Photosystem II against excess light. This chapter focuses on the structural organization of cytochrome b-559 in Photosystem II and current models to explain its role in photosynthesis.
Reflections on the development and status of contemporary special education services in china

The article provides an overview of the forces that underpin present-day special education practices in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and a review of politico-historical forces that have shaped the development of current educational practices. The forces that have influenced different models for identifying disabilities and the reasons that certain disability categories have captured the attention of policy makers and educators are shared. In addition, information about the range of contemporary services for children with special needs is presented along with observations about approaches that are being contemplated for the future of special education service in the PRC. In light of an increased openness to market forces and an open-door policy to information about Western special education practices, the opportunities for change in special education practices have probably never been greater. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 42: 273–283, 2005.
Carbon isotopes from fossil packrat pellets and elevational movements of Utah agave plants reveal the Younger Dryas cold period in Grand Canyon, Arizona

Carbon isotopes in rodent fecal pellets were measured on packrat (Neotoma spp.) middens from the Grand Canyon, Arizona. The pellet samples reflect the abundance of cold-intolerant C4 and Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plant species relative to the predominant C3 vegetation in the packrat diet. The temporal sequence of isotopic results suggests a temperature decline followed by a sharp increase corresponding to the Bolling/ Allerod‐Younger Dryas‐early Holocene sequence. This pattern was then tested using the past distribution of Utah agave (Agave utahensis). Spatial analyses of the range of this temperature-sensitive CAM species demonstrate that its upper elevational limit is controlled by winter minimum temperature. Applying this paleotemperature proxy to the past elevational limits of Utah agave suggests that minimum winter temperatures were ;8 8C below modern values during the Last Glacial Maximum, 4.5‐6.5 8C below modern during the Bolling/Allerod, and 7.5‐8.7 8C below modern during the early Younger Dryas. As the Younger Dryas terminated, temperatures warmed ;4 8C between ca. 11.8 ka and 11.5 ka. These extreme fluctuations in winter minimum temperature have not been generally accepted for terrestrial paleoecological records from the arid southwestern United States, likely because of large statistical uncertainties of older radiocarbon results and reliance on proxies for summer temperatures, which were less affected.
A peer-to-peer network based on multi-mesh architecture

The paper presents the design and evaluation of a highly scalable, decentralized and self-organizing peer-to-peer network architecture based on multi-mesh topology. Our network automatically adapts to dynamic node arrivals, departures and failures. Each node maintains a fixed set of neighbor connections, regardless of the size of the network. This demonstrates the scalability of the network. Our network is close in spirit to the content-addressable network. While the content-addressable network uses torus as the underlying network topology, our network uses multi-mesh. Multi-mesh has some unique advantages over torus and this is reflected in the evaluations of our network against the content-addressable network.
Speech and Swallowing Rehabilitation Following Devastating Caustic Ingestion: Techniques and Indicators for Success†‡

Caustic material ingestion, either accidental or intentional, may result in tissue and organ destruction leading to a wide range of complications, including loss of speech and the ability to eat. The esophagus can be reconstructed successfully, but reopening the larynx and upper airway poses a significant therapeutic dilemma. External reconstruction may put the neoesophagus at risk. Loss of the normal swallowing mechanism and the protective supraglottic structures often results in fatal aspiration. The authors present three cases of successful endoscopic laser recannulation of the larynx with esophageal replacement. The discussion includes surgical technique and the tools used to determine the success of the reconstruction, including computed tomographic scanning, modified barium swallow, placement of an upper esophageal anastomosis, psychologic support, and speech and swallowing therapy.
Agrilus auroguttatus exit hole distributions on Quercus agrifolia boles and a sampling method to estimate their density on individual trees

In recent decades, invasive phloem and wood borers have become important pests in North America. To aid tree sampling and survey efforts for the newly introduced goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus auroguttatus Schaeffer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), we examined spatial patterns of exit holes on the boles (trunks) of 58 coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia Nee (Fagaceae), trees at five sites in San Diego County, southern California, United States of America. Agrilus auroguttatus exit hole densities were greater at the root collar than at mid-boles (6.1 m above ground). Dispersion patterns of exit holes on lower boles (r1.52 m) were random for trees with low exit hole densities and aggregated for trees with high exit hole densities. The mean exit hole density measured from three randomly chosen quadrats (0.09 m 2 ) provided a statistically reliable estimate of the true mean exit hole density on the lower bole, with ,25% error from the true mean. For future sampling and survey efforts in southern California oak forests and woodlands, exit hole counts within a 0.09 m 2 quadrat could be made at any three
Sliding mode control of the space nuclear reactor system

The automatic control system (ACS) of the space nuclear reactor power system TOPAZ II that generates electricity from nuclear heat using in-core thermionic converters is considered. Sliding mode control technique is applied to the reactor system controller design in order to improve robustness and accuracy of tracking of a thermal power reference profile in a start-up regime and a payload current reference profile in an operation regime. Extensive simulations of the TOPAZ II reactor system with the designed sliding mode controller showed an improvement of the reactor system performance.
King’s Theory of Goal Attainment Exploring Functional Status

Imogene King's Theory of Goal Attainment provides a schema for nurses interested in functional status. However, the lack of a uniform definition for functional status has hindered development of a concise understanding of this phenomenon. Functional status is particularly important to nurses who are concerned with the safety and wellbeing of clients. With healthcare's increased focus on client-family-centered care it is important to develop innovative approaches for evaluating functional status that incorporate the client-family perspective. King's focus on mutual decision-making is an underutilized resource that can provide great insight into the study and understanding of functional status.
Developing Models to Predict Persistent High-Cost Cases in Florida Medicaid

Abstract This paper examined individual characteristics associated with being a high-cost case in multiple years for Medicaid-covered health care services. In addition, the accuracy of models that predict future persistent high-cost cases was examined. Florida Medicaid claims from 2005 to 2010 were used to examine characteristics, diagnoses, and services associated with individual costs being in the top 1% of recipients. Regression models were estimated with diagnoses and service use in a base year used to predict future high-cost cases. Several different perspectives were used that focus on predicting current year high-cost cases based on prior persistence, predicting future persistence of high costs, and a combination of using past persistence to predict future persistence. Average annual costs for persistent high-cost cases were more than $140,000. Overall, models were predictive of future high-cost cases. The receipt of intermediate case facility (mental retardation) services was the strongest predict...
Retrospective chart review comparing morphine and methadone in neonates treated for neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Objective The primary objective was to determine whether oral morphine sulfate contributed to decreased length of stay, both in the hospital and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), when compared to oral methadone for the treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Secondary objectives included evaluation of NAS scores, opioid requirements, use of adjuvant therapy, and total cost of hospital stay. Methods An equal number of neonates who received oral morphine sulfate and oral methadone as treatment for NAS were identified. Inclusion criteria included in utero exposure to opioids as determined by maternal history, toxicology reports during pregnancy or at the time of delivery, or infant urine toxicology reports and symptoms of NAS requiring pharmacological treatment. Exclusion criteria included neonates transferred to or from another facility during treatment, neonates discharged on NAS treatment, and neonates diagnosed with iatrogenic NAS due to postnatal exposure to opioids. Results Twenty six neonates met inclusion criteria. Statistically significant decreases in length of hospital and NICU stay, length of treatment, maximum opioid requirements, and total cost were found when neonates treated for NAS with oral morphine sulfate were compared to those treated with oral methadone. No statistically significant differences in average maximum NAS score or use of adjuvant therapy were found between the two groups. Conclusion Oral morphine sulfate reduced length of NICU and hospital stay, length of treatment, and total cost of treatment for neonates treated for NAS.
Effect of relaxin on mammary gland growth and lactation in the rat.

Mammary DNA, RNA and RNA/DNA were measured in groups of 10 ovariectomized rats treated for 20 days with relaxin (R) in doses of 20 and 90 guinea pig units (GPU) alone or in combination with 1 mug estradiol benzoate (EB) or EB plus 3 mg progsterone (P). No treatment, EB only, and EB plus P served as control groups. Twenty GPU R alone significantly increased DNA over the no treatment group while 90 GPU did not increase DNA any higher. Although DNA values for the EB group were higher than no treatment and EB plus P higher than EB, R was not effective in increasing DNA in combination with either EB or EB plus P.R alone at either level did not change RNA from the no treatment group, but 90 GPU R in association with EB and both levels of R in association with EB plus P significantly reduced RNA in relation to the approiate control groups. Relaxin acts synergistically with estrogen and progesterone to develop the mammary apparatus and at the same time to suppress lactation. Removing the inhibitory effects of relaxin at parturition may be an important prelude to lactogenesis.
The use of azlocillin to treat serious infections

Azlocillin, a semisynthetic ureidopenicillin that inhibits many Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and many Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to carbenicillin, was used to treat 23 episodes of infection in 20 patients. The majority of the patients had severe underlying diseases, including marked reduction in renal function in a number of the patients. Infection sites were lung, urinary tract, skin and primary bacteraemia. Seven patients had bacteraemia. Clinical cure or improvement was achieved in 87% of infections, all patients with bacteraemia due to Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, Listeria spp. and Streptococcus faecalis were cured. Cure was achieved with azlocillin against carbenicillin-resistant Ps. aeruginosa infections. Serum and urine levels were easily maintained in excess of the accepted minimal inhibitory concentrations of the susceptible organism (less than or equal to 64 mg/l). Adverse effects were minor. Azlocillin was a safe, well-tolerated and effective agent to treat suspected or proven infections due to Ps. aeruginosa and other susceptible bacteria.
High Resolution X-Ray Scattering Studies of Strain in Epitaxial Thin Films of Yttrium Silicide Grown on Silicon(111)

We have used high resolution grazing incidence x-ray scattering (GIXS) to study the in-plane and out-of-plane structure of epitaxial YSi2-x films grown on Si (111), with thicknesses ranging from 85A to 510A. Our results indicate that the films are strained, and that film strain increases as a function of thickness, with lattice parameters varying from a = 3.846A/c = 4.142A for the 85A film to a = 3.877A/c = 4.121A for the 510A film. We correlate these results with an increase in pinhole areal coverage as a function of thickness. In addition, our measurements show no evidence for the existence of ordered silicon vacancies in the films.
Discharge Characteristics and Acceleration Effect of Symmetric Plasma Aerodynamic Actuators

Diagnosis of the gas flow induced by plasma aerodynamic actuation is the basis of plasma flow control.We researched the electrical and flow characteristics of plasma aerodynamic actuation generated on symmetric dielectric barrier discharge actuator.The test results show that the discharge of symmetric actuator,which is generated around the high-voltage electrode,is different from that of asymmetric actuator.There are many fine and narrow pulsed currents at the positive half cycle of actuation voltage,showing that the discharge mode is diffusive but filamentary.The jet induced by plasma aerodynamic actuation is vertical to the actuator surface when the amplitude and phase of the voltage exerted on adjacent electrodes are the same.The maximum velocity of the jet is on the order of m/s.When the amplitude or the phase of the voltage exerted on adjacent electrodes is changed,the top-left or top-right jet is induced while the induced gas flow velocity can hardly be enhanced.
Guided Manipulation Planning at the DARPA Robotics Challenge Trials

We document the empirical results from Carnegie Mellon University’s entry into the DARPA Robotics Challenge Trials. Our system seamlessly and intelligently integrates recent advances in autonomous manipulation with the perspective and intuition of an expert human operator. Virtual fixtures are used as the common language between the operator and the motion planner. The planning system then solves a guided manipulation problem to perform disaster-response tasks.
House Price Momentum and Strategic Complementarity

House prices exhibit substantially more momentum, positive autocorrelation in price changes, than existing theories can explain. I introduce an amplification mechanism to reconcile this discrepancy...
Photorefractive fibres: Fabrication and hologram construction

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the fabrication and hologram construction of photorefractive fibers. The use of photorefractive (PR) materials for data processing and storage has offered promising applications in data storage and signal processing. The salient features of PR materials are large storage capacity, high diffraction efficiency, and high angular wavelength selectivity. The growth of PR fibers has also provided an alternative approach to a variety of applications. Some recent work on PR fiber holograms is discussed in the chapter, in which the fabrication, angular and wavelength selectivity, cross-talk noise, and a couple of applications are given. There are many promising applications of PR fiber holograms: applied to optical interconnects, electro-optic switching, reconfigurable networks, and many others.