cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polymerization behavior of methylol-functional benzoxazine monomer

Abstract This study focuses on methylol functional benzoxazines as precursors to build a network structure utilizing both benzoxazine and resole chemistry. The first part is a review of systems that contain methylol groups which play a role on their crosslinking formation. The polymerization mechanism and properties of resoles will be highlighted as the most abundant polymers that are characterized by polymerization through condensation reaction of methylol group. In the second part, the effect of incorporating methylol group into benzoxazine monomers is studied. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is used to study the effect of methylol group on the rate of polymerization. Kissinger and Ozawa methods using non-isothermal DSC at different heating rates show that methylol monomer exhibits lower average activation energy compared to the un-functionalized monomer. The effect of adding catalysts into the monomers is also studied. p -Toluene sulfonic acid (PTSA) is found to be more efficient than 1-methyl-imidazole (IMD) and lithium iodide (LiI) in the case of methylol monomer due to its ability of accelerating both the methylol condensation and ring-opening polymerization. Additionally, thermal behavior of the monomers is studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
A 2-D free boundary problem with onset of a phase and singular elliptic boundary value problems

Numerous models of industrial processes, such as diffusion in glassy polymers or solidification phenomena, lead to general one phase free boundary value problems with phase onset.The classical well-posedness of a fast diffusion approximation to the concerned free boundary value problems is proved. The analysis is performed via a singular change of variables leading to a singular system in a fixed domain. An existence and regularity theory for classical solutions is developed for the relevant underlying class of singular elliptic boundary value problems and is then used to prove the well-posedness for the models considered in which these are coupled to Hamilton-Jacobi or to parabolic evolution equations.
Enhanced photodecarboxylation of an aryl ester in polyethylene films.

Photodecarboxylation is the exclusive photoreaction of 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl (S)-2-methylbutanoate in unstretched high-density polyethylene films. The sole product, (S)-1-(2-methylpropyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, is formed with complete retention of stereochemistry. In other polyethylene films, organic solvents, and β-cyclodextrin cavities, cage-escaped products derived from Fries-type bond scission are obtained as well. The results indicate the importance of the media in controlling the conformations of aryl esters and, thereby, their photoreactions.
Entropy and dual control

The purpose of this paper is to show how the introduction of the concept of Shannon Information into Optimal Stochastic Control theory allows certain problems with partial observations to become tractable. In particular, adaptive control problems can be formulated sometimes as such problems; this leads to a class of adaptive regulators that extend the usual Linear Quadratic regulator. We start with a linear setting first.
Analysis of hyperspectral fluorescence images for poultry skin tumor inspection

We present a hyperspectral fluorescence imaging system with a fuzzy inference scheme for detecting skin tumors on poultry carcasses. Hyperspectral images reveal spatial and spectral information useful for finding pathological lesions or contaminants on agricultural products. Skin tumors are not obvious because the visual signature appears as a shape distortion rather than a discoloration. Fluorescence imaging allows the visualization of poultry skin tumors more easily than reflectance. The hyperspectral image samples obtained for this poultry tumor inspection contain 65 spectral bands of fluorescence in the visible region of the spectrum at wavelengths ranging from 425 to 711 nm. The large amount of hyperspectral image data is compressed by use of a discrete wavelet transform in the spatial domain. Principal-component analysis provides an effective compressed representation of the spectral signal of each pixel in the spectral domain. A small number of significant features are extracted from two major spectral peaks of relative fluorescence intensity that have been identified as meaningful spectral bands for detecting tumors. A fuzzy inference scheme that uses a small number of fuzzy rules and Gaussian membership functions successfully detects skin tumors on poultry carcasses. Spatial-filtering techniques are used to significantly reduce false positives.
Single strand and double strand DNA damage-induced reciprocal recombination in yeast. Dependence on nucleotide excision repair and RAD1 recombination

Single strand and double strand DNA damage-induced recombination were compared in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The non-replicating plasmid pUC18-HIS3 was damaged in vitro and introduced into yeast cells; plasmid-chromosome recombinants were selected as stable His+ transformants. Single strand damage was produced by UV irradiation at 254 nm or by psoralen photoreaction at 390 nm. Double strand damage was produced by psoralen photoreaction at 350 nm or by restriction endonuclease digestion. Recombinants were classified as resulting from gene conversion without crossing over, single plasmid integration, or multiple plasmid integration. Single and double strand DNA damage produced different patterns of recombination. In repair proficient cells double strand damage induced primarily multiple plasmid integrations, while single strand damage induced higher proportions of gene conversions and single integrations. Reciprocal recombination depended on the RAD1 gene, which is involved in both excision repair and recombination; plasmid integration induced by all forms of damage was decreased in a rad1 disruption strain. Mutation of the RAD3 excision repair gene decreased plasmid integration induced by far UV irradiation and psoralen crosslinks, but not by double strand breaks, which are not substrates of nucleotide excision repair. Double strand break-induced plasmid integration was also decreased by disruption of RAD10, which forms a complex with RAD1; disruption of RAD4 had no effect. Thus, while nucleotide excision repair genes are involved in the processing of damaged DNA to generate recombination intermediates, RAD1 and RAD10 are additionally involved in reciprocal exchange.
The Circle of Trust® approach and a counselor training program: A hand in glove fit

This chapter describes how the principles and practices of a Circle of Trust® approach are infused into the Master's in Counseling Psychology program, marriage and family therapy emphasis, at the University of San Francisco. The interface between the Circle of Trust® approach and other on-campus activities is described; the model is proposed as of value to all in higher education independent of role or discipline.
Androgen Controls Transforming Growth Factor-|[beta]| Receptor and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Regulation and Surfactant Protein Gene Expression in the Developing Lung

Androgen Controls Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptor and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Regulation and Surfactant Protein Gene Expression in the Developing Lung
Doublecortin May Play a Role in Defining Chondrocyte Phenotype

Embryonic development of articular cartilage has not been well understood and the role of doublecortin (DCX) in determination of chondrocyte phenotype is unknown. Here, we use a DCX promoter-driven eGFP reporter mouse model to study the dynamic gene expression profiles in mouse embryonic handplates at E12.5 to E13.5 when the condensed mesenchymal cells differentiate into either endochondral chondrocytes or joint interzone cells. Illumina microarray analysis identified a variety of genes that were expressed differentially in the different regions of mouse handplate. The unique expression patterns of many genes were revealed. Cytl1 and 3110032G18RIK were highly expressed in the proximal region of E12.5 handplate and the carpal region of E13.5 handplate, whereas Olfr538, Kctd15, and Cited1 were highly expressed in the distal region of E12.5 and the metacarpal region of E13.5 handplates. There was an increasing gradient of Hrc expression in the proximal to distal direction in E13.5 handplate. Furthermore, when human DCX protein was expressed in human adipose stem cells, collagen II was decreased while aggrecan, matrilin 2, and GDF5 were increased during the 14-day pellet culture. These findings suggest that DCX may play a role in defining chondrocyte phenotype.
Protracted withdrawal from ethanol and enhanced responsiveness stress: Regulation via the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor system

Abstract Although recent work suggests that the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (DYN/KOR) system may be a key mediator in the stress-related effects of alcohol, the regulation of long-term changes associated with protracted withdrawal from ethanol via the DYN/KOR system has yet to be explored. The objective of the present study was to determine the role of the DYN/KOR system in the regulation of anxiety-related behaviors during an extended period of abstinence from ethanol in animals with a history of ethanol dependence. Male Wistar rats ( n = 94) were fed an ethanol or control liquid diet for 25–30 days. Six weeks after its removal, rats were exposed to 20 min of immobilization, and the ability of the KOR antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) (0–20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) to attenuate the enhanced responsiveness to stress observed in rats chronically exposed to ethanol was investigated using the elevated plus maze. In addition, the ability of U50,488 (0–10 mg/kg, i.p.) to prime anxiety-like behavior during protracted withdrawal was also examined. Rats with a history of ethanol dependence showed a significant decrease in open-arm exploration after exposure to restraint, indicating an anxiety-like state, compared to similarly treated controls, an effect that was blocked by nor-BNI. nor-BNI also selectively decreased center time and open-arm approaches in ethanol-exposed rats. The highest dose of U50,488 decreased open-arm exploration and the total number of arm entries in ethanol-exposed and control rats. Although lower doses of U50,488 did not affect open-arm exploration in either group, the 0.1 mg/kg dose selectively decreased motor activity in the ethanol-exposed rats when compared to similarly pretreated controls. These findings further support the hypothesis that behaviors associated with withdrawal from ethanol are in part regulated by the DYN/KOR system, and suggest that these effects may be long lasting in nature.
Structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging of autism spectrum disorders

The neurobiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has become increasingly understood since the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Initial observations of an above-average head circumference were supported by structural MRI studies that found evidence of increased total brain volume and early rapid brain overgrowth in affected individuals. Subsequent research revealed consistent abnormalities in cortical gray and white matter volume in ASDs. The structural integrity and orientation of white matter have been further elucidated via diffusion tensor imaging methods. The emergence of functional MRI techniques led to an enhanced understanding of the neural circuitry of ASDs, demonstrating areas of dysfunctional cortical activation and atypical cortical specialization. These studies have provided evidence of underconnectivity in distributed cortical networks integral to the core impairments associated with ASDs. Abnormalities in the default-mode network during the resting state have also been identified. Overall, structural and functional MRI research has generated important insights into the neurobiology of ASDs. Additional research is needed to further delineate the underlying brain basis of this constellation of disorders.
The future in treatment of pancreatic cancer.

The mortality rate for pancreatic cancer continues to rise. Despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, the survival rate remains dismal. Future treatment will depend on further epidemiologic, diagnostic, and pathologic studies, as well as controlled clinical trials. Application of new areas of oncologic research to pancreatic cancer is a worthwhile endeavor. Promotion, publication, and dissemination of such research on pancreatic cancer are the goals of the National Pancreatic Cancer Project.
Cleavage of an RNA analog by Zn(II) macrocyclic catalysts appended with a methyl or an acridine group.

Abstract Two macrocycles (1 and 2) are prepared that incorporate pendent groups in macrocycle 3 (3 = 1-oxa-4,7,10-triazacyclododecane) with the goal of studying the effect of these pendent groups on metal ion complexation, solution chemistry and catalysis. Zn(1) contains a macrocyclic ligand with a pendent acridine group and Zn(2) has an appended methyl group. Water ligand pKa values for Zn(1) (6.7) and Zn(2) (7.3) are lower than that of Zn(3) (7.7). Zn(II) complexes of 1 and 2 are studied as catalysts for the cleavage of 2-hydroxypropyl 4-nitrophenylphosphate (HpPNP), an RNA analog. Zn(2) has a lower catalytic activity over the pH range 7–10 for cleavage of HpPNP compared to the parent macrocyclic complex, Zn(3). In contrast, Zn(1) has a threefold larger rate constant at pH 7.0 compared to Zn(2), attributed to the presence of a catalytic species which has a protonated acridine amino group. The binding constant of 1.5 mM at pH 8.0 for formation of the Zn(2)-uridine adduct is similar to that for Zn(3), suggesting that N-alkylation of the macrocyclic ligand does not interfere with binding of the Zn(II) complex to uridine groups. Binding of cytidine to Zn(2) was not detectable under similar conditions up to 25 mM nucleoside. Binding experiments under similar conditions could not be carried out for adenosine or guanosine due to their low solubility.
Use of 75se-labeled methionine to study the sequestration of senescent red blood cells

Labeling red blood cells with Na/sub 2//sup 51/CrO/sub 4/ enabled us to study certain aspects of red cell survival and sequestration from the circulation. As a random labeling procedure, however, the /sup 51/Cr method has certain limitations. Therefore, we developed a cohort labeling method using /sup 75/Se-methionine as a two-rat procedure. This gives a clear pulse-labeled population of rat red cells to study the dynamics of sequestration. With this labeling procedure, it was possible to demonstrate that 1) there is an increase in the density of red cells with age, 2) a significant sequestration of red cells from the circulation is apparent at the end of 48 days and essentially is complete at the end of 60 days, 3) there is a corresponding uptake of senescent red cells in the spleen, which peaks at 55 days, and 4) the 60-day end point is sharper and is more definitive when the specific activity (cpm per red blood cell) of the labeled red cells in the spleen is compared to that of the red cells still in the circulation. Asialo red cells, obtained by removal of sialic acid with sialidase, frequently have been used as a model for the study of sequestrationmore » of senescent red cells. With the technique herein described, it was possible to show that while asialo red cells will inhibit the uptake of labeled asialo red cells, they have no effect on the sequestration of senescent red cells. Presumably, different sites and mechanisms of sequestration are involved.« less
Shoot Biomass Production among Accessions of Medicago truncatula Exposed to NaCl

Increased salt tolerance would improve utilization of salt-sensitive crop plants such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). In order for selection for salt tolerance to be more efficient, it is useful to know whether improved productivity under saline conditions is due to unique physiological responses to salinity or merely the carry over of increased yield that was selected for in a nonsaline environment. Medicago truncatula Gaertn., a self-pollinated relative of alfalfa, was used to examine the response of specific genotypes across a range of salinities. This was done by evaluating the change in fresh shoot biomass production of greenhouse-grown mature plants and seedlings of different accessions of M. truncatula in response to four levels of salinity imposed as NaCl. Those accessions with the highest fresh shoot biomass production under nonsaline irrigation also had the highest fresh shoot biomass production under all salinity levels. The high correlation between an accession's fresh shoot biomass under nonsaline and saline irrigation indicate no unique physiological adaptation to salinity in the accessions of M. truncatula evaluated.
Ki-67-determined growth fraction versus standard staging and grading parameters in colorectal carcinoma. A multivariate analysis.

Background. The antibody Ki-67 binds to nuclei in all cell cycle phases except GO and can be used to measure growth fraction. Because proliferative activity has been linked to prognosis in neoplasia, the authors analyzed 100 cases of colorectal carcinoma, each with 3 or more years of follow-up, using Ki-67 immunostaining. Methods. The Ki-67-positive nuclear area and total nuclear area of carcinoma cells in 20 microscopic fields were measured by computed morphometry. A Ki-67 score (percent positive nuclear area × 100) was calculated. The following characteristics also were recorded for each case: patient age and sex, tumor site and size, modified Dukes' stage, spread beyond bowel wall, lymph node status, tumor grade, histologic type, extramural venous spread, tumor growth pattern, fibrosis, lymphocytic infiltration, and mitotic rate. Results. Ki-67 scores ranged from 1 to 90 (mean, 34.6). Ki-67 scores were higher in Stage A disease (versus Stage B, C, and D disease) but were not associated with survival. Survival curves differed by stage, lymph node metastases, infiltrative growth pattern, lymphocytic infiltration, fibrosis, extramural venous spread, and tumor grade in a univariate analysis. The infiltrative growth pattern (P = 0.04) and lymphocytic infiltration (P = 0.003) were features associated independently with survival after adjusting for modified Dukes' stage. Furthermore, the lack of a significant lymphocytic infiltrate was associated with a death rate 3.4 times greater than that occurring in patients with Stage B disease with a significant infiltrate. Conclusions. The authors conclude that proliferative activity in colorectal carcinoma as measured by Ki-67 immunostaining was not associated with prognosis.
Experimental Study of Aerosol Deposition in Pulsating Balloon Structures

In this study, aerosol depositions within pulsating balloon structures are investigated. Cyclical motion of expansion and contraction of the balloon models are controlled by varying the surrounding vacuum pressures inside the air chamber. Balloons of various configurations are used to induce the air flows as well as to collect the deposited particles. The non-uniform distribution patterns of particle deposition inside the models are measured by fluorescence spectrophotometer. Different airflow rates are investigated. The objective of this study is to qualitatively investigate the phenomena of enhanced particle local deposition in pockets with moving wall conditions. It has been observed in the experiments that a particle deposition "hot spot" exists at the entrance of balloon model for almost all flow rates covered in the study and the moving boundary flow enhances the aerosol deposition significantly.
A Methodology for Achieving Optimal Reliability and Cost in a Lunar Architecture

In NASA's 90-day Exploration Systems Architecture Study lunar architecture conceptual designs were developed addressing the figures of merit of performance, cost, reliability/safety, extensibility, and risk. Becaus e of the short time of this study, expert judgments were used to develop the limited set of design options that could be in this time investigated to meet these figures of merit. Th e NASA study developed a "best" design that met the requirements and was thus used as the foundation basis for program initiation. The methodology implemented in this paper focuses on a systematic concurrent methodology for the identification of the "optimal" design and also the sensitivities of the design options and risk mitigation strategies for achieving p erformance, cost, and reliability requirements. Parametric metamodels were developed for performance and cost while reliability was modeled with a dynamically changing fault tree analysis that adapts to the changing subsystem redundancy configurations. These performance, cost, and reliability models are integrated into a multidisciplinary simulation and a weighted overall evaluation criteria was used to control the optimization ranging from cost centric to reliability centric systems. Results show that subsystem mass, performance, cost, and reliability determine the order that redundancy is used to improve reliabilit y for minimum cost. A generalization of the results show that because lower stages have less sensitivity to mass increases than upper stages; thus the best approach for improving Earth-to-moon mission reliability, from a cost and total architecture mass perspective, is to add subsystem redundancy starting with the lower stages and continuing to the upper stages and lunar module.
Differential requirements for Smad4 in TGFβ-dependent patterning of the early mouse embryo

Genetic and biochemical data have identified Smad4 as a key intracellular effector of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta superfamily of secreted ligands. In mouse, Smad4-null embryos do not gastrulate, a phenotype consistent with loss of other TGFbeta-related signaling components. Chimeric analysis reveals a primary requirement for Smad4 in the extra-embryonic lineages; however, within the embryo proper, characterization of the specific roles of Smad4 during gastrulation and lineage specification remains limited. We have employed a Smad4 conditional allele to specifically inactivate the Smad4 gene in the early mouse epiblast. Loss of Smad4 in this tissue results in a profound failure to pattern derivatives of the anterior primitive streak, such as prechordal plate, node, notochord and definitive endoderm. In contrast to these focal defects, many well-characterized TGFbeta- and Bmp-regulated processes involved in mesoderm formation and patterning are surprisingly unaffected. Mutant embryos form abundant extra-embryonic mesoderm, including allantois, a rudimentary heart and middle primitive streak derivatives such as somites and lateral plate mesoderm. Thus, loss of Smad4 in the epiblast results not in global developmental abnormalities but instead in restricted patterning defects. These results suggest that Smad4 potentiates a subset of TGFbeta-related signals during early embryonic development, but is dispensable for others.
Ultra-fast and ultra-intense x-ray sciences: first results from the Linac Coherent Light Source free-electron laser

X-ray free-electron lasers (FELs) produce femtosecond x-ray pulses with unprecedented intensities that are uniquely suited for studying many phenomena in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics. A compilation of the current developments at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) and future plans for the LCLS-II and Next Generation Light Source (NGLS) are outlined. The AMO instrumentation at LCLS and its performance parameters are summarized. A few selected experiments representing the rapidly developing field of ultra-fast and peak intensity x-ray AMO sciences are discussed. These examples include fundamental aspects of intense x-ray interaction with atoms, nonlinear atomic physics in the x-ray regime, double core-hole spectroscopy, quantum control experiments with FELs and ultra-fast x-ray induced dynamics in clusters. These experiments illustrate the fundamental aspects of the interaction of intense short pulses of x-rays with atoms, molecules and clusters that are probed by electron and ion spectroscopies as well as ultra-fast x-ray scattering.
Epidermal Growth Factor Improves Intestinal Adaptation during Somatostatin Administrationin Vivo

Abstract Somatostatin (SMS) is administered to patients with short bowel syndrome and enterocutaneous fistulae. Previous studies have shown detrimental effects of SMS on intestinal adaptation after bowel resection. We examined whether administration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) could reverse the deleterious effects of SMS seen after enterectomy. Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley rats underwent an 80% small bowel resection or transection as control. Rats received either SMS at 50 ng·kg −1 ·h −1 , EGF/Urogastrone at 1.5 μg·kg −1 ·h −1 , or both via subcutaneous miniosmotic pumps. Samples were obtained at 1 day and 1 week after surgery for histologic examination, analysis of apical Na + /glucose cotransporter protein and mRNA expression, and analysis of basolateral Na + /K + ATPase protein and mRNA expression. Protein expression was analyzed by Western blotting whereas mRNA expression was compared by ribonuclease protection assay. Histologically, villus to crypt length after intestinal resection showed increased adaptation in EGF/SMS vs SMS treated animals in both jejunum and ileum. Analysis of mRNA and protein of epithelial transporters show early increases when EGF is administered with SMS vs SMS only. We conclude that combination therapy using EGF and SMS may be beneficial to intestinal adaptation after small bowel resection. Both histologic and molecular data suggest an enhanced absorptive potential and adaptation of the remaining intestine when EGF is administered.
Temperature-dependent optical Kerr effect spectroscopy of chloroform in restricted geometries

Abstract Optical Kerr effect spectroscopy has been used to study the orientational dynamics of chloroform confined within nanoporous glasses of various pore sizes. The decays can be fit well to the sum of two exponentials, the fastest of which has a decay time that matches that of the bulk liquid. Based on these data, we have quantified the surface population and the dynamics of the confined liquid. We have also studied the dynamics of the Raman-active degenerate CCl 3 deformation mode at 262 cm −1 and the symmetric CCl 3 stretch at 365 cm −1 , both of which show shifts to higher frequency in confinement. The shifts decrease as the temperature decreases. Pure dephasing and population relaxation at the pore walls appear to dominate the spectral line shapes at lower temperatures, resulting in a decrease in the dephasing time in confinement. At higher temperatures, the line shape is dominated by rotational broadening.
Proportional melanoma incidence and occupation among White males in Los Angeles County (California, United States)

A case-control analysis of cancer registry data was used to examine the hypothesis that occupational exposure to sunlight influences the risk of melanoma. Occupation at diagnosis was available for 3,527 cutaneous melanomas and 53,129 other cancers identified by the Los Angeles County (California, United States) Cancer Surveillance Program among non-Spanish-surnamed White males aged 20 to 65 years between 1972 and 1990. Occupational exposure to sunlight was assessed by blinded expert coding of job titles as indoor, outdoor, and mixed indoor/outdoor. Relative to indoor occupations, proportionate odds ratios (OR) adjusted for age, level of education, and birthplace were 1.16 (95 percent confidence interval [CI]=1.07–1.27) for indoor/outdoor occupations and 1.15 (CI=0.94–1.40) for outdoor occupations. However, increasing levels of the education or training required for the occupation was associated more strongly with increased melanoma occurrence (ORs adjusted for age, occupational sun exposure, and birthplace, were 1.0, 1.63, 2.09, 2.23, and 2.99 for low-skill occupation, high school, college, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, respectively). Analysis of melanoma occurrence by job titles confirmed a clear variation by the required education or training level but not by the category of occupational sunlight exposure. The findings suggest that lifestyle factors associated with higher levels of education may be more important determinants of melanoma risk than characteristics of the work environment.
Bipyridine Radical Ions

Abstract A survey of the spectral, electrochemical, and chemical properties of organic and inorganic 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) radical derivatives leads to the conclusion that these species form a common family whose properties are largely determined by those of bpy, the one-electron reduction product of bpy.
Multiple DRO CRF escape avoidance: Contributions of shock duration and response requirements on avoidance

Three rats were trained to escape electric shock by satisfying a continuous (CRF) and a differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) escape schedule. These escape schedules, accompanied by visual and auditory cues, were randomly alternated at 5-min intervals in a multiple-schedule format. Each escape schedule was linked with a 20-sec avoidance component (R-S=20 sec), in which responses prevented the occurrence of escape periods. Later, a differential reinforcement of low rate (DRL) escape schedule was paired with the DRO escape schedule. In general, all subjects produced the high (CRF) and low (DRO and DRL) escape rates expected. During the shock-off intervals, two of the three rats maintained higher avoidance in the CRF escape components relative to the DRO escape components, although DRO escape involved longer escape periods. The differential escape rates and avoidance performances indicated reliable stimulus control by the various cues associated with the different escape avoidance schedules employed.
Tropic responses of Phycomyces sporangiophores to gravitational and centrifugal stimuli.

A low-speed centrifuge was used to study the tropic responses of Phycomyces sporangiophores in darkness to the stimulus of combined gravitational and centrifugal forces. If this stimulus is constant the response is a relatively slow tropic reaction, which persists for up to 12 hours. The response is accelerated by increasing the magnitude of the gravitational-centrifugal force. A wholly different tropic response, the transient response, is elicited by an abrupt change in the gravitational-centrifugal stimulus. The transient response has a duration of only about 6 min. but is characterized by a high bending speed (about 5°/min.). An analysis of the distribution of the transient response along the growing zone shows that the active phase of the response has a distribution similar to that of the light sensitivity for the light-growth and phototropic responses. Experiments in which sporangiophores are centrifuged in an inert dense fluid indicate that the sensory mechanism of the transient response is closely related to the physical deformation of the growing zone caused by the action of the gravitational-centrifugal force on the sporangiophore as a whole. However, the response to a steady gravitational-centrifugal force is most likely not connected with this deformation, but is probably triggered by the shifting of regions or particles of differing density relative to one another inside the cell.
Site-selective PMe3 addition to the donor-acceptor complex Ru2(CO)6[(Z)Ph2PCHCHPPh2]. X-ray diffraction structure of Ru2(CO)5(PMe3)[(Z)Ph2PCHCHPPh2]

Abstract The diphosphine-bridged ruthenium dimer Ru 2 (CO) 6 [((Z)Ph 2 PCHCHPPh 2 ] ( 1 ) reacts with added PMe 3 under photochemical and thermal conditions and by Me 3 NO-induced activation at the phosphine-substituted ruthenium center to give Ru 2 (CO) 5 (PMe 3 )[(Z)Ph 2 PCHCHPPh 2 ] ( 2 ). The entering PMe 3 is found to adopt axial and equatorial sites in 2 , as confirmed by solution 1 H and 31 P NMR spectroscopy measurements. The solid-state structure of the equatorially substituted isomer 2e has been established by X-ray diffraction analysis. 2e cystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 : a = 10.8602(7), b = 10.801(9), c = 15.680(1) A , α = 79.788(6), β = 82.838(6), y = 66.450(5)°, V = 1714.6(2) A 3 , Z = 2, D calc = 1.578 g cm −3 ; R = 00574, R w = 0.0627 for 3695 observed reflections with 1>3 σ(1).
Higher cortical function deficits among acute stroke patients: The stroke data bank experience

Objectives. Both the number and type of higher cortical function deficits (HCFD) in acute stroke patients are important diagnostically and for gauging the extent of neurological deficits. Methods. The Stroke Data Bank (SDB) provided a large prospective data base for such evaluation. Thirty-one different HCFDs, each defined in the SDB manual, were considered. Results. Of 1,805 patients in the SDB, 641 instances of HCFD in 422 patients were recorded in alert patients at initial examination (within the first 7 to 10 days of ictus). Aphasia (41%) was the most commonly found HCFD, followed by neglect syndrome (27.2%), apraxia (11.7%), and anosognosia (11.1%). Agnosia (3.9%), alexia (3.3%), and aprosodia (1.5%) were less frequently found HCFDs. Cardioembolic infarct was most likely to have associated HCFDs (66%), and lacunar infarction was least likely to be accompanied by HCFDs (6%), with infarction caused by large artery thrombosis (50%) and infarct of undetermined cause (47%) having similar frequencies. The co-occurrence of sensory and motor deficits among the eight major subgroups of HCFD showed that neglect syndrome, apraxia, and anosognosia were most likely to be associated with long tract signs, whereas alexia, aprosodia, and agnosia invariably were not associated with sensorimotor impairment. Approximately half of aphasic patients had associated sensorimotor impairment. Conclusion. Our findings show that higher cortical function deficits are prevalent in the acute phase of stroke, particularly aphasia and neglect syndromes. They are more often associated with nonlacunar stroke and some are less likely to be associated with any sensorimotor deficits.
The Digital Health Divide Evaluating Online Health Information Access and Use Among Older Adults

Objective. Innovations in health information technology (HIT) provide opportunities to reduce health care spending, improve quality of care, and improve health outcomes for older adults. However, concerns relating to older adults’ limited access and use of HIT, including use of the Internet for health information, fuel the digital health divide debate. This study evaluated the potential digital health divide in relation to characteristic and belief differences between older adult users and nonusers of online health information sources. Methods. A cross-sectional survey design was conducted using a random sample of older adults. A total of 225 older adults (age range = 50-92 years, M = 68.9 years, SD = 10.4) participated in the study. Results. Seventy-six percent of all respondents had Internet access. Users and nonusers of online health information differed significantly on age (M = 66.29 vs. M = 71.13), education, and previous experience with the health care system. Users and nonusers of online health in...
High-frequency modulation of continuous-wave laser beams by maximally coherent molecules

We suggest a technique where a molecular Raman transition is prepared near a maximally coherent state with continuous-wave (CW) laser beams. The key idea is to put the molecules inside a high-finesse cavity and to drive the molecular transition with two lasers whose frequency difference is slightly detuned from the Raman resonance. In this regime, the molecules become very efficient CW modulators with a modulation frequency that can be as high as 100 THz.
Coorbits of Quantum Homogeneous Spaces

The notion of coorbits for spaces with quantum group actions is introduced. A space with a quantum group action is given by a pair of algebras: an associative algebra which is the analog of a classical topological space, and a Hopf algebra which is the analog of a classical topological group. The Hopf algebra acts on the associative algebra via a comodule structure mapping which is also an algebra homomorphism. For a space with a quantum group action, a coorbit is a pair of spaces given by the image and the kernel of an algebra homomorphism from the associative algebra to the Hopf algebra. The coorbits of several types of quantum homogeneous spaces are discussed. In the case when the associative algebra is the group algebra of a group and the Hopf algebra is a quotient of the group algebra, the connection between the set of coorbits and the character group is established.
Challenges of outcomes research for nurse practitioners.

Purpose To describe the numerous methodological challenges nurse practitioners (NPs) face in designing and conducting outcomes research and provide practical tips to implement an outcomes study within an institution. Data Sources Review of world wide scientific literature on outcomes research. Conclusions Nurse practitioners must be aware of the challenges of conducting outcomes research. Challenges associated with variable definition, designing outcomes studies, use of data sets, and instrument development and selection must be understood prior to undertaking an outcome study Implications for Practice Valuable studies have laid a foundation for evidence of quality care provision by NPs. Now is the time to measure patient outcomes of the NP care longitudinally over significant periods of time.
Component-Level dataflow analysis

Interprocedural dataflow analysis has a wide range of uses in software maintenance, testing, verification, and optimization. Despite the large body of research on various analyses, the widespread adoption of these techniques faces serious challenges. In particular, when software is built with reusable components, the standard approaches for dataflow analysis cannot be applied. This paper proposes a model of component-level analysis which generalizes the traditional model of whole-program analysis. We outline the theoretical foundations of component-level analysis, discuss some of the key technical challenges for such analysis, and present initial results from our work on addressing these challenges.
PATHWAY LOGIC: SYMBOLIC ANALYSIS OF BIOLOGICAL SIGNALING

The genomic sequencing of hundreds of organisms including homo sapiens, and the exponential growth in gene expression and proteomic data for many species has revolutionized research in biology. However, the computational analysis of these burgeoning datasets has been hampered by the sparse successes in combinations of data sources, representations, and algorithms. Here we propose the application of symbolic toolsets from the formal methods community to problems of biological interest, particularly signaling pathways, and more specifically mammalian mitogenic and stress responsive pathways. The results of formal symbolic analysis with extremely efficient representations of biological networks provide insights with potential biological impact. In particular, novel hypotheses may be generated which could lead to wet lab validation of new signaling possibilities. We demonstrate the graphic representation of the results of formal analysis of pathways, including navigational abilities, and describe the logical underpinnings of the approach. In summary, we propose and provide an initial description of an algebra and logic of signaling pathways and biologically plausible abstractions that provide the foundation for the application of highpowered tools such as model checkers to problems of biological interest.
Initial adjuvant weekly high dose methotrexate with leucovorin rescue in advanced squamous carcinoma of the head and neck.

Abstract Despite aggressive local therapy, advanced head and neck cancer continues to have a poor prognosis. In an attempt to improve survival in this disease, the Joint Center for Radiation Therapy and the Sidney Farber Cancer Institute instituted a pilot study employing high dose methotrexate with leucovorin rescue (3.5−27.5 g/m 2 ) as an adjuvant to aggressive radiotherapy and surgery. A high response rate of 60% ( 9 15 ) with no compromise of definitive therapy indicates such cooperation multimodality trials may hold promise for an increase in cure rates in these patients.
Ferromagnetic Cylinders in Earth's Magnetic Field-a Two-Dimentional Model of Magnetization of Submarine

For an optimal design of degaussing system of a submarine, a thorough understanding of magnetization of a submarine in the earth's magnetic field is required. As a prelude of three-dimensional modeling of a submarine, in this paper is presented an analysis of magnetization of a two-dimensional magnetizable cylinder placed in the earth's magnetic field. The cylinder is of infinite length and arbitrary cross section. It may be oriented in such a way that the earth's magnetic field is either perpendicular or parallel to its axis. The cylinder is made of steel which, in general, exhibits a nonlinear B-H characteristic. However, under the influence of the earth's magnetic field which is very weak, the permeability of the cylinder can be considered to be a constant. An integral equation is formulated for the unknown magnetization current on the surface of the cylinder. The integral equation is solved numerically employing a moment method solution technique. Based on knowledge of the magnetization current, the m...
Study of preparation parameters of powder and pelletized Pt/KL catalysts for n-hexane aromatization

Abstract Pt/KL powder and pelletized catalysts were synthesized by different methods including ion exchange (IE), incipient wetness impregnation (IWI), and vapor phase impregnation (VPI) methods. A detailed characterization was conducted on the various samples in order to determine the distributions of Pt particle size and location resulting from each preparation, as well as the relationships between these distributions and the catalytic performance. The catalysts were pretreated at two different reduction temperatures — 400 and 500°C — to investigate the sensitivity of each catalyst to thermal treatment. All catalysts showed high dispersion, with H/Pt ratios greater than unity. However, FTIR of adsorbed CO showed that more important than dispersion, it is the distribution of Pt cluster size and location, which influences the resulting catalytic stability. Standard IE catalysts were found to have a high fraction of Pt particles external to the L-zeolite and were the most sensitive to thermal treatment, displaying Pt migration out of the L-zeolite. These catalysts deactivated rapidly by coke formation. The addition of excess K + ions in the exchange solution and a longer aging period, as suggested in the patent literature, improves the Pt dispersion. IWI and VPI catalysts showed a majority of Pt clusters inside the L-zeolite channels. However, after high temperature reduction treatment, the IWI catalysts displayed particle growth inside the channels, in contrast with the VPI. The IWI catalysts were found to deactivate to about half their initial activity, while the VPI maintained the highest activity and stability. Different VPI methods including a moderate vacuum and a helium flow technique were examined and they showed similar Pt cluster distributions and catalytic performance to the catalysts synthesized using high vacuum. Preparation directly on the pellet for the methods investigated in this work (standard IE, IWI, and VPI) resulted in large fractions of Pt clusters external to the pores and likely on the binder. Thus, rapid deactivation by coke formation was evident. These results indicate that pelletized catalysts prepared by any of these techniques would require preparation on the powder prior to pellet extrusion.
Earthquakes and strain in subhorizontal slabs

[1] Using an extensive database of fault plane solutions and precise locations of hypocenters, we show that the classic patterns of downdip extension (DDE) or downdip compression (DDC) in subduction zones deteriorate when the dip of the slab is less than about 20°. This result is depth-independent, demonstrated by both intermediate-focus (depths from 70 to 300 km) and deep-focus (depths greater than 300 km) earthquakes. The absence of pattern in seismic strain in subhorizontal slabs also occurs locally over scales of about 10 km, as evident from a detailed analysis of a large (Mw 7.1) earthquake sequence beneath Fiji. Following the paradigm that a uniform strain of DDE/DDC results from sinking of the cold, dense slab as it encounters resistance from the highly viscous mantle at depth, breakdown of DDE/DDC in subhorizontal slabs reflects waning negative buoyancy (“slab pull”) in the downdip direction. Our results place a constraint on the magnitude of slab pull that is required to dominate over localized sources of stress and to align seismic strain release in dipping slabs. Under the condition of a vanishing slab pull, eliminating the only obvious source of regional stress, the abundance of earthquakes in subhorizontal slabs indicates that a locally variable source of stress is both necessary and sufficient to sustain the accumulation of elastic strain required to generate intermediate- and deep-focus seismicity. Evidence is growing that the process of seismogenesis under high pressures, including localized sources of stress, is tied to the presence of petrologic anomalies.
ASP-G: an ASP-based method for finding attractors in genetic regulatory networks

Motivation: Boolean network models are suitable to simulate gene regulatory networks (GRNs) in the absence of detailed kinetic information. However, reducing the biological reality implies making assumptions on how genes interact (interaction rules) and how their state is updated during the simulation (update scheme). The exact choice of the assumptions largely determines the outcome of the simulations. In most cases, however, the biologically correct assumptions are unknown. An ideal simulation thus implies testing different rules and schemes to determine those that best capture an observed biological phenomenon. This is not trivial, since most current methods to simulate Boolean network models of GRNs and to compute their attractors impose specific assumptions that cannot be easily altered, as they are built into the system. Results: To allow for a more flexible simulation framework, we developed ASP-G. We show the correctness of ASP-G in simulating Boolean network models and obtaining attractors under different assumptions by successfully recapitulating the detection of attractors of previously published studies. We also provide an example of how performing simulation of network models under different settings help determine the assumptions under which a certain conclusion holds. The main added value of ASP-G is in its modularity and declarativity, making it more flexible and less error-prone than traditional approaches. The declarative nature of ASP-G comes at the expense of being slower than the more dedicated systems but still achieves a good efficiency w.r.t. computational time. Availability: The source code of ASP-G is available at: http://www.psb.ugent.be/˜mumus/ASPG/asp-g.zip.