cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
N-heterocyclic carbene gold(I) and silver(I) complexes bearing functional groups for bio-conjugation

This work describes several synthetic approaches to append organic functional groups to gold and silver N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes suitable for applications in biomolecule conjugation. Carboxylate appended NHC ligands (3) lead to unstable AuI complexes that convert into bis-NHC species (4). A benzyl protected carboxylate NHC–AuI complex 2 was synthesized but deprotection to produce the carboxylic acid functionality could not be achieved. A small library of new alkyne functionalized NHC proligands were synthesized and used for subsequent silver and gold metalation reactions. The alkyne appended NHC gold complex 13 readily reacts with benzyl azide in a copper catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction to form the triazole appended NHC gold complex 14. Cell cytotoxicity studies were performed on DLD-1 (colorectal adenocarcinoma), Hep-G2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), CCRF-CEM (human T-Cell leukemia), and HEK (human embryonic kidney). Complete spectroscopic characterization of the ligands and complexes was achieved using 1H and 13C NMR, gHMBC, ESI-MS, and combustion analysis.
Resonant tunneling in the quantum Hall regime: measurement of fractional charge.

In experiments on resonant tunneling through a "quantum antidot" (a potential hill) in the quantum Hall (QH) regime, periodic conductance peaks were observed as a function of both magnetic field and back gate voltage. A combination of the two periods constitutes a measurement of the charge of the tunneling particles and implies that charge deficiency on the antidot is quantized in units of the charge of quasi-particles of the surrounding QH condensate. The experimentally determined value of the electron charge e is 1.57 x 10–19 coulomb = (0.98 ± 0.03) e for the states v = 1 and v = 2 of the integer QH effect, and the quasi-particle charge is 5.20 x 10–20 coulomb = (0.325 ± 0.01)e for the state v = ⅓ of the fractional QH effect.
Bonus Payments and Pay Flexibility in Japan

Many have suggested that the bonus system in Japan adds flexibility to earnings. This paper tests that hypothesis with data across firm size and worker type. It is shown that the bonus payments are pro-cyclical, corroborated in other studies, but are used in significantly different magnitudes across firm size. The variability of bonus payments varies inversely with firm size, perhaps due to the positive correlation between firm size and lifetime employment contracts. [J33]
Reproducibility and reliability of SNP analysis using human cellular DNA at or near nanogram levels

Illumina SNP arrays have been routinely used for genome-wide association studies to identify potential biomarkers for various diseases. The recommended 200 ng of DNA for high-quality results is a roadblock to utilizing this assay when such quantities of DNA are not available. The goal of this study is to determine the reproducibility and reliability of the assay when reduced amounts of DNA are used for the SNP arrays. A serial 3-fold reduction of DNA from 200 ng to 0.8 ng was used for an Illumina SNP array in duplicates (200 ng, 66.7 ng, 22,2 ng, and 7.4 ng) or triplicates (2.47 ng and 0.8 ng). The reproducibility of the assay was determined by comparing allele calls (genotypes) at each locus within the duplicates or triplicates. The reliability of samples of reduced quantity was determined by comparing allele calls from samples of different quantities. As expected, the reproducibility and reliability both decrease with decreasing amounts of DNA used for the arrays. However, results of comparable quality to the 200 ng DNA recommended by Illumina can be obtained with much reduced amounts of DNA. Reasonably reproducible and reliable results can be obtained with quantities of DNA, as low as 0.8 ng (equivalent to 133 human cells), well below the manufacturer’s recommendation. Results of nearly equal quality to that of using 200 ng DNA can be obtained with 22.2 ng of DNA reliably, and clearly acceptable data can be obtained using 7.4 ng of DNA for Illumina SNP arrays.
A study on the phenomenon of rate of loading in motor operated gate valves

Abstract This study analyzed the rate of loading (ROL) phenomenon, which is generated during the operation of a motor operated valve (MOV) under fluid pressure conditions. ROL is one of the most important parameters for an MOV performance evaluation. This paper includes the analysis results for the characteristics of ROL and the effect of fluid pressure on the ROL. Dynamic and static test were performed to analyze the ROL effect for flexible wedge gate valve. The result of this analysis confirmed that the ROL is generated under fluid pressure condition and that the ROL value under high differential pressure condition appeared to be higher than under low differential pressure condition. According to the test results of multiple valves, the ROL appeared to become higher, as the differential pressure increased, and under the high differential pressure condition, it accounted for approximately 17.6% of the thrust loss. In addition, the ROL effect was negligible in valves with a low differential pressure (below 1100 kPa).
Effective-mass Hamiltonian and boundary conditions for the valence bands of semiconductor microstructures

Using the recently developed exact envelope-function theory, an explicit form for the effective-mass Hamiltonian is derived for the valence bands (including the spin-orbit split-off band) of a semiconductor quantum well or superlattice. It is shown that the correct form of the Hamiltonian gives physically reasonable results, while the commonly used ``symmetrized'' form can produce nonphysical solutions for the heavy-hole subbands in which the quantum-well effective mass is very sensitive to the difference in Luttinger parameters between the well and the barrier. This problem arises because the correct boundary conditions for the heavy-hole states are determined exclusively through interaction with other p states, while the symmetrized boundary conditions implicitly incorporate the much larger s-state interaction, hence they substantially overestimate the magnitude of the interband coupling.
The AV junction region of the heart: a comprehensive study correlating gross anatomy and direct three-dimensional analysis. Part I. Architecture and topography.

There is little detailed knowledge of the architecture of the AV junction region, the cytoarchitecture of the AV node or of its atrial connections. In the present study, the gross anatomy and topography of intracardiac structures in 21 adult canine hearts were photographically compared in whole and dissected hearts and tissue blocks and serial histologic sections made in three orthogonal planes. There are seven major new findings: 1) A coronary sinus fossa exists at the crux of the heart. It separates the right medial atrial wall (MAW) superoposterior region from the left atrium, its floor is the coronary sinus, and it carries the medial atrionodal bundle and proximal AV bundle on its right wall. 2) The posterior MAW forms two isolated bridges of myocardium as it surrounds the coronary sinus ostium, is isolated from the sinus venarum with crista terminalis and interatrial septum-by the floor of the inferior vena cava, and the narrow bridges link the posterior atrial wall to the mid MAW. 3) The tendon of Todaro has both epicardial and endocardial exposures, terminates in the superoposterior MAW and its medial aspect is adjacent sequentially to the medial atrionodal bundle and proximal AV bundle. 4) Only ordinary myocardium contacts the anulus fibrosus. 5) The ventricular septum's shoulder is humped shape posteriorly, is completely overlaid by anular myocardium and the medial leaflet and is joined by struts of papillary muscle. 6) The membranous septum joins the anterior ventricular septum to the crista supraventricularis, forms part of the posterior noncoronary and right aortic valve sinus walls and encases the right bundle branch. 7) The specialized conduction tissues, the superior, medial and lateral atrionodal bundles, the proximal AV bundle, AV node, distal AV bundle and right bundle branch are subjacent to MAW epicardium outside the right atrium, share regular intracardiac relationships with topographic landmarks and the medial atrionodal bundle, terminal superior atrionodal bundle, the proximal AV bundle and AV node are aligned to the medial leg of Koch's triangle. Thus, atrial myocardium of the AV junction region is that of the MAW. The floor of the inferior vena cava forms a natural barrier to impulse transmission along the full extent of the posterior MAW. The specialized tissues are outside of the MAW. Anatomic landmarks form reliable topographic landmarks for the specialized AV junction region tissues. A knowledge of the association of the specialized conduction tissues with specific regions of the MAW is useful in localizing the tissues and along with the coronary sinus fossa provides several extracardiac approaches.
A New Model of Assessing the Behavioral Organization in Preterm and Fullterm Infants: Two Case Studies

Abstract How smoothly and flexibly the developing infant integrates subsystems of functioning, such as the autonomic, motor, state, attentional/interactive, and regulatory systems, in his interaction with the animate and inanimate world, and how wide and stable the band of well organized, differentiated, and modulated functioning is are the parameters in the model of infant individuality proposed here. Three paradigms are suggested to cover the assessment of these dynamic developmental process dimensions in the first year of life: the Assessment of Preterm Infants' Behavior (A.P.I.B.), the face-to-face paradigm, and the Assessment of Older Infants' Behavior (A.O.I.B.), or kangaroo-box paradigm. Two cases, one of a preterm and the other of a fullterm infant, are described as assessed in these paradigms. Continuing issues of heightened sensitivity and active reduction of complexity on the preterm infant's part, and the simultaneous need for continuing facilitation and careful, supportive environmental structuring in order to expand the infant's range and modulation are apparent, as are the relative robustness and differentiation of the fullterm infant. This proposed model of development makes implications for preventive and supportive care quite obvious.
Development and evaluation of surface teratmetns to enhance the fiber-matrix adhesion in PAN-based carbon fiber/liquid crystal polymer composites. Part II: Electrochemical teatments

Various electrochemical surface treatments, designed to improve the fiber-matrix adhesion, were applied to commingled as-received continuous AS4 carbon reinforcing fiber/liquid crystal polymer (LCP) matrix fibers. Unidirectional composite plates (norminally 60 vol% carbon fiber) were fabricated and short beam shear (SBS) tests were conducted to provide an indication of the effect of the treatments on AS4 carbon fiber-LCP matrix adhesion. The mean SBS strength of the as-received AS4/LCP system was 49 MPa. Three elecrtrochemically polymerized coatings-poly-para-phenylene (PPP), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), and polyaniline (PA)-were applied. Only the PPO coating, however, had a beneficial effect on the composite shear strength. The coating enhanced the shear strength by 14% relative to the as-received AS4/LCP system. Scanning electron Microscope (SEM) observations of the PPO treated shear failure surface indicated the presence of a strong fiber-matrix bond. That is, the failure location was in the LCP matrix material.
As Time Goes By: Film Noir and Nostalgic Reminiscence in Rubem Fonseca's Vastas emoções e pensamentos imperfeitos

This article examines the notion of nostalgia in Brazilian Rubem Fonseca's postmodern noir novel, Vastas emocoes e pensamentos imperfeitos (1988). Although nostalgia has always been a fixture of film noir and the hardboiled novel, with postmodern noir, such a theme passes through significant permutations. As the more contemporary neo-noir detective reminisces about the past, much of this nostalgia is for classic movies and film noir itself. The narrator-protagonist of Fonseca's novel, for example, makes constant allusions to Golden Age Hollywood motion pictures to make sense of existence. Such an enterprise, however, is problematic. If on one level the nostalgic narrator longs to recuperate the substance of artistic tradition in classic film, on another level, he becomes disoriented by the simulacra of cinematic imagery. Through this contradictory fascination with classic motion pictures, the novel is able to demonstrate the dialectical conflict of the modern Kantian subject—the protagonist is caught betw...
Therapeutic applications of lasers in urology: an update

There has been renewed interest in the use of lasers for minimally invasive treatment of urologic diseases in recent years. The introduction of more compact, higher power, less expensive and more user-friendly solid-state lasers, such as the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG), frequency-doubled neodymium:YAG and diode lasers has made the technology more attractive for clinical use. The availability of small, flexible, biocompatible, inexpensive and disposable silica optical fiber delivery systems for use in flexible endoscopes has also promoted the development of new laser procedures. The holmium:YAG laser is currently the workhorse laser in urology since it can be used for multiple soft- and hard-tissue applications, including laser lithotripsy, benign prostate hyperplasia, bladder tumors and strictures. More recently, higher power potassium-titanyl-phosphate lasers have been introduced and show promise for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. On the horizon, newer and more effective photosensitizing drugs are being tested for potential use in photodynamic therapy of bladder and prostate cancer. Additionally, new experimental lasers such as the erbium:YAG, Thulium and Thulium fiber lasers, may provide more precise incision of soft tissues, more efficient laser lithotripsy and more rapid prostate ablation. This review provides an update on the most important new clinical and experimental therapeutic applications of lasers in urology over the past 5 years.
Phase I trial of capecitabine in combination with interferon alpha in patients with metastatic renal cancer: toxicity and pharmacokinetics

Purpose: The present study was designed to determine the toxicity and maximum tolerated doses of oral intermittent oral capecitabine and subcutaneous (s.c.) rHuIFNα2a in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The pharmacokinetics of capecitabine and its metabolites were also investigated. Methods: A total of 27 patients were treated at four dose levels of capecitabine (825 or 1000 mg/m2 twice daily orally, days 1–14, 22–36) and rHuIFNα2a (1.5 or 3.0 MU/m2 s.c. three times weekly). Unchanged capecitabine and its metabolites were analyzed in plasma using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry in ten patients. Results: The toxicity of combined capecitabine and rHuIFNα2a was moderate. Patients experienced mild nausea/vomiting (70%) and diarrhea (63%). The hand-foot syndrome was seen in 67% of patients and was generally mild, as was hematologic toxicity. Dose-limiting toxicity included diarrhea, mucositis, neutropenia and the hand-foot syndrome. The dose level recommended for further trials included capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice daily and rHuIFNα2a 3.0 MU/m2 three times weekly. One patient had a partial response of a liver lesion (duration >200 days). Pharmacokinetic parameters of capecitabine and its metabolites (5′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine, 5-fluorouracil and α-fluoro-β-alanine) were similar to those reported by other authors. There was rapid conversion to 5′-deoxyuridine. The peak plasma concentrations of capecitabine occurred between 0.5 and 3.0 h. Conclusions: The combination of capecitabine and rHuIFNα2a was well tolerated. The recommended dose levels for phase II trials are: rHuIFNα2a 3.0 MU/m2 s.c. three times weekly and oral capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice daily for 2 weeks. No evidence of an effect of rHuIFNα2a on the pharmacokinetics of capecitabine or its metabolites was apparent. A phase II trial in untreated patients with metastatic RCC is planned.
Enhanced coronary blood flow velocity during intraaortic balloon counterpulsation in critically III patients

Abstract Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess coronary blood flow during intraaortic balloon counterpulsation by direct measurement. Background. In a majority of human studies, increased coronary blood flow during intraaortic balloon counterpulsation measured by indirect techniques has not been consistently demonstrated. Methods. Hemodynamic variables and coronary blood flow velocity (20-MHz Doppler-tipped catheter) data were measured in 19 patients requiring intraaortic balloon pumping for clinical indications (11 patients had acute myocardial infarction [9 with shock], 6 had unstable angina, 1 had acute mitral regurgitation and 1 was at high risk undergoing angioplasty). Hemodynamic data, mean and phasic diastolic flow velocity and velocity-time integrals (computed from digitized waveforms) were analyzed during periods of 1:1 balloon counterpulsation. Results. Intraaortic balloon pumping decreased systolic pressure (6 ± 10%, p Conclusions. Intraaortic balloon pumping unequivocally and significantly augments proximal coronary blood flow velocity, nearly doubling the coronary flow velocity integral in most patients. This mechanism may be a significant means of ischemia relief in hypotensive patients.
A high-pressure attenuated total reflectance cell for collecting infrared spectra of carbon dioxide mixtures

Abstract We present the design of a high-pressure cell for collecting infrared spectra of high-density fluids, such as carbon dioxide, that are essentially opaque over the region where infrared active modes absorb energy. While the cell herein described was designed to mount to the SmartOrbit attenuated total reflectance (ATR) module that fits all Thermo Scientific infrared spectrometers, the body of the cell can be machined to fit any manufacturer's ATR unit equipped with a pressure tower. This cell is simple to construct with readily available parts, it will withstand pressures up to 20 MPa (3000 psi) and it is relatively inexpensive.
A Study of the U. S. P. XIII Method for the Assay of Desiccated Thyroid

A reagent blank titration and a “slipping” end point are frequently encountered in the U. S. P. XIII method for the determination of iodine in desiccated thyroid. The reason for this condition appears to be due to the addition of bromine to a warm alkaline solution with the probable formation of oxidized bromine compounds which in turn liberate iodine in the blank. By modifying the method so that the filtrate is acidified before adding the bromine, neither “slipping” end points nor reagent blank titrations were encountered, and recoveries of iodine in close agreement with theoretical values were obtained. Titrations were conducted at various pH values ranging from 1.2 to 3.2.
A review of methodological issues in the differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in children

Abstract The development of standardized tests to assess autism, particularly in young children, is a topic of considerable interest in the research community. Recent years have seen an exponential growth in scales for differential diagnosis. Particular emphasis has been placed on defining and better delineating the symptoms of the disorder relative to other forms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID), and identifying the condition at the earliest possible age. The general consensus is that scaling methods are the core means of establishing a diagnosis. Thus, analyzing the research activity in the area for strengths and weaknesses in methodology would appear to be in order. A critical overview of existing psychometric properties of these tests is presented with suggestions for future research on the topic.
Novel fabrication of bulk Al with gradient grain size distributions via powder metallurgy

We describe a novel approach to synthesize gradient microstructures, defined hereafter as containing a broad but continuous distribution of grain sizes. These microstructures extend the concept of a bimodal grain size distribution and the ability to design with multiple length scales. We demonstrate the proposed approach via experiments involving cryogenic ball milling of Al–4.5Mg–0.4Mn–0.05Fe and Al–50Mg powder followed by subsequent consolidation. Our results reveal that the grains in the consolidated powder present a gradient size distribution ranging from 3 μm. Moreover, phase composition analysis revealed a unique “interfingered” structure where the two starting phases were intermixed in a complex three-dimensional mesh. Hardness studies of this gradient microstructure show average Vickers hardness values of 200 ± 2.6, 204 ± 4.3 and 266 ± 50 for macrohardness, microhardness and nanoindentation, respectively. The standard deviation values highlight that the gradient microstructure is disor...
Derivatives of 2,3,8,9-tetrahydro-3-oxo-1H-benz[de]isoquinoline-1,9a-(7H)dicarboximide

The synthesis of a series of derivatives of 2,3,8,9-tetrahydro-3-oxo-1H-benz[de]isoquinoline-1,9a-(7H)dicarboximide (1) are described. Alkylations and thionations of 1 produced a variety of interesting heterocycles. In addition, triazole and triazolone rings were fused to 1 to produce novel compounds. These structures were of interest as potential anticonvulsants.
A new route to 2-styrylbenzimidazoles

An attempt was made to prepare 2-benzylquinoxalin-3-one by hydrolyzing the azlactone, 2-phenyl-4-benzylidene-5-oxazolone to β-phenylpyruvic acid and then treating this in situ with o-phenylenediamine (OPDA). The initial hydrolysis apparantly proceeded only as far as opening the azlactone ring forming 2-benzamidocinnamic acid which condensed with OPDA to form a substituted styrylbenzimidazole.
Enzymatic Basis of Ribosomal Peptide Prenylation in Cyanobacteria

The enzymatic basis of ribosomal peptide natural product prenylation has not been reported. Here, we characterize a prenyltransferase, LynF, from the TruF enzyme family. LynF is the first characterized representative of the TruF protein family, which is responsible for both reverse- and forward-O-prenylation of tyrosine, serine, and threonine in cyclic peptides known as cyanobactins. We show that LynF reverse O-prenylates tyrosine in macrocyclic peptides. Based upon these results, we propose that the TruF family prenylates mature cyclic peptides, from which the leader sequence and other enzyme recognition elements have been excised. This differs from the common model of ribosomal peptide biosynthesis, in which a leader sequence is required to direct post-translational modifications. In addition, we find that reverse O-prenylated tyrosine derivatives undergo a facile Claisen rearrangement at ‘physiological’ temperature in aqueous buffers, leading to forward C-prenylated products. Although the Claisen rearr...
Warehouse logistics from Casbega point of view

Warehouse logistics is the management of the flow of resources between the origin and the final points in order to meet production and shipment requirements and to satisfy customers demand (both internal and external). The logistics of physical items involves the integration of intelligent information management, material handling, transportation and warehousing, to meet time, quality and place requirements. This paper discusses the automatic management of warehouse logistics from the user perspective, in particular, problems and pitfalls of the management of production flows using Automatic Guided Vehicle is here presented, in the view of achieving smart solutions to those problems in the framework of European Project PAN-ROBOTS.
The envious mind

This work provides an analysis of the basic cognitive components of envy. In particular, the roles played by the envious party's social comparison with, and ill will against, the better off are emphasised. The ill will component is characterised by the envier's ultimate goal or wish that the envied suffer some harm, and is distinguished from resentment and sense of injustice, which have often been considered part of envy. The reprehensible nature of envy is discussed, and traced back to the analysis of its components. Finally, we explore both points of overlap and distinguishing features between envy and other emotions such as jealousy or emulation, and make a few general remarks, pointing to the necessity of overcoming conceptual looseness in the notion of envy.
Particle Impact Damping in the Horizontal Plane

Particle impact damping (PID) is a means for increasing component fatigue life by reducing structural vibrations. A particle-filled enclosure attached to an area of high velocity converts kinetic energy into heat through inelastic inter-particle and particleenclosure collisions. The experimental study shows that for components experiencing transient vibrations in the horizontal plane (perpendicular to gravity), significant damping (30% per cycle) can be achieved at very low acceleration amplitudes (below 1g) through the use of particle impact damping.
Fluoro-hydrido-oxo and other fluoro-oxo complexes of rhenium (V) containing a triphosphine ligand☆

Abstract The fluoro-hydrido-oxo complex [Re(F)(H)(O)Cyttp]+ ( 3 , Cyttp = PhP(CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 PCy 2 ) 2 ) was prepared in high yield from [Re(H2)H4Cyttp]SbF6 (1(SbF6), NaSbF6 and acetone in toluene at reflux. Reaction chemistry of 3 has been studied and, where appropriate, compared with that of the related dihydrido-oxo complex [ReH2(O)Cyttp]+ (2). Unlike 2, which readily reacts with both CO and SO2, 3 was found to be inert to these reagents under comparable conditions. However, 3(SbF6) reacts with NaSbF6 at elevated temperature to afford the difluoro-oxo complex [ReF2(O)Cyttp]+ (4). 4 undergoes fluoride substitution by Cl− or Br− to yield [Re(X)(F)(O)Cyttp]+ (X = Cl (5, Br (6)). 5 can also be obtained by treatment of 6(BPh4) with LiCl. All of these complexes contain mer-Cyttp, and 3–6 contain trans fluoride and oxide ligands as inferred from spectroscopic data.
Effect of elevated temperature on catalase and superoxide dismutase during maize development

Seeds of the inbred maize lines, W64A, R6-67, and D10, were germinated and grown at 25 degrees, 35 degrees, or 40 degrees C for up to 10 days. The catalase activity in scutella of W64A seedlings grown at 40 degrees C was slightly lower than that in seedlings grown at 25 degrees C. The total superoxide dismutase activity in scutella was lower in seedlings grown at 40 degrees C than in those grown at 25 degrees C during the first 3 days of germination, but thereafter was not significantly different at these temperatures. The high-catalase mutant lines, R6-67 and D10, grown at 40 degrees C exhibited a developmental pattern of catalase activity that was severalfold lower than that seen in seedlings grown at 25 degrees C. The decrease in catalase activity in R6-67 seedlings grown at 40 degrees C was correlated with lower amounts of CAT-2 protein, which is normally present at significantly high levels in this line. The application of a catalase synthesis inhibitor revealed that the low levels of CAT-2 in R6-67 grown at 40 degrees C were due to slightly higher degradation rates and a significant drop in the rate of catalase protein synthesis.
Towards a High Quality Factor DC Electric Field Switchable Barium Strontium Titanate Solidly Mounted Resonator

Barium strontium titanate solidly mounted resonators (SMR) were fabricated with three different acoustic Bragg reflectors (ABR) on a sapphire substrate. The three devices had ABR structures consisting of W/SiO 2 /W/SiO 2 , Mo/SiO 2 /Mo/SiO 2 , and Pt/SiO 2 /Pt/SiO 2 respectively. The s-parameters of all three devices were measured. The results showed that the quality factor increased as a function of the material in the ABR structure. The quality factor for the devices with tungsten, molybdenum and platinum in the ABR structures are 101, 88, and 31, respectively. This investigation showed how the material in the ABR structure can contribute to the acoustic loss in the device.
EFFECT OF ADENOSINE 3'-5'-CYCLIC MONOPHOSPHATE ON CELL PROLIFERATION

Secondary cultures of human diploid fibroblasts, which demonstrate density-dependent inhibition of cell growth, were used to study the effect of adenosine 3'-5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) on cell proliferation. DNA synthesis in nonconfluent cultures and in contact-inhibited cultures stimulated to grow by refeeding with fresh medium was found to be inhibited by exogenous cAMP. The properties of this inhibition of DNA synthesis, together with the alterations in cAMP metabolism observed in confluent cultures of cells stimulated with fresh medium to resume growth, strongly suggest that cAMP is involved in contact-inhibition of cell proliferation.
Observations relating to galactic mass distributions

La distribution de la masse dans les galaxies n'est pas encore connue avec precision. Les quantites mesurables incluent les distributions projetees de la matiere visible et diverses proprietes cinematiques. Quelques problemes associes avec les quantites observees et les masses sont brievement exposes
Suicidal behavior among psychiatric outpatient children: an estimate of prevalence.

The prevalence of suicidal behavior among pre-adolescent child psychiatric inpatients has been estimated to range between 18 and 80 percent of the inpatient population. This study is a chart review of the documentation of suicidal behaviors displayed by 45 consecutive child psychiatric inpatient admissions. According to the Pfeffer Spectrum of Suicidal Behavior Scale, 31 percent of the sample had recently engaged in some form of suicidal behavior and 9 percent had made a life-threatening attempt.
Genetic Approach for Traffic Grooming, Routing, and Wavelength Assignment in WDM Optical Networks with Sparse Grooming Resources

In wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) all-optical networks, the size of a request stream may be less than the maximum capacity of a lightpath. To avoid assigning an entire lightpath to a small request, many researchers have looked at adding traffic grooming to the routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) problem. In this work, we consider the RWA problem with traffic grooming (GRWA) for mesh networks. The GRWA problem is NP-Complete since it is a generalization of the RWA problem which is known to be NP-Complete. While most of the previous work in this field focuses on optical networks without grooming or with full grooming capabilities, in this work we study networks with sparse traffic grooming and wavelength conversion resources. In this paper, we propose two novel heuristics that minimize the cost of the traffic grooming and wavelength conversion equipment used in optical network without hindering the network blocking performance. The strength of the proposed heuristics stems from their simplicity, applicability to large-scale networks, and efficiency compared to other heuristics proposed in the literature. The performance of our proposed heuristics is compared to that of other efficient heuristics proposed in the literature in terms of the total cost of traffic grooming and wavelength conversion devices used and the blocking performance of the network.
Distribution of V1a and V2 vasopressin receptor messenger ribonucleic acids in rat liver, kidney, pituitary and brain.

The hepatic, vascular-type (V1aR) and the renal, antidiuretic-type (V2R) vasopressin receptor cDNAs were recently cloned from rat liver and kidney libraries, respectively. DNA fragments containing the region encoding the putative 5/6 transmembrane loops of these receptors were subcloned, separately, into RNA polymerase promoter-containing vectors from which 35S-labeled sense and antisense riboprobes were synthesized. In situ hybridization histochemistry showed high levels of V1aR transcripts in the liver and the renal medulla among the vascular bundles. Sparser labeling was found in the renal cortex, but there were no grains over the glomeruli. V1aR mRNA was detected in many brain areas, including the hippocampal formation, central amygdala, dorsolateral septum, lateral hypothalamus, suprachiasmatic, ventromedial, dorsomedial, and arcuate nuclei of the hypothalamus, nucleus of the solitary tract, cerebellum, spinal nucleus of the trigeminal tract, reticular formation, inferior olivary nucleus, and choroid...
Poverty in the Antebellum Northeast: The View from New York State's Poor Relief Rolls

This paper documents a secular increase during the antebellum period in the fraction of New York's population that received public poor relief. The increase was concentrated among able-bodied adults who required only short-term assistance during periods of sickness or unemployment. Cross-sectional patterns suggest that the rise of market production and the spread of wage labor in both urban-industrial and rural-agricultural sectors, rather than urbanization or industrialization, may have been responsible for the upward trend in short-term, ablebodied pauperism.
Cation Diffusion Facilitator Proteins Modulate Raf-1 Activity

The Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) cascade is a critical intracellular signaling pathway that regulates growth, survival, and differentiation. Previous work established that Ras-GTP binds to, and facilitates the activation of, the protein kinase Raf-1. Recently, it was demonstrated that the cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) proteins are involved in Ras-ERK signaling by use of a Caenorhabditis elegans genetic screen that identified suppressors of activated Ras. In the current work, we demonstrate that CDF proteins may function downstream of Ras, but upstream of Raf-1 in Xenopus oocytes. We also show that the C. elegans protein CDF-1 and its mammalian homologue ZnT-1 bind to the amino-terminal regulatory portion of Raf-1 and promote the biological and enzymatic activity of Raf-1. Furthermore, we show that Zn2+ inhibits Raf-1 binding to ZnT-1. We propose a model in which CDF protein binding facilitates Raf-1 activation.
A low-energy passage for C+ + H2 → CH+(1Σ+) + H

Abstract Ab initio (SCF and CI) calculations have been performed for the linear approach (C ∝v ) of C + to H 2 . For the 2 Σ + surface the saddle point and barrier height were determined. The interaction of the 2 Σ + and 2 Π surfaces was investigated, leading to the conclusion that in near-C ∝v symmetry a low-energy path exists by which CH + 1 Σ + can be formed, with negligible barrier in excess of endothermicity.
Raija Markkanen & Hartmut Schröder (eds.), Hedging and discourse: Approaches to the analysis of a pragmatic phenomenon in academic texts. (Research in text theory, 24). Berlin: de Gruyter, 1997. Pp. 280. Hb DM 188.00.

Hedging has become a topic of renewed interest recently among discourse-oriented linguists. Recent publications attesting to this fact include Salager-Meyer 1994, Hyland 1994, 1996, 1998, Crompton 1997, and Skelton 1997, not to mention work on modals (e.g. Stubbs 1996, chaps. 5 and 8), evidentials (e.g. Barton 1993), and “vague language” (Channell 1994). The present volume continues this trend, providing a wide-ranging and truly international set of perspectives on the phenomenon of hedging.
The British Regulatory State: High Modernism and Hyper-Innovation

The British Regulatory State: High Modernism and Hyper-Innovation. By Michael Moran. New York: Oxford University Press, 2003. 256p. $65.00.Drawing on experienced scholarly observation, Michael Moran has written a strikingly critical evaluation of Britain's recent development of state regulatory authority. Its now legalistic form more nearly resembles the long-prevalent American pattern. Perhaps the British development would seem to follow from the privatization of industries in the last two decades of the twentieth century. Enterprises like railroads, telecommunications, and electricity are no longer government corporations but privately owned “public utilities,” to use the American term for businesses especially affected by the public interest. For Moran, however, other forces also help account for the growth of regulation in Britain. He persuasively argues that legal regulatory authority has also been extended to several enterprises not previously nationalized and then privatized.
Technology-based business incubation: A study of the differences and similarities between private, university, and government incubation

A study of technology-based business incubation was conducted to investigate and contrast the differences and similarities between private, university, and government incubation. Sample operating models from existing universities are explored demonstrating the various permutations and combinations of operating philosophies. The operating models are reviewed in light of their broader fit within the realm of technology entrepreneurship, commercialization, and management in the United States. Using these results, a 9-step checklist for creating an incubator is promulgated with the intention of being used at each stage of incubator development, including the feasibility study stage, the launch stage, and the maintenance, operation, and improvement stage.. Finally, a series of recommendations are made for establishing a technology-based incubation program in the Canary Islands in response to their desire to move the region from a purely tourism-based economy to a more diverse economic make-up that includes technology-based business incubation spinning off from Canary Island universities.
The possible role of nitric oxide in the physiopathology of pain associated with temporomandibular joint disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) pose a significant challenge to the practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery. When painful, TMD are generally associated with hyperthermia of the overlying skin. It is hypothesized that this skin hyperthermia, caused by regional vasodilation, is induced by nitric oxide (NO) produced in the extravascular space of the joint. Extravascular NO can be produced by osteoblasts, chondrocytes and macrophages, or by stimulated neurons. It is suggested that this kind of pain is associated with NO-enhanced sensitivity of the peripheral nociceptors. Verification and clinical implications of the proposed mechanism are discussed.
In-process measurement of the interfacial fracture toughness for a sub-micron titanium thin film and silicon interface using a single-strip decohesion test

The measurement of mode-mixity dependent interfacial fracture toughness (/spl Gamma/) is necessary to predict the interface integrity and the component reliability of thin-film structures. A new approach, called the single-strip decohesion test (SSDT), eliminates shortcomings of the current testing methods. In this approach, a trilayer thin film structure is built to measure the interfacial fracture toughness. A highly stressed super layer, such as Cr, is used to drive the delamination and produces any mode mix at the crack tip. An isosceles triangle-shaped non-adhesive layer (10 to 50 nm thick) is sandwiched between the film of interest and the substrate to realize the contact area change along the crack direction. SSDT uses the change in crack surface area to vary the available energy per unit area for crack growth and thus to measure the interfacial fracture toughness. Common IC fabrication techniques are used to prepare the sample and execute the test, thereby making the test compatible with current microelectronic or MEMS facilities. The design, preparation, and execution of the SSDT are discussed. Finite element models of the SSDT sites are used to extract fracture parameters, and interfacial fracture toughness results are provided for a Ti/Si interface at several mode mixes.
Astronomy: Atmosphere out of that world.

A planet orbiting very close to a Sun-like star is apparently enveloped by an extended atmosphere of hydrogen atoms, and may be losing mass because of the intense radiation from the parent star.
Gender Disparities in Hematuria Evaluation and Bladder Cancer Diagnosis: A Population Based Analysis

Purpose: Men are diagnosed with bladder cancer at 3 times the rate of women. However, women present with advanced disease and have poorer survival, suggesting delays in bladder cancer diagnosis. Hematuria is the presenting symptom in most cases. We assessed gender differences in hematuria evaluation in older adults with bladder cancer.Materials and Methods: Using the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) cancer registry linked with Medicare claims we identified Medicare beneficiaries 66 years old or older diagnosed with bladder cancer between 2000 and 2007 with a claim for hematuria in the year before diagnosis. We examined the impact of gender, and demographic and clinical factors on time from initial hematuria claim to urology visit and on time from initial hematuria claim to hematuria evaluation, including cystoscopy, upper urinary tract imaging and urine cytology.Results: Of 35,646 patients with a hematuria claim in the year preceding bladder cancer diagnosis 97% had a urology visit claim....
An Alternative FMEA Method for Simple and Accurate Ranking of Failure Modes

Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) is a methodology for prioritizing actions to mitigate the effects of failures in products and processes. Although originally used by product designers, FMEA is currently more widely used in industry in Six Sigma quality improvement efforts. Two prominent criticisms of the traditional application of FMEA are that the risk priority number (RPN) used to rank failure modes is an invalid measure according to measurement theory, and that the RPN does not weight the three decision criteria used in FMEA. Various methods have been proposed to mitigate these concerns, including many using fuzzy logic. We develop a new ranking method in this article using a data-elicitation technique. Furthermore, we develop an efficient means of eliciting data to reduce the effort associated with the new method. Subsequently, we conduct an experimental study to evaluate that proposed method against the traditional method using RPN and against an approach using fuzzy logic.
Characterization of Stress at a Ceramic/Metal Joined Interface by the V(z) Technique of Scanning Acoustic Microscopy

It is well known that the process of heating and then cooling dissimilar materials introduces considerable stress at and near the interface. In this article, first, the surface wave velocity distributions obtained with the V(z) curve technique were found to compare well with residual stress distribution measured by the finely collimated X-ray diffraction technique. Second, a delamination was introduced at the interface. The V(z) curve technique was then used again to measure the surface acoustic wave velocity along the interface. The defective specimens showed significantly different patterns of surface acoustic wave velocities. Thus, this study presents useful guidelines in discriminating between sound and defective ceramic/metal joints by scanning acoustic microscopy.
Antimicrobial Lock Solutions as a Method to Prevent Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background. Antimicrobial lock solutions may be an effective strategy to prevent catheter-associated infections. However, there remains concern about their efficacy and safety. Methods. To investigate the efficacyof antimicrobial lock therapy to prevent central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), we performed a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov, from the earliest date up to 31 December 2013. Studies were eligible if they were randomized controlled trials comparing antimicrobial lock solutions to heparin and if they provided an appropriate definition of infection. Results. The 23 included studies reported data on 2896 patients, who were predominantly adult patients undergoing hemodialysis (16/23 studies), but also adult and pediatric oncology patients, critically ill neonates, and patients receiving total parenteral nutrition. The use of antimicrobial lock solutions led to a 69% reduction in CLABSI rate (relative risk [RR], 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], .24–.40) and a 32% reduction in the rate of exit site infections (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, .49–.95) compared with heparin, without significantly affecting catheter failure due to noninfectious complications (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, .65–1.06). All-cause mortality was not different between the groups (RR, 0.84; 95% CI .64–1.12). Neither the type of antimicrobial solution nor the population studied, affected the relative reduction in CLABSIs, which also remained significant among studies reporting baseline infection rates of <1.15 per 1000 catheter-days, and studies providing data for catheter-related bloodstream infections. Publication and selective reporting bias are a concern in our study and should be acknowledged. Conclusions. Antimicrobial lock solutions are effective in reducing risk of CLABSI, and this effect appears to be additive to traditional prevention measures.
Technique of Extracorporeal Urinary Diversion

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a step-by-step approach to the different extracorporeal urinary diversions that may be performed in the setting of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC). Recent reports indicate comparable results to open surgery with regard to intermediate-term oncological outcomes and extent of pelvic lymph node dissection. However, operative times are one of the main obstacles that hinder widespread acceptance of RARC. Extracorporeal urinary diversion with RARC provides a method of reconstruction that mirrors that of open surgery with regard to operative times. Complication rates and functional outcomes with extracorporeal urinary diversion also appear comparable to open series.
Modeling Corporate Exposure at Default

While the Basel II capital requirements allow considerable flexibility to banks in choosing models for estimating exposure at default (EAD), it is unclear how much these internal estimates could be impacted by the choice of modeling approach. In this paper, we implement several estimation approaches using alternative EAD measures, data treatments, risk drivers and modeling techniques on large corporate syndicated lines of credit data from the Shared National Credit over 1997 to 2009, for both public and private firms. Across models, we find that EAD is higher when firm default is harder for banks to anticipate, in particular when obligors have good ratings, line utilization is low and limits are high or when the credit cycle conditions change. We also show, by comparing in-sample and out-of-sample performance of models in predicting net additions to outstanding balance, that modeling choice has a large impact on EAD estimates. Models differ substantially in whether they under or over-predict aggregate net additions, but accuracy is generally poor across models. Our findings extend existing literature on wholesale EAD in important ways that could benefit banks’ modeling efforts and regulatory guidance in this area.