cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A single turnover evaluation of the effect of Pt load and reduction temperature on the reaction characteristics of Pt/CPG catalysts

Abstract Samples from several batches of CPG (Controlled Pore Glass) supported Pt complexes were reduced by hydrogen at a number of different temperatures and the catalysts so produced were characterized using the Single Turnover (STO) procedure. It was found that active site densities varied with both Pt content and reduction temperatures. For example the maximum in olefin hydrogenation sites for a 4.4% Pt/CPG was obtained on reduction at 150°C, for a 6.1% Pt/CPG it was found in that catalyst reduced at 200°C while for a 6.9% Pt/C PG maximum saturation site densities were found on reduction at 300°C. Similar trends were also found for olefin isomerization sites. The data presented indicate that by the proper selection of preparation conditions catalysts having specific site densities should be obtainable.
MOLECULAR INSIGHT INTO THE ASYMMETRIC DISTRIBUTION OF PATHOGENETIC HUMAN MITOCHONDRIAL DNA DELETIONS

Abstract Pathogenetic human mitochondrial DNA deletions occur very rarely in the minor region between the origins of replication. In order to understand the molecular basis of this asymmetry, we analyzed the structure of such a 4.680 kilobase deletion (position 471 – 5151). Directly repeated sequences ( 12 13 nucleotides) are present in the deletion junction, both promoters of heavy chain replication and both ribosomal RNA genes are deleted, and the 5′ extent further narrows the absolute limits of mitochondrial DNA deletions. Several factors are identified that may contribute to the paucity of minor region deletions.
Strange Particle Production in Proton-Proton Collisions

An estimate is made for strange particle production in $p\ensuremath{-}p$ collisions based on the single pion exchange model. For the three-particle final state ($\mathrm{KYN}$), fair agreement with experiment is achieved in both the total cross sections and the momentum and angular distributions of the final particles. For the four-particle final state ($\mathrm{KYN}\ensuremath{\pi}$), general qualitative agreement is achieved for all total cross sections but one. In this, the case of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}+p+{K}^{+}+{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{0}({\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{0})$ production, it is suggested that perhaps ${Y}^{*}$ production in $p\ensuremath{-}p$ collisions plays an important role.
Nursing Care of the Super Bariatric Patient: Challenges and Lessons Learned

Purpose The purpose of this article is to describe the care of a “super bariatric” patient. Design and Methods We used a case study approach to describe the complex interdisciplinary care challenges posed in the care of a super bariatric patient at a Veterans Administration Hospital in the Midwest. Findings Nurses and other healthcare providers discovered ways to provide high-quality patient-centered care under challenging conditions and also ensure the safety and well-being of nursing staff and other providers. Conclusions/Clinical Relevance An interdisciplinary, patient-centered approach with advance planning and coordination is necessary to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality nursing care to veterans with complex health problems who are “super bariatric.”
THE DETECTIVE QUANTUM EFFICIENCY OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC (CT) RECONSTRUCTION: THE DETECTION OF SMALL OBJECTS*

The loss of detection sensitivity incurred by any stage of image processing may normally be characterized by the frequency dependence of the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of that stage of processing, provided the image is represented in continuous coordinates. However, limitations to the DQE concept arise when discretely sampled projection data are used to obtain discretely sampled computed tomographic (CT) reconstructions. The source of these limitations is the aliasing produced by the discrete sampling which mixes contributions from various frequencies. An associated problem is that the SNR for the detection of an object can depend upon the position of the object relative to the discrete reconstruction pixels. The effective SNR for discrete images must take into account this variation. While there may be no loss in the detection SNR for reconstructions in continuous coordinates (DQE = 100%!), a reduction in the SNR will result from aliasing for discrete reconstructions. A simple one-dimensional model elucidates the characteristics of discrete CT reconstruction.
Technical Performance and Firm Size: Analysis of Patents and Publications of U.S. Firms

This study focuses on the scientific output of firms of different sizes in different industries in the U.S. Both patents, and papers and publications are used as measures of technical output. Data from two samples of firms, one consisting of 225 large firms (annual sales at least $250 million and minimum annual R&D budget of $1 million) and the other consisting of 248 small and medium sized firms (annual sales between $10 to $200 million and annual R&D budget at least $10 thousand) have been presented here. The study shows that determinants of R&D expenditure are different in firms of different sizes. For the large firms, R&D expenditure depends on net income as well as its size, measured in terms of annual sales. For small size firms, R&D expenditure is closely related with sales, rather than the net income. For large firms, R&D expenditure is related to both sales and income, the latter being more important than the former. The two output measures, patents and papers are correlated, but the correlation is not a very strong one for small firms. Patent and papers are correlated significantly with both R&D expenditure as well as annual sales. The firm's growth is not linked with patents. On the contrary, there is a negative relationship between patent and R&D growth and patent and income growth in the case of small firms. Papers are not linked with growth variables for small firms. Finally, this study confirms the hypothesis that small firms are more productive in innovation than the large firms. Small firms are more efficient than their larger competitors in terms of patents and papers per million dollars of R&D expenditure.
L1 cell adhesion molecule signal cascades: targets for ethanol developmental neurotoxicity.

Abstract A major mechanism guiding neural development is through cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesions and signaling mediated by cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). The majority of CAMs have been grouped into three families: the cadherins, the integrins and the members of the immunoglobulin superfamily including L1. While the elucidation of new receptors and matrix components has become a frequent occurrence, the elucidation of the mechanisms by which they operate, and the function of those mechanisms in complex developmental events remains rudimentary. Members of all three families participate in differential adhesion, signal transduction and physical/mechanical effects. Each of these modes of action is a potential target for developmental neurotoxicants. In this brief review, the role of L1 in normal and abnormal neurodevelopment will be summarized. L1 is a cell surface transmembrane glycoprotein with a single copy gene on the X chromosome. There are two alternatively spliced exons, with the RSLE containing form found only on axons and growth cones of post-mitotic neurons. L1 mediates the following functions: adhesion, neurite extension, neuronal migration, and axon fasciculation. L1 is critical for normal neural development; humans with genetic defects in L1, termed corpus callosum hypoplasia, mental retardation, adducted thumbs, spasticity and hydrocephalus (CRASH) syndrome, and mice lacking expression of L1 have extensive neuropathologic and aberrant behaviors. The observation that patients with fetal alcohol syndrome share similar features to patients with CRASH has lead to the investigation of the effects of ethanol on L1. Physiologic concentrations of ethanol have been shown to inhibit L1 mediated neurite outgrowth in cerebellar granule neurons. Such inhibition may result from decreased expression, altered cell surface distribution, impaired signal transduction, or impaired interaction with the cytoskeleton. These data indicate that L1 and its associated signaling pathways are potentially targets for developmental neurotoxicants.
Surgical and prosthetic considerations in the management of orbital tumors

Since tumors of the globe and ocular adnexa, other than skin cancers of the eyelid, are uncommon, most oncologic specialists have little opportunity to become experienced in the management of eye tumors. In general, a malignancy that does not penetrate a bony orbital wall can be resected with an adequate margin by inclusion of the adjacent wall and periorbita. The decision to save or sacrifice a globe when a malignancy penetrates the bone but not the periorbita should be based on such factors as the tumor histology, contralateral vision, the probability of permanent diplopia, and the need for irradiation in doses that would destroy vision. Because of the complications involved with irradiation of orbital tumors, surgical resection has been the treatment of choice. In addition, orbital exenteration presents a unique challenge to the maxillofacial prosthodontist. Prosthetic restoration of the orbit is often complicated by the extent of resection, tissue response, and method of retention.
Immunochemistry of sperm-whale myoglobin—XXIII: investigation of the independence of the five antigenic reactive regions by immunoabsorbent studies

Abstract Extensive chemical and immunochemical work in our laboratories has now culminated in the accurate delineation of the entire antigenic structure of myoglobin (Mb). These studies have all been reported. Five antigenic reactive regions have been accurately narrowed down, and were six or seven residues in size. In the present work, antibodies against MbX were prepared from two antisera, labelled with I 125 and adsorbed on Mb-Sepharose immunoabsorbent. The five antigenic reactive regions, prepared by organic synthesis, were each studied with regard to their abilities to displace specific antibodies from the Sepharose-Mb-antibody complex. Batchwise displacement with one reactive region only, followed by recovery of total elutable antibody, showed that of the five antigenic reactive regions only region 56–62 failed to elute specific antibodies in this fashion. The other four reactive regions each effected appreciable displacement of antibody, the extent of which depended on on the immunochemical reactivity of that region previously reported from solution immunochemistry. Lack of reaction of region 56–62 was attributed to steric hindrance on the immunoabsorbent, exerted by antibody molecules bound to the other reactive regions. The obstruction prevented approach of free region 56–62 to the corresponding antigen-antibody binding sites. This was confirmed by serial displacement studies with the five synthetic peptides. Removal in series of antibody molecules bound to the other four reactive regions of Mb first, followed by elution with peptide 56–62 enabled the displacement of specific antibodies by the latter peptide. The amount of displacement with a given immunoabsorbent agreed well with the expected reactivity of the region with that antiserum. Serial elution with five synthetic regions usually displaced about 81% of the total elutable antibody. Reabsorption of specific antibody, thus eluted by a giben reactive region, on Mb-Sepharose followed by serial elution with the five antigenic reactive regions showed that this antibody was displaced only by that particular reactive region. It was therefore concluded that in early course antisera, the five antigeniv reactive regions of Mb were immunochemically independent and showed no immunochemical interaction.
The Handicapped Child in the Regular Kindergarten Classroom

Fifteen mildly and moderately handicapped kindergarten-age children and four classrooms of typical kindergarten students and their teachers were the subjects of this investigation. The behavior and interaction of the handicapped students with teachers and peers In the mainstreamed setting was compared to that of nonhandicapped students. Teachers rated handicapped students as successful, partially successful, and unsuccessful. Characteristics distinguishing the three groups of students were identified. High levels of social interaction skills and behaviors were not necessarily correlated with teachers' perception of success. Rather, task behavior and independent task performance were correlated with success. The results were discussed in light of the varied goals for mainstreaming.
Observation of yield in triaxial deformation of glassy polymers

Abstract Yield in amorphous glassy polymers has been studied in shear and uniaxial tension/compression, where the volume change is relatively small and the deviatoric components of the strain/stress tensor are dominate. In order to study volumetrically driven yield in a different geometry, a specially designed experimental set-up was developed to create a longitudinal deformation that is dilatationally dominated. The longitudinal stress response of an epoxy resin was measured at temperatures just below T g , where for the first time yield of a glassy polymer is observed in a nearly triaxial extension deformation. The yield behavior in uniaxial tension and compression was also determined, where all the yield data can be described with pressure-modified von Mises yield criterion but now for much wider pressure range than has been previously accessible.
Probabilistic model for comparing the effectiveness of counterfeit deterrent features

As new counterfeit deterrent features are considered for new document designs, the need exists for evaluating candidate features' performance in a systematic and objective manner. To this end, an application program has been developed that is based on a probabilistic model of the counterfeiting process as determined by interview of experts in the field. The probabilistic approach attempts to capture the variability in understanding and replicating a security feature by representing the steps of the counterfeiting process with a Markov chain, and by maintaining the total cost incurred by the counterfeiter probabilistically. The application provides an estimate of the probability of understanding the security feature given the amount of resources the counterfeiter has at his disposal. The relative effectiveness of security features can be ranked based on this information, and on a scale that also provides information about the resources required of a potential counterfeiter of a note with that feature. An investigation found that the problem of determining the transition probabilities of the Markov chain is well defined. Further, sensitivity analysis shows that the model results are not highly sensitive to variation in model inputs by different users.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: A spectrum of cytologic, histochemical, and ultrastructural findings in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is defined as abundant extracellular proteinaceous periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive material which represents surfactant distending alveolar spaces. While this lesion is defined by histologic findings, there are characteristic radiologic features and cytologic findings in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens that together may provide a confident diagnosis. The BAL specimens from all patients for which a diagnosis of PAP was made or suggested on either cytologic or biopsy specimens at University of North Carolina Hospitals from 1990-1999 were reviewed. There were 23 cytologic specimens from 11 patients. Patient ages ranged from 6 wk to 76 yr. All 23 specimens had slides prepared for Papanicolaou stain, 22 specimens (all patients) had Diff-Quik stains, 10 specimens (6 patients) had PAS stains, and 8 specimens (5 patients) had lipid stains. Nine patients had lung biopsies in addition to cytologic specimens. The clinical charts of all patients were reviewed. Twenty-one cytologic specimens were described as cloudy or milky, and 2 were bloody. By chart review and/or biopsy results, 8 patients were felt to have definite PAP. The initial lavage specimens from 6 of these patients showed classic cytologic findings of PAP, consisting of paucicellular specimens dominated by adundant extracellular granular to globular material which was basophilic on Diff-Quik stain, pale to focally eosinophilic on Pap stain, and PAS-positive, diastase-resistant. Five of these patients had biopsies; 3 showed PAP, and 2 were insufficient. Later BAL specimens after therapeutic lavage from these patients were often less characteristic, with scant extracellular material present. The other 2 patients with PAP clinically and by biopsy had atypical cytologic findings, with one showing numerous macrophages with scant PAS-positive material and abundant lipid mimicking lipid pneumonia, and one showing moderate eosinophils in addition to the extracellular proteinacous material. The remaining 3 patients were felt not to have PAP clinically or by biopsy (1 lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis, 1 rheumatoid lung, and 1 hemosiderosis), and their BAL specimens predominantly contained macrophages with rare proteinaceous extracellular globules. Electron microscopy was performed in 5 patients (4 considered to have PAP, and 1 with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis) and in all cases showed whorled myelin figures characteristic of surfactant. The PAP cases and the non-PAP case had identical ultrastructural findings. We conclude that BAL specimens with classic cytologic features and supporting clinical and radiographic evidence may be diagnosed as PAP. Atypical specimens should be approached with caution, and may represent either PAP or other pulmonary diseases with secondary accumulation of surfactant. Cytology specimens taken subsequent to therapeutic lavage from PAP patients may also not be diagnostic.
The Road to Platinum: Using the USGBC's LEED-EB® Green Building Rating System to Retrofit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 10 Park Place Office Building

Abstract According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), buildings account for a significant amount of environmental degradation. The building sector is the number one producer of global CO2 ...
Quantum theory of enhanced Raman scattering by molecules on metals: Surface-plasmon mechanism for plane metal surface

The enhancement ratio of Raman scattering for adsorbed versus isolated molecules has been calculated quantum mechanically using coupled eigenstates obtained in the preceding paper. There, the surface-plasmon states for a plane surface were coupled with molecular dipole eigenstates by Fano's method; the resulting eigenstates with, or without, consideration of spatial dispersion were discussed. An enhancement ratio ${10}^{6}$ can be obtained in this theory only at an effective resonant frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{L}^{m}$: The ratio is sharply peaked about ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{L}^{m}$. The location of ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{L}^{m}$ and the maximum ratio obtainable depend sensitively upon the dielectric function used to describe the metal. The experimentally observed ratio by pyridine on silver cannot be obtained using realistic parameter values for the spatially dispersive dielectric function $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(\ensuremath{\omega}, \stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}})$ of silver and the parameters for pyridine. This mechanism, invoking surface plasmons for a plane surface, is most likely responsible for only a small fraction of the total observed enhancement, contrary to what could be anticipated from classical image-field theory.
Measurement of spring thermal stratification in Lake Michigan with the GLUCOS observing system

The GLUCOS buoy-based observing system was deployed in Lake Michigan off the coasts of Milwaukee and Shorewood, WI from April 8 to May 28, 2009 to measure the dynamics of spring stratification. Three radio-linked data acquisition Pioneer buoys were deployed at 20 m, 40 m and 60 m depths approximately 2.1 km, 6.1 km and 9.2 km from shore respectively. Each buoy was equipped with a temperature sensor string to measure the thermal profile and multiparameter sondes to measure temperature, specific conductivity, turbidity, % saturation D0 2 , pH and chlorophyll fluoresence. The thermal front, identified by a 4°C vertical isotherm known as the thermal bar, was clearly observed passing each buoy as it moved from shallow to deeper water as the spring wore on. Sonde measurements showed some correlations with the onset of thermal stratification. This paper presents the design of the thermal bar buoy array, the temperature profiles and sonde data and discusses future directions.
Deuterium Kinetic Isotope Effects in the p-Side Pathway for Quinol Oxidation by the Cytochrome b6 f Complex†,‡

Plastoquinol oxidation and proton transfer by the cytochrome b6 f complex on the lumen side of the chloroplast thylakoid membrane are mediated by high and low potential electron transport chains. The rate constant for reduction, kbred, of cytochrome b6 in the low potential chain at ambient pH 7.5−8 was twice that, kfred, of cytochrome f in the high potential chain, as previously reported. kbred and kfred have a similar pH dependence in the presence of nigericin/nonactin, decreasing by factors of 2.5 and 4, respectively, from pH 8 to an ambient pH = 6, close to the lumen pH under conditions of steady-state photosynthesis. A substantial kinetic isotope effect, kH2O/kD2O, was found over the pH range 6−8 for the reduction of cytochromes b6 and f, and for the electrochromic band shift associated with charge transfer across the b6 f complex, showing that isotope exchange affects the pK values linked to rate-limiting steps of proton transfer. The kinetic isotope effect, / ≈ 3, for reduction of cytochrome b in th...
Factors That Influence Critical Care Nurses' Intentions to Provide Culturally Congruent Care to Arab Muslims:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships among critical care nurses' attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions to provide culturally congruent care to Arab Muslims. The provision of culturally congruent care is contingent on understanding nurses' motivational influences for providing culture care. Significant relationships among critical care nurses' behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, control beliefs, intentions, and demographic variables supported the need for culture-specific debriefing sessions, underscored the importance of collaborative practice and interdisciplinary learning models, and established an evidence-based foundation for the design of culturally informed approaches to nursing education and service.
A multimodal test platform for investigating haptic feedback in portable devices

We have developed a hand-held test device capable of delivering visual, auditory and haptic stimuli. This device will serve as a test platform for studies of multimodal communication and integration of haptic displays into consumer electronics.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related protein(1-36) is equipotent to PTH(1-34) in humans

Humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM) results from the production of PTH-related protein (PTHrP) by human tumors. One previous study has reported the results of human (h) PTHrP(1-34) infusion into humans. In that report, hPTHrP(1-34) was found to be qualitatively similar to but 3- to 10-fold less potent than hPTH(1-34). Because hPTHrP(1-36) and not hPTH(1-34) is likely to be the actual amino-terminal secretory form of PTHrP, and because this previously reported lack of potency was unexpected, we repeated these studies using hPTHrP(1-36) and compared the results with those obtained with hPTH(1-34). Healthy subjects (n = 30) were infused over 6 h with either vehicle alone, hPTH(1-34) at a dose of 8 pmol/kg.h, or hPTHrP(1-36) at doses of 8 or 80 pmol/kg.h. Both hPTH(1-34) and hPTHrP(1-36) caused an increase in serum ionized calcium, a decrease in serum phosphorus, an increase in the fractional excretion of phosphorus, a decrease in the tubular maximum for phosphorus, an increase in nephrogenous cAMP excretion, and suppression of endogenous PTH(1-84). Unlike events observed in HHM, hPTHrP(1-36) induced an increase in plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2. In addition, fractional excretion of calcium was reduced by both hPTH(1-34) and hPTHrP(1-36). In their actions on serum calcium, renal calcium and phosphorus handling, and nephrogenous cAMP excretion, hPTHrP(1-36) and hPTH(1-34) appeared equivalent in potency. These studies indicate that short-term infusion of hPTHrP(1-36) into humans reproduces most but not all of the features of HHM. In contrast to the reported findings with hPTHrP(1-34), we found the potency of hPTHrP(1-36) to be comparable with that of hPTH(1-34) in vivo in humans. In addition, unlike the situation in HHM, hPTHrP(1-36) produces an increment in plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2. Finally, hPTHrP(1-36) has been shown for the first time to have anticalciuric effects in humans. This would suggest that, in addition to osteoclastic bone resorption, tubular reabsorbtion of calcium by hPTHrP may contribute to the hypercalcemia in patients with HHM.
Brood Production by Xylosandrus germanus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Growth of Its Fungal Symbiont on Artificial Diet Based on Sawdust of Different Tree Species

ABSTRACT The ambrosia beetle Xyhsandrus germanus (Blanford) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is among the most important exotic pests of orchards and nurseries in the United States. It attacks a wide range of hosts and is difficult to control using conventional insecticides. As part of our studies on the biology and control of X. germanus, we are trying to optimize conditions for rearing beetle progeny to adulthood in the laboratory. In this study we tested the brood production by X. germanus reared on artificial diet based on sawdust from American beech (Fagus americana L.), black walnut (Juglans nigra. L.), European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica L.), and red oak (Quercus rubra L.). We also tested the growth of different strains of the beetle fungal symbiont, Ambrosiella hartigii Batra, on these sawdust diets. Among the sawdust types tested, we found significantly higher average number of progeny produced on diet made with sawdust from European buckthorn (43.9 ± 1.6) compared with those made with American bee...
Relations between problem orientation and optimism, pessimism, and trait affectivity: A construct validation study

This study investigated the construct validity of the Positive and Negative Problem Orientation scales of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R) by examining the relations between these scales and measures of optimism, pessimism, and trait affectivity. Consistent with expectations based on social problem-solving theory, positive problem orientation was found to have a relatively large amount of variance in common with optimism and positive affectivity, and negative problem orientation was found to share a large amount of variance with pessimism and negative affectivity, but not enough to be considered redundant in either case. Positive problem orientation was found to add significant incremental validity to the prediction of adaptive problem-engagement coping even after partialing out the variance associated with optimism and positive affectivity. In addition, negative problem orientation was found to add unique variance to the prediction of psychological distress even after controlling for pessimism and negative affectivity.
Simulation of Crack Propagation in Asphalt Concrete Using an Intrinsic Cohesive Zone Model

This is a practical paper which consists of investigating fracture behavior in asphalt concrete using an intrinsic cohesive zone model (CZM). The separation and traction response along the cohesive zone ahead of a crack tip is governed by an exponential cohesive law specifically tailored to describe cracking in asphalt pavement materials by means of softening associated with the cohesive law. Finite-element implementation of the CZM is accomplished by means of a user subroutine using the user element capability of the ABAQUS software, which is verified by simulation of the double cantilever beam test and by comparison to closed-form solutions. The cohesive parameters of finite material strength and cohesive fracture energy are calibrated in conjunction with the single-edge notched beam [SE(B)] test. The CZM is then extended to simulate mixed-mode crack propagation in the SE(B) test. Cohesive elements are inserted over an area to allow cracks to propagate in any direction. It is shown that the simulated crack trajectory compares favorably with that of experimental results.
Immune Protection against Staphylococcal Enterotoxin-Induced Toxic Shock by Vaccination with a Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Replicon

A candidate vaccine against staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) was developed using a Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus vector. This vaccine is composed of a self-replicating RNA, termed "replicon," containing the VEE nonstructural genes and cis-acting elements and a gene encoding mutagenized SEB (mSEB). Cotransfection of baby hamster kidney cells with the mSEB replicon and 2 helper RNA molecules resulted in the release of propagation-deficient mSEB-VEE replicon particles (mSEB-VRPs). Mice inoculated subcutaneously with mSEB-VRPs were protected (15 of 20 mice) from a challenge with 5 median lethal dose units of wild-type (wt) SEB. T cells from mice vaccinated with mSEB-VRP responded normally both in vitro to wt SEB and in recall response to the inactivated mSEB polypeptide. The profile of cytokines measured after challenge with wt SEB suggested that the mode of protection was predominantly Th1 dependent. Our results suggest that the VEE replicon is a practical and convenient model system for evaluating efficacy of vaccines for the control of bacterial diseases.
Early clopidogrel versus prasugrel use among contemporary STEMI and NSTEMI patients in the US: insights from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry.

Background P2Y12 antagonist therapy improves outcomes in acute myocardial infarction (MI) patients. Novel agents in this class are now available in the US. We studied the introduction of prasugrel into contemporary MI practice to understand the appropriateness of its use and assess for changes in antiplatelet management practices. Methods and Results Using ACTION Registry-GWTG (Get-with-the-Guidelines), we evaluated patterns of P2Y12 antagonist use within 24 hours of admission in 100 228 ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 158 492 Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients at 548 hospitals between October 2009 and September 2012. Rates of early P2Y12 antagonist use were approximately 90% among STEMI and 57% among NSTEMI patients. From 2009 to 2012, prasugrel use increased significantly from 3% to 18% (5% to 30% in STEMI; 2% to 10% in NSTEMI; P for trend <0.001 for all). During the same period, we observed a decrease in use of early but not discharge P2Y12 antagonist among NSTEMI patients. Although contraindicated, 3.0% of patients with prior stroke received prasugrel. Prasugrel was used in 1.9% of patients ≥75 years and 4.5% of patients with weight <60 kg. In both STEMI and NSTEMI, prasugrel was most frequently used in patients at the lowest predicted risk for bleeding and mortality. Despite lack of supporting evidence, prasugrel was initiated before cardiac catheterization in 18% of NSTEMI patients. Conclusions With prasugrel as an antiplatelet treatment option, contemporary practice shows low uptake of prasugrel and delays in P2Y12 antagonist initiation among NSTEMI patients. We also note concerning evidence of inappropriate use of prasugrel, and inadequate targeting of this more potent therapy to maximize the benefit/risk ratio.
Lifestyle Intervention of Hypocaloric Dieting and Walking Reduces Abdominal Obesity and Improves Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors in Obese, Postmenopausal, African-American and Caucasian Women

Background. There are few empirical data to support the claim that weight loss improves coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in postmenopausal women; nor is it known if there are racial differences in changes of body fat distribution, lipids, glucose tolerance, and blood pressure with weight loss. This study determined the efficacy of a lifestyle weight loss intervention in reducing total and abdominal obesity and improving CHD risk factors in obese Caucasian and African-American postmenopausal women. Methods. Body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), abdominal fat areas (computed tomography scan), lipoprotein lipids, insulin, glucose tolerance, and blood pressure were measured before and after 6 months of hypocaloric diet and low-intensity walking in 76 overweight or obese (body mass index . 25 kg/m 2 ), Caucasian (72%) or AfricanAmerican (28%), postmenopausal (age 5 60 6 5 years) women who completed the study. Results. Absolute amount of body weight lost was similar in Caucasians (25.4 6 3.6 kg) and African Americans (23.9 6 3.6 kg), but Caucasian women lost relatively more fat mass (p , .05). Both groups decreased their subcutaneous abdominal fat, and Caucasian women decreased their visceral fat area, but there were no racial differences in the magnitude of abdominal fat lost. The intervention decreased triglyceride and increased high-density lipoprotein and highdensity lipoprotein 2 cholesterol in both races, and it decreased total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in Caucasian women (p , .05‐.0001). Fasting glucose and glucose area during the oral glucose tolerance test decreased (p , .0001) in Caucasian women, whereas insulin area decreased in both Caucasian (p , .01) and African-American (p , .05) women. Blood pressure decreased the most in women with higher blood pressures at baseline. Changes in lipids, fasting glucose and insulin, their responses during the oral glucose tolerance test, and blood pressure were not different between racial groups. Conclusions. Weight loss achieved through a lifestyle intervention of energy restriction and increased physical activity is an equally effective therapy in African-American and Caucasian obese, postmenopausal women for improving glucose and lipid CHD risk factors.
Correlations and Copulas for Decision and Risk Analysis

The construction of a probabilistic model is a key step in most decision and risk analyses. Typically this is done by defining a joint distribution in terms of marginal and conditional distributions for the model's random variables. We describe an alternative approach that uses a copula to construct joint distributions and pairwise correlations to incorporate dependence among the variables. The approach is designed specifically to permit the use of an expert's subjective judgments of marginal distributions and correlations. The copula that underlies the multivariate normal distribution provides the basis for modeling dependence, but arbitrary marginals are allowed. We discuss how correlations can be assessed using techniques that are familiar to decision analysts, and we report the results of an empirical study of the accuracy of the assessment methods. The approach is demonstrated in the context of a simple example, including a study of the sensitivity of the results to the assessed correlations.
Representing imprecise information in NF/sup 2/ relations

A model which can represent imprecise information and store it as an extension of normal-form (NF/sup 2/) relations with one level of nesting is proposed. It is shown by example that the model is more general than the ordinary NF/sup 2/ relational model. This generality is accomplished by an operator that can manipulate imprecise data and precise data and can have the same properties as the nest and the pack operators defined for NF/sup 2/ relations. This operator, called the merge operator, is defined. A representation framework for representing incomplete data, including range values and various null values, is also proposed. >
Cosegregation of Single Genes Associated with Fertility Restoration and Transcript Processing of Sorghum Mitochondrial orf107 and urf209

Defective nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions leading to aberrant microgametogenesis in sorghum carrying the IS1112C male-sterile cytoplasm occur very late in pollen maturation. Amelioration of this condition, the restoration of pollen viability, involves a novel two-gene gametophytic system, wherein genes designated Rf3 and Rf4 are required for viability of individual gametes. Rf3 is tightly linked to, or represents, a single gene that regulates a transcript processing activity that cleaves transcriptsof orf107 , a chimeric mitochondrial open reading frame specific to IS1112C. The mitochondrial gene urf 209 is also subject to nucleus-specific enhanced transcript processing, 5′ to the gene, conferred by a single dominant gene designated Mmt1. Examinations of transcript patterns in F 2 and two backcross populations indicated cosegregation of the augmented orf107 and urf209 processing activities in IS1112C. Several sorghum lines that do not restore fertility or confer orf107 transcript processing do exhibit urf209 transcript processing, indicating that the activities are distinguishable. We conclude that the nuclear gene(s) conferring enhanced orf107 and urf209 processing activities are tightly linked in IS1112C. Alternatively, the similarity in apparent regulatory action of the genes may indicate allelic differences wherein the IS1112C Rf3 allele may differ from alleles of maintainer lines by the capability to regulate both orf107 and urf209 processing activities.
Exploiting Combinatorial Redundancy for Offset Calibration in Flash ADCs

Process variations in advanced CMOS nodes limit the benefits of scaling for analog designs. In the presence of increasing random intra-die variations, mismatch becomes a significant design challenge for circuits such as comparators. In this paper we describe and demonstrate the details of a statistical element selection (SES) methodology that relies on the combinatorial growth of subsets of selectable circuit elements (e.g., input transistors in a comparator) to provide redundancy for post-manufacturing calibration of specifications (e.g., offset). A test chip consisting of an array of digitally calibrated comparators with built-in combinatorial redundancy was manufactured in 65 nm bulk CMOS. Over 99.5% of the comparators satisfy the given offset specification compared to 15% for Pelgrom-type sizing. A second test chip in the same process consists of an 8-bit, 1.5 GS/s flash ADC and achieves 37 db SNDR at low frequencies. The total power is 35 mW, 20 mW in the S&H and 15 mW in the ADC core. The figure of merit is 0.42 pJ/conv.
A BIST Approach for Configurable Nanofabric Arrays

This work proposes a Built-in Self Test (BIST) approach to test crossbars for a defined set of faults. The BIST can classify the different programmable elements in the crossbars as non-defective or defective with a certain fault type. The logic synthesis can then configure the crossbar by avoiding these defective elements.
Differentiation of Lobular versus Ductal Breast Carcinomas by Expression Microarray Analysis

Invasive lobular and ductal breast tumors have distinct histologies and clinical presentation. Other than altered expression of E-cadherin, little is known about the underlying biology that distinguishes the tumor subtypes. We used cDNA microarrays to identify genes differentially expressed between lobular and ductal tumors. Unsupervised clustering of tumors failed to distinguish between the two subtypes. Prediction analysis for microarrays (PAM) was able to predict tumor type with an accuracy of 93.7%. Genes that were significantly differentially expressed between the two groups were identified by MaxT permutation analysis using t tests (20 cDNA clones and 10 unique genes), significance analysis for microarrays (33 cDNA clones and 15 genes, at an estimated false discovery rate of 2%), and PAM (31 cDNAs and 15 genes). There were 8 genes identified by all three of these related methods (E-cadherin, survivin, cathepsin B, TPI1, SPRY1, SCYA14, TFAP2B, and thrombospondin 4), and an additional 3 that were identified by significance analysis for microarrays and PAM (osteopontin, HLA-G, and CHC1). To validate the differential expression of these genes, 7 of them were tested by real-time quantitative PCR, which verified that they were differentially expressed in lobular versus ductal tumors. In conclusion, specific changes in gene expression distinguish lobular from ductal breast carcinomas. These genes may be important in understanding the basis of phenotypic differences among breast cancers.
High glucose activates ChREBP-mediated HIF-1α and VEGF expression in human RPE cells under normoxia

Objective Because retina-damaging angiogenesis is controlled by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and people with higher glucose intakes are more susceptible to retinal complications that may be due to increased VEGF, it is crucial to elucidate relations between glucose exposure and VEGF expression. We aimed to determine if a carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) plays a role in the transcriptional up-regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and the downstream VEGF expression in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells exposed to high glucose under normoxic conditions.
Olfaction and parental behavior in ring dove

Abstract In the ring dove, several sensory cues emanating from the squab (young) have been shown to be important in maintaining parental care. However, no information exists on the role of olfaction in parental behavior. In the experiments described, the body odor of squabs was artificially altered by application of a fruit-scented substance to its back. This resulted in high mortality of treated squabs by day 7 post-hatching. The body weights of the fruit-scented squabs that died were lower than those of living controls, suggesting that some change in parental feeding had occurred. Behavioral observations also indicated qualitative differences in parental care towards fruit-scented vs control young. Toxicity was ruled out as a cause of squab death since subcutaneous injection of the fruit substance to squabs led to 100% squab survival. High squab mortality following fruit-scent treatment could be prevented by bilateral olfactory nerve cuts in the parents. Taken together, these data suggest that olfactory cues may play a role in parental care in ring doves, and add support to the notion that olfactory cues can influence avian behavior.
Assessing Research Collaboration Studies: A Framework for Analysis

Today in most science, technology, engineering and mathematics (hereafter STEM) fields more than 90 % of research studies and publications are collaborative, leading to a “collaboration imperative.” Not only does team-based collaborative research more often lead to high impact research and to commercial uses of research as reflected in patents, in many fields it is not possible to thrive as a single investigator. If one’s work depends on access to samples or specimens or to extremely expensive shared equipment, then collaboration and research are essentially one in the same, and, thus, the collaboration imperative. Thus, despite significant variation by field, discipline and geography, contemporary STEM research is dominated by collaboration, teams, networks and co-authorship.
A field study on the effects of digital billboards on glance behavior during highway driving.

Developments in lighting technologies have allowed more dynamic digital billboards in locations visible from the roadway. Decades of laboratory research have shown that rapidly changing or moving stimuli presented in peripheral vision tends to 'capture' covert attention. We report naturalistic glance and driving behavior of a large sample of drivers who were exposed to two digital billboards on a segment of highway largely free from extraneous signage. RESULTS show a significant shift in the number and length of glances toward the billboards and an increased percentage of time glancing off road in their presence. FINDINGS were particularly evident at the time the billboards transitioned between advertisements. Since rapidly changing stimuli are difficult to ignore, the planned increase in episodically changing digital displays near the roadway may be argued to be a potential safety concern. The impact of digital billboards on driver safety and the need for continued research are discussed. Keywords: Driver distraction; Language: en
Minorities in Engineering—How Does Your Company Stack Up?

This paper was written in an attempt to have industrial firms focus their attention upon the low supply of minority engineers available, and upon the upward mobility problems of such persons. The firms are requested to support programs designed to increase the supply of minority engineers. The industrial management is challenged to reassess their promotion policies with a view toward enabling more minority engineers to assume higher level positions in their organizations.
Response of Campoletis perdistinctus and Apanteles marginiventris to Insecticides

The relative toxicities of several insecticides sometimes used in cotton-insect control programs were established in laboratory and field-cage tests for adults and cocoons of Apanteles marginiventris (Cresson) and Campoletis perdistinclus (Viereck). In general, A. marginiventris was more susceptible than C. perdistinctus; adults were much more susceptible than cocoons; males were more susceptible than females; higher doses were more toxic and persistent than lower doses; oxygen analogues of azinphosmethyl and malathion were more toxic to adult G. perdistinctus than the parent compounds; increases in the chain length of the dialkyl R groups of azinphosmethyl, methyl parathion, and trichlorfon decreased toxicity; and the residues from ultra low volume (64 oz/acre or less) applications were more toxic and more persistent than the residues from conventional low-volume (more than 64 oz/acre in water) applications. Variations in the response of the parasites to insecticides may help in developing integrated-control programs for cotton insects that includes both chemical and biological control methods.
Effect of Humidity on the Performance of Microporous Coordination Polymers as Adsorbents for CO2 Capture

The CO2-capture performance of microporous coordination polymers of the M/DOBDC series (where M = Zn, Ni, Co, and Mg; DOBDC = 2,5-dioxidobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylate) was evaluated under flow-through conditions with dry surrogate flue gas (5/1 N2/CO2). The CO2 capacities were found to track with static CO2 sorption capacities at room temperature, with Mg/DOBDC demonstrating an exceptional capacity for CO2 (23.6 wt %). The effect of humidity on the performance of Mg/DOBDC was investigated by collecting N2/CO2/H2O breakthrough curves at relative humidities (RHs) in the feed of 9, 36, and 70%. After exposure at 70% RH and subsequent thermal regeneration, only about 16% of the initial CO2 capacity of Mg/DOBDC was recovered. However, in the case of Ni/DOBDC and Co/DOBDC, approximately 60 and 85%, respectively, of the initial capacities were recovered after the same treatment. These data indicate that although Mg/DOBDC has the highest capacity for CO2, under the conditions used in this study, Co/DOBDC may be a mor...
Science, technology and the arms buildup—I.

Colloquium on science and disarmament sponsored by the Institut Francais des Relations Internationales
When Computer Simulation Excels Experiment.

For many biophysical problems we have, in general, two approaches. A problem can be studied experimentally, or the corresponding system can be simulated. So far, for the great majority of problems, simulation cannot compete with experiment. Still, simulation seems very attractive because if we solve a problem this way, we can obtain much more interesting additional information about the system. This can be seen in the field of large-scale conformational properties of DNA where simulation and experiment compete successfully and, of course, complement each other.