cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
‘Now’ and ‘Then’ in Tense Logic

According to Hans Kamp and Frank Vlach, the two-dimensional tense operators “now” and “then” are ineliminable in quantified tense logic. This is often adduced as an argument against tense logic, and in favor of an extensional account that makes use of explicit quantification over times. The aim of this paper is to defend tense logic against this attack. It shows that “now” and “then” are eliminable in quantified tense logic, provided we endow it with enough quantificational structure. The operators might not be redundant in some other systems of tense logic, but this merely indicates a lack of quantificational resources and does not show any deep-seated inability of tense logic to express claims about time. The paper closes with a brief discussion of the modal analogue of this issue, which concerns the role of the actuality operator in quantified modal logic.
Abundance Survey of M and K Dwarf Stars

We report the measurement of chemical abundances in 35 low-mass main sequence (M and K dwarf) stars. We have measured the abundance of 12 elements in Kapteyn's Star, a nearby halo M subdwarf. The abundances indicate an iron abundance of [Fe/H] = −0.98, which is about 0.5 dex smaller than that measured in the only previous published measurement using atomic absorption lines. We have measured Fe and Ti abundances in 35 M and K dwarfs with −2.39 ⩽ [Fe/H] ⩽ +0.21 using atomic absorption lines, mostly in the 8000A λ
Evaluating community-based health professions education programs.

This paper assumes the reader (1) has little knowledge about program evaluation, and (2) is interested in evaluation to improve a community-based health professions education program. There are other important and useful approaches that can be used to address an evaluation of a community-based health professions education program, and readers are encouraged to explore them— they appear in health education, public health education, in evaluation, and in program theory literature. The paper is organized around a group of questions as a reference or organizer for the reader. These include topics like why evaluation is wanted, what kinds of questions can be addressed through evaluation, who stakeholders are, who should conduct the evaluation, what methods can be used, and how to analyze data and report results from the evaluation. In the paper, I have attempted to include examples that are related to community-based health professions programs. Finally, the paper ends with the recognition that there is much more to learn in the .eld of evaluation and suggestions for ways to continue pursuit of knowledge in this topical area.
Optimization of flow-channel depth for conventional flat-plate solar air heaters

An analytical criterion for determining the optimum flow-channel depth of conventional flat-plate solar air heaters has been developed. The criterion gives the minimum channel-depth required to maximize the useful heat gain from the absorber plate to the flowing air for a particular pumping power. A parametric study was carried out to validate the engineering accuracy of the optimization criterion which was found to be considerably accurate over the entire range of variables covered. An expression for estimating the channel-depth-to-length ratio that yields an outlet air temperature equal to the absorber-plate mean temperature is also derived in terms of flow pumping power. This expression is of great importance for designers of this type of solar air heater.
Radiocarbon content of marine shells from the Pacific coasts of Central and South America

The radiocarbon content of contemporary pre-bomb marine shells from the region of upwelling of the Pacific coast of South America has been determined and found to be somewhat similar to the content of shells from the coast of California and the west coast of Mexico. Deviations of up to -8.5 percent with reference to the contemporary biospheric carbon-14 standard have been observed for the Peruvian coast. Values of from -0.35 to -4.04 percent have been obtained for marine shells from the Galopagos group. Problems associated with radiocarbon dates based on shells are discussed.
Placental Microbiome and Its Role in Preterm Birth

Despite the well-known fact that the placenta has long-term effects on maternal and fetal health, the placenta remains a poorly understood and understudied organ. Not only is the placenta a site of exchange of nutrients and blood and gases between the fetal and maternal systems, but it also performs critical metabolic functions for supporting fetal development and maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance. It is also abundantly clear that impairment of placental function leads to severe pregnancy complications, including preterm birth (PTB), a significant cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Understanding the causes of PTB and other adverse outcomes is clearly essential for the development of effective methods of prevention and treatment. We focus our review of one major known cause of PTB, namely, infection. We also introduce a new and somewhat unexpected factor(s) that may well affect PTB and every aspect of placental biology and function: the placental microbiome. We discuss the implications of the placenta housing a microbial biomass for PTB and the effect of maternal microbiomes at various niches for fetal colonization and health outcomes. We suggest that the placenta is an integral part of the pipeline for microbe-powered driver of fetal destiny.
Push and release: TLR9 activation plus STAT3 blockade for systemic antitumor immunity.

Proper immunostimulation (“push”) and immune checkpoint blockade (“release”) are both critical for the efficacy of anticancer immunotherapy. We have recently shown that activating Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) while specifically blocking signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in leukemic cells enhances their immunogenicity, allowing for CD8+ T cell-mediated tumor eradication. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of such a “Push & Release” strategy against hematological malignancies.
A perturbation treatment of the order/disorder phase transition in colloidal suspensions

Abstract The hard sphere perturbation model developed by H. S. Kang et al. (J. Chem. Phys. 82, 414 (1985)) is applied to particles interacting with screened coulomb pair potentials. The success of the model at predicting the coexistence parameters of the phase transition from a liquid to a face-centered cubic solid observed in colloidal suspensions is due to the use in the model of a volume fraction-dependent reference hard sphere diameter. Comparison is made between model predictions and machine calculations showing excellent agreement under conditions where the pair interactions are very soft (i.e., low ionic strength and high surface potentials). In addition, model predictions are compared with phase transition data that have been reported on a variety of latex suspensions. The results suggest that the model captures the physical properties of the phase transition in colloidal suspensions quite well and that failures can be attributed to a poor understanding of the chemistry giving rise to particle charge and how this charge varies with the particle's local electrolyte environment.
Religion in antebellum Kentucky

Religion permeated the day-to-day life of antebellum Kentucky. This engaging account of Kentucky's various Christian denominations, first published as part of the Kentucky Bicentennial Bookshelf, traces the history of the Great Revival of 1800--1805, the subsequent schism in Protestant ranks, the rise of Catholicism, the development of a distinctive black Christianity, and the growth of a Christian antislavery tradition.Paying special attention to the role of religion in the everyday life of early Kentuckians and their heritage, John B. Boles provides a concise yet enlightening introduction to the faith and the people of the Bluegrass State. "Religion In Antebellum Kentucky" is an excellent survey of religion and its significance in the first eighty-five years of Kentucky's history.
Anisotropy and coverage dependence of CO surface diffusion on Ru(S)-[15(001) × 2(100)]

Abstract The surface diffusion of CO on Ru(S)-[15(001) × 2(100)] was studied using laser-induced thermal desorption (LITD) techniques. CO diffusion on the stepped Ru(001) surface was highly anisotropic. At 290 K and θ CO = 0.27 ML, the diffusion coefficient in the direction parallel to the step edges ( D ∥ ) was approximately 100 times greater than the diffusion coefficient perpendicular to the step edges ( D ⊥ ). Surface diffusion coefficients for diffusion along the terraces ( D t ) and over the steps ( D s ) were obtained from the measured values of d ∥ and D ⊥ . For diffusion along the terrace, the surface diffusion barrier was E t =9.4±0.5kcal/mol and the diffusion preexponential was D 0,t =3.6±0.8 cm 2 /s. Kinetic parameters for diffusion over a step were E s =18.1±0.8kcal/mol and D 0,s =1.4 ×10 3±0.3 cm 2 /s The coverage dependence of the CO surface diffusion was also measured on the stepped Ru(001) surface. As the CO coverage increased from θ CO =0.04to0.34ML, the surface diffusion coefficient at 350 K increased by a factor of 60. This coverage dependence was identical to the previously observed coverage dependence for CO diffusion on Ru(001) and was ascribed to repulsive pairwise interactions in the CO adlayer. The strong anisotropy on Ru(S)-[15(001) × 2(100)] and the identical coverage dependences on Ru(001) and Ru(S)-[15(001) × 2(100)] indicate that the steps do not trap CO, but rather act as a repulsive barrier to CO diffusion.
Anorexigenic effects of central neuropeptide S involve the hypothalamus in chicks (Gallus gallus)

Neuropeptide S (NPS) affects appetite-related processes in mammals. However, its role in avian biology is unreported. We hypothesized that intracerebroventricular (ICV) NPS would cause anorexigenic effects in chicks (Gallus gallus). To evaluate this, Cobb-500 chicks were centrally injected with multiple doses (0, 0.313, 0.625 and 1.250 mug) of NPS. NPS-treated chicks responded with decreased feed and water intake. The effect on water intake was secondary to feed intake, because fasted NPS-treated chicks did not reduce water intake. ICV NPS injection also reduced plasma corticosterone concentration. We monitored behavior and found decreased ingestive and exploratory pecking, jumping, locomotion, and increased time spent in deep rest. We hypothesized that the anorexigenic effects were hypothalamic in origin and quantified c-Fos reactivity in the lateral hypothalamus (LH), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) after NPS treatment. NPS was associated with decreased c-Fos reactivity in the LH, increased reactivity in the PVN and had no effect in the VMH. When NPS was injected directly into the LH and PVN, chicks responded with decreased feed and water intake, suggesting that effects were directly mediated by these nuclei. We conclude that ICV NPS causes anorexigenic effects in chicks, without directly affecting water intake, and the hypothalamus is involved.
Nonoxynol-9-α-cyclodextrin inclusion compound and its application for the controlled release of nonoxynol-9 spermicide

Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) is the most active ingredient in commercially available spermicidal products in the United States. There are many applications of cyclodextrin inclusion complexes (CD-ICs), but there are no reported studies investigating the formation of and controlled release from a N-9 spermicide-CD-IC. We have successfully formed the inclusion compound between N-9 and α-CD using a solution-heating technique. The N-9-α-CD-IC was characterized by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and wide angle X-ray diffraction observations. Silicone elastomer (SILASTIC MDX4-4210) film embedded with crystalline N-9-α-CD-IC was prepared and evaluated for its efficacy in the controlled release of N-9 spermicide against bovine sperm. Silicone elastomer with N-9-α-CD-IC was as successful in reducing the motility and viability of bovine spermtazoa as silicone elastomer swollen with an equivalent amount of neat N-9. The permeability of the flexible silicone elastomer apparently enables the N-9 spermicide to diffuse from its embedded inclusion complex crystals to contact, immobilize, and kill bovine sperm cells. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
A difficulty with the “command” allocation mechanism☆

Abstract This paper studies the implementation of taut economic plans under uncertainty in a simple dynamic model of resource allocation. It argues that the “command” mechanism is unable to control the stochastic system, causing unexpected shocks to accumulate, disrupting the production process and leading to increasing divergence between plan and performance. The principal source of this problem is lack of feedback from the state of the system to the allocation decision. Two market-like mechanisms are also analized. Both stabilize the system and minimize the impact of uncertainty on its performance, showing that the difficulty is indeed with the “command” allocation mechanism.
Plasmodium falciparum : Characterization of organelle migration during merozoite morphogenesis in asexual malaria infections

Treatment of asexual Plasmodium falciparum infections with the microtubule stabilizing agents Taxol or epothilone A prevents the depolymerization of nuclear microtubules. Serial thin sectioning of treated parasites revealed the presence of polymerized nuclear microtubule assemblies extending from spindle pole bodies into the forming merozoites in late stage infections. This organization prevented daughter merozoites from pinching off the mother schizont during merogony. An electron-dense collar was apparent at the junction of the budding parasites and the schizont plasma membrane, suggesting the presence of a contractile, actin-myosin ring. Examination of Taxol or EpA arrested parasites provided new information about the merogonic process and the control of organelle migration. Drug treatment did not affect the migration or polarity of the rhoptries and micronemes. Ultrastructural characterization of drug-treated trophozoites identified an assembly of smooth vesicles and short tubules adjacent to the parasite nuclei. During merogony, these membranes were observed as flattened cisternae with dilated rims that appeared to be coated. The morphology and location of these membranes suggest that they may be the parasite Golgi apparatus. This investigation reveals that the antimalarial activity of microtubule stabilizing agents is due to their inhibition of merozoite formation.
Velocity matching of III-V travelling-wave electro-optic modulator structures

A new travelling-wave III-V electro-optic modulator with low loss and a 5% velocity mismatch to the optical wave is analysed using spectral domain analysis. Modulators having a microwave index nμ of 3.42 have been measured for frequencies up to 26.5 GHz.
Selective Site-Specific Fenton Oxidation of Methionine in Model Peptides: Evidence for a Metal-Bound Oxidant

The metal-catalyzed oxidation (MCO) of proteins represents an important pathway for protein degradation. Although many mechanistic details of MCO are currently unknown, such mechanistic information would greatly benefit formulation scientists in the rational design and analysis of protein formulations. Here, we describe the Fenton oxidation (by Fe2+/H2O2) of several Met-, Tyr-, and His containing model peptides, including one derivative containing a conformationally restricted norbornyl Met analogue (Nor), Nor-Gly-His-Met-NH2. Our results will provide evidence for a metal-bound reactive oxygen species selectively oxidizing Met to Met sulfoxide, indicating a Met-specific oxidant and arguing against the involvement of freely diffusible hydroxyl radicals. The Fenton oxidation of Nor-Gly-His-Met-NH2 yields a 2:1 preference for sulfoxide formation at the C-terminal Met versus the N-terminal Nor residue, respectively, while incubation of the peptide with H2O2 alone results in a 1:1 ratio. These results are rationalized by the better access of the thioether side chain of the flexible C-terminal Met residue to the peptide-bound iron compared with the conformationally restricted Nor residue. It is commonly believed that Fenton oxidation reactions involve hydroxyl radicals, and that Met oxidation in proteins is predominantly controlled by the surface-accessibility of the respective Met residues. However, occasionally protein oxidation in formulations shows selectivities, which are not consistent with these paradigms. Our results demonstrate additional features of the Fenton reaction such as the formation of a metal-bound oxidant specific for Met (and not Tyr or His), which may assist formulation scientists in the rationalization of unexpected oxidation selectivities. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 93:1122–1130, 2004
An unobserved component model of asset pricing across financial markets

Abstract Our research focuses on multifactor asset pricing models that investigate the importance of economic factors in the pricing of assets beyond the scope of the stock market. We present a Bayesian learning model of asset pricing across financial markets in which unobserved components are estimated using a Kalman filter (KF). Economic factors serve to drive the pricing of risk in the market, and agents update expectations recursively, as new information becomes available. We generally find that the Kalman filter provides superior performance and that economic factors like industrial production and unanticipated inflation provide consistent implications across financial markets.
Dispersion Sum Rules for the Nonstrange Baryon Spectrum

A study is made of the saturation of superconvergence relations by the known $N$ (isospin-\textonehalf{}) and $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ (isospin-$\frac{3}{2}$) nonstrange baryon resonances. Account is taken of the shape of the strong-interaction form factors as well as of the magnitude of the coupling constants. At a $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\Delta}(1236)$ vertex, there are two independent form factors (spin component \textonehalf{} and $\frac{3}{2}$), and at a $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ (nucleon) vertex, only one. Making a physically plausible assumption about the smoothness of these form-factor functions, a detailed study is made of sum rules in $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\Delta}$ and $\ensuremath{\pi}N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\Delta}$ scattering. Two especially interesting relations occur in the elastic process $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\Delta}$, one relation involving only the $N$ spectrum, the other only the $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ spectrum. The sum rule for the $N$ spectrum is not saturated by the set of states which we insert, and this leads us to conjecture that there exists a spin-$\frac{3}{2}$ $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\Delta}$ resonance which is at quite low mass and which is not reported in the $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ phase-shift analysis. A possible fit to a larger set of sum rules is then considered; the fit is consistent with linear Regge trajectories and provides a starting point for a detailed check when better partial-width data are available.
Endothelial cells of bovine pulmonary artery lack receptors for C3b and for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G

Bovine pulmonary endothelial cells do not possess receptors for the 3b component of complement (C3b) or for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G. The lack of these receptors may help explain the nonthrombogenic function of endothelial cells. Our findings rule out the possibility that endothelial cells participate in pulmonary immune complex disease through the binding of C3b or Fc fragments.
Thickness dependence of the interior smectic-A-hexatic-B transition temperatures in liquid-crystal films.

The smectic-A\char21{}hexatic-B transition temperatures of the interior layers in free-standing liquid-crystal films are measured as a function of film thickness. Because of the competition between the finite-size and surface-ordering effects, a unique thickness dependence of the transition temperature is observed.
A common mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene and risk of coronary heart disease: results among U.S. men.

Abstract Objectives. We examined the risk of coronary heart disease associated with homozygosity for the C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene. Background. The mutation increases plasma homocysteine levels by impairing its remethylation. Increased plasma homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Methods. This was a case-control study nested within the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. In 1986, 44,940 U.S. male health professionals, aged 40 to 75 years and free from diagnosed cardiovascular disease, provided detailed information on usual dietary intake, including intake of folate, vitamins B2, B6and B12, and methionine. Between 1993 and 1995, blood samples were provided by approximately 40% of the participants. We compared data from 500 men with nonfatal coronary heart disease, diagnosed between 1986 and 1992, with data from 500 age-matched control subjects who were free of diagnosed cardiovascular disease at the time of the matched case subject’s diagnosis. Results. Frequencies of homozygosity (+/+) and heterozygosity (+/−) for the mutation were 12.2% and 41.8% in case subjects and 14.4% and 40.0% in control subjects. With subjects homozygous (−/−) or heterozygous (+/−) for the wildtype allele as a reference and matched by age, the odds ratio of coronary heart disease was 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.57 to 1.19) for +/+ subjects. The odds ratio was unchanged after adjustment for smoking and other risk factors for coronary heart disease. Odds ratios were also calculated within strata for intake of vitamins involved in homocysteine metabolism or methionine, the metabolic precursor of homocysteine. The +/+ genotype was not directly associated with risk of coronary heart disease among men with low (that is, within the lowest quartile) intake ( 2.4 g/d) of methionine. Conclusions. In this generally well-nourished population, men with the +/+ genotype for the C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene have no increase in risk of coronary heart disease, even when intake of folate or other B vitamins is low.
Reorganizing Finite Temperature Field Theory: Part I.: Scalar Field Theory

I present a method for self-consistently including the effects of screening in finite-temperature field theory calculations. The method reproduces the perturbative limit in the weak-coupling limit and for intermediate couplings this method has much better convergence than standard perturbation theory. The method relies on a reorganization of perturbation theory accomplished by shifting the expansion point used to calculate quantum loop corrections. I will present results from a three-loop calculation within this formalism for scalar λϕ4.
Proof Without Words: A Triangular Identity

(2004). Proof Without Words: A Triangular Identity. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 77, No. 5, pp. 395-395.
A new model system for the occurence of magnetic order in the pseudobinary region of nonmagnetic binaries: YMn2−xCox

Abstract A new case is reported for the development of moment in the pseudobinary region of two binaries which are Pauli paramagnets (YMn 2 , YCo 2 ). For YMn 0.8 Co 1.2 , short-range order is observed at low temperature.
Spreadsheet applications in benefit/cost analysis

Abstract Benefit/Cost Analysis traditionally includes analysis of the financial ramifications of an expenditure along with some look at how sensitive the selected alternative is to changes in the critical variables. Non-tangibles are costs or benefits, typically benefits, which cannot easily be measured in dollar terms. This paper discusses an approach to benefit/cost analysis and a variety of tools which can be implemented in Lotus 17ndash;2–3 for use in teaching the concepts of benefits/cost analysis.
Smooth appearance for polygonal surfaces

Current shading methods for polygonal approximations to smooth surfaces reveal the polygon edges by lack of smoothness in the shading, highlights, texture, reflection lines, intersections, profiles, and shadows. These defects are eliminated here by interpolating the perspective depth in screen coordinates with aC1 piecewise-polynomial function, defined over triangles in the screen plane. The three eye-space components of the surface normal, and the two texture parameters, are separately interpolated with similarC1 functions. For smooth intersections, the depth comparison test of Watkins' scan-line algorithm is replaced by a simple test which uses closed-form solutions to polynomials of degree 2, 3, or 4. When the scan lines arise from scan planes containing the eye and the light source, a version of the shadow volume algorithm can also generate smooth cast shadows.
SU‐GG‐T‐576: Dosimetric Comparison of Three Arc Techniques in Prostate Treatment Planning

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate prostate treatment planning utilizing three planning paradigms: volumetric modulated arc delivery using SmartArc and RapidArc and a hybrid technique consisting of a combination of dynamic conformai arcs and static IMRT beams. The impact of this study was to evaluate three arc systems for prostate treatment planning.Method and Materials: Ten randomly selected previously‐treated patients were used for this study. Each patient received 180cGy per fraction for 44 fractions for a total of 7920cGy to the prostate and proximal seminal vesicles. Pinnacle System v9.0 was used for SmartArc planning, Eclipse was used for RapidArc planning and iPlan was used for HybridArc planning. Each treatment plan was optimized following departmental guidelines. The ten patient plans were then analyzed for several dosimetric endpoints: %PTV coverage; maximum plan hotspot; conformality index; and volume of rectum and bladder receiving 75Gy, 70Gy, 50Gy and 20Gy. Results: All three planning systems were able to meet/exceed our standard departmental guidelines. When compared to SmartArc and RapidArc, HybridArc plans demonstrated a small, though statistically significant, increase in the volume of rectum receiving 75Gy, 70Gy and 50Gy. RapidArc plans demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the volume of bladder receiving 75Gy, 70Gy, and 50Gy as well as an improvement in the conformality index when compared to SmartArc and HybridArc plans. RapidArc plans delivered more monitor units when compared to SmartArc and HybridArc plans. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that all three arc treatment strategies can be utilized to achieve the same strict dosimetric criteria. While the differences between some of the dosimetric parameters for the planning systems were statistically significant, these differences were overall quite small and are likely to be of minimal clinical consequence. We are currently exploring methods of reducing monitor units in our RapidArc plans.
Transformation of Montmorency sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) and Gisela 6 (P. cerasus × P. canescens) cherry rootstock mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) scion cv. Montmorency and rootstock cv. Gisela 6 (P. cerasus × P. canescens) were transformed using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105:pBISN1 carrying the neomycin phosphotransferase gene (nptII) and an intron interrupted s-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene (gusA). Whole leaf explants were co-cultivated with A. tumefaciens, and selection and regeneration of transformed cells and shoots of both cultivars was carried out for 12 weeks on selection medium containing 50 mg l−1 kanamycin (Km) and 250 mg l−1 timentin. These media were [Quoirin and Lepoivre (Acta Hortic 78:437–442, 1977)] supplemented with 0.5 mg l−1 benzylaminopurine (BA) + 0.05 mg l−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and woody plant medium [Lloyd and McCown (Proc Int Plant Prop Soc 30:421–427, 1980)] containing 2.0 mg l−1 BA + 1.0 mg l−1 IBA for cv. Montmorency and cv. Gisela 6, respectively. Seven out of 226 (3.1%) explants of cv. Montmorency and five out of 152 (3.9%) explants of cv. Gisela 6 produced 30/39 GUS- and PCR-positive shoots from the cut midribs via an intermediate callus. Southern analysis of the GUS- and PCR-positive transformants confirmed stable integration of the transgenes with 1–3 copy numbers in the genomes of seven lines of cv. Montmorency and five of cv. Gisela 6. The selected transformants have a normal phenotype in vitro.
Growth and characterization of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 and Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 thin films using solid source MOCVD techniques

Abstract Epitaxial thin films of Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 (PMN) and Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 –PbTiO 3 (PMN–PT) were deposited on (0 0 1) SrTiO 3 and SrRuO 3 /SrTiO 3 single crystal substrates at 700°C by the solid-source MOCVD method, using tetramethylheptanedionate (THD) sources of Pb, Mg, Nb, and Ti. Sputtered SrRuO 3 was employed as an epitaxial bottom electrode layer so that electrical property measurements could be made. Pure PMN films were prepared using pre-mixed source material (5.5 moles of Pb(THD) 4 ,1 mole of Mg(THD) 2 and 2 moles of Nb(THD) 4 ). XRD results indicated that these films were single phase and had the pervoskite structure. Rutherford Backscattering showed that Pb/Mg/Nb/O=18%/7%/13%/62%. Films of PMN–10% PT and PMN–20% PT films were also epitaxially deposited on the same substrates. The dielectric constants for these films were in the range 1200–1500 and 600–700, respectively. A 150 nm thick PMN–20% PT film was strongly dispersive. The dielectric constant for a 150 nm thick film decreased from 700 at 1 kHz to 550 at 100 kHz. The dielectric loss factor increased from 0.15 to 0.4 with increasing frequency.
Immature corticospinal neurons respond to axotomy with changes in tubulin gene expression.

Abstract We have examined the expression of two different tubulin mRNAs in hamster corticospinal neurons that were axotomized at three different developmental stages: postnatal day 8 (P8), P20, and adult. In situ hybridization of histological sections of the sensorimotor cortex was done with 35 S-labeled cDNA probes specific to α1-tubulin and βIII-tubulin mRNAs at 2–14 days following unilateral transection of the corticospinal tract in the caudal medulla. Both film and emulsion autoradiography were used to detect changes in tubulin mRNA levels. Qualitative assessment indicated substantial decreases in both α1-tubulin and βIII-tubulin mRNA levels in layer V neurons of the sensorimotor cortex following axotomy. The changes were apparent as early as 2 days postinjury for P20 and adult operates, but not for P8 operates. However, by 14 days postinjury, decreases in α1-tubulin and βIII-tubulin gene expression were apparent in animals operated at all three developmental stages. These findings indicate that both immature and adult corticospinal neurons respond to axonal injury in a manner that is distinctly different from the peripheral neuron response.
Possible existence of the plutonium dimer

Both Hartree-Fock and density-functional theories have been used to investigate the possible existence of the plutonium dimer. Energy considerations indicate positive binding, while molecular orbital analyses indicate that the f electrons are clearly localized and the bonding between the two Pu atoms is rather weak. (c) 1999 The American Physical Society.
Understanding science and evidence-based decision making in orthodontics.

The early part of the 1990s ushered in evidencebased decision making for health care. Presently, there is a resurgence in evidence-based decision making with evidence-based dentistry (EBD) the buzzword in dental periodicals. The call for dentists to understand science and research is not new. The Geis Report of the early 1920s petitioned medical and dental schools to become more scientific in their teaching and practice. William Geis’s cry for dentists to be educated and practice in a climate of science was evident in the last part of the 20th century. In orthodontics, several icons in the profession have stressed the importance of science in clinical practice. William Proffit wrote, “The orthodontic practitioner is akin to the scientist who must continually evaluate new research findings.” Furthermore, Peter Vig stated, “orthodontists have lain greater emphasis on mastering their art than mastering their science. . . . There are many orthodontic controversies, past and present, that center on whose art is superior.” Lysle Johnston claimed, “Those who advocate new therapies seem disinclined to provide evidence of efficacy (it may be bad for business); the profession as a whole, perhaps being convinced in dental school of the irrelevance of ‘science,’ seems equally disinclined to demand it.” And it is conceivable that the apparent disregard for the principles of scientific inquiry prompted Alton Moore to write, “Clearly, the promulgation of simple rules and pat formulas and the immediate and uncritical adoption of them prior to testing . . . have inhibited true progress.” It seems, however, that dentistry and orthodontics have lagged behind medicine in the quest to incorporate science into clinical practice. Perhaps the art in the practice of dentistry has overshadowed the need for
Hippocampal long-term potentiation is normal in heme oxygenase-2 mutant mice

We have generated mice deficient in HO-2, the major cerebral isoform of heme oxygenase, in order to assess the potential role of carbon monoxide as a retrograde messenger in hippocampal LTP. Cerebral HO catalytic activity was markedly reduced in the HO-2 mutant mice, yet no differences were found between wild types and mutants in gross neuroanatomical structure, in basal hippocampal synaptic transmission, or in the amount of potentiation produced by various LTP induction protocols. Furthermore, zinc protoporphyrin IX, an inhibitor of HO, had nearly identical inhibitory effects on LTP in wild-type and HO-2 mutant hippocampal slices. Our data indicate that carbon monoxide produced endogenously by HO is unlikely to be a neuromodulator required for LTP in the hippocampus.
Short- and long-term results of catheter balloon percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy.

Abstract Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) was performed in 219 patients with symptomatic, severe rheumatic mitral stenosis. There were 59 men and 160 women, aged 19 to 76 years (mean 43). Pliable, noncalcified valves were present in 139 (group 1), and calcified valves or severe mitral subvalvular lesions, or both, in 80 patients (group 2). Atrial fibrillation was present in 133 patients (61%) and 1+ or 2+ mitral regurgitation in 59 (27%). Technical failure occurred with 3 patients in our early experience. There was no cardiac tamponade or emergency surgery. The only in-hospital death occurred 3 days after the procedure in a group 2 premoribund patient in whom last-resort PTMC created 3+ mitral regurgitation. Mitral regurgitation appeared or increased in 72 patients (33%); 3+ mitral regurgitation resulted in 12 patients (6%). There were 3 systemic embolisms. Atrial left-to-right shunts measured by oximetry developed in 33 patients (15%). Immediately after PTMC, there were significantly reduced (p = 0.0001) left atrial pressure (24.2 ± 5.6 to 15.1 ± 5.1 mm Hg), mean pulmonary artery pressure (39.7 ± 13.0 to 30.6 ± 10.9 mm Hg) and mitral valve gradient (13.0 ± 5.1 to 5.7 ± 2.6 mm Hg). Mitral valve area increased from 1.0 ± 0.3 to 2.0 ± 0.7 cm2 (p = 0.0001) and cardiac output from 4.4 ± 1.4 to 4.7 ±1.2 liters/min (p 8, and valvular calcification and severe subvalvular lesions as independent predictors for suboptimal hemodynamic results. The cardiovascular event-free survival rate for group 1 was 100% up to 42 months; that for group 2 was 91% at 12 months, and held at 76% from 24 to 31 months. PTMC is safe, achieves good immediate and long-term results and is the procedure of choice in selected patients with mitral stenosis.
Structural changes underlying long-term memory storage in Aplysia: a molecular perspective

Abstract The storage of long-term memory in Aplysia is associated with the growth of synaptic connections, new protein synthesis and altered gene expression. These changes can now be induced in dissociated cell culture by repeated presentation of the modulatory neurotransmitter serotonin (5HT) where they are associated with a transient internalization of NCAM-related cell adhesion molecules thought to contribute to axonal outgrowth during development. Thus, learning-related synaptic growth initiated by experience in the adult may share mechanisms in common with the activity-dependent refinement of synaptic connections that shapes the developing nervous system.
Synchronizing videostroboscopic images of human laryngeal vibration with physiological signals

Abstract Purpose: This report describes a new system that permits the precise correlation of videostroboscopic images with corresponding physiological measures, such as glottography and subglottic pressure. Method: A healthy volunteer had unilateral vocal cord paralysis induced by infiltrating local anesthesia into the recurrent and superior laryngeal nerve. Vocal-fold vibrations were monitored by photoglottography (PGG) and electroglottography (EGG). Analog signals from the EGG and PGG were synchronized with the video and correlated. Results: The method described permits images to be sampled throughout sustained phonation. This technique allows study of events during glottic vibration. Results obtained have been in close agreement with previous studies that correlate the vocal-fold morphology to glottographic signal using other methods. This technique is inexpensive in comparison with high-speed filming. The main disadvantage of this method is related to the limitations of stroboscopy.
Is physical examination useful in predicting epididymal obstruction

Objectives. To evaluate the independent predictive value of subjective epididymal fullness in predicting obstruction in azoospermic men (group 1) and determining preoperatively the need for vasoepididymostomy (VE) in men presenting for vasectomy reversal (group 2). Methods. All men were evaluated with a medical history and physical examination. During the physical examination, the epididymis was classified as full, if any portion was palpably distended, or normal. Obstruction was confirmed at surgical exploration for group 1 after a biopsy that revealed sufficient spermatogenesis. In group 2, the indications for VE were either no fluid seen from the testicular end of the vas or thick, pasty fluid devoid of sperm. In cases in which VE was required, these units were classified as obstructed. Results. The predictive value of epididymal fullness was evaluated in 51 units (12 in group 1 and 39 in group 2). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 67%, 100%, 100%, and 83%, respectively, in group 1 and 33%, 89%, 20%, and 94%, respectively, in group 2. Conclusions. Epididymal fullness in azoospermic men is predictive of obstruction, although a normal epididymal examination cannot rule out obstruction. In men presenting for vasectomy reversal, the absence of epididymal fullness is predictive of vasal fluid that allows for vasovasostomy. Epididymal fullness may suggest, but cannot predict, unfavorable vasal fluid that requires VE.
Molecular Structural Determination of Molybdena in Different Environments: Aqueous Solutions, Bulk Mixed Oxides, and Supported MoO3 Catalysts

UV−vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and Raman spectroscopy were used to examine the electronic and molecular structures, respectively, of well-defined Mo(VI) bulk mixed oxide reference compounds ((i) isolated MoO4 or MoO6 monomers, (ii) dimeric O3Mo−O−MoO3, (iii) chains of alternating MoO4 and MoO6 units, (iv) MoO6-coordinated Mo7−Mo12 clusters, and (v) infinite layered sheets of MoO5 units), aqueous molybdate anions as a function of solution pH, and supported MoO3 catalysts (MoO3/SiO2, MoO3/Al2O3, and MoO3/ZrO2). Raman spectroscopy confirmed the identity and phase purity of the different bulk and solution molybdenum oxide structures. UV−vis DRS provided the corresponding electronic edge energy (Eg) of the ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) transitions of the Mo(VI) cations. A linear inverse correlation was found between Eg and the number of bridging Mo−O−Mo covalent bonds around the central Mo(VI) cation. A relationship between Eg and the domain size (NMo) for finite MoOx clusters, however,...
In vivo requirement of the α-syntrophin PDZ domain for the sarcolemmal localization of nNOS and aquaporin-4

α-Syntrophin is a scaffolding adapter protein expressed primarily on the sarcolemma of skeletal muscle. The COOH-terminal half of α-syntrophin binds to dystrophin and related proteins, leaving the PSD-95, discs-large, ZO-1 (PDZ) domain free to recruit other proteins to the dystrophin complex. We investigated the function of the PDZ domain of α-syntrophin in vivo by generating transgenic mouse lines expressing full-length α-syntrophin or a mutated α-syntrophin lacking the PDZ domain (ΔPDZ). The ΔPDZ α-syntrophin displaced endogenous α- and β1-syntrophin from the sarcolemma and resulted in sarcolemma containing little or no syntrophin PDZ domain. As a consequence, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and aquaporin-4 were absent from the sarcolemma. However, the sarcolemmal expression and distribution of muscle sodium channels, which bind the α-syntrophin PDZ domain in vitro, were not altered. Both transgenic mouse lines were bred with an α-syntrophin–null mouse which lacks sarcolemmal nNOS and aquaporin-4. The full-length α-syntrophin, not the ΔPDZ form, reestablished nNOS and aquaporin-4 at the sarcolemma of these mice. Genetic crosses with the mdx mouse showed that neither transgenic syntrophin could associate with the sarcolemma in the absence of dystrophin. Together, these data show that the sarcolemmal localization of nNOS and aquaporin-4 in vivo depends on the presence of a dystrophin-bound α-syntrophin PDZ domain.
Positive and Negative Earnings Surprises, Regulatory Climate, and Stock Returns*

This study focuses on electric utilities in the United States to consider two related issues. First, the study tests for asymmetric price reactions to positive and negative earnings surprises (ES). Second, the study associates policy differences across jurisdictions with variations in the cash flow effects of positive and negative ES and then uses the framework to consider variations in price responses across regulatory climates. In the same context, the study investigates the effects of a utility's abnormal profits on the asymmetry of price reactions to positve and negative ES. The empirical predictions are motivated by the disparity between the principles and practices that underlie cost recovery for the utilities and the uneven effects of the cost-recovery practies on the cash flows associated with positve and negative ES. The results show that the sign of ES and the climate in which a utility operates are related to the size of price reactions to ES. Furthermore, a utility's abnormal profit status has significant effects on the size of price reactions to ES. Only a modest price response asymmetry is indicated for manufacturing firms.
Accuracy of Predicting Genetic Merit from Pedigree Information for Bulls Entering Stud Sampling Programs

Abstract Four sources of pedigree information were used to determine the most accurate prediction of daughter yield deviation and PTA milk, fat, and protein for AI-sampled bulls (birth years from 1984 to 1986). Pedigree sources compared were parent average, pedigree index, PTA of sire, and PTA of sire and dam. Bulls were included only if they did not have a USDA evaluation in July 1989, so that a parent average was nearly uninfluenced by daughters of the bull. When pedigree estimates from immediately prior to first evaluation were used, parent average was a better predictor than pedigree index. Inclusion of PTA of dam with PTA of sire was more accurate than PTA of sire alone for predicting each trait and resulted in R 2 comparable with parent average. Predictability of daughter yield deviation from parent average for each trait improved over time as the amount of daughter information increased. Regression coefficients and R 2 increased considerably for parent average and PTA of dam but not for pedigree index or PTA of sire when evaluations of young bulls began influencing estimates for their ancestors. Parent average was always a better predictor than pedigree index. Although animal model evaluations of cows have improved predictive value, regression coefficients for all pedigree sources were less than theoretically expected.
Research Notes. Distributive and Procedural Justice as Predictors of Satisfaction with Personal and Organizational Outcomes

Distributive justice was found to be a more important predictor of two personal outcomes, pay satisfaction and job satisfaction, than procedural justice, whereas the reverse was true for two organi...
High performance and highly stable ultra-thin oxynitride for CMOS applications

The device characteristics and manufacturability of ultra-thin oxynitride have been systemically studied in this paper for CMOS applications. We have found that the transistor with plasma oxynitride gate dielectrics gives better pFET performance in terms of drive current, mobility, threshold voltage and leakage current as compared to the one with thermal oxynitride. For nFET, the performance for transistors with plasma oxynitride and thermal oxynitride are almost equivalent. The manufacturability of plasma oxynitride is also thoroughly investigated. This paper proposes pre-conditioning process in plasma nitridation process which can significantly reduce the wafer-to-wafer variation for nitrogen and oxygen dose in the ultra-thin gate dielectrics.
Teaching gross anatomy using living tissue.

Embalmed cadaver tissues and organs that are dissected in gross anatomy laboratories lack many characteristics of fresh or living tissues. The purpose of this study was to assess the educational value of allowing first-year medical students to experience first-hand the color, texture, delicacy and other qualities of living porcine tissues and organs that are similar to those of human tissues. Guided by a laboratory protocol, medical students palpated and inspected organs of the opened thorax, abdomen and pelvis of anesthetized pigs on pulmonary ventilators. The learning experience was rated highly by the students as well as by the participating faculty. A further review of the medical students' later experiences at autopsies and in surgical clerkships showed that the living-tissue experience in their gross anatomy course represented a large part of their medical school exposure to unembalmed tissues.
Sources of Nitrogen Supporting Growth and Embryogenesis in Cultured Wild Carrot Tissue

This paper seeks to calarify conflicting reports on the nitrogen requirements for in vitro embryogenesis in Daucus carota. Tissue derived from petiole explants of the wild strain of this species were tested with a variety of sources of cellular nitrogen under conditions otherwise favorable for in vitro embryogenesis. The use of very small, sieved and well-washed inocula reduced the carry-over of soluble materials with the inoculum. Embryo yield was quantified by direct counting of samples. Nitrate at concentrations ranging from 5 to 95 mM KNO3 supportes only weak growth and very low embryogenesis under the exacting conditions of these experiments. As little as 0.1 mM NH4Cl added to a nitrate medium allows some embryogenesis and 10 mM NH4Cl is near optimal when KNO3 is in the range of 12 to 40 mM concentration. Glutamine, glutamic acid, urea and alanine can individually partially replace NH4Cl as a supplement to KNO3. Glutamine, alanine, and possibly glutamic acid can serve as sole sources of nitrogen supporting both good growth and embryogenesis. It was concluded that a reduced nitrogen source is required, at least as a supplement to nitrate, for rapid growth and for in vitro embryogenesis of cultured wild carrot tissue. The relationship of pH of the culture medium to growth and embryogenesis was explored and optima observed at approximately pH 5.4 for both processes.