cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classification of geomorphic features and landscape stability in northwestern New Mexico using simulated spot imagery

Abstract Euclidean distance analysis of simulated Systeme Probatoire d'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) data is used to distinguish among geomorphic units that influence surface hydrology, erosion potential, and landscape stability in a semiarid portion of the San Juan Basin, northwestern New Mexico. Geomorphic units are distinguished on the ground by landscape position, geomorphic process type and rate, soil type, vegetation cover, and slope. Level III (Anderson et al., 1976) land cover classification (Level IV classification in two classes) of geomorphic units that are important in inferring landscape stability is attainable with the high spatial resolution of the data (20 m in the multispectral bands and 10 m in the panchromatic band). Classification accuracy is directly related to geomorphic feature homogeneity. Euclidean distance analysis of the multispectral bands identifies eolian-mantled uplands, surface exposures of B-horizon, coppice dunes, poorly vegetated silty and fine sandy areas, salt pans, sandy areas vegetated with shrubbery, and well-vegetated fine-grained areas. Landscape stability maps are generated from landscape component age and rates of fluvial or eolian processes on each spectrally distinct geomorphic unit. The panchromatic band discriminates among a 7–13 m wide arroyo, active and inactive tributary headcuts, and the stable portions of the valley floor.
Polymeric arrays for directional energy and electron transfer

Conformationally rigid block copolymers prepared by alkyllithium-initiated polymerization of vinyl arenes, by molybdenum amide catalyzed ring-opening metathesis polymerization of chromophore-labeled norbornenes, and by nickel catalyzed polymerization of functionalized isonitriles are described. Steady state and time-resolved spectroscopic methods have been employed as tools for the structural characterization of these polymers and for studying the kinetics of long distance electron transfer.
A composite urine biomarker reflects interstitial inflammation in lupus nephritis kidney biopsies

The initial treatment of lupus nephritis is usually based on a renal biopsy. Subsequent disease flares, however, are often treated without the benefit of kidney pathology because repeat biopsies are infrequent. A noninvasive, real-time method to assess renal pathology would be useful to adjust treatment and improve outcome. To develop such a method we collected urine samples at or close to the time of 64 biopsies from 61 patients with lupus nephritis to identify potential biomarkers of tubulointerstitial inflammation and correlated these to biopsy parameters scored by a renal pathologist using a semiquantitative scale. Linear discriminant analysis was used to weight variables and derive composite biomarkers that identified the level of tubulointerstitial inflammation based on urine concentrations of monocyte chemotactic protein-1, hepcidin (a marker of active lupus), and liver fatty acid–binding protein. The discriminant function that described the most accurate composite biomarkers included urine monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and serum creatinine as the independent variables. This composite had sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 100, 81, 67, and 100%, respectively. Only 14% of the biopsies were misclassified. Thus, specific renal pathologic lesions can be modeled by composite biomarkers to noninvasively follow and adjust the treatment of lupus nephritis reflecting renal injury.
New bounds for Kakeya problems

We establish new estimates on the Minkowski and Hausdorff dimensions of Kakeya sets and we obtain new bounds on the Kakeya maximal operator.
Quantitative verification of 192Ir PDR and HDR source structure by pin‐hole autoradiography

For precise localization of the center and determination of the dimensions of the radioactive material within the capsule of brachytherapysources, we have developed a method based on simultaneous pin‐hole autoradiography of two sources. We constructed a variable magnification pin‐hole camera consisting of two telescopically fitted Plexiglas cylinders which can accommodate two radioactive sources on the plate covering the top cylinder. The 192Ir pulsed and high dose‐ratesources were studied and an 192Ir seed was used as a reference source. The magnification factor was determined from the dimensions of the 192Ir seed image, which was geometrically well defined by a separate transmission radiography experiment. The observed position for the center of radioactivity in the PDR and the HDR source capsules are in agreement with the vendor specifications. The distance from the tip of the PDR capsule to its center of radioactivity was found in this way to be 0.79±0.21 mm, which agrees with the position (0.85 mm) of the pellet situated closer to the tip as specified by the vendor. Quantitative verification of the internal source structure using this method enhances the accuracy with which the dose distribution near brachytherapysources can be predicted by three‐dimensional Monte Carlo calculations.
Beyond Autotelic Play

In the Philosophy of Sport literature, play has been widely conceived, in whole or part, as an autotelic activity; that is, an activity pursued for intrinsic factors. I examine several versions of the conception of play as an autotelic activity. Given these different accounts, I raise the question whether the concept of autotelic play is tenable. I examine three possibilities: (i) accept the concept of autotelic play and reject the possibility of satisfying the conditions for play activities; (ii) accept the concept and acknowledge that play refers to a range of activities ranging from the purely autotelic to something less; and, (iii) reject the definition of play as an autotelic activity and redefine play. I argue that the third option is the best avenue for constructing a viable account of play. In defending this third option, I argue that play activities are value laden, that the value of play is an empirical matter, and that the effect of motivating reasons on behavior is the basis for determining wh...
Point and block prediction in log-Gaussian random fields: The non-constant mean case

Abstract This work considers the problems of point and block prediction in log-Gaussian random fields for the case when the mean of the log-process is not constant and depends linearly on unknown parameters. First, we propose a new point predictor that is optimal within a certain family of predictors, which extend a result in De Oliveira [2006. On optimal point and block prediction in log-Gaussian random fields. Scand. J. Statist. 33, 523–540.] that holds in the case when the mean of the log-process is constant. Second, we show that the results in De Oliveira [2006. On optimal point and block prediction in log-Gaussian random fields. Scand. J. Statist. 33, 523–540.] regarding optimal block prediction cannot be extended to the case when the mean of the log-process is not constant. Specifically, we show that the two families of block predictors considered by De Oliveira lack an optimal predictor. Finally, we numerically compare the predictive efficiency of the proposed point and block predictors.
Asymptotic matching by the symbolic manipulator MACSYMA

The delegation of the labor of calculating higher-order terms in singular perturbation (SP) expansions to a computer by the use of MACSYMA is considered. The method of matched asymptotic expansions is studied in detail for two model SP problems: a model resembling the boundary layer equation with a small parameter multiplying the highest derivatives; and a turning-point problem. It is shown that MACSYMA has successfully performed the higher-order matching in both problems.
A Time-Velocity Ratio Investigation

Piaget's investigations of children's conceptions of time included a conclusion that young children (ages 4–8) equate greater velocity with longer duration, even when they are passive listeners. This was verified through his metronome experiments. This study investigated the principle that older children (ages 10–12) will begin to recognize that there is an inverse relationship between time and velocity, and correctly estimate duration of musical fragments. Results of the study support the time-velocity ratio principle using a metronome stimulus; however, there was no support for the principle with musical fragments as stimuli. Children in grades 2, 4, and 6 tended to select the second fragment as longer, irrespective of velocity.
Neuroimaging of Fibromyalgia

Functional MRI blood oxygenation level dependent activation studies on patients who have fibromyalgia have demonstrated augmented sensitivity to painful pressure and the association of this augmentation with variables such as depression and catastrophizing and have also been used to evaluate the symptoms of cognitive dysfunction. Using a wide array of techniques, these studies have found differences in opioid receptor binding, in the concentration of metabolites associated with neural processing in pain-related regions, in functional brain networks, and in regional brain volume and white matter tracks. A common theme of all of these methods is that they provide information that may be pertinent to the otherwise unobservable and poorly treated symptoms of persistent widespread chronic pain.
Lateral diffusion of small compounds in human stratum corneum and model lipid bilayer systems

An image-based technique of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (video-FRAP) was used to measure the lateral diffusion coefficients of a series of nine fluorescent probes in two model lipid bilayer systems, dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and DMPC/cholesterol (40 mol%), as well as in human stratum corneum-extracted lipids. The probes were all lipophilic, varied in molecular weight from 223 to 854 Da, and were chosen to characterize the lateral diffusion of small compounds in these bilayer systems. A clear molecular weight dependence of the lateral diffusion coefficients in DMPC bilayers was observed. Values ranged from 6.72 x 10(-8) to 16.2 x 10(-8) cm2/s, with the smaller probes diffusing faster than the larger ones. Measurements in DMPC/cholesterol bilayers, which represent the most thorough characterization of small-solute diffusion in this system, exhibited a similar molecular weight dependence, although the diffusion coefficients were lower, ranging from 1.62 x 10(-8) to 5.60 x 10(-8) cm2/s. Lateral diffusion measurements in stratum corneum-extracted lipids, which represent a novel examination of diffusion in this unique lipid system, also exhibited a molecular weight dependence, with values ranging from 0.306 x 10(-8) to 2.34 x 10(-8) cm2/s. Literature data showed that these strong molecular weight dependencies extend to even smaller compounds than those examined in this study. A two-parameter empirical expression is presented that describes the lateral diffusion coefficient in terms of the solute's molecular weight and captures the size dependence over the range examined. This study illustrates the degree to which small-molecule lateral diffusion in stratum corneum-extracted lipids can be represented by diffusion in DMPC and DMPC/cholesterol bilayer systems, and may lead to a better understanding of small-solute transport across human stratum corneum.
Hydrogen absorption by very strong steel during chemical descaling

Abstract An investigation has been made of chemical descaling treatments for very strong steels in which the steel absorbs less than ca. 0·1 ppm by wt. hydrogen, which is known from tensile tests to cause embrittlement. Dilute mineral acids, with or without commercial restrainers, are considered to embrittle. Acid-oxidant mixtures which chemically polish the steel appear worthy of further examination although the presence of an oxidant did not eliminate hydrogen absorption. Strongly alkaline mixtures caused an introduction of less than 0·1 ppm but removed scale slowly. Unexpectedly, anhydrous pyrophosphoric acid was found to chemically polish.
The burden of incisional hernia in necrotizing pancreatitis: how can we improve?

Abstract Background Necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) patients frequently require pancreatic debridement, and have risk factors for incisional hernia (IH). However, no published data exist regarding the incidence of IH in NP. The aim of the current study was to define the incidence of and identify risk factors for developing IH after pancreatic debridement. Methods Hernia presence was determined by clinical examination and patient interview. Technical and clinical considerations were noted: type of incision, closure, suture material, age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus (DM), preoperative albumin, and number of operations. Results Sixty-three (42%) of 149 debrided patients with NP developed IH. IH patients were older (P Conclusion The incidence of IH in NP patients requiring operative debridement is substantially higher than that in patients undergoing routine laparotomy. Innovative fascial closure techniques such as primary fascial buttress with nonsynthetic mesh should be considered.
Predicting chronic lethality of chemicals to fishes from acute toxicity test data: Concepts and linear regression analysis

A comprehensive approach to predicting chronic lethality from acute toxicity data was developed in which simultaneous consideration is given to concentration, degree of response, and time course of effect. A consistent end point (lethality) and degree of response (0%) were used to compared acute and chronic tests. Predicted NOECs were highly accurate 84 to 92% of the time (within a factor of 2.0 of the limits of the maximum acceptable toxicant concentrations for lethality) and did not vary by more than a factor of 3.6 97% of the time when the technique was applied to a database of 18 chemicals and seven fish species. Growth effects can be predicted from chronic lethality, but reproductive or other chronic effects should not.
3D Human Motion Tracking with a Coordinated Mixture of Factor Analyzers

A major challenge in applying Bayesian tracking methods for tracking 3D human body pose is the high dimensionality of the pose state space. It has been observed that the 3D human body pose parameters typically can be assumed to lie on a low-dimensional manifold embedded in the high-dimensional space. The goal of this work is to approximate the low-dimensional manifold so that a low-dimensional state vector can be obtained for efficient and effective Bayesian tracking. To achieve this goal, a globally coordinated mixture of factor analyzers is learned from motion capture data. Each factor analyzer in the mixture is a "locally linear dimensionality reducer" that approximates a part of the manifold. The global parametrization of the manifold is obtained by aligning these locally linear pieces in a global coordinate system. To enable automatic and optimal selection of the number of factor analyzers and the dimensionality of the manifold, a variational Bayesian formulation of the globally coordinated mixture of factor analyzers is proposed. The advantages of the proposed model are demonstrated in a multiple hypothesis tracker for tracking 3D human body pose. Quantitative comparisons on benchmark datasets show that the proposed method produces more accurate 3D pose estimates over time than those obtained from two previously proposed Bayesian tracking methods.
Development of Policy under the Trade Agreements Program

Origins of the program, 297.— Pitfalls of the policy, 299.— State Department's attempts to avoid them, 300.—Difficulty in application of most-favored-nation principle, 301.—Attempts to meet this, 302.— "Safeguards" 303.— Quotas and exchange control, 304.—Prohibitions on sanitary grounds, 305.— Monopolistic practices, 305.— Domestic planning measures, 305.— The problem of monetary instability, 307. — Conflict with bilateral exchange pacts, 309.—Conclusions: no safeguards developed against managed currency and economic planning pitfalls, 311.—Leadership incumbent upon creditor nations, 312.
Conversion of allylic alcohols into conjugated dienes

Abstract Phosphorus oxychloride and pyridine convert allylic alcohols into conjugated dienes in good to excellent yields.
Newborn Screening Archives as a Specimen Source for Epidemiologic Studies: Feasibility and Potential for Bias

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of obtaining dried blood spots (DBS) from newborn screening archives for subjects in epidemiologic studies and using these specimens for genotyping, and to evaluate the potential for bias in their use. Methods We attempted to locate DBS at Washington State's archives for 230 participants in a previous case-control study of childhood cancer, who were born 1978–1990. We compared characteristics of children for whom we did and did not locate specimens and attempted genetic polymorphism analyses (11 polymorphisms, 82–480 bp amplicons). Results We retrieved specimens for 203 (88%) children, including 199 (94%) born in months when a DBS catalog was available. Among the latter, the proportion with specimens located varied by birth place (e.g., hospital, home), maternal education, and prenatal smoking, but did not vary significantly by race/ethnicity. All genotyping assays were completed for all specimens, and among controls genotype distributions were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and similar to previous reports. Conclusions Newborn screening archives have potential to provide specimens for epidemiologic studies conducting genotyping and perhaps other assays, but the possibility that reliance on these resources could bias risk estimates must be considered.
Understanding Objective Performance Goals for Critical Limb Ischemia Trials

Critical limb ischemia (CLI), the most advanced form of peripheral arterial disease, is associated with a high rate of limb loss and substantial mortality. Revascularization remains the cornerstone of limb salvage in the CLI patient, and surgical bypass is the established standard. Endovascular therapies, such as angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting offer a less-invasive option, but evidence of efficacy is lacking, and no devices are currently approved specifically for CLI. Design and execution of clinical trials in the CLI population are challenging, in part because of the lack of consensus on cohort definitions and relevant endpoints. Recently, the Society for Vascular Surgery undertook an initiative to define therapeutic benchmarks, objective performance goals (OPGs), for CLI. Using surgical bypass with autogenous vein as the standard for comparison, OPGs were developed for nine safety and efficacy measures that could be utilized in the premarket assessment of new devices in CLI. Data from three large randomized controlled trials of surgical bypass for CLI were analyzed. We defined a major adverse limb event (MALE) as a key endpoint for revascularization therapies in CLI—inclusive of amputation (transtibial or above) or any major vascular reintervention (thrombectomy, thrombolysis, or major surgical procedure [new bypass graft, jump/interposition graft revision]) in the index limb. Freedom from perioperative (30-day) death or any MALE (MALE + POD) was suggested as the primary efficacy endpoint for a single-arm trial design in CLI, with an observed rate of 76.9% for the surgical bypass controls at 1 year. Specific high-risk subgroups were also defined from the surgical dataset—based on clinical (age older than 80 years and tissue loss), arterial anatomy (infrapopliteal disease), and conduit quality (inadequate saphenous vein) characteristics. Risk-adjusted OPG were developed for these subgroups of interest. These OPGs define a new set of benchmarks for assessing the performance of revascularization therapies in CLI, and should facilitate clinical trial design and device development in this arena.
Mitral valve replacement in children: predictors of long-term outcome.

Abstract Background Mitral valve replacement (MVR) in children has been associated with a high complication rate. We sought to assess predictors of outcomes in children undergoing MVR. Methods A retrospective review of clinical, surgical, and echocardiographic records of patients undergoing MVR was performed. Between 1982 and 2000, 53 children underwent 76 MVR procedures at a median age of 5 years (range, 1 day to 18 years) and weight of 17 kg (range, 3 to 121 kg). Eighteen patients (34%) had more than one MVR. Previous cardiac surgery had been performed in 39 (74%), with 27 (51%) undergoing previous mitral repair. Patients were followed for 9.2 ± 4.8 (range, 2 to 20) years. Results There were 14 patient deaths, with 6 patients dying within 30 days, and five transplants (36%). Ten-year freedom from reoperation was 66%. Long-term survivors were older at initial repair (7.0 vs 2.5 years, p = 0.02), with a lower incidence of residual cardiac lesions (3% vs 37%, p p = 0.04). Survivors had better left ventricular function preoperatively (ejection fraction, 68% vs 54%; p = 0.001) and placement of a prosthetic valve within 1 z-score of the echocardiographically measured mitral valve annulus ( p = 0.02). Conclusions Adverse outcome after MVR is common, particularly in the young child undergoing palliative surgery or requiring additional surgical procedures. Preoperative assessment of mitral valve size and ventricular function is essential for risk stratification of these patients.
A 3-year outcome study of normal-weight bulimia: assessment of psychosocial functioning and eating attitudes.

Abstract The Eating Attitudes Test, Social Adjustment Scale: Self-Report (SAS-SR), and Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL) were administered to 18 normal-weight bulimics at 1- and 3-year followups. Eating attitudes and depressive symptoms improved significantly at year 1. There was no significant improvement on the SAS-SR at year 1. At year 3, significant improvement in all HSCL scores was evident, but only in the Work scale of the SAS-SR.
Synthesis of Chimeric 7α-Substituted Estradiol Derivatives Linked to Cholesterol and Cholesterylamine

We report the synthesis of 7α-substituted β-estradiol derivatives bearing side chains terminated with cholesterol and 3β-cholesterylamine. These chimeric compounds were designed to exhibit high aff...
Practical Approach to Using Uncertainties in Structural Condition Assessment

This paper presents an overview and a recap of basic equations of structural reliability as applied to structural condition assessment. Common sources of uncertainties in structural design parameters are explained, and methods to quantify uncertainties are reviewed and presented. Through two illustrative examples, it is demonstrated that in certain cases, even though an acceptable factor of safety may be obtained, in the presence of uncertainty, there may be a rather undesirable probability of failure associated with the factor of safety. The paper is intended to offer a practical and simple, yet logical, approach in treating uncertainties in structural condition assessment.
Effect of rat age on serum levels of growth hormone and somatomedins

Abstract The somatomedins are a family of hormones which appear to mediate many of the anabolic actions of growth hormone: these processes often exhibit an age-associated deterioration in intact animals. We have demonstrated the validity of a radioreceptor assay for the determination of somatomedin levels in rat serum. In this assay, we measure displacement of 125I-labeled Multiplication Stimulating Activity (MSA) from receptors prepared from human placental membranes. Results with this procedure confirm and extend a previous report from this laboratory indicating a significant decrease in somatomedin levels during the latter part of the lifespan. Data are presented to eliminate possible artifactual explanations for the observed age-related changes. Furthermore, we find that the decrease in somatomedin levels can not be a simple result of an age-related decrease in basal levels of growth hormone in serum. We conclude that the decrease with age in circulating levels of the somatomedins is most probably attributable to a decrease in the activity or responsiveness of the tissues (most probably liver) which secrete somatomedins in response to stimulation by growth hormone.
Adenosine A3 receptor activation attenuates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Background Severe ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury leads to primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation. Adenosine receptors modulate inflammation after IR, and the adenosine A 3 receptor (A 3 R) is expressed in lung tissue and inflammatory cells. This study tests the hypothesis that A 3 R agonism attenuates lung IR injury by a neutrophil-dependent mechanism. Methods Wild-type and A 3 R knockout (A 3 R-/-) mice underwent 1-hour left lung ischemia followed by 2-hours reperfusion (IR). A selective A 3 R agonist, Cl-IB-MECA, was administered (100 μg/kg intravenously) 5 minutes prior to ischemia. Study groups included sham, IR, and IR+Cl-IB-MECA (n = 6/group). Lung injury was assessed by measuring lung function, pulmonary edema, histopathology, and proinflammatory cytokines, and myeloperoxidase levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Parallel in vitro experiments were performed to evaluate neutrophil chemotaxis, and neutrophil activation was measured after exposure to acute hypoxia and reoxygenation. Results Treatment of wild-type mice with Cl-IB-MECA significantly improved lung function and decreased edema, cytokine expression, and neutrophil infiltration after IR. The Cl-IB-MECA had no effects in A 3 R-/- mice; Cl-IB-MECA significantly decreased activation of wild-type, but not A 3 R-/-, neutrophils after acute hypoxia and reoxygenation and inhibited chemotaxis of wild-type neutrophils. Conclusions Exogenous activation of A 3 R by Cl-IB-MECA attenuates lung dysfunction, inflammation, and neutrophil infiltration after IR in wild-type but not A 3 R-/- mice. Results with isolated neutrophils suggest that the protective effects of Cl-IB-MECA are due, in part, to the prevention of neutrophil activation and chemotaxis. The use of A 3 R agonists may be a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent lung IR injury and primary graft dysfunction after transplantation.
Ensemble entrainment of self-sustaining oscillators: a possible application to neural signals

Abstract This paper presents an alternative model to Wiener's system of coupled nonlinear oscillators to account for the peak-dip shape of an EEG power spectrum he reported. The model also offers an alternative to the qualitative description of this peak-dip trimodal shape as the fourth derivative of a Gaussian distribution. The Gaussian distribution is not a necessary feature of the reported model. The model considered here is a system of entrainable oscillators being driven by a single frequency. The oscillators are considered to be at most only indirectly coupled with their natural periods of oscillation probabilistically distributed. The main result of the paper is that the distribution of entrained oscillator frequencies has the peak-dip shape characterized by a high central peak rising out of a dip on either side. Both peak height and depth and distance of the dips from the central peak are related to the sharpness of the entrainment curve and the entrainment range for an oscillator.
Gabapentin: a pooled analysis of adverse events from three clinical trials in patients with postherpetic neuralgia.

Abstract Background: Gabapentin has been shown to be well tolerated and effective in the management of the pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). It is assumed that adverse events occurring with gabapentin are dose related, their frequency and severity increasing with increasing doses. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the dose dependence of adverse events with gabapentin by determining the relationship between increasing doses of gabapentin and the onset and/or worsening of adverse events in patients with PHN. Methods: Data were pooled from 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group studies of gabapentin that focused on or included patients with PHN. Gabapentin was initiated at 300 mg/d and titrated to maintenance doses of 1800 to 3600 mg/d by day 12 to 24. The analysis of adverse events was based on 3 distinct groups: patients who received gabapentin Results: This study included data from 603 patients with PHN: 358 patients (196 [54.7%] women, 162 [45.3%] men; mean [SD] age, 72.3 [10.3] years) received gabapentin, and 245 (133 [54.3%] women, 112 [45.7%] men; mean [SD] age, 73.3 [10.7] years) received placebo. The 3 most common adverse events were dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema. Patients receiving gabapentin ≥1800 mg/d had a higher incidence of peripheral edema (7.5%) than those receiving gabapentin Conclusions: In this pooled analysis of adverse-event data from 3 clinical trials in patients with PHN, the incidence of peripheral edema was increased when gabapentin was titrated to ≥1800 mg/d. Dizziness and somnolence, the other most commonly occurring adverse events, were transient and did not occur more frequently or worsen with titration to ≥1800 mg/d. Based on these findings, it does not appear that safety concerns should limit titration of gabapentin to achieve optimal efficacy.
Using concept mapping for planning and evaluation of a statewide energy efficiency initiative

In this paper, concept mapping techniques for planning and evaluating energy efficiency initiatives are presented using a case example from an evaluability assessment of a statewide initiative in the USA. Cluster maps, point cluster maps, cluster rating maps, pattern matches, go-zones, and other information are used to demonstrate how concept mapping can inform non-arbitrary, defensible decisions and subsequent actions for energy efficiency and renewable energy financing, program planning, and evaluation.
Abbau‐ und verzweigungsreaktionen von polystyrol unter der einwirkung von aluminiumchlorid, II.

Der Einflus von AlCl3 auf eine Reihe von Polystyrolfraktionen in Nitrobenzollosung bei 25 und 60°C wurde untersucht. Dabei tritt bei 60°C ein starker Viskositatsabfall auf. Im Verlauf der AlCl3-Behandlung sinkt auch die Grenzviskositatszahl [η] (Toluol), aber nicht das Molekulargewicht (Mw, Lichtstreuung). Daraus ergibt sich, das nebeneinander eine Abbau- und eine Verzweigungsreaktion vor sich gehen, die das ursprunglich lineare resp. annahernd lineare Polystyrol in ein mehr oder weniger verzweigtes Produkt umwandeln. Als Mechanismus dieser Reaktionen wird ein Carboniumionen-Kettenmechanismus vorgeschlagen, wobei die Verzweigung wahrscheinlich durch eine FRIEDEL-CRAFTS-Reaktion verursacht wird und der Abbau durch eine β-Spaltung von polymeren Carboniumionen. Diese greift bevorzugt an Kopf-Kopf-Stellen der Kette an, was durch Versuche mit einem Styrol-Stilben-Copolymerisat sehr wahrscheinlich gemacht wurde. The effect of AlCl3 on a number of polystyrene fractions in nitrobenzene solution at 25 and 60°C. was studied. Particularly at 60°C. a marked viscosity decrease takes place. In the course of the AlCl3-treatment also the intrinsic viscosity [η] (Toluene) decreases but not the molecular weight (Mw, light scattering). It was concluded that simultaneously a branching and a degradation reaction take place; the originally linear polystyrene is transformed into a more or less branched polymer. The mechanism of this reaction is a carbonium ion chain mechanism: branching is probably caused by a FRIEDEL-CRAFTS reaction and degradation by β-scission of polymer carbonium ions. The scission seems to favor head-head units as the point of attack; this conclusion was supported by experiments with a styrene-stilbene copolymer.
Fully dense nano-composite energetic powders prepared by arrested reactive milling

Abstract Highly reactive metastable nano-scale composites of aluminum and metal oxides have been produced by arrested reactive milling (ARM), and their combustion performance has been preliminarily evaluated. Aluminum powder has been milled with powders of MoO3 and Fe2O3. The prepared composites are powders with particle sizes in the 1–100 μm range. Each individual particle comprises a fully dense, nano-scale mixture of the chemical reagents. These composites belong to a novel class of energetic materials characterized by an intimate mixing of reactive components on nanometer to atomic scale. Reactive components can be metal/metal oxide pairs or combinations of other materials capable of highly exothermic reactions such as B–Ti or B–Zr. High-energy milling of these components leads to mechanical initiation of the reaction. Highly reactive composites are obtained by arresting this process immediately before the initiation would occur if milling were allowed to proceed. An experimental parametric study of reactive milling in the Al–MoO3 and Al–Fe2O3 systems was conducted to establish at which milling times the reaction is spontaneously initiated under various conditions. Samples of nano-composite powders were synthesized by arresting the milling process, and characterized using electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and particle size analysis. Ignition temperatures of the materials were determined at heating rates in the range of 300–3000 K/s using an electrically heated filament. Activation energies of ignition were determined to be 152 ± 19 and 170 ± 25 kJ/mol for the Al-MoO3 and Al-Fe2O3 nano-composites, respectively. The activation energy obtained for the Al-Fe2O3 nano-composite is consistent with a previously reported value for the Al-Fe2O3 thermite reaction. Combustion tests were conducted in a constant volume pressure vessel in argon for both Al-Fe2O3 and Al-MoO3 and compared to respective blends of initial powders and to partially milled powders. The nano-composites showed higher respective reaction rates. Linear burning rates measured in an open channel of 2.5 × 2.5 mm cross-section were also higher for the ARM-prepared powders compared to partially milled materials.
On simple programs with primitive conditional statements

This paper is concerned with the expressive power (or computational power) of loop programs over different sets of primitive instructions. In particular, we show that an { x ← 0, x ← y , x ← x + 1, do x … end , if x = 0 then y ← z }-program which contains no nested loops can be transformed into an equivalent { x ← 0, x ← y , x ← x + 1, do x … end }-program (also without nested loops) in exponential time and space. This translation was earlier claimed, in the literature, to be obtainable in polynomial time, but then this was subsequently shown to imply that PSPACE = PTIME. Consequently, the question of translatability was left unanswered. Also, we show that the class of functions computable by { x ← 0, x ← y , x ← x + 1, x − 1, do x … end , if x = 0 then x ← c }-programs is exactly the class of Presburger functions.
Transfusion with blood from a donor with chronic myelogenous leukemia: persistence of the bcr/abl translocation in the recipient.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion of cells harvested from patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) as a therapeutic measure for patients with granulocytopenia was popular in the 1970s, when studies examining the persistence of transfused donor cells were limited by a lack of molecular techniques. Blood samples from a patient who recently received an inadvertent transfusion of CML cells were evaluated for the presence of the bcr/abl translocation characteristic of CML. CASE REPORT: The patient, a 67-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure, myocardial infarct, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic renal failure, was transfused for bleeding from colonic angiodysplasia. A volunteer blood donor reported that he had been diagnosed with CML 10 days after his donation. Three days after the donation, blood components from the donor with CML had been administered to the patient as nonirradiated red cells and platelets. Evaluation of donor blood by a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction showed the b3a2 transcript, indicating a bcr/abl translocation. Periodic testing of the patient's peripheral blood by the same technique demonstrated the presence of the b3a2 transcript on Days 74 and 75 after transfusion. The patient died of congestive heart failure 8 months after the transfusion. CONCLUSION: In this rare case of accidental transfusion of neoplastic cells, the findings document the persistence of the donor's neoplastic clone in the recipient for 75 days.
Experimental Behavior of High Strength Square Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Beam-Columns

The flexural force-deformation behavior of high strength square concrete-filled steel tube (CFT) beam-columns was experimentally investigated. The parameters in the study included the width-to-thic...
Ex vivo culture systems for hematopoietic cells

During the past few years, hematopoietic cell culture technologies for transplantation therapies have progressed significantly on several fronts. Advances include the discoveries of the growth factors thrombopoietin and Flt-3 ligand, the development of a variety of bioreactor systems, and results from preliminary clinical trials that demonstrate the efficacy of ex vivo expanded hematopoietic cells for transplantation therapy.
Structure–activity relationship studies of curcumin analogues

Two series of curcumin analogues, a total of twenty-four compounds, were synthesized and evaluated. The most potent compound, compound 23, showed potent growth inhibitory activities on both prostate and breast cancer lines with IC(50) values in sub-micromolar range, fifty times more potent than curcumin. Curcumin analogues might be potential anti-tumor agents for breast and prostate cancers.
Multiphysics solvers for implicitly coupled electromechanical and electromagnetic transients simulation

By exploiting the structure of the Jacobian matrix for combined electromechanical-electromagnetic transients simulation, numerically efficient multiphysics solvers can be composed. Three multiphysics solvers: Block-Jacobi, Block-Gauss-Seidel, and Schur-complement based are presented for the implicitly coupled electromechanical and electromagnetic transients simulation. Results for a 9-bus and 118 bus system show the computational efficiency of the proposed multiphysics solvers as compared with direct solution vwith LU factorization.
Polyiodide Equilibria in Aqueous Solutions of Iodine and Iodide

Abstract It has been well established that the triiodide ion (I3 −) is formed in aqueous solutions containing iodine and iodide. It is also evident that other more complicated polyiodide ions are formed in these solutions. It is not so clear, however, what other ions are formed in addition to I3 −. Ions of the form I4 −2, I5 − and I6 −2 have been proposed along with even more complex ions. In this study an analysis has been made of existing data on iodine-iodide solutions to determine what equilibria, other than formation of I3 −, are important. Analysis of data on solutions containing 0.04949 M total iodide, total iodine varying from 0.00114 M to 0.01854 M and with all solutions at 25°C and an ionic strength of 2.00 M KNO3, indicates that the equilibrium I3 − + I2±I5 − is occurring. The equilibrium constant, defined in terms of concentrations, was determined to be 20.2 for this equilibrium under these conditions.
Characterization of human brain kynurenine aminotransferases using [3H]kynurenine as a substrate.

Abstract The brain metabolite kynurenic acid is an established broad-spectrum antagonist at ionotropic excitatory amino acid receptors. In the human brain, two distinct enzymes are capable of synthesizing kynurenic acid from its bioprecursor l -kynurenine. Using [3H]kynurenine as the substrate, the two kynurenine aminotransferases (kynurenine aminotransferase I and kynurenine aminotransferase II) are now characterized using partially purified enzyme preparations. When assayed at its pH optimum of 10.0, kynurenine aminotransferase I showed pronounced oxo acid specificity (pyruvate ≫2-oxoglutarate). This co-substrate selectivity was lost when assays were performed at pH 7.4. Kynurenine aminotransferase I activity was potently inhibited by 2mM glutamine, tryptophan or phenylalanine, but not by 2mM α-aminoadipate or glutamate. In contrast to kynurenine aminotransferase I, kynurenine aminotransferase II showed a shallow pH curve with an optimum of about 7.4, displayed virtually equal activity with all of the nine 2-oxo acids tested and was not susceptible to inhibition by any of 10 amino acids (2 mM) which are known to serve as substrates for enzymatic transamination. Kinetic analyses, performed at pH 7.4 (kynurenine aminotransferases I and II) and 10.0 (kynurenine aminotransferase I), and using various concentrations of kynurenine, pyruvate or 2-oxoglutarate, respectively, substantiated the differences between the two enzymes and further elucidated the pH dependence of kynurenine aminotransferase I activity [apparent Km values for kynurenine with 1 mM 2-oxoglutarate: 515 μM (pH 7.4) and 22 μM (pH 10.0)]. Taken together, these data suggest that under physiological conditions, human brain kynurenic acid may derive preferentially from kynurenine aminotransferase II. However, kynurenine aminotransferase I activity could become a significant factor in kynurenic acid biosynthesis under conditions which decrease the cerebral concentration of amino acids such as glutamine, tryptophan and phenylalanine, and in pathological situations which result in an alkalotic cellular milieu.
An Alu transposition model for the origin and expansion of human segmental duplications.

Relative to genomes of other sequenced organisms, the human genome appears particularly enriched for large, highly homologous segmental duplications (⩾90% sequence identity and ⩾10 kbp in length). The molecular basis for this enrichment is unknown. We sought to gain insight into the mechanism of origin, by systematically examining sequence features at the junctions of duplications. We analyzed 9,464 junctions within regions of high-quality finished sequence from a genomewide set of 2,366 duplication alignments. We observed a highly significant ( P Alu short interspersed element (SINE) sequences near or within the junction. Twenty-seven percent of all segmental duplications terminated within an Alu repeat. The Alu junction enrichment was most pronounced for interspersed segmental duplications separated by ⩾1 Mb of intervening sequence. Alu elements at the junctions showed higher levels of divergence, consistent with Alu - Alu –mediated recombination events. When we classified Alu elements into major subfamilies, younger elements ( Alu Y and Alu S) accounted for the enrichment, whereas the oldest primate family ( Alu J) showed no enrichment. We propose that the primate-specific burst of Alu retroposition activity (which occurred 35–40 million years ago) sensitized the ancestral human genome for Alu - Alu –mediated recombination events, which, in turn, initiated the expansion of gene-rich segmental duplications and their subsequent role in nonallelic homologous recombination.
Differential inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory control by N-1-substituted, 3-, 4-substituted pyridinium halides

Several N-1-alkyl-, 3-, and 4-carbamidopyridinium halides were synthesized and determined to be inhibitors of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. L-Glutamate respiration was most depressed by N-1-dodecylpyridinium bromide whereas succinate respiration was most depressed by N-1-dodecylisonicotinamide bromide. Combination of inhibitors with mitochondrial sites may involve lipophilic interactions as modified by steric restrictions.
Causes and prognosis of diffuse alveolar damage diagnosed on surgical lung biopsy.

Background: Diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) is a relatively common histopathologic finding at autopsy, particularly in patients dying with ARDS, and can result from a variety of causes. The spectrum of causes and associated prognostic implications for DAD diagnosed by surgical lung biopsy are unclear. Methods: We identified 58 consecutive patients with DAD diagnosed by surgical lung biopsy over a 7-year period, January 1996 through December 2002. The presenting clinicoradiologic features, causes, and clinical course of these patients were studied. Results: The median age was 61 years, 48% were women, and 60% were immunocompromised. Ninety percent of patients fulfilled the criteria for ARDS at the time of surgical lung biopsy. Chest radiography demonstrated bilateral parenchymal infiltrates, while CT revealed predominantly ground-glass and consolidative opacities. Infections were the most common cause of DAD (22%). Other causes were noninfectious pulmonary complications of hematopoietic stem-cell or solid-organ transplantation (17%), connective tissue diseases (16%), acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (12%), drugs (10%), and radiation therapy (2%). Twelve patients (21%) had acute interstitial pneumonia ( ie , no identifiable cause or predisposing condition for DAD). Overall hospital mortality was 53%, with the highest mortality (86%) occurring among patients for whom DAD represented acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusion: Our study showed that infections and acute interstitial pneumonia are the most common causes of DAD diagnosed by surgical lung biopsy. Hospital mortality rate associated with DAD may vary depending on the underlying cause.
On the ozonization of cholesterol 3-acyl esters in protic media

Abstract The structures of cholesterol 3β-acyl ester ozonides formed by reaction with ozone in participating alcoholic solvents are established by proton and carbon-13 spectra as a 3β-acyloxy-7α-alkoxy-(5R,7R)-5α-B-homo-6-oxacholestane-5-hydroperoxides ( 7a, 7b ), and that of the dimeric cholesterol ozonide formed in nonparticipating solvents with cholesterol acting as alcohol is established as 7α-cholest-5′-en-3′-yloxy-3β-hydroxy-(5R,7R)-5α-B-homo-6-oxacholestane-5-hydroperoxide ( 7c ).
Selection of membrane IgM- variants from a mIgM+ murine B lymphoma cell: problems and solutions.

We have used antibody-mediated complement killing to isolate membrane IgM-negative (mIgM−) variants from the mIgM+ murine B cell lymphoma, WEHI 279.1. This procedure has been used previously to select variants which lack expression of other cell-surface antigens on lymphoid cells. In those experiments, multiple rounds of selection have often been required for selection of the negative variants. We found that many cycles of selection produced very few variants and that those isolated had reduced, but still measurable, levels of mIgM. We were able to select large numbers of stable mIgM− variants by subjecting the populations with reduced levels of mIgM to two rounds of immunoselection within one cell cycle. These variants are stable and exhibit a variety of defects which are all expressed as a failure to display IgM on their external surface. Analysis of these variant clones at the biochemical level will begin to define the requirements for proper display of mIgM on the cell membrane of B lymphoma cells.
TrkB Regulates Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Governs Sensitivity to Antidepressive Treatment

SUMMARY Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is stimulated by chronic administration of antidepressants (ADs) and by voluntary exercise. Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the dentate gyrus (DG) that are capable of continuous proliferation and neuronal differentiation are the source of such structural plasticity. Here we report that mice lacking the receptor tyrosine kinase TrkB in hippocampal NPCs have impaired proliferation and neurogenesis. When exposed to chronic ADs or wheel-running, no increase in proliferation or neurogenesis is observed. Ablation of TrkB also renders these mice behaviorally insensitive to antidepressive treatment in depression- and anxiety-like paradigms. In contrast, mice lacking TrkB only in differentiated DG neurons display typical neurogenesis and respond normally to chronic ADs. Thus, our data establish an essential cell-autonomous role for TrkB in regulating hippocampal neurogenesis and behavioral sensitivity to antidepressive treatments, and support the notion that impairment of the neurogenic niche is an etiological factor for refractory responses to an antidepressive regimen.