cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The fine structure of serotonin and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive terminals in the ventral posterior thalamic nucleus of cat and monkey.

Immunocytochemical methods have been combined with serial thin section analysis to study the synaptic organization of serotonin (5-HT) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive terminals in the ventral posterior nucleus of the cat and monkey thalamus. One hundred 5-HT immunoreactive terminals from the cat and approximately forty 5-HT and TH immunoreactive terminals from the monkey were selected for analysis in serial thin sections. Only 7–10% of the immunoreactive terminals could be revealed to form conventional synaptic contacts. Most of these could be identified as the asymmetrical type. Dendritic shafts belonging to relay neurons were the major targets of these monoamine immunoreactive terminals. The remainder made intimate membrane associations with relay cell dendrites and somata or with presynaptic dendrites of interneurons, but no overt membrane specializations could be detected. The present results suggest that the modulation of thalamocortical relay function by brainstem monoamine pathways in the somatosensory thalamus may occur by release of transmitters at atypical contact sites.
A Further Study of Weak-Light Reinforcement and Response Facilitation

(1960). A Further Study of Weak-Light Reinforcement and Response Facilitation. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 287-290.
E(s2)-optimal supersaturated designs with good minimax properties when N is odd

Abstract An improved E ( s 2 ) lower bound is derived for two-level supersaturated designs (SSDs) with an odd number of runs. The new bound is used to prove E ( s 2 ) -optimality of SSDs with N = 5 , 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 runs found via the NOA p exchange algorithms. Tailored to find cyclically generated E ( s 2 ) -optimal SSDs, the CNOA p exchange algorithms are introduced; search results are compared to related literature. Exchange algorithms that promote the finding of SSDs which are simultaneously optimal (or near optimal) wrt E ( s 2 ) and minimax criteria are discussed. Proving the minimax optimality of E ( s 2 ) -optimal SSDs is also discussed.
An evaluation of gastric cytology: results of a nation-wide survey.

EXFOLIATIVE CYTOLOGY is generally considered to be a valuable technique in the diagnosis of gastric cancer. However, in spite of the fact that this technique has been in use for nearly 20 yr [ 1,2], an assessment of its over-all value has not yet been made. The accuracy of this test has varied in individual reports from relatively low, 33 per cent [3], to extremely high, over 90 per cent. [4] In addition, several variations in technique have been described, including the use of mucolytic enzyme lavages [5-71, abrasive balloons [S] and brushes [9], and fluorescent staining of the cells. [lo] To determine how useful this test has been in the diagnosis of gastric cancer and to determine its current status, a questionnaire covering methodology, accuracy and utilization of gastric cytology was sent to medical centers throughout this country and Canada. A total of 180 questionnaires was mailed and 106 replies, or almost 60 per cent were received. Of the 180 questionnaires, 132 were sent to major teaching centers, mostly University and University-affiliated hospitals. Seventy replies, or 53 per cent, were received. An additional 48 questionnaires were sent to Veteran Administration, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Public Health hospitals. Of these, 36 replies were received, representing 75 per cent of these hospitals.
A simple two-axiom characterization of the Nash solution

The oldest and best-known cooperative bargaining solution concept is the Nash solution. Nash [2] characterized his seminal solution concept by using the axioms of ‘Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives’ (IIA), ‘Weak Pareto Optimality’ (WPO), ‘Symmetry’ (SYM), and ‘Scale Invariance’ (SI). Except for WPO, these axioms have been at the center of controversy (especially the most crucial axiom, IIA). This paper considers a new and simple axiom ‘Focal Relevance of a Pareto-optimal Midpoint’ (FRPM). It turns out that the Nash solution can be characterized by WPO and FRPM only.
Enskog modulus, bρχ, for the gaseous and liquid states of carbon dioxide

The PVT behavior of carbon dioxide was used to establish a correlation for the Enskog modulus, bρχ in the dense gaseous and liquid regions. This modulus is presented for reduced temperatures ranging from TR = 0.90 up to TR = 3.5 and reduced pressures up to PR = 40. The Enskog modulus finds use in the calculation of the effect of pressure on viscosity, thermal conductivity, and self-diffusivity. The value of the Enskog modulus for carbon dioxide at the critical point has been calculated to be (bρχ)c = 0.885. On a utilise le comportement de l'anhydride carbonique, par rapport a la pression, au volume et a la temperature, pour etablir une correlation pour le module d'Enskog (bρχ) dans les zones denses liquides et gazeuses. On presente le dit module pour des temperatures reduites a partir de TR = 0.90 jusqu'a TR = 3.5 et des pressions reduites s'elevant jusqu'a PR = 40. Une application du module d'Enskog est dans le calcul de l'effet de la pression sur la viscosite, la conductivite thermique et la diffusivite spontanee. On a calcule que la valeur du module d'Enskog pour l'anhydride carbonique au point critique etait (bρχ)c = 0.885.
PROFITS, PAIN, AND PILLOWS: HOTELS AND HOUSEKEEPERS IN SAN DIEGO

The accomodations industry is hitting record-breaking profits nationally and locally, often with subsidies provided by government entities. Globalization is actually contributing to rising employment and a trade surplus in the tourism industry. However, increasing amenities and new work regimes are causing deteriorating conditions for many workers. In 2006, hotel workers across the country will be coordinating contract negotiations. Housekeepers, who make up almost a quarter of the hotel workforce, are the “face” of the national campaign. Through management interviews, analysis of government data, and a worker survey, this article provides a more complete picture of the living and working conditions of housekeepers in San Diego and nationally.
Bloch Wall Excitation. Application to Nuclear Resonance in a Bloch Wall

The excitation spectrum of an assembly of electronic spins in a Bloch wall structure is studied, assuming a uniaxial anisotropy. The spectrum may be divided into two branches; one is a specific wall excitation and does not spread outside the wall, the other one is similar to the spin-wave excitation spectrum in a uniform ferromagnet. These calculations are used to study the properties of the nuclear magnetic resonances in a Bloch wall. The relaxation times are evaluated, taking into account the damping of the motion of the electronic spins and are compared with experimental values. The spin-spin coupling and the variation of the magnetization across the wall is also estimated.
The effects of body composition on setpoint based weight loss

The setpoint model of human metabolic adaption to diet-induced weight loss has been introduced and examined considering a constant energy density in the body weight lost. Body composition analysis indicates that the ratio of fat and nonfat lost is constant for an individual but is dependent on the initial percent body fat, producing an energy density varying from individual to individual. In this study, body composition and the setpoint model are used to examine weight loss dynamics. Comparison is made to a Harris-Benedict (HB) based model using a nominal energy density (3500 calories/lb). Conclusions: the weight dynamics for a given reduction in calorie intake are completely determined by the initial percentage of body fat. The HB model is predicted to accurately track the weight loss for the very obese who experience little metabolic adaption and whose energy density is close to the nominal value. However, for subjects with decreased initial body fat percentage, the HB model first underestimates then overestimates the weight loss. The crossover time and the maximum overestimate is dependent on the initial body fat percent and the percent dietary calorie reduction. A characteristic time and an energy density ratio are defined and used to calculate a maximum rate of weight loss for a given calorie reduction.
Phosphorylation status modulates Bcl-2 function during glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in T lymphocytes

Glucocorticoids are known to induce apoptosis in lymphoid cells, and Bcl-2 overexpression can block the apoptosis-inducing action of glucocorticoids. Since phosphorylation of Bcl-2 is implicated in regulating Bcl-2 function, we considered the role of Bcl-2 phosphorylation in protecting lymphoid cells from glucocorticoid-induced cell death. Five stably transfected cell lines of WEHI 7.1 cells expressing either wild-type Bcl-2 or alanine mutants of Bcl-2 at amino acids threonine 56, serine 70, threonine 74, or serine 87 were created. Expression of the mutant Bcl-2 proteins was documented by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. Mutation of Bcl-2 on T56 and S87 eliminated the ability of Bcl-2 to inhibit glucocorticoid-induced cell shrinkage, mitochondrial depolarization, DNA fragmentation, and cell death. Mutation of T74 only partially impaired the ability of Bcl-2 to block glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis whereas mutation of S70 in Bcl-2 did not alter its ability to block glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis.
Microphase separation of charged diblock copolymers: melts and solutions

For weakly charged diblock copolymers under melt conditions, a theory for weak concentration fluctuations is constructed in order to determine the limit of stability of the mixed phase. A scaling analysis of the ordered phase is presented and it is found that the osmotic pressure of the coundterion gas tends fto disorder the strongly segregated system. The behavior of the diblocks in a solvent that is poor for the neutral block but which dissolves the charged block is als considered; a mean-field study of the formation of micelles and their properties is carried out
Identification of patients taking NSAIDs at high risk for GI bleeding

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors are significantly more expensive than traditional nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from an acquisition cost perspective.[1][1],[2][2] The Veterans Affairs Healthcare System uses a gastrointestinal (GI) risk-assessment tool to determine which patients
Variant cDNAs encoding proteins similar to the α subunit of chicken CapZ

Chicken adult muscle and liver cDNA libraries were screened with a cDNA, alpha 1, previously isolated from a chicken embryo library by screening with antibodies against the alpha subunit of chicken CapZ. cDNAs with a new coding region, called alpha 2, were found in addition to ones with the alpha 1 coding region. alpha 2 predicts a protein sequence that matches exactly the N-terminal sequence of 5 peptides prepared from CapZ alpha purified from chicken muscle, while the protein sequence predicted by alpha 1 matches the peptides well, but not exactly. The predicted protein sequences of alpha 1 and alpha 2 are very similar to each other, and they are similar to those of the alpha subunit of capping protein from Dictyostelium [Hartmann et al., J. Biol. Chem. 163:5254-5254, 1989] and an actin-binding protein from Xenopus [Ankenbauer et al., Nature 342:822-824, 1989]. Other conserved features of the predicted primary and secondary structures are noted. Chicken alpha 1 and alpha 2 are transcribed in all of 7 adult chicken muscle and non-muscle tissues in comparable amounts by Northern analysis. alpha 2 has four poly(A)+RNA transcripts, one of which is rare in liver. alpha 1 has two transcripts. alpha 1 and alpha 2 are encoded by different single-copy genes by Southern analysis of chicken genomic DNA.
Comparative acute ototoxicity of loop diuretic compounds

A microelectrode was used to measure endocochlear potentials (EP) in adult chinchillas and to study the effects of a series of loop diuretics. EP was measured before, during and for several hours after the intravenous injection of the following loop diuretics: furosemide, piretanide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, indacrinone stereoisomers and ozolinone. The first four loop diuretics caused a substantial dose-related reduction of EP. The (−) isomer of indacrinone was found to cause a dose-related reduction of EP to a moderate degree. The (+) isomer of indacrinone and ozolinone caused very little change of EP, even in very high doses. Findings are consistent with data on the mechanism of action of these agents in the kidney.
A standardized care plan is associated with shorter hospital length of stay in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Abstract Background In this retrospective review, we evaluate a standardized care plan (SCP) for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy, which included selective placement of feeding jejunostomy tubes (FJTs) and a perioperative fast-track recovery pathway (FTRP). Methods A review of 242 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy was completed. Patients treated pre- and post-SCP implementation were compared. Univariate comparison followed by multivariable linear regression were performed to identify predictors of hospital length of stay (HLOS). Results SCP patients (n = 100) were slightly older but otherwise similar to pre-SCP patients (n = 142). FJT placement occurred less frequently in SCP patients (38 versus 94%, P Conclusions Implementation of an SCP resulted in shorter HLOS without an increase in readmissions. Future studies are necessary to identify specific components of SCPs that most influence outcomes.
Single-phase AC-AC converters using power MOSFETs

The authors analyze the performance of a single-phase AC-AC converter with particular emphasis on the output harmonic content and input voltage utilization. A complete power circuit that makes use of power MOSFETs is given. An analysis of the output waveform shows that its harmonic content is very low. It is also found that the ratio of the switching frequency to the modulating triangular wave, has negligible effect on the harmonic content. Hence, the ratio can be chosen at nominal value of 4 and it is mainly used to control the amplitude of the fundamental component in the output. The only disadvantage of the single-phase AC-AC converter is that the amplitudes of certain harmonic frequencies become abnormally high. >
Conductivity of a Warm Plasma

A theory for obtaining the conductivity of a uniform plasma as a function of frequency and temperature is presented and compared with a number of recent treatments.
Use of mobile extracorporeal shock wave lithotripter: Experience in a pediatric institution

Abstract Objectives To present our results of the past 3 years using a mobile lithotripter in a pediatric institution. The low incidence of pediatric urinary calculi, along with the high cost of lithotripsy units, has limited the use of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in pediatric institutions. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed of all children who had undergone extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy at two institutions from 1999 to 2003. All patients were treated with a Dornier Compact Delta mobile lithotriptor with a universal urologic table. Results A total of 88 patients (38 males and 50 females) underwent a total of 119 outpatient treatments. The mean patient age was 12 years, and the mean follow-up was 20 months. The mean stone size was 6 mm. An average of 1600 shocks per procedure was performed. Overall, 68% were stone free after one treatment, and 74% were stone free after one or two treatments. Of the patients with a solitary stone, 72% were stone free after one treatment and 78% were after one or two treatments. Fifteen patients had multiple stones treated simultaneously on the same side. Of these, 47% were stone free after one treatment and 53% after one or two treatments. Two patients subsequently required ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy for obstructing ureteral calculi. Conclusions The results of our study have shown that the new-generation mobile lithotripter is safe and effective in treating pediatric nephrolithiasis. The success rate was greater for solitary stones than for multiple stones treated at the same setting. Additional endoscopic procedures can be performed simultaneously on the same table.
TU-C-T-617-02: Accuracy of GammaKnife Stereotactic Space Localization as a Function of Patient Alignment During Imaging

Purpose: To establish the accuracy of stereotactic space localization for image sets where there is misalignment of the patient's head (stereotactic frame and fiducial box) relative to the CT‐ or MR‐ scanner axis. Method and Materials: Seven 0.5‐mm diameter steel spheres separated by 2 cm were rigidly mounted to a string tied tightly at each end to diametrically opposite posts attached to a Leksell stereotactic frame. The steel spheres spanned the entire stereotactic space. A standard CT fiducial box was applied to the frame in the usual clinical manner. A baseline CT scan (1 mm slice thickness) was obtained with the fiducial box perfectly aligned with the scanner axis. After localization of the image set, the (x,y,z) coordinate of the center of each steel sphere was recorded. The frame was then repositioned, re‐aligned and re‐scanned and the coordinates re‐obtained to verify reproducibility. Repeat CT scans with varying fiducial box misalignments up to 20 degrees in the sagittal, coronal, and transverse axes, respectively, were subsequently obtained. After localization, the (x,y,z) coordinates of the steel spheres in each misaligned image set were recorded and compared to the baseline coordinates. Results: The mean difference between the baseline and the respective coordinates in misaligned geometries was 0.25 mm (σ=0.16 mm). The largest difference (0.87 mm) was found with the greatest misalignment in the coronal plane. These errors are within the accuracy of the image sets. Conclusion: Accurate localizations were obtained for image sets with misalignments up to 20 degrees relative to the CT‐ or MR‐ scanner axis. Patients with very inferior frame placements or concomitant medical conditions that prevent perfect alignment without significant discomfort can be positioned comfortably but rigidly and, despite misalignment with the CT‐ or MR‐ imaging axis, the fiducial box will nonetheless afford an accurate localization of the stereotactic space.
Service learning in auditory rehabilitation courses: the University of Texas at Dallas.

Purpose The aim of this work was to review service learning (SL) principles and its implementation into the auditory rehabilitation (AR) curriculum at the University of Texas at Dallas and to evalu...
Molecular cloning of porcine α1-microglobulin/HI-30 reveals developmental and tissue-specific expression of two variant messenger ribonucleic acids

A 1008 basepair (bp) cDNA clone encoding 335 amino acids followed by an inframe TGA translation termination codon and a 295-nucleotide 3′ untranslated (UT) region has been isolated from a pig liver cDNA library. Based on the deduced amino acid and nucleotide sequence homology to a human cDNA (Kaumeyer, J.F., Polazzi, J.O. and Kotick, M.P. (1986) Nucleic Acids Res. 14, 7839–7850), the 5′ amino terminus was found to code for α1-microglobulin (α1-M), a 183 amino acid protein belonging to the lipocalin protein superfamily (Pervaiz, S. and Brew, K. (1985) Science 228, 335–337). The 3′ half encoded HI-30 which constitutes the Kunitz-type proteinase inhibitory (L-chain) domain of porcine inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (IαTI). In Northern blot hybridization, this cDNA identified two equally abundant mRNA species of approx. 1.3 kb and 1.6 kb in length. However, a 125 bp cDNA probe derived from the 3′ UT region of the cDNA hybridized only to the 1.6 kb mRNA. The differences observed in the 3′ UT region of these mRNAs suggest the utilization of alternative polyadenylation signals or presence of unprocessed nuclear RNA. Densitometric scanning of Northern blots indicated that α1-M/HI-30 mRNA levels were higher (5–8-fold) in fetal and neonatal liver compared to that of primiparous pigs. In contrast, the RNA levels did not change significantly during pregnancy. Dot blot analysis of RNA indicated liver to be the major site of α1-M/HI-30 mRNA expression with lower levels observed in the stomach. The results suggest that modulation of α1-M/HI-30 gene expression could play a role during porcine growth. Increased IαTl L-chain mRNA levels may be particularly important in fetal and neonatal development when regulation of the inflammatory response and protection of macromolecules from proteolytic degradation is vital to survival and sustained growth.
An ontology of physical causation as a basis for assessing causation in fact and attributing legal responsibility

Computational machineries dedicated to the attribution of legal responsibility should be based on (or, make use of) a stack of definitions relating the notion of legal responsibility to a number of suitably chosen causal notions. This paper presents a general analysis of legal responsibility and of causation in fact based on Hart and Honore's work. Some physical aspects of causation in fact are then treated within the "lite" version of DOLCE foundational ontology written in OWL-DL, a standard description logic for the Semantic Web.
Fluorescence Microscopy Applied to Entomology and Allied Fields

Fluorescence is a phenomenon observable in many substances including a wide range of biological constituents. By use of ultraviolet illumination and the proper fluorescent dyes, when needed, many details of structure and physiological differentiation are made apparent which by illumination with visible light are obscure.The fluorescence microscope is a valuable adjunct to the study of fluorescence in biological materials. This instrument is discussed from a practical standpoint. The simplifications in the instrument which do not impair its efficiency are indicated.The use of fluorochromes is discussed and a list of the most important of these is given. Important technics with the fluorescence microscope, including intravital microscopy, fluorescent photomicrography, and microspectroscopy, are described.
InP-based complementary HBT amplifiers for use in communication systems

Abstract This paper addresses a method to improve the linearity characteristics of power amplifiers by developing a PNP HBT technology and combining the PNP HBTs with NPN HBTs in a push–pull amplifier. InP-based PNP HBTs were fabricated with hfe>30, BVECO=5.6 V, and fT and fmax of 11 and 31 GHz, respectively, which is the best reported for InAlAs/InGaAs PNP HBTs. Common-collector push–pull amplifiers were simulated using these HBTs, demonstrating an improvement of 14 dB in second harmonic content under Class B operation. A common-emitter push–pull amplifier fabricated with the same HBTs demonstrated the best IM3 (by ∼7 dBc) and smaller second harmonic content (by ∼9 dBc) compared with NPN HBTs. In addition, the circuit produced 1.32 dBm more output power than the NPN HBT alone at 1 dB of gain compression.
GnRH agonist Lupron® (leuprolide acetate) pre-treatments prevent ovulation in response to gonadotropin stimulation in the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)

In many species, controlling the ovary prior to induction of ovulation improves the success of ovarian response and artificial insemination (AI). We assessed the impact of suppression of estrus with the GnRH agonist, Lupron®, on ovarian sensitivity to equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the clouded leopard. Seven female clouded leopards were given two injections of Lupron® (3.75 mg IM) 23 d apart, followed 44 d later by eCG and hCG. Daily fecal samples were collected from 60 d before Lupron® to 60 d after hCG. Fecal metabolites of estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) were measured by radioimmunoassay. Lupron® decreased (P < 0.05) the number of E peaks during Lupron® treatment compared to pre-Lupron®. All females had baseline E and six of seven (86%) had nadir P on day of eCG. Exogenous gonadotropins induced E elevations in all females. However, mean E in the gonadotropin-provoked estrus was decreased (P < 0.05) compared to pre-Lupron® estrous periods. Only one of seven (14%) females ovulated after eCG/hCG. In conclusion, estrous cycle control with Lupron® resulted in predictable ovarian suppression prior to gonadotropin stimulation but altered ovarian sensitivity by an as yet unknown mechanism so that ovulation was inhibited, even when using a proven exogenous gonadotropin protocol.
The wΔ-space problem

Abstract We address the following question: “Must every w Δ-space with a G δ -diagonal be developable?” Consistently, the answer is “no.” Example . Assume CH. There is a zero-dimensional, scattered, locally compact, w Δ-space with a G δ -diagonal which is not developable. For normal, locally compact spaces (or slightly weaker), the answer is “yes”. Theorem . If X is ω- s CWH, locally Lindelof, w Δ-space with a G δ -diagonal, then X is developable.
NATE: Network Analysis of Anomalous Traffic Events, a low-cost approach

A new approach to network intrusion detection is needed to solve the monitoring problems of high volume network data and the time constraints for Intrusion Detection System (IDS) management. Most current network IDS's have not been specifically designed for high speed traffic or low maintenance. We propose a solution to these problems which we call NATE, Network Analysis of Anomalous Traffic Events. Our approach features minimal network traffic measurement, an anomaly-based detection method, and a limited attack scope. NATE is similar to other lightweight approaches in its simplified design, but our approach, being anomaly based, should be more efficient in both operation and maintenance than other lightweight approaches. We present the method and perform an empirical test using MIT Lincoln Lab's data.
Application of machine learning algorithms to predict coronary artery calcification with a sibship‐based design

As part of the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy study, hypertensive non-Hispanic White sibships were screened using 471 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify genes influencing coronary artery calcification (CAC) measured by computed tomography. Individuals with detectable CAC and CAC quantity Z70th age- and sexspecific percentile were classified as having a high CAC burden and compared to individuals with CAC quantity o70th percentile. Two sibs from each sibship were randomly chosen and divided into two data sets, each with 360 unrelated individuals. Within each data set, we applied two machine learning algorithms, Random Forests and RuleFit, to identify the best predictors of having high CAC burden among 17 risk factors and 471 SNPs. Using five-fold cross-validation, both methods had 70% sensitivity and 60% specificity. Prediction accuracies were significantly different from random predictions (P-valueo0.001) based on 1,000 permutation tests. Predictability of using 287 tagSNPs was as good as using all 471 SNPs. For Random Forests, among the top 50 predictors, the same eight tagSNPs and 15 risk factors were found in both data sets while eight tagSNPs and 12 risk factors were found in both data sets for RuleFit. Replicable effects of two tagSNPs (in genes GPR35 and NOS3) and 12 risk factors (age, body mass index, sex, serum glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, homocysteine, triglycerides, fibrinogen, Lp(a) and low-density lipoprotein particle size) were identified by both methods. This study illustrates how machine learning methods can be used in sibships to identify important, replicable predictors of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. Genet. Epidemiol. 32:350–360, 2008. r 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ground state of charged bosons confined in a harmonic trap

We study a system composed of N identical charged bosons confined in a harmonic trap. Upper and lower energy bounds are given. It is shown in the large N limit that the ground-state energy is determined within an accuracy of $\pm 8%$ and that the mean field theory provides a reasonable result with relative error of less than 16% for the binding energy .
The effect of ligand conjugation length on europium complex performance in light-emitting diodes

Abstract Novel europium complexes containing either symmetrical or unsymmetrical diphenanthryl β-diketone ligands were synthesized and characterized. The ligand conjugation length has a profound effect on the spectral properties of the complexes and the device performance of the complexes as emitting dopants in light-emitting diodes. The unsymmetrical ligand has a longer conjugation, which red-shifts the absorption of the complex. The longer wavelength absorption facilitates the choice of host material that can efficiently transfer energy to the complex. However, the longer conjugation also results in a less efficient energy transfer from the ligand to the central Eu3+ ion.
Unusual Structural Relaxation for Rare-Earth Impurities in Sapphire: Ab Initio Study of Lanthanum

A first-principles density-functional local density approximation study of substitutional La, using 120-atom supercells of $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Al}{}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, shows that La assumes a highly displaced position, moving over $0.5\AA{}$ from the original Al site. The La-O nearest neighbor distance is much smaller than the sum of standard $\mathrm{La}{}^{+3}$ and ${\mathrm{O}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ ionic radii. This is due to La being more ionic than in its own oxide, and to the role of the $5d\mathrm{shell}$, as the electron density within the displaced La is quite anisotropic. We discuss the implications for a systematic description of rare-earth ions implanted in sapphire.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression and phosphorylation in sea urchin embryos.

We have cloned three cDNA isoforms of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) from the sea urchin, Lytechinus variegatus. The sea urchin FAK is more closely related to FAK from other deuterostomes than from invertebrate protostomes or to cell adhesion kinase beta (CAKβ/Pyk2/FAK2). FAK is expressed in all cells of sea urchin embryos by the 120-cell stage and strongly in blastulae. Phospho-FAK concentrates on basal surfaces of epithelial cells in early blastulae and occurs in syncytial cables of primary mesenchyme cells (PMC). Inhibition of FAK by constructs of FAK-related non-kinase delays blastocoel expansion and early PMC ingression. These results suggest that FAK has roles in cell adhesion and in the shape and integrity of the epithelial cells in sea urchin embryos.
Timing of clinical improvement and symptom resolution in the treatment of major depressive disorder.

Abstract The goal of the present work is to assess for the relationship between the timing of clinical improvement and the resolution of depressive symptoms in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). 182 MDD outpatients (40.5 ± 9.7 years; 53.8% female) who responded following an 8-week, 20 mg, open trial of fluoxetine were included in the analysis. The symptoms questionnaire (SQ) and Beck hopelessness scale (BHS) were also administered to 83 and 153 of these patients, respectively. Onset of clinical improvement was defined as a 30% decrease in 17-item Hamilton depression scale (HDRS-17) scores. Controlling for baseline symptom severity, we then assessed for the relationship between the timing of clinical improvement and depressive symptom at endpoint. Earlier clinical improvement in responders predicted lower HDRS-17, BHS, SQ-depression, SQ-anxiety, but not SQ-somatic symptom or SQ-anger/hostility scores at week 8. This was true regardless of whether improvement was defined as a continuous measure (30% decrease in symptom severity), as a dichotomous measure (clinical response occurring in the first two weeks of treatment). In conclusion, earlier clinical improvement with fluoxetine treatment is predictive of greater symptom resolution at endpoint. Further studies exploring the impact of various treatment modalities and placebo on the timing of clinical improvement and symptom resolution in MDD are warranted.
Scalenus Anticus Syndrome — A Late Sequela of Thoracoplasty

tions could not be detected, but transmitted pulsations from the aorta were observed. Valsalva and Mueller maneuvers caused no apparent change in the size of the mass. With the patient in the lateral position, the fourth right rib was resected and the tumor easily located and dissected from the mediastinum. It was dumb-bell in shape, and measured 8 x 12 x 5 cm. in size. Its greatest bulk lay in the right chest and it crossed the mediastinum to impinge on the lesser curvature of the aortic arch. The mass was superior to the azygos vein and displaced the trachea anteriorly and the esophagus slightly to the right. The superior vena cava lay posteriorly. Grossly and by histopathological examination, the tumor was a lipoma. Following surgery he made an uneventful recovery and has been free from symptoms. He has no other detectable lipoma.
Analysis of a kindred with amelogenesis imperfecta.

Amelugenesis imperfecta (A1) is a group of hereditary disorders whose manifestations are generally considered as being confined to the teeth. Pedigree analysis of a kindred revealed 2 siblings affected with AI which was consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Cephalometric evaluation showed both children to have an obtuse gonial angle and steep mandibutar plane. These skeletal changes were manifested as a severe anterior open bite. Histological evaluation of the teeth demonstrated numerous enamel changes including altered prism morphology, prism coalescence and disruption, globular inclusions, and irregular crystallite orientation. The clinical and histological data are consistent with autosonial recessive pigmented hypomaturation amelogenesis imperfecta. The enamel defects appear to be caused by the combination of decreased mineral deposition with abnormal crystallite and prism formation. Some areas of enamel hypoplasia seem to exist as well.
Metal complexes of ethyl dimethylamidopyrophosphates

Abstract Metal ion complexes of asym-diethyltetramethyldiami- do-pyrophosphate (ASM) and ethl hexamethyltria- midopyrophosphate (MONE) have been prepared. Complexes of tetraethyl pyrophosphate (TEPP) are very difficult to isolate. Thus far, only an adduct of TEPP with antimony pentachloride has been isolated. The coordinating ability of ASYM, MONE, and TEPP is compared with that of octamethylpyrophosphoramide (OMPA) and sym-diethyl tetramethyl- diamidopyrophosphate (SYM). The order of coordinating ability is OMPA>MONE>SYM>ASYM>TEPP.
Children with urinary tract infection; a critical diagnostic pathway.

A protocol for the radiological investigation of children with urinary tract infection was introduced in a district general hospital in 1985. Every boy, and every girl under 5 years was investigated after one documented infection, and every girl over 5 years after two infections. Each child had an abdominal radiography and a sonar scan of the urinary tract. Four years later the results were assessed by reviewing the radiology file or contacting the general practitioner of each of the first 200 children examined. Ten of 15 children diagnosed as not normal on screening and investigated further had an abnormality confirmed. Four of 25 children thought normal on screening had minor abnormalities shown on further examination. The results are assessed in the light of a review of recent literature and indicate that this screening protocol is efficient and effective.
Emergency housing in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: an assessment of the FEMA travel trailer program

Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast of the United States in 2005. More than 1800 persons died, and the disaster stands as the costliest in U.S. history. Over 200,000 former residents of New Orleans continue to reside elsewhere. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emergency housing program, and specifically the design, manufacture, and deployment of its travel trailer housing units, remain the subject of controversy. The FEMA travel trailer program is critiqued, as is recent empirical evidence on the deleterious health outcomes experienced by many trailer occupants. The results of a pilot investigation are reported, whereby the post-occupancy assessments of a group of occupants of single-site FEMA trailer installations were compared to a group residing in two FEMA trailer park communities in New Orleans. Among the findings, the travel trailer unit was assessed by occupants as difficult to personalize to occupants’ preferred patterns of use, inadequate in size, affording few site amenities, and little overall privacy, and the unit itself functioned as a source of chronic environmental stress. The findings are translated into a theoretical/operative model of person-environment interactions, to assist in further research on this subject.
Attitudes of dentists and consumers toward advertising

A -L * . su rv ey c o n d u c te d in 1981 of s tu ­ d e n ts a n d fa c u lty a t T u fts U n iv e rs ity S choo l o f D en ta l M e d ic in e 1 re p o r te d g e n ­ era lly stro n g n eg a tiv e a tt itu d e s to w ard ad v e rtise m en ts for d e n ta l serv ices. T he su rv ey p re se n te d h e re w as u n d e r ta k e n to a sce rta in a n d co m p are a tt itu d e s to w ard th e ad v e rtis in g of d e n ta l se rv ices h e ld by in d iv id u a ls on b o th s id e s o f th e m a r­ k e tp lace— p ro v id e rs an d c o n su m e rs— in th e sam e c o m m u n ity . T h is s tu d y w as c o n d u c te d in m e tro p o lita n L ow ell, M ass, in 1982, five years a fte r th e U S S u p rem e C ourt d e c is io n 2 th a t s tru c k d o w n e th ica l re s tr ic tio n s o n p ro fe ss io n a l ad v e rtis in g . S h o rtly befo re th e S u p rem e C o u rt d e c i­ s io n , M esk in 3 co n d u c te d a p a ra lle l su rv ey o f b o th d e n tis ts a n d c o n su m ers . H e fo u n d th a t re c e n t g rad u a te s of th e U n iv e rs ity of M in n e s o ta ’s S ch o o l o f D e n tis try w ere co n s id e rab ly m ore n eg a tiv e th a n a sa m ­ p le of M in n eso ta co n su m ers in th e ir p e r­ ce p tio n s o f th e p o te n tia l co n seq u en ces of ad v e rtis in g fo r d e n ta l serv ices. M esk in s u g g e s te d th a t a fo l lo w -u p s tu d y be u n d e r ta k e n to see w h e th e r th e o p in io n s w o u ld sh ift a fte r th e m ark e t e x p e rie n c e d th e effects of u n re s tra in e d ad v e rtis in g .
The Status of Foreign Languages and International Studies: An Assessment in Colorado.

This survey assesses the current status of foreign languages and international education studies in Colorado, and describes the critical needs of those academic areas. As intended, this survey resulted in the formulation of specific recommendations for curriculum improvement at the elementary and secondary levels. Our assessment was made in direct response to the published Report of the President's Commission on Foreign Languages and International Studies.
Velocity estimation accuracy in color doppler optical coherence tomography

Color Doppler optical coherence tomography (CDOCT) is a recent invention which permits spatially localized blood flow velocity mapping simultaneous with micro-structural imaging1,2.
Evaluation of an air-to-air heat exchanger

A room-size, residential air-to-air heat exchanger was tested for effectiveness of heat recovery. The experiments were conducted in a small (16.6 m3), wood frame building, the Test Chamber, on the roof of a laboratory building. The Test Chamber is a controlled and instrumented structure for which we have the ability to predict within 1% the heat loss rate over a 6-h nighttime period. With the heat exchanger installed and operating in the Test Chamber, the heat recovery efficiency was determined by comparing the actual heat loss to that expected due to the mechanically induced ventilation. The heat exchanger recovered almost 50% of the heat contained in the outgoing air flow. Additional experiments quantified effects of fan power consumption and heat conduction through the case of the device. By considering these effects, we determined that the heat exchanger itself works at an efficiency less than the manufacturer's claim. Conducting the experiments in a real building has provided insights and evaluations not possible in an indoor laboratory.
Self-entanglement and the dissociation of homonuclear diatomic molecules

The concept of self-entanglement is introduced to describe a mixed state or ensemble density as a pure state in an augmented Hilbert space formed by the products of the individual states forming a mixed state (or ensemble). We use this representation of mixed states to show that upon dissociation a neutral homonuclear diatomic molecule will separate into two neutral atoms.
Determination of susceptibility of S-triazine herbicides to protonation and hydrolysis by mineral surfaces.

The relative ease of protonation and/or hydrolysis ofs-triazine herbicides due to reactions on soil mineral surfaces may be measured by exposure of films of calcium-saturated montmorillonite to chloroform solutions of thes-triazines for appropriate time periods.s-Triazines susceptible to protonation are transformed into organic cations and adsorbed into the interlamellar region of the montmorillonite. Upon interlamellar adsorption of thes-triazine the concentration becomes sufficiently high to be detected by infrared techniques in the 1500 to 1800 cm−1 region. Hydrolysis of the triazines due to the “surface acidity” of the mineral surface is indicated by formation of a carbonyl band having a frequency at about 1750 cm−1. The relative degree of protonation and hydrolysis has been measured for twenty-seven chloro-, bromo-, methoxy-, and methylthio-s-triazines. These observations aid in predicting physicochemical behavior ofs-triazines in soils as well as formulations containing similar mineral surfaces.
National hospitalization burden associated with spinal cord injuries in the United States

The objective of this study was to determine the national hospitalization burden of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) among adults in the United States. Factors predicting hospitalization outcomes including length of stay (LOS), total charges and discharge disposition of death were identified. The study was conducted in the United States. The 2009 Health Care Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP–NIS) data were used in this study. Hospitalization outcomes among individuals with SCI were compared with a control group of individuals without SCI. Predictors of LOS, total charges and discharge disposition of death for SCI-related hospitalizations were determined using regression techniques. In 2009, there were a total of 11 848 hospitalizations because of SCI in the United States. Hospitalizations because of SCIs had 2.5 times higher LOS (12.37 (±0.51) versus 4.93 (±0.09), P<0.0001) and 4 times higher average charges ($142 366 (±$7430.51) versus $35 011 (±$1048.88), P<0.0001) as compared with those for the control group. The total national charge attributable to SCI-related hospitalizations was approximately $1.69 billion in 2009. Percentage of hospitalizations with discharge disposition of death was significantly higher among individuals with SCI as compared with those without SCI (5.77 versus 2.27%, P<0.0001). Different patient and hospital characteristics predicted LOS, total charges and discharge disposition of death for SCI-related hospitalizations. There is considerable inpatient burden associated with SCI in the United States. Inpatient LOS, charges and percentage of hospitalizations with discharge disposition of death were higher among individuals with SCI as compared with those without SCI.
Human influenza a virus: Comparative analysis of the structural polypeptides by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Abstract The biochemical properties of the major virion polypeptides (HA 1 , HA 2 , M, NP, NA) of 19 influenza A virus strains have been compared by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using nonequilibrium pH gradient electrophoresis in the first dimension. The highly variable surface antigen of the virus, the hemagglutinin (HA), exhibited multiple polypeptide subspecies varying extensively in charge. Comparison of the HA of the different influenza A strains demonstrated that most strains exhibit a unique hemagglutinin with distinguishable electrophoresic properties. Differences in charge and/or molecular weight of at least one of the two HA subunits (HA 1 or HA 2 ) were found for strains within the same subtype and for serologically indistinguishable strains such as A/USSR/90/77 and A/FW/l/50. Differences in the matrix (M) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins also were observed between strains. The results of this study indicate that the comparative examination of the two-dimensional polypeptide patterns of a particular virus isolate may be useful for the purposes of strain identification, determination of strain purity, homogeneity, and determination of gene origin following experimental or natural recombination events.
Lossless anomalous dispersion and an inversionless gain doublet via dressed interacting ground states

Transparent media exhibiting anomalous dispersion have been of considerable interest since Wang, Kuzmich, and Dogariu [Nature 406, 277 (2000)] first observed light propagate with superluminal and negative group velocities without absorption. Here, we propose an atomic model exhibiting these properties, based on a generalization of amplification without inversion in a five-level dressed interacting ground-state system. The system consists of a {Lambda} atom prepared as in standard electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), with two additional metastable ground states coupled to the {Lambda} atom ground states by two rf-microwave fields. We consider two configurations by which population is incoherently pumped into the ground states of the atom. Under appropriate circumstances, we predict a pair of new gain lines with tunable width, separation, and height. Between these lines, absorption vanishes but dispersion is large and anomalous. The system described here is a significant improvement over other proposals in the anomalous dispersion literature in that it permits additional coherent control over the spectral properties of the anomalous region, including a possible 10{sup 4}-fold increase over the group delay observed by Wang, Kuzmich, and Dogariu.
The thermodynamics of DNA structures that contain lesions of guanine tetrads

Abstract It is becoming increasingly apparent that energetic as well as structural information is required to develop a complete appreciation of the critical interrelationships between structure, energetics, and biological function. Motivated by this recognition, we have reviewed in this article the current state of the thermodynamic databases associated with lesion-containing DNA duplexes and DNA quadruplexes, while highlighting important considerations concerning the methods used to obtain the requisite data