cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gatekeepers and Homeseekers: Institutional Patterns in Racial Steering

Racial patterns in housing are a paradox of continued segregation in spite of apparent liberalization of white attitudes. This paper explores the problem by examining the role of real estate agents, acting as community gatekeepers, in the perpetuation of racial segregation. An experimental field study was conducted ascertaining real estate agents' behavior toward matched black and white couples seeking to buy homes. It was found that the agents differentiated by race, both as to whether homes were shown, and where they were located. The conclusion was drawn that while the locus of actions was individual, the context is institutional.
Atmospheric oxidation of chromium between 270 and 490°C

Abstract Auger electron spectroscopy was used to study the oxidation behavior of pure chromium in the temperature range 270–490°C for exposures ranging from 1 h to more than 100 h in air. Regression analysis indicated that the oxide thickness on mechanically polished bulk chromium samples increased logarithmically with time, although some spallation was observed at the highest temperature. Oxidation of mechanically polished samples was slower than that for electropolished bulk chromium or that for chromium films on glass substrates. Possible factors responsible for the slower logarithmic growth rate of the oxide on the mechanically polished samples are discussed.
Connecting effects and uniqueness with adoption

"Adoption" is when on piece of stat is logically embedded in another piece of state. Adoption provides information hiding (the adopter can be used as a proxy for the adoptee) and with linear existentials, provides a way to store unique pointers in shared state. In this paper, we give an operational semantics of adoption in a simple procedural language with pointers to records. We define a "permission" type-system that uses adoption to model both effects and uniqueness. We prove type soundness (well-typed programs don't go wrong) and state separation (separately-typed statements cannot access the same state). Then we show how high-level effects and uniqueness annotations can be expressed in the type-system. The distinction between read and write effects is ignored in the body of this paper.
Nonlinear Continuous Dynamic System Identification by Automatic Localized Modeling

This paper describes an automated localized modeling method to identify continuous nonlinear dynamic systems from their operating data. Using a method similar to finite element method's automatic mesh generation, the input space is partitioned into overlapped regions that are small enough that a local model, such as a simple neural network, can approximate the data well in each region. Subsequently, adjacent regions are inspected to see if they can be represented well by a single local model to minimize the number of regions and local models needed to approximate a system. A nonlinear oscillator is used to test the proposed method, and the method was able to generate models that can simulate the system well.
α,ω-Bis(potassiosilyl)alkanes. Synthesis and Characterization of [K(18-crown-6)]2[(Me3Si)2Si(CH2)nSi(SiMe3)2]

Silyl dianions [(Me3Si)2Si(CH2)nSi(SiMe3)2]2- (n = 1, 4; 2, 5; 3, 6) as [K(18-crown-6)]+ salts have been prepared by reactions of (Me3Si)3Si(CH2)nSi(SiMe3)3 (n = 1, 1; 2, 2; 3, 3) with t-BuOK and 18-crown-6 in DME. Characterization of these new silyl dianions, X-ray crystal structures of 2, 3, and 5, and improved synthesis of 1−3 are reported.
The Comparative Effectiveness of Various Agents in Detoxifying Diseased Root Surfaces

This study evaluated five agents for their ability to detoxify periodontally-involved root surfaces. An ultrasonic scaler was used to remove all visible calculus from a proximal surface of 250 teeth extracted because of advanced periodontal disease. The teeth were then randomly divided into five groups of 50 each. One-half of a proximal surface of each tooth in each group was considered a control and was treated by rubbing the surface continuously for 3 to 5 minutes with cotton pellets soaked in sterile saline. The control area was then removed with a sterile bur, with the grindings for each group of teeth being collected, weighed and stored frozen. The remaining half of the proximal surface of all teeth in each group was treated with one of the following agents: (1) saturated citric acid for 3 minutes; (2) 15% EDTA for 5 minutes; (3) sodium hypochlorite for 5 minutes, followed by a 30-second application of 5% citric acid; (4) sodium hypochlorite alone for 5 minutes; and (5) 2% sodium deoxycholate for 1 m...
Integrative correlation: Properties and relation to canonical correlations

The integrative correlation coefficient was developed to facilitate the validation of expression microarray results in public datasets, by identifying genes that are reproducibly measured across studies and even across microarray platforms. In the current study, we develop a number of interesting and important mathematical and statistical properties of the integrative correlation coefficient, including a unique permutation-based null distribution with the unusual property that the variance does not shrink as the sample size increases, discussing how these findings impact its use and interpretation, and what they have to say about any method for identifying reproducible genes in a meta-analysis.
Evaluation of an inhibitor assay to determine serum isoamylase distribution

We tested a technique to distinguish salivary from pancreatic isoamylase using a wheat protein which inhibits salivary isoamylase. The inhibitor technique accurately reflected the preponderance of pancreatic or salivary isoamylase in sera which had been “spiked” with human pancreatic or salivary isoamylase. Comparison of the results of either cellulose acetate electrophoresis or isoelectric focusing showed an excellent correlation (r=0.99) in 43 hyperamylasemic sera which did not contain macroamylase. Normal values (1sd) of total serum amylase activity and the upper limit of normal for serum pancreatic isoamylase was 166 IU/liter. The inhibitor assay provides a simple and accurate means of differentiating salivary from pancreatic hyperamylasemia.
Ovarian Cysts in the Pediatric Population

With the widespread availability and use of pelvic sonography, the rate at which ovarian cysts are detected in the pediatric population has increased, and such cysts are an important problem encountered in pediatric surgical practice. Rational management should take into account key factors such as symptoms, patient age, menarchal status, cyst size, and character, as well as associated medical conditions. The purpose of this review is to discuss the incidence and pathophysiology of ovarian cysts in children. A management strategy is presented based on the above-mentioned key factors.
A New US Approach to Europe? The Transatlantic Relationship after Bush

Although the NATO alliance has suffered from policy disagreements throughout its history, current divisions derive mainly from a shift in US grand strategy associated with the Bush Doctrine, which is based on assumptions of US hegemony, an assertive nationalist approach in relations with other states, including erstwhile allies, and the preemptive/preventive use of force. Although this approach has failed to achieve its objectives, the underpinnings on which it is based are deeply rooted in the American political psyche. Given the different interpretations of the security challenges facing the member states of the NATO alliance system, the deeply imbedded views of uniqueness and hegemony that characterize the American political psyche, and the likely unwillingness of the next generation of US political leaders to revise US policy so fully as to eliminate all aspects of recent US attitudes and behavior, it is highly unlikely that the close institutional relationships that characterized the cold war years will be an important feature of future US relations with European states.
Partner Selection and Venturing Success: The Case of Joint Ventures with Firms in the People's Republic of China

It has been hypothesized in the international joint venture IJV literature that partner selection affects interpartner “fit” which in turn influences a synergistic effect on IJV performance. This study investigates the relationship between IJV success and the strategic and organizational traits of local partners. We address this issue in the context of an emerging economy P.R. China. Newly emerging economies have in recent years become major hosts of direct investment by multinational corporations MNCs because these rapidly expanding economies, characterized by an exploding demand previously stifled by ideologically-based government intervention, provide tremendous opportunities which MNCs can preempt. MNCs in such economies, however, face the challenges of structural reform, weak market structure, poorly specified property rights, and institutional uncertainty. Right local partners can help MNCs boost market expansion, obtain insightful information, mitigate operational risks, and provide country-specific knowledge. The analysis of the data obtained from China suggests that both strategic and organizational traits of local partners are significantly associated with some individual dimensions of IJV performance. Among strategic traits, absorptive capacity, product relatedness, and market power are favorable to IJVs' market and financial outcomes. Market power and experience significantly reduce IJVs' operational uncertainties. Of organizational traits, international experience and organizational collaboration are important for IJVs' not only profitability and stability but also local market expansion and export growth. Organizational form and size influence IJVs' local market performance. The findings provided by this study can help MNCs determine what criteria they should use in opting for local partners and what criteria are vital to their goal accomplishment. Those investors seeking local market expansion should select those local partners that have rich market experience, superior market position, high absorptive capacity, and related product diversification with the IJVs. Those seeking profitability and stability should select local firms that have superior international experience, longer organizational collaboration, and greater market power. While MNCs should use appropriate strategic and organizational criteria to select local partners, the host government or local firms can try to make these traits available to attract more stable and profitable foreign direct investment.
Ectopically Expressed CAG Repeats Cause Intranuclear Inclusions and a Progressive Late Onset Neurological Phenotype in the Mouse

The mutations responsible for several human neurodegenerative disorders are expansions of translated CAG repeats beyond a normal size range. To address the role of repeat context, we have introduced a 146-unit CAG repeat into the mouse hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase gene (Hprt). Mutant mice express a form of the HPRT protein that contains a long polyglutamine repeat. These mice develop a phenotype similar to the human translated CAG repeat disorders. Repeat containing mice show a late onset neurological phenotype that progresses to premature death. Neuronal intranuclear inclusions are present in affected mice. Our results show that CAG repeats do not need to be located within one of the classic repeat disorder genes to have a neurotoxic effect.
Homeownership and mixed-asset portfolio allocations

Abstract Homeownership represents both a consumption and an investment decision for individuals. Considering the investment benefits of the home, we estimate the total returns and risk associated with the investment in single-family homes. Then, using a mean–variance utility function, we consider the impact of homeownership and mortgage loan financing on the optimal asset allocation decisions of individuals and contrast this with advice that does not include the home as part of the portfolio. While optimal portfolio weights are dependant upon both the degree of risk aversion of the individual investor and the relative importance of the home in the overall net worth picture, we show that, in general, the higher the home-to-net worth ratio, the higher the optimal portfolio allocation to stock. For most investors, including the home in the optimization decision leads to higher allocations to risky stock than suggested by traditional advice that ignores the home.
Level Quantization and Broadening for Band Electrons in a Magnetic Field: Magneto-Optics Throughout the Band

The energy spectrum of an electron in the simultaneous presence of an external magnetic field \( {\text{H}} \) and a periodic crystal potential \( V\left( {\vec r} \right)\) constitutes a difficult and by now classical problem. It is difficult because the effects of the potential \( V\left( {\vec r} \right)\) and the field H are quite different in nature. The former causes the formation of energy bands while the latter quantizes the electronic motion and tends to form narrow levels. The problem is further complicated by the fact that the two natural “periods,” introduced by the field H and the potential \( V\left( {\vec r} \right)\), respectively, are, for most values of the field, incommensurable.
Nonclinical Panic Attack History and Anxiety Sensitivity: Testing the Differential Moderating Role of Self-Report and Behavioral Indices of Distress Tolerance

The present investigation examined the main and interactive effects of a nonclinical panic attack history and two different measures of distress tolerance (DT)—perceived (self-report) and behavioral (breath-holding duration)—in relation to the global and lower-order factors of anxiety sensitivity (AS). Results indicated that lower levels of perceived DT were significantly related to greater levels of global as well as all lower-order AS factors (physical, cognitive, and social concerns); however, lower levels of behavioral DT were not significantly related to the global or lower-order AS factors at the main effect level. The interaction between a nonclinical panic attack history and perceived DT was only significantly related to the AS-cognitive factor. Moreover, the interaction between a nonclinical panic attack history and behavioral DT was only significantly related to the AS-physical factor. The present findings suggest that DT may be an important factor to target among panic-vulnerable populations.
Performance of optimized solar central receiver systems as a function of receiver thermal loss per unit area

Abstract Recent efforts in solar central receiver research have been directed toward high-temperature applications. Associated with high-termperature processes are greater receiver thermal losses due to thermal radiation and convection. This article examines the performance of central receiver systems having optimum heliostat fields and receiver aperture areas as a function of receiver thermal loss per unit area. The results address the problem of application optimization, where the receiver design, temperature and consequently thermal loss per unit area may vary. A reasonable range of values for the primary independent variable L (the average thermal loss per unit area of receiver aperture) and a reasonable set of design assumptions were first established. Heliostat field analysis and optimization required a detailed computational analysis. Results are discussed for tower focal heights of 150 and 180 m. Values of L ranging from 0.04 to 0.50 MW per square meter were considered, roughly corresponding to working fluid temperatures in the range of 650–1650°C. As L increases over this range, the receiver thermal efficiency and the receiver interception factor decrease. The optimal power level drops by almost half, and the cost per unit of energy produced increases by about 25% for the base case set of design assumptions. The resulting decrease in solar subsystem efficiency (relative to the defined annual input energy) from 0.57 to 0.35 is about 40% and is a significant effect. Unoptimized systems would experience an even greater degradation in cost-effectiveness.
Neuropathology of human immunodeficiency virus infection at different disease stages

The authors studied the brains of 471 adults infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1): 123 asymptomatic carriers, 127 in an early stage of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with pulmonary tuberculosis or bacterial infections, and 221 in fully developed AIDS with opportunistic infections or neoplasms. Lymphocyte infiltration of the leptomeninges and of perivascular spaces occurred at all stages, but the frequency was significantly higher in asymptomatic carriers. Microglial nodules appeared at all stages of disease; they were not an early indicator of HIV encephalitis (HIVE). The incidence of HIVE was unrelated to the stage of AIDS, suggesting that HIVE occurs before opportunistic infections and neoplasms. Drug abuse, such as cocaine and opiates, may enhance HIV replication and increase the incidence of HIVE in the early stage of AIDS. Opportunistic infections or lymphoma involved only the brain in 31.2% of persons with fully developed AIDS. Conversely, opportunistic infections or neoplasms involved only organs other than the brain in 55.7% of persons with fully developed AIDS. In 13.1% of persons with fully developed AIDS, opportunistic infections or neoplasms involved the brain and other organs. Multiple intracranial opportunistic infections and lymphoma coexisted in 4.1% of persons with fully developed AIDS. The authors identified cerebrovascular disease in 10.6% of asymptomatic carriers, 7.1% of early AIDS, and 5.0% of fully developed AIDS. The observed sequence of abnormalities may be useful in understanding the progression of HIV disease in the brain.
A Short Derivation of the Möbius Function for the Bruhat Order

We give a short, self-contained derivation of the Mobius function for the Bruhat orderings of Coxeter groups and their parabolic quotients.
Adiabatic Population Transfer with Control Fields

This paper explores the benefit of using time dependent basis sets in the description of adiabatic population transfer between molecular states. Using a time dependent basis set formalism, we develop a counter-diabatic field paradigm that generates adiabatic population transfer for apparently unfavorable conditions. We also describe a time dependent perturbation approach to account for the effect of stochastic dephasing on adiabatic population transfer.
On the inhibitory potency of imidazole and its derivatives on thromboxane synthetase

Abstract The relative inhibitory potency of imidazole and derivatives on thromboxane synthetase from human platelets was found to be increased by substitution of the 1-position and abolished in other positions. The potency of 1-substituted imidazoles was increased as the side chain became more hydrophobic. Among the imidazole derivatives tested 1-nonyl-imidazole and 1-(2-isopropyl phenyl)-imidazole showed the highest potency with I 50 in the range of 10 −8 M. Inhibition by imidazole and its derivatives appeared to be very specific for thromboxane synthetase since other enzymes in prostaglandin endoperoxide metabolism were not affected. Kinetic studies indicated that inhibition was competitive with respect to prostaglandin endoperoxide substrate.
Funding Sources and Excess CEO Compensation in Not-for-Profit Organizations

SYNOPSIS: We examine the relation between funding composition and excess CEO compensation in not-for-profit organizations (NFPs). Our sample consists of 105,400 observations from 15,412 unique organizations during 1992 to 2007. The results suggest that excess CEO compensation is negatively related to funding from government grants, government-paid program service revenues, and public donations. Excess CEO compensation is positively related to funding from investment income. Our findings generally support the view that the demand for monitoring by fund providers is associated with agency costs in NFP organizations. JEL Classifications: D23; L31; M48. Data Availability: The data used in this study are available from the National Center for Charitable Statistics.
The regulation of non-point-source pollution under imperfect and asymmetric information

Abstract This paper develops a Bayesian framework for discussing the role of information in the design of non-point-source pollution control mechanisms. An ambient concentration tax is examined, allowing for spatial transport among multiple zones. Imposition of the tax requires costly measurement of concentrations in selected zones, and the selection of zones for measurement must be undertaken without perfect information regarding several parameters of the problem. Potentially crucial information issues discussed include: (a) the impact of asymmetric priors regarding fate and transport, (b) the cost of measuring ambient concentration, and (c) the optimal acquisition of information regarding fate and transport.
Influence of WR 2721 on the efficacy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy of murine tumors

Abstract The effect of WR 2721 on the response of tumors to radiation, antineoplastic alkylating drugs, and DNA binding agents was evaluated and compared to the degree of normal tissue protection provided by WR 2721 against these agents. WR 2721 administered to mice bearing P388 leukemia or Lewis lung carcinoma was found to reduce the radiosensitivity of the leukemia and lung tumor by dose modifying factors of 1.4 and 1.3, respectively. WR 2721 protected bone marrow, intestine, and skin from radiation by factors of 1.9, 1.5, and 1.8. WR 2721 protected mice from the lethality of cyclophosphamide by a factor of only 1.2 wheras protection from melphalan toxicity was more dramatic with a dose modifying factor of 1.6. In chemotherapy studies of established M5076 ovarian tumor, the combination of WR 2721 plus cyclophosphamide was equivalent in activity to cyclophosphamide alone. WR 2721 did not modify the antitumor activity of melphalan in early Lewis lung carcinoma but did decrease the antileukemic effects of this agent by a factor of 2.6 indicating tumor protection greater than host protection in the leukemia. The antitumor activity of the DNA binding agents etoposide (VP16–213) and mitoxantrone against systemic P388 leukemia was not diminished by WR 2721, while a substantial increase in host toxicity was noted for the combinations. The protective effects of WR 2721 against radiation and drug damage were, therefore, not entirely selective for normal tissues. In some cases the degree of tumor protection can be similar to, or greater than, normal tissue protection.
Infant with gross hematuria and nephrotic syndrome: answers

Our differential diagnosis was acute glomerulonephritis due to infections known to cause nephrotic syndrome (NS) in the first year of life, including syphilis, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), parvovirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), hemolytic–uremic syndrome (HUS), autoimmune disease [systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), vasculitis], malignancy, and primary (genetic) NS with later presentation at 9 months of age (Table 1). Due to severe gross hematuria, NS and decreased renal function on admission, percutaneous renal biopsy was performed on hospital day 1 without complications. Renal ultrasonography with Doppler flow showed no evidence of renal vein thrombosis. Histologic laboratory tests showed complement levels C3 and C4 were within normal limits [120 (85–157) and 27 (15–38) mg/dl respectively], as well as total complement CH50 46 (40–70). All tests for infectious causes were negative, including antibodies to HSV, Rubella, toxoplasmosis, EBV, hepatitis C, HIV, parvovirus; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for EBV and parvovirus; hepatitis B antigen; rapid plasma reagin test for syphilis; and nasopharyngeal viral culture including adenovirus, influenza A and B, parainfluenza, meta-pneumovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Stool culture for Escherichia coli O157 was negative. Serologic tests to look for SLE (antinuclear antibodies, antibodies to double-stranded DNA) and vasculitis (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) were also negative. A peripheral blood smear was done to evaluate for HUS and malignancy. The smear showed normocytic anemia without red blood cell morphologic abnormalities and no evidence of microangiopathic hemolysis. For possibility of Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) in an infant with female phenotype, karyotype was tested and showed normal 46 XX female. Genetic testing for gene mutations in PLCE1, LAMB2, WT1, NPHS1, and NPHS2 genes for early-onset NS showed DNA sequence variants in NPHS1 (heterozygous transition G>A, nucleotide position IVS9+8) and WT1 (heterozygous, transition T>C, nucleotide position 844, codon position 282, amino acid change cysteine>arginine), which were of unknown clinical significance and have not been associated with NS (Athena Diagnostics Inc., Worchester, MA, USA). This refers to the article that can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/ s00467-011-1965-z
Trapping and identification of nitrogen oxides from soybean leaves

Abstract Volatile compounds were isolated from insect-resistant and insect-susceptible soybean leaves and from snap-bean leaves by dry vacuum distillation. Nitrogen oxides, methanol, acetaldehyde, and ethanol were identified. These volatiles were found in all three plants tested and exposure to these compounds was toxic to the Mexican bean beetle.
A review of chemical tracer experiments on precipitation systems

Abstract Experiments involving the introduction of materials into precipitation systems for the purpose of tracing the motions of air and/or hydrometeors within them began in the U.S.S.R. in 1964. Since then approximately 100 such experiments have been performed. Most of these experiments have been carried out on convective clouds, but the frontal layer-type cloud systems of the northwest U.S. coast have also been the object of tracer experiments. The tracers have been released mostly from aircraft, but ground generators and rockets have also been used. At least 13 different elements or isotopes have been employed as tracers. Present results generally claim nearly complete removal of tracer by the precipitation system and very complex mesoscale transport before deposition. However, the validity of these claims depends on the experimenter's ability to identify and quantify his tracer in the presence of natural background and to estimate deposition accurately. Neither of these subjects has received adequate attention in most of the available literature. However, it is shown that accuracy of deposition estimates should not be a problem in heavy rain events measured by square grid networks with gage spacing of 8 km or less, if tracer background has been adequately assessed.
An integral equation for the planar ablation problem

A Laplace transform in the spatial variable is used to obtain a Volterra integral equation for the problem of determining the speed and position of the moving boundary of an evaporating surface. The integral equation is applicable for an arbitrary Stefan number and variable heat input. Asymptotic formulas for the short-time behavior are derived. The integral equation is solved numerically to illustrate several features of planar ablation. Of particular interest is the approach to a steady state, which is seen to be very slow compared to the preheat time or the characteristic diffusion time.
Deposition and adsorption of the air pollutant HNO3 vapor to soil surfaces

Abstract Deposition of nitric acid (HNO 3 ) vapor to soils has been evaluated in three experimental settings: (1) continuously stirred tank reactors with the pollutant added to clean air, (2) open-top chambers at high ambient levels of pollution with and without filtration reducing particulate nitrate levels, (3) two field sites with high or low pollution loads in the coastal sage plant community of southern California. The results from experiment (1) indicated that the amount of extractable NO 3 − from isolated sand, silt and clay fractions increased with atmospheric concentration and duration of exposure. After 32 days, the highest absorption of HNO 3 was determined for clay, followed by silt and sand. While the sand and silt fractions showed a tendency to saturate, the clay samples did not after 32 days of exposure under highly polluted conditions. Absorption of HNO 3 occurred mainly in the top 1 mm layer of the soil samples and the presence of water increased HNO 3 absorption by about 2-fold. Experiment (2) indicated that the presence of coarse particulate NO 3 − could effectively block absorption sites of soils for HNO 3 vapor. Experiment (3) showed that soil samples collected from open sites had about 2.5 more extractable NO 3 − as compared to samples collected from beneath shrub canopies. The difference in NO 3 − occurred only in the upper 1–2 cm as no significant differences in NO 3 − concentrations were found in the 2–5 cm soil layers. Extractable NO 3 − from surface soils collected from a low-pollution site ranged between 1 and 8 μg NO 3 –N g −1 , compared to a maximum of 42 μg NO 3 –N g −1 for soils collected from a highly polluted site. Highly significant relationship between HNO 3 vapor doses and its accumulation in the upper layers of soils indicates that carefully prepared soil samples (especially clay fraction) may be useful as passive samplers for evaluation of ambient concentrations of HNO 3 vapor.
Flow within models of the vertebrate embryonic heart.

Abstract Vertebrate cardiogenesis is believed to be partially regulated by fluid forces imposed by blood flow in addition to myocardial activity and other epigenetic factors. To understand the flow field within the embryonic heart, numerical simulations using the immersed boundary method were performed on a series of models that represent simplified versions of some of the early morphological stages of heart development. The results of the numerical study were validated using flow visualization experiments conducted on equivalent dynamically scaled physical models. The chamber and cardiac cushion (or valve) depths in the models were varied, and Reynolds numbers ranging from 0.01 to 1000 corresponding to the scale of the early heart tube to the adult heart were considered. The observed results showed that vortex formation within the chambers occurred for Reynolds numbers on the order of 1–10. This transition to vortical flow appears to be highly sensitive to the chamber and cushion depths within the model. These fluid dynamic events could be important to induce shear sensing at the endothelial surface layer which is thought to be a part of regulating the proper morphological development and functionality of the valves.
RISOAR: A Facility for Production of Beams of Radioactive Ions

A facility to produce beams of low energy radioactive ions such as 7Be, 11C, 13N, 15O and 19Ne is presently under construction at The Ohio State University. The beams, having expected intensities of order 1×106 ions/s and energies of 8 to 16 MeV, will be directed onto a hydrogen or helium gas cell, where the reaction products from proton or ?-particle radiative capture reactions, or from particle transfer reactions, will be observed. The results of these reaction studies are of interest to fast nucleosynthesis, the mode of stellar burning which takes place in the hot dense stellar environments surrounding an accreting neutron star, or in the region of a supernovae. The present paper describes the general operation of the facility as well as some of the details associated with specific sections of it. Also discussed is a time scale for completion of the project and initiation of the first experiments on it.
Photodynamic therapy with derivatives of haematoporphyrin and tetraphenylporphine

The tumour-localizing photosensitizer HPD (haematoporphyrin derivative) consists of a porphyrin dimer/oligomer fraction in which ester linkages joining haematoporphyrin units can be demonstrated. This material binds to plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and its distribution in tissues can be explained on the basis of relative numbers of LDL receptors in such tissues. Other more polar sensitizers, e.g., the tri- and tetrasulphonated derivatives of tetraphenylporphine, bind mainly to plasma albumin, and may therefore utilize a different mode of localization. Steady-state conditions result in photosensitization by HPD at intracellular (mitochondrial) loci, although short-term exposure of cells to HPD can result in transient photosensitization of membranes by some HPD components.
Poor prognosis myofibromatosis in a 3 year old male

Abstract Infantile myofibromatosis (IM) is a very rare clinical entity consisting of fibrous proliferation occurring in infants and children. We report the case of a male child with the occurrence of multiple soft tissue nodules. Myofibromatosis was diagnosed on histopathological examination of the lesions. The characteristic clinical, radiologic and histopathologic features of this process are reviewed along with diagnostic and therapeutic options.
An XPS study of the adsorption of chromate on goethite ( α-FeOOH)

Abstract The adsorption behavior of inorganic oxyanions on soil minerals is an important factor in the transport of subsurface environmental pollutants. We have studied the adsorption of chromate (CrO 4 2− ) from aqueous solution on the surface of the mineral goethite ( α -FeOOH) as a function of pH and adsorbate concentration in 0.05 M NaNO 3 solution. Results obtained from the dried surface by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are in good agreement with data from spectrophotometric analysis of chromate remaining in the supernatant liquid. Chromate adsorption increases with decreasing pH of the solution and eventually reaches a maximum at pH 6.5. The chromium XPS signal indicates that initially a small amount of chromium adsorbs in the +3 oxidation state via a redox reaction, but that the large majority of chromium remains in the +6 oxidation state.
Studies on human trabecular cells propagated in vitro.

Abstract The propagation of human trabecular cells in culture allows the study of the structural and functional properties of this distinct cell type under reproducible experimental conditions. Human trabecular cells can be effectively grown from dissected expiants of trabecular tissue, using 250 ng/ml fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and either 10% human or fetal calf serum with DME medium. The cultured cells show few ultrastructural alterations through at least four passages, although cultured cells appear slightly more spread out in vitro when compared to cells from intact tissue. We have previously demonstrated that human trabecular cells are capable of producing a complex connective tissue matrix, show active phagocytosis, and have functional glucocorticoid receptors. We report here that use of cultured human trabecular cells readily permits the detection of direct glucocorticoid effects and the measurement of beta adrenergic receptors. Future studies on cultured human trabecular cells will examine the role of hormones and other regulatory substances on the biological function of this important cell type.
Role of rotational-translational coupling in vibrational relaxation of matrix-isolated diatomic molecules

Abstract Vibrational-rotational coupling, due to the fact that the center of interaction is displaced from the center of mass in a heteronuclear diatomic molecule, provides a mechanism for nonradiative vibrational relaxation of diatomic impurities in matrices. A theoretical expression for the rate constant in semiquantitative agreement with experiment is derived.
Anal cancer: current and future treatment strategies

Anal cancer is a relatively rare malignancy, accounting for approximately 2% of gastrointestinal cancers. Concurrent chemoradiation with 5-fluorouracil/mitomycin remains the standard of care for the treatment of anal cancer. There is currently no proven role for platinum-based induction or adjuvant chemotherapy in anal cancer, even in cases of bulky disease. Multiple trials have shown that radiosensitization with concurrent chemotherapy is beneficial over radiation alone, and in particular, efforts to remove or substitute mitomycin from the chemoradiation regimen have been unsuccessful. Because local-regional control remains a challenge in the management of anal cancer, future studies will need to focus on radiation dose-escalation and/or addition of further chemotherapy or targeted agents. Patient selection, eg, with PET-CT or with biomarkers including HPV status, may be necessary to define patients who need more aggressive local treatment, ie, for patients with bulky disease, or to de-escalate
Pubertal sleep-wake patterns of episodic LH, FSH and testosterone release in twin boys.

On 2 consecutive nights, plasma LH, FSH and testosterone (T) were measured every 20 min for 12 h during evening wakefulness and polygraphic sleep in 5 pairs of male monozygotic twins in pubertal stages 1–4, and in a male dizygotic twin in stage 5. The intervening wakeful day was also studied in 3 twins. During sleep, significant enhancement of episodic LH release was seen on 16 of 18 nights in the stage 1–4 twins. During wakefulness, minimal episodic LH release was observed in the stage 1-3 twins, which then gradually increased in the more mature twins, until finally the significant sleep-wake difference in mean LH was lost in the stage 5 male. Testosterone also rose significantly in sleep on 19 of 20 study nights in the stage 1–5 twins. In the early pubertal twins this nocturnal rise in T was small, but in the midpubertal pairs it was profound, as peaks in T occurred which lay in the normal range for adult males. In these less mature twins the majority of the episodic secretion of T also was limited to s...
G.P.82 ‘Double Trouble’: Diagnostic challenges in DMD in patients with an additional hereditary skeletal dysplasia

Abstract Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disease that is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene and affects one in 3600–6000 live male births. DMD is characterized by progressive weakness leading to a loss of ambulation, respiratory insufficiency, cardiomyopathy and scoliosis. Boys typically present at 3–5 years of age with evidence of proximal weakness and calf hypertrophy. Here we describe the unusual and complicated clinical phenotype of three patients with hereditary skeletal dysplasias in whom an additional diagnosis of DMD was then established. Two unrelated boys presented each with a diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta (types 1 and 4) due to point mutations in COL1A1, and were both subsequently found to have a 1 bp frameshift deletion in the dystrophin gene at age 3 and age 15, respectively. The third patient had an established diagnosis of inherited pseudoachondroplasia and was found to have a deletion of exons 48–50 in dystrophin at age 8 years. We discuss the atypical clinical presentation caused by the concomitant presence of two conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, emphasizing features that may confound the presentation of a well-characterized disease like DMD. Additional case series of patients with DMD and a secondary genetically confirmed condition are necessary to establish the natural history in this “double trouble” patient population. The recognition and accurate diagnosis of patients with two independent genetic disease processes is essential for management, prognosis, proper genetic recurrence risk information, and discussion regarding potential therapeutic interventions.
Native rates of superoxide production from multiple sites in isolated mitochondria measured using endogenous reporters.

Abstract Individual sites of superoxide production in the mitochondrial respiratory chain have previously been defined and partially characterized using specific inhibitors, but the native contribution of each site to total superoxide production in the absence of inhibitors is unknown. We estimated rates of superoxide production (measured as H 2 O 2 ) at various sites in rat muscle mitochondria using specific endogenous reporters. The rate of superoxide production by the complex I flavin (site I F ) was calibrated to the reduction state of endogenous NAD(P)H. Similarly, the rate of superoxide production by the complex III site of quinol oxidation (site III Qo ) was calibrated to the reduction state of endogenous cytochrome b 566 . We then measured the endogenous reporters in mitochondria oxidizing NADH-generating substrates, without added respiratory inhibitors, with and without ATP synthesis. We used the calibrated reporters to calculate the rates of superoxide production from sites I F and III Qo . The calculated rates of superoxide production accounted for much of the measured overall rates. During ATP synthesis, site I F was the dominant superoxide producer. Under nonphosphorylating conditions, overall rates were higher, and sites I F and III Qo and unidentified sites (perhaps the complex I site of quinone reduction, site I Q ) all made substantial contributions to measured H 2 O 2 production.
Rest and treadmill exercise first-pass radionuclide ventriculography: validation of left ventricular ejection fraction measurements.

Background To assess the accuracy of rest and treadmill exercise first-pass radionuclide ventriculographic measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), 40 patients underwent treadmill exercise first-pass and bicycle exercise equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography. To determine the frequency of technically adequate treadmill exercise first-pass studies, an additional 128 consecutive patients undergoing treadmill exercise first-pass procedures during stress99mTc-labeled sestamibi myocardial perfusion studies were assessed.
Can adrenal incidentalomas be safely observed

We currently recommend excision of adrenal incidentalomas > or = 4 cm in size and all hormonally active tumors. The optimal management and follow-up of smaller nonfunctioning tumors are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcome of a well defined population of patients with incidentalomas followed without operative intervention. The study group comprised 231 patients, identified from the records of abdominal or thoracic computed tomographic (CT) scans performed between 1985 and 1989. The primary outcome variable analyzed was survival. Follow-up was obtained by office records, telephone contact, or letter. There were 101 male and 130 female patients with a mean age at diagnosis of 64 years (range 5-86 years). Most adrenal tumors were unilateral (right 113; left 98); 20 were bilateral. Mean tumor size was 2 cm (range 1-6 cm). In nine (4%) patients the tumor was > or = 4 cm. Follow-up [mean 7 years; range 1 month (patient died) to 11.7 years] was complete in 224 (97%) patients. Ninety-one (39%) patients had one or more additional CT scans performed during the follow-up period, with only four patients demonstrating a > 1 cm increase in the size of the adrenal mass. Surgical excision of these four lesions identified benign pathology. Eighty-one (35%) patients died of conditions unrelated to adrenal pathology. No patient developed subsequent adrenal hyperfunction or adrenal malignancy. Within the context of our guidelines, conservative management of adrenal incidentalomas considered benign or nonfunctioning at diagnosis is appropriate. Additional information provided by repeat CT scanning appears to confer limited benefit. This study does not support laparoscopic removal of small, nonfunctional adrenal tumors, as has been suggested.
Node splitting algorithms in tree-structured high-dimensional indexes for similarity search

Content-based searches and retrievals in multimedia and image databases use high-dimensional indexing structures for organizing the features of the objects. Most of those index structures are tree-structured whose nodes have a limit on the number of entries describing the subtrees rooted at those nodes. When index trees are built by repeated insertion of entries, nodes need to be split and the tree balanced accordingly. Node-splitting algorithms eventually determine the final structure of the tree which will have a profound effect on the search performance. This paper presents a comparative study of several node splitting algorithms for a typical high-dimensional indexing structure. The algorithms are implemented and tested on an image database and the results are presented.
Clonal comparisons of growth and photosynthetic responses to nitrogen availability in marine Synechococcus spp

Abstract Growth, photosynthesis and fluorescence of the phycoerythrin-containing clones of marine Synechococcus , WH7803 and WH8018, were investigated as a function of nitrogen nutritional status in batch culture. Cultures were grown for ≈5 divisions prior to exhaustion of the NO 3 − supply, allowed to become nitrogen deficient for 48 h, then resupplied with fresh media. Cell division appeared to become arrested immediately upon nitrogen depletion in Clone WH7803, and growth resumed almost immediately after the 48 h starvation period when nitrogen was resupplied. In sharp contrast, Clone WH8018 showed continued, but slow, cell division during the 48 h period of nitrogen depletion and displayed a lag phase (> 24 h) before growth resumed when nitrogen was resupplied. Fluorescence of phycoerythrin and chlorophyll changed only slightly during nitrogen depletion in WH7803, but decreased sharply in WH8018 during this period. In both clones, the photosynthesis vs. irradiance parameters declined proportionately during nitrogen depletion, suggesting independent regulation of growth and photosynthesis.
Intentional inferences are not more likely than unintentional ones: Some evidence against the intentionality bias hypothesis

We conducted a study to test the hypothesis that inferences about intentionality are biased toward an intentional interpretation. Contrary to previous research, participants were no more likely to judge ambiguous actions as intentional in a speeded compared to an unspeeded condition. Further, participants were faster to respond and more consistent in responding to unintentional rather than intentional actions.
Rapid evolution of sessility in an endemic species flock of the freshwater bivalve Corbicula from ancient lakes on Sulawesi, Indonesia

The fauna of ancient lakes frequently contains taxa with highly derived morphologies that resulted from in situ radiation of lacustrine lineages with high antiquity. We employed a molecular mtDNA phylogeny to investigate this claim for corbiculid freshwater bivalves in two ancient lake systems on the Indonesian island Sulawesi. Among the otherwise mobile corbiculid species flock, only one taxon, Posostrea anomioides, in the ancient Lake Poso exhibits a unique habit, i.e. cementing one valve to the substrate. Our data show that Corbicula on Sulawesi is polyphyletic, with the endemic riverine taxa in terminal position, and the lacustrine species flock being paraphyletic. Surprisingly, Posostrea is not confirmed as a genus distinct from Corbicula and genetic distances suggest a rather recent origin from the only other corbiculid species endemic to Lake Poso, the non-cementing Corbicula possoensis. While the cementing anomioides, despite its unique behavioural and morphological characteristics, clusters together with non-sessile Corbicula species, the latter exhibit strong genetic distances in the absence of morphological disparity and fall into several genetically rather distinct clades. These findings suggest that developmental plasticity of animals in ancient lakes rather than the antiquity of lineages might account for the unique morphology of some species.