cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calculation of the structure of the Al(331) stepped surface.

Car-Parinello-like calculations have been used to compute the relaxation of the Al(331) surface, with results that are in remarkable agreement with the low-energy electron-diffraction analysis of Adams and So( )renson. Rapid screening of the steps on Al(331) is illustrated by comparing its charge density and relaxations to those of Al(110) and Al(111).
Cellular and matrix mechanics of bioartificial tissues during continuous cyclic stretch.

Bioartificial tissues are useful model systems for studying cell and extra-cellular matrix mechanics. These tissues provide a 3D environment for cells and allow tissue components to be easily modified and quantified. In this study, we fabricated bioartificial tissue rings from a 1 ml solution containing one million cardiac fibroblasts and 1 mg collagen. After 8 days, rings compacted to <1% of original volume and cell number increased 2.4 fold. We initiated continuous cyclic stretching of the rings after 2, 4, or 8 days of incubation, while monitoring the tissue forces. Peak tissue force during each cycle decreased rapidly after initiating stretch, followed by further slow decline. We added 2 μM Cytochalasin-D to some rings prior to initiation of stretch to determine the force contributed by the matrix. Cell force was estimated by subtracting matrix force from tissue force. After 12 h, matrix force-strain curves were highly nonlinear. Cell force-strain curves were linear during loading and showed hysteresis indicating viscoelastic behavior. Cell stiffness increased with stretching frequency from 0.001–0.25 Hz. Cell stiffness decreased with stretch amplitude (5–25%) at 0.1 Hz. The trends in cell stiffness do not fit simple viscoelastic models previously proposed, and suggest possible strain-amplitude related changes during cyclic stretch.
Devolatilization and oxidation of coal nitrogen

The pyrolysis of the nitrogen content of coal was studied by rapidly heating dispersed pulverized particles of a lignite and a bituminous coal to temperatures of 1000 and 2100 K. Nitrogen evolution paralleled that of the total volatiles with the notable exception that little nitrogen was released until 10 to 15 percent of the coal had been devolatilized. A pseudo-first order rough fit of the nitrogen pyrolysis data yielded a rate constant of 9.3 ×10 3 exp (−22,700/RT) sec −1 . Oxidation of the coal was studied in a laminar diffusion flame produced by injecting the coal particles into a flowing helium/oxygen mixture. At a furnace temperature of 1500 K, the conversion of the nitrogen in the coal to nitric oxide was found to decrease from about 60 percent at a fuel equivalence ratio of 0.2 to 10 percent at equivalence ratios above 1.5. At the higher equivalence ratios, however, 30 percent of the char remained unreacted and 45 percent of the original coal nitrogen was retained in the char. Similar oxidation experiments were conducted with char produced by devolatilizing coal at 1500 K under conditions at which the char retained about two-thirds of the original coal nitrogen. Conversion to nitric oxide of the nitrogen retained in the char was significantly lower, by factors of two to three, than conversion for coal nitrogen but showed a similar trend with fuel equivalence ratio. From the difference of the coal and char oxidation results it was inferred that, at a furnace temperature of 1500 K, sixty to eighty percent of the NO x was contributed by the oxidation of nitrogen released with the volatiles and that the conversion efficiency of volatiles to NO x and its dependence on fuel equivalence ratio were similar to data previously reported in the literature for the oxidation of model fuel nitrogen compounds burned in laboratory premixed and diffusion flames.
Effects of Genotype, Temperature, and Illuminance on Chloroplast Ultrastructure of a Chlorophyll Mutant in Soybeans

Electron microscope observations were made with green, light-green, and yellow leaf tissues of the soybean mutant Ym18. The ultrastructure of chloroplasts from green plants was not influenced markedly by temperature (19°C or 29°C) or illuminance (22 klx or 87 klx). Disruptions of chloroplast grana stacks were observed in yellow plants grown at 29°C with illuminance of 22 klx. At 19°C and illuminance of 22 kix, yellow plants had isolated grana stacks, separation of the lamellae, and increased numbers of osmiophilic bodies per chloroplast. Light-green leaf sectors were found to be mixtures of tissue layers with either normal chloroplasts or aberrant chloroplasts. At 29°C and illuminance of 87 klx, yellow plants had no starch grains or grana stacks. The lamellar system was restricted to long parallel lamellae with only occasional overlaps. The presence of lamellar whorls was assumed to be a possible indication of plastid degeneration. Major and minor element composition of leaf tissue was similar throughout the three genotypes, eliminating deficiency of these elements as a possible major cause for the different phenotypes.
Synthesis and solid state structures of tri-t-butyl-cyclopropenyl derivatives of main group elements: Cyp*MPh3 (M = Si, Ge, Sn)

Abstract The reaction of Ph3MLi (M = Si, Ge, and Sn) with tri-t-butylcyclopropenium tetrafluoroborate ( Cyp ∗ BF 4 - ) gives the cyclopropenyl compounds Cyp*MPh3 as air and moisture stable solids in 11%, 74%, and 77% yields, respectively. Attempts to prepare Cyp*PbPh3 by this method were unsuccessful. The X-ray crystal structures of all three of these compounds were obtained. The M–C(Cyp*) bond distances increase with the order: Sn–C (2.19 A) > Ge–C (2.00 A) > Si–C (1.91 A). A high degree of steric strain is evidenced for the silicon derivative which forms an exocyclic bond angle (Si–C(Cyp*)–C(tBu)) of 121.6°. The high degree of steric strain for the silicon analog is believed to be responsible for the low yields for its synthesis.
An empirical investigation into decision support systems capabilities: a proposed taxonomy

Abstract The capabilities provided by decision support systems (DSS) can have a significant impact on the usefulness and satisfaction provided by a DSS. A questionnaire was sent to nonacademic members of the Institute of Management Sciences in an effort to identify characteristics and capabilities common to DSS. Analysis indicated that five different categories of DSS could be identified. Each of these categories provided the DSS user with a unique set of capabilities ranging from simple data retrieval to a fully integrated DSS. Analysis also indicated that the five DSS categories identified in this study mapped easily onto Alter's DSS taxonomy. By utilizing Alter's taxonomy and the results obtained in this study, the DSS builder is provided a starting point for the development of future DSS.
Are positive illusions necessary for self-esteem : a research note

Abstract Research on variables associated with mental health has recently suggested that the judicious use of positive illusions, rather than an accurate perception of reality, is a significant predictor of self-esteem. This study, using 114 university students, suggested that for certain individuals low use of positive illusions can also be associated with high self-esteem and psychological adjustment.
THE ANATOMY OF A MURDER: WHO KILLED AMERICA'S ECONOMY?

ABSTRACT The main cause of the crisis was the behavior of the banks—largely a result of misguided incentives unrestrained by good regulation. Conservative ideology, along with unrealistic economic models of perfect information, perfect competition, and perfect markets, fostered lax regulation, and campaign contributions helped the political process along. The banks misjudged risk, wildly overleveraged, and paid their executives handsomely for being short‐sighted; lax regulation let them get away with it—putting at risk the entire economy. The mortgage brokers neglected due diligence, since they would not bear the risk of default once their mortgages had been securitized and sold to others. Others can be blamed: the ratings agencies that judged subprime securities as investment grade; the Fed, which contributed low interest rates; the Bush administration, whose Iraq war and tax cuts for the rich made low interest rates necessary. But low interest rates can be a boon; it was the financial institutions that ...
Evaluation of Dextromethorphan Metabolism Using Hepatocytes from CYP2D6 Poor and Extensive Metabolizers

Summary: It is important to estimate the defective metabolism caused by genetic polymorphism of drug metabolizing enzymes before the clinical stage. We evaluated the utility of cryopreserved human hepatocytes of CYP2D6 poor metabolizer (PM) for the estimation of the metabolism in PM using dextromethorphan (DEX) as the probe drug for CYP2D6 substrate. The results of low formations of dextrorphan (DXO) and 3-hydroxymorphinan (3-HM) in CYP2D6 PM hepatocytes incubated with dextromethorphan reflected the clinical data. Formation of 3-methoxymorphinan (3-MEM) normalized by CYP3A4/5 activity in the PM hepatocytes reached about 2.8-fold higher than that in CYP2D6 extensive metabolizer (EM) hepatocytes, which clearly showed the compensatory metabolic pathway of O-demethylation catalyzed by CYP2D6 as seen in clinical study. On the contrary, in the condition of the EM hepatocytes with CYP2D6 inhibitors, the enhancement of 3-MEM formation was not observed. In phase II reaction, the glucuronide formation rate of DXO in the PM hepatocytes was lower than that in the EM hepatocytes, which was consistent with clinical data of DXO-glucuronide (DXO-glu) concentration. These results would suggest that CYP2D6 PM hepatocytes could be a good in vitro tool for estimating CYP2D6 PM pharmacokinetics.
The Effects of Disease, Management, and Nutrition on Average Daily Gain of Dairy Heifers from Birth to Four Months

The effects of disease, management, and nutrition on the average daily gain of dairy heifers were studied from birth to 4 mo of age for 795 Holstein calves from 21 commercial dairy farms in Pennsylvania during 1991 and 1992. Biweekly visits to the farms yielded information on body weight, nutrient intake, environment, and management practices for each calf. Average daily gain varied throughout the 4-mo period because of many factors, including housing location after separation from the dam, dry matter intake, season, and farm. Dry matter intake was 4.0 kg/kg of body weight gain throughout the period from birth to 4 mo of age. Calves born in winter tended toward higher average daily gain than did calves born in other seasons. Calves born in summer showed a tendency for decreased average daily gain. The practices of tying calves with cows and housing groups of calves in pens were detrimental to average daily gain, but the use of hutches and the practice of tying calves away from cows yielded higher average daily gains. Other variables with significant effects included calving location, parity of the dam, and delivery score at calving.
Competitive effects of Nuttall's and weeping alkaligrass in Kentucky bluegrass.

Mechanisms of interspecific and intraspecific competition and survival between the agronomic species Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L. ‘Midnight’), with the native grass Nuttall’s alkaligrass (Puccinellia nuttalliana (Schult.) Hitchc.) and the introduced grass weeping alkaligrass (Puccinellia distans (Jacq.) Parl) were assessed over a two year period. A matrix of competitive regimes was created consisting of 4 monoculture densities and 16 mixtures of all possible pair-wise combinations. Response surfaces and substitution analysis of the three species were generated within the matrix to study competition dynamics between the species. Plants were grown under natural conditions, on a pH neutral (6.9) silt loam site, with no added irrigation or fertilizer. In general, in year 1, weeping alkaligrass was more competitive than Nuttall’s alkaligrass and both species were far more competitive than Kentucky bluegrass. Both weeping and Nuttall’s alkaligrass exhibited low survival (40% and 60%, respectively) following harvesting. There was also a shift in competitive effects in Year 2, such that weeping alkaligrass was equally competitive with Kentucky bluegrass, and both were far more competitive than Nuttall’s alkaligrass. Even though weeping alkaligrass had very low survival rates its affect on Kentucky bluegrass into year 2 was equal to that of year 1. Thus, the legacy effect of weeping alkaligrass will likely have long-term implications to a rotation of Kentucky bluegrass plants, even if removed in the first year. However, the notion of a legacy effect of competition should not be limited to an agricultural setting. It is highly likely that similar interactions are exhibited across plant communities and that long term competition studies are required to adequately address this issue.
Intermediate Statistics: A Modern Approach

One Way Analysis of Variance Power Analysis Factorial Analysis of Variance Repeated Measures Analysis Simple and Multiple Regression Analysis of Covariance. Appendices: Data Sets Statistical Tables Power Tables.
Algorithms for automated deduction of topological information

Topological information of a building component is referred to as spatial relationships (e.g. connection, adjacency, intersection, and containment) between the component and others within a building. Conventionally, project participants explicitly have to specify different descriptive building data necessary for representing such spatial relations manually. Since a constructed facility comprises of hundreds of components with multiple types of spatial relations, this approach is practically infeasible. This paper outlines an automated approach to deduction of the topological information using a three-dimensional Computer-Aided Design (3D CAD) system or solid modeler. A 3D solid modeling representation of building components and algorithms for automatically generating the spatial relationships among the building components are presented. A prototype system incorporated with the deduction algorithms is implemented in a 3D solid modeling environment. The prototype system is capable of extracting geometric data available from the 3D CAD system and deducing the spatial relations.
Paclitaxel-based chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of patients with operable esophageal cancer.

Purpose To compare a neoadjuvant regimen of cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and concurrent radiation therapy (RT) with paclitaxel-based regimens and RT in the management of operable esophageal (EC)/gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. Methods and Materials All patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) and RT for EC/GEJ cancer at Duke University between January 1995 and December 2004 were included. Clinical end points were compared for patients receiving paclitaxel-based regimens (TAX) vs. alternative regimens (non-TAX). Local control (LC), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Chi-square analysis was performed to test the effect of TAX on pathologic complete response (pCR) rates and toxicity. Results A total of 109 patients received CT-RT followed by esophagectomy (95 M; 14 F). Median RT dose was 45 Gy (range, 36–66 Gy). The TAX and non-TAX groups comprised 47% and 53% of patients, respectively. Most (83%) TAX patients received three drug regimens including platinum and a fluoropyrimidine. In the non-TAX group, 89% of the patients received cisplatin and 5-FU. The remainder received 5-FU or capecitabine alone. Grade 3-4 toxicity occurred in 41% of patients receiving TAX vs. 24% of those receiving non-TAX ( p = 0.19). Overall pCR rate was 39% (39% with TAX vs. 40% with non-TAX, p = 0.9). Overall LC, DFS, and OS at 3 years were 80%, 34%, and 37%, respectively. At 3 years, there were no differences in LC (75% vs. 85%, p = 0.33) or OS (37% vs. 37%, p = 0.32) between TAX and non-TAX groups. Conclusions In this large experience, paclitaxel-containing regimens did not improve pCR rates or clinical end points compared to non–paclitaxel-containing regimens.
Implicit Personality Theory: Myth or fact? An illustration of how empirical research can miss

The present paper examines some problems in the current literature on Implicit Personality Theory (IPT) with specific reference to the controversial publications by Mirels (1976) and Jackson, Chan, and Stricker (1979). Their disputes address the question of whether individuals' estimates of trait co-occurrence accurately reflect actual (empirical) trait co-occurrence in personality ratings. The cogency of the disputes is undermined, however, by both studies' deficiences at the levels of theory, measurement, and statistical analysis. For instance, the indices used for representing estimated and empirical trait co-occurrence are neither adequately justified nor commensurate. For future personality attribution research, we discuss both the theoretical distinction between two (comparative and absolute) judgment formats frequently involved in data gathering and the empirical distinction between sophisticated and unsophisticated research strategies involved in data analysis. Finally, it was concluded that due to the residual effect of the empiricism of the 1950s and 1960s, and a lack of logical coherence between cognitive psychology, psychometric theories, and statistical data manipulations, IPT is still at an early stage of development. Future investigators should therefore develop a rigorous program with the sophistication of so-called “nomological operationalization” for a systematic investigation of IPT.
In vivo evaluation of battery-operated light-emitting diode-based photodynamic therapy efficacy using tumor volume and biomarker expression as endpoints

In view of the increase in cancer-related mortality rates in low- to middle-income countries (LMIC), there is an urgent need to develop economical therapies that can be utilized at minimal infrastructure institutions. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a photochemistry-based treatment modality, offers such a possibility provided that low-cost light sources and photosensitizers are available. In this proof-of-principle study, we focus on adapting the PDT light source to a low-resource setting and compare an inexpensive, portable, battery-powered light-emitting diode (LED) light source with a standard, high-cost laser source. The comparison studies were performed in vivo in a xenograft murine model of human squamous cell carcinoma subjected to 5-aminolevulinic acid-induced protoporphyrin IX PDT. We observed virtually identical control of the tumor burden by both the LED source and the standard laser source. Further insights into the biological response were evaluated by biomarker analysis of necrosis, microvessel density, and hypoxia [carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) expression] among groups of control, LED-PDT, and laser-PDT treated mice. There is no significant difference in the percent necrotic volume and CAIX expression in tumors that were treated with the two different light sources. These encouraging preliminary results merit further investigations in orthotopic animal models of cancers prevalent in LMICs.
CHANGES IN THE BOTANICAL COMPOSITION OF A SOWN PASTURE ON THE CHALK IN KENT 1956–64

Changes in the cover of three grasses and two clovers sown in ploughed downland were measured annually for 8 years. Perennial ryegrass and cocksfoot were the most persistent of the sown species. Wild white clover increased in the first 3 years, but then decreased considerably, probably as a result of heavy grazing in the spring of 1960, and subsequently never recovered. Invasion by weed species and the rate of reversion of sown leys on the chalk to permanent downland is discussed.
Archaeology and Maya Writing

Recent decipherments underscore the relevance of Maya writing to archaeology. Textual references assist in dating archaeological features and help identify rulers that commissioned architecture. Maya script also touches on matters as diverse as Classic Maya folk classification, the average life spans of the elite, and the attribution of provenance to looted monuments. More generally, decipherments reveal the composition and spatial organization of Classic Maya polities, now shown to be smaller than previously supposed.
Three-dimensional simulations of the scoliosis derotation maneuver with Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation

The derotation maneuver using Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation (CDI) is intended to correct the counterdirectional transverse plane rotations of the spine and of the vertebrae in thoracic scoliosis. This was simulated in a finite element model of an idealized thoracic scoliosis with an initial 65 degrees scoliosis angle and 0 degree kyphosis angle. After 90 degrees of rod rotation the apical vertebra derotated 50 degrees towards the sagittal plane but the apical vertebra axial rotation worsened by 8 degrees. The scoliosis angle corrected to 29 degrees and a 54 degrees kyphosis was created. If the initial rod curvature was reduced by 9 degrees, the model predicted only small changes in spinal curvature resulting from the forces required to connect the vertebrae to the hooks. Decreased kyphosis and scoliosis curvatures but increased vertebra axial rotation were produced by the derotation maneuver. The increase in apical vertebra axial rotation was reversed by modifying the representation of the motion segments by repositioning their effective axes 30 mm posteriorly.
Infinite horizon common interest games with perfect information

Abstract We consider infinite horizon common interest games with perfect information. A game is a K-coordination game if each player can decrease other players' payoffs by at most K times his own cost of punishment. The number K represents the degree of commonality of payoffs among the players. The smaller K is, the more interest the players share. A K-coordination game tapers off if the greatest payoff variation conditional on the first t periods of an efficient history converges to 0 at a rate faster than K − t as t → ∞ . We show that every subgame perfect equilibrium outcome is efficient in any tapering-off game with perfect information. Applications include asynchronously repeated games, repeated games of extensive form games, asymptotically finite horizon games, and asymptotically pure coordination games.
Predictors of driving cessation, independent living, and power of attorney decisions by dementia patients and caregivers

This study examines factors associated with decisions made by dementia patients and their caregivers regarding whether the patient should cease driving, live alone or with their spouse, and assign a Durable Power of Attorney. Using data collected by the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) in the Memory Disorders Clinic at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, we analyzed 827 first visits to predict patients’ and caregivers’ decisions. Caregiver relationship and patient gender and perceptions of patient abilities, as measured by Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) were more important than cognitive functioning, as measured by the MMSE, in predicting decisions made. These findings have theoretical implications for modeling the impact of the course of the disease and practical implications for interventions aimed at supporting the decision-making processes of patients and caregivers.
Microarray immunoassay for phenoxybenzoic acid using polymer encapsulated Eu:Gd2O3 nanoparticles as fluorescent labels.

Currently, detection in microarray bioanalysis is based mainly on the use of organic dyes. To overcome photobleaching and spectral overlaps we applied a new type of fluorophore, crystalline europium-doped gadolinium oxide (Eu:Gd2O3) nanoparticles, as labels in immunoassay microarrays. The Eu:Gd2O3 nanoparticles synthesized by spray pyrolysis offer narrow red emission, large Stokes shift, photostable laser-induced fluorescence with a long lifetime (1 ms). The amino functionalization of the particles was achieved by poly(l-lysine) (PL) encapsulation. The formation of a stable PL shell was confirmed by TEM analysis, colloidal stability studies, and quantification of the surface reactive amino groups. The PL-encapsulated particles were covalently conjugated to antibodies and successfully applied as reporters in a competitive fluorescence microimmunoassay for phenoxybenzoic acid (PBA), a generic biomarker of human exposure to pyrethroid insecticides. Microarrays were fabricated by microcontact printing of BSA−...
Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis

Intramedullary spinal cord metastases are rarely the presenting manifestation of a previously undiagnosed neoplasms. We report such a case in which a subacutely progressive motor and sensory spinal cord syndrome was the initial problem. The differential diagnosis and the difficulties in distinguishing intramedullary from extramedullary mass lesions are discussed. The special features of tumors of the lung and their predilection for metastasis to the central nervous system are considered.
High levels of mRNA coding for substance P, somatostatin and α-tubulin are expressed by rat and rabbit dorsal root ganglia neurons ☆

Abstract Oligonucleotide probes complementary to α-tubulin, preprotachykinin A (PPT A), preprosomatostatin (PPSOM), and preproarginine-vasopressin (PPAVP) mRNA were hybridized to sections of rat and rabbit brain and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) at all spinal levels. Approximately 100% of the DRG neurons in the rat and rabbit express α-tubulin mRNA, 20–30% express PPT A mRNA and 5–17% express PPSOM mRNA. Whereas neurons which express PPSOM mRNA are of relative uniform size, the neurons which express PPT A mRNA segregate into two broad groups. One group is composed of smaller neurons (200–2,000 μm2) which contain an extremely dense concentration of PPT A mRNA. The second group is composed of larger neurons (2,000–3,500 μm2) which contain a moderate concentration of PPT A mRNA. PPAVP mRNA is present in very high concentrations in the paraventricular and supraoptic nucleus of the rat hypothalamus but is not detected in any DRG neurons. In both the rat and the rabbit the density of PPT A and PPSOM mRNA is high in individual DRG neurons in comparison to PPT A and PPSOM mRNA levels contained in most forebrain neurons. These results suggest that although the level of neuropeptide present in DRG neurons is relatively low in comparison to other brain areas, the rate of sensory neuropeptide synthesis and turnover, as reflected by mRNA content, is extremely high.
A critical appraisal of growth mechanisms in MOVPE

Abstract The metalorganic vapor phase epitaxial (MOVPE) growth process will be considered by first examining, individually, each of the four fundamental aspects of the overall reaction: (1) thermodynamics, (2) homogeneous gas phase reactions, (3) mass transport, and (4) surface kinetic processes. These will first be examined in general, and then an attempt will be made to understand the MOVPE process in terms of these fundamental concepts using data for specific III/V systems as examples. Thermodynamics yields information concerning the basic driving force for both the crystal growth process itself and undesirable parasitic reactions occurring homogeneously in the vapor phase and on the reactor walls upstream from the substrate. Thermodynamic factors often control the solid composition of III/V alloys. The primary homogeneous gas phase reactions, pyrolysis of the reactants and adduct formation, possibly accompanied by elimination reactions which lead to polymer formation on the walls, will be examined. The vast difference in behavior between systems using trimethyl-versus triethyl-group III sources will be explored for the growth of Ga and In containing III/V compounds and alloys. In addition, the pyrolysis of both MO source molecules and the group V hydrides will be examined, especially relative to the determination of solid composition. For many systems, at ordinary growth temperatures, the MOVPE growth rate is controlled by diffusion through the gas phase. In this case, for V/III ⪢ 1, the temperature dependence of growth rate and the group III distribution coefficients for mixing on the III sublattice (AxB17minus;xC) are particularly simple; thermodynamics controls solid composition, i.e., at the interface, the solid is nearly in equilibrium with the vapor. The results obtained for the alloy system GaAsSb with V/III ⪡ 1 will be explored in detail. In this regime, under certain conditions, the MOVPE growth process is found capable of producing metastable alloys. Surface kinetics may control the MOVPE process at relatively low growth temperatures. The major factors observed to date seem to relate to AsH3 and PH3 pyrolysis at the growing interface. The detailed surface reaction mechanisms are nearly totally unknown.
Effect of Prenatal Ethanol Exposure on the Developmental Profile of the NMDA Receptor Subunits in Rat Forebrain and Hippocampus

The effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on the NMDAR1 protein expression (postnatal days 1 and 7) and on the developmental profile of the NMDAR2A and NMDAR2B subunits in rat forebrain and hippocampus were investigated. Forebrain and hippocampal membrane proteins were isolated from pups of various ages (postnatal days 1 to 21) from prenatally ethanol exposed, pair-fed and ad libitum control groups. A semiquantitative immunoblot procedure was used with antibodies raised against the NMDAR1, NMDAR2A, and the NMDAR2B subunits to assess the NMDA subunit protein expression in the samples. NMDAR1 protein expression was unaffected by prenatal ethanol exposure at postnatal day 1 or 7 in both the forebrain and hippocampus. NMDAR2A protein expression levels rose rapidly in both forebrain and hippocampus during the time frame of study. Prenatal ethanol exposure caused a significant reduction in protein expression levels of the NMDAR2A in forebrain through postnatal day 14. NMDAR2B protein expression levels were high throughout the study in both forebrain and hippocampus. Prenatal ethanol exposure significantly reduced protein expression of the NMDAR2B in the forebrain (through postnatal day 14) and hippocampus (up to day 7). The results suggest that there may be a link between the depressed expression of the NMDAR2 subunits and the neurodevelopmental disorders associated with fetal ethanol exposure.
Design and Control for High Efficiency in High Step-Down Dual Active Bridge Converters Operating at High Switching Frequency

A control scheme is developed to maximize efficiency over a wide range of loads for a dual active bridge converter. A simple control circuit using only phase-shift modulation is proposed which considers both the converter conversion ratio and switching dead times in order to maintain high efficiency in the presence of varying loads. To demonstrate feasibility of the proposed control method, experimental results are presented for a 150-to-12 V, 120-W, 1-MHz prototype converter which has 97.4% peak efficiency and maintains greater than 90% efficiency over a load range between 20 and 120 W.
Clinical Transplantation Tolerance: A Myth No More, But …

More than 55 years after the description of the phenomenon of acquired immunologic tolerance to transplant antigens by Medawar and colleagues, the holy grail of transplantation is a myth no more. Establishment of the Immune Tolerance Network in 1999 changed the approach used to achieve clinical tolerance by translating advances in the field of immunology in general and in tolerance in particular from experimental animal strategies into human clinical trials, and initial results have been promising. Despite these advances, scientific and operational challenges still face the transplantation community and affect progress. Overcoming those challenges is a shared responsibility of scientists, transplant professionals, and general nephrologists alike. Achieving tolerance could not only revolutionize the field of transplantation through avoidance of toxicity associated with immunosuppressive agents, but also influence the treatment of autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks self, as well as cancer, in which tolerance of the immune system toward malignant cells may permit disease development and progression.
Thermodynamic stability considerations for isostructural dehydrates

Nonstoichiometric channel hydrates are a class of crystalline hydrates that can incorporate a range of water levels as a function of temperature and relative humidity (RH). When a nonstoichiometric channel hydrate can dehydrate to yield a physically stable isostructural crystalline lattice, it may become challenging to accurately evaluate the thermodynamic stability relationship associated with a polymorphic system using traditional methods. This work demonstrates application of a eutectic-melting method to determine the stability relationship between a nonstoichiometric channel dehydrate and an anhydrous form. A transition temperature (122°C) between the isostructural dehydrate of the nonstoichiometric channel hydrate and the anhydrous polymorph was identified, with the nonstoichiometric channel hydrate being the thermodynamically stable anhydrous form at room temperature (RT). Solid-state storage at a range of RH conditions demonstrated that the nonstoichiometric channel hydrate is also the stable form at RT above an RH of 94%. These results demonstrate that the nonstoichiometric channel hydrate is the stable form at low temperatures, independent of its hydration state. It has been demonstrated that the eutectic-melting method is applicable to the study of thermodynamic stability relationships between anhydrous forms and dehydrated channel hydrates.
Something inner-and cross-linguistically different

Pronominal constructions such as something big, often referred to as the 'indefinite pronoun construction', have received different but often homogenous accounts in the literature. In this paper, I document the inner- and cross-linguistic diversity of this construction in German and some other languages. Highlighting respectively different sets of properties, I argue that there are three basic types: one type combines the adjective and the pronoun by complementation, another by adjunction, and a third involves a garden-variety DP. Adjunction is argued to be mediated by a Modifier Phrase (Rubin, E.J., Proceedings of the West Coast Conference on Formal Linguistics, CSLI, Stanford, 429-439, 1996). The latter assumption is shown to have a number of advantages.
A simple method for the analysis of pyrimidine tract data.

While the pyrimidine frequency in double-stranded DNA is necessarily 0·5, it need not be 0·5 for the individual strands. The analysis of pyrimidine tract data affords an opportunity to determine the disparity in the pyrimidine composition of the two strands as well as pyrimidine-purine nearest-neighbor non-randomness. Equations are developed showing how to compute these two parameters, one directly, and a nomogram is given that permits a good estimate of the other parameter. These two effects are sufficient to account for most tract data. A correlative result of the analysis is a test that shows whether one has really managed to separate the two strands of genomic DNA, and an instance of such failure is noted. It is observed that, to be optimally useful for the determination of these parameters, tract data should be obtained out to lengths of ten or more consecutive pyrimidines. The analysis of known tract data shows that the pyrimidine disparity in organisms as varied as a bacterium, a protozoan, a plant, an insect and a mammal can be considerable, with approximately 50% more pyrimidine in the heavy strand than in the light strand. This casts doubt upon an earlier conclusion that the pyrimidine disparity between the two strands increases and one proceeds “up” the phylogenetic scale.
Targeting polymer therapeutics to bone

An aging population in the developing world has led to an increase in musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoporosis and bone metastases. Left untreated many bone diseases cause debilitating pain and in the case of cancer, death. Many potential drugs are effective in treating diseases but result in side effects preventing their efficacy in the clinic. Bone, however, provides a unique environment of inorganic solids, which can be exploited in order to effectively target drugs to diseased tissue. By integration of bone targeting moieties to drug-carrying water-soluble polymers, the payload to diseased area can be increased while side effects decreased. The realization of clinically relevant bone targeted polymer therapeutics depends on (1) understanding bone targeting moiety interactions, (2) development of controlled drug delivery systems, as well as (3) understanding drug interactions. The latter makes it possible to develop bone targeted synergistic drug delivery systems.
Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs): correlation between in vivo and in vitro structure-activity relationships

Abstract Fifteen polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) congeners were administered in a dose-response fashion to immature male Wistar rats and ED 50 values for body weight loss, thymic atrophy and the induction of the hepatic microsomal cytochrome P -448-dependent monooxygenases, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and 4-chlorobiphenyl hydroxylase were determined. There was an excellent correlation between the in vivo quantitative structure-activity relationships for these PCDFs and their in vitro activities as AHH inducers in rat hepatoma H-4-II E cells and as ligands for the 2,3,7,8-TCDD receptor protein. A comparison of isomers which differ at all 4 positions in the dibenzofuran ring system indicated that chlorine substitution at each position contributed differentially to the overall molecular activity [C-3 (or C-7) > C-2(or C-8) > C-4 (or C-6) > C-1 (or C-9)]. There was also an excellent linear correlation between a plot of the -log ED 50 for body weight loss vs. -log EC 50 for in vitro AHH induction (correlation coefficient, r = 0.96) and -log ED 50 for thymic atrophy vs. -log EC 50 for in vitro AHH induction (correlation coefficient, r = 0.88). Since body weight loss and thymic atrophy in the rat are representative toxic responses to PCDFs and related toxic halogenated aryl hydrocarbons, the correlations noted above support the use of the in vitro AHH induction assay as a short quantitative test system for this class of toxic halogenated aryl hydrocarbons.
Electroactive Films of Alternately Layered Polycations and Iron–Sulfur Protein Putidaredoxin on Gold

Abstract Layered, electrochemically active films of bacterial iron–sulfur protein putidaredoxin (Pdx) and poly(dimethyldiallyammonium) (PDDA) polycations were constructed on gold electrodes coated with mercaptopropane sulfonate (MPS) and on quartz slides. Second-derivative UV–vis spectra suggested similar structures of Pdx in films and solutions at pH 7. Direct electrochemistry was achieved between Pdx and gold electrodes in these films, with significantly better electrochemical reversibility than in cast Nafion–lipid–Pdx films. A formal potential dispersion model gave a good fit to square wave voltammograms by regression analysis and was used to estimate an average apparent rate constant of 4.5 s−1. Reduced Pdx in the polyion films did not react with its natural redox partner cytochrome P450cam because of unfavorable thermodynamics in the film environment.
Coding for Correcting Insertions and Deletions in Bit-Patterned Media Recording

Bit-patterned media is a novel technology for magnetic data storage that is poised to increase recording density beyond 1 Tb/sq. in. However, a significant concern in BPMR is the stringent requirements for synchronization between write clock and island position, errors in which may manifest as insertions and deletions. In this paper, we introduce a method for compensating for synchronization errors by using conventional error-correcting codes. We present a numerical study that provides bounds on achievable coding rates. We also perform a simulation study to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed scheme in practical systems.
Experimental investigation of rates and mechanisms of isotope exchange (O, H) between volcanic ash and isotopically-labeled water

Abstract The hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios in hydrous minerals and volcanic glass are routinely used as paleo-proxies to infer the isotopic values of meteoric waters and thus paleo-climatic conditions. We report a series of long-term exposure experiments of distal 7700 BP Mt. Mazama ash (−149‰ δ2H, +7‰ δ18O, 3.8 wt.% H2O) with isotopically-labeled water (+650‰ δ2H, +56‰ δ18O). Experiments were done at 70, 40 and 20 °C, and ranged in duration from 1 to 14454 h (∼20 months), to evaluate the rates of deuterium and 18O exchange, and investigate the relative role of exchange and diffusion. We also investigate the effect of drying on H2Otot and δ2H in native and reacted ash that can be used in defining the protocols for natural sample preparation. We employ Thermal Conversion Elemental Analyzer (TCEA) mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis and a KBr pellet technique with infrared spectroscopy to measure the evolution of δ2H, total water, and OH water peaks in the course of exposure experiments, and in varying lengths of vacuum drying. Time series experiments aided by infrared measurements demonstrate the following new results: (i) It wasobserved that from 5 to >100‰ δ2H increases with time, with faster deuterium exchange at higher temperatures. Times at 15% of theoretical “full δ2H exchange” are: 15.8 years at 20 °C, 5.2 years at 40 °C, and 0.4 years at 70 °C. (ii) Even at extended exposure durations experiments show no net increase in water weight percent nor in δ18O in ash; water released from ash rapidly by thermal decomposition is not enriched in δ18O. This observation clearly suggests that it is hydrogen exchange, and not water addition or oxygen exchange that characterizes the process. (iii) Our time series drying, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)-KBr and Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA) analyses collectively suggest a simple mechanistic view that there are three kinds of “water” in ash: water (mostly H2O) that is less strongly bonded on the surface of ash particles that are getting lost with 24–48 h of drying to up to 200–300 °C, bound water in glass in a range of combining proportions of SiOH to H2O, and a small reservoir of residual, tightly held water. Experimentation with vacuum drying at 130–220 °C, and with TGA up to 1000 °C provides a set of simple relationships and recommendations for users. Ash loses 1–1.2 wt.% water with weight loss stabilizing after 48 h of vacuum drying at 130 °C. This ash drying removes molecular water over the hydroxyl group in a proportion of ∼80:20% resulting in relatively constant δ2H values of the remaining total water in native ash. This study demonstrates that δ2H in ash can be rapidly changed by minor diagenesis even at relatively low temperatures of 20 °C. A diagenetic history of ash is needed to interpret the D/H ratio, but the δ18O values of water in ash are more robust.
Cancer of the uterine corpus among Hispanic women living in the United States: patterns of staging, diagnosis, and primary treatment

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the demographic characteristics, clinico-pathological features, and patterns of care of uterine cancer among Hispanic women living in the United States. Methods The National Cancer Institute (NCI)'s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER), was used to identify 1618 Hispanic, 17,814 non-Hispanic white (NHW), and 1477 non-Hispanic black (NHB) women diagnosed with primary carcinoma of the uterus during 1996–2000. Data derived from hospital registries was analyzed, for differences in case presentation, staging, and primary treatment by race/ethnicity and age. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM PC packages, Stata, and the SAS system. Results Hispanic women were statistically significantly more likely to present with uterine cancer at a younger age compared to non-Hispanic groups. Hispanic women with early stage disease (stage I–II) were also statistically significantly more likely to be younger than 55 years at the time of diagnosis (NHW: OR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.35–0.45; P = 0.0000, NHB: OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.38–0.55; P = 0.0000). Hispanics were statistically significant less likely than NHB to present with advanced stage disease, high tumor grade, and receive radiation therapy for uterine cancer. Conclusions Hispanic women are more likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer at a younger age than other ethnic groups. The etiologic factors related to this presentation have yet to be precisely defined. Additional epidemiological and demographic studies, addressing such factors as body mass index and other medical co-morbidities, are needed to identify opportunities for improved cancer prevention and control in this population of women.
Conservation of energy in buildings

The energy shortage in the United States will be of many years duration. In the past, commercial buildings have not been designed to minimize the consumption of electricity and fuels. Because of the energy shortage and the resulting rise in costs of energy, it is imperative that conservation measures be implemented. Little information is available on how energy is consumed in buildings. Computer models which analyze the total energy balance of a building provide valuable guidance in planning conservation strategies. Obstacles to innovations and improvement in construction technology are examined. Some general methods are described for reducing energy consumption in the existing stock of commercial buildings. Areas where improvements can be made in future designs are identified.
The Impact of Screening and Referral Practices in Early Childhood Special Education: Policy Considerations and Research Directions

Ecological case study methods were used in an exploratory investigation of four early childhood special education (ECSE) screening programs. Possible influences on screening outcomes were identified. The screening outcomes selected for comparing ECSE programs included (a) the percentage of eligible preschoolers screened (participation rate) and (b) the percentage of screened children referred for further developmental assessment (referral rate). Observations, interviews, file searches, and parent surveys were used to obtain multidimensional descriptions of outreach, screening, and referral practices. Results suggested that few screening and referral practices influenced screening outcomes in a consistent manner. Participation rates were related to school district size and the accessibility of screening to the public. Referral rates appeared to be influenced by screening purposes, second-level referral decisions, and subjective judgment. Relationships among community agencies appeared to influence both par...
Modeling of cometary x-rays caused by solar wind minor ions

X-ray emission was discovered in comet Hyakutake (C/1996 B2) by the Rontgen satellite in 1996, and these emissions were attributed to the excitation of high charge state solar wind ions due to electron capture from cometary molecules or atoms. Using the plasma flow in the coma of Hyakutake calculated by a three-dimensional adaptive magnetohydrodynamic model, the density distribution of solar wind ions in the coma and the resulting x-ray emission were computed. The calculated High Resolution Imager count rate of 4.4 per second and the spatial distribution of the x-ray emission agree with the observations. A detailed energy spectrum of cometary x-rays is predicted in the 80 to 2000 electronvolt energy range. Cometary x-rays present a sensitive tool to monitor cometary activity and solar wind ion composition.
An adaptive fuzzy approach for robot motion control

This paper develops a self-tuned proportional-integral-derivative (PID)-type fuzzy controller for the robot motion control. In order to improve further the performance of the transient state and the steady state of the PID controller, we try to develop a self-tuned fuzzy controller with small incremental complexity over conventional fuzzy controllers, which can autotune the PID type fuzzy controller parameters on line. The proposed controller is successfully applied in simulation to control two-link robot manipulators, which shows a satisfactory performance in the transient and steady state response