cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric synthesis and fragmentation reactions of 2-alkyl- and 2, 4-dialkyl-3-iodo-1-oxocyclohexan-2, 4-carbolactones. Single enantiomer preparation of Δα, β-butenolides, 2-alkyl-4-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-ones and butyrolactones

Fragmentation reactions of keto iodolactones 4 provide access to butenolides 5 , 2-alkyl-4-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-ones 6 , and butyrolactones 9 . Δ α, β -Butenolides 5e and 5f were converted to heterocycles 14–16 by way of intramolecular cycloaddition reactions.
Transactive Energy Pricing in Power Distribution Systems

In the past years, demand response has been developed as a technique to tackle intermittency in the power generation of renewable generators. However, unpredictability of the responses of demand response providers to the price of electricity is a major drawback of relying on demand response programs. Transactive Energy is an emerging framework to address the above shortcoming. In this paper, a power market is developed for power distribution systems that enables power consumers to exchange transactive energy in real time operation of distribution systems. Furthermore, using law of supply and demand the real time value of transactive energy is derived.
A Simple Descriptive Method & Standard for Comparing Pairs of Stacked Bar Graphs

While a plethora of research has been devoted to extoling the power and importance of data visualization, research on the effectiveness of data visualization methods from a human perceptual, and more generally, a cognitive standpoint remains largely untapped. Indeed, the way that human observers perceive and judge graphic charts can determine the interpretation of the graphed data. In this brief note we introduce a simple method for comparing stacked bar graphs based on a well-known result from cognitive science.
Management of Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood: A Review

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood is a severe neurological disorder with infantile-onset recurrent episodes of hemiplegia on either side of the body and other paroxysmal events such as seizures, dystonia, tonic episodes, abnormal eye movements or autonomic dysfunction, primarily due to de novo pathogenic mutations in the ATP1A3 gene. The burden of neuromorbidities is significant and includes epilepsy; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; behavioral difficulties; motor, cognitive, adaptive, and learning impairment; ataxia; movement disorders; and migraine. Comprehensive multispecialty clinic with the availability of various specialists with considerable experience in alternating hemiplegia of childhood is beneficial. A comprehensive treatment plan including strict maintenance of a diary about different paroxysmal events is helpful. Disease-modifying therapy of alternating hemiplegia of childhood does not exist, and several agents such as benzodiazepines, flunarizine, topiramate, ketogenic diet, triheptanoin, steroid, amantadine, memantine, aripiprazole, oral ATP, coenzyme Q, acetazolamide, dextromethorphan, and vagus nerve stimulator have been tried with various rates of success by aborting attacks or reducing the frequency or severity of paroxysmal spells. The apparent efficacy of flunarizine is based on its use in hundreds of patients, albeit in open-label experience, but most of the other agents' reports of efficacy were from single case reports or case series of only a handful of patients. Besides reviewing existing data about individual agent active against paroxysmal events, we also review the management principles for coexisting neurological issues. However, with rapid advancement in the understanding of molecular pathogenesis and network abnormality of this disease, the treatment paradigm of alternating hemiplegia of childhood may significantly alter over the next decade.
Preconcentration mechanism of trivalent lanthanum on eQCM electrodes in the presence of α-hydroxy isobutyric acid.

Abstract Electroprecipitation can be used to preconcentrate lanthanum on carbon electrode surfaces. The use of complexing ligands is expected to improve the electroprecipitation of lanthanum by protecting La ions in solution from the alkaline region near the electrode surface. However, the electroprecipitation mechanism of La in the presence of a complexing ligand is not known. The goal of this work is to 1) determine the effect of the complexing ligand, α-hydroxy isobutyric acid (HIBA), on the electroprecipitation of La onto the gold electrodes, and 2) identify the changes in the mechanism of accumulation when preconcentrating in the presence of HIBA. We used an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (eQCM) and needle type pH microelectrodes to determine pH near the electrode surface in combination with cyclic voltammetry to understand the electroprecipitation mechanism. We used the bi-dentate ligand HIBA as a ligand and found that lanthanum electroprecipitation is hindered in the presence of HIBA. The presence of HIBA also delayed the onset of film formation during a cyclic voltammetric experiment by ~100 mV compared to experiments performed without HIBA. The shift in onset potential is attributed to the buffering action of HIBA (pKa = 3.7) since the shift is not present in subsequent scans. The precipitated film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, and Auger nanoprobe spectrometry. While we found that La(OH)3 was the predominant chemical state of the film on electrodes in the absence of HIBA, La2O3 was found for films created in the presence of HIBA. Our finding demonstrates that La(OH)3 can be electrodeposited at room temperature.
Tripolar Articulations as a "High Stability Bearing" for Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: Success Rates and Risk Factors for Failure.

Abstract Background Unconstrained tripolar articulations have been theorized to increase hip stability. The purpose of this study is to report the performance of tripolar articulations in revision THA and identify factors associated with success and failure. Methods Between 1994 and 2016, 67 revision THAs were performed with an unconstrained tripolar articulation. Mean follow-up was 5.4 years. Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed emphasizing factors associated with risk of instability. There were 21 patients with neither a history of instability (HI) nor abductor insufficiency (AI), 20 patients with HI alone, 13 with AI alone, and 13 had both HI and AI. Results Twelve THAs sustained at least one postrevision dislocation at an average of 2.1 years. One bipolar dissociation occurred early (1.2 y). Nine hips had a re-revision to address these complications. Survival free from dislocation at 2, 5, and 10 years was 88%, 85%, and 74%, respectively. Survival free from re-revision at 2, 5, and 10 years was 91%, 84%, and 65%, respectively. Patients with combined AI and HI had the worst survivorship free from dislocation at 2, 5, and 10 years (77%, 68%, and 55%), respectively. In contrast, patients with neither HI nor AI experienced zero dislocations. There were no failures associated with bearing wear. Conclusion Off-the-shelf tripolar articulations were associated with reasonable survival at midterm follow-up. In patients with both AI and HI, the risks and benefits of alternative options such as dual mobility or constrained liners should be explored as the risk of dislocation at 10 years approached 50%.
Gales, Streams, and Multipliers: Conceptual Metaphors and Theory Development in Business History

Conceptual metaphors, like Galambos and Amatori’s “entrepreneurial multiplier,” play a pivotal but largely unexamined role in historical interpretation. They do this by allowing historians to see one set of historical associations or relationships in terms of another, more familiar, one. I highlight this interpretive role by comparing Galambos and Amatori’s construct to Joseph Schumpeter’s “gale of creative destruction” and Arthur Cole’s “entrepreneurial stream” as metaphors that attempt to explain the relationship between entrepreneurship and historical change. I also point out the risks that taken-for-granted metaphors can have in narrowing room for interpretation, and argue that reflexivity and playfulness are essential to keeping conceptual metaphors alive as interpretive devices. I conclude by suggesting that metaphors are an intrinsic form of theorizing in historical interpretation, and illustrate my argument by briefly examining “industrial revolution” as a construct in business and economic history.
Perceived Stress, Sexually Transmitted Infection, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Examination of Differences in Associations Among Black and White Women.

Introduction Perceived stress is linked to poor sexual and reproductive health, but its relationship with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is less clear. The elevated burden of stress and STI among Black women suggests a need to examine racial differences in the associations on additive and multiplicative scales. Methods Using data from Black and White female participants from wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (n = 4744), we examined the association of high stress (scores ≥6 on the Perceived Stress Scale-4) with self-reported past-year chlamydia diagnosis, combined curable STI, and lifetime pelvic inflammatory disease using modified Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate prevalence ratios and prevalence differences. Models included a race-stress product-interaction term and adjusted for sociodemographic variables, prior trauma and stressors, and mental health factors. Results In unadjusted analyses, stress was associated with STI among Black and White women. Adjusted associations were attenuated among White women; among Black women, stress remained associated with chlamydia (adjusted prevalence ratio, 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-3.79) and curable STI (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.40), corresponding to approximately 5 excess cases of each. Among White women, poverty and personality traits were the strongest confounders; among Black women, poverty, trauma, and neurotic personality traits were the strongest confounders for chlamydia, although no factors seemed to confound the association with curable STI. Conclusions Stress is independently linked to STI, particularly among Black women. Additional research with longitudinal data is needed to understand the role of stress on STI and address a significant health disparity.
Employer-Sponsored Benefits in the United States: The Past, Present, and Future

In early 2020, the COVID-19 virus caused a global pandemic, threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions across the globe. As of this writing, 40 million Americans had filed first-time unemplo...
Political beliefs, views about technocracy, and energy and climate policy preferences.

The use of technocratic decision-making, where policy decisions are made by elite experts, is an important aspect of policymaking in the United States. However, little work has examined public opin...
Antitumor potential of the protein phosphatase inhibitor, cantharidin, and selected derivatives.

Abstract Cantharidin is a potent natural protein phosphatase monoterpene anhydride inhibitor secreted by several species of blister beetle, with its demethylated anhydride analogue, (S)-palasonin, occurring as a constituent of the higher plant Butea frondosa. Cantharidin shows both potent protein phosphatase inhibitory and cancer cell cytotoxic activities, but possible preclinical development of this anhydride has been limited thus far by its toxicity. Thus, several synthetic derivatives of cantharidin have been prepared, of which some compounds exhibit improved antitumor potential and may have use as lead compounds. In the present review, the potential antitumor activity, structure-activity relationships, and development of cantharidin-based anticancer drug conjugates are summarized, with protein phosphatase-related and other types of mechanisms of action discussed. Protein phosphatases play a key role in the tumor microenvironment, and thus described herein is also the potential for developing new tumor microenvironment-targeted cancer chemotherapeutic agents, based on cantharidin and its naturally occurring analogues and synthetic derivatives.
Understanding individual and socio-cultural factors associated with hispanic parents' provision of sugar-sweetened beverages to young children.

Abstract Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) contribute to childhood obesity, long-term risks for diet-related diseases, and health disparities affecting communities of color. Hispanic children are disproportionately affected by obesity, but research is needed to better understand culturally specific reasons for providing SSBs to Hispanic children. This exploratory study utilized the Social Ecological Model framework to evaluate Hispanic parents' perceptions of SSBs and serving them to young children. A cross-sectional survey (in English and Spanish) used a national US online panel to recruit a convenience sample of Hispanic parents (N = 350) with young children (aged 1–5 years). Participants reported types of drinks and SSB brands that they served their child in the past month and rated drink healthfulness. Attitude questions assessed individual, community-level, and socio-cultural factors, including normative beliefs, about serving SSBs to young children. Nearly all parents (98%) reported serving their child SSBs in the past month, averaging 6.7 different SSB types. For all categories of SSBs except fruit-flavored drinks, parents who served that type of SSB rated it as significantly healthier than parents who did not serve them. A linear regression model examined associations between individual and socio-cultural factors and number of SSB types served to their child. In the model, higher average rating of SSB healthfulness, child's age, normative beliefs that others serve SSBs to children, being born in the US/Puerto Rico, and parent and child enjoyment of SSBs were positively associated with serving more SSB types, while concerns about SSBs for their own health was negatively related. Language-related acculturation and community-level factors assessed were not significant. Public health initiatives should focus on healthfulness misperceptions of some SSB categories and address normative beliefs to help reduce serving SSBs to Hispanic children.
Summative Report on Internal Evaluation for LEAP, Leadership Education for Advancement and Promotion

The goal of this project is to contribute to the development of a national science and engineering academic workforce that includes the full participation of women in all levels of faculty and academic administration, particularly at the senior academic ranks, through the transformation of institutional practices, policies, climate and culture. Through the Leadership Education for Advancement and Promotion Program (LEAP), the University of Colorado seeks to transform the makeup of the science and engineering faculties at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and to increase the number of women trained in the scientific, mathematical, engineering, and technology (SMET) disciplines serving in key administrative positions. The University of Colorado, Boulder seeks to improve the environment for all faculty members, by improving the level of managerial and leadership skills possessed by the faculty. Providing all the tools needed to work effectively will reduce the stresses commonly associated with achieving tenure. LEAP will therefore accelerate the promotion rate of women faculty by increasing retention rates and making their environment more supportive. The program is designed to keep faculty members on track for tenure, to identify potential leaders, and to give people more leadership opportunities. The program is designed to work with efforts already underway at the University of Colorado. Formative evaluation of the program will maximize the effectiveness of the funds used over the lifetime of the program. At the end of the five-year period the University of Colorado, Boulder expects to have more women in leadership positions in the University. In addition, they will have trained a cadre of faculty better able to pursue long term change and have developed an effective way to continue to train faculty for success. This program will permanently impact the institution and the changes it initiates will be self-sustainable through internal support. This project is supported by the NSF ADVANCE Program. The overall mission of the ADVANCE Program is to increase the participation of women in the scientific and engineering workforce through the increased representation and advancement of women in academic science and engineering careers.
Segmenting the Asian American Consumer Market: an Acculturation Approach

As a country of immigrants, the United States has been called a "melting pot." The name itself indicates that all newcomers will be eventually assimilated into the mainstream society and become "Americanized." Yet over time this has not become a reality. Ethnic diversity in the U.S., instead of fading away as some of the social theories predicted, have endured or even increased (Shoemaker et al, 1986). Instead, America today has become a "salad bowl" in which every group of immigrants has been able to maintain its own distinctive ethnic identity to a great extent. The American society is more than ever racially and ethnically diversified. It has become increasingly challenging for marketers to target ethnic consumers using a uniform marketing mix.
Complex subspaces of homogeneous complex manifolds. II. Homotopy results

The Lefschetz hyperplane section theorem has roots going back at least to Picard, but it was Lefschetz [20] who first stated and proved it in the modern form for integer homology. Later it was improved up to the homotopy level by Andreotti-Frankel [1] and Bott [8] using an idea of Thorn. Numerous generalizations along the same lines have appeared, e.g. [14, Theorem H], [19], [24, App. II] etc.
Sequence analysis and comparison of int and xis genes from staphylococcal bacteriophages L54a and phi 11.

The DNA fragment encoding the integrase and excisionase genes involved in site-specific recombination of staphylococcal bacteriophage phi 11 was cloned and sequenced. The int and xis genes and the recombination site, attP, were highly clustered in a 1.7-kilobase DNA fragment with the gene order attP-int-xis. The int and xis genes were transcribed divergently, with the int gene transcribed toward the attp site and the xis gene transcribed away from the attP site. The deduced Int is a basic protein of 348 residues with an estimated molecular weight of 41,357. In contrast, the deduced Xis is an acidic protein containing 66 amino acids with an estimated molecular weight of 7,621. The site-specific recombination system of phi 11 was compared with that of a closely related bacteriophage, L54a. Images
Are Risk Premium Anomalies Caused by Ambiguity

Numerous studies have provided evidence of two equity return anomalies in recent years. The “risk-premium puzzle” is the anomaly that equity returns have been excessive relative to risk. The “small-firm effect” is the anomaly that risk premiums on small-cap stocks have been excessive relative to premiums on large-cap stocks. We present unique evidence that both of these anomalies may be caused by the presence of ambiguity. More generally, we propose that the current conceptions of risk are too limited to explain equity returns and, therefore, that the distinction between risk and uncertainty developed by Frank Knight approximately 80 years ago be revisited. As numerous other studies have found, risk in the traditional sense is primarily a function of the possibility of incurring a loss. Uncertainty (ambiguity) is directly related to lack of information and lack of confidence in estimating future distributions of possible returns and the possibility of incurring a loss.
Mortality, Hospitalizations, and Expenditures for the Medicare Population Aged 65 Years or Older, 1999-2013.

Importance In a period of dynamic change in health care technology, delivery, and behaviors, tracking trends in health and health care can provide a perspective on what is being achieved. Objective To comprehensively describe national trends in mortality, hospitalizations, and expenditures in the Medicare fee-for-service population between 1999 and 2013. Design, Setting, and Participants Serial cross-sectional analysis of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older between 1999 and 2013 using Medicare denominator and inpatient files. Main Outcomes and Measures For all Medicare beneficiaries, trends in all-cause mortality; for fee-for-service beneficiaries, trends in all-cause hospitalization and hospitalization-associated outcomes and expenditures. Geographic variation, stratified by key demographic groups, and changes in the intensity of care for fee-for-service beneficiaries in the last 1, 3, and 6 months of life were also assessed. Results The sample consisted of 68 374 904 unique Medicare beneficiaries (fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage). All-cause mortality for all Medicare beneficiaries declined from 5.30% in 1999 to 4.45% in 2013 (difference, 0.85 percentage points; 95% CI, 0.83-0.87). Among fee-for-service beneficiaries (n = 60 056 069), the total number of hospitalizations per 100 000 person-years decreased from 35 274 to 26 930 (difference, 8344; 95% CI, 8315-8374). Mean inflation-adjusted inpatient expenditures per Medicare fee-for-service beneficiary declined from $3290 to $2801 (difference, $489; 95% CI, $487-$490). Among fee-for-service beneficiaries in the last 6 months of life, the number of hospitalizations decreased from 131.1 to 102.9 per 100 deaths (difference, 28.2; 95% CI, 27.9-28.4). The percentage of beneficiaries with 1 or more hospitalizations decreased from 70.5 to 56.8 per 100 deaths (difference, 13.7; 95% CI, 13.5-13.8), while the inflation-adjusted inpatient expenditure per death increased from $15 312 in 1999 to $17 423 in 2009 and then decreased to $13 388 in 2013. Findings were consistent across geographic and demographic groups. Conclusions and Relevance Among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65 years or older, all-cause mortality rates, hospitalization rates, and expenditures per beneficiary decreased from 1999 to 2013. In the last 6 months of life, total hospitalizations and inpatient expenditures decreased in recent years.
Understanding Phenomenology: Merleau-Ponty and the phenomenology of embodiment

Merleau-Ponty: life and works A close contemporary of Sartre, Maurice Merleau-Ponty was born in 1908, in Rochefort-sur-Mer, France. His early education followed the expected trajectory of an academic: he entered the Ecole Normale Superieure in 1926, where he studied with the neo-Kantian Leon Brunschvicg and also became acquainted with Sartre and de Beauvoir. In the mid-1930s, after teaching and conducting research under the auspices of a fellowship from the Caisse Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Merleau-Ponty returned to the Ecole Normale to pursue a doctoral degree. He submitted his preliminary thesis, The Structure of Behaviour in 1938, although it was not published until 1942. In this work, Merleau-Ponty developed a critique of then-prevalent conceptions of the conditioned reflex as a purely physiological phenomenon, and he was highly critical as well of behaviourist theories in psychology. The orientation of these criticisms, to the effect that such quasi-mechanical views fail to account for the sense and significance of embodied movements and activity, foreshadowed his more mature phenomenological views. Following the outbreak of the Second World War, Merleau-Ponty served in the infantry as a lieutenant. He returned to teaching after the demobilization, and began conducting the research that led to the completion of Phenomenology of Perception , which was published in 1945. Throughout the 1940s, Merleau-Ponty was closely allied with Sartre and other figures in the emerging existentialist school of thought.
The Epidemiology of vascular dementia.

The first step in the methodology of modern epidemiology is the definition of the nature of the problem [5]. In the case of vascular dementia, both the definition of the epidemiologic case and the development of adequate diagnostic criteria have been extremely difficult. This is due to several factors: First, the clinical diagnosis of dementia is not a simple procedure since it is influenced by the confounding effect of cultural and educational factors which may mask early and mild cases. Furthermore, the diagnosis requires careful separation from delirium, depression, mental retardation, and psychiatric diseases, as well as from isolated cortical deficits such as aphasia, apraxia, or agnosia. Second, when the diagnosis of dementia is suspected, particularly in early cases, it usually needs confirmation by formal neuropsychologic testing. Third, once the diagnosis of dementia is confirmed, the possible causes — in particular treatable ones — should be investigated [12]. This is a long, complex, and usually unrewarding process which ends in most cases in the trifurcate, dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT), vascular or multi-infarct dementia (MID), and mixed forms (MIX) resulting from the combination of DAT and MID. The main difficulty with this process of exclusion is that it is virtually impossible to determine if the vascular lesions are simply a marker for vascular dementia, coincidental lesions, the cause of the dementia, or a contributing factor.
MULTIPLE ALLELES IN METHYLENETRAHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE DEFICIENCY

Methyleuetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) catalyzes the formation of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the main tissue and serum form of folic acid, and methyl donor for conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Four patients, 2 of whom are sibs, have been identified. All 4 have neurologic abnormalities and one of the sisters has a folate-responsive, schizophrenia-like disorder (Freeman et al. N. Engl. J. Med. 292:491, 1975). MTHFR activity is present at comparable levels in normal skin fibroblasts, amniotic fluid cells and lymphoblasts. MTHFR activities in extracts of both normal and reductase-deficient fibroblasts were low and quite variable during log growth, and were therefore studied at confluency. MTHFR activity in the patients' fibroblasts was 14-20% of normal. Activities in the parents of a patient with 20% of normal activity were 40% and 35% of normal suggesting autosomal recessive inheritance. When extracts were incubated at 55°C, residual MTHFR activity in the sibs showed normal thermal stability, decreasing to 22% and 38% of the initial values in 30 min. In contrast MTHFR from a 3rd patient was exponentially inactivated in 20 min, while that from a 4th unrelated patient was also completely inactivated but somewhat less rapidly. These results suggest that the reductase deficiency in these unrelated families results from at least 3 distinct mutant alleles.
Nucleotide sequences of novel potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) MADS-box cDNAs and their expression in vegetative organs

Abstract Two similar, apparently full-length potato cDNAs, POTM1-1 and POTM1-2, from an early'tuber cDNA library have been identified and sequenced. These two cDNAs encode 250 identical amino acids (aa) including 56 aa of the MADS-box domain and 53 aa of the K-box domain, indicating that they may function as transcription factors. The transcripts of these cDNAs accumulate abundantly in vegetative organs, suggesting that these novel MADS genes may be involved in vegetative organ development of potato.
Investigations of tellurium-modified self-assembled monolayers of benzenedithiol on gold surface as molecular gate

In this paper, we report the obtention of tellurium modified with self-assembled monolayers of benzenedithiol on a gold surface as a molecular gate. The switching and electronic transport characteristics of the modified gold surface were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The CV results indicate that the switching of benzenedithiol gates is controlled by the oxidation state of tellurium, which is regulated by the applied potentials.
Toxicity of ultrasound in mice: neonatal studies.

Pregnant mice were exposed to ultrasound (continuous wave, 2 MHz) on Day 8 of gestation to determine effects on the progeny. The most significant finding was a decrease in mean uterine weight of the female progeny. The thresholds for this effect were 140 s at 0.5 W/cm2 and 60 s at 1 W/cm2, which were below the thresholds previously reported for other effects in mice. We suggest that this indicates a delay or impairment of maturation of the mice exposed in utero.
Vision system for fast 3-D model reconstruction

A desktop vision system is presented for complete 3-D model reconstruction. It is fast (3-D reconstruction in under 20 min), low cost (uses a commercially available digital camera and a rotation stage), and accurate (about 1 part in 500 in the working range). Partial 3-D shapes and texture information are acquired from multiple viewing directions us- ing rotational stereo and shape-from-focus (SFF). The resulting range images are registered to a common coordinate system, and a surface representation is created for each range image. The resulting surfaces are integrated using an algorithm named region of construction. Unlike previous approaches, the region of construction algorithm directly ex- ploits the structure of the raw range images. The algorithm determines regions in the range images corresponding to nonredundant surfaces that can be stitched along the boundaries to construct a complete 3-D surface model. The algorithm is computationally efficient and less sensi- tive to registration error. It also has the ability to construct complete 3-D models of complex objects with holes. A textured 3-D model is obtained by mapping texture information onto the complete surface model repre- senting the 3-D shape. Experimental results for several real objects are presented. © 2004 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
Purification of rare-earth metals by electrotransport

Abstract The principles of the electrotransport purification process are described, together with those variables that affect the degree of purity attainable. Experiments on the purification of yttrium, lutetium and gadolinium with respect to carbon, nitrogen and oxygen are described and the results compared with those predicted from theory. Metal purities were evaluated by resistance ratio measurements and chemical analyses.
Successful Parenteral Penicillin Therapy of Established Lyme Arthritis

Abstract In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial carried out from 1980 to 1982, 20 patients with established Lyme arthritis were assigned treatment with 2.4 million U of intramuscular benzathine penicillin weekly for three weeks (total, 7.2 million U) and 20 patients received saline. Seven of the 20 penicillin-treated patients (35 per cent) had complete resolution of arthritis soon after the injections and have remained well during a mean follow-up period of 33 months. In contrast, all 20 patients given placebo continued to have attacks of arthritis (P<0.02). In 1983, of 20 patients treated with intravenous penicillin G, 20 million U a day for 10 days, 11 (55 per cent) had complete resolution of arthritis and have remained well since. As compared with nonresponders, penicillin-responsive patients in both studies were more likely to have previously received antibiotics for erythema chronicum migrans (P<0.02) and less likely to have been given intraarticular corticosteroids during or at the conclusion of...
GRBs in the 5-10 keV regime as seen by BATSE

The BATSE Spectroscopy Detectors (SDs) each have a thin beryllium window which allows detection of photons down to 5 keV. Until recently, exploitation of low-energy SD discriminator data has been held up by a lack of knowledge of its energy coverage. A recent series of in-flight changes in the instrument configuration has allowed the SD discriminators to be calibrated fairly accurately. With this in hand, we have surveyed BATSE GRBs for such features as X-ray precursors and after-glows in the roughly 5-10 keV band. For a large percentage of the BATSE bursts, no emission is observed in this energy band. In some cases where low-energy emission has been observed, ratios of flux histories indicate differential spectral evolution. In addition, we have obtained joint spectral fits between the low-energy data and the regular SD data, showing that a single spectral model is sometimes insufficient to fit the entire energy range.
SU-E-T-420: Development of a Comprehensive Linac-Based Quality Assurance Procedure for Retrofitted Micro-MLC SRS System.

Purpose: To develop a QA tool and methodology to be used with an Elekta SL 25 Linear Accelerator retrofitted with a 3DLine Micro‐MLC gantry attachment in a room installed with the 3DLine Dynatrac camera localization system Methods: A phantom wa manufactured from clear polyester casting resign. This phantom was designed to fit within the localizing head frame to test the accuracy of the 3DLine camera system in terms of isocenter localization. The phantom was aligned using the imported isocenter coordinates from the ERGO++ TPS. The phantom consists of metallic wires intersecting at the center and extending outwards to the center of each of the six sides of the cube. Gafchromic film was taped to each side and the cube was irradiated at different gantry and couch angles to verify isocenter accuracy to within 1mm in accordance with TG 142. The films were analyzed with RIT113 software, using the 50% isodose curves as the field edges and the center of the field as marked by each of the wiresextending outwards from the isocenter. Results: Prelimina ry results of this isocenter test with the retrofitted Micro‐MLC gantry head attachment show a deviation of .72mm and −1.25 in the × and y directions respectively for the 90° gantry angle. A deviation of −1.27mm and −2.35mm in the x and y directions, respectively were measured for the 270° gantry angle. The additional sides will be irradiated and their results along the results of the additional tests will be presented at the AAPM national conference. Conclusions: After successful completion of the above procedures for SRS QA, it was determined that the phantom made with the localization wires can indeed be used to accurately and efficiently QA a linac‐based SRS system for isocenter location accuracy.
Improved approximate reachability using auxiliary state variables

Approximate reachability techniques trade off accuracy for the capacity to deal with bigger designs. Cho et al (1996) proposed partitioning the set of state bits into mutually disjoint subsets and doing symbolic forward reachability on the individual subsets to obtain an overapproximation of the reachable state set. Recently (Govindaraju et al, 1998) this was improved upon by dividing the set of state bits into various subsets that could possibly overlap, and doing symbolic reachability over the overlapping subsets. In this paper, we further improve on this scheme by augmenting the set of state variables with auxiliary state variables. These auxiliary state variables are added to capture some important internal conditions in the combinational logic. Approximate symbolic forward reachability on overlapping subsets of this augmented set of state variables yields much tighter approximations than earlier methods.
Design and management of linkage areas across headwater drainages to conserve biodiversity in forest ecosystems

Biota in managed forest landscapes may be at risk from habitat fragmentation that prevents dispersal among subpopulations. Management provisions to provide connectivity are often considered independently for aquatic and terrestrial species. Of increasing concern is that dichotomous approaches are economically inefficient and may fragment populations that rely on both water and land. To provide habitat connectivity over ridgelines for such populations, which include many species of amphibians and arthropods, we propose designation of headwater “linkage areas.” Essentially, we propose that headwater ridgelines be managed as important “linkage areas” to retain forested areas for species dispersal. Our process of linkage area planning, as demonstrated for headwater streams in the Coast Range of Oregon, USA, includes considerations at three spatial scales: landscape, drainage basin, and forest stand. At the landscape scale, linking headwater drainages across 7th-code hydrologic units (HUs) is a practical design regarding landscape connectivity for headwater species. In the Coast Range, each 7th-code HU adjoins an average of six 7th-code HUs. If each of these were linked via extending buffers or alternative forest management practices, about 5000 linkage areas would be provided in the 2.3-million ha landscape. We propose that the layout of such links considers site-to-landscape scale factors including known locations of target species, existing protections, land ownership patterns, dispersal capability of species of concern, climate change predictions, and the natural disturbance regime, such as landslide prone areas for managing wood and sediment inputs to streams. Although the proposed linkage areas target sensitive headwater species by design, the resulting web of connection across the landscape can be expected to benefit a host of forest-dependent species.
Packet wait times in voice over IP wireless reverse links

In voice over IP wireless networks traffic induced packet wait times at the physical layer can be used for delay budgets and to determine Erlang capacity. Whitt and Sriram determined expected packet wait times for a T1 system by monte carlo simulation of the G/D/1 queue. The cumulative distribution function of packet interarrival times for multiple voice users, was nearly exponential. At large utilization factors, the M/D/1 queue underestimated expected packet wait times due to correlation between packet interarrival times while the Kingman upper bound cannot be applied. In this paper upper and lower bounds on expected packet wait time are derived for voice over IP reverse links where the radio channel supports a single radio burst at any time with scheduled multiple user packet transmission. Although the M/D/1 queue approximation works well at medium utilization factors, our bounds for the G/D/1 queue with correlated packet interarrival times provide a good estimate at large utilization factors and validate our simulation results.
Almost degenerate perturbation theory for scattering in a laser field

Earlier derivations of approximations for electron-atom scattering in a low-frequency laser field are generalized to account for the effectively strong interaction of the field with groups of nearly degenerate states of the atomic target. The basis of the derivation is a reformulation of the scattering problem, obtained with the aid of a gauge transformation, which allows one to extract the strong-field effects explicitly in the form of dressed-atom and dressed-electron states. The effects of the weakened residual interaction can then be included in perturbation theory. The result obtained by working to first order in this modified perturbation theory has the simplifying feature that it involves as input the scattering operator in the absence of the field. This first-order approximation is studied in some detail in the dipole approximation, with the final target state taken to be one of a pair of nearly degenerate states.
Développement clinique de la rhDNase aux États-Unis

On the basis of the hypothesis that an increased concentration of high-molecular weight DNA contributes to the abnormal viscoelastic properties of sputum, airway obstruction, and recurrent exacerbations of respiratory symptoms requiring parenteral antibiotics, a series of clinical trials have been conducted in the USA to evaluate human desoxyribonuclease I (rhDNase) delivered as an aerosol to patients with cystic fibrosis. In preliminary phase II, placebo-controlled trials, rhDNase was administered as short-term of intermittent treatment, for up to 14 consecutive days. These trials demonstrated that rhDNase aerosols were followed by an improvement of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEVI) and were safe. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III study was initiated to investigate whether the once-daily and twice-daily administration of rhDNase for 24 weeks would decrease the frequency of respiratory exacerbations requiring parenteral antibiotics and improve pulmonary function. A total of 968 patients with cystic fibrosis were treated for 24 weeks as outpatients. As compared with placebo, the treatment with rhDNase once daily and twice daily reduced the risk of respiratory exacerbations by 28% (p = 0 04) and 37% (p < 0.01), respectively. A slight improvement in pulmonary function was also observed in these two groups: FEVI increased by a mean (± ET) of 5.8 ± 0.7% and 5.6 ± 0.7%, respectively. Overall, the treatment was well tolerated.
A New Synthesis for Dual Use Research of Concern

Michael Imperiale and Arturo Casadevall propose a path forward for life sciences research whose results could be misused to cause harm.
Expression of PDGF Receptor-α in Corneal Myofibroblasts In Situ

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFR-alpha) in the myofibroblasts of corneas with stromal haze. Central corneal sections from rabbit eyes that had -9 diopter PRK were analyzed by immunocytochemistry (IHC) for the expression of PDGFR-alpha at 4 week after surgery. PDGFR-alpha was expressed immediately beneath the epithelial basement membrane in the anterior stroma. Double IHC studies revealed the expression of PDGFR-alpha in the anterior stroma co-localized with alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) marker for myofibroblasts. In vitro studies have suggested that PDGF is important in the development and viability of myofibroblasts after corneal injury. Expression of PDGFR-alpha in myofibroblasts supports these findings.
Increased activity of intramuscular proteases in the hyperthyroid state

Hyperthyroidism can induce skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy [ 1,2]. These clinical signs could be explained by increased proteolysis in hyperthyroid muscle [3,4], and it might be reasonable to assume that the protein degradation is due to increased activities of proteases present in muscle tissue. However, relatively few proteases have been defined which have the property of degrading myofibrillar proteins. Here we report increased activities in hyperthyroid skeletal muscle of calcium-activated neutral protease (CANP), cathepsin B and D. CANE’ is included in the cytosol fraction [5], is activated by Ca*’ at neutral pH [6,7] and is inhibited with leupeptin or antipain [8]. Both cathepsin B and D are contiined in the lysosome fraction [9,10] and are active at acidic pH [9-111. These proteases are important, since CANP has been shown to degrade both tropomyosin and troponin [6-81 and cathepsin B and D have been demonstrated to destroy both myosin and actin among myofibrillar proteins [ 111. The mechanism of increased activity of these proteases and observed difference of protein degradation between the skeletal and the cardiac muscle are discussed.
Self-aligned carbon nanotubes yarns (CNY) with efficient optoelectronic interface for microyarn shaped 3D photovoltaic cells

Abstract An innovative solid state dye sensitized photovoltaic carbon nanotubes yarn (DSP-CNY) has been developed using thermally-stable and highly conductive carbon nanotubes (CNT) yarns (CNYs). These CNYs are highly inter-aligned, ultrastrong and flexible with excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical integrity and catalytic properties. The CNYs are coated with a dye-incorporated TiO 2 microfilm and intertwined with a second set of CNYs as a counter electrode (CE). The DSP-CNYs were developed without using any metal wires or any expensive transparent conductive oxides (TCOs), liquid electrolytes, or glass or plastic cladding. The maximum photon to current conversion efficiency ( η AM 1.5 ) achieved with prolonged-time stability was 2.57%. The yarn-shaped flexible cells were able to transport photocurrent over a significant distance using a simple cell configuration with a wide range of structural flexibility (30–330°). These cells are capable of efficiently harvesting incident photons regardless of direction and generating photocurrents with high efficiency and long term stability.
Fabric of Kaolinite and Illite Floccules

A scanning and high voltage electron microscope study of the fabric of laboratory sedimented moist uncompressed kaolinite and illite floccules reveals an abundance of face-face flake orientation in the porous clay network. Clays were flocculated in the laboratory in both distilled water and slightly saline (1 g/l. NaCl) water using various clay concentrations. Floccules taken from the moist clay mass were prepared for study by freeze-drying and impregnation with polyethylene glycol. There is little difference in the fabric of kaolinite flocculated in distilled or slightly saline water. The fabric is dominated by a 3-dimensional network of twisted chains of face-face oriented flakes having the appearance of a stair-stepped cardhouse. Illite floccules in distilled water also consist of abundant face-face oriented overlapping flakes. However, in salt water there is a more even mixture of fabrics—edge-to-face flocculation of individual platelets and also stepped clusters of face-to-face oriented flakes, the latter being more abundant. It is suggested that under the experimental conditions the double layer of each clay particle is compressed resulting in an increase in the importance of van der Waals forces of attraction. As a result flakes approach each other and rotate into a parallel or subparallel position. The resultant dominant fabric is that of a stepped cluster of overlapping flakes.
AIDS messages in three AIDS-themed Indian movies: eroding AIDS-related stigma in India and beyond

Abstract This article begins by supplying a brief summary of the state of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in India. It then provides an overview of Indian cinema and describes the limited cinematic response to India's HIV/AIDS epidemic. It discusses at some length three AIDS-themed feature films produced mid-decade, 21st century. In so doing, the article describes seven AIDS-related messages contained in the films, and explains the ways each message is incorporated into all three of their narratives. The article then briefly explores the phenomenon of AIDS-related stigma and shows how the content of these three films works against the maintenance of prejudicial attitudes against HIV/AIDS-affected people. The article briefly considers the potential of Indian cinemas to contribute to stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS beyond India's borders.
Evaluation of the multivariate selectivity of multi‐way liquid chromatography methods

Multivariate figures of merit are used to characterize the sensitivity, selectivity, and precision of multi-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC) methods. Specifically in this work, we used a multivariate selectivity parameter to characterize the performance of orthogonal LC and two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) methods with and without diode array detection (DAD), and to aid in the optimization of these new separation approaches. We found that the average selectivity of 47 drug compounds was increased by as much as 58% upon the addition of a second, orthogonal separation. We also found that the selectivity for some individual drug compounds improved by more than a factor of two when DAD detection was used compared to single wavelength detection. In the comprehensive 2D-LC simulations, using a multi-channel detector increased the average selectivity of 500 components by 7.3% for a 21 s cycle time. The multivariate selectivity parameter was shown to be useful for determining the information gained when additional dimensions of data are collected on multi-dimensional instrumentation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.