cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dielectric constant of a dimerized interrupted strand model

Abstract The static electronic polarizability has been calculated in a one-electron tight-binding approximation for dimerized linear chains of various lengths, L. When dimerization creates a Peierls gap that is comparable to or greater than the intrinsic level splitting, the electronic polarization is reduced and increases less rapidly with chain length than N2, the result obtained for a non-dimerized chain. One can infer, therefore, that an organic material composed of strands of such chains will exhibit a dielectric constant that increases with sample perfection or with average chain length. The dielectric constant is also shown to increase significantly with temperature at temperatures well below the half gap at the Fermi level. This reflects the relatively large amount of polarization carried by the states in the vicinity of the Fermi level for the dimerized chain.
Computed tomographic demonstration of hemobilia.

Abstract A patient with hemobilia presumably due to a small hemangioma in the liver is presented. The condition was diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) done immediately following hepatic arteriography and confirmed, by hem-positive duodenal aspirates on two occasions.
Simultaneous Determination Of Misalignment And Mirror Surface Figure Error Of A Three Mirror Off-Axis Telescope By End-To-End Measurements And Reverse Optimization : Numerical Analysis And Simulation

Numerical analysis and simulation of simultaneous determination of misalignment and mirror surface figure error of an optical system (three mirror off-axis telescope) by Hartmann ray measurements and reverse optimization (without using any special auxiliary optical component) were carried out. In the Hartmann method, a laser beam was shone through Hartmann holes into a roughly aligned optical system from several different angles (multiple fields) to separate misalignment of each component (mirror) from the others, and several separated detection planes around focus were used to measure both the relative ray positions and relative ray angles. The measured relative ray positions and relative ray angles were fed into a optical system optimization routine (ACCOS V) as optimization targets. Then, the optimization was set forth starting from the ideal optical system defined in the design prescription to find the final best-fitted optical system to the measured ray data by varying alignment and mirror surface figure variables (tilts and separation of each component and detecting plane and spline function of mirror surface figure). The optical system best-fitting the measured ray data shows misalignment and mirror surface figure error of the optical system under test. The numerical analysis and simulation showed that the combined method of the Hartmann technique using multiple fields and multiple detecting planes and the reverse optimization using both the ray positions and ray angles as optimization targets provides a very reliable (large capture range and no trapping in a local minimum during optimization) and easily realizable (measurement tolerances are quite large) way for the simultaneous determination of misalignment and mirror surface figure error of optical system without using any special auxiliary optical component.
Quantum free Yang–Mills on the plane

Abstract We construct a free-probability quantum Yang–Mills theory on the two dimensional plane, determine the Wilson loop expectation values, and show that this theory is the N = ∞ limit of U ( N ) quantum Yang–Mills theory on the plane. Our model provides an example of a stochastic geometry, motivated by quantum field theory, based on free probability theory.
Conducting Video Research in the Learning Sciences: Guidance on Selection, Analysis, Technology, and Ethics

Focusing on expanding technical capabilities and new collaborative possibilities, we address 4 challenges for scientists who collect and use video records to conduct research in and on complex learning environments: (a) Selection: How can researchers be systematic in deciding which elements of a complex environment or extensive video corpus to select for study? (b) Analysis: What analytical frameworks and practices are appropriate for given research problems? (c) Technology: What technologies are available and what new tools must be developed to support collecting, archiving, analyzing, reporting, and collaboratively sharing video? and (d) Ethics: How can research protocols encourage broad video sharing and reuse while adequately protecting the rights of research participants who are recorded?
The validity of physical aggression in predicting adolescent academic performance

Background. Aggression has a long history in academic research as both a criterion and a predictor variable and it is well documented that aggression is related to a variety of poor academic outcomes such as: lowered academic performance, absenteeism and lower graduation rates. However, recent research has implicated physical aggression as being predictive of lower academic performance. Aims. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the ‘Big Five’ personality traits of agreeableness, openness to experience, conscientiousness, neuroticism and extraversion and physical aggression in predicting the grade point averages (GPA) of adolescent students and to investigate whether or not there were differences in these relationships between male and female students. Sample. A sample of 992 students in grades 9 to 12 from a high school in south-eastern USA as part of a larger study examining the students' preparation for entry into the workforce. Method. The study was correlational in nature: students completed a personality inventory developed by the second author with the GPA information supplied by the school. Results. Results indicated that physical aggression accounts for 16% of variance in GPA and it adds 7% to the prediction of GPA beyond the Big Five. The Big Five traits added only 1.5% to the prediction of GPA after controlling for physical aggression. Interestingly, a significantly larger amount of variance in GPA was predicted by physical aggression for females than for males. Conclusions. Aggression accounts for significantly more variance in the GPA of females than for males, even when controlling for the Big Five personality factors. Future research should examine the differences in the expression of aggression in males and females, as well as how this is affecting interactions between peers and between students and their teachers.
Functional Wafer - A New Step in LSI

An experimental Functional Water is described, integrating the active circuitry and the interconnecting signal and powering system of a 8kx9 Writeable Control Store on a 2 1/4" Wafer. Results of this experiment are discussed and an outlook on some functional wafer potentials is given.
Prologue: advances in bronchopulmonary dysplasia

It has been 42 years since our first published report of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) 1 ; it is still a problem for premature infants. The original goal of using mechanical ventilation to treat premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory failure was to decrease the significant mortality. During the ensuing decades, a decrease in mortality has indeed occurred. Once recognized, it was hoped that a reduction of supplemental oxygen concentrations and ventilatory pressure would eliminate or decrease the incidence of BPD. This has, for the most part, been achieved in the 33 week gestational age infants originally described. Advances in neonatal care and respiratory therapy since 1967 have resulted in the successful ventilation of increasingly more immature infants. As a result the original radiographic picture and pathology have been modified. The understanding of the growth and development of the extremely premature lung and the genetic, intrauterine, biochemical, and infectious factors that influence the susceptibility and severity of BPD has also advanced. This has led to improvements in prevention strategies and both ventilatory and non-ventilatory treatment of BPD. Unfortunately, it has not eliminated BPD or led to a more precise diagnosis. The chest radiographic changes are much more subtle and are seldom used in the diagnosis. Infants are now delivered while their lungs are in the late canalicular to early saccular stage of development. It has yet to be determined whether there is an oxygen concentration or ventilator pressure below which these treatments are non-injurious. Prevention of premature delivery remains an elusive and persistent problem. The long-term pulmonary function of premature infants with or without BPD surviving beyond adolescence to older adulthood is also unknown. Whereas some of the original premature infants with BPD displayed persistent pulmonary dysfunction as adolescents, it is not known if these changes regressed, persisted, or exacerbated in older adulthood. These original infants were less premature than today’s neonatal intensive care unit population. They also were treated with higher concentrations of supplemental oxygen, and higher ventilator pressures than are currently used, and prior to the widespread use of antenatal corticosteroids and surfactant therapy. The persistence of BPD in more immature premature infants indicates the need for long-term clinical and pulmonary function testing. Physicians who deal with these patients as adults will need to be aware of their possible late pulmonary disability. Knowledge of the evolving pulmonary function of infants born very prematurely might best be obtained if pediatric and adult oriented pulmonologists combine their interest and talents. We should not forget, however, that the continuing morbidity from BPD is the result of the successful application of modern neonatal intensive care to very premature infants to improve their survival.
The placement of digital values in configural displays

Investigations of the relative merits of graphical (analog) and numerical (digital) formats have a long tradition in the display design literature. These issues are re-examined for the design of configural displays (displays that map multiple individual variables into a single graphical format). Six displays that varied with regard to the presence, spatial location, and dynamic behavior of digital values were evaluated. Performance was assessed for two tasks that imposed different cognitive demands. The results indicate that the presence of digital values had a substantial and positive impact on performance. The results also indicate a display by task trade-off. Placing a digital value in a spatially dedicated location improves performance when the variable of interest is known before the display is accessed. On the other hand, providing a dynamic spatial link between graphical elements of the configural display and the digital value improves performance when the variable of interest is dependent upon data relationships. Design recommendations based on these findings and practical considerations are discussed.
A quantitative Pólya's Theorem with zeros

Let R[X]:=R[X"1,...,X"n]. Polya's Theorem says that if a form (homogeneous polynomial) p@?R[X] is positive on the standard n-simplex @D"n, then for sufficiently large N all the coefficients of (X"1+...+X"n)^Np are positive. The work in this paper is part of an ongoing project aiming to explain when Polya's Theorem holds for forms if the condition ''positive on @D"n'' is relaxed to ''nonnegative on @D"n'', and to give bounds on N. Schweighofer gave a condition which implies the conclusion of Polya's Theorem for polynomials f@?R[X]. We give a quantitative version of this result and use it to settle the case where a form p@?R[X] is positive on @D"n, apart from possibly having zeros at the corners of the simplex.
Assessing intra‐individual changes in health related quality of life data in psychiatric clinical trials

Assessment of intra-individual changes in health related quality of life (HRQOL) measures is important to develop individual change standards and to provide help in clinical practice. Methodological issues related to the analysis of HRQOL data depend on the nature of medical illnesses and the target population. However, one issue-the need to assess HRQOL changes across individuals over time-spans most conditions. Modest improvement in HRQOL may be harder to assess in elderly depressed persons who also have high rates of coexisting medical and neurobiological illnesses. Powerful statistical techniques are necessary to assess these improvements. Focusing on methods related to the issue of measuring change, we describe the potential of a mixed-modeling approach for the assessment of intra-individual changes using HRQOL data measured in a large group of elderly patients with recurrent major depression. These patients were treated with combined pharmacotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy. We used a mixed-modeling approach and two pre-post difference score methods. The percentage of intra-individual statistically significant improvement rates was found to be largest for the mixed-modeling approach. We conducted simulation studies to compare these three approaches for assessing these changes. The simulated data reflected the observed data. Results from the two simulation studies are in agreement with the observed results and provide positive evidence for an earlier hypothesis (Speer and Greenbaum, 1995) that the mixed-modeling approach is more sensitive for assessing changes across individuals over time compared to the pre-post difference score methods. Thus, we recommend the use of the mixed-modeling approach to measure intra-individual changes, based on a larger array of supporting evidence than has been available previously.
Accumulation mode aerosol, pockets of open cells, and particle nucleation in the remote subtropical Pacific marine boundary layer

[1] We analyze a marine boundary layer cloud field encountered during the second research flight of the second Dynamics and Chemistry of Marine Stratocumulus Experiment. The cloud field is distinguished by the presence of pockets of open cells. Differences between the pockets and the surrounding stratocumulus clouds are studied utilizing in situ and satellite data. The pockets are characterized as regions where cloud radar echo tops are unusually variable, accumulation mode aerosol concentrations are low, and Aitken mode particles with a mode diameter at 0.02 μm dominate aerosol number concentration. The Aitken mode particles are thought to be generated by a nucleation event which occurred within the marine boundary layer. The low accumulation mode concentrations associated with the pockets are proposed to be necessary for their maintenance.
Reorientation of planets with elastic lithospheres

Abstract The orientation of a planet is controlled by the positions of the principal axes of the inertia tensor relative to the planetary surface. Using the theory for the deflection of thin elastic shells the principal axes are computed after emplacement of an arbitrary axisymmetrical load. The partial compensation of the load and the partial relaxation of rotational flattening are included in the computation. It is found that the amount of reorientation is independent of lithosphere thickness. The parameters controlling the amount of reorientation are the location of the load and the size of the load compared to the rotational flattening. The results indicate that the Tharsis rise has probably reoriented Mars by only 3 to 9° and certainly less that 18°. The position of the Caloris Basin on Mercury indicates that if the surrounding lava sheet controls the planetary orientation then the lava sheet is probably less than 2000 m thick.
Decreasing trends in sunshine duration over China for 1954–1998: Indication of increased haze pollution?

[1] Analysis of meteorological data made available by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) reveals significant decreases in sunshine duration over the latter half of the 20th century over much of China, especially in the eastern half of the country. Most of the decrease has occurred since about 1980, and appears to be related to large increases in atmospheric anthropogenic aerosol loading that have increased the aerosol extinction coefficient (AEC), as calculated from observations of (decreasing) visual range. A finding of particular interest is a significant decrease in summertime maximum temperature over this time period for a large portion of southeastern China near the Sichuan Basin (while the rest of China—and indeed most of the northern hemisphere—has warmed). This same region of southeastern China shows the largest decreases in sunshine duration and largest increases in AEC. The consistent spatial and temporal patterns of change in these variables seem to support the theory that aerosol loading has decreased the duration and intensity of sunshine in this region and thus lowered summertime maximum temperatures.
Effect of 677 C to T mutations in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, folate intake and plasma homocysteine on adenoma recurrence

Effect of 677 C to T mutations in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, folate intake and plasma homocysteine on adenoma recurrence
Effect of free ammonia concentration on monochloramine penetration within a nitrifying biofilm and its effect on activity, viability, and recovery

Abstract Chloramine has replaced free chorine for secondary disinfection at many water utilities because of disinfection by-product (DBP) regulations. Because chloramination provides a source of ammonia, there is a potential for nitrification when using chloramines. Nitrification in drinking water distribution systems is undesirable and may result in degradation of water quality and subsequent non-compliance with existing regulations. Thus, nitrification control is a major issue and likely to become increasingly important as chloramine use increases. In this study, monochloramine penetration and its effect on nitrifying biofilm activity, viability, and recovery was investigated and evaluated using microelectrodes and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Monochloramine was applied to nitrifying biofilm for 24 h at two different chlorine to nitrogen (Cl2:N) mass ratios (4:1 [4.4 mg Cl2/L] or 1:1 Cl2:N [5.3 mg Cl2/L]), resulting in either a low (0.23 mg N/L) or high (4.2 mg N/L) free ammonia concentration. Subsequently, these biofilm samples were allowed to recover without monochloramine and receiving 4.2 mg N/L free ammonia. Under both monochloramine application conditions, monochloramine fully penetrated into the nitrifying biofilm within 24 h. Despite this complete monochloramine penetration, complete viability loss did not occur, and both biofilm samples subsequently recovered aerobic activity when fed only free ammonia. When monochloramine was applied with a low free ammonia concentration, dissolved oxygen (DO) fully penetrated, but with a high free ammonia concentration, complete cessation of aerobic activity (i.e., oxygen utilization) did not occur and subsequent analysis indicated that oxygen consumption still remained near the substratum. During the ammonia only recovery phase, different spatial recoveries were seen in each of the samples, based on oxygen utilization. It appears that the presence of higher free ammonia concentration allowed a larger biomass to remain active during monochloramine application, particularly the organisms deeper within the biofilm, leading to faster recovery in oxygen utilization when monochloramine was removed. These results suggest that limiting the free ammonia concentration during monochloramine application will slow the onset of nitrification episodes by maintaining the biofilm biomass at a state of lower activity.
A Sex Difference in Seasonal Timing of Birth in a Livebearing Fish

Sex differences in seasonal timing include differences in hatch- or birth-date distribution and differences in the timing of migration or maturation such as protandrous arrival timing (PAT), which is early male arrival at breeding sites. I describe a novel form of protandrous arrival timing, as a sex difference in birth-date distribution in a live-bearing fish (Dwarf Perch, Micrometrus minimus). In this species, birth coincides with arrival at breeding sites because newborn males are sexually active. A series of samples of pregnant females and young of year was collected in Tomales Bay, CA. I analyzed the daily age record in otoliths to estimate the conception date of broods and the age that young-of-year individuals were born. Males were born at a younger age than females, as indicated by the daily age record and also by the predominance of females in broods from which some young had already been born, which was a common occurrence in pregnant females with older embryos. Sex ratio of broods varied with conception date such that early-season broods were predominantly male, possibly as a result of temperature-dependent sex determination. The combined effects of the sex difference in age at birth and seasonal shift in sex ratio were to shift the mean birth date of males relative to females by five days. The most likely ultimate explanation for PAT in the Dwarf Perch is that it arises from exploitation (scramble) competition for mating opportunities among recently-born young-of-year males.
Escherichia coli Bacteremia in the Squirrel Monkey: Demonstration of a Complement-Dependent Neutrophil Response

occurred rapidly in control animals, while the rate of occurrence of neutropenia was 20-30 times slower in animals treated with cobra-venom; this finding suggested that the neutropenia induced by E. coli was at least partially a complementmediated response. In complement-depleted monkeys, sustained levels of E. coli bacteremia were consistently higher than in control animals. These observations are consistent with a hypothesis that complement-mediated neutrophilic-leukocyte function is an important defense mechanism of the host in gram-negative bacillary
Pre-lingually deaf children can perform as well as post-lingually deaf adults using cochlear implants.

Abstract Both pre-lingually deaf children and post-lingually deaf adults benefit from cochlear implants. These adults have a memory for speech sounds, but the children do not. In this preliminary investigation, we asked whether it was possible for these children to obtain high scores similar to the adults. We compared 21 pre-lingually deaf children to 81 post-lingually deaf adults using multichannel cochlear implants on the same test of sentence recognition. The children were selected to have the vocabulary and language sufficient to complete the test. Scores from the children, ranged from 0 to 97% correct. About one half of the children scored above 70% correct. Scores from the adults ranged from 0 to 100% correct with about one half of the adults scoring over 60%. Many of the children are scoring as well or better than adults are scoring. We conclude that the auditory system of pre-lingually deaf children is sufficient to obtain levels of speech recognition similar to postlingually deaf adults
Comparing Measured and Satellite-Derived Surface Irradiance

The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1) To examine the performance of the Global Solar Insolation Project (GSIP) physics-based model in characterizing global horizontal solar radiation across the United States by comparing to the ground measured data, and 2) to examine improvements of the GSIP data to address temporal and spatial variations. The study enumerates and examines the spatial and temporal limitations of the GSIP model. Most comparisons demonstrate relatively good statistical agreement. However, the methodology used in the satellite model to distinguish microclimate conditions presents significant challenges, and the model requires refinement in addressing aerosol estimates, water vapor estimates, and clear sky optical properties. Satellite derived datasets are only available at half-hour intervals. Surface measurement can easily be made at temporal resolution in the order of seconds. Therefore intra-hour variability, an important quantity for understanding how power production in power plants will vary, cannot be directly derived from satellites. This paper illustrates how intra-hour variability in ground measurements cannot be captured by the satellite based datasets. We also discuss the potential for improved next-generation geostationary satellite data to improve the accuracy of surface radiation estimates.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Yellow Fever Virus NS2B–NS3 Protease: Charged-to-Alanine Mutagenesis and Deletion Analysis Define Regions Important for Protease Complex Formation and Function

Charged-to-alanine substitutions and deletions within the yellow fever virus NS2B-NS3(181) protease were analyzed for effects on protease function. During cell-free translation of NS2B-3(181) polyproteins, mutations at three charge clusters markedly impaired cis cleavage activity: a single N-terminal cluster in the conserved domain of NS2B (residues ELKK(52-55)) and two in NS3 (ED(21-22), and residue H(47)). These mutations inhibited other protease-dependent cleavages of a transiently expressed nonstructural polyprotein, although differential effects occurred. NS2B and NS3(181) proteins harboring these mutations were impaired in their ability to associate for trans cleavage activity. N-terminal deletions in NS3 also implicated residues ED(21-22) in the association with NS2B. Deletions within NS2B revealed that the conserved domain alone provided minimal cofactor activity, with optimal function requiring both flanking hydrophobic regions. NS2B-3(181)- and NS3(181)-green fluorescent protein fusion proteins were used to determine the intracellular distribution of the protease complex. The former localized in membrane-based vesicular structures, whereas the latter localized poorly. The data suggest that NS2B-NS3 complex formation requires charge interactions involving the N-terminus of the conserved domain of NS2B and 22 N-terminal residues of NS3. A role for the putative transmembrane regions of NS2B in targeting of NS3 to intracellular membranes is also suggested.
Sodium leakage in cattle rod outer segments.

Abstract The sodium leakage in cattle rod outer segments after illumination were compared to controls that were kept in the dark. The sodium content was determined by flame photometry, and by measuring the 22Na gamma radiation from 22Na. The minimum time between illumination and separation of the rod outer segments from the supernatant solution following illumination was 1·5–2 min. At this time there was no significant difference between the sodium leakages measured in the illuminated and control rod outer segments. From 2·5 to 10 min following illumination the sodium leakage from the illuminated rod outer segments was greater than from the controls. At 15 min following illumination there was no difference. The possible reasons for the difference between these results and those reported by other investigators are discussed.
Optimal seigniorage versus interest rate smoothing

Abstract Various studies have found support for the optimal seigniorage hypothesis in postwar U.S. data. Others find support for an interest rate smoothing hypothesis. The problem is that these hypotheses can be observationally equivalent, yet both cannot be valid at the same time. This paper finds that U.S. data do not support a key implication of the optimal seigniorage hypothesis, but do support the interest rate smoothing hypothesis during certain Fed chairman regimes.
Considering a Firm’s Strategy in the Link between Inventor Mobility & Interfirm Knowledge Flow

Inventor mobility has long been recognized as related to the flow of knowledge across firms. This paper argues that when an inventor’s background fits the technological strategy of the recruiting f...
Outcome of adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea in children under 3 years.

OBJECTIVE: To study the outcome of adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children less than 3 years of age.DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study at the University of New Mexico Ch...
SU-GG-T-445: Dosimetric Analysis of Attenuation in the Leksell Gamma Knife PERFEXION Calibration Phantom Adaptor

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the attenuation of 16 mm beams caused by the ELEKTA calibration phantom adaptor used for the new Leksell Gamma knife PERFEXION (PFX). Method and Materials: For the calibration of PFX, Elekta AB provides a 160 mm diameter polystyrene phantom with an aluminum adaptor of C‐shape which has stainless steel fixation screws for holding the phantom in the irradiation position in PFX. An Exradin A16 ion chamber (collecting volume 0.007 cm3) and a Standard Imaging MAX 4000 electrometer were used to measure radiation output at the center of the 160 mm diameter polystyrene phantom for each of eight identical sectors and 16 mm collimator.Results: While studying the uniformity of output from each of the 8 sectors it was noticed that for sector No. 3 (270 degree) and sector No. 7 (90 degree), the outputs measured were lower by about 2% as compared to other sectors. On detailed investigation with Kodak EDR2 film, we found that for these two sectors, there were 2 beams of 16 mm diameter passing through the aluminum adaptor and the stainless steel fixation screws which caused attenuation of these two beams and hence a reduction in output. Conclusion: The attenuation by phantom adaptor introduces a systematic error in output calibration of PFX. The overall reduction in output measured for all 8 sectors combined is about 0.5%. We suggest that until Elekta AB redesigns a new phantom adaptor for PFX calibration,physicists should be aware of the attenuation of 16 mm beams by the adaptor and incorporate this effect in the output calibration of the PERFEXION.
The cholinergic inhibition of afterhyperpolarization in rat hippocampus is independent of cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

Abstract The possible involvement of protein kinase A (PKA) in the muscarinic inhibition of the slow afterhyperpolarizing current ( I AHP ) was investigated in rat hippocampal pyramidal cells. I AHP was recorded using the whole cell method in hippocampal slices, and Rp-cAMPs, a PKA antagonist, was applied intracellularly. The inhibition of I AHP by carbachol was not affected by Rp-cAMPS. In contrast, Rp-cAMPS reduced the cAMP-dependent inhibition of I AHP by norepinephrine. The results show that phosphorylation by PKA does not contribute to the muscarinic effect on I AHP .
Modern pollen spectra from Costa Rica

Abstract We analyzed pollen spectra preserved in surface lake and mire sediments and soils to provide information on modern pollen rain across a range of vegetation types in Costa Rica. We collected samples at 29 sites located within ten principal vegetation types: mangrove, tropical dry forest, derived savanna, tropical moist forest, tropical wet forest, lowland freshwater swamp, premontane rain forest, montane rain forest, montane bog, and paramo. Samples from sites with similar vegetation generally had similar pollen assemblages and clustered together in detrended correspondence analysis. Results indicate that major vegetation types in Costa Rica have distinct pollen spectra.
Connexin family members target to lipid raft domains and interact with caveolin-1.

Lipid rafts are cholesterol-sphingolipid-rich microdomains that function as platforms for membrane trafficking and signal transduction. Caveolae are specialized lipid raft domains that contain the structural proteins known as the caveolins. Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that self-associate to form cell-cell connections known as gap junctions and that are linked to cytosolic proteins, forming a protein complex or Nexus. To determine the extent to which these intracellular compartments intersect, we have systematically evaluated whether connexins are associated with lipid rafts and caveolin-1. We show that connexin 43 (Cx43) colocalizes, cofractionates, and coimmunoprecipitates with caveolin-1. A mutational analysis of Cx43 reveals that the hypothesized PDZ- and presumptive SH2/SH3-binding domains within the Cx43 carboxyl terminus are not required for this targeting event or for its stable interaction with caveolin-1. Furthermore, Cx43 appears to interact with two distinct caveolin-1 domains, i.e., the caveolin-scaffolding domain (residues 82-101) and the C-terminal domain (135-178). We also show that other connexins (Cx32, Cx36, and Cx46) are targeted to lipid rafts, while Cx26 and Cx50 are specifically excluded from these membrane microdomains. Interestingly, recombinant coexpression of Cx26 with caveolin-1 recruits Cx26 to lipid rafts, where it colocalizes with caveolin-1. This trafficking event appears to be unique to Cx26, since the other connexins investigated in this study do not require caveolin-1 for targeting to lipid rafts. Our results provide the first evidence that connexins interact with caveolins and partition into lipid raft domains and indicate that these interactions are connexin specific.
Damage saturation effects on volume and resistivity changes induced by fission-fragment irradiation of copper☆

Abstract Damage production and saturation has been monitored in copper by simultaneous electrical resistivity- and length-change measurements. Damage was introduced by 235U fission fragments at either 7 or 85 K. At both temperatures, the resistivity and length changes were linearly related to each other for resistivity changes less than 80% of saturation resistivity. The linear relationship was the same for both irradiation temperatures and was the same as that observed previously for 10B fission fragment irradiations at 4 K. These results are interpreted to show that the resistivity change per defect is unaffected by irradiation under conditions which lead to interstitial clustering.
The majority of unmyelinated afferent axons in human ventral roots probably conduct pain

Three patients with intractable chest pain had undergone dorsal rhizotomy. None had obtained relief, but all three had developed dysesthesia and hyperesthesia, in addition to the original pain persisting in the supposedly deafferented area. Dorsal ganglionectomy was performed for these 3 patients in 1976 and they were followed for 3 years. Following ganglionectomy two of the three developed total anesthesia, including loss of dysesthesia, hyperesthesia, and the original pain. Light and electron microscopical examination of the ventral roots removed at the time of ganglionectomy showed that unmyelinated axons constituted approximately 25% of the total fiber count. Two ventral roots from one patient who previously had serendipitous removal of dorsal ganglia showed a marked reduction in the population of unmyelinated axons. The observations support Coggeshall's contention that the majority of unmyelinated axons in the ventral roots are sensory and probably conduct pain.
The Rational Choice Generalization of Neoclassical Economics Reconsidered: Any Theoretical Legitimation for Economic Imperialism?

The article reconsiders the generalization of neoclassical economics by modern rational choice theory. Hence, it reexamines the possible theoretical grounds or lack thereof within neoclassical economics for economic imperialism implied in much of rational choice theory. Some indicative instances of rational choice theory's generalization of neoclassical economics are reviewed. The main portion of the article addresses the question as to whether neoclassical economics allows its generalization in rational choice theory and thus legitimizes economic imperialism. Presented are a number of pertinent theoretical reasons why neoclassical economics does not fully justify its generalization into rational choice as a general social theory, particularly into an overarching economic approach to social action and society. Also discussed are some theoretical implications of the rational choice generalization of neoclassical economics. The main contribution of the article is to detect lack of a strong theoretical rationale in much of neoclassical economics for rational choice theory's manifest or latent economic imperialism.
A new progressive block artifact reduction algorithm using a transform domain-based Markov random field model

The Block-based Discrete Cosine Transform (BDCT) is one of the most widely used transforms in image and video coding. However, it introduces annoying blocking artifact at low data rates. A great deal of work has been done to reduce the artifact. In this paper, we propose a transform domain-based Markov Random Field (TD-MRF) model to address this problem. Based on this new model, a transform domain maximum a posteriori (MAP) algorithm is presented to remove the blocking artifacts in images and video. It is shown that our new approach can reduce the computational complexity dramatically while achieving significant visual improvements.
A case of lactic acidosis induced by linezolid

This article reports the case of a 36-year-old man on hemodialysis who presented to an intensive care unit with a large serum anion gap and symptoms such as hypotension and an altered mental state. For the previous 6 weeks, he had received linezolid to treat vancomycin-resistant bacteremia. Discontinuation of linezolid led to resolution of his symptoms and to normalization of the serum anion gap and serum lactate levels. The authors conclude that the patient had suffered from lactic acidosis caused by linezolid. Background. A 36-year-old African American man with end-stage renal disease on chronic maintenance hemodialysis was transferred first from a hospital to a long-term acute care facility for advanced care then to the intensive care unit of our university hospital with unexplained abdominal pain, nausea, hypotension, altered mental status and anion gap metabolic acidosis. Subsequent review of the patient's medication list revealed that the he had been on linezolid for 6 weeks for the treatment of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus fecalis bacteremia. Investigations. Medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, CT imaging of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis and PCR-based tests to determine the presence of polymorphisms in the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Diagnosis. Lactic acidosis associated with prolonged exposure to linezolid. Management. Discontinuation of linezolid.
On the regeneration mechanism of HgBr/2 in HgBr/HgBr2 dissociation lasers☆

Abstract The fast bimolecular reaction HgBr + Br 2 → HgBr 2 + Br is shown to be responsible for the observed rapid and efficient regeneration of HgBr 2 in cyclic operation of the repetitively pulsed HgBr photodissociation laser. The rate constant for this reaction has been measured to be (7.7 ± 0.6) × 10 −11 cm 3 molecule −1 at 415 K.
A Retrospective, Single Institution Study Comparing 5-Fluorouracil, Hydroxyurea, and Twice-Daily Radiation Therapy (FHX) to High-Dose Cisplatin + Radiation Therapy (CRT) in Advanced T Stage Head-and-Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ATSHNSCC)

inhibitor that may potentiate the efficacy of concurrent radiation therapy (RT) and docetaxel (D). A Phase 2 trial was conducted to determine the efficacy and toxicities of the combination in patients with LA-SCCHN. Materials/Methods: Patients (pts) with previously untreated Stage III-IVb SCCHN received daily RTwith IMRT using dose painting: 70 Gy at 2 Gy/ fx to the primary tumor and gross nodes, 63 Gy at 1.8 Gy/fx to the highrisk nodal levels, and 56 Gy at 1.6 Gy/fx to the elective neck. Daily E (150 mg) was started 2 weeks prior to beginning RT. Elrotinib and D (20 mg/ m/week) were given concurrently with RT and pts were maintained on daily E for up to two years following the completion of RT. Data was collected on site of failures and HPV status, RT schedules, and toxicities. Toxicity was scored using CTCAE v3. Probabilities of survivals were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences in outcomes according to HPV status, were evaluated using the log-rank test. Results: 43 pts (33 male), median age 57 years (range 35-75), with Stage III or IV (81%) were enrolled. Median follow-up is now 29.1 months (range 1.4 60.5). The primary site of disease was as follows: oropharynx (28), larynx (11) and oral cavity (4). Mean RT dose was 69.9 Gy to the primary site (range 61.2-72.4 Gy) and the mean duration of RT was 53 days. One pt died during chemoRT from a narcotic overdose. HPV status was available for 36 pts (23 HPV+). For all pts, 3-year locoregional failure-free survival (LFFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were 81.1%, 76.8%, 64.6%, 73.7% respectively. HPV positive status showed a trend toward improved LFFS at 3 yrs (95.7% vs 71.6%, pZ0.06), PFS (82.6% vs 43.6%, pZ0.06), and OS (77.0% vs 66.1%, pZ0.36). Grade 3 leukopenia was noted in a majority of pts. Grade 4 hematologic toxicity was observed in 13 pts and Grade 4 GI toxicity was noted in 2 pts. Conclusions: Erlotinib in combination with RT and docetaxel is an active and tolerable treatment regimen for pts with LA-SCCHN with acceptable toxicities. HPV positive status was associated with a trend toward improved LFFS, PFS, and OS. Acknowledgment: This reseach was supported in part by Genentech, NIH grants P30 CA43703 and M01 RR-000080. Author Disclosure: M. Yao: None. C. Woods: None. P. Savvides: None. P. Lavertu: None. R. Rezaee: None. C. Zender: None. P. Fu: None. M. Gibson: None. J. Wasman: None. M. Machtay: Q. Leadership; RTOG.
Some observations with arc heated electrodes

Plasma-boundary interaction is studied experimentally in 1 atm argon plasma with a high temperature electrode in the range of temperatures where the electrode properties are affected by the temperature. Unlike a cold electrode, characteristics with the constricted arc, smooth i- V curves, have been observed for large currents at the electrode. At high temperatures when the thermionic current dominates the ion diffusion current, a negatively biased electrode acts more like a cathode than a probe. A practical limit when an electrode ceases to be a plasma diagnostic tool (probe) is denned in terms of electron and ion charge densities in the sheath region. Further, it is concluded that the high temperature probe data underestimate the electron temperature in the plasma. The anode characteristics, in the range of this experiment, are found to depend more on the plasma properties than on the temperature and material of the electrode.
Copolymerization of propylene with acrylate by a Ziegler-Natta type catalyst

Propylene was polymerized by using a Ziegler-Natta type catalyst in the presence of ethylchloroaluminum acrylate, which was formed by the reaction of diethylaluminum chloride with acrylic acid. The polymer obtained contained acrylic units which were proved to be copolymerized with propylene units by solvent extraction, infrared spectrum, and NMR spectrum. The copolymer showed much improved properties compared with the polypropylene homopolymer.
Mothers' descriptions of recovery from postpartum depression.

Purpose To describe the experience of women who perceived themselves as having recovered from postpartum depression (PPD). Study design This study was a qualitative, naturalistic inquiry design with in-depth participant interviews. Method Nine women who had been medically diagnosed with PPD and self-identified as recovered from PPD served as participants. The method used was the constant comparison of data for discovery of thematic junctures. Women were recruited through their healthcare provider and through the snowball method. Results Four thematic junctures were identified during the recovery from PPD: prelude to recovery, igniting recovery, recovery recounted as a victory, and realizing recovery was achieved. Moving through these junctures was an iterative process. Clinical implications The women in this study were able to describe a process of recovery from PPD. This occurred at the time when they were able to identify thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that embodied the acquisition of a successful maternal identity. Knowing this, nurses should support women to achieve their maternal identity and use this knowledge to manage, and recover from, PPD.
Vibrational Assignment and Anharmonic Resonance Analysis of the Dispersed Fluorescence and Stimulated Emission Pumping Spectra of DFCO (S0) up to 9000 cm−1

Dispersed fluorescence and stimulated emission pumping spectra of jet-cooled DFCO from the 2(1) 6(2) , 5(1) 6(4) , 2(1) 5(1) 6(2) , and 5(1) 6(6) vibrational states of S 1 are presented up to 9000 cm-1 . Progressions are assigned primarily to vibrational states with excitation in the Franck-Condon active modes nu2 , nu5 , and nu6 . The spectrum is perturbed by a 266 (nu2 approximately 2nu6 ), a 233 (nu2 approximately 2nu3 ), and a 3566 (nu3 + nu5 approximately 2nu6 ) anharmonic resonance. These three resonances are increasingly important at high vibrational energies, thus explaining the complexity of the DFCO spectrum compared to that of HFCO. Seventy-five vibrational states are assigned as eigenstates of a 266, 233, and 3566 anharmonic resonance Hamiltonian. The rms deviation in the calculated energies is 1.2 cm-1 . Harmonic frequencies and anharmonic constants are reported. These are compared to constants derived from ab initio potential energy surfaces.
Identification and ontogeny of β-adrenergic receptors in fetal rabbit lung

Abstract High affinity (Kd=0.2 nM), low capacity (48 fmoles per mg protein), stereospecific binding sites, with properties characteristic of the β1-subtype of β-adrenergic receptors, have been detected in fetal rabbit lung membranes as early as the 22nd day of gestation. The concentration of the receptor did not change significantly between the 22nd and 26th day of gestation, but increased 3-fold between the 26th and 29th day, reaching a level of 198 fmoles per mg protein. A further increase (from 198 to 315 fmoles per mg protein) in receptor concentration was observed in adult female rabbits. The increase in the levels of pulmonary β-adrenergic receptors between the 26th and 29th day of gestation is temporally related to the increase in surfactant release into the alveolar spaces of the fetal lung. Thus β-adrenergic agonists may act directly on the fetal lung to regulate surfactant secretion.
Effectiveness of antivenin (Crotalidae) polyvalent following injection of Crotalus venom.

Abstract Studies were done in rats to determine how long after the injection of a given amount of rattlesnake venom could antivenin be injected and afford protection. Protection was measured by neutralization of the lethal effect and by reduction of the local tissue effect. Eighty per cent of the rats receiving the antivenin at the time the venom was injected, survived, In the remaining 20 per cent survival time was increased approximately nine times. There was a complete absence of local tissue response. Rats receiving antivenin 10 min following the venom injection showed a survival rate of 60 per cent and survival time in the remaining rats was increased five-fold. Some localized tissue changes were observed. The rats receiving antivenin 20 min following venom injection showed a survival rate of 50 per cent, and survival time in the remaining animals was increased about 30 per cent. Rather severe localized tissue reactions were seen. The animals receiving antivenin 30 min following injection of the venom showed a survival rate of 33 per cent and a statistically insignificant increase in survival time. Severe localized tissue responses were seen. Rats receiving antivenin at 60 min showed no increase in survival time. The clinical significance of these data is discussed.