cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sentencing outcomes of the older prison population: an exploration of the age leniency argument

Using data compiled by the United States Sentencing Commission, we examine whether defendants sentenced in US federal courts are shown leniency based on their age, paying particular attention to the outcomes of older defendants (age 50 and over). One way in which this research is unique is that it focuses exclusively on a sample of older offenders and makes more precise distinctions by separately examining three categories of ‘elderly’ offenders – the ‘young-old,’ the ‘middle-old,’ and the ‘oldest-old.’ Consistent with prior research, our findings indicate an age leniency effect where younger defendants (the ‘young-old’) had the highest odds and older defendants (the ‘oldest-old’) had the lowest odds of incarceration. However, contrary to expectations, this finding does not hold for the sentence length decision. Legal factors (criminal history, number of counts, going to trial) also played a large role in increasing the likelihood and length of their sentence outcomes. In addition, variations were found a...
Lensless On-chip Imaging of Cells Provides a New Tool for High-throughput Cell-Biology and Medical Diagnostics

Conventional optical microscopes image cells by use of objective lenses that work together with other lenses and optical components. While quite effective, this classical approach has certain limitations for miniaturization of the imaging platform to make it compatible with the advanced state of the art in microfluidics. In this report, we introduce experimental details of a lensless on-chip imaging concept termed LUCAS (Lensless Ultra-wide field-of-view Cell monitoring Array platform based on Shadow imaging) that does not require any microscope objectives or other bulky optical components to image a heterogeneous cell solution over an ultra-wide field of view that can span as large as ~18 cm2. Moreover, unlike conventional microscopes, LUCAS can image a heterogeneous cell solution of interest over a depth-of-field of ~5 mm without the need for refocusing which corresponds to up to ~9 mL sample volume. This imaging platform records the shadows (i.e., lensless digital holograms) of each cell of interest within its field of view, and automated digital processing of these cell shadows can determine the type, the count and the relative positions of cells within the solution. Because it does not require any bulky optical components or mechanical scanning stages it offers a significantly miniaturized platform that at the same time reduces the cost, which is quite important for especially point of care diagnostic tools. Furthermore, the imaging throughput of this platform is orders of magnitude better than conventional optical microscopes, which could be exceedingly valuable for high-throughput cell-biology experiments.
Disparities in the use of radiation therapy in patients with local-regionally advanced breast cancer.

Background: Radiation therapy (RT) is indicated for the treatment of local-regionally advanced breast cancer (BCa). Hypothesis: We hypothesized that black and Hispanic patients with local-regionally advanced BCa would receive lower rates of RT than their white counterparts. Methods: The Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database was used to identify white, black, Hispanic, and Asian patients with invasive BCa and {>=}10 metastatic lymph nodes diagnosed between 1988 and 2005. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression evaluated the relationship of race/ethnicity with use of RT. Multivariate models stratified for those undergoing mastectomy or lumpectomy. Results: Entry criteria were met by 12,653 patients. Approximately half of the patients did not receive RT. Most patients were white (72%); the remainder were Hispanic (10.4%), black (10.3%), and Asian (7.3%). On univariate analysis, Hispanics (odd ratio [OR] 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-1.00) and blacks (OR 0.79; 95% CI, 0.70-0.89) were less likely to receive RT than whites. On multivariate analysis, blacks (OR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67-0.86) and Hispanics (OR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70-0.90) were less likely than whites to receive RT. Disparities persisted for blacks (OR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.64-0.85) and Hispanics (OR 0.77; 95% CI, 0.67-0.89) who received mastectomy, but not for those who receivedmore » lumpectomy. Conclusions: Many patients with local-regionally advanced BCa do not receive RT. Blacks and Hispanics were less likely than whites to receive RT. This disparity was noted predominately in patients who received mastectomy. Future efforts at improving rates of RT are warranted. Efforts at eliminating racial/ethnic disparities should focus on black and Hispanic candidates for postmastectomy RT.« less
Effect of UV irradiation on lethal infection of mice with Candida albicans.

Exposure of mice to UV radiation inhibits the induction and elicitation of the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to Candida albicans. To determine whether UV irradiation also affects the pathogenesis of systemic C. albicans infection, C3H mice were exposed to a single dose of 48 kJ/m2 UV-B radiation from FS40 sunlamps 5 days before or 5 days after sensitization with formalin-fixed C. albicans and challenged intravenously (i.v.) with a lethal dose of viable fungi 6 days after sensitization (11 or 1 days after UV irradiation). Exposing unsensitized mice to UV radiation 11 days before lethal challenge had no effect on survival, but the survival time of mice exposed to UV radiation 1 day before challenge was reduced by more than 50%. In the latter group, decreased survival time correlated with persistence of C. albicans in the brain and progressive growth of C. albicans in the kidneys. Sensitization of unirradiated mice with formalin-fixed C. albicans extended their survival time following lethal i.v. challenge with viable C. albicans. Exposing the mice to UV radiation 5 days before sensitization did not abrogate this beneficial effect of sensitization on survival, even though it significantly reduced the DTH response. Thus, immunity to systemic infection did not depend on the ability of the mice to exhibit a DTH response to C. albicans. The beneficial effect of sensitization on survival after lethal infection was abrogated, however, in mice exposed to UV radiation 1 day before lethal challenge with C. albicans. Furthermore, these mice were unable to contain the progressive growth of C. albicuns in the kidneys, in contrast to sensitized, unirradiated mice. The induction of cutaneous inflammation with turpentine had no effect on the survival rate of mice lethally infected with C. albicans, suggesting that inflammation alone is not sufficient to decrease the survival time of C. albicans-infected mice.
Community-initiated breast cancer and environment studies and the precautionary principle.

The precautionary principle implies the need for research paradigms that contribute to “strength of the evidence” assessments of the plausibility of health effects when scientific uncertainty is likely to persist and prevention is the underlying goal. Previous discussions of science that inform precautionary decision making are augmented by examining three activist-initiated breast cancer and environment studies—the Long Island, New York, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, studies and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences breast cancer and environment centers. These studies show how the choice of research questions affects the potential of results to inform action. They illustrate a spectrum of public involvement, population- and individual-level epidemiologic study designs, and the crucial importance of developing and applying new exposure assessment methods. The exposure studies are key because they are critical in assessing plausibility (without exposure to a causal agent, there is no health effect), are prerequisite to health studies, and identify preventable exposures that could be reduced by precautionary policies, even in the absence of strong evidence of harm. The breast cancer studies have contributed to environmental and biological sampling programs for endocrine-disrupting compounds in drinking water and household air and dust and the application of geographic information systems for surveillance and historical exposure assessment. They leave unanswered questions about when to invest in large epidemiologic studies, when negative results are sufficient, and how to pursue ambiguous positive results in further research and policy.
Prior Exposure, Warning Algorithm Parameters and Driver Response to Imminent Rear-End Collisions on a High-Sfideltiy Simulator:

Rear-end collisions account for over 25% of crashes. Because driver inattention is a contributing factor in more than 60% of these collisions, rear-end collision avoidance systems (RECAS) offer a promising approach to reduce crashes and save lives. This study uses a high-fidelity driving simulator to examine driver response to imminent rear-end collision situations and address two issues. First, the study examines how variations in algorithm parameters affect RECAS effectiveness. The results show an early warning helps drivers react more quickly and avoid more collisions, providing critical data for tradeoff studies of RECAS parameters and nuisance alarm rates. Second, the study investigates how drivers respond to a second collision scenario shortly after their first exposure. The results show drivers react more quickly to the second exposure and avoid more collisions, but that the effect of the second exposure does not interact with other experimental variables or change the fundamental response dynamics...
Enhancement of Perforin by Retinoic Acid Is Mediated by Protein Kinase C

Abstract We previously demonstrated that interleukin-2 induced murine lymphokine-activated killer cell activity is augmented by retinoic acid. The enhanced cytotoxicity is significantly correlated with the increase in PKC. In the present study, we have shown that retinoic acid increases the expression of perform, a potent cytolytic mediator, at both protein and mRNA levels. This enhancement can be induced by a direct stimulation of PKC signaling pathway, as manipulated by a short term incubation of lymphokine-activated killer cells with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate and ionomycin, and suppressed by PKC inhibitors. These results suggest that PKC plays a regulatory role in the enhancement of the expression of cytolytic mediators in retinoic acid-augmented lymphokine-activated killer cells.
Reply to Schubert et al.: Regarding critique of highly multiplexed technologies

We are surprised by the concerns raised by Schubert et al. (1) regarding the quantitative nature and methodological approaches presented in our recent PNAS report (2). I will attempt to clarify some of confusion and misstatements, as several errors and misrepresentation of our data are stated in the critique. The first incorrect assertion in the letter regards the use of NaOH to quench fluorescence of the Cy dyes. As clearly stated in the Methods of our report (2), all experiments presented in the paper used the basic peroxide method for consistency. Although certain NaOH techniques are included in patent …
Resilience and vulnerability in children of multiple-risk families

Under high-risk conditions of genetic and family environmental origins, some children maintain a high level of adaptive behavior, whereas others develop serious problems. What distinguishes these children? Using measures systematically obtained in a 10-year longitudinal study, standard case studies were developed on 18 resilient children with healthy adaptation throughout development (psychiatric assessment) and on 26 troubled children with serious persistent problems. All children had family risks of affective illness in both parents and a highly chaotic and disturbed family life. Well children of well parents and well-functioning families were a comparison group. The children were preadolescent or adolescent at the time of most recent assessment. The ill and well families had similar demographic characteristics. Resilient and control children were very similar on most measures. Troubled children as a group had lower scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Revised, were more often shy, had poor academic achievement, and had a history of poor peer relationships. Resilient children elicited more positive reactions from teachers, were more likely to be the favored child in the family, and had more positive self-perceptions. Profiles of each child showed competing processes of vulnerability and coping. Children used a wide range of methods for coping with parental and family pathology. Resilience appeared variably robust or fragile depending on the combinations of risks and supportive factors present and the styles of coping with stress.
Marriage and family research a critical evaluation

(1954). Marriage and family research a critical evaluation. Eugenics Quarterly: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 58-63.
Responding to “unconventional” millennial predictions

In the past, predictions of impending natural disasters have captured public attention for a variety of reasons. When such predictions gain momentum, they can have serious consequences for those to whom the public turns for advice, information, and comfort. Over the next few years, it is anticipated that predictions anchoring on the arrival of the millennium will appear and gain notoriety. Research has shown, however, some commonalties among predictions and predictors, as well as how to effectively transmit risk information to the public. The purpose of this paper is to provide those responding to unconventional predictions of imminent disaster a framework within which to guide their actions.
Hemoglobin polymorphism in the Atlantic croaker, Micropogon undulatus

Abstract Ten hemoglobins from the teleost Micropogon undulatus were separated in native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In a large sample taken from a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, the distribution of these hemoglobins confirmed a polymorphic condition, which was previously known in North Carolina animals. The intraspecific variation was unrelated to body length, indicating that it is an adult phenomenon. The 10 hemoglobins were expressed in seven different phenotypic banding patterns. Although several morphs were infrequent, no single phenotype comprised a majority of the sample, indicating that the variation is quite great. Several phenotypes differed from those in North Carolina animals and, conversely, several North Carolina phenotypes were not recovered from the Chesapeake Bay sample. This finding suggests that the polymorphism is more complex than observed in either investigation alone. The O 2 binding of hemolysates stripped of co-factors by dialysis revealed functional differences between some, but not all, Chesapeake Bay morphs. The most variable property was O 2 affinity, although a few differences in pH dependence and cooperativity were also observed. The O 2 binding of red blood cell preparations also differed. These differences were not identical to those between dialyzed hemolysates, suggesting that organic PO 4 co-factors may be involved as well.
Vibration Loosening Model for Preloaded Countersunk-Head Bolts

A nonlinear mathematical model is developed for studying the self-loosening behavior of preloaded countersunk threaded fasteners that are subjected to cyclic transverse loads. This paper investigates the effect of thread and bearing friction coefficients on the rate of loosening. Torque components acting on the bolt are divided into pitch and resistance torque components; the net torque determines whether or not the bolt will rotate loose under the external excitation. The accumulation of the differential amount of loosening rotation increments is converted into gradual loss of bolt tension/clamp load. Model prediction of the self-loosening behavior is experimentally validated.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence of complementary DNA encoding rabbit α1-acid glycoprotein

Abstract Alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) complementary DNA clone has been isolated from an acute phase rabbit liver library. Complete and full-length nucleotide sequence of this cDNA has been determined. The cDNA contains 35 nucleotides 5′ untranslated region followed by 606 nucleotides of coding region and a 112 nucleotides 3′ untranslated region. Comparison of this sequence with that of human, rat and mouse reveals a high degree of homology with human α1-AGP. Northern blot analysis of messenger RNA for α1-AGP in normal and acute livers demonstrates remarkable induction of transcription of this gene in rabbit in response to acute inflammation by the administration of turpentine. Such a response of AGP gene expression makes it a major member of the acute phase responsive genes in rabbit liver.
Alternative Education: An Evaluation Dilemma

(1976). Alternative Education: An Evaluation Dilemma. The Educational Forum: Vol. 41, No. 1, pp. 87-93.
Ca2+ and cAMP activate K+ channels in the basolateral membrane of crypt cells isolated from rabbit distal colon.

Using patch-clamp techniques, we have studied Ca2+-activated K+ channels in the basolateral membrane of freshly isolated epithelial cells from rabbit distal colon. Epithelial cell clusters were obtained from distal colon by gentle mechanical disruption of isolated crypts. Gigaohm seals were obtained on the basolateral surface of the cell clusters. At the resting potential (approximately −45 mV), with NaCl Ringer's bathing the cell, the predominant channels had a conductance of 131±25 pS. Channel activity depended on voltage as depolarization of the membrane increased the open probability. In excised inside-out patches, channels were found to be selective for K+ over Na+. Channel activity correlated directly with bath Ca2+ concentration in the excised patches. Channel currents were blocked by 5mm TEA+ and 1mm Ba2+. In cell-attached patches, after addition of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, which increases intracellular Ca2+, open probability was markedly increased. Channel activity was also regulated by cAMP as addition of 1mm dibutyryl-cAMP in the bath solution in cell-attached patches increased channel open probability over 20-fold. Channels that had been activated by cAMP were further activated by Ca2+. We conclude that the basolateral membrane of epithelial cells from descending colon contains a class of potassium channels, which are regulated by intracellular Ca2+ and cAMP.
Differential Expression of Activator Protein-1 Transcription Factors in Pregnant Rat Myometrium

While the AP-1 (activator protein-1) genes c-fos and c-jun have been implicated in the expression of myometrial genes associated with the onset of labor, there are no data concerning the role of other members of this family of transcription factors. To address this issue, we defined the expression and hormonal regulation of AP-1 genes in the rat myometrium during pregnancy and labor. Tissue was collected on Days 12, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, and 23 (labor) and 1 day postpartum. Expression of c-fos, fosB, fra-1, fra-2, and junB was low during early gestation, with a 5- to 10-fold increase on Day 23 during labor, and returned to low levels 1 day postpartum. In contrast, the levels of c-jun and junD remained relatively constant throughout gestation. Administration of progesterone (P4; 16 mg/kg s.c./day) beginning on Day 20 (to maintain elevated plasma P4 levels) prevented the onset of labor and blocked the expected rise in c-fos, fosB, fra-1, fra-2, and junB expression on Day 23. In contrast, administration of the progesterone receptor antagonist RU486 (10 mg/kg s.c.) on Day 19 induced preterm labor and a premature increase in mRNA levels of c-fos, fra-1, fra-2, and junB. In unilaterally pregnant rats, stretch imposed by the growing fetus was found to increase the expression of c-fos, fosB, fra-1, fra-2, and junB only in the gravid horn on the day of labor. These data raise the possibility that AP-1 transcription factors integrate endocrine and mechanical signals, leading to myometrial gene expression required for uterine remodeling and the initiation of labor.
Characterization and correction for scatter in 3D PET using rebinned plane integrals

The scatter characteristics of three-dimensional (3D) positron emission tomography (PET) in terms of the plane-integral scatter response function (SRF) are studied. To obtain the plane-integral SRF and study its properties, Monte Carlo simulations, were carried out which generated coincidence events from point sources located at different positions in water-filled spheres of various sizes. In each simulation, the plane-integral SRF is obtained by rebinning the detected true and scatter events into two separate sets of plane integrals and then dividing the plane integrals of scatter events by the plane integral of true events of the plane in which the point source is located. A spherical PET scanner was assumed for these simulations. Examination of the SRF shows that the SRF in 3D PET can be modeled not by an exponential function as in the case of 2D PET, but by a Gaussian with its peak shifted away from the primary peak. Using this plane-integral SRF a scatter correction method was developed for 3D PET that first converts an attenuation-corrected 3D PET data set into plane integrals, then obtains the scatter components in the rebinned plane integrals by integral transformation of the rebinned plane integrals with the SRF, and finally subtracts the scatter components from the rebinned plane integrals to yield the scatter-corrected plane integrals, From the scatter-corrected plane integrals, a 3D image was reconstructed by using a 3D filtered-backprojection algorithm. To test the method, a cylindrical PET scanner imaging an ellipsoid phantom with a 3-cm cold bar at the center was simulated, and 3D images of the phantom with and without scatter correction were reconstructed. Comparison of the two images shows that this method compensates reasonably well for scatter events. The advantages of the proposed method are that it treats the scatter in 3D PET in a truly 3D manner and that it is computationally efficient. >
An effective genetic algorithm for the minimum-label spanning tree problem

Given a connected, undirected graph G with labeled edges, the minimum label spanning tree problem seeks a spanning tree on G to whose edges are attached the smallest possible number of labels. A greedy heuristic for this NP-hard problem greedily chooses labels so as to reduce the number of components in the subgraphs they induce as quickly as possible. A genetic algorithm for the problem encodes candidate solutions as per mutations of the labels; an initial segment of such a chromosome lists the labels that appear on the edges in the chromosome's tree. Three versions of the GA apply generic or heuristic crossover and mutation operators and a local search step. In tests on 27 randomly-generated instances of the minimum-label spanning tree problem, versions of the GA that apply generic operators, with and without the local search step, perform less well than the greedy heuristic, but a version that applies the local search step and operators tailored to the problem returns solutions that require on average 10 fewer labels than the heuristic's.
Cool-Water Limestones of the Pannonian Basinal System, Middle Miocene, Hungary

ABSTRACT Reconciliation of fossil assemblages and sedimentological data with the paleogeography of east-central Europe during the Middle Miocene has yielded a new interpretation about paleotemperature. The Pannonian basinal system of the Paratethys represents an unconventional and complex setting for cool-water carbonate-siliciclastic sedimentation and volcanism. The Middle Miocene Badenian Stage of Hungary is represented by four carbonate microfacies within the Pannonian basinal system. Algal rudstones and floatstones, composed mostly of rhodolites, and bioclastic packstones, grainstones, and wackestones, accumulated in distinct basins within a regional framework of synrift tectonism, volcanism, and siliciclastic sedimentation. The diachronous nature of these deposits reflect the repeated connection and disconnection of the Paratethys. Minimum sediment accumulation rates varied widely within the local basins of deposition (39-40 mm/1000 yr to < 1 mm/1000 yr). A temperate-type carbonate basinal system is suggested by variations in faunal diversity, Heterozoan foramol biological associations dominated by red algal sediments, limited development of Porites patch reefs, a relatively high paleolatitude, and higher global sea-level position for the Middle Miocene. Tectonism and the accompanying changes in paleogeography, oceanic circulation, and upwellings of colder water during drowning events may account for the paleoclimate represented by the cool-water carbonate sediments of the Paratethys during the Middle Miocene.
Perspectives on human population structure at the cusp of the sequencing era

Human groups show structured levels of genetic similarity as a consequence of factors such as geographical subdivision and genetic drift. Surveying this structure gives us a scientific perspective on human origins, sheds light on evolutionary processes that shape both human adaptation and disease, and is integral to effectively carrying out the mission of global medical genetics and personalized medicine. Surveys of population structure have been ongoing for decades, but in the past three years, single-nucleotide-polymorphism (SNP) array technology has provided unprecedented detail on human population structure at global and regional scales. These studies have confirmed well-known relationships between distantly related populations and uncovered previously unresolvable relationships among closely related human groups. SNPs represent the first dense genome-wide markers, and as such, their analysis has raised many challenges and insights relevant to the study of population genetics with whole-genome sequenc...
The relationship between image restoration by the maximum a posteriori method and a maximum entropy method

For the linear imaging model g = Hf + n, the maximum a posteriori (MAP) restoration method is compared to the maximum entropy (ME) method defined by maximizing f_{T} \ln f subject to \parallelg - Hf\parallel^{2} = \paralleln\parallel^{2} . It is shown that the ME solution is a member of the set of MAP solutions defined by a set of a priori probability densities. The numerical methods developed for MAP restoration can be applied to ME restoration. The importance of the a priori probability distribution for the MAP restoration is demonstrated. Examples of ME restoration with the new method are shown and compared to previous results.
Differential Parenting Between Mothers and Fathers: Implications for Late Adolescents

Although the relationship between parenting and outcomes for children and adolescents has been examined, differences between maternal and paternal parenting styles have received less attention, particularly in the case of late adolescents. As a result, this article examines the relationship between late adolescents' perceptions of their mothers' and fathers' parenting styles and their own emotional adjustment. Findings of this study suggest that mothers and fathers use different parenting styles for their sons and daughters. It also suggests that different combinations of maternal and paternal parenting (e.g., a permissive father parenting with an authoritarian mother) are related to late adolescents' emotional adjustment, with late adolescents who have at least one authoritative parent showing better adjustment than those who do not have such a parent. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of examining dyadic parent—adolescent relationships, and it suggests that having one authoritative parent ma...
CD4 and CD8 T Cells Have Redundant But Not Identical Roles in Virus-Induced Demyelination

A chronic demyelinating disease results from murine infection with the neurotropic strain JHM of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-JHM). Demyelination is largely immune mediated. In this study, the individual roles of CD4 and CD8 T cells in MHV-induced demyelination were investigated using recombination-activating gene 1-/- (RAG1-/-) mice infected with an attenuated strain of MHV-JHM. These animals develop demyelination only after adoptive transfer of splenocytes from mice previously immunized to MHV. In this study, we show that, following adoptive transfer, virus-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells rapidly infiltrate the CNS of MHV-JHM-infected RAG1-/- mice. Adoptive transfer of CD4 T cell-enriched donors resulted in more severe clinical disease accompanied by less demyelination than was detected in the recipients of undepleted cells. Macrophage infiltration into the gray matter of CD4 T cell-enriched recipients was greater than that observed in mice receiving undepleted splenocytes. In contrast, CD8 T cell-enriched recipients developed delayed disease with extensive demyelination of the spinal cord. MHV-JHM-infected RAG1-/- mice receiving donors depleted of both CD4 and CD8 T cells did not develop demyelination. These results demonstrate that the development of demyelination following MHV infection may be initiated by either CD4 or CD8 T cells. Furthermore, they show that CD4 T cells contribute more prominently than CD8 T cells to the severity of clinical disease, and that this correlates with increased macrophage infiltration into the gray matter.
Coming to America: Does Having a Developed Home Country Matter for Self-Employment in the United States?

This research examines the relationship between the economic status of an immigrant's home country and the probability of self-employment in the US. We find that immigrants from developing countries on average have lower self-employment probabilities relative to immigrants from developed countries. Similarly, we find a positive correlation between the current HDI of an immigrant's home country and the probability of self-employment in the US. These result are unexpected given that past research suggests immigrants from countries with high levels of self-employment (developing countries) are more likely to be self-employed in the US. We provide a possible explanation for these results.
Synthesis of Conducting Polymer Composite Fibers in Electrochemical Flow Cells

Abstract : A one-step electrochemical synthesis of polymer and composite polymer fibers of macroscopic dimensions (greater than 10 cm length and 0.2 mm diameter) is reported. Poly(3-methylthiophene) and polypyrrole fibers are grown from the tip of a Pt microelectrode by oxidation of 3-methylthiophene and pyrrole, respectively, in a capillary flow cell. Hydrodynamic fields within the capillary cell result in unidirectional growth of the polymer along the axis of the flow cell. High strength, conductive, and flexible composite polymer fibers are synthesized by deposition of poly(3-methylthiophene) or polypyrrole on a non conductive Kevlar or polyester string suspended in the solution along the axis of the capillary flow cell. Composite fiber growth rates as large as 30 cm/hr are obtained under optimal conditions.
Land Assembly and the Holdout Problem Under Sequential Bargaining

Although the holdout problem is an established part of legal and economic lore, the exact source of the problem is not well understood. It is usually attributed to high transaction costs or bargaining power on the part of sellers. To isolate the essential features of the problem, we consider the simplest possible setting in which a buyer bargains sequentially with a series of sellers, each of whose land is necessary to realize the gain from a large-scale project. Using ordinary Nash bargaining and assuming complete information, we identify a minimum set of factors that give rise to a holdout problem. Copyright 2012, Oxford University Press.
Contrasting Disposition and Metabolism of Topically Applied Benzo(a)pyrene, trans-7,8-Dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo(a)pyrene, and 7β,8α-Dihydroxy-9α,10α-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene in Mouse Epidermis in Vivo

Whereas extensive evidence indicates that 7β,8α-dihydroxy-9α,10α-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo( a )pyrene ( anti -BPDE) is a major ultimate carcinogen of benzo( a )pyrene (BaP) in mouse skin, tumorigenicity studies have consistently shown that anti -BPDE is less active then BaP in this model system. In order to investigate factors responsible for this apparent contradiction, we have compared the disposition, metabolism, and DNA binding of [3H]BaP, (±)- trans -7,8-[14C]dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo( a )pyrene [(±)-[14C]BaP-7,8-diol], and (±)- anti -[3H]BPDE in mouse epidermis in vivo . There were remarkable differences in the total radioactivity recovered in epidermis at various times after topical application of BaP, BaP-7,8-diol, and anti -BPDE. BaP and its metabolites were removed from epidermis gradually ( t 1/2 ≃ 2 h). However, 60–65% of anti -BPDE disappeared from mouse epidermis within 3 min of application, while a second slower phase of removal of radioactivity was observed between 8 min and 2 h. The kinetics of removal of BaP-7,8-diol and its metabolites were intermediate between those of BaP and anti -BPDE. The half-life of anti -BPDE in mouse epidermis was measured by trapping it with 2-mercaptoethanol. The initial half-life was about 6 min, similar to that observed in vitro . However, following the initial rapid penetration of anit -BPDE through epidermis most of the remaining material became immobilized in an epidermal binding site in which its half-life was greater than 2 h. Qualitatively, the metabolite patterns of BaP, BaP-7,8-diol, and anti -BPDE were similar to expectations based on in vitro studies. However, the kinetics of metabolite formation from BaP were different from those of BaP-7,8-diol or anti -BPDE. The extents of formation of anti -BPDE-DNA adducts 24 h after application of BaP, BaP-7,8-diol, or anti -BPDE to mouse skin were similar despite the fact that the levels of anti -BPDE present in epidermis were about 50 to 100 times greater after application of BaP-7,8-diol or anti -BPDE than after application of BaP. The results of this study demonstrate that the quantitative aspects of BaP-7,8-diol and anti -BPDE metabolism and disposition in mouse skin are different from those of BaP and indicate that the relatively low tumorigenicity of BaP-7,8-diol and anti -BPDE in mouse skin may be partially attributable to differences between the disposition of these metabolites when topically applied compared to when they are generated intracellularly from BaP.
It Is the Plasma Renin Activity Level That Counts, not Stoichiometry

To the Editor: We disagree with Danser et al1 that, in patients taking the renin inhibitor aliskiren, “it is the stoichiometry that counts, not the rise in renin.” In fact, plasma renin activity (PRA) is a more explicit indicator than stoichiometry. A PRA fall during aliskiren means that renal renin secretion did not increase by much. A PRA rise means that the increase in renal renin secretion was large enough to overwhelm the aliskiren blockade of PRA. It is that simple. …
Activation of Shiga toxin type 2d (Stx2d) by elastase involves cleavage of the C‐terminal two amino acids of the A2 peptide in the context of the appropriate B pentamer

Shiga toxins (Stx) are potent ribosome-inactivating toxins that are produced by Shigella dysenteriae type 1 or certain strains of Escherichia coli. These toxins are composed of one A subunit that can be nicked and reduced to an enzymatically active A1(approximately 27 kDa) and an A2 peptide (approximately 4 kDa) as well as a pentamer of B subunits (approximately 7 kDa/monomer) that binds the eukaryotic cell. Purified Shiga toxin type 2d is activated 10- to 1000-fold for Vero cell toxicity by preincubation with mouse or human intestinal mucus or purified mouse elastase, whereas Stx2, Stx2c, Stx2e and Stx1 are not activatable. E. coli strains that produce the activatable Stx2d are more virulent in a streptomycin (str)-treated mouse model of infection [lethal dose 50% (LD50) = 101] than are E. coli strains that produce any other type of Stx (LD50 = 1010). To identify the element(s) of Stx2d that are required for mucus-mediated activation, toxin genes were constructed such that the expressed mutant toxins consisted of hybrids of Stx2d and Stx1, Stx2 or Stx2e, contained deletions of up to six amino acids from the C-terminus of the A2 of Stx2d or were altered in one or both of the two amino acids of the A2 of Stx2d that represent the only amino acid differences between the activatable Stx2d and the non-activatable Stx2c. Analysis of these mutant toxins revealed that the A2 portion of Stx2d is required for toxin activation and that activation is abrogated if the Stx1 or Stx2e B subunit is substituted for the Stx2d B polypeptide. Furthermore, mass spectrometry performed on buffer- or elastase-treated Stx2d indicated that the A2 peptide of the activated Stx2d was two amino acids smaller than the A2 peptide from buffer-treated Stx2d. This finding, together with the toxin hybrid results, suggests that activation involves B pentamer-dependent cleavage by elastase of the C-terminal two amino acids from the Stx2d A2 peptide.
Very abnormal T waves in a 37-year-old man

A 37-year-old man presents after a syncopal event. He has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, for which, risperidone was recently started. On arrival, heart rate and blood pressure were normal, potassium was 3.2 meq/dL (0.82 mmol/L), magnesium was 2.5 meq/dL (1.1 mmol/L), calcium was 8.7 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) and cardiac biomarkers were normal. Bedside echocardiogram showed grossly normal LV systolic function. His presenting ECG is shown in figure 1. Figure 1 Presenting ECG in the emergency department. Which finding is seen on this ECG, and what is the likely subsequent clinical scenario? 1. Hyperacute T waves—early ST …
The Ubiquitin/Proteasome Pathway in Neurological Disorders

Recent advancements in gene cloning techniques and gene expression analyses provide compelling evidence linking the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway with the turnover of many proteins required to maintain neuronal homeostasis. These findings address new and exciting questions concerning the impact of a deregulation in proteolysis on cellular function and its causal relationship to the intracellular deposition of ubiquitin protein conjugates in neurodegeneration. Genetic data revealed that components of the ubiquitin/proteasome system are far more complex in number and function than previously thought. Findings from studies on hereditary forms of neurodegeneration, such as Angelman’s disease in humans and the gad phenotype in mice, provide direct evidence that the manifestation of these disorders results from genetic defects in enzymes that are essential components of the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. Consequently, these findings support the notion that malfunctions in this system may be critical events that trigger the initiation of the neuodegenerative process. Under harmful conditions, such as those induced by oxidative stress, inflammation, and genetic mutations, the cell may rely on the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway to remove abnormal proteins produced under such conditions, thus promoting neuronal homeostasis. An age-dependent decline in the activities of this pathway may be critical to the neurodegeneration process. This explanation provides an alternate interpretation to the view that ubiquitin conjugate deposition is merely an indirect consequence induced by other factors involved in the disease. The need for more research to identify and define components associated with the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway underscores the potential for new targets of therapeutic intervention in neuronal diseases as well as diagnostic markers for individuals at risk for these disorders
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are chronic intestinal disorders, the clinical signs and symptoms of which may be overshadowed by extraintestinal complications. The management of these conditions requires an awareness of diagnostic techniques, assessment of the extent and severity of intestinal involvement and extraintestinal complications, as well as individualized medical, nutritional, and emotional support.
China's nuclear programs and policies

After developing a deterrent force, China has shifted the emphasis of its nuclear program to peaceful uses. The author argues that this reflects an assessment of the economic costs and futility of pursuing a nuclear arms race.
Protection against Gram-Negative Bacteremia with Antiserum to Endotoxins

Although the mechanisms of the toxic and immunologic properties of endotoxins have been extensively examined by many investigators, only a few have worked on the possible value of an antitoxin against endotoxins. There have been at least two deterrents to such research that might explain the lag in development of an antitoxin to these lipopolysaccharide (LPS) poisons of gram-negative bacteria. The first is the question of whether or not LPS causes, or contributes to, the toxic manifestations of gram-negative bacterial infections. Until the role of LPS in human infection appeared to be a reasonable possibility, there would be little justification for undertaking the task of developing an antitoxin against LPS for human use. The second deterrent is related to the apparent antigenic heterogeneity of the endotoxins in the many species and serotypes of pathogenic gram-negative bacteria. It would seem impractical, on first consideration, to prepare antisera against each of the different serotypes of O antigens presented by all these gram-negative bacteria.
A method for the quantification of model form error associated with physical systems.

In the process of model validation, models are often declared valid when the differences between model predictions and experimental data sets are satisfactorily small. However, little consideration is given to the effectiveness of a model using parameters that deviate slightly from those that were fitted to data, such as a higher load level. Furthermore, few means exist to compare and choose between two or more models that reproduce data equally well. These issues can be addressed by analyzing model form error, which is the error associated with the differences between the physical phenomena captured by models and that of the real system. This report presents a new quantitative method for model form error analysis and applies it to data taken from experiments on tape joint bending vibrations. Two models for the tape joint system are compared, and suggestions for future improvements to the method are given. As the available data set is too small to draw any statistical conclusions, the focus of this paper is the development of a methodology that can be applied to general problems.
X-ray Absorption Spectroscopic Investigation of Molybdenum Multinuclear Sorption Mechanism at the Goethite-Water Interface

Understanding in situ metalloid surface speciation on mineral surfaces is critical to predicting the bioavailability in surface and subsurface environments. In this study, Mo K-edge X-ray absorptio...
Tensile Strength of Tibiae of Healed Rachitic and Normal Rats.

The early observation of Clark and Mrgudich1 that rachitic and healed rachitic rat tibiae had lost the preferred longitudinal orientation of the crystal micelles of the inorganic material prompted investigation of the tensile strength of healed rachitic bone as compared with normal controls. Albino rats from the stock colony were used. At weaning, 5 litters, comprising 30 rats were divided equally into control and experimental groups. The control animals were kept on the stock diet, while the experimental group was placed on the Steenbock-Black rachitogenic diet. After 41 days the experimental animals were severely rachitic, as shown by X-ray photographs. They were then given 250 units of calciferol by mouth and placed on the stock diet. Prompt healing of the rickets resulted. The animals were continued on the stock diet for 6 weeks after the calciferol was fed, and at the end of this time no roentgenological difference could be demonstrated between the experimental animals and their littermate controls. ...
Biomechanical Effects of Radiofrequency Ablation With Simultaneous Cryogenic Anchoring

Mitral valve (MV) disease is the most common form of heart valve disease, occurring in approximately 2% of the population and resulting in 43,000 open-chest surgical procedures every year [1]. One subtype is mitral valve prolapse (MVP), which is often characterized by severe regurgitant flow, thickened and enlarged leaflets, and disrupted and mechanically compromised collagen architecture.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
ANALYSIS OF DRILL PIPE WASHOUT CAUSES IN TARIM OILFIELD

A large of drill pipe washout statistical information of Tarim Oilfield was analysed, the location of the drill pipe washout mainly occurred in thickened transitional zone at the nut connector in the 244 casing, the location was focused on study. Through contrast of the drill pipe failure between Tarim and Tahe oilfield, the main causes of the drill pipe washout in Tarim oilfield were drawn out:(1) high rotation, high pump pressure and big annulus gap ratio.(2) fatigue crack extension in the thickened transitional zone of drill pipe and the root of the right-angle shoulder connector.(3) drill mud had the serious corrosivity, the coating was broken off in the crack extension, so,serious corrosion fatigue is occured,finally, the drill pipe was washed out by high pressure mud. The paper puts forward preventive measures and suggestions on the drill pipe washout of Tarim oil field.
[Spontaneous regression of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver resection: a case report].

尽管绝大多数恶性肿瘤都表现出不受调控的过度生长,但在极少数情况下,也能够观察到恶性肿瘤自发性消退的临床现象.肝癌的自发性消退现象在所有的恶性肿瘤中更为少见[1].我们收治并随访1例肝癌切除术后复发又自发性消退的患者,现报道如下. 关键词：肝肿瘤;肿瘤消退,自行性;病例报告
Proton Computed Tomography

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the principles of proton computed tomography (pCT) and reviews its clinical applications. The emphasis is on image reconstruction from projected data along proton paths, which may not necessarily be straight lines through the object to be imaged. A successful implementation of pCT would avoid the ambiguities of mapping X-ray computed tomography (xCT) Hounsfield Units (HU, which is related to the X-ray attenuation coefficients) to electron densities and would allow actual dose distribution as well as verification of patient position in the treatment room. The availability of pCT in the treatment room predicts very accurately the position of the Bragg peak within the patient's body, resulting in a maximum dose delivery to the targeted tumor and successful sparing of the surrounding normal tissues. Furthermore, a successful integration of pCT with proton therapy may lead to the ultimate form of image-guided 3D conformal radiation therapy, which has the potential to deliver the optimal dose to any point within the patient and provide arbitrarily shaped inhomogeneous dose distributions as desired. Image formation for pCT, similar to other imaging modalities, relies on the interaction of incident energy with the tissues inside the body. Knowledge of the interaction and the accuracy of measuring the difference of the exit energy from the incident energy determine the quality of the reconstructed image about the body internals. In the important energy range for pCT (1-250 MeV), the mean energy loss of protons per unit path length, also called stopping power dE/dr, is mainly due to the ionizations and atomic excitations and is well described by the Bethe Bloch theory.
Self-Fulfilling Diagnoses

A young lady 23 years of age (let’s call her D), recently reported to her orthopedic surgeon complaining of pain in the right hip. Because it was summertime and warm, she wore shorts to the appointment. An obvious rash could be seen in the area where there was pain. An X-ray revealed no contributing factors. The surgeon prescribed physical therapy, with the comment that if the pain did not resolve, an MRI would be ordered.