cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct-write multiphoton photolithography: a systematic study of the etching behaviors in various commercial polymers.

The nonlinear optical processes involved in etching thin polymer films by direct-write multiphoton photolithographic methods (Higgins et al. Appl. Phys. Lett. 2006, 88, 184101) are systematically explored. Power-dependent etching data are obtained for thin films of several commercial polymers, including poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA), and poly[2-(3-thienyl)ethyloxy-4-butylsulfonate] (PTEBS). Femtosecond pulses of light from a Ti:sapphire laser are focused to a diffraction limited spot of ∼570 nm 1/e2 diameter in the films to induce etching. The power dependence of etching in each polymer is used to determine the order of the nonlinear optical process involved. The results for PMMA and PBMA, both of which absorb to the blue of 240 nm, demonstrate that etching involves absorption of several (i.e., 4−6) photons by the polymer, whereas PS, which absorbs wavelengths shorter than 280 nm, is etched by a lower-order process involving fewer (i.e., 3−4) photons. ...
Myocyte-specific overexpression of NOS3 prevents endotoxin-induced myocardial dysfunction in mice

Echocardiographic measurements were obtained before and 4 and 7 h after intraperitoneal challenge with endotoxin (Escherichia coli 0111:B4 lipopolysaccaride 50 mg/ kg) in wild-type C57BL6 mice (WT) and WT mice with myocyte-specific overexpression of NOS3 (TG), using a 13-MHz ultrasound probe (Sequoia, Acuson, Mountain View, CA). Invasive measurements of LV pressure and volume were obtained with a 1.4F pressure-volume catheter (SPR-839, Millar Instruments, Houston TX) (7 h after challenge with endotoxin or saline). At baseline, WT and TG mice had comparable measures of LV function. However, as assessed by echocardiography, the endotoxin-induced decrease in LV fractional shortening was attenuated in TG mice (from 54 ± 1 to 40 ± 1%) as compared to WT mice (from 56 ± 1 to 31 ± 2%). Invasive hemodynamics revealed that, compared to salinechallenged mice, dP/dtmax and cardiac output (CO) were markedly impaired in WT but not in TG 7 h after endotoxin challenge (Table 1).
Graphene-beaded carbon nanofibers for use in supercapacitor electrodes: Synthesis and electrochemical characterization

Abstract This paper studies the synthesis and electrochemical characterization of novel graphene-beaded carbon nanofibers (G/CNFs) as electrode material for use in supercapacitor. The porous G/CNF films were prepared by electrospinning polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/ N,N -dimethylformamide (DMF) solution dispersed with oxidized graphene nanosheets, followed by carbonization at 800 °C in a tubular quartz furnace. The morphology and chemical structure of the porous G/CNF films were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of the synthesized G/CNF films as supercapacitor electrodes was characterized by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanotactic charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance test in a 6 m KOH aqueous electrolyte. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the maximum specific capacitance of the porous G/CNF electrodes reached up to 263.7 F g − 1 at a discharge current density 100 mA g − 1 . Furthermore, the supercapacitor exhibited very good cycling stability of energy storage with the retention ratio of 86.9% after 2000 cycles. The high electrochemical performance of the G/CNF electrodes was attributed to the unique nanostructural configuration, high electrical conductivity, and large specific surface area of the graphene nanosheets.
Distribution of MBS emulsion particles in immiscible polystyrene/SAN blends

The effect of mixing technique and sequence on the distribution of methacrylated-butadienestyrene (MBS) emulsion particles in immiscible blends of polystyrene (PS) and a styrene/acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN) was examined using transmission electron microscopy. The shell of the emulsion particle is essentially poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which is miscible with SAN but immiscible with PS. In simple thermodynamic terms, the MBS particle should have an affinity for SAN over PS. It was found, however, that the sequence of mixing had a strong influence on the location of the MBS particles. If the PS-SAN interface is established before the addition of the MBS particles, the MBS particles are located exclusively in the SAN phase. If the MBS particles are present at the time the PS-SAN interface is formed, then the particles line up at the interface.
The Significance of Crack Depth (a) and Crack Depth-to-Width Ratio (a/W) With Respect to the Behavior of Very Large Specimens

Previous studies have shown that there is an increase in cleavage fracture toughness in laboratory specimens with shallow flaws compared with those having deep flaws. Typical crack depths in real structures generally are very small relative to the member width. Therefore, the crack depth to structural member width (a/W) ratios are very small (<0.1). Accordingly, the effect of this observation on the behavior of larger structures that actually represent typical engineering applications could be significant. Using experimental and analytical results from previous studies on A533-B steel specimens, the effect of the shallow-flaw behavior with respect to very large specimens was examined. Using the Dodds and Anderson constraint correction, predictions of the cleavage fracture toughness of large-scale wide-plate tests and full-thickness clad beams from an actual reactor pressure vessel were shown to compare favorably with test results. The results of these studies suggest the possibility of predicting the increase in fracture toughness for low-constraint structural geometries using high-constraint laboratory test specimen results. The ability to take advantage of this increase in toughness in analysis of actual structures could be very useful in estimating the actual safety and reliability of existing structures with service cracks.
III. The Loyalist Association Movement of 1792–93 and British Public Opinion

In November 1792 John Reeves, with the explicit approval and active sup-port of both the government and the Windhamite Whigs, and with the countenance of the duke of Portland and his friends, instituted a movement of loyalist associations which quickly spread throughout the country. The movement was founded in reaction to an enthusiastic resurgence of British radical activity which followed the defeat of the combined armies under the duke of Brunswick, and it rallied a now militant conservative sentiment in favour of detecting and suppressing by intimidation and public prosecution all allegedly seditious activities. This crisis in public opinion, which was at once the parent and the offspring of the loyalist association movement, was not the first to have occurred in 1792. An earlier crisis occurred in favour of the political left during the late spring of 1792 and was followed by a relatively mild reaction to the right. It seems clear that, during the earlier months of 1792 at least, there were considerable bodies of both conservative and liberal opinion of various shades in the country. But by the beginning of the following year the complexity and ferment of the political scene had become so great that it is not at all clear to what extent or how rapidly liberal opinion had been supplanted in the country by conservative sentiment. The purpose of this paper is to reassess the nature, effect and significance of the loyalist association movement by undertaking a more careful examination of the phraseology of many of its addresses and declarations as well as of the proceedings and circumstances peculiar to the meetings in which they were approved.
Galeazzi Fractures and Dislocations

In 1934, fractures of the middle and distal third of the radius associated with instability of the distal radial ulnar joint (DRUJ) were described by Galeazzi. This type of lesion is characterized by its unstable nature and the need for open reduction and internal fixation to achieve a satisfactory functional outcome. A high index of suspicion should be maintained by the surgeon, and a thorough examination for instability of the DRUJ must be conducted. The marked instability of this fracture-dislocation complex is further enhanced by the disruption of the triangular fibrocartilage complex, either with or without ulna styloid fracture. Treatment in adults is surgical, and both bone and soft tissue injuries should be addressed.
A new concentrated perfluorochemical emulsion and carbogen breathing as an adjuvant to treatment with antitumor alkylating agents.

Many anticancer drugs require oxygen to be cytotoxic or are selectively cytotoxic toward cells under oxygenated conditions. The effects of the dilute perfluorochemical emuolsion Fluosol with a wide variety of chemotherapeutic agents have been explored; however, it has not been possbile to determine the optimal level of circulating perfluorochemical emulsion with anticancer drugs because the volume of Fluosol that may be administered is limiting. Using a new concentrated perfluorochemical emulsion, a wide range of perfluorochemical doses has been examined in combination with melphalan, cyclophosphamide and 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) in the FSaIIC fibrosarcoma. When the perfluorochemical emulsion was administered by injection i.v. just prior to the injection of melphalan (10 mg/kg), cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg) or BCNU (50 mg/kg), the greatest tumor growth delays were obtained with dosage levels between 4 g and 12 g of the perfluorochemical perfluorooctyl bromide/kg. With each drug the greatest tumor growth delays were obtained when the drug was prepared in the emulsion and the combination injected i. v. In each case, each dose of drug was followed by 6 h of breathing carbogen. The addition of the perfluorochemical emulsion/carbogen breathing to treatment with melphalan, BCNU or cyclophosphamide resulted in significant increases in the killing of tumor cells by these drugs without a concomitant increase in toxicity to bone marrow granulocyte/macrophagecolony-forming units. In each case, preparing the drug in the perfluorochemical emulsion was most effective. These results indicate that clinical trial of this perfluorochemical emulsion/carbogen breathing in combination with cancer chemotherapy may be warranted.
Market reaction to long-term incentive plan adoption: Equity dilution as an explanatory variable

Long-term incentive plans are instituted to motivate top corporate executives and align principal-agent interests. Among others, forms of long-term incentive compensation include cash and stock awards, stock options, performance shares, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, and participating units. The general contention behind instituting these awards is that they increase long-term shareholder wealth. Preliminary studies by Brickley, Bhagat & Lease (1985) , and Tehranian & Waeglein (1985) , support this contention. However, Jones, 1980a , Jones, 1980b documents evidence to show that shareholder groups do not view the impact of all incentive plans favourably. This paper focuses on the market reaction to the adoption of long-term incentive plans that reward executives through stock options. Analysing from an event-study perspective, our results provide some evidence that beyond a point incentive effects are offset by effects of equity dilution through stock options and shareholder wealth is reduced. Hence, it appears that a blanket endorsement of all long-term incentive plans as being in the interest of shareholders is not warranted. This study adds to existing literature on principal-agent relationships, and shows that equity dilution can be used as a variable to assess market reaction to long-term incentive plan adoption.
TargetSearch: A ranking friendly XML keyword search engine

This demo illustrates an XML search engine TargetSearch that addresses an open problem in XML keyword search: given relevant matches to keywords, how to compose query results properly so that they can be effectively ranked and easily digested by users. The approaches adopted in the literature generate either overwhelmingly large results or fragmentary results, both of which may cause the ranking schemes to be ineffective. Intuitively, each query has a search target and each result should contain exactly one instance of the search target along with its evidence. We developed TargetSearch which composes atomic and intact query results driven by users' search targets.
Tumour growth inhibition by an imidazoquinoline is associated with c-Myc down-regulation in urothelial cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE To detect and characterize the potential role of c-Myc in the inhibition of proliferation and induction of cell death of urothelial cell carcinoma by imidazoquinolines, Toll-like receptor-7 (TLR7) agonists, that are thought to exert their immunogenic effects through the MyD88/NF-κB pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human (T24) and murine (MBT-2) bladder cancer cell lines were cultured in normal culture medium or medium supplemented with imidazoquinoline. The effects of imidazoquinoline on gene expression, transcription and tumorigenesis were then evaluated. Effects of imidazoquinoline on in vivo bladder tumour growth and gene expression were investigated using a mouse model of orthotopic bladder cancer. RESULTS There was a dose-dependent decrease in c-Myc expression in bladder cancer cells treated with imidazoquinoline; the transcriptional activity of c-Myc was also significantly reduced. Furthermore, the in vitro proliferation and tumorigenesis of MBT-2 cells were suppressed in a dose-dependent manner. For in vivo experiments, a third of mice with bladder cancer treated with intravesical imidazoquinoline showed evidence of residual bladder tumour, vs all the placebo-treated mice. In vivo expression of c-Myc, cyclin D2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the bladder tumour tissue were also down-regulated. CONCLUSIONS Imidazoquinolines can inhibit c-Myc expression and directly affect cell growth and tumorigenesis of bladder cancer cells, independent of an immune response. These direct effects might be synergistic with previously described immunogenic actions of imidazoquinolines. Our findings could broaden the potential application of imidazoquinoline therapy beyond dermatological malignancies, and further clinical studies are warranted.
Matrix Gla Protein Metabolism in Vascular Smooth Muscle and Role in Uremic Vascular Calcification

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is an inhibitor of vascular calcification but its mechanism of action and pathogenic role are unclear. This was examined in cultured rat aortas and in a model of vascular calcification in rats with renal failure. Both carboxylated (GlaMGP) and uncarboxylated (GluMGP) forms were present in aorta and disappeared during culture with warfarin. MGP was also released into the medium and removed by ultracentrifugation, and similarly affected by warfarin. In a high-phosphate medium, warfarin increased aortic calcification but only in the absence of pyrophosphate, another endogenous inhibitor of vascular calcification. Although GlaMGP binds and inactivates bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-2, a proposed mediator of vascular calcification through up-regulation of the osteogenic transcription factor runx2, neither warfarin, BMP-2, nor the BMP-2 antagonist noggin altered runx2 mRNA content in aortas, and noggin did not prevent warfarin-induced calcification. Aortic content of MGP mRNA was increased 5-fold in renal failure but did not differ between calcified and noncalcified aortas. Immunoblots showed increased GlaMGP in noncalcified (5-fold) and calcified (20-fold) aortas from rats with renal failure, with similar increases in GluMGP. We conclude that rat aortic smooth muscle produces both GlaMGP and GluMGP in tissue-bound and soluble, presumably vesicular, forms. MGP inhibits calcification independent of BMP-2-driven osteogenesis and only in the absence of pyrophosphate, consistent with direct inhibition of hydroxyapatite formation. Synthesis of MGP is increased in renal failure and deficiency of GlaMGP is not a primary cause of medial calcification in this condition.
Low Temperature Synthesis and Characterization of AlScMo3O12

Recent interest in low and negative thermal expansion materials has led to significant research on compounds that exhibit this property, much of which has targeted the A2M3O12 family (A = trivalent cation, M = Mo, W). The expansion and phase transition behavior in this family can be tuned through the choice of the metals incorporated into the structure. An undesired phase transition to a monoclinic structure with large positive expansion can be suppressed in some solid solutions by substituting the A-site by a mixture of two cations. One such material, AlScMo3O12, was successfully synthesized using non-hydrolytic sol-gel chemistry. Depending on the reaction conditions, phase separation into Al2Mo3O12 and Sc2Mo3O12 or single-phase AlScMo3O12 could be obtained. Optimized conditions for the reproducible synthesis of stoichiometric, homogeneous AlScMo3O12 were established. High resolution synchrotron diffraction experiments were carried out to confirm whether samples were homogeneous and to estimate the Al:Sc ratio through Rietveld refinement and Vegard’s law. Single-phase samples were found to adopt the orthorhombic Sc2W3O12 structure at 100 to 460 K. In contrast to all previously-reported A2M3O12 compositions, AlScMo3O12 exhibited positive thermal expansion along all unit cell axes instead of contraction along one or two axes, with expansion coefficients (200–460 K) of αa = 1.7 × 10−6 K−1, αb = 6.2 × 10−6 K−1, αc = 2.9 × 10−6 K−1 and αV = 10.8 × 10−6 K−1, respectively.
Physiological models of hyperactivity: An integrative review of the literature

Abstract Despite the prevalence of medical‐physiological (drug) treatment for the symptoms of hyperactivity, no adequate theoretical model of the physiological basis of hyperactivity exists. A great deal of physiological research has been done, but results are often equivocal and are rarely presented in the context of a comprehensive theoretical model. Previous reviews of the literature in this area have likewise failed to organize presentation of results according to different physiological models. A state of confusion appears to exist regarding the evidence for possible physiological involvement in hyperactivity. The present paper attempts to remedy this by integrating the existing physiological research literature into a number of loosely defined models. The review is divided into three general types of physiological models‐biophysical, arousal, and attention models. Theoretical implications of research findings are stressed in the review more than methodological critique or evaluation of the many stud...
Aural paired-associate learning: Pronunciability and the interval between stimulus and response

Summary Aurally presented (tape recorded) trigram-number or number-trigram eight-item paired-associate lists were learned by two groups of 60 S s. The trigrams varied in rated pronunciability from easy to difficult. On study trials, half the S s in each group learned their list with a 2-sec. interval between the onset of the stimulus and response unit (intra-SR interval), the other half with a 6-sec. interval. Acquisition consisted of 15 alternating study and test trials. All S s had 2 sec. to respond on test trials. In terms of mean total number of correct responses on test trials, the following was found. (1) Performance and rated ease of pronunciation are directly related for both loci of trigrams with a greater effect of pronunciability when trigrams are responses than when they are stimuli. (2) A 6-sec. intra-SR interval was accompanied by better performance than a 2-sec. interval for both loci of trigrams. Interval and pronunciability did not interact either when trigrams were stimuli or when they were responses.
The η-globin gene: Its long evolutionary history in the β-globin gene family of mammals

In phylogenetic reconstructions by the parsimony method, utilizing 62 sequenced globin genes and pseudogenes (including 34 of the beta-globin gene family from eutherian orders Primates, Lagomorpha, Artiodactyla and Rodentia), the branch of primate psi beta pseudogenes and the goat embryonically expressed epsilon II gene group monophyletically together as orthologues of a common ancestral gene (labelled eta) distinct from orthologues of epsilon, gamma, delta and beta. This primate psi eta-goat eta branch is cladistically closer to epsilon and gamma than to delta and beta branches. In each eutherian order gene conversions replaced portions of delta by beta sequences, whereas in descent of Primates epsilon, gamma and eta mostly retained their separate ancient identities predating the radiation of Eutheria in all their exons and non-coding regions. The loci of the ancestral beta-globin gene cluster in basal eutherians and proto-primates, as deduced from beta-clusters representing the four eutherian orders, were linked 5'-epsilon-gamma-eta-delta-beta-3' with epsilon, gamma and eta being embryonically expressed genes, and delta and beta ontogenetically later expressed genes. Through deletions gamma was lost in artiodactyl evolution, eta in lagomorph and rodent evolution, and all DNA between exon 2 3' boundaries of eta and delta in prosimian lemuriform evolution (lemur having the hybrid pseudogene psi eta delta). Simian primates retained intact the five loci of the ancestral cluster. Not only did eta, after it became a pseudogene in the basal primates, persist intact in descent to present-day simians but in the line to hominoids it evolved during the last 40 million years at the decelerated rate of 1 X 10(-9) substitutions/site per year which is one-fifth the expected neutral rate. The possibility is suggested that the psi eta locus situated between fetal and adult chromosomal domains of the simian beta-globin gene cluster might play some role in a mechanism for ontogenetic switches of globin gene expression. However, not enough sequence data on genes and intergenic regions in DNA of species of primates and other mammals as yet exist to know if the slow rate of 1 X 10(-9) reflects the rate of a conserved functional gene or primarily reflects a decelerated neutral rate of hominoid DNA evolution, conceivably from enhanced DNA repair and longer generation times in hominoids. The further possibility is raised that gene correction (repair of damaged DNA that prevents emergence of new alleles) and gene conversion both more often involve strand copying of conserved than of rapidly evolving DNA.
The Multishift QR Algorithm. Part II: Aggressive Early Deflation

Aggressive early deflation is a QR algorithm deflation strategy that takes advantage of matrix perturbations outside of the subdiagonal entries of the Hessenberg QR iterate. It identifies and deflates converged eigenvalues long before the classic small-subdiagonal strategy would. The new deflation strategy enhances the performance of conventional large-bulge multishift QR algorithms, but it is particularly effective in combination with the small-bulge multishift QR algorithm. The small-bulge multishift QR sweep with aggressive early deflation maintains a high rate of execution of floating point operations while significantly reducing the number of operations required.
Use of Homoplastic Characters in Compatibility Analysis

A method is proposed for identifying the phylogenetically reliable information in homoplastic characters and using it to derive phylogenetic trees by character compatibility analysis. The sister groups identified on the primary tree are used as outgroups for possible recoding of rejected characters. The recoded characters are then used in secondary analyses to resolve relationships on smaller and smaller branches of the tree. The method combines the suggestions of Watrous and Wheeler (1981) with compatibility analysis and bases lower-level resolution on polarity decisions made at higher levels. Farris's (1982) criticisms of the method of Watrous and Wheeler are found to be irrelevant in studies that use estimates of character polarity and ancestral states for deriving phylogenetic trees. An application of the method using real data is provided. (Character compatibility; homoplasy; character analysis; character polarity;
RATIONALE OF ANDROGENIC THERAPY IN GYNECOLOGY

LAIR-BELL (1) has observed appropriately that the older view that propter ovarium solum, mulier est quod est is less a real statement of facts than propter secretiones internas totas, mulier est quod est. Recent studies upon the physiologic and pathologic aspects of androgenic metabolism continue to emphasise this point of view. Dr. Geist has described fully his own comprehensive and careful studies of the effects obtained from testosterone propionate in the treatment of various aberrations of gynecic function and, in addition, has summarised the experiences of other workers in this field. He has warned us frequently in his paper that, at present, it is impossible to catalog the various modes of action of androgens in the female and has stated wisely that time and further studies must be awaited for a final evaluation of these as rational therapeutic agents in gynecologic disease. Despite the fact that various animal experiments suggest for these principles the apparent possession of several properties (e...
Accuracy validation in a cadaver model of cranial neuronavigation using a surface autoregistration mask.

BACKGROUND: Image guidance systems are widely used in neurosurgical practice. OBJECTIVE: To compare the operational accuracy of a neuronavigation system when registration was accomplished with a commercially available surface-based autoregistration system vs other fiducial-based registrations. METHODS: We evaluated the operational accuracy of different registration methods in 20 cadaveric heads. Every specimen was prepared with 10 titanium microscrews functioning as external/internal targets and as bone fiducials. Six scalp fiducials were also affixed to each specimen that was registered with bone, scalp fiducials, and the autoregistration mask. The coordinates of all the target points were measured, first manually on the screen of the navigation system and then by touching the head of the implanted screw on the specimen. The difference between the real and virtual coordinates was calculated. RESULTS: Means of the differences for external anterior targets were 1.96, 3.12, and 3.20 mm and 1.95, 3.24, and 3.19 mm for external posterior targets for the bone fiducials, adhesive fiducials, and autoregistration mask, respectively. Means of the differences for internal anterior targets were 2.60, 3.65, and 2.16 mm and 2.91, 3.83, and 2.41 mm for internal posterior targets for the bone fiducials, adhesive fiducials, and autoregistration mask, respectively. CONCLUSION: Bone fiducial registration is associated with a statistically greater operational accuracy than scalp adhesive fiducials and the autoregistration mask in reaching anterior and posterior external targets (P < .001). Registration accomplished with the autoregistration mask is associated with a statistically greater operational accuracy in reaching internal targets than adhesive fiducials registration (P < .001) or bone fiducials registration (P < .05 and P <.01 for anterior and posterior targets, respectively).
Advocacy 201: Incorporating advocacy training in health education professional preparation programs

Involvement in advocacy is a responsibility of health educators, as identified by the National Commission on Health Education Credentialing. Of all the professional responsibilities, participation ...
The Politics and Ecology of Indigenous Folk Art in Mexico

This paper explores the ecological promise and peril of Mexico's rich and diverse indigenous arts and crafts. In the quest for authentic sustainable development, the increased commercialization of folk art presents both opportunities and risks. Many indigenous art forms demonstrate characteristics associated with triumphs in agroecology, social forestry, and other rural initiatives--community revitalization, resource stewardship, traditional ecological knowledge, identity, biological and cultural diversity, and grassroots participation. However, field research in rural Michoacan and Oaxaca presents a sobering counterpoint, finding most peasant artisans entangled, both as agents and victims, in worrisome patterns of degradation, depletion, and exploitation. Global and domestic market failures, predatory bossism, embedded inequities, lack of cooperative success, and political exclusion largely undermine in practice the ecological potential of indigenous art. Still, in the face of forbidding barriers, there ...
Cellular and molecular events leading to the development of skin cancer

The transition from a normal cell to a neoplastic cell is a complex process and involves both genetic and epigenetic changes. The process of carcinogenesis begins when the DNA is damaged, which then leads to a cascade of events leading to the development of a tumor. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes DNA damage, inflammation, erythema, sunburn, immunosuppression, photoaging, gene mutations, and skin cancer. Upon DNA damage, the p53 tumor suppressor protein undergoes phosphorylation and translocation to the nucleus and aids in DNA repair or causes apoptosis. Excessive UV exposure overwhelms DNA repair mechanisms leading to induction of p53 mutations and loss of Fas-FasL interaction. Keratinocytes carrying p53 mutations acquire a growth advantage by virtue of their increased resistance to apoptosis. Thus, resistance to cell death is a key event in photocarcinogenesis and conversely, elimination of cells containing excessive UV-induced DNA damage is a key step in protecting against skin cancer development. Apoptosis-resistant keratinocytes undergo clonal expansion that eventually leads to formation of actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinomas. In this article, we will review some of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in initiation and progression of UV-induced skin cancer.
Irradiation behavior of U6Mn-Al dispersion fuel elements

Abstract Irradiation testing of U6Mn–Al dispersion fuel miniplates was conducted in the Oak Ridge Research Reactor (ORR). Post-irradiation examination showed that U6Mn in an unrestrained plate configuration performs similarly to U6Fe under irradiation, forming extensive and interlinked fission gas bubbles at a fission density of approximately 3×10 27 m −3 . Fuel plate failure occurs by fission gas pressure driven `pillowing’ on continued irradiation.
Material contrast by combined scanning tunneling and force microscopy imaging of single-walled carbon nanotubes

A newly developed combination of tunneling and force microscopy enables near-atomic point resolution, and tubes can be identified without the need of a conducting substrate. This is a crucial step for the characterization of electronic devices based on individual single-wall tubes. Images of the spatial current distribution taken in constant force mode show strongly enhanced contrast between tubes and gold or silicon dioxide substrates, respectively, which is attributed to the unusual elastic properties of the nanotubes.
Simulation of heat export by rainfall–runoff from a paved surface

Summary The overall goal of our research has been to create a hydro-thermal model to quantify the impact on stream temperature of urban development in watersheds of cold-water streams. In this paper we describe a significant component of that modeling effort, namely a sub-model for predicting storm water runoff rates and temperatures from paved surfaces during a rainfall event. An unsteady 1-D model has been formulated from basic principles of heat transfer and runoff processes on planar impervious surfaces for both dry- and wet-weather periods. The model predicts runoff flow rates and temperatures as a function of both distance and time on a paved surface, taking into account the magnitude of the radiative, convective, evaporative and conductive heat fluxes at the surface. It also predicts the ‘total heat export’ for an event, which is defined as the heat contained in the runoff above a reference temperature. A case study is presented in which the model is applied to a parking lot, and simulated runoff flow, temperature, and heat export closely match observations of these quantities for an early-evening rainfall event in August. A sensitivity study was performed to investigate to which extent heat export is affected by antecedent pavement temperature, characteristics of the rainfall event, and physical parameters of the paved surface. It was found that heat export is more sensitive to rainfall intensity, rainfall duration, and antecedent pavement temperature than the physical properties (slope, roughness, and length) of the paved surface. An increase in rainfall duration increases the total event heat export, especially for high-intensity events. Heat exchange with the atmosphere typically reduces runoff temperature and heat export versus a case in which atmospheric heat fluxes are neglected, with greater effect occurring as rainfall intensity decreases.
THE MANY MEANINGS OF "COMPREHENSIVE".

“Comprehensive,” when used to describe a community mental health center, has many meanings. They extend from reference to the range of services available and the variety of people served to reflections of the efforts and the kinds of planning needed to make a comprehensive center a reality.
Measurement of dose rate from exposure-calibrated 125I seeds

Abstract Dose rate in water 1 cm transverse to an 125 I seed calibrated for air kerma strength is not well established; 125 I dosimetry calculations are, however, based on this constant. The specific dose constant was obtained from a series of dose rate measurements using thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) in a rigid geometry, full scatter acrylic phantom for individual model 6711 seeds. With a statistical precision of approximately ±.5%, the dose rate to an infinitesimal mass of water located in acrylic at a perpendicular distance of 1 cm from the seed was found to be 0.977 cGy/h per μiGy-m2/h of air kerma strength. Dose rate in a water phantom was calculated using a model that takes into account differences in both attenuation and scatter between water and acrylic. The specific dose constant in water was determined to be 0.932 (1.184 cGy-cm 2 /mCi-h, for the conventional exposure rate constant of 1.45 R cm 2 /mCi-h). This value is 7.5% less than dose rate in water from an unattenuated point source, and 9.7% less than the value commonly used for dosimetry calculations. The results suggest that most clinical 125 I dosimetry estimates to date should be reconsidered for a possible reduction by about 10%. Relative scatter attenuation factors at 3 and 5 mm are also presented.
Expected-value analysis of two single fault diagnosis algorithms

The problem of diagnosing single faults is addressed for systems whose fault propagation properties can be modeled as directed graphs. In these systems, the nodes represent components and the edges represent fault propagation between the components. Some of the components are equipped with alarms that become active in response to faulty conditions. Two algorithms, FORWARD and BACKWARD, for computing the set of all potential candidates for a single fault that corresponds to a given set of active alarms, are studied. FORWARD moves forward from candidate nodes checking to see if they satisfy the alarm condition, and BACKWARD moves backwards from the alarms. In terms of worst-case time complexity, BACKWARD is better. These algorithms are analyzed using systems that are uniformly and randomly generated. In terms of the expected number of distinct nodes that are visited, FORWARD is shown to be better, and in terms of the total number of node visits, BACKWARD is found to be better. Thus, these algorithms are suited for different modes of storing the system graph. >
DOMINO: a system for maintaining the consistency of software objects

DOMINO is a software maintenance tool that assist software developers to understand and modify software systems. DOMINO supports facilities for the definition and maintenance of software objects created at each software development stage, from requirements analysis to implementation; finding information about various software objects and their relationships; automating the computation of ripple effects caused by a modification; and tracing an implemented object back to its corresponding specification and vice versa. The underlying technique used in DOMINO is based on the loose hierarchical truth maintenance system, a derivative of De Kleer's assumption-based TMS. This paper provides an outline of the DOMINO system, its conceptual model, its architecture, the software objects supported by DOMINO, and the representations used to characterize software objects and the relations between them. >
The role of taxes in corporate research and development spending

This study replicates prior research regarding research and development (R&D) spending by sampling R&D spending for a cross-section of firms in non-service related industries. Compustat data for 231 firms from 1992 to 1998 are used to test whether the US Federal tax credit for R&D meaningfully influenced R&D spending of the sampled firms. Firms’ (1) effective rate of R&D tax credit, (2) rate of decay in R&D capital for firms’ primary industry affiliation, (3) financial cost of capital, and (4) marginal tax rate are used to compute firms’ user-cost of capital for in-house R&D. Results show that firms that were eligible for the tax credit spent more on R&D than non-eligible firms as the user-cost of in-house R&D increased. These results add further evidence regarding the role of the tax credit in stimulating R&D activity and suggest that a tax credit for incremental research can be used to boost private-sector R&D spending.
Performance evaluation of a DSP-based teleconferencing system

Simulation and real time results associated with acoustic and line echo cancellation for a full-duplex teleconferencing system are presented. Both broadband (conventional) and subband finite impulse response (FIR) adaptive acoustic echo cancellers are considered. In subband scheme, quadrature mirror filters (QMF) are employed in order to construct an eight subband acoustic echo canceler. The normalized mean square (NLMS) is employed for updation of adaptive filter coefficients. Real time digital signal processing is conducted on a floating-point DSP chip in order to assess the dB cancellation of acoustic echo and line echo cancellers. >
A safe, efficient algorithm for regression test selection

Regression testing is a necessary but costly maintenance activity aimed at demonstrating that code has not been adversely affected by changes. A selective approach to regression testing selects tests for a modified program from an existing test suite. A new technique for selective regression testing is presented. The proposed algorithm constructs control dependence graphs for program versions and uses these graphs to determine which tests from the existing test suite may exhibit changed behavior on the new version. Unlike most previous techniques for selective retest, the algorithm selects every test from the original test suite that might expose errors in the modified program, and does this without prior knowledge of program modifications. The algorithm handles all language constructs and program modifications and is easily automated. >
EVOLUTIONARY POTENTIAL OF CHAMAECRISTA FASCICULATA IN RELATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE. II. GENETIC ARCHITECTURE OF THREE POPULATIONS RECIPROCALLY PLANTED ALONG AN ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENT IN THE GREAT PLAINS

Climate change will test the evolutionary potential of populations. Information regarding the genetic architecture within and among populations is essential for prediction of evolutionary outcomes. However, little is known about the distribution of genetic variation for relevant traits in natural populations or alteration of genetic architecture in a changing environment. In this study, pedigreed families from three populations of the annual prairie legume Chamaecrista fasciculata were reciprocally transplanted in three environments across a broad latitudinal range in the Great Plains. The underlying premise of this work is that northern populations will in the future experience climates similar to current-day climates further south. Estimates of narrow-sense heritability ranged from 0.053 to 0.481, suggesting the potential for evolutionary change is possible for most traits. In general, the northern population harbored less genetic variation and had lower heritability for traits than the southern population. This population also experienced large reductions in fitness, as measured by estimated lifetime fecundity, when raised in either the intermediate or the southern climate, whereas the difference between the intermediate and southern population was less extreme. For fecundity, the pattern of cross-environment additive genetic correlations was antagonistic to evolutionary change in four of six cases when native and nonnative sites were compared. Six additional antagonistic positive correlations were found for the rate of phenological development and leaf thickness. Overall, the data suggest that if climate changes as predicted, the northern population will face a severe evolutionary challenge in the future because of low heritabilities, cross-environment genetic correlations antagonistic to selection, and demographic instability due to lower seed production in a hotter and drier climate.
Similarities Between Hyphomicrobium and Nitrobacter with Respect to Fatty Acids

Vaccenic acid (11-18:1) accounted for 92% of the fatty acids in the extractable lipids of log-phase Nitrobacter and Hyphomicrobium. During the stationary phase, both genera formed a 19-carbon cyclopropane fatty acid which increased in proportion to a decrease in the amount of vaccenic acid.
Role of straining and advection in the intratidal evolution of stratification, vertical mixing, and longitudinal dispersion of a shallow, macrotidal, salt wedge estuary

[1] A month of flow observations in the Snohomish River Estuary reveals the complex intratidal and fortnightly stratification, mixing, and dispersion dynamics in this macrotidal, shallow, salt wedge estuary system. Both salt wedge propagation and concomitant straining of the density field dominate temporal and spatial variations in stratification leading to intratidal variability of shear and mixing that differs in important ways from observations in partially mixed estuaries. Bottom-generated turbulent kinetic energy production is enhanced during spring tides and acts in concert with straining to counteract advection and minimize vertical stratification during the spring flood tides. This bottom-generated mixing contributes to a buoyancy flux near the top of a well-mixed layer during strong flood tides. During strong ebb tides, interfacial shear production and buoyancy flux occur along the sharp straining-enhanced interface just before the system becomes well mixed. Longitudinal dispersion is less sensitive to the spring/neap cycle yet exhibits strong intratidal variability. Reduced longitudinal dispersion is observed during the large floods relative to the rest of the tidal cycle, behavior we attribute to a lack of vertical shear. Overall, ebb tide advection and straining enhance stratification and longitudinal dispersion and allow for interfacial mixing. Intratidal variability, which varies on the spring/neap scale, is a dominant feature of this estuary, suggesting the importance of intratidal processes and tidally varying mixing coefficients in similar strongly stratified, strongly forced estuaries.
Effect of ovulatory follicle size and expression of estrus on progesterone secretion in beef cows

Induced ovulation of small dominant follicles (SF, 12 mm). Experiment 1 characterized P4 concentrations from ovulation to subsequent estrus among GnRH-in- duced or spontaneously ovulated SF (≤ 11 mm) or LF (≥ 12 mm) to determine if P4 secretion by CL formed from GnRH-induced SF remains lower postovulation in nonlactating beef cows. Nonlactating beef cows were induced to ovulate 48 h after PGF2α (CO-Synch; GnRH on d −9, PGF2α on d −2, and GnRH on d 0) or exhibited estrus and spontaneously ovulated after PGF2α. Follicle size was measured at the second GnRH in cows induced to ovulate or ∼3 h after the onset of estrus for cows that ovulated spontaneously. Cows were classified into 1 of 4 groups: 1) GnRH-induced ovulation-SF (≤ 11 mm; Ind- SF; n = 9); 2) GnRH-induced ovulation-LF (≥ 12 mm; Ind-LF; n = 16); 3) spontaneous ovulation-SF (≤ 11 mm; Spon-SF; n = 8); 4) spontaneous ovulation-LF (≥ 12 mm; Spon-LF; n = 22). Serum concentrations of P4 from d 3 to 15 were reduced in the Ind-SF compared with the Ind-LF (P = 0.05), Spon-SF (P = 0.07), and Spon-
Active Learning with a Drifting Distribution

We study the problem of active learning in a stream-based setting, allowing the distribution of the examples to change over time. We prove upper bounds on the number of prediction mistakes and number of label requests for established disagreement-based active learning algorithms, both in the realizable case and under Tsybakov noise. We further prove minimax lower bounds for this problem.
Evaluation of ( − )[18F]fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol as a new PET tracer of cholinergic neurons of the heart

“F-labeled ( - )fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol [( -)FEOBV] is a novel PET tracer which binds to the vesicular acetylcholine transporter of cholinergic neurons. To evaluate the in viva binding specificity and kinetic properties of ( - )FEOBV, studies were performed in isolated working rat hearts. External y,y-coincidence monitoring of hearts indicated high extraction of radiotracer by the myocardium and rapid wash-out of unbound tracer (> 90% of maximal accumulation) within 5 min. Inclusion of ( - )vesamicol (1OyM) throughout perfusion decreased the retention of (-)FEOBV by 71% (P < 0.005) and 76% (P <: 0.005) in atria and ventricles, respectively. However, the initial uptake rate of the tracer was unaffected. Additional experiments showed the inactive stereoisomer, (+)FEOBV, to have a lower retention than the ( - )FEOBV isomer in ventricles, indicating stereospecificity of the binding process that is consistent with structure-activity relationships of vesamicol congeners. The results indicate ( - )FEOBV to be a moderately specific probe of vesamicol-sensitive binding in cholinergic neurons of the heart in experimental conditions that assure adequate washout of unbound tracer. However, the utility of the radiotracer for in vivo studies with PET is likely to be limited by the low rate of specific binding in myocardium consistent with the low density of cholinergic neurons in the heart.
Liquid Nitrogen Cryo-Impacting: a New Concept for Cell Disruption

High-efficiency disruption of bacteria can be accomplished in 2 or more min by the new procedure of liquid nitrogen cryo-impacting. Release of the dipicolinic acid-Ca2+ chelate paralleled the breakage of Bacillus megaterium endospores. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was much better in supernates from liquid nitrogen cryo-impacting-broken Escherichia coli cells than in those from sonically treated and broken E. coli cells.