cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative Effectiveness Research in Practice and Policy for Radiation Oncology

Interest in comparative effectiveness research (CER) has increased dramatically over the past decade, yet perceptions about what comprises CER varies. CER has several attributes relevant to practice and policy: (1) The goal of CER is to inform decisions about health care. (2) Literature synthesis is used in addition to primary research. (3) CER evaluates not only overall outcomes for the population but also evaluates subgroups that may have heterogeneous outcomes. (4) Research places an emphasis on outcomes in the "real-world" settings. (5) Outcomes studied should be relevant to patients. In radiation oncology, where many of the traditional clinical trials are comparative in nature, the line between CER and "traditional" research may be blurred, but an increased emphasis on CER can help to bridge the research enterprise and clinical practice, helping to inform decision making at the patient, clinician, and policy levels.
The Effect of Financial Aid on Students' College Choice: Differences by Racial Groups

This study analyzed the impact of specific types of financial aid on students' college choice, with particular focus on racial differences. For overall student populations, the receipt of grants or a combination of grants with loans had a positive impact on attending first choice institutions. In contrast, having loans only had no significant impact. Going one step further, distinct patterns were found in the effects of financial aid on college choice by racial groups. White students were more likely to attend their first-choice institutions if they received grants or a combination of grants with loans. Asian American students were strongly influenced by having loans or a combination of grants with loans when they decided to attend their first choice of colleges. In contrast, college choices of Latino and African American students were not influenced by financial aid. Implications of the findings for financial aid policy are indicated and future research on the topics recommended.
Excited Impurity States and Transient Photoconductivity in Cobalt-Doped Silicon

We have studied extrinsic optical absorption and transient photoconductivity due to the two deep impurity levels that cobalt introduces in silicon. The absorption and photoconductivity spectra show that the acceptor level 0.52 eV below the conduction-band edge and the donor level 0.38 eV above the valence-band edge are two different charge states of the same cobalt center, rather than independent states. The long-wavelength optical absorption spectra and the transient response times of positive and negative photoconductivity can be explained in terms of various excited states of neutral, and of positively charged cobalt centers. These excited states lead to a modification in the kinetics of the previously proposed two-level model of negative photoconductivity.
Anisotropy and cosmic nucleosynthesis of light isotopes including 7Li.

An improved numerical model on primordial nucleosynthesis in an anisotropic cosmology is used to calculate the produced mass fractions of /sup 2/H, /sup 3/He, /sup 4/He, /sup 7/Li. The results are presented as a function of two parameters: B/sub 0/, the anisotropy/radiation energy density ratio at T = 5 x 10/sup 10/ K, and eta, the present baryon/photon ratio. The anisotropic results show that for fixed eta there is practically no decrease with anisotropy in any of the abundances considered, and most increase. The relative increases found are for /sup 2/H: B/sub 0/ x 1%; /sup 3/He: 0; /sup 4/He: B/sub 0/ x 3%; /sup 7/Li: B/sub 0/ x 6% for eta 5 x 10/sup -10/. This linear approximation is good for moderate values of B/sub 0/. Larger anisotropy (B/sub 0/ > owig5) is unrealistic because of excess /sup 4/He production.
Electrostatics and reduction of dimensionality produce apparent cooperativity when basic peptides bind to acidic lipids in membranes

The binding of pentalysine to phospholipid vesicles depends in a sigmoidal manner on the mole fraction of acidic lipid in the vesicles. A simple analysis demonstrates that this apparent cooperativity is probably due to both the reduction of dimensionality that occurs when the first basic residue binds to an acidic lipid in the membrane and the Boltzmann accumulation of the peptide in the electrostatic diffuse double layer produced by the charged lipids.
Measurement of the Surface Gravity of η Bootis

Direct angular size measurements of the G0 IV subgiantBoo from the Palomar Testbed Interferometer are pre- sented, with a limb-darkened angular size ofLD ¼ 2:1894 þ0:0055 � 0:0140 mas, which indicates a linear radius of R ¼2:672 � 0:028 R� . A bolometric flux estimate of Fbol ¼ (22:1 � 0:28) ;10 � 7 ergs cm � 2 s � 1 is computed, which indicates an effective temperature of TeA ¼ 6100 � 28 K and a luminosity of L ¼ 8:89 � 0:16 Lfor this object. Similar data are established for a check star, HD 121860. TheBoo results are compared to, and confirm, similar parameters es- tablished by the MOST asteroseismology satellite. In conjunction with the mass estimate from the MOST investigation, a surface gravity of log g ¼ 3:817 � 0:016 (cm s � 2 ) is established forBoo. Subject headingg infrared: stars — stars: fundamental parameters — stars: individual (� Bootis) — techniques: interferometric
Dynamic dielectric analysis. A new thermal analysis technique

Abstract Applications of dynamic dielectric analysis (DDA) in studies on the thermal decomposition and phase transformations of solid materials are discussed. Three illustrative examples are presented for (a) a system undergoing a chemical reaction or thermal alteration on application of heat, (b) a system undergoing a crystallographic transformation and (c) detection of moisture in naturally occurring materials. The advantages derived by applying a combination of DDA and a conventional thermal analysis technique such as DTA to studies on thermal processes are demonstrated. It is shown that the information obtained from techniques such as DTA or TG is limited in scope unless used in conjunction with a method which sheds light on the mechanistic aspects of the physical or chemical process of interest.
What mathematics isn’t

The examples presented above reveal the features of our notion of reorientation in some of the major turning points of the history of mathematics. An accepted view of what constitutes mathematics is called into question by a new result, or new pressures show that mathematics simplyisn’t what was previously believed; a new conception of mathematics follows and produces new ideas and results even as it incorporates old results of the previous schools. This pattern is discernible in many other instances in the history of mathematics. Some examples that we did not discuss include the introduction of the group concept, the discovery of non-Euclidean geometries, Hilbert’s Finite Basis theorem, the introduction of differential methods into the study of the foundations of geometry, the rise of functional analysis, and, from recent developments, the use of the categorical viewpoint. The reader can easily find a similar development in his or her speciality. Though this approach to the history of mathematics does not immediately arrive at a philosophy of mathematics, it does allow one to organize the stuff out of which a philosophy of mathematics is shaped, that is, the mathematicians’ answers to ‘what is mathematics?’. We have outlined a possible mechanics for the evolution of the questions of interest to the philosophers of mathematics. We leave the determination of the underlying causes to them.
Using a symbiotic man/machine approach to evaluating visual clinical research data

Some candidate medical expert system applications have a significant visual component. Knowledge engineers usually dismiss such task domains as potential expert systems applications. Our success in developing ESCA, a system forevaluatingserialangiograms, shows that such task domains should not be dismissed so quickly. We used a symbiotic approach between man and machine, where technologists provide the visual skills with an expert system imitating the conceptual skills of the expert, to produce a partially automated system that is more consistent and cost effective than one that is fully manual. The agreement between the system's conclusions and that of a panel of experts is good. The expert system actually has a slightly higher agreement rate with the expert panel than the agreement rate between two expert panel teams evaluating the same film pair.
Many light Higgs bosons in the next-to-minimal supersymmetric model

The next-to-minimal supersymmetric model with a light doubletlike CP-odd Higgs boson and small tan{beta} can satisfy all experimental limits on Higgs bosons even with light superpartners. In these scenarios, the two lightest CP-even Higgs bosons, h{sub 1} and h{sub 2}, and the charged Higgs boson, h{sup +}, can all be light enough to be produced at CERN LEP and yet have decays that have not been looked for or are poorly constrained by existing collider experiments. The channel h{sub 1}{yields}a{sub 1}a{sub 1} with a{sub 1}{yields}{tau}{sup +}{tau}{sup -} or 2j is still awaiting LEP constraints for m{sub h{sub 1}}>86 or 82 GeV, respectively. LEP data may also contain e{sup +}e{sup -}{yields}h{sub 2}a{sub 1} events where h{sub 2}{yields}Za{sub 1} is the dominant decay, a channel that was never examined. Decays of the charged Higgs bosons are often dominated by H{sup {+-}}{yields}W{sup {+-}}{sup (}*{sup )}a{sub 1} with a{sub 1}{yields}gg, cc, and {tau}{sup +}{tau}{sup -}. This is a channel that has so far been ignored in the search for t{yields}h{sup +}b decays at the Tevatron. A specialized analysis might reveal a signal. The light a{sub 1} might be within the reach of B factories via {upsilon}{yields}{gamma}a{sub 1} decays. We study typical mass ranges and more » branching ratios of Higgs bosons in this scenario and compare these scenarios where the a{sub 1} has a large doublet component to the more general scenarios with arbitrary singlet component for the a{sub 1}. « less
Centrifugal drum filtration: II. A compression rheology model of cake draining

A compression rheology model for the final capillary compression and draining stages of the batch centrifugal filtration of a compressible cake is presented. The initial stage of cake formation and drainage of the supernatant fluid have been treated in a companion paper up to the point tc, where the supernatant first contacts the top of the cake. The compressional rheology model uses the compressive yield stress py(ϕ), the hydrodynamic resistance R(ϕ), and the maximum capillary stress P(ϕ). Analysis of these final stages indicates that the system can remain fully saturated if the solids network can sustain the capillary stress and, if not, will partially unsaturate. The controlling parameters are elucidated and the state of the system for tc < t < ∞ is illustrated graphically for the previously treated model system. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
The Effect of Restricted Feeding on Several Genetically Controlled Characters in the Fowl

Abstract MUCH controversy has occurred during the past few years regarding the effect of restricted feeding upon various genetically influenced characters of the fowl. The position of those supporting the restricted feeding program is that it slows the rate of sexual maturity, allowing the birds to develop a larger body size, in turn resulting in larger initial and maintained egg weight. It is further contended that restricted feeding reduces adult mortality and increases egg production. If these claims are true, the use of a restricted feeding program would not only increase the returns from a flock but would also result in a considerable saving of feed. Each of the characteristics believed to be affected by these treatments is known to be at least partially determined by heredity. It is important to understand how the environment influences any genetic character. Therefore, it is desirable from the standpoint of the geneticist as well …
A note on moving‐average models with feedback

This note generalizes the results in Li et al. (2012) to threshold moving-average (TMA) models with more than two regimes. Under some mild conditions, it is shown that multiple-regime TMA models are always strictly stationary and ergodic without any restriction on the coefficients. This is very different from threshold AR models. An explicit/closed form of the solution to the multiple-regime TMA model is derived as well. A three-regime TMA model is illustrated with an application to monthly data of the exchange rate of the Japanese yen against the USA dollar from January 1971 to December 2000.
Advances in real-time database systems research

A Real-Time DataBase (RTDB) system can be viewed as an amalgamation of a conventional DataBase Management System (DBMS) and a real-time system. Like a DBMS, it has to process transactions and guarantee basic correctness criteria. Furthermore, it has to operate in real-time, satisfying timing constraints imposed on transaction commitments and on the temporal validity of data. A RTDB system may exist as a stand-alone system or as an embedded component in a larger multidatabase system. Although various issues related to the concurrency control and transaction scheduling with timing constraints have been studied earlier, the publication of a 1988 special issue of ACM SIGMOD Record on Real-Time DataBases [22] presented the first collection of papers with structured treatments and extensive discussions on RTDB, marking the first significant milestone of the RTDB research area. Today, almost nine years later, we are pleased to present in this book more recent advances in RTDB systems research.
Direct cloning of yeast genes from an ordered set of lambda clones in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by recombination in vivo

We describe a technique that facilitates the isolation of yeast genes that are difficult to clone. This technique utilizes a plasmid vector that rescues lambda clones as yeast centromere plasmids. The source of these lambda clones is a set of clones whose location in the yeast genome has been determined by L. Riles et al. in 1993. The Escherichia coli-yeast shuttle plasmid carries URA3, ARS4 and CEN6, and contains DNA fragments from the lambda vector that flank the cloned yeast insert. When yeast is cotransformed with linearized plasmid and lambda clone DNA, Ura+ transformants are obtained by a recombination event between the lambda clone and the plasmid vector that generates an autonomously replicating plasmid containing the cloned yeast DNA sequences. Genes whose genetic map positions are known can easily be identified and recovered in this plasmid by testing only those lambda clones that map to the relevant region of the yeast genome for their ability to complement the mutant phenotype. This technique facilitates the isolation of yeast genes that resist cloning either because (1) they are underrepresented in yeast genomic libraries amplified in E. coli, (2) they provide phenotypes that are too marginal to allow selection of the gene by genetic complementation or (3) they provide phenotypes that are laborious to score. We demonstrate the utility of this technique by isolating three genes, GAL83, SSN2 and MAK7, each of which presents one of these problems for cloning.
Reduced-density-matrix cumulants and correlation

Spin components for the Grassmann product of the one-electron reduced density matrix with itself are compared with those of the two-electron reduced density matrix for the same state. It is found that the Grassmann product introduces some inappropriate behaviors which must be removed by the cumulant but are not what is usually thought of as correlation.
Resolution of Discrepant Results for Candida Species Identification by Using DNA Probes

Candida species bloodstream isolates were collected from institutions participating in an active, population-based surveillance for candidemia. Species identifications were performed locally and then confirmed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by phenotype-based methods. Discrepancies in species identification between the referring institution and the CDC were noted for 43 of 935 isolates (4.6%). A DNA probe-based species identification system (PCR-enzyme immunoassay [EIA]) was then used to resolve these discrepancies. The PCR-EIA result was identical to the CDC phenotypic identification method for 98% of the isolates tested. The most frequently misidentified species was Candida glabrata (37% of all discrepant identifications). Such misidentifications could lead to the administration of inappropriate therapy given the propensity of C. glabrata to develop resistance to azole antifungal drugs.
Not as good as you think? Trait positive emotion is associated with increased self-reported empathy but decreased empathic performance.

How is positive emotion associated with our ability to empathize with others? Extant research provides support for two competing predictions about this question. An empathy amplification hypothesis suggests positive emotion would be associated with greater empathy, as it often enhances other prosocial processes. A contrasting empathy attenuation hypothesis suggests positive emotion would be associated with lower empathy, because positive emotion promotes self-focused or antisocial behaviors. The present investigation tested these competing perspectives by examining associations between dispositional positive emotion and both subjective (i.e., self-report) and objective (i.e., task performance) measures of empathy. Findings revealed that although trait positive emotion was associated with increased subjective beliefs about empathic tendencies, it was associated with both increases and decreases in task-based empathic performance depending on the target’s emotional state. More specifically, trait positive emotion was linked to lower overall empathic accuracy toward a high-intensity negative target, but also a higher sensitivity to emotion upshifts (i.e., shifts in emotion from negative to positive) toward positive targets. This suggests that trait positive affect may be associated with decreased objective empathy in the context of mood incongruent (i.e., negative) emotional stimuli, but may increase some aspects of empathic performance in the context of mood congruent (i.e., positive) stimuli. Taken together, these findings suggest that trait positive emotion engenders a compelling subjective-objective gap regarding its association with empathy, in being related to a heightened perception of empathic tendencies, despite being linked to mixed abilities in regards to empathic performance. (Word count: 242).
A dialogue between glia and neurons in the retina: modulation of neuronal excitability.

Bidirectional signaling between neurons and glial cells has been demonstrated in brain slices and is believed to mediate glial modulation of synaptic transmission in the CNS. Our laboratory has characterized similar neuron–glia signaling in the mammalian retina. We find that light-evoked neuronal activity elicits Ca2+ increases in Muller cells, which are specialized retinal glial cells. Neuron to glia signaling is likely mediated by the release of ATP from neurons and is potentiated by adenosine. Glia to neuron signaling has also been observed and is mediated by several mechanisms. Stimulation of glial cells can result in either facilitation or depression of synaptic transmission. Release of D-serine from Muller cells might also potentiate NMDA receptor transmission. Muller cells directly inhibit ganglion cells by releasing ATP, which, following hydrolysis to adenosine, activates neuronal A1 receptors. The existence of bidirectional signaling mechanisms indicates that glial cells participate in information processing in the retina.
Translational independence between overlapping genes for a restriction endonuclease and its transcriptional regulator

Background Most type II restriction-modification (RM) systems have two independent enzymes that act on the same DNA sequence: a modification methyltransferase that protects target sites, and a restriction endonuclease that cleaves unmethylated target sites. When RM genes enter a new cell, methylation must occur before restriction activity appears, or the host's chromosome is digested. Transcriptional mechanisms that delay endonuclease expression have been identified in some RM systems. A substantial subset of those systems is controlled by a family of small transcription activators called C proteins. In the PvuII system, C.PvuII activates transcription of its own gene, along with that of the downstream endonuclease gene. This regulation results in very low R.PvuII mRNA levels early after gene entry, followed by rapid increase due to positive feedback. However, given the lethal consequences of premature REase accumulation, transcriptional control alone might be insufficient. In C-controlled RM systems, there is a ± 20 nt overlap between the C termination codon and the R (endonuclease) initiation codon, suggesting possible translational coupling, and in many cases predicted RNA hairpins could occlude the ribosome binding site for the endonuclease gene.
Selective quantitation of vapors and their mixtures using individual passive multivariable RFID sensors

We demonstrate passive (battery-free) radio frequency identification (RFID) devices for selective and sensitive chemical vapor sensing in the presence of ambient interfering gases. We developed two approaches for RFID sensing (1) when a sensing material is applied onto the resonant antenna to alter its impedance response and (2) when a complementary sensor is attached across an antenna and an integrated circuit (IC) memory chip to alter the impedance response of the sensor. In both approaches, these RFID sensors combine several measured parameters of impedance response with the multivariate analysis of these parameters. Thus, these individual sensors provide a unique capability of multiparameter sensing and rejection of environmental interferences. Sensitivity of developed RFID sensors provides detection of vapors at part-per-billion and part-per-million concentrations. Selectivity of developed RFID sensors facilitates selective quantitation of different individual vapors and their mixtures with a single sensor. Our passive RFID sensors were interrogated by the sensor reader at distances ranging from 0 to 33 cm and demonstrated their reliable operation even at the largest tested distance. In our sensing implementations, not the sensor but the sensor reader provides a 16-bit resolution and high signal-to-noise of the acquired signal. Rejection of interferences with a single sensor and the independence from costly proprietary RFID memory chips that have an analog input promise to impact numerous sensing applications.
Work-related respiratory symptoms and lung function among solderers in the electronics industry: a meta-analysis.

Research on the respiratory effect of exposure to solder fumes in electronics workers has been conducted since the 1970s, but has yielded inconsistent results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to clarify the potential association. Effect sizes with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for odds of respiratory symptoms related to soldering and spirometric parameters of solderers were extracted from seven studies and pooled to generate summary estimates and standardized mean differences in lung function measures between exposed persons and controls. Soldering was positively associated with wheeze after controlling for smoking (meta-odds ratio: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.46, 4.63) and with statistically significant reductions in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (−0.88%, 95% CI: −1.51, −0.26), forced vital capacity (FVC) (−0.64%, 95% CI: −1.18, −0.10), and FEV1/FVC (−0.35%, 95% CI: −0.65, −0.05). However, lung function parameters of solderers were within normal ranges [pooled mean FEV1: 97.85 (as percent of predicted), 95% CI: 94.70, 100.95, pooled mean FVC: 94.92 (as percent of predicted), 95% CI: 81.21, 108.64, and pooled mean FEV1/FVC: 86.5 (as percent), 95% CI: 78.01, 94.98]. Soldering may be a risk factor for wheeze, but may not be associated with a clinically significant impairment of lung function among electronics workers.
Prospective Analysis of Carotid Flow in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Supraclavicular Irradiation Eight or More Years Prior to Study: No Increase in Ipsilateral Carotid Stenosis after Radiation

Purpose/Objective: Overview studies, which found that early radiation trials increased death from cardiovascular injuries, included both heart-related death and strokes from carotid disease as events. While substantial changes in chest wall irradiation treatment techniques for breast cancer have reduced the risk of radiation-related cardiac toxicity, supraclavicular radiation techniques, and therefore the dose delivered to the carotid, have not significantly changed over time. Because effects of supraclavicular radiation on the carotid are poorly understood, we performed a prospective study to examine the long-term risk of carotid stenosis after supraclavicular irradiation for breast cancer.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Induces Sustained NF-κB Activation during De Novo Infection of Primary Human Dermal Microvascular Endothelial Cells That Is Essential for Viral Gene Expression

In vitro Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection of primary human dermal microvascular endothelial (HMVEC-d) cells and human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells is characterized by the induction of preexisting host signal cascades, sustained expression of latency-associated genes, transient expression of a limited number of lytic genes, and induction of several cytokines, growth factors, and angiogenic factors. Since NF-kappaB is a key molecule involved in the regulation of several of these factors, here, we examined NF-kappaB induction during de novo infection of HMVEC-d and HFF cells. Activation of NF-kappaB was observed as early as 5 to 15 min postinfection by KSHV, and translocation of p65-NF-kappaB into nuclei was detected by immunofluorescence assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and p65 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IkappaB phosphorylation inhibitor (Bay11-7082) reduced this activation significantly. A sustained moderate level of NF-kappaB induction was seen during the observed 72 h of in vitro KSHV latency. In contrast, high levels of ERK1/2 activation at earlier time points and a moderate level of activation at later times were observed. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase was activated only at later time points, and AKT was activated in a cyclic manner. Studies with UV-inactivated KSHV suggested a role for virus entry stages in NF-kappaB induction and a requirement for KSHV viral gene expression in sustained induction. Inhibition of NF-kappaB did not affect target cell entry by KSHV but significantly reduced the expression of viral latent open reading frame 73 and lytic genes. KSHV infection induced the activation of several host transcription factors, including AP-1 family members, as well as several cytokines, growth factors, and angiogenic factors, which were significantly affected by NF-kappaB inhibition. These results suggest that during de novo infection, KSHV induces sustained levels of NF-kappaB to regulate viral and host cell genes and thus possibly regulates the establishment of latent infection.
Multiscale analysis of three consecutive years of anomalous flooding in Pakistan

A multiscale investigation into three years of anomalous floods in Pakistan provides insight into their formation, unifying meteorological characteristics, mesoscale storm structures and predictability. Striking similarities between all three floods exist, from planetary and large-scale synoptic conditions down to the mesoscale storm structures, and these patterns were generally well-captured with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Ensemble Prediction System (EPS). Atmospheric blocking events associated with high geopotential heights and surface temperatures over Eastern Europe were present during all three floods. Quasi-stationary synoptic conditions over the Tibetan plateau allowed for the formation of anomalous easterly midlevel flow across central India into Pakistan that advected deep tropospheric moisture from the Bay of Bengal into Pakistan, enabling flooding in the region. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar observations show that the flood-producing storms exhibited climatologically unusual structures during all three floods in Pakistan. These departures from the climatology consisted of westward-propagating precipitating systems with embedded wide convective cores, rarely seen in this region, that likely occurred when convection was organized upscale by the easterly midlevel jet across the subcontinent. Similar mesoscale structures in storms in other regions of the world contribute significantly to climatological precipitation and produce flash floods because of their combination of longevity and intensity. Predictability analysis using the ECMWF EPS system shows the ability to accurately forecast the conditions favouring storms of this type and hence floods in Pakistan over a week in advance with significant confidence.
Prooxidant activity of transferrin and lactoferrin.

Acceleration of the autoxidation of Fe2+ by apotransferrin or apolactoferrin at acid pH is indicated by the disappearance of Fe2+, the uptake of oxygen, and the binding of iron to transferrin or lactoferrin. The product(s) formed oxidize iodide to an iodinating species and are bactericidal to Escherichia coli. Toxicity to E. coli by FeSO4 (10(-5) M) and human apotransferrin (100 micrograms/ml) or human apolactoferrin (25 micrograms/ml) was optimal at acid pH (4.5-5.0) and with logarithmic phase organisms. Both the iodinating and bactericidal activities were inhibited by catalase and the hydroxyl radical (OH.) scavenger mannitol, whereas superoxide dismutase was ineffective. NaCl at 0.1 M inhibited bactericidal activity, but had little or no effect on iodination. Iodide increased the bactericidal activity of Fe2+ and apotransferrin or apolactoferrin. The formation of OH.was suggested by the formation of the OH.spin-trap adduct (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyroline N-oxide [DMPO]/OH)., with the spin trap DMPO and the formation of the methyl radical adduct on the further addition of dimethyl sulfoxide. (DMPO/OH).formation was inhibited by catalase, whereas superoxide dismutase had little or no effect. These findings suggest that Fe2+ and apotransferrin or apolactoferrin can generate OH.via an H2O2 intermediate with toxicity to microorganisms, and raise the possibility that such a mechanism may contribute to the microbicidal activity of phagocytes.
Biclonal lgM gammopathy in a lymphoproliferative disorder

An unusual case of an IgM producing lymphoproliferative disorder is presented. Using immunofluorescent techniques, this study shows that the heavy chain is associated with kappa light chain in some cells, and with lambda light chain in other cells. This indicates the presence of two distinct malignant cell populations in this patient.
Cytotoxic analysis of the conducting polymer PEDOT using myocytes

Biosensors interact with biological systems at the surface of the sensor. Coating these sensors with electrically active polymers has been suggested to improve this interface. The electrically conducting polymer poly (3, 4 ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) enhances electrical recordings by improving conductivity while maintaining chemical stability. It also offers great flexibility in studying cell substrate interactions because of the variety of counter-ions that can be incorporated into the PEDOT matrix. To provide any true benefit in cell culture or in vivo experiments, the cytotoxicity of PEDOT must first be determined. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of PEDOT doped with either polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) ions and tested the efficacy of using the conductive PEDOT substrates for myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Results show that PEDOT/PBS and PEDOT/PSS are not cytotoxic to cells and successfully support cellular proliferation and differentiation. These results establish PEDOT as a material for cell-substrate interface studies. With biosensors being modified using the new polymer coating PEDOT, this cytotoxicity study provides evidence that PEDOT coatings will not induce a cytotoxic response when implanted in vivo.
AN EXAMINATION OF FLOW REGIMES ASSOCIATED WITH INKJET - PRINTED COLLOIDAL DROPS

An experimental study of the evaporation dynamics for an inkjet-printed drop on a solid substrate has been attempted. Using fluorescent spherical colloids, the internal flow of an evaporating drop has been observed directly. During the initial stages of the process, a novel inward radial flow carries the particles as a single group towards the center of the drop. Once the particles have converged near the center, a significantly slower outward radial flow proceeds. These flow regimes are qualitatively analyzed and their relationship to a possible thermal Marangoni flow is discussed.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
On the aperture and pattern space factors for rectangular and circular apertures

A consequence of a recently discovered edge condition for planar apertures is that all planar aperture distributions are separable physically into a product of an edge factor and an aperture space factor, analogous to the way in which the radiation pattern separates into a product of an element factor and a pattern space factor. An exact relationship between these aperture and pattern space factors for physically realizable vector fields is derived here for rectangular and for circular apertures. For rectangular apertures it leads to a two-dimensional set of doubly orthogonal functions that are characteristic of the aperture geometry. Characteristic functions for circular apertures, however, are shown to exist only if the vector fields are circularly symmetric, although for scalar fields they exist for completely arbitrary aperture distributions with arbitrary edge taper. For rectangular apertures the characteristic functions consist of products of spheroidal functions and for circular apertures they are obtained from a generalization of the spheroidal functions. Some of the properties of these generalized spheroidal functions are developed here.
Psychiatric and histologic findings in an unusual type of chronic gingivitis: report of seven cases.

We have recently seen, in addition to one of Owings' cases, seven patients with similar oral problems. In none of our cases, however, did we observe a glossitis as previously described, although the angular cheilitis and unusual gingivitis were both present. The gingivitis was sharply demarcated, extending from the margin of the gingiva to the mucogingival junction and limited almost entirely to the labial and buccal surfaces. This gave the lesion the appearance of a highly polished acrylic denture (Fig. 1). No evidence of desquamation was evident and the Nikolsky sign was negative.
Beyond the American bubble: does empire matter?

In the 21st century, does empire make sense? From the viewpoint of flexible and increasingly de-territorialised capitalism, does empire matter or is it a costly liability? Are the new wars an expression of US capitalism or do they reflect a US superpower syndrome and path dependence on the national security state? This paper takes the latter view and argues that the superpower syndrome is embedded in the American bubble. Civilian casualty rates in Iraq and Afghanistan are extraordinarily high. This occurs at the confluence of several trends. the USA seeking land power on a distant continent, the tendency to view countries as strategic real estate and the American bubble that leads Americans to underestimate resistance. In closing I draw a balance sheet of whether and how empire matters and briefly address the global realignments that are underway. Is empire the main street of history, or is it a side street, or a cul de sac? In relation to US domestic problems and economic prospects, does empire matter? In relation to global concerns, does empire matter? The back- ground of this question is the large place the new wars (war on terrorism, Afghanistan, Iraq) occupy in the USA and the large outpouring of literature on empire. In many accounts 'empire' is a broad-brush description. Its meanings range from control over another nation's territory and sovereignty to an 'empire of bases'. Arguably the issue is not empire but US hegemony and primacy; empire (control over the sovereignty of another political entity, which presently practically only applies to Iraq) is one form that primacy takes and we shouldn't focus on the form. The question does empire matter has several meanings: does it make sense, is it important, and in what way is it important?
Construction and characterization of a Photosystem II D1 mutant (arginine-269-glycine) of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Abstract Numerous lines of evidence indicate that bicarbonate anion regulates electron and proton transfer processes in the photosystem II (PSII) complex of chloroplasts and cyanobacteria. On the reducing side of PSII, the addition of bicarbonate to bicarbonate-depleted (or formate-treated) membranes accelerates, especially, QA− → QB− electron transfer kinetics. The site(s) at which bicarbonate binds is unknown. It is evident, however, from several spectroscopic studies that the bicarbonate binding site on the reducing side of PSII includes the non-heme iron located between the QA and QB sites. Since small anions may displace bicarbonate (Good, N.E. (1963) Plant Physiol. 38, 298–304) [1], it is apparent that the bicarbonate binding site is electrostatic in nature, presumably also involving positively charged amino acid residues. Previously, it had been predicted that residue arginine 269 of the PSII D1 protein may participate in bicarbonate binding. To test this hypothesis, we have generated a non-conservative mutation in the psbA gene of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii which converts residue R269 to a glycine (R269G). The R269G mutant was unable to grow photosynthetically or evolve oxygen. This phenotype is associated with a lack of the tetra-manganese water splitting complex and a reduced capacity to form a stabilized charge separated state (defined as TyrD+/QA− under the experimental conditions measured). In addition, the mutant cells have a less stable PSII complex than wild-type cells, particularly when grown in the light. It is apparent from analyses of the effect of formate on the magnitude of the QA− Fe+2 EPR signal, however, that the bicarbonate or formate binding site is not substantially affected by the R269G mutation. Although our results do not substantiate that residue R269 is the site at which bicarbonate is bound, they demonstrate the importance of R269 in the structure and function of PSII. It is apparent from analysis of the photosynthetic phenotype, that the structural perturbations on the stromal side of the D1 protein are transduced to the lumenal side of the membrane altering charge accumulating processes on the electron donor side of PSII.
Mechanomyographic responses to maximal eccentric isokinetic muscle actions

Smith, Douglas B., Terry J. Housh, Jeffrey R. Stout, Glen O. Johnson, Tammy K. Evetovich, and Kyle T. Ebersole.Mechanomyographic responses to maximal eccentric isokinetic muscle actions. J. Appl. P...
Wood Structure and Chemical Composition

Wood is extremely nonhomogeneous, and its structural and chemical variability is reflected in wide ranges in its physical properties such as permeability, capillary behavior, thermal conductivity, and the diffusion of bound water. The greater uniformity is found among the woods of conifers or softwoods. Those of dicotyledonous angiosperms or hardwoods, on the other hand, have extreme structural differences and are therefore much easier to distinguish from one another visually. Hardwood species are also much more numerous because they occur in tropical as well as temperate regions, while softwoods are found primarily in the temperate zones. Because of greater structural variation the hardwoods have a greater range in permeability and capillary behavior. In both types earlywood is generally of much lower density than latewood. The earlywood of dried softwoods is usually less permeable than the latewood while, in hardwoods, the reverse is commonly true owing to the larger earlywood vessels. There can also be significant differences between stands of trees of the same species, within a tree, between boards, and within a board. Heartwood is nearly always much less permeable than sapwood due to pit aspiration, incrustation, and vessel tyloses in the former.
Maximal class p-groups with large character degree gaps

In Mann (More on normally monomial p-groups, 2015), he proves some bounds on the size of gaps between character degrees of maximal class p-groups. In this note we construct a family of examples that shows that one of these bounds is sharp.
Investigation of robust flexible conformal THz perfect metamaterial absorber

The flexible metamaterials have promised to greatly expand our ability to realize a wide range of novel applications including new methods of sensing and cloaking. In this work, flexible metamaterial absorbers, targeted to operate at terahertz frequencies, have been designed, simulated, and fabricated. The absorber structure consisted of a conducting ground plane, a dielectric spacer, and a frequency selective surface which was composed of two layers of nonconcentric, differently sized, single-ring arrays. Absorber structure was designed and simulated such that absorbers exhibited two distinct resonance frequencies with the strength of absorption for both sensitive to the center-to-center spacing of the rings and polarization. The functionality of the absorbers was seen to be similar both in planar and deformed positions, which promises robustness of the conformal flexible metamaterials device under the deformation and uneven surfaces.
Relative Contributions of Modern Dance, Folk Dance, Basketball, and Swimming to Motor Abilities of College Women

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the relative contributions of modern dance, folk dance, basketball, and swimming to selected and general motor abilities of college women. Seventy-nine college Freshman women, divided at random into the four classes, were given eleven tests designed to measure agility, co-ordination, general strength, abdominal strength, flexibility, speed, leg strength, power, arm-and-shoulder girdle strength, balance, endurance, and general motor ability. The tests were administered at the end of 16 weeks (one semester) of training. The relative status of the four activities in the development of selected and general motor abilities was first, swimming and modern dance; second, basketball; and third, folk dance.
Ethics and clinical trials in congenital heart disease

There is a strong need for well-designed clinical trials in congenital heart disease. Research in children, including children with congenital heart disease, must adhere to the highest ethical standards at all times.
Piezoelectric Effects of Applied Electric Fields on Hydrogen-Bond Interactions: First-Principles Electronic Structure Investigation of Weak Electrostatic Interactions

The piezoelectric properties of 2-methyl-4-nitroaniline crystals were explored qualitatively and quantitatively using an electrostatically embedded many-body (EE-MB) expansion scheme for the correlation energies of a system of monomers within the crystal. The results demonstrate that hydrogen bonding is an inherently piezoelectric interaction, deforming in response to the electrostatic environment. We obtain piezo-coefficients in excellent agreement with the experimental values. This approach reduces computational cost and reproduces the total resolution of the identity (RI)-Moller-Plesset second-order perturbation theory (RI-MP2) energy for the system to within 1.3 × 10(-5)%. Furthermore, the results suggest novel ways to self-assemble piezoelectric solids and suggest that accurate treatment of hydrogen bonds requires precise electrostatic evaluation. Considering the ubiquity of hydrogen bonds across chemistry, materials, and biology, a new electromechanical view of these interactions is required.
Threats to chronically ill adolescents. Challenges for physicians as we approach the next millennium.

The frequency of all forms of juvenile arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, other major connective tissue diseases, and other rheumatic diagnoses, is estimated to be approximately 160,000-190,000 U.S. children under 15 years of age. The author suggests that the legitimization of alternative medicine and the corporatization of U.S. health care are undermining the quality of care that chronically ill adolescents receive.
Libertarian Egalitarian Communitarianism

Chapter 6 argued from the Moral Original Position to the following analysis of moral rightness: Rightness as Fairness: an action is morally right if and only if it satisfies the Four Principles of Fairness, that is, if and only if it is (A) is morally relevant, (B) has coercion-avoidance and minimization, assisting human and nonhuman sentient beings to achieve interests they cannot best achieve on their own and want assistance in achieving, and the development and expression of settled dispositions to have these ends, as at least tacit ideals, and (C) is in conformity with the outcome of an actual process of fair negotiation approximating all human and sentient beings affected by the action being motivated by the above ideals and having equal bargaining power over how those ideals should be applied factoring in costs, or, if such a process is impossible, the outcome of a hypothetical process approximating the same, where moral relevance is determined recursively, by applying (B) and (C) to the question of whether the action is morally relevant.
The study is open: Participants are now recruiting investigators

Two U.S. national initiatives have stated emphatically that people will be, not patients, but partners in clinical research.
Device reliability metric for end-of-life performance optimization based on circuit level assessment

Performance enhancement is critical for offering competitive CMOS solutions for advanced technology nodes. To fully leverage performance enhancement elements the device reliability impact needs to be comprehended on the CMOS circuits like SRAM and ring-oscillators. We reaffirm that time-zero and BTI induced stochastic variation are most critical for SRAM circuits while for logic circuits such as ring-oscillators the focus is on the mean degradation. In addition we explore the impact of self-heating on the correlation of device to circuit degradation for the FinFET device architecture.
Apoptosis in cardiac diseases--new opportunities for novel therapeutics for heart diseases.

Apoptosis as defined by contemporary science describes a form of cell death that involves discrete genetic and molecular programs, de novo protein expression and unique cellular phenotype. Evidence for the existence of apoptosis in the human heart has been reported in various cardiac diseases, including ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure, myocardial infarction and arrhythmias. Among the most potent stimuli that elicit cardiomyocyte apoptosis are: oxygen radicals (including NO), cytokines, (FAS/TNFα family of cytokines) and growth factors/energy deprivation. Several complex signal transduction pathways have been implicated in execution of cardiomyocyte apoptosis, including: Fas/TNFα receptors signaling, stress or mitogen activated protein kinases (SAPK/MAPK), sphingolipids metabolites (ceramide), G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling (Gαi, Gαq) and NFkB activation. Apoptosis of cardiac myocytes may contribute to progressive pump-failure, arrhythmias and cardiac remodeling. The recognition of numerous molecular targets associated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis that are amenable for pharmacologic manipulation, may provide novel therapeutic strategies for diverse cardiac ailments, as recently suggested by pharmacologic studies in experimental animals.