cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Noise Spectrum Measurement System Using the Fast Fourier Transform

A portable multichannel battery-operated measurement system was developed to measure the rms magnetic-field noise spectrum in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 375 kHz. During each measurement, the entire spectrum is measured simultaneously through the use of time-domain recordings which are later analyzed by Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) processing. Dynamic ranges of 60 dB in a 125-Hz bandwidth are obtained for spectra covering the range from 100 Hz to 100 kHz. The method also allows a three-dimensional display of the way spectrum occupancy changes with time. Some advantages of the system are portability, rms measurement, 100 percent probability of signal intercept, data gathering times measured in seconds or milliseconds, simultaneous coverage of several decades of frequency, no "picket fence" amplitude uncertainty with the associated potential 3-dB error, and increased frequency measurement resolution. Some examples of electromagnetic noise (measured in and above coal mines) are given, primarily to show the capability of the measuring system.
Identical rock types with different chemistry: sourcing phyllite-tempered Hohokam pottery from the Phoenix basin, Arizona

Abstract The organization of ceramic production and distribution among the ancient Hohokam of the Phoenix basin, Arizona, has been documented in recent years with much detail. Based on diverse temper and clay compositions, the provenance of individual ceramics is routinely determined with considerable precision. One exception is phyllite-tempered pottery, which was made in one corner of the basin but also across a broad upland zone adjacent to the north. The phyllite-tempered pottery from different production sources cannot be distinguished on the basis of their temper type. As shown with assays with an electron microprobe, however, both the temper and clay fractions are chemically diverse and geographically distinct, allowing many of the phyllite-tempered wares to be sourced. Among the phyllite-tempered ceramics consumed in the Phoenix basin, some are shown to have been made locally, but, surprisingly, large numbers were imported from the northern uplands. Their numbers support the idea that the connection between the Phoenix basin and the northern uplands was a prominent component of the Hohokam regional economy despite the great difference between them in settlement size and density.
Internal consistency checks as part of a data validation process for chemical constituents in ambient particulate samples

Internal consistency checks are an excellent means of validating data obtained during field studies of ambient particulate. The specific method used depends on the purpose and scope of the program. Techniques discussed include inspection of data for outliers, inter-sampler comparisons, and ion balance and mass balance techniques. The use of these methods is illustrated with data collected in a variety of field programs. It is concluded that internal consistency checks should be incorporated into the quality assurance program of all field studies. 7 references, 4 figures, 3 tables.
Fans and Pure Tones

The pure‐tone power levels for several types of axial flow fans of less than 12‐in. diameter have been determined under different loads and mounting conditions. The method described by Maling and Nordby [Paper J65 in Proceedings of the Fifth International Congress on Acoustics, 1965, Liege, D. E. Commins, Ed. (Imprimerie Georges Thone, Liege, 1965), Vol. 1b; J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 38, 921(A) (1965)] for measuring pure‐tone power level (PWL) in a reverberation chamber was modified. A source‐substitution procedure was employed that permits a faster determination of the PWL than with the original method. The effect of different radiation impedance of fans and the “substitution source” is considered. From the data obtained, a set of preferred design trends and mounting recommendations for reducing the generation of pure tones in fans was developed. A reduction in pure‐tone power by more than 10 times has been achieved in some applications. Empirical data for scaling from the PWL to sound‐pressure levels at 1 m distance from a machine are discussed.
AFL with the semilinear property

A slip language is a language whose Parikh mapping is a semilinear set. A slip family is a family containing only slip languages. The purpose of this paper is to study slip AFL. A sufficiency condition is given on a slip family which ensures that the family generates a slip AFL. Using this condition, it is proved that (i) there exists a largest slip AFL and (ii) if @? is a slip family, then the smallest AFL containing the commutative closure of @? is a slip AFL. A new operation called ''homomorphic replication'' is then introduced. It is shown that the smallest AFL containing a homomorphic replication of a slip AFL is also a slip AFL. Furthermore, the resulting AFL is principal if the original AFL is principal. It is then proved that the smallest AFL containing all homomorphic replications of the regular sets is not principal. Finally, abstract families of acceptors are presented which, respectively, define the smallest AFL containing a particular homomorphic replication of the regular sets and all homomorphic replications of the regular sets.
Dynamics of viscoelastoplastic soil under a moving wheel

Abstract A rate-dependent inelastic behavior or viscoelastoplastic behavior of soil subjected to dynamic loading of a moving rigid wheel is studied herein. A rational approach to this seemingly complex problem is treated in the context of continuum mechanics. Together with the concept of critical state soil mechanics for inelastic behavior we incorporate the so-called internal state variables for viscous effects. It is assumed that the free energy functional containing inelastic behavior may not be smooth for its entire domain of time histories. Rather, we assume a form of discretized free energy as a function of elastic strains, plastic strains, and internal or hidden variables of incremental quantity considered to be valid only for a small time interval or a fraction of loading increments. The finite element method is used to derive governing equations of motion. Exhaustive numerical examples are presented to demonstrate effectiveness of the present method.
Thioether coordinated metalloenediynes: Syntheses, structures and thermal reactivity comparison

Abstract Two novel, thioether containing benzannulated enediyne ligands, 1,2-bis(3-(quinolin-8-ylsulfanyl)prop-1-ynyl)benzene (1), and 1,2-bis(3-(pyridin-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)prop-1-ynyl)benzene (2) have been synthesized and characterized along with their corresponding Cu(I), Ag(I), Cu(II), and Pd(II) metalloenediyne complexes (3–10). Single crystal X-ray structures of the d10 and d8 N2S2 complexes show thioether coordination leading to distorted tetrahedral and trans square planar geometries about the metal centers, respectively. Based on their X-ray structures, all complexes are expected to exhibit high Bergman cyclization temperatures (>200 °C), and indeed this is the case for the Cu(I) and Ag(I) complexes (211–218 °C). In contrast, the corresponding divalent, tetragonal and trans square planar complexes of Cu(II) and Pd(II) exhibit more facile reactivity and lower solid state Bergman cyclization temperatures (186–190 °C) which more closely resemble values expected for cis-complexes. The unusual order in the thermal reactivities of these constructs can be attributed to a previously evaluated mechanism by which weak thioether coordination permits an elevated temperature trans-to-cis geometric rearrangement prior to Bergman cyclization.
Developing an equitable tardiness/attendance system

How do you compare two student employees who have different tardiness and attendance issues? It's not easy. Some student employees have issues with tardiness, some have issues with attendance, and some have issues with both tardiness and attendance. In an effort to make sure that disciplining employees for such issues is equitable, we developed a point system. Points are assigned to various tardiness and attendance issues, and in a semester, student employees are allowed to accrue no more than 12 points. We developed this point system in conjunction with our student employees to ensure their "buy in" with the assignment of points for various tardiness/attendance issues. It has worked well for us, and to continually improve this point system it has evolved and will likely continue to evolve.
Facilitative school leadership and teacher empowerment: Teacher's perspectives

In recent years, facilitative forms of leadership and teacher empowerment for the democratic restructuring of schools have been emphasized. However, no published studies seem to have examined teachers' perspectives of both facilitative school leadership and empowerment. This article describes the everyday strategies and personal characteristics of exemplary principals practicing facilitative leadership in shared-governance schools and how these principals influenced teacher empowerment. The date were drawn from a qualitative study of teachers in 11 schools in Georgia. An openended questionnaire was designed to provide teachers the opportunity to identify and describe in detail the characteristics of principals that enhanced their sense of empowerment and what being empowered means to teachers. Inductive analyses of the data generated seven major strategies, one set of personal characteristics identified with facilitative leadership, and two major dimensions of teacher empowerment: affective and professional. This article emphasizes the meanings teachers identified with empowerment.
Fortranning It with Style [review of "Modern Fortran: Style and Usage" (Clerman, N.S. and Spector, W.; 2012)]

The author reviews the book &#x201C;Modern Fortran: Style and Usage&#x201D;, explaining why it's a good reference guide not only for novice Fortran users, but for anyone who wants to improve their code for clarity and performance.
Integrating Environmental Flows into Multi-Objective Reservoir Management for a Transboundary, Water-Scarce River Basin: Rio Grande/Bravo

Integrated water management seeks to balance the interests of multiple stakeholders who desire many end-uses for water within the context of institutions and regulations. This problem is particularly complex in transboundary and water-scarce basins. In the Big Bend region of the Rio Grande/Bravo, an arid, monsoonal climate combines with multiple human and environmental water demands and established treaty requirements to stress available water resources. We analyzed reservoir operation strategies in the basin to integrate environmental flow (EF) considerations into existing management objectives using a linear programming model to assess reservoir operation policies. Five potential EF regimes are evaluated for improving aquatic and riparian habitat in the Big Bend region. The model uses the historical hydrologic record of river inflows, data for flood control and bi-national water allocation requirements, and parameters for human demands and infrastructure; to compare current and optimized operations of Luis L. Leon reservoir for multiple objectives. Results indicate that alternative operational policies for monthly reservoir storage (compared to historic values) can increase EF allocations without affecting water deliveries or treaty allocations. Some tradeoffs may exist, however, in managing reservoirs for both EFs and flood control. Our approach informs management strategies for the water-stressed basin that seek to incorporate environmental goals into existing infrastructure and operations.
Organometallic Vapor Phase Epitaxial Growth Of HgTe And HgCdTe Using Methylallyltelluride

HgTe and HgCdTe layers have been grown by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy at low temperature by using methylallyltelluride (MATe), dimethylcadmium (DMCd) and elemental mercury. Use of MATe enabled us to grow layers in the 250-320°C range, which is 50°C lower than the growth temperature when diisopropyltelluride (DIPTe) is used. The layers were characterized by double crystal x-ray diffraction, low temperature Hall measurements and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Growth below 340°C resulted in featureless HgTe layers. Layers grown on CdTe are misoriented with respect to the substrate by about 60 to 150 arc-seconds whereas such tilting was not observed when lattice matched CdZnTe substrates were used. The high quality of HgTe grown at low temperature is demonstrated by the very narrow (29 arc seconds) full width at half maximum of the x-ray diffraction curve. HgCdTe layers grown at 320°C showed sharp interference fringes even for thin layers, indicating the presence of a sharp interface.
Binding characteristics of M and L isoantibodies to high and low potassium sheep red cells.

Binding of highly purified125I labeled M and L antibodies, both belonging to the immunoglobulin G class, was studied in high potassium (HK) and low potassium (LK) sheep red cells. Anti-M and anti-L bound specifically to M and L antigen positive HK and LK red cells, respectively. Nonspecific binding was higher for anti-L to HK cells than for anti-M to LK cells. Once bound, the M and L antibodies were capable of inducing complement dependent immune hemolysis. Only 75–100 and 500–750 molecules of anti-M and anti-L immunoglobulins were required to hemolyze 50% of HK (MM) and LK (LL) red cells, respectively, suggesting that the M and L antigens may be clustered on the surfaces of these cells. Equilibrium binding studies revealed that the maximum number of M sites is 3–6×103 in HK (MM) and 1.5–4×103 in LM (LM) cells, respectively. In comparison, the number of L antigens is slightly lower in LK cells, about 1.2–1.8×103 in LL and less in LM (LK) red cells. The number of M and L antigens, therefore, is more than an order of magnitude larger than that of the Na+K+ pumps measured previously in these cells by3H-ouabain binding, thus precluding a quantitative correlation between M and L antigens and the Na+K+ pumps different in the three genetic types of sheep red cells. The binding affinities of both anti-M and anti-L could not be described by a single equilibrium dissociation constant indicating heterogeneous antibody populations and/or variability in the antigenic sets of individual HK or LK cells. The pronounced heterogeneity of antigens and/or antibodies in both the M and L systems was reflected in the antibody association kinetics which also exhibited a remarkable temperature dependence. The data suggest that the correlation between the M and L antigens and the Na+K+ pump molecules is more complex than that in goat red cells previously reported by others.
Performance comparison of hard x-ray plates fabricated by two different methods

Two types of fabrication methods have been developed to fabricate Fresnel zone plates for focusing x-rays in the 5 - 25 keV energy region. These two fabrication methods are discussed in terms of spatial resolution and focusing efficiency, which are two important parameters that characterize the performance of a Fresnel zone plate. Experimental characterization of the zone plates fabricated by the two methods are described and the results are discussed.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Long Chain Branched Isotactic Polypropylene

Long chain branched isotactic polypropylene (LCB-PP) was synthesized using metallocene catalyst (rac-dimethylsilylbis(2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl)zirconium dichloride activated by methylaluminoxane). The branching was in situ generated in a diluted polymerization condition using hexane or toluene as diluent. The polymers have a significant population of branched molecules as evidenced by multiangle laser light scattering analysis. More importantly, such a branching structure in isotactic polypropylene has been, for the first time, identified by 13C NMR spectroscopy. The 13C NMR resonance assignments of the branching structure are based on the model polymer characterization, stereo environment analysis, and chemical shift calculation. The unique stereo environment of the branching structure provides insight into the mechanism of LCB formation in such isotactic polypropylenes. The branching levels determined by 13C NMR are directionally consistent with that estimated from laser light scattering analysis.
A prospective randomized trial comparing the efficacy of tacrolimus versus cyclosporine in black recipients of primary cadaveric renal transplants

Abstract BACKGROUND: We performed a prospective randomized trial to compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (FK506) versus cyclosporine (CSA) in black primary cadaveric renal transplant (CRT) recipients. METHODS: Between December 1994 and February 1997, 35 black primary CRT recipients were enrolled in this trial. All patients received 7 days of induction therapy with OKT3. Fourteen patients received FK506 and prednisone only. Twenty-one patients received CSA, azathioprine, and prednisone. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, plasma renin activity, human leukocyte antigen mismatches, and cause of renal failure. RESULTS: Patient and graft survival were 12 of 14 (86%) for the FK506 group and 20 of 21 (95%) for the CSA group ( P = 0.71). Three patients died owing to cardiac events with functioning grafts. Acute rejection was 2 of 14 (14%) for the FK506 and 8 of 21 (38%) for the CSA group ( P = 0.25). Two other patients on CSA were converted to FK506 as rescue for OKT3-resistant rejection. Mean serum cholesterol at 1 year was 198 ± 45 mg/dL for the FK506 group and 244 ± 49 mg/dL for the CSA group ( P = 0.03). Mean serum creatinine at 1 year was 1.39 ± 0.38 mg/dL for the FK506 group and 1.94 ± 0.64 mg/dL for the CSA group ( P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Patient and graft survival were similar in both groups at 1 year posttransplant. Although statistically not significant, the incidence of acute rejection was lower in the FK506 group. Furthermore, FK506-treated patients had significantly lower serum creatinine and cholesterol levels at 1 year posttransplant.
Violence in Native America: A Historical Perspective:

This article is meant to provide an overview of common Native American values and the effect of the imposition of non-Native American belief systems on our communities. The article uses common abusive tactics employed by batterers and juxtaposes these tactics with a historical overview of the dominant culture's treatment of native cultures. This material serves as an outline to examine one's own community, tribe, or nation to gain a greater understanding of how society has traveled to this place and where the social order goes from here.
Determination of N-desethylamodiaquine by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry : Application to in vitro drug metabolism studies

Abstract The antimalarial drug amodiaquine is extensively metabolized to N-desethylamodiaquine (DEAQ) by cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8). DEAQ formation is an enzyme specific reaction that is used to quantify in vitro CYP2C8 activity. A rapid and sensitive method for the determination of DEAQ in human liver microsomes was developed using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC–MS/MS). Microsomal incubation samples were processed by protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The analytes were separated on a BETASIL Silica-100 (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 5 μm) column by isocratic elution at a flow rate of 220 μl/min with a mobile phase consisting of 85% acetonitrile containing 5 mM ammonium acetate and 0.1% formic acid. Detection was by positive electrospray ionization on a TSQ Quantum Discovery triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operated in the selective reaction monitoring mode. The precursor–product ion pair was m/z 328 → 283 for DEAQ and m/z 331 → 283 for DEAQ-d3. The lower limit of quantification was 10 nM for DEAQ and linearity was observed over the concentration range of 10–1500 nM. Intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision were within 3.4 and 7.0%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to CYP2C8 drug metabolism studies in pooled human liver microsomes.
Modeling with multiresolution subdivision surfaces

Subdivision surfaces and their multiresolution extensions are a powerful representation for surface modeling and design. In this chapter we survey a variety of subdivision-based modeling methods including multiresolution deformations, boolean operations, cut-and-paste editing of surfaces, defining free-form sharp features and adding topologically complex detail. These notes are based on the articles "A Survey of Subdivision-Based Tools for Surface Modeling" by I. Boier-Martin, D. Zorin and F. Bernardini, and "Interactive modeling of topologically complex geometric detail" by J. Peng, D. Kristjansson and D. Zorin.
Self-efficacy hedonistic expectancies and condom-use intentions among inner-city black adolescent women: a social cognitive approach to AIDS risk behavior.

The effects on condom-use intentions of an acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention intervention based on social cognitive theory were investigated among 19 sexually active black adolescent women recruited from an inner-city family planning clinic. The women received the social cognitive intervention designed to increase perceived self-efficacy and favorable outcome expectancies about the hedonistic consequences of using condoms or one of two control interventions: An information-alone intervention designed to increase AIDS knowledge or a general health-promotion intervention designed to provide information about important health problems other than AIDS. All interventions lasted 105 min and involved films and small-group exercises. Participants' evaluations did not differ among conditions. As hypothesized, analysis of covariance indicated that participants in the social cognitive condition reported greater intentions to use condoms than did those in the two control conditions. In addition, participants in the social cognitive condition scored higher in perceived self-efficacy and favorable hedonistic expectancies--the two hypothesized mediators of the intervention effect. Although participants who received the information-alone intervention subsequently had greater AIDS knowledge than did those in the health promotion condition, they did not express greater intentions to use condoms. These results highlight the value of a social cognitive approach to AIDS risk behavior: outcome expectancies regarding the effects of precautionary practices on sexual enjoyment and perceived self-efficacy to implement such practices play an important role in decisions about condom use.
Propensity score analysis in observational studies: outcomes after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Abstract Objective Large databases composed of well-designed prospectively collected cohort data provide an opportunity to examine and compare healthcare treatments in actual clinical practice settings. Because the analysis of these data often leads to a retrospective cohort design, it is essential to adequately adjust for lack of balance in patient characteristics when making treatment comparisons. We used matched propensity scoring in a cohort of patients undergoing elective aneurysm repair as an illustrative example of this important statistical method that adjusts for baseline characteristics and selection bias by matching covariables. Methods By using prospectively collected clinical data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, we studied 30-day mortality, 1-year survival, and postoperative complications in 1904 patients who underwent elective AAA repair (endovascular aneurysm repair [EVAR], n = 717 (37.7%); open aneurysm repair, n = 1187 [62.3%]) at 123 Veterans Health Administration’s hospitals between May 1, 2001, and September 30, 2003. In bivariate analysis, patient characteristics and operative and hospital variables were associated with both type of surgery and outcomes of surgery. Therefore, the predicted probability of receiving EVAR was tabulated for all patients by using multiple logistic regression to control for 32 independent demographic and clinical characteristics and then stratified into 5 groups. Patients were matched within strata based on similar levels of the independent measures (a propensity score technique), creating a pseudo-randomized control design. The proportion of patients with the morbidity and mortality outcomes was then compared between the EVAR and open procedures within strata to control for selection. Results Patients undergoing EVAR had significantly lower unadjusted 30-day (3.1% versus 5.6%, P = .01) and 1-year mortality (8.7% versus 12.1%, P = .018) than patients undergoing open repair. By using propensity scoring, the proportions of EVAR patients experiencing 30-day mortality were equal or less than patients undergoing open procedures for all levels of probability and decreased as the probability of EVAR increased. Furthermore, propensity scoring also showed that patients having EVAR had lower 1-year mortality and experienced fewer perioperative complications. Conclusions We used a propensity score approach to examine outcomes after elective AAA repair to statistically control for many factors affecting both treatment selection and outcome. Patients who underwent elective EVAR had substantially lower perioperative mortality and morbidity rates compared with patients having open repair, which was not explained solely by patient selection in an observational dataset.
Control of Protein Kinase C Activity, Phorbol Ester-induced Cytoskeletal Remodeling, and Cell Survival Signals by the Scaffolding Protein SSeCKS/GRAVIN/AKAP12

The product of the SSeCKS/GRAVIN/AKAP12 gene (“SSeCKS”) is a major protein kinase (PK) C substrate that exhibits tumor- and metastasis-suppressing activity likely through its ability to scaffold multiple signaling mediators such as PKC, PKA, cyclins, calmodulin, and Src. Although SSeCKS and PKCα bind phosphatidylserine, we demonstrate that phosphatidylserine-independent binding of PKC by SSeCKS is facilitated by two homologous SSeCKS motifs, EG(I/V)(T/S)XWXSFK(K/R)(M/L)VTP(K/R)K(K/R)X(K/R)XXXEXXXE(E/D) (amino acids 592–620 and 741–769). SSeCKS binding to PKCα decreased kinase activity and was dependent on the two PKC-binding motifs. SSeCKS scaffolding of PKC was increased in confluent cell cultures, correlating with significantly increased SSeCKS protein levels and decreased PKCα activity, suggesting a role for SSeCKS in suppressing PKC activation during contact inhibition. SSeCKS-null mouse embryo fibroblasts displayed increased relative basal and phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate)-induced PKC activity but were defective in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced actin cytoskeletal reorganization and cell shape change; these responses could be rescued by the forced expression of full-length SSeCKS but not by an SSeCKS variant deleted of its PKC-binding domains. Finally, the PKC binding sites in SSeCKS were required to restore cell rounding and/or decreased apoptosis in phorbol ester-treated LNCaP, LNCaP-C4-2, and MAT-LyLu prostate cancer cells. Thus, PKC-mediated remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton is likely regulated by the ability of SSeCKS to control PKC signaling and activity through a direct scaffolding function.
Would You Drink after a Stranger? The Influence of Self-Presentational Motives on Willingness to Take a Health Risk

This experiment examined the influence of self-presentational motives on a potentially unhealthy behavior—drinking from a stranger’s water bottle. In a 2 × 2 factorial design, participants’ (N = 48) social image-concern (low/high) was manipulated, and half of the participants also received a verbal challenge to drink from the bottle (challenged/not challenged). Participants in the high image-concern condition drank significantly more water (M = 50.8 ml) from the stranger’s bottle than did participants in the low image-concern condition (M = 30.1 ml), p < .05. Also, participants who were challenged drank more (M = 53.7 ml) than those who were not challenged (M = 27.2 ml), p < .05. Discussion focuses on the utility of a self-presentational approach for understanding health risk behavior.
Efficient anharmonic vibrational spectroscopy for large molecules using local-mode coordinates

This article presents a general computational approach for efficient simulations of anharmonic vibrational spectra in chemical systems. An automated local-mode vibrational approach is presented, which borrows techniques from localized molecular orbitals in electronic structure theory. This approach generates spatially localized vibrational modes, in contrast to the delocalization exhibited by canonical normal modes. The method is rigorously tested across a series of chemical systems, ranging from small molecules to large water clusters and a protonated dipeptide. It is interfaced with exact, grid-based approaches, as well as vibrational self-consistent field methods. Most significantly, this new set of reference coordinates exhibits a well-behaved spatial decay of mode couplings, which allows for a systematic, a priori truncation of mode couplings and increased computational efficiency. Convergence can typically be reached by including modes within only about 4 A. The local nature of this truncation suggests particular promise for the ab initio simulation of anharmonic vibrational motion in large systems, where connection to experimental spectra is currently most challenging.
Recent advances in biomarker discovery in solid organ transplant by proteomics

The identification and clinical use of more sensitive and specific biomarkers in the field of solid organ transplantation is an urgent need in medicine. Solid organ transplantation has seen improvements in the short-term survival of transplanted organs due to recent advancements in immunosuppressive therapy. However, the currently available methods of allograft monitoring are not optimal. Recent advancements in assaying methods for biomolecules such as genes, mRNA and proteins have helped to identify surrogate biomarkers that can be used to monitor the transplanted organ. These high-throughput ‘omic’ methods can help researchers to significantly speed up the identification and the validation steps, which are crucial factors for biomarker discovery efforts. Still, the progress towards identifying more sensitive and specific biomarkers remains a great deal slower than expected. In this article, we have evaluated the current status of biomarker discovery using proteomics tools in different solid organ transp...
Diminished prolactin from chlordecone treatment in ovariectomized (NZBxNZW)F(1) mice.

Abstract In murine models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), administration of either prolactin or estradiol (E2) increases autoimmunity, and there is evidence that elevated prolactin in response to E2 administration may contribute substantially to E2 effects. Hormonal influence on SLE can extend to environmental agents, as demonstrated by the ability of estrogenic organochlorine pesticides such as chlordecone to accelerate the development of lupus in female (NZB × NZW)F 1 mice. In order to evaluate a potential role for prolactin in chlordecone effects on SLE, it was necessary to first determine whether treatment with chlordecone, like E2, results in elevated prolactin levels. Ovariectomized (NZB × NZW)F 1 mice were treated for 5–6 weeks with chlordecone or E2 in doses shown previously to significantly shorten the time to onset of SLE. At the end of the treatment period, serum prolactin levels were increased 10- to 20-fold in E2-treated mice compared to untreated controls, but decreased in an apparent dose-dependent manner in mice treated with chlordecone. Prolactin receptor in purified splenic B and CD4 T cells from treated animals, assessed through measurement of mRNA using quantitative real-time PCR, was increased by E2 treatment but unchanged in response to chlordecone. These observations suggest that the role of prolactin in eliciting autoimmunity in E2-treated animals is absent in the case of chlordecone, and by implication, that chlordecone possesses other actions that can replace the contribution of prolactin to development of SLE.
EGR-1, a UV-inducible gene in p53(-/-) mouse cells.

Changes in gene expression were examined in p53(-/-) and p53(+/+) mouse cells after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Differential display was used to identify differentially expressed gene(s) in UV-treated p53(-/-) and p53(+/+) cells. One of the differentially expressed genes was EGR-1 (early growth response gene-1), which was shown to be induced only in p53(-/-) cells. The induction of this gene by UV was detected as early as 0.5 h, peaked at 2 h, and returned to normal levels by 4 h. De novo protein synthesis was not required for UV-induced EGR-1 expression in p53(-/-) cells. Pretreatment of p53(-/-) cells with suramin, an inhibitor of growth factor receptors, completely suppressed UV-induced EGR-1 expression, suggesting that the induction may be mediated via the growth factor receptors. The presence of wild-type p53 suppressed the induction of EGR-1 after UV treatment. Overexpression of EGR-1 promoted the UV-induced transformation in p53(+/+) cells, but not in p53(-/-) cells. These data suggested that EGR-1 may be an important player in the UV responses of mammalian cells and may influence UV-induced transformation.
Image‐based monitoring to measure ecological change in rangeland

High-resolution, image-based methods can increase the speed and accuracy of ecological monitoring while reducing monitoring costs. We evaluated the efficacy of systematic aerial and ground sampling protocols to detect stocking-rate differences across 130 ha of shortgrass prairie. Manual (SamplePoint) and automated (spectral) image-analysis methods were compared for both aerial and ground data. Vegetative cover changes due to grazing were detectable from 1-mm ground sample distance (GSD, a measure of resolution) digital aerial photography with as few as 30 samples yielding enough data to predict bare ground within ± 5%. We found poor agreement between automated and manual image-analysis methods, but good agreement between manual analyses of imagery from the air (100 m above ground level [AGL]) and from the ground (2 m AGL). We conclude that cover measurements made using SamplePoint from 1-mm GSD images (from 2 or 100 m AGL) can detect ecologically important changes in key indicators such as bare ground. The costs of ground and aerial methods differ markedly, and we suggest that aerial imagery is most cost effective for areas larger than 200 ha.
Whose Approval Matters? Reelection, Constituency Approval, and Senate Support for President George W. Bush

Debate exists concerning the impact of presidential approval on congressional support for the president. One source of this debate is that while theory specifies an electoral connection, suggesting that legislators will be responsive to approval within their reelection constituency, most research employs national approval measures. Lack of constituency-level data has forced studies to use national measures of approval, but in as much as national and district level approval differ, national approval will not provide quality estimates of district opinion on the president. This article uses SurveyUSA data from 2005–2006, which provide state-level estimates for approval as well as breakdowns by partisanship (Democrats, Republicans, Independent). Analysis finds that, with controls, state-level approval has a statistically significant, albeit marginal, impact on senator support for the president. Stronger effects on support are found for approval from the senators’ reelection constituency, defined as voters of ...
Nature and evolution of interfaces in Si/Si 1−x Ge x superlattices

The interfacial properties of a series of Si/Si1-xGex superlattices with the same unit period (∼10 nm Si and 5 nm Si0.65Ge0.35) but with different number of repetitions (5, 10, 20) or prepared at different temperatures in the range 250-750°C are studied by x-ray and Raman scattering techniques. For growth at 250°C, the interfaces are chemically abrupt, but exhibit a pronounced vertically correlated physical roughness that increases from ∼0.3 nm near the substrate to ∼2 nm at the surface. Growth at intermediate temperatures (400–550°C) resulted in structures with physically smooth interfaces, independent of the number of periods, but intermixed over at least two monolayers, and asymmetrically broadened with an alloy/Si interface width about twice (0.25 vs 0.5 nm) that of the Si/alloy interface. In that temperature range, a roughness component aligned with the substrate miscut angle (∼0.14° toward [001]) and with an inplane length scale of ∼1.2 µrn is observed. Higher growth temperatures (620–750°C) further enhanced the intermixing and caused undulation (100 nm length scale) of the interfaces.
Biomimicking Robust Hydrogel for the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Carrier

Purpose This study was aimed to develop a hydrogel-nanofiber as an advanced carrier for adipose derived human mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) and evaluate its potential for immunomodulatory therapies applicable to surface coating of drug eluting stent (DES) against coronary artery diseases (CAD).
Release of potassium from the x-irradiated mammalian heart.

Summary1. X-irradiation caused a release of potassium from the isolated rabbit heart, the rate of release reaching a peak after a dose of about 2,500 r delivered at 500 r/minute. The greatest average increase of potassium in the perfusate was 12% over the control level. 2. Potassium is liberated from the isolated rabbit heart in small amounts following exposure to as little as 500 r of X-ray. 3. Isolated rabbit hearts exposed to 1000 r released into their perfusate more than 4 times as much potassium in 1 hr as did non-irradiated hearts. 4. The X-irradiated in situ dog heart also released potassium into the coronary circulation. The magnitude of the effect and the radiation dose producing it were approximately the same as in the isolated rabbit heart.
Ultrasound detection through turbid media

Optical coherence-domain reflectometry and laser-based ultrasound detection have been combined with the use of adaptive optics to detect ultrasound through turbid media. The dynamic hologram in a photorefractive quantum-well device performs as a coherence gate that eliminates multiply scattered background. Quadrature homodyne detection conditions are selected by the choice of center wavelength of the pulse spectrum, requiring no active stabilization or feedback. A depth resolution of 30 µm was achieved, with a pulse duration of nominally 120 fs for ultrasound detection through turbid media up to optical thicknesses of 11 mean free scattering lengths.
A Library for Developing PHIGS Programming Tools in a PEX Environment

The merger of three-dimensional graphics with the X Window System has recently been standardized by adapting PHIGS, the Programmer's Hierarchical Interactive Graphics System, to the X Window System with PEX, the PHIGS Extension to X. The standard programming library for PEX has been defined to be identical to PHIGS PLUS allowing PHIGS programs to port directly to the X environment. X uses a client server model to run applications as client processes which communicate with a server to perform graphical display and input. For improved performance, the PEX extension defines new server resources to reduce network traffic and to take advantage of graphics hardware existing on high-end servers. A side effect of this distributed model of computation is a distribution of PHIGS structures leading to a relaxation of the exclusive access which a PHIGS application usually maintains over its Central Structure Store. We exploit the distributed nature of a PEX/PHIGS client's Central Structure Store to provide access to it for other applications besides the originating PEX/PHIGS client. We refer to these other applications as tools since one of our primary goals is to create development tools for PHIGS programmers. Rather than concentrate on particular debugging tools, we focus upon easing the process of actually developing tools. Our goal is to supply a collection of routines which can be used by PHIGS programmers to create custom tools or other programs which require access to the graphics data of remote PHIGS processes. Our Tool Development Library provides the PHIGS programmer a small number of management routines which orchestrate the connection and mapping to the data of one or more remote PHIGS applications. Manipulation of remote PHIGS structures is accomplished just as easily as local operations and is performed using standard PHIGS calls. The remote application being accessed requires no changes to its source code. Obvious uses for the Tool Development Library are in the construction of PHIGS tools such as structure browsers, editors and debugging aids. Less obvious is the potential for developing collections of cooperating graphics applications which share graphics data.
A cyclic pattern of hydrogen evolution by Anabaena flos-aquae

Photoproduction of H2 from water by Anabaena flos-aquae in a batch reactor (flowing argon gas phase) followed a reproducible cyclic pattern. Chloramphenicol inhibited events in the cylce, indicating a requirement for protein synthesis.
Pediatric airway control and ventilation

Emphasis on a clear airway is a primary requisite for effective CPR. Airway control in the trauma victim needs special consideration of the possibility of associated cervical vertebrae and spinal cord injury; thus, modification of the patient positioning for transport is essential. Emphasis on visualization of chest movement is the most important factor in assessing adequacy of ventilation. Experience in the use of bag-valve-mask devices requires appropriate instruction and on-going practice. Small bag volume devices limit the ability to provide adequate tidal volumes and prolong inspiratory times. Tracheal intubation provides optimal airway management. Infield use of this procedure will depend upon the skill and experience of the operator. Validation of correctness of tracheal tube placement is critical; seeing the tube pass the glottic opening on laryngoscopy, bilateral and equal chest movement, auscultation of breath sounds in the chest. Methods to measure end-tidal CO 2 as a valuable check for tube position is a useful adjunct but must not be relied upon. Foreign body management continues to be controversial and remains unchanged for the present; ie, the infant
Statistically Constrained Inverse Electrocardiography

This paper examines the feasibility of utilizing statistical constraints on the inverse potential model to determine the potential distribution over a 4 cm sphere surrounding the heart from perturbed torso potentials. These perturbed torso potentials reflect instrumentation, quadrature, electrode placement, and heart position uncertainties. This work is an extension of the authors' previous work which concluded that it is not feasible to determine this same potential distribution using unconstrained solutions. However, the results of the present work indicate that with the use of approximate signal and noise covariance matrices, it is possible to achieve estimates of this potential distribution with an average sum squared error of twenty-five percent. Further, the estimation of the signal and noise covariance matrices can be accomplished with a knowledge of heart geometry, torso geometry, The approximate measurement error, and a rough estimate of the time an average section of myocardium is depolarized, but without an a priori specification of the activation sequence.
Error analysis for bracketed phase equilibrium data

Abstract The proper treatment of experimental errors associated with experimental phase boundary determinations and derived results is necessary for a full interpretation and for critical comparison with other data. In the past, mathematical approximations used in treating phase equilibrium data have overestimated standard deviations and confidence limits by as much as a factor of two, thus hindering the proper interpretation of results. We have derived the correct expressions for calculating uncertainties in the location of a phase boundary and in quantities derived from a boundary such as the free energy of formation of a phase. For the special case of a pair of experimental; points with equal errors bracketing the phase boundary, we have prepared equations and graphs which are particularly easy to use. Our approach can be extended to more problems involving the analysis of phase equilibrium experiments.
Enhancing the fire resistance of composite floor assemblies through the use of steel fiber reinforced concrete

Abstract This paper presents a strategy for achieving the required fire resistance in composite floor systems through the use of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC). Both experimental and numerical studies were carried out to evaluate the fire performance of floor systems comprising unprotected steel beams and concrete/SFRC deck slabs. The results from these studies show that SFRC composite deck slabs develop significant tensile forces (through tensile membrane action) that transfer load from fire-weakened steel beams to other cooler parts of the structure. Preliminary results indicate that the combined effect of composite construction, tensile membrane action, and the improved properties of SFRC under realistic fire, loading, and restraint conditions can provide sufficient fire resistance in steel beam–concrete deck slabs without the need for external fire protection on the floor assembly.
Correlation-crystal-field delta-function analysis of 4f2 (Pr3+) energy-level structure

Standard formulations of the electronic energy-level Hamiltonian, applied to lanthanide systems, have been used with great success in rationalizing observed energy-level splittings and Stark level orderings. However, these standard models do not satisfactorily account for the energy-level structures observed for specific anomalous multiplet manifolds, such as the 1D2 multiplet of Pr3+. In the present study, we apply a simplified correlation-crystal-field model to the 4f2 electronic energy-level structure of Pr3+ in seven different crystalline hosts. This highly restricted form of the correlation-crystal-field (CCF) contribution to the model energy-level Hamiltonian, called the `δ-function' CCF model, considers two-electron correlation effects only from paired electrons within the same angular orbital, an assumption that reduces the plethora of applicable CCF operators to only two important independent terms. When the `δ-function' CCF model is applied to the electronic energy-level structures of LaCl3:Pr3+, GdCl3:Pr3+, Cs2NaPrCl6, Cs2NaYCl6:Pr3+, LiYF4:Pr3+, LiBiF4:Pr3+, and CsCdBr3:Pr3+, the major discrepancies between observed and calculated crystal-field splittings in the 1D2 multiplet manifold for each system are successfully resolved.
Perforated PZT composites for hydrophone applications

Abstract Macrosymmetry and interphase connectivity have been used to explore the possible macrostructures of interest for piezoelectric composites. Based on these design considerations, PZT-polymer composites with 3-1 and 3-2 connectivity patterns have been fabricated. These composites were prepared by drilling circular and square holes perpendicular to the poling direction in prepoled PZT blocks and filling the holes with epoxy. The influence of hole size, separation between the holes and thickness on the piezoelectric properties of the composites was studied. An enhancement in the piezoelectric d h coefficient was observed due to the decoupling of the piezoelectric d 33 and d 31 coefficients in the composities. The dielectric constant of PZT is lowered considerably because of the polymer phase. The combination of high d h and low dielectric constant results in greatly enhanced g h. For hydrophone applications, these composites give good acoustical matching with water because of their low density.