cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell proliferation and apoptosis in BRCA-associated hereditary ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objective. The goal was to test the hypothesis that cellular growth properties differ between hereditary and sporadic ovarian cancers. Methods. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed in 67 tumors associated with deleterious germline BRCA mutations (hereditary) and 69 tumors without BRCA mutations (sporadic). Cell proliferation was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis of Ki-67 expression, and apoptosis was assessed using a TUNEL assay. Results. The mean number of Ki-67-immunopositive nuclei was significantly higher in ovarian cancers from the hereditary group compared with those from the sporadic group ( P = 0.017). Cell proliferation did not differ significantly between BRCA1 - and BRCA2 -associated hereditary tumors, and apoptosis did not differ significantly between the hereditary and sporadic tumors. Conclusions. These data indicate that ovarian carcinomas associated with germline BRCA mutations have a significantly higher growth fraction than sporadic cancers. This property may contribute to an improved response to cytotoxic chemotherapy, partially accounting for the longer recurrence-free interval and overall survival observed in the hereditary group.
New Oral Anticoagulants for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: More Choices Bring More Challenges:

For patients with atrial fibrillation, anticoagulant therapy is essential to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke that is associated with this arrhythmia. Historically, warfarin has been the preferred treatment for patients at moderate to high risk despite many potential limitations. With the development of newer oral anticoagulants, clinicians now have 3 additional options: dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban. Although these agents clearly offer some advantages over warfarin, they may not be appropriate for all patients. This article will discuss factors that should be considered when selecting among these various anticoagulants.
Vocal Cord Paralysis Associated with Pulmonary Emboli

The first reported case of left vocal cord paralysis caused by pulmonary embolization is presented. The apparent mechanism was compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve against the aorta by a dilated, tense pulmonary artery, enlarged as a result of embolic vascular obstruction. Perfusion lung scanning should be a part of the evaluation of patients with paralysis of the left vocal cord, when recurrent pulmonary embolization is a possibility.
Functional assessment of behaviors related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Linking assessment to intervention design

A variety of behavioral interventions are effective in ameliorating the symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of ADHD does not provide clinicians with sufficient information to determine specific interventions to use with an individual child. Functional assessment procedures have been successfully used to design effective treatment plans for individuals exhibiting symptoms of a variety of behavior disorders. An overview of functional assessment procedures is provided and evidence that such procedures can lead to effective treatment decisions for children with ADHD is reviewed. Finally, the advantages and limitations of presently available functional assessment methods for clinical use in the treatment of ADHD are discussed.
Factors affecting the yields on noninvestment grade bond indices: a cointegration analysis

Abstract This study examines the long- and short-run dynamics of the yields on noninvestment grade indices. Utilizing cointegration techniques, the traditional yield spread model is found to be inadequate. A revised model finds a long-run relationship between noninvestment grade yields, Treasury securities, and default rates. Error correction models are formulated to model the short-run dynamics of different segments of the market. These models include a long-run equilibrium (between yields, default rates, and Treasuries), mutual fund flows, minor bond ratings, debt subordination measures, a stock index, and a January effect. Segmentation in the noninvestment grade market is also demonstrated.
A new heuristic for the quadratic assignment problem

We propose a new heuristic for the solution of the quadratic assignment problem. The heuristic combines ideas from tabu search and genetic algorithms. Run times are very short compared with other heuristic procedures. The heuristic performed very well on a set of test problems.
Relationships between soybean seed cell wall polysaccharides, yield, and seed traits

Seed cell wall polysaccharides (CWPs) represent a significant portion of seed dry matter (DM) in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. To further investigate the role of seed CWP in determining seed traits, relationships were examined among monosaccharide constituents of CWP and between CWP, yield, maturity, seed weight, and protein and oil content using principal component (PC) analysis in 13 Minnesota-adapted cultivars. Monosaccharide data were used to form PCs. Principal Component 1 mainly described pectin polysaccharides composed of rhamnose and galactose and was negatively correlated with the sum of protein and oil content (protein + oil) (r = -0.58). Cellulose, hemicellulose, and arabinose-containing polysaccharides as described by PC2 were negatively correlated with yield (r = -0.59), suggesting lower seed content in these CWP relates to an increase in yield. Seed arabinose:galactose (Ara:Gal) ratio was negatively correlated with yield and maturity and may be an indicator of the average stage of seed cell wall development for a cultivar at maturity. Principal Components 2, 3, and 4 combined to form a stepwise regression equation (R 2 = 0.69) for seed weight with PC4 providing the most weight in the equation. This equation implicates linear and backbone polysaccharides as being most important in relation to seed weight. Thus, individual polysaccharide types were correlated with either yield, protein + oil, or seed weight. Lower seed content of CWP was correlated with beneficial changes in seed traits, suggesting that reducing CWP content may provide an additional seed trait improvement.
Immunotherapy of chronic hepatitis C virus infection with antibodies against programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) persistence is facilitated by exhaustion of CD8+ T cells that express the inhibitory receptor programmed cell death 1 (PD-1). Blockade of PD-1 signaling improves in vitro proliferation of HCV-specific T lymphocytes, but whether antiviral function can be restored in infected individuals is unknown. To address this question, chimpanzees with persistent HCV infection were treated with anti-PD-1 antibodies. A significant reduction in HCV viremia was observed in one of three treated animals without apparent hepatocellular injury. Viremia rebounded in the responder animal when antibody treatment was discontinued. Control of HCV replication was associated with restoration of intrahepatic CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell immunity against multiple HCV proteins. The responder animal had a history of broader T-cell immunity to multiple HCV proteins than the two chimpanzees that did not respond to PD-1 therapy. The results suggest that successful PD-1 blockade likely requires a critical threshold of preexisting virus-specific T cells in liver and warrants consideration of therapeutic vaccination strategies in combination with PD-1 blockade to broaden narrow responses. Anti-PD-1 immunotherapy may also facilitate control of other persistent viruses, notably the hepatitis B virus where options for long-term control of virus replication are limited.
STIMULATION BY HYDROCHLORIC ACID AND BY THE NORMAL ALIPHATIC ACIDS IN THE SUNFISH EUPOMOTIS

1. The reaction of the sunfish, Eupomotis gibbosus , to different concentrations of hydrochloric acid and of the first six members of the N aliphatic acids has been studied. 2. The stimulating efficiency of hydrochloric acid may best be related to the concentration of hydrogen ions produced by that acid. 3. The stimulating efficiency of the N aliphatic acids may best be correlated with the non-polar nature of a portion of the molecule, but it is necessary to consider the higher potential of the polar group of formic acid to account satisfactorily for its position in the series. 4. When equally effective concentrations of the N aliphatic acids are compared, formic acid is more effective at lower concentrations than at higher. 5. Per cent variation in response appears to be independent of the chemical environment to which the animal responded.
On the detection of transient signals using spectral correlation

The detection of a general class of transient (i.e., finite energy) signals in additive stationary interference using the spectral correlation function (second order cumulant spectrum) is presented. Observable features in the two-dimensional spectral correlation function due to properties of signals in the assumed class of transients are exploited to derive a detection statistic. The performance of the proposed detection statistic relative to a conventional power spectral detector is presented.
CD200 Flow Cytometric Assessment and Semiquantitative Immunohistochemical Staining Distinguishes Hairy Cell Leukemia From Hairy Cell Leukemia-Variant and Other B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Objectives: To evaluate CD200 expression in B-cell proliferative disorders. Methods: We analyzed 180 recent specimens of B-cell neoplasms for CD200 expression by flow cytometric immunophenotypic analysis, which is better able to assess relative intensity of staining than immunohistochemical staining. Results: We found that hairy cell leukemia exhibits a high level of staining for CD200 in comparison to other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, including hairy cell leukemia-variant (HCL-V), marginal zone lymphoma, and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. We confirmed this observation by semiquantitative immunohistochemical staining. Conclusions: Assessment of the CD200 expression level is helpful to distinguish HCL from HCL-V and other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders and in the differential diagnosis of B-cell neoplasms in general.
Atmospheric moisture budget and its regulation of the summer precipitation variability over the Southeastern United States

Atmospheric moisture budget and its regulation of the summer (June–July–August) precipitation over the Southeastern United State (SE U.S.) were examined during 1948–2007 using PRECipitation REConstruction over Land and multiple reanalysis datasets. The analysis shows that the interannual variation of SE U.S. summer precipitation can be largely explained by the leading Empirical Orthogonal Function mode showing a spatially homogenous sub-continental scale pattern. Consequently, areal-averaged precipitation was investigated to focus on the large-scale rainfall changes over the SE U.S. The wavelet analysis identifies an increased 2–4 year power spectrum in recent 30 years (1978–2007), suggesting an intensification of the interannual variability. Analysis of the atmospheric moisture budget indicates that the increase in precipitation variability is mainly caused by moisture transport, which exhibits a similar increase in the 2–4 year power spectrum for the same period. Moisture transport, in turn, is largely controlled by the seasonal mean component rather than the subseasonal-scale eddies. Furthermore, our results indicate that dynamic processes (atmospheric circulation) are more important than thermodynamic processes (specific humidity) in regulating the interannual variation of moisture transport. Specifically, the North Atlantic Subtropical High western ridge position is found to be a primary regulator, with the ridge in the northwest (southwest) corresponding to anomalous moisture divergence (convergence) over the SE U.S. Changes in moisture transport consistent with the increased frequency of these two ridge types in recent 30 years favor the intensification of summer precipitation variability.
Measurement of Spin-Lattice Relaxation Times in Double Spin-Echo Imaging

Calculation of tissue T1 in double spin-echo imaging (90 degrees-T-180 degrees-2T-180 degrees) using two repetition times (b1 and b2) has entailed an approximation that ignores the two 180 degrees pulses. The theoretical consequence of the simplification is to overestimate T1 with a fractional error that increases with increasing T1 faster than linearly in a manner dependent on the sequence parameters. With b1, b2, and T as parameters, the theory gives a family of curves relating T1 to the predicted ratio of signals acquired at b2 versus b1 intervals. Tissue T1 can be determined from the observed signal ratio with no approximation. Consideration of noise effect on the precision of T1 so determined favors the use, within limits, of higher b2/b1 ratio for the same b1 + b2 time. At constant b2/b1, using longer b1 + b2 permits wider range of T1 to be measurable with a specified minimum precision.
GROUND STATE OF LIQUID HELIUM (MASS 4)

The wave function describing the ground state of a boson system is approximated by the function $\ensuremath{\Psi}=\ensuremath{\Pi}\mathrm{exp}[\frac{1}{2}u({r}_{\mathrm{ij}})]$. The superposition approximation is then used to derive a linear, inhomogeneous integral equation for $\frac{\mathrm{du}}{\mathrm{dr}}$ in which the only other quantities occuring are the experimentally observed two-particle distribution function $g(r)$ and its first derivative. A numerical solution for ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ is computed and compared with the explicit approximate solution derived by Abe. Using the computed $u(r)$ and a proper smooth extrapolation of $g(r)$ into the region below the apparent cutoff at $r=2.34$ A, the kinetic energy of liquid ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ at absolute zero is estimated at 2.91\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}15}$ ergs/atom.A functional $J(\frac{\mathrm{du}}{\mathrm{dr}})$ is constructed with the property that Abe's integral equation for $\frac{\mathrm{du}}{\mathrm{dr}}$ is just the Euler equation associated with the problem of finding a $u$ for which $J$ takes on an extreme value. The extreme value of $J$ (actually a maximum) is simply related to the expectation value of the kinetic energy. The variational property is used to determine the best $u(r)$ from a family of trial functions.The calculated value of the kinetic energy and the measured total energy are used, in conjunction with the virial theorem, to determine the coefficients of a $6\ensuremath{-}n$ Lennard-Jones potential. At $n=12$, the calculation yields a deeper potential well and a slightly wider repulsive region than is calculated from the properties of the gas phase.
Significance of entropic selectivity for advanced gas separation membranes

Commercial polymeric gas separation membranes exhibit a trade-off between productivity and selectivity. However, on this same trade-off curve molecular sieving materials like zeolites and carbon molecular sieves (CMS) lie above the upper bound for polymers. A comparison of the gas transport properties of these three different classes of materials highlights the importance of ``entropic selectivity`` which has hitherto not been focused on for membrane-based separation of gases. A whole new generation of polymeric membrane materials may result from enhancement of entropic selectivity of polymeric membrane materials.
Impact of thermal pretreatment on the fast pyrolysis conversion of Southern Pine

Background: Thermal pretreatment of biomass ranges from simple (nondestructive) drying to more severe treatments that cause devolatization, depolymerization and carbonization. These pretreatments have demonstrated promise for transforming raw biomass into feedstock material that has improved milling, handling, storage and conversion properties. In this work, southern pine material was pretreated at 120, 180, 230 and 270°C, and then subjected to pyrolysis tests in a continuous-feed bubbling-fluid bed pyrolysis system. Results: High pretreatment temperatures were associated with lower specific grinding energies, higher grinding rates and lower hydrogen and oxygen contents. Higher pretreatment temperatures were also correlated with increased char production, decreased total acid number and slight decrease in the oxygen content of the pyrolysis liquid fraction. Conclusion: Thermal pretreatment has both beneficial and detrimental impacts on fast pyrolysis conversion of pine material to bio-oil, and the effect ...
Detection of volcanic infrasound with a ring laser interferometer

Over the last 15 years, large horizontally mounted ring lasers have been used to study numerous geophysical phenomena. This paper provides examples of the sensitivity of large active ring laser interferometers to far field infrasound emissions from explosive volcanic eruptions. Volcanic infrasound is reported from representative eruptions of volcanoes Kelut (Kelud), Klyuchevskaya (Kliuchevskoi), Puyehua, Santa Maria, Sakurajima, and Tungurahua. The detected infrasound frequencies are in basic agreement with the far field air wave frequencies from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens and the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. Cavities of large horizontally mounted active ring lasers contain two counter-propagating waves that in the presence Earth's rotation become traveling waves of slightly different frequencies. The Sagnac or beat frequency due to the difference in the traveling wave frequencies is modulated by geophysical phenomena, in this case volcanic infrasound. Signatures of the infrasound are found in the frequency modulated side bands.
Output-Only Modal Analysis of Randomly Excited Systems Using Smooth Orthogonal Decomposition

Modal parameter estimation in terms of natural frequencies and mode shapes is studied using smooth orthogonal decomposition (SOD) for randomly excited vibration systems. This work shows that under certain conditions, the SOD eigenvalue problem formulated from white noise induced response data can be tied to the unforced structural eigenvalue problem, and thus can be used for modal parameter estimation. Using output response ensembles only, the generalized eigenvalue problem is formed to estimate modal frequencies and modal vectors for a sixteen-degree-of-freedom lightly damped vibratory system. The estimated frequencies are compared against system frequencies obtained from the structural eigenvalue problem and estimated modal vectors are checked using the modal assurance criterion. Simulations show that for light damping, satisfactory results are obtained for estimating both system frequencies and modal vectors even in presence of sensor noise.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Potential use of MEG to understand abnormalities in auditory function in clinical populations

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) provides a direct, non-invasive view of neural activity with millisecond temporal precision. Recent developments in MEG analysis allow for improved source localization and mapping of connectivity between brain regions, expanding the possibilities for using MEG as a diagnostic tool. In this paper, we first describe inverse imaging methods (e.g., minimum-norm estimation) and functional connectivity measures, and how they can provide insights into cortical processing. We then offer a perspective on how these techniques could be used to understand and evaluate auditory pathologies that often manifest during development. Here we focus specifically on how MEG inverse imaging, by providing anatomically based interpretation of neural activity, may allow us to test which aspects of cortical processing play a role in (central) auditory processing disorder [(C)APD]. Appropriately combining auditory paradigms with MEG analysis could eventually prove useful for a hypothesis-driven understanding and diagnosis of (C)APD or other disorders, as well as the evaluation of the effectiveness of intervention strategies.
Biophysical characterization of interactions between the core binding factor α and β subunits and DNA

Core binding factors (CBFs) play key roles in several developmental pathways and in human disease. CBFs consist of a DNA binding CBFα subunit and a non-DNA binding CBFβ subunit that increases the affinity of CBFα for DNA. We performed sedimentation equilibrium analyses to unequivocally establish the stoichiometry of the CBFα:β:DNA complex. Dissociation constants for all four equilibria involving the CBFα Runt domain, CBFβ, and DNA were defined. Conformational changes associated with interactions between CBFα, CBFβ, and DNA were monitored by nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The data suggest that CBFβ ‘locks in’ a high affinity DNA binding conformation of the CBFα Runt domain.
Middle-aged and older Latino American women in the patient-doctor interaction.

Latino women's views of and actual experiences in the patient-doctor interaction have been little explored. In focus groups with middle-aged and older Latino women, topics including assertiveness in the medical encounter, experiences in actual medical encounters, and characteristics of the “ideal” doctor were explored. Contrary to conceptualizations in the literature, assertiveness was viewed as a reciprocal process between patient and doctor, rather than the behavior of the patient alone. Assertiveness centered on obtaining answers to patient health questions. Strategies for self-advocacy were indirect, primarily changing doctors when dissatisfied; while strategies for advocating for family members were direct, primarily expressing dissatisfaction directly to medical staff. Undocumented immigrant status was described as limiting self-assertion and medical care access. Age was linked to doctor gender preferences. Middle-aged women preferred female doctors, while older women preferred male doctors. Across groups, women expressed preference for Spanish-speaking doctors, but not for doctors of the same ethnicity. Trustworthiness was identified by participants as the most important doctor characteristic, and learnable behaviors as exemplifying trustworthiness.
Absence of somatic mosaicism in 17 families with hemophilia B: an analysis with a sensitivity 10- to 1000-fold greater than that of sequencing gels.

Most estimates of germ-line mosaicism have been derived from families in which there has been transmission of a mutated allele to two or more children by an unaffected individual. Previously, analyses for somatic mosaicism detected five such individuals by PCR-based sequencing and haplotype analysis at a sensitivity of approximately 1 mutant per 10 wild-type alleles. To determine whether mutations that occur later in embryogenesis also give rise to somatic mosaicism, we analyzed leukocyte DNA from 17 individuals in whom a mutation in the factor IX gene was known to have originated. Methods capable of detecting 1 mutant allele in 100–10 000 were utilized, and no further examples of somatic mosaicism were detected. If confirmed by future studies, the paucity of somatic mosaicism with mutant:wild-type allele frequencies ranging from 1:10 to 1:1000 (relative to the 11% of somatic mosaicism detected with mutant:wild-type allele frequencies of 1:1 to 1:10) may reflect a higher mutation rate and/or germ-line lineage allocation very early in embryogenesis.
IQ and Neuropsychological Predictors of Academic Achievement.

Word reading and math computation scores were predicted from Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence Full Scale IQ, 10 neuropsychological tests, and parent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ratings in 214 general population elementary school children. IQ was the best single predictor of achievement. In addition, Digit Span contributed significantly to reading prediction, and the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI) and Coding contributed to math prediction. The remaining neuropsychological test scores did not significantly improve achievement prediction. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a general ability factor (comprising the four IQ subtests, Digit Span, VMI, reading, and math), five factors made up solely of subtests from single measures (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Color and Word Test, Gordon Diagnostic System, California Verbal Learning Test, and ADHD ratings), a factor consisting of Grooved Pegboard Test and Coding, and a factor consisting of Symbol Search and Animal Naming Test.
Silurian δ13C stratigraphy: A view from North America

Three positive shifts in δ 13 C are recognized in well-dated carbonate successions in North America and can be confidently correlated with shifts in the Baltic region by using conodont and graptolite zonations. The δ 13 C excursions reach distinct peaks of +3‰ to +4‰ at the ends of the amorphognathoides and siluricus conodont zones and within the ludensis graptolite zone. The three events are associated with the most significant extinction horizons in the Silurian and occur near clastic-carbonate transitions that mark eustatic or oceanographic changes. The magnitudes of the two oldest δ 13 C peaks compare well with the Baltic region; however, the end- siluricus excursion reaches far greater values of as much as +11‰ in Sweden, likely reflecting local modification of the global seawater signature.
Electrophoretic Heterogeneity of Mammalian Galactose Dehydrogenase

Electrophoretically distinct forms of galactose dehydrogenase were demonstrated in various tissues of the rat. Phylogenetic comparisons revealed considerable variation with species in mammalian liver zymograms; virtually no activity was demonstrable in fish, pigeon, and frog liver. Ontogenetic studies of the rat revealed sequential appearance of liver isoenzymes.
Measurements of scattering and absorption changes in muscle and brain

Non-invasive techniques for the study of human brain function based on changes of the haemoglobin content or on changes of haemoglobin saturation have recently been proposed. Among the new methods, near-infrared transmission measurements may have significant advantages and complement well-established methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. Near-infrared measurements can be very fast, comparable in speed to electrophysiological measurements, bur are better localized. We will present the demonstration of measurements of millisecond signals due to brain activity in humans following stimulation of the visual cortex. However, major unresolved questions remain about the origin of the signals observed. Optical measurements on exposed cortex in animals show that both the absorption and the scattering coefficient are affected by neural activity. Model calculations show that the signals we detected may originate from rapid changes of the scattering coefficient in a region about 1 to 2 cm below the scalp. We discuss our measurement protocol, which is based on a frequency-domain instrument, and the algorithm to separate the absorption from the scattering contribution in the overall response. Our method produces excellent separation between scattering and absorption in relatively homogeneous masses such as large muscles. The extrapolation of our measurement protocol to a complex structure such as the human head is critically evaluated.
Growth and Electrophysiological Properties of Rat Embryonic Cardiomyocytes on Hydroxyl- and Carboxyl-Modified Surfaces

Biodegradable scaffolds such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) or poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) are commonly used materials in tissue engineering. The chemical composition of these scaffolds changes during degradation which provides a changing environment for the seeded cells. In this study we have developed a simple and relatively high-throughput method in order to test the physiological effects of this varying chemical environment on rat embryonic cardiac myocytes. In order to model the different degradation stages of the scaffold, glass coverslips were functionalized with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) and 11-mercapto-1-undecanol (MUL) as carboxyl- and hydroxyl-group presenting surfaces and also with trimethoxysilylpropyldiethylenetriamine (DETA) and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) as controls. Embryonic cardiac myocytes formed beating islands on all tested surfaces but the number of attached cells and beating patches was significantly lower on MUL compared to any of the other functionalized surfaces. Moreover, whole cell patch clamp experiments showed that the average length of action potentials generated by the beating cardiac myocytes were significantly longer on MUL compared to the other surfaces. Our results, using our simple test system, are in agreement with earlier observations that utilized the complex 3D biodegradable scaffold. Thus, surface functionalization with self-assembled monolayers combined with histological/physiological testing could be a relatively high throughput method for biocompatibility studies and for the optimization of the material/tissue interface in tissue engineering.
The calcite (10l̄4) cleavage surface in water: Early results of a crystal truncation rod study

Abstract This paper introduces the application of the crystal truncation rod (CTR) technique to the study of mineral-fluid interfaces. The CTR of the calcite (10l4) cleavage surface in contact with a calcite-saturated aqueous solution was measured as a function of time by using synchrotron X-ray radiation. These results are consistent with the presence of steps of monomolecular height (3.04 A high) separated by terrace areas, as observed in previous atomic force microscope studies of the calcite surface. We found that the step density decreased with time of exposure to solution, implying that the surface healed by migration and annihilation of monomolecular steps. An atomic model of the CTR measurements of the healed surface indicates that the atomic structure of the cleavage surface is not measurably different than that of (10l4) crystallographic planes within the crystal and the root mean square roughness of the terrace areas between steps is 0.35 ± 0.1 A. Higher resolution CTR measurements could reveal exact atomic positions of the calcite surface and the structure of aqueous fluids in the interfacial region.
Structure, expression, and chromosomal localization of the type I human vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor gene.

Abstract Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and other members of the pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) and secretin neuroendocrine peptide family are recognized with specificity by related G protein-coupled receptors. We report here the cloning, characterization, and chromosomal location of the gene encoding the human type I VIP receptor (HVR1), also termed the type II PACAP receptor. The gene spans approximately 22 kb and is composed of 13 exons ranging from 42 to 1400 bp and 12 introns ranging from 0.3 to 6.1 kb. Primer extension analysis with poly(A)+ RNA from human HT29 colonic adenocarcinoma cells indicated that the transcription initiation site is located at position -110 upstream of the first nucleotide (+1) of the translation start codon, and 75 nt downstream of a consensus CCAAT-box motif. The G+C-rich 5' flanking region contains potential binding sites for several nuclear factors, including Sp1, AP2, ATF, interferon regulatory factor 1, NF-IL6, acute-phase response factor, and NF-kappa B. The HVR1 gene is expressed selectively in human tissues with a relative prevalence of lung > prostate > peripheral blood leukocytes, liver, brain, small intestine > colon, heart, spleen > placenta, kidney, thymus, testis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization localized the HVR1 gene to the short arm of human chromosome 3 (3p22), in a region associated with small-cell lung cancer.
Genetic algorithm-based testing scenarios selection for the performance evaluation of crash imminent braking systems for pedestrian safety

Improving driving safety is one of the most important tasks for intelligent transportation systems. In recent years, active safety systems have been widely investigated and have been playing an important role in driving safety. Among these systems, pedestrian crash imminent braking systems are towards pedestrian safety and are able to predict potential crash/near-crash events associated with pedestrians and vehicles, and take appropriate actions to mitigate potential crash effects. In order to evaluate the performance of such systems, the authors need to design suitable testing scenarios, collect field data on the system performance, and analyze data to see how the systems behave for certain performance indices. Clearly, due to the time and cost of vehicle field testing, it is impossible to test every scenario for performance evaluation. Therefore, a subset of test scenarios, which are critical (i.e., in terms of crashes, fatalities, social cost, etc.) and capture key crash parameters, must be obtained for vehicle testing. In this paper, the authors propose a methodology that is based on Genetic Algorithm (GA) to find a subset of testing scenarios from a complete set of testing scenarios (obtained via crash databases), by satisfying given constraints. The authors show that the authors GA-based approach is effective and efficient. More specifically, it can find the approximated optimal testing scenarios in a much faster time than exhaustive search method. Field data are also used to validate the authors approach on the testing scenarios selection.
Effect of Inorganic Additives on Solutions of Nonionic Surfactants VI: Further Cloud Point Relations

Disperse dosage forms stabilized with nonionic surfactants frequently contain electrolytes as active ingredients or adjuvants. Salting out of the surfactants by these electrolytes may cause breakdown of the dosage forms. The cloud point of an aqueous solution of octoxynol 9 was used to measure the salt effects. Electrolytes which salt octoxynol 9 out lower its cloud point, while salting-in electrolytes raise it. The observed cloud point effects are discussed according to the mechanisms involved. Salting out by dehydration in competition with octoxynol 9 for the available water was observed with sulfate and phosphate anions, sodium, potassium, and ammonium tribasie cations, and the nonelectrolyte sorbitol. The extensive self-association of water by hydrogen bonds at and below room temperature weakens its solvent power. Ions which reduce this self-association, breaking the structure of water, increased the cloud point of octoxynol 9. Among them were the iodide, thiocyanate, and nitroprusside anions. Ions which tighten the structure of water and enhance its self-association salted the surfactant out, lowering its cloud point. Among these were the fluoride and hydroxide anions. Complex formation between the ether linkages of octoxynol 9 and the following cations increased its cloud point: hydrogen (from strong acids), silver, magnesium, and zinc. Including published data, the only cations which do not form complexes with polyoxyethylated surfactants (and are, therefore, unable to salt them in) were the alkali metal ions sodium, potassium, and cesium and the ammonium ion. The cloud point increases produced by a weak organic base and acids are ascribed to the formation of mixed solvents with water. The hydrotropes sodium salicylate, phenobarbital sodium, and sodium benzoate raised the cloud point appreciably even at low concentrations. The most efficient cloud point boosters were the three surfactants studied, namely, two ionic and a nonionic surfactant with an elevated cloud point. They formed mixed micelles with octoxynol 9. The changes in cloud point caused by electrolytes having a common ion were compared at equal values of a concentration parameter chosen to produce cloud point additivity. By using the nitrate ion as a reference and arbitrarily equating its change in cloud point to zero, cloud point shift values could be assigned to other individual ions. For the anions, these cloud point shift values were related by a smooth function to the lyotropic numbers in the Hofmeister series. There was no correlation between the cloud point shift values and the lyotropic numbers of cations, presumably because of complexation between the ether groups of octoxynol 9 and many of the cations.
Jumping with random reals

Abstract In the first part we study the relationship between basic properties of the ideal of measure zero sets and the properties of measure algebra. The second part is devotedto the structure of the set of random reals over models of ZFC.
First, do no harm: a curricular approach to reliability

To promote reliability, the adoption of deferred error coding within computer science curricula is advocated. It is both a sound development strategy and aligned well pedagogically. By deferring specific error handling (first, doing no harm) the student better appreciates error handling's subtleties and its importance as an independent topic. The presentation will also include taxonomies of exceptions and exception handlers, and the relationships between them. Much of the discussion is language independent, but specific attention is given to the Java checked exception controversy.
Neutron diffraction measurement of stress-induced transformation in superelastic NiTi

The formation of stress‐induced martensite in superelastic NiTi was studied by neutron diffraction during uniaxial compressive loading and unloading. The respective phase fractions were determined as a function of the applied stresses using a Rietveld refinement with a March–Dollase texture formulation. Before loading, the specimen was fully austenitic. At the highest applied stress of −625 MPa, about 90% of the austenitic phase had transformed to martensite, with a concomitant macroscopic strain of −2.8%. Upon unloading, all of the stress‐induced martensite reverted to austenite and the totality of the macroscopic strain was recovered. The propensity for various austenitic crystallographic orientations to transform at different stresses was determined and qualitative observation of this incipient texture in the austenite and of the inherent texture in the nascent martensite are reported.
Laser-induced detachment processes in an electric field

An analytic momentum-space wave function for an electron in both laser and static uniform electric fields is presented. It is used to obtain analytic multiphoton detachment cross sections in a static, uniform electric field which include effects of static-field-induced electron-photon interactions. These general results are not restricted to weak laser intensities or to weak static-field strengths and depend only on (a) the electric dipole approximation and (b) the approximation that final-state electron-atom interactions are ignored. Four specific predictions of our general formulas for the most interesting case of linearly polarized light polarized along the static-field direction are presented for weakly bound electrons initially in an s state. First, the effects of a weak static electric field on N-photon detachment cross sections near threshold are shown to be described by two modulation factors, one for odd N and one for even N, which depend only on a scaled energy. Second, for photodetachment in a static electric field, effects of static-field-induced electron-photon interactions are demonstrated. Third, the lifetime against field ionization is presented. Fourth, the cross section for electric-field-induced stimulated emission is presented. Numerical results for the latter three effects are presented for the ${\mathrm{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ ion. The simpler case of circularly polarized light directed along the static-electric-field direction is treated briefly. In particular, we show for this case that the static- and laser-field effects are uncoupled and that the near-threshold, weak static-electric-field modulation factors for the N-photon detachment cross sections are dependent on N.
Electrophoretic separation of catecholamine metabolites and the quantification of norepinephrine-7H3 metabolites in man

Abstract The difficulties and inherent lengthiness in the analysis of catecholamine metabolites in urine prompted this investigation. The electrophoretic behavior of a number of biogenic amines and their metabolites has been investigated. The efficacy of using a borate electrolyte has been illustrated. An electrophoretic procedure for the separation of norepinephrine-7H 3 metabolites in urine is given. From the electropherogram, a “metabolic profile” is readily obtained. The rapid separation and quantification of four principal areas of radioactivity in the electrophoresis is reported: A (normetanephrine), B (norepinephrine, normetanephrine sulfate), C (vanillylmandelic acid, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol sulfate, unknown (s) and D (3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid). The components of each of these areas have been largely elucidated. A method, mild and rapid, for the hydrolysis of sulfate conjugates is presented.
The choice of signal processing parameters in high density digital recording channels

Abstract For a high density NRZ recording channel the influence of head to tape spacing fluctuations and channel noise on digital signal detection were considered. It was determined that optimum levels of decision taking in the presence of additive noise and head to tape parameter changes coincide. Relationships which determine the signal to noise ratio change by integrating equalization or recorded signal waveform pre-emphasis were reviewed.
Changes in prevalence and characteristics of IgE-mediated food allergies in children referred to a tertiary care center in 2003 and 2008

Although epidemiological trends in peanut allergy have been determined, there are limited data for changes in prevalence and clinical characteristics for other common food allergens. This study was performed to determine the trends in prevalence and clinical characteristics of physician-diagnosed pediatric food allergy (FA) at a large urban-based tertiary care center from 2003 to 2008. The electronic medical record system was searched to identify all unique patients with FA as a diagnosis for 2003 and 2008. Included patients had either a definite clinical reaction on ingestion and (1) a positive specific IgE or skin-prick test or (2) food-specific IgE of >90% specificity. Patients with allergies to cow's milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat were included. The percentage of FA clinic patients increased from 3 to 8% over 5 years. The severity of initial reactions to food also increased from 2003 to 2008 (p < 0.05). Mean initial food-specific IgE decreased from 52 kU/L in 2003 to 40 kU/L in 2003 (p = 0.002). The age at diagnosis decreased from 2003 to 2008 for cow's milk (2.64-1.36 years; p < 0.05) and fish (5.10-2.86 years; p < 0.05) allergies. Peanuts and shellfish were associated with anaphylaxis and severe symptoms in 2008. Clinical characteristics of food-allergic reactions in this large tertiary care center worsened in severity over 5 years and reactions were associated with a lower specific IgE at presentation for peanut and shellfish allergy. Clinical presentation of FA may change over time and this phenomenon warrants study to determine contributory factors.
Evaluation of MM5 and Eta-10 Precipitation Forecasts over the Pacific Northwest during the Cool Season

Abstract Precipitation forecasts from the Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) and NCEP’s 10-km resolution Eta Model (Eta-10) are verified over the Pacific Northwest in order to show the effects of increasing horizontal resolution, the spatial variations in model skill across the region, and the relative differences in performance between the two modeling systems. The MM5 is verified at 36- and 12-km resolution for 9 December 1996 through 30 April 1997 using approximately 150 cooperative observer and National Weather Service precipitation sites across the Pacific Northwest. A noticeable improvement in bias, equitable threat, and root-mean-square (rms) error scores occurs as the horizontal resolution is increased. The spatial distribution of bias and equitable threat scores across Washington and Oregon indicate that the 12-km MM5 generates too much precipitation along the steep windward slopes and not enough precipitation in the lee of major barriers....
The Energy Systems Research Center Electric Power System Simulation Laboratory and Energy Management System Control Center

The increasing complexity of the systems that monitor and control a modern power grid require of the power engineer and system operator a correspondingly greater fundamental understanding of phenomena occurring in the system from a system point of view. With the objective of giving the engineer and operator this increased understanding, the Energy Systems Research Center is now in the process of constructing a model electric power system coupled with a commercially available Energy Management System control center. The combination of EMS and realistic power system model make this a unique laboratory in which can be performed studies in stability, system control, power system load modeling, etc. The paper gives an overview of the design of the realistically scaled down, three phase model power system, and it's integration with the EMS control center. The paper concludes with a discussion of how the laboratory is to be used.
A thin-film gas detector for semiconductor process gases

The authors report an integrated silicon sensor capable of monitoring the purity of semiconductor process gases at or near the point of use. The device utilizes a selectively etched dielectric window, which supports a thin deposited metal film and electrodes for sensing the film conductivity. The planar 1.2-mm*1.2-mm*1- mu m-thick window has a buried diffused-silicon heater. The window has a heating efficiency of about 3 degrees C/mW and a time constant of 10 ms. With an 8.5-nm-thick Pt film, the device has shown sensitivity to O/sub 2/ to CF/sub 4/ but not to CF/sub 4/ alone. >
Comparison of Respiratory Infections before and after Percutaneous Tracheostomy

BACKGROUND A tracheostomy is often performed when patients cannot be weaned from mechanical ventilation. Respiratory infections (ventilator-associated pneumonia and infection of the lower respiratory tract) complicate the course of hospitalization in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. OBJECTIVES To evaluate respiratory infections before and after a percutaneous tracheostomy and to describe their outcomes. METHODS Medical records of adults who had percutaneous tracheostomy during a 1-year period at a tertiary care hospital in the southeastern United States were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS Data for 322 patients were analyzed. Patients were predominately male (63.0%) and white (57.8%), with a mean age of 57.4 years. Ventilator-associated pneumonia or infection of the lower respiratory tract was identified in 90 patients (28.0%); the majority of infections were lower respiratory infections. Of all infections, 52% occurred before the tracheostomy, and 48% occurred after the procedure. Respiratory infections were associated with longer stays and higher costs, which were significantly higher in patients in whom the infection developed after the tracheostomy. Gram-negative organisms were responsible for the majority of infections. CONCLUSIONS Data related to respiratory infections that occurred before a tracheostomy were similar to data related to infections that occurred after a tracheostomy. Most infections were classified as lower respiratory infection rather than pneumonia. Infection, before or after a tracheostomy, resulted in longer stays and higher costs for care. Interventions focused on preventing infection before and after tracheostomy are warranted.