cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transmembrane distribution of lithium and sodium in erythrocytes of depressed patients

In this investigation the intracellular: extracellular distribution of lithium across the erythrocyte membrane (RBC lithium distribution) was studied in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro studies were conducted by incubating cells from drug-free subjects in lithium-containing physiologic media. The in vivo studies consisted of measurements of plasma and erythrocyte (RBC) lithium and sodium concentrations during lithium carbonate treatment. Previous observations of a correlation between in vitro and in vivo RBC lithium distribution values were verified, and it was found that addition of 0.1 mM ouabain to the in vitro incubation media abolished this correlation. To examine the relationship between RBC lithium distribution and specific clinical features of depression, in vitro studies were conducted with RBCs from 20 depressed patients and 14 nondepressed control subjects. The patients were categorized as having bipolar (manic-depressive), unipolar, or secondary depressive disorders. After in vitro incubation with lithium for 48 h, the RBCs from bipolar patients had lithium distribution values that were similar to those observed in ouabain-treated cells. It appears that the lithium transport characteristics of RBCs of bipolar patients may differ from those of other depressed patients or nondepressed subjects.
The kinetics of oxidative coupling of 2,6‐dimethylphenol with a copper‐diamine catalyst system

Reaction rate measurements show that a Michaelis-Menten model proposed earlier is inadequate to describe the full course of the polymerization of 2,6-dimethylphenol to poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide). Modification of this model to include the effects of catalyst deactivation during the reaction and difference in reactivity between the monomer and other oligomers resulted in much greater accuracy. The kinetic constants in the modified model were influenced by reaction temperature, system composition, and method of catalyst component addition.
Computer simulations of shear and friction between polymer brushes

Surface-polymer interactions are important in many technological applications, such as colloidal stabilization and adherence. During the past few years, considerable progress has been made in understanding these interactions and the forces between polymer-bearing surfaces. Under steady-state shear flow, simulations of end-grafted polymers show that whereas some of the individual polymer chains stretch in the direction of flow, the height of the grafted layer is only weakly dependent on the shear rate. When two surfaces bearing end-grafted chains are brought into contact, the normal force is observed in simulation to increase rapidly whereas the shear force is much smaller leading to a very small effective coefficient of friction. This behavior is in agreement with experiment.
GWAS meets microarray: are the results of genome-wide association studies and gene-expression profiling consistent? Prostate cancer as an example.

Background: Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and global profiling of gene expression (microarrays) are two major technological breakthroughs that allow hypothesis-free identification of candidate genes associated with tumorigenesis. It is not obvious whether there is a consistency between the candidate genes identified by GWAS (GWAS genes) and those identified by profiling gene expression (microarray genes). Methodology/Principal Findings: We used the Cancer Genetic Markers Susceptibility database to retrieve single nucleotide polymorphisms from candidate genes for prostate cancer. In addition, we conducted a large meta-analysis of gene expression data in normal prostate and prostate tumor tissue. We identified 13,905 genes that were interrogated by both GWASs and microarrays. On the basis of P values from GWASs, we selected 1,649 most significantly associated genes for functional annotation by the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. We also conducted functional annotation analysis using same number of the top genes identified in the meta-analysis of the gene expression data. We found that genes involved in cell adhesion were overrepresented among both the GWAS and microarray genes. Conclusions/Significance: We conclude that the results of these analyses suggest that combining GWAS and microarray data would be a more effective approach than analyzing individual datasets and can help to refine the identification of candidate genes and functions associated with tumor development.
Piles for hyperdimensional graphics

Abstract Traditional 2-D symbolic hyperdimensional presentation techniques are deficient for comparing corresponding values on different symbols. This paper presents piles which overcome this problem by stacking the synbols on an axis. Columns, a piled technique based on hyperdimensional stars, are presented as an illustration. An application to the federal tax system demonstrates the analysis of data using this technique and demonstrates its superiority to traditional 2-D techniques.
Relative efficiency of three methods for chemical control of Pacific coast wireworms in potatoes

Data from six experiments with registered, nonpersistent chemical compounds for control of Pacific coast wireworm (Limonius canus Le-Conte) were combined to elucidate the relative efficiency of three types of treatments. The treatments were soil fumigation and band or broadcast applications of granular organophosphorus insecticides.
Subcilial Sliding Skin‐Muscle Flap Repair of Anterior Lamella Lower Eyelid Defects

Defects, of the anterior lamella of the lower eyelid are common following Mohs micrographic surgery. Often, such defects are repaired with free skin grafts. The author reviews the treatment of such defects utilizing a single subcilial incision to develop a sliding blepharo-plasty-type flap, which is advanced medially or laterally, as needed, into the defect. Larger defects may require Putterman's modified Tenzel flap. Final lid function, position, and cosmesis were superior to the results expected from free skin grafts alone in four of the author's five cases. Indications, limitations, modifications, technical aspects, benefits and potential pitfalls of reconstructive subcilial flaps are discussed.
You Can Go Home Again: Returning Group Research to the Group Context with an Eye on Developmental Issues

Much of the research on group behavior, especially that involving social cognition, has been conducted outside the group setting and devoid of social interaction. Some of the reasons for this include the view that group factors (especially developmentalfactors) are unimportant, the difficulty of conducting group-based research, and the lack of compatible group theories to guide the research. This is an unfortunate oversight because the practice fails to include many group variables that are important to the behaviors under study, and the research fails to contribute to our understanding of group dynamics. One of the variables overlooked when research is removedfrom the group setting is influence of group development. A model of group development is presented suggesting that development occurs through the cyclical stages of Discontent, Precipitating Incident, Identification, Group Productivity, Individuation, and Decay. The model offers specific hypotheses abouta host of social behaviors and cognitions. So...
Dynamic shape modeling of the mitral valve from real-time 3D ultrasound images using continuous medial representation

Purpose: Patient-specific shape analysis of the mitral valve from real-time 3D ultrasound (rt-3DUS) has broad application to the assessment and surgical treatment of mitral valve disease. Our goal is to demonstrate that continuous medial representation (cm-rep) is an accurate valve shape representation that can be used for statistical shape modeling over the cardiac cycle from rt-3DUS images. Methods: Transesophageal rt-3DUS data acquired from 15 subjects with a range of mitral valve pathology were analyzed. User-initialized segmentation with level sets and symmetric diffeomorphic normalization delineated the mitral leaflets at each time point in the rt-3DUS data series. A deformable cm-rep was fitted to each segmented image of the mitral leaflets in the time series, producing a 4D parametric representation of valve shape in a single cardiac cycle. Model fitting accuracy was evaluated by the Dice overlap, and shape interpolation and principal component analysis (PCA) of 4D valve shape were performed. Results: Of the 289 3D images analyzed, the average Dice overlap between each fitted cm-rep and its target segmentation was 0.880±0.018 (max=0.912, min=0.819). The results of PCA represented variability in valve morphology and localized leaflet thickness across subjects. Conclusion: Deformable medial modeling accurately captures valve geometry in rt-3DUS images over the entire cardiac cycle and enables statistical shape analysis of the mitral valve.
ALCHEMY AND THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY METALLURGISTS

CHEMISTRYhas often been portrayed as having evolved from alchemy. The works of Robert Boyle in the last part of the seventeenth century and those of Joseph Black, Joseph Priestley, Henry Cavendish, and Antoine Lavoisier in the eighteenth century are usually cited as being significant in turning the minds of men from alchemy as an art to chemistry as a science. Not always mentioned by historians of chemistry is the fact that already in the sixteenth century there existed a considerable body of chemical knowledge relating to a number of metals and allied compounds. There also existed during that century a small coterie of metallurgists who denounced the practices and frauds of the alchemists. Both groups were interested in the metals, the alchemists being particularly interested in gold and silver. During that century a considerable number of publications concerning the metals appeared. One group of important works by the sixteenth-century metallurgists is characterized by the clarity of expression, while the writings of the alchemists are shrouded in obscurity. The first metallurgist of note was Vannoccio Biringuccio (I48o-I539), who was born in Sienna and probably died in Rome. His life is closely associated with the Petrucci family of Sienna. He spent his last year or two in Rome as head of the Papal foundry and munitions. Little is known of his education, but during his lifetime he travelled widely in Italy and Germany visiting many kinds of mining operations and installations. His fame rests on the publication of the first complete metallurgical book based on careful observation of practice and experimentation. The book, De la Pirotechnia, commonly called the Pirotechnia, was published in I540 a year after the author's death by Curtio Navo under the auspices of the Pope, the Emperor, and the Venetian Senate. The Pirotechnia appeared three years before De Revolutionibus Orbium Celestium of Nicholas Copernicus and De Humani Corporis Fabrica of Andreas Vesalius and 60 years before the publication of De M agnete of William Gilbert, three well~known classics leading to the study of modern science. During the years, a number of editions of the Pirotechnia appeared in Italian, French, English, and finally in German. The English editions, however, were not satisfactory until the translation of Cyril Stanley Smith and Martha Teach Gnudi appeared in I942. This work was published by the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers. Because of the limited number of copies printed, the edition was soon very scarce and was reprinted in I959 by Basic Books in its collectors series in science, thus making the Pirotechnia available to all English-speaking scholars.
Science And Technology As "Public Knowledge"

In a small book entitled "Public Knowledge, an Essay Concerning the Social Dimension of Science,"* a well-known theoretical physicist, John H. Ziman, points out that science is not "merely published knowledge or information." He argues that "its facts and theories must survive a period of critical study and testing by other competent and interested individuals." It is not until general acceptance has been gained that facts and theories merit the classification as science. Thus to add to the body of knowledge in science requires "a consensus of rational opinion over the widest possible field."**
Difficulty and familiarity norms for 192 single-solution word fragments

Normative data are presented for the probability of successfully completing 192 single-solution word fragments. Normative data on the familiarity of college students with the solution words are also given, along with estimates of word frequency from existing norms. Regression analyses were performed in order to predict fragment completion difficulty from familiarity, frequency, and several structural characteristics of the fragments. Familiarity, whether or not first and/or last letters appeared in the fragment, and the ratio of letters to missing letters in the fragment were included in the regression equation as significant predictors of difficulty for this fragment set.
Nature and causes of the immediate extinction deficit: a brief review.

Abstract Recent data in both rodents and humans suggests that the timing of extinction trials after conditioning influences the magnitude and duration of extinction. For example, administering extinction trials soon after Pavlovian fear conditioning in rats, mice, and humans results in minimal fear suppression – the so-called immediate extinction deficit. Here I review recent work examining the behavioral and neural substrates of the immediate extinction deficit. I suggest that extinction is most effective at some delay after conditioning, because brain systems involved in encoding and retrieving extinction memories function sub-optimally under stress.
Heat transfer to cylinders in helium and helium-air mixtures

Abstract Measurements have been made of the heat transfer from platinum wires in the Reynolds number range 0.03–10 in helium and helium-air mixtures. Although no theory for such heat transfer exists, it is shown that a heuristic calculation procedure provides estimates for use in hot wire anemometry.
A model for the involvement of viroids in RNA splicing

Abstract A model is proposed for the interaction of viroid RNA with the RNA splicing components of host cells. This proposal is based on the observation that the intermediate isolate, PD, of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTV) contains sequence elements identical to those at the 5′ end of mammalian Ul RNA which have been implicated in eukaryotic mRNA splicing. Similar but not identical regions are also present in the genomes of chrysanthemum stunt viroid (CSV) and a mild isolate of PSTV (PM). All differences between the sequence of PD and that of PM fall within the regions of proposed interaction and decrease the potential for base pairing of PM to host mRNA precursors. Furthermore, the degree of complementarity of each viroid to splice junctions of mRNA precursors correlates with the severity of disease caused in chrysanthemum plants. Such interactions could induce disease in plants by interfering with cellular mRNA processing and could facilitate ligation of viroid RNA as the last step in replication.
Observations on detecting left ventricular thrombus with two dimensional echocardiography: emphasis on avoidance of false positive diagnoses

Observations made in detecting left ventricular thrombus with two dimensional echocardiography in 25 patients are reviewed. In 20 patients thrombus was documented on angiography, surgery postmortem examination or serial two dimensional echocardiographic findings; in the remaining five patients two dimensional echocardiographic findings of thrombus were unequivocal. In all 25 patients wall motion abnormalities ranging from hypokinesia to frank dyskinesia were present at the site of the thrombus. Twenty-three patients had an apical thrombus; two had thrombus adjacent to the inferior wall. Clear delineation of the endocardium and thrombus margin was considered essential to the correct diagnosis of thrombus. Both intracavitary motion of the thrombus margin and a layering effect were noted infrequently although they were of benefit in identifying an intracardiac mass as thrombus. In addition, serial evaluations were helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis. False positive diagnoses can be minimized if one understands certain technical limitations of this method and correctly identifies apical structures that are not thrombi. Axial and lateral resolution problems inherent with this technique can produce intracavitary echoes that may simulate thrombi. In addition, normal or pathologic structures at the apex may also simulate thrombi. These structures include the papillary muscles, muscular trabeculae, chordal structures and tangential information from normal myocardium. Varying the sector orientation or acoustic window, or both, will aid in correctly identifying these structures and distinguishing them from left ventricular thrombi.
Dielectric breakdown of a Mott insulator

We study the nonequilibrium steady state of a Mott insulator coupled to a thermostat and driven by a constant electric field, starting from weak fields, until the dielectric breakdown, and beyond. We find that the conventional Zener picture does not describe the steady-state physics. In particular, the current at weak field is found to be controlled by the dissipation. Moreover, in connection with the electric-field-driven dimensional crossover, we find that the dielectric breakdown occurs when the field strength is on the order of the Mott gap of the corresponding lower-dimensional system. We also report a resonance and the meltdown of the quasiparticle peak when the field strength is half of this Mott gap.
Efficient persistence of extrachromosomal KSHV DNA mediated by latency-associated nuclear antigen.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells harbor Kaposi9s sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV) episomes and express a KSHV-encoded latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA). In PEL cells, LANA and KSHV DNA colocalized in dots in interphase nuclei and along mitotic chromosomes. In the absence of KSHV DNA, LANA was diffusely distributed in the nucleus or on mitotic chromosomes. In lymphoblasts, LANA was necessary and sufficient for the persistence of episomes containing a specific KSHV DNA fragment. Furthermore, LANA colocalized with the artificial KSHV DNA episomes in nuclei and along mitotic chromosomes. These results support a model in which LANA tethers KSHV DNA to chromosomes during mitosis to enable the efficient segregation of KSHV episomes to progeny cells.
Ammonium hexafluorosilicate salts

Abstract The preparation and characterization of the ammonium hexafluorosilicate salts, 2[R]+ [SiF6]2− (where R=piperidinium (2), methylammonium (3), quinolinium (4), acridinium (5), 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinium (6), and propylammonium (7)) is described. The salts were prepared from the reaction of the corresponding alkylammonium fluoride with silica gel. The compounds were characterized by NMR, IR, mass spectrometry and in the case of 1 (piperidinium fluoride), 2–4 by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 1–3 crystallize in the orthorhombic crystal system (space groups Iba2, Fdd2, and Pnnm, respectively), with Z=8, 14, and 4, respectively. Compound 4 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1, with Z=2. Compounds 1–4 exhibit hydrogen bonding.
Optical Fiber Coupling Using The Photorefractive Effect In BaTiO 3

An optical fiber coupler based on the semi-linear passive phase conjugate mirror is analyzed. The threshold coupling strength is determined from theoretical considerations. An estimate of 50% for the minimum overall coupling efficiency is made assuming there is good mode matching between the incident light and the fiber. The coupler should exhibit a high degree of alignment insensitivity providing for simple construction.
LACK OF BENEFIT OF CLONIDINE TREATMENT FOR SHORT STATURE IN A DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL

Twelve short (more than two standard deviations below the mean height for age), prepubertal children (ten boys, two girls) who had a normal peak growth hormone (GH) response to provocative stimulation with clonidine (more than 10 ng/ml) were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of the effects of a single, nightly dose of clonidine (0.1 mg/m2 by mouth). The children's mean age was 7.2 years (range 3.6-10.5 years). The results of 6 months of clonidine therapy were compared with those of 6 months of placebo. Clonidine therapy resulted in no significant difference in height standard deviation score, growth velocity, bone age, 24 h integrated GH concentration, peak GH response to clonidine stimulation, levels of insulin-like growth factor 1, or predicted height by the RWT method. In contrast to other studies, this study shows no sustained increases in GH production or in improved growth velocity with long-term administration of a single daily dose of clonidine. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the need for well-designed, placebo-controlled trials in paediatrics.
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it--an update on B. burgdorferi adhesins.

Adhesion is the initial event in the establishment of any infection. Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme disease, possesses myriad proteins termed adhesins that facilitate contact with its vertebrate hosts. B. burgdorferi adheres to host tissues through interactions with host cells and extracellular matrix, as well as other molecules present in serum and extracellular fluids. These interactions, both general and specific, are critical in the establishment of infection. Modulation of borrelial adhesion to host tissues affects the microorganisms ’s ability to colonize, disseminate, and persist. In this review, we update the current knowledge on structure, function, and role in pathogenesis of these “sticky” B. burgdorferi infection-associated proteins.
Abstract 3390: Epigenetic corruption of the Vitamin D signaling in prostate cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Prostate epithelial cells are sensitive to nuclear receptor (NR) ligands, activating downstream targets and reducing proliferation rate. However, advanced prostate cancer (PCa) cells lose their sensitivity to NR ligands such as the secosteroid hormone 1,25(OH)2D3 (VitD). The Lysine Specific Demethylase 1A (LSD1) belongs to the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex and targets lysine residues on histone and non-histone proteins. LSD1 is upregulated in PCa tumors and binds to the VitD Receptor (VDR), modulating VDR target gene transcription. LSD1 knockdown increases cells sensitivity to VitD while increasing basal proliferation rate. LSD1 overexpression further increases PCa cells sensitivity to VitD leading to a significant reduction in cell viability. Transcriptionally, LSD1 acts as both coactivator and corepressor for transcription factors, including the Androgen Receptor (AR) and VDR. Upon treatment with VitD, LSD1 mediates VDR-dependent transcription by repressing Cdkn1a and E2f1 VDR induced transcription and promoting Cyp24a1 and S100g mRNA accumulation. Furthermore LSD1 knockdown leads to a reduction of Cdkn1a basal expression. VitD treatment also promotes the physical association of LSD1 with nuclear HDAC2 and VDR. ChIP analysis in cells with reduced LSD1 levels showed differential recruitment of VDR, DNMT1 and phospho-PolII and differential histone modification (acetylation and methylation) levels at the TSS region of the genes analyzed upon VitD treatment. Significantly different recruitment of the previously mentioned proteins is also observed at the TSS region of untreated cells, suggesting that LSD1 modulates chromatin structure and transcription factor recruitment independently from VDR status. MassARRAY Quantitative DNA Methylation Analysis and microfluidic methylation array experiments investigated the methylation status of VDR target genes and PCa relevant genes. Analysis of TCGA clinical samples using LSD1 and DNMT1 as beacon revealed a gene signature altered in 40-90% of the data, enriched in networks involved in cell cycle control, chromatin modification and transcriptional regulation. VDR-mediated transcription in advanced PCa is squelched by differential activity of coregulatory proteins. LSD1 is overexpressed in malignancies and suggested as therapeutic target. Furthermore, NR ligands are currently used in clinical trials to test their chemotherapeutic/chemopreventive effect. This newly identified role for LSD1 in the VDR transcriptional network will help better defining the mechanism or resistance of advanced PCa to NR ligands. Citation Format: Sebastiano Battaglia, Steven Seedhouse, Ellen Karasik, Dominic Smiraglia, Barbara Foster. Epigenetic corruption of the Vitamin D signaling in prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3390. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3390
Public Opinion at the Macro Level

My book “The Macro Polity,” coauthored with Michael B. MacKuen and James A. Stimson and published in 2002, depicts the dynamics of public opinion and electoral politics in the United States at the macro level; the analysis is based on micro-level foundations of micro-level political behavior. This essay presents the book's main arguments, in some instances extending the analysis beyond its original 1956–1996 time frame to incorporate data from the George W. Bush administration. The central thesis is that there is more rationality and predictability to American politics when viewed in the aggregate than one might infer from considering only the limited political awareness of the average citizen.
Modeling diffusional growth during austenite decomposition to ferrite in polycrystalline FeC alloys

A grain-boundary-nucleated, diffusional growth model of austenite decomposition to proeutectoid ferrite is developed for polycrystalline iron-carbon alloys. The diffusion equation is solved under restricted diffusion conditions using the quasi-static method and employing local thermodynamic equilibrium at the disordered austenite:ferrite interface. Decomposition kinetics for a model polycrystalline material consisting of a log-normal distribution of spherical grains are calculated numerically. Effects of temperature, overall carbon concentration, volume change, austenite grain size and carbon buildup in the centers of the austenite grains are included in the treatment. A scaling factor is deduced that enables the effect of austenite grain size on transformation kinetics to be characterized provided kinetic information is available for one grain size. Experiments carried out on a laboratory steel verified the applicability of the scaling factor, Also, partial I-T and C-T diagrams can be computed from the model and sample calculations are presented for an iron + 0.036 wt% carbon steel.
On a stochastic theory of grain growth—II

The stochastic theory of grain growth proposed previously [C. S. Pande, Acta metall.35, 2671 (1987)] is developed further in this paper. This theory leads to a Fokker-Planck equation for the grain size distribution. Two different “deterministic” terms for this equation, one proposed by Hillert and other by Pande, are compared. It is found that contrary to expectations Hillert's determistic term even with the addition of a “diffusion” like term does not lead to a grain size distribution which could be in agreement with experiments. The deterministic term proposed by Pande, leads to a grain size distribution which is similar to lognormal distribution, and closer to experimental results.
Flattening spacetime near the Earth

Experimental regions where all forces are minimized are desired for many types of space experiments such as those involving gravity measurements and materials processing. In a free-fall orbit, the gravity acceleration force of the Earth is canceled to first order by the orbital motion. The cancellation, however, is perfect only at the center of mass of the freely falling object. At the other points in the object there will be accelerations induced by the gravity gradient tides of the Earth. These can cause acceleration forces of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}$ m/${\mathrm{sec}}^{2}$ (10 nanogravities) at a distance of only 3 cm from the center of mass and proportionately larger accelerations at greater distances. We show that if we place six 100-kg spheres in a ring whose plane is orthogonal to the local vertical and whose center is at the center of mass of the experiment, the gravity attraction of the spheres will produce a counter-tide that can reduce the Earth tide accelerations by factors of 100 or more in significant experiment volumes. We give an example where we produced calculated acceleration levels below ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}11}$ m/${\mathrm{sec}}^{2}$ (1 picogravity) over a disk-shaped experiment volume 30 cm in diameter and 20 cm thick in a geostationary orbit space laboratory. In materials-processing experiments, the acceleration levels attainable will be limited by the self-gravity of the material being processed. Typical self-gravity acceleration levels are 1-100 nanogravities near the outer surface of batches of moderately dense materials a number of centimeters in size. The self-gravity of a disk-shaped sample can be reduced by first using "guard rings" and "guard caps" to smooth out edge effects. Then a combination of gravity gradients from two massive spheres and rotation of the sample can be used to null the self-gravity everywhere inside the sample disk. We give an example where the maximum surface acceleration in a disk of water 30 cm in diameter and 10 cm thick in geostationary orbit is reduced by a factor of 2000 from 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$ m/${\mathrm{sec}}^{2}$ (3 nanogravities) to 1.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}11}$ m/${\mathrm{sec}}^{2}$ (1.3 picogravities). Since the gravity gradient forces in a region are manifestations of the Riemann curvature of spacetime caused by the mass of the Earth and the self-mass of the experiment, these techniques for reducing the gravity forces in a region can be thought of as a method for "flattening" a region of spacetime---even a region that has mass in it.
A study of the amplitude of vibration of carbon atoms in the graphite structure

The changes with temperature in the integrated intensity of the 0004 and 0006 reflections from graphite specimens have been measured by means of an X-ray counter diffractometer, using a high temperature attachment developed originally for thermal expansion studies. Three varieties of graphite were examined, a spectroscopic material p≅0·2, a pyrolytic carbon of p≅0·1 and a pyrolytic carbon p≅0·8. The range of temperature between 1200 and 2500°C was covered. Values of the amplitude of vibration of carbon atoms normal to the layer planes were derived from the intensity measurements and a room temperature value of 0·099 A was assumed. Tables and graphical representations of the results are presented. It is shown that the amplitude of vibration increases continuously with temperature for all the samples in the temperature range considered and at elevated temperatures the amplitude increases nearly as rapidly as the interlayer spacing; hence the mean “free space” between the layer planes decreases as temperature increases. The degree to which atomic movement is hindered in the graphite structure is a function of stacking disorder and not of the degree of preferred orientation of the graphite.
Making commitments, creating lives: Linking women's roles and personality at midlife

This study examined the midlife personality implications of different long-term patterns of commitment to work1 and family in a sample of educated women. Women with different work commitment patterns differed on both observer and self-report of instrumentality, and on observer report of interpersonal orientation and valuation of social norms. Women with different family-role commitment patterns differed only on self-report of valuation of social norms. Multivariate analyses also indicated that interpersonal orientation and instrumentality may not represent bipolar ends of the same personality continuum, and that interpersonal orientation as a broad personality domain may be comprised of distinct qualities (i.e., warmth vs. dependence). Taken together, these findings imply that when variations in the nature of women's work and family commitments are taken into account, a more comprehensive understanding of the similarities and differences in their personalities can result.
A Prototype Instrument to Evaluate Fatigue Damage in the Sidewalls of Steel‐Belted Radial Truck Tires

Abstract Using the acousto‐ultrasonic approach, a prototype instrument capable of detecting and evaluating ply cord fatigue damage, which is a likely cause of the zipper mode of failure in radial steel belted truck tires, has been developed. The instrument has the potential to be production oriented and capable of being used for on‐line inspection of new or used tires. The instrument is capable of producing color‐coded scans, thereby reducing the possibility of operator error that could result in damaged tires being placed in service. Results for two tires, one with seeded defects and the other with field fatigue damage, are presented and discussed.
Interaction of the N-terminal domain of apolipoprotein E4 with heparin.

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is an important lipid-transport protein in human plasma and brain. It has three common isoforms (apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4). ApoE is a major genetic risk factor in heart disease and in neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's disease. The interaction of apoE with heparan sulfate proteoglycans plays an important role in lipoprotein remnant uptake and likely in atherogenesis and Alzheimer's disease. Here we report our studies of the interaction of the N-terminal domain of apoE4 (residues 1-191), which contains the major heparin-binding site, with an enzymatically prepared heparin oligosaccharide. Identified by its high affinity for the N-terminal domain of apoE4, this oligosaccharide was determined to be an octasaccharide of the structure ¢UAp2S(1f(4)-R-D-GlcNpS6S- (1f4)-R-L-IdoAp2S(1f)34)-R-D-GlcNpS6S by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, capillary electrophoresis, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Kinetic analysis of the interaction between the N-terminal apoE4 fragment and immobilized heparin by surface plasmon resonance yielded a Kd of 150 nM. A similar binding constant (Kd ) 140 nM) was observed for the interaction between immobilized N-terminal apoE4 and the octasaccharide. Isothermal titration calorimetry revealed a Kd of 75 nM for the interaction of the N-terminal apoE fragment and the octasaccharide with a binding stoichiometry of approximately 1:1. Using previous studies and molecular modeling, we propose a binding site for this octasaccharide in a basic residue-rich region of helix 4 of the N-terminal fragment. From the X-ray crystal structure of the N-terminal apoE4, we predicted that binding of the octasaccharide at this site would result in a change in intrinsic fluorescence. This prediction was confirmed experimentally by an observed increase in fluorescence intensity with octasaccharide binding corresponding to a Kd of 1 IM.
Linguistic-labels aggregation and consensus measure for autocratic decision making using group recommendations

Group decision making is a common and important activity in everyday life. In many cases, due to inherent uncertainty, experts cannot express their score or preference using exact numbers. The use of linguistic labels makes expert judgment more reliable and informative for decision-making. One of the problems of group decision making in fuzzy domains is aggregating experts' opinions, expressed using linguistic labels, into a group opinion. This aggregation allows the group to select the most "preferred" alternative from a finite set of candidates. The aggregation of individual judgments into a group opinion requires a measured level of consensus. In this paper, by introducing a new linguistic-labels aggregation operation, we present a procedure for handling an autocratic group decision-making process under linguistic assessments. The methodology presented results in two consequent outcomes: a group-based recommendation, and a score for each expert, reflecting the expert's contribution towards the group recommendation. By changing the weights of the experts based on their contributions, we increase the consensus and reinforce the common decision, without forcing the experts to modify their opinions. This methodology allows an autocratic decision maker to use a diversified group of consultants for a succession of decisions reaching a high level of consensus
Enzymatic hydrolysis of nitriles by an engineered nitrile hydratase (papain Gln19Glu) in aqueous-organic media.

A mutant of the cysteine protease papain, displaying nitrile hydratase and amidase activities, was expressed in Pichia pastoris and used for the hydrolysis of peptide nitriles in aqueous-organic media. The rate of hydrolysis of these nitriles is lowered by increasing acetone concentration. This is caused by an increase of the Michaelis constant, and a variation of V max proportional to the amount of water in the mixture. The hydrolysis of the amide is less affected by the increase in co-solvent, which results in lower accumulation of this intermediate product. With the peptide nitrile tested, high nitrile concentrations could be used to promote the production of the amide and prevent its hydrolysis to the acid by diminishing the relative rate of amide hydrolysis. A number of non-peptidyl nitriles were also tested as potential substrates but activity was detected for only one compound with structural resemblance to peptide nitriles.
Heuristic synthesis of nonsharp separation sequences

The preliminary synthesis of ordinary distillation schemes for separating a single feed into desired products is examined. Nonsharp products are emphasized, i.e., when components are desired in more than one product. Such sets lead naturally to columns with incomplete separation of the key components, including one-section columns. Stream bypassing around separators and limited stream splitting are permitted. Sequences cannot have separators with identical key components, and only limited product fragmentation is considered. A heuristic ordering of separation options, coupled with a depth-first application on a pictorial or a matrix representation of a stream, is proposed. Subsequently a best-first search identifies the few better schemes. Partial sequences are (sub)optimized heuristically. Employing the present methodology on an example problem of four components and products resulted in annual cost savings of 42%, compared to the best sequence isolating the feed components.
Tests on S-Band Superconducting Niobium Prototype Accelerator Structures

The fabrication, processing, and measurement of two S-band niobium prototype electron accelerator structures are discussed. Maximum surface magnetic fields were typically between 250 and 550 Oe, corresponding to average energy gradients between 4.6 and 6.5 MeV/m, with Q0 values typically greater than 5 × 109. The structures which were electropolished gave more reproducible results than those which were chemically polished.
Physician–patient and pharmacist–patient communication: Geriatrics’ perceptions and opinions

Abstract Objective Earlier research examined the perceptions of the pharmacist–patient relationship quality using data from a systematic random sample of non-institutionalized elderly in the United States. The purposes of this study were to determine: (1) how the findings of this study, conducted in a culturally diverse urban area in Queens, New York, compare with the earlier study; (2) how community-dwelling elderly patients in a metropolitan area perceive their relationship with the pharmacist compared to the physician; and (3) the extent to which their perceived relationship quality predicts medication-related knowledge, medication-related outcomes, and self-efficacy for medication management. Methods One hundred and twenty-one elderly individuals aged 65 and over who took at least one prescription medication, selected from three senior centers, participated in the study. Of the total responses, 102 were useable. Results Our sample demonstrated significantly lower levels of perceived quality of relationship with their pharmacist compared to earlier research. In contrast, the participants in this study perceived a better quality of relationship with their physicians than pharmacists. Further, the quality of relationship with physician predicted medication-related knowledge, medication-related outcome expectations, and self-efficacy for medication management. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that pharmacists still have a way to go to fully meet patients’ healthcare needs, particularly in culturally diverse urban settings. Practice implications Further research is needed to examine ways to improve pharmacist–patient interactions and, therefore, patients’ perceptions of pharmacists.
A New Search Algorithm using Autonomous and Cooperative Multiple Sensor Nodes

In this paper, we study search algorithms for using a set of autonomous and cooperative mobile sensor nodes (MSN) with limited sensing and communication ranges to search a large area. Our objectives include minimizing the total search time and the travel distance of MSNs while enabling fault tolerance to possible MSN failures. We propose a new rendezvous scheme, namely X synchronization (XS) to facilitate the exchange of both data and control signals among the MSNs during search. We also devise a way to calculate appropriate timeout periods used to detect an MSN failure at rendezvous points and describe how surviving MSNs subsequently carry out the search mission. Numerical analysis and simulations have been performed to evaluate the performance of XS. The results show that XS can outperform other rendezvous schemes in terms of the total search time and the average travel distance of MSNs.
The effects of climate change on Merriam's kangaroo rat, Dipodomys merriami

We examined the relationship between body size of Dipodomys merriami and specific climate variables for the years 1989 through 1996 at the Sevilleta LTER Station. Earlier work demonstrated a 2‐33C increase in both summer and winter temperatures at Sevilleta over this time period. In that study, Neotoma albigula’s adult mean body mass decreased as temperature increased. Dipodomys merriami’s adult mean body mass differed significantly among years for both sexes but there was no trend across years. There was also no relationship to climate variables. Abundance showed a positive relationship with one axis of a PCA of the correlated climate variables.
Locating Rhythmic Patterns in Music Recordings using Hidden Markov Models

This work addresses the problem of locating rhythmic patterns in music recordings. During the feature extraction stage, a short-term processing technique is applied, in order to detect significant changes in the spectral and energy evolution of the music signal. The detected changes are in turn treated as onsets of events and a sequence of inter-onset intervals is extracted. The resulting sequence is long-term segmented and is fed as input to a hidden Markov model (HMM) which models a predefined rhythmic pattern. An enhanced Viterbi algorithm is proposed, that extracts a best-state sequence, which determines the pattern location boundaries. Our method was tested on a set of music recordings of music meter 2/4, 3/4, 7/8 and 9/8 and steady tempo. The proposed method exhibits excellent precision (100%) over pattern locations and a recall ranging from ~ 34% up to ~ 74% depending on the music genre.
Folate and human reproduction

The influence of folate nutritional status on various pregnancy outcomes has long been recognized. Studies conducted in the 1950s and 1960s led to the recognition of prenatal folic acid supplementation as a means to prevent pregnancy-induced megaloblastic anemia. In the 1990s, the utility of periconceptional folic acid supplementation and folic acid food fortification emerged when they were proven to prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects. These distinctively different uses of folic acid may well be ranked among the most significant public health measures for the prevention of pregnancy-related disorders. Folate is now viewed not only as a nutrient needed to prevent megaloblastic anemia in pregnancy but also as a vitamin essential for reproductive health. This review focuses on the relation between various outcomes of human reproduction (ie, pregnancy, lactation, and male reproduction) and folate nutrition and metabolism, homocysteine metabolism, and polymorphisms of genes that encode folate-related enzymes or proteins, and we identify issues for future research.
Accuracy of spatial normalization of the hippocampus: Implications for fMRI research in memory disorders

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies in memory impairment have detected functional alterations in medial temporal lobe (MTL) structures, notably the hippocampus. Many of these studies employ spatial normalization to place subjects in a standardized template space prior to analysis; however, little is known about the effects of local atrophy on the normalization process in structures such as the hippocampus. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of spatial normalization of the hippocampus between memory-impaired patients and controls. Twenty clinically-defined mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects and twenty elderly controls were studied at 4T with structural and functional MRI during a memory encoding-retrieval task. Bilateral hippocampal regions-of-interest (ROIs) were manually drawn for all subjects and further divided into anterior/posterior subregions. To assess normalization accuracy to the Montreal Neurological Institute template, the percentage of each template-defined hippocampal ROI originating from true hippocampal tissue was determined for all subjects. To assess the ability of spatial normalization to equalize group differences in hippocampal volume, pre- and post-normalization hippocampal volumes were compared. Finally, fMRI measures from template and non-template analyses were compared. Poorer normalization accuracy of the bilateral hippocampi, particularly the posterior portions, was found for MCI subjects. Significant group differences were found in left hippocampal and bilateral posterior hippocampal volumes, and these differences were not corrected with normalization. Hippocampal volumes were significantly correlated with normalization accuracy across MCI and control groups, but some significant differences in normalization accuracy persisted independent of these volume differences. Template and non-template fMRI analyses were significantly correlated in controls, but not MCI subjects, during memory retrieval. These findings suggest decreased normalization accuracy in memory-impaired subjects is a potentially important confounder of template-based fMRI analyses in the hippocampus and MTL.