cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Galeran de Bretagne: Between romance and realism

While the charge of being a plagiarism is no longer leveled at Galeran de Bretagne, that charge damaged it, so that it has not been appreciated as an original poem with a serious theme of its own. Galeran is infused with traditional Christian values in reflection of Renaut’s own. Most simply, it is an exploration of the growth to maturity of two young people in order to live life with honor and dignity. Renaut’s religious cast of mind continually leads him away from the romance conventions of his time towards an everyday realism, so that Galeran occupies a unique place among the long narrative poems of his time, between romance and realism.
Transient ablation of Teflon in intense radiative and convective environments

On the basis of this investigation of the high-temperature behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the transient one-dimensional ablation of PTFE has been developed by taking into account the optical transmittance of both the amorphous zone and the crystalline zone of PTFE layer. Results show that although the exposed surface receded at an apparently steady state, both the internal temperature and the thickness of the gel layer increase continuously due to the internal absorption of radiation.
The Effect of Rosuvastatin on Platelet-Leukocyte Interactions in the Setting of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Statins have been used in the treatment of coronary artery disease for 2 decades. In addition to long-term protective effects elicited by lowering cholesterol, statins are postulated to have acute benefits in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and vascular injury. In the JUPITER (
Importance of dissociation equilibrium and variable transport properties on estimation of flame temperature and droplet burning rate

Abstract By using droplet combustion in oxidizer-rich environments as a model problem, the present investigation demonstrates both experimentally and theoretically that variable transport properties and flame dissociation are important factors which influence the bulk combustion charateristics, such as the fuel consumption rate and the flame temperature and location. A simplified, internally consistent methodology is proposed for the evaluation of these properties by analyzing the transport aspects of the problem and separately determining the characteristics of the flame in dissociation equilibrium through adiabatic flame temperature calculation, with allowance for the falsification of the oxidizer concentration due to diffusional stratification.
Role of an imaging informatics-based DICOM-RT cancer registry in evaluating treatment parameters of IMRT for prostate cancer

Cancer registries are information systems that enable easy and efficient collection, organization and utilization of data related to cancer patients for the purpose of epidemiological research, evidence based medicine and planning of public health policies. Our research focuses on developing a web-based system which incorporates aspects of both cancer registry information systems and medical imaging informatics, in order to provide decision support and quality control in external beam radiation therapy. Integrated within this system is a knowledge base composed of retrospective treatment plan data sets of 42 patients, organized in a systematic fashion to aid query, retrieval and data mining. A major cornerstone of our system is the use of DICOM RT data sets as the building blocks of the database. This offers enormous practical advantages since it establishes a framework that can assimilate data from different treatment planning systems and across institutions by making use of a widely used standard – DICOM. Our system will help clinicians to assess their dose volume constraints for prospective patients. This is done by comparing the anatomical configuration of an incoming patient’s tumor and surrounding organs, to that of retrospective patients in the knowledge base. Treatment plans of previous patients with similar anatomical features are retrieved automatically for review by the clinician. The system helps the clinician decide whether his dose/volume constraints for the prospective patient are optimal based on the constraints of the matched retrospective plans. Preliminary results indicate that this small-scale cancer registry could be a powerful decision support tool in radiation therapy treatment planning in IMRT.
Dynamical derivation of equilibrium correlation for dense fluids in statistical mechanics

Abstract Starting with the equation given by the Brussels group for low-order correlations in a dynamical system, the following properties are proved: Among the many contributions arising, any which contains an articulation point vanishes at equilibrium if the intermolecular potential possesses inversion symmetry. A special case of this theorem is the constancy of the velocity distribution under collisions at equilibrium due to detailed balancing. Derivation of the general Ursell-Mayer equilibrium theory of dense fluids follows immediately.
Is Ashwell's zwitterion a molecular diode ?

Abstract For Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films of C 16 H 33 -Q3CNQ, both macroscopic and nanoscopic current-voltage measurements reveal asymmetries in the DC electrical conductivity.
New cytotoxic lupane triterpenoids from the twigs of Coussarea paniculata.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of a CH2Cl2−MeOH extract of the twigs of Coussarea paniculata using a yeast-based assay for potential DNA-damaging agents resulted in the isolation of three new lupane...
Research in Neonatology for the 21st Century: Executive Summary of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development–American Academy of Pediatrics Workshop. Part I: Academic Issues

This article presents the executive summary of the presentations and discussions at the Workshop on Research in Neonatology sponsored by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Perinatal Pediatrics convened in January 2004. In this article, the scientific aspects are summarized, highlighting the current knowledge gaps and identifying research priorities with a focus on emerging technologies. In a separate article, issues concerning workforce needs and shortages and board-certification requirements are presented. Full-length articles on the presented topics will be published in the Journal of Perinatology.
Extraction of potassium, rubidium, strontium and cerium(III) polyiodides into nitrobenzene

Abstract The extraction behavior of potassium and rubidium polyiodides has been shown to be similar to that of sodium and cesium polyiodides. Extractions were made from various aqueous sodium and potassium iodide solutions into equal volumes of 0·2 M I2 in nitrobenzene. Strontium and cerium(III) polyiodides were extracted from dilute sodium iodide solutions with large extraction coefficients.
Pulsed laser deposition of Mn doped CdSe quantum dots for improved solar cell performance

In this work, we demonstrate (1) a facile method to prepare Mn doped CdSe quantum dots (QDs) on Zn2SnO4 photoanodes by pulsed laser deposition and (2) improved device performance of quantum dot sensitized solar cells of the Mn doped QDs (CdSe:Mn) compared to the undoped QDs (CdSe). The band diagram of photoanode Zn2SnO4 and sensitizer CdSe:Mn QD is proposed based on the incident-photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) data. Mn-modified band structure leads to absorption at longer wavelengths than the undoped CdSe QDs, which is due to the exchange splitting of the CdSe:Mn conduction band by the Mn dopant. Three-fold increase in the IPCE efficiency has also been observed for the Mn doped samples.
Decay of 65Zn

Abstract The principal decay of 65 Zn is to the second excited state ( 5 2 − ) of 65 Cu at 1115 keV, which in turn decays directly to the ground state by the emission of a 1115 keV γ-ray. This paper reports the measurement of a small amount of cascade decay to the first excited state at 771 keV ( 1 2 − ). The branching ratio (cascades/crossovers) is (6.0±0.6)×10 −5 . From the known total mean life for the 1115 keV state and the branching ratio, the B (E2) for the 344 keV pure E2 transition is found to be (2.67±0.30)×10 −51 cm4 (enhancement 1.7±0.2). Thankappan and true have predicted a value of 1.19 × 10 −51 cm for the B (E2) of the analogous transition in 63 Cu.
Biomechanical comparison of lesser tuberosity osteotomy versus subscapularis tenotomy in total shoulder arthroplasty

Background Total shoulder arthroplasty is traditionally performed through an anterior deltopectoral exposure with subscapularis tenotomy. Postoperative subscapularis dysfunction is common and adversely affects clinical outcomes. Consequently, surgeon interest in lesser tuberosity osteotomy has grown in an effort to improve subscapularis repair strength. This study investigated the biomechanical strength of subscapularis tenotomy vs lesser tuberosity osteotomy in the setting of total shoulder arthroplasty. Materials and methods Uncemented humeral prostheses were placed in 20 paired upper extremities from 10 cadavers. For each respective cadaver, 1 limb underwent lesser tuberosity osteotomy and the contralateral limb underwent subscapularis tenotomy. The cadaveric specimens then underwent cyclic displacement and maximum load to failure testing. Results The subscapularis tenotomy specimens exhibited significantly less cyclic displacement (0.8 mm) than the osteotomy group (1.8 mm), with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference of 0.5 to 1.5 mm (P = 0.002). The maximum load to failure was 439 ± 96 N for tenotomy and 447 ± 89 N for osteotomy (95% CI for the difference of −58 to 75), which was not significant (P = .78). Conclusion Lesser tuberosity osteotomy was not significantly stronger than subscapularis tenotomy in maximum load to failure testing, with minimal clinical significance set at 100 N. Subscapularis tenotomy repair showed statistically significant less cyclic displacement than lesser tuberosity osteotomy. Further research is needed to clarify how the biomechanical results immediately after subscapularis tenotomy and lesser tuberosity osteotomy correlate with clinical outcomes.
Theory of multiple bubble growth in porous media by solute diffusion

Abstract We present a theoretical analysis of bubble growth in porous media by solute diffusion. Based on visualization experiments, a theoretical model is developed for bubble growth driven by a constant or a time-varying supersaturation in the far-field. It is shown that in porous media, gas evolution (patterns and rates) is much different than in the bulk. Patterns and rates of growth are identified for single and multiple gas clusters, using statistical models, such as percolation and diffusion-limited-aggregation (DLA). The effect of (heterogeneous) nucleation on the growth of multiple clusters is analyzed. Particular emphasis is placed on the critical gas saturation, S gc , which denotes the critical value of the pore volume fraction occupied by the gas for the formation of a sample-spanning cluster. This quantity is studied in terms of the system parameters, notably the nucleation fraction and the pressure decline rate (pressure/time). S gc is found to increase with the nucleation fraction and the pressure decline rate at relatively high rates, but to be independent of the latter at sufficiently small rates. The scalling of these results is also discussed.
Emblematic gestures among Hebrew speakers in Israel

Abstract A field study was conducted in Israel to identify emblematic gestures recognized and used by Hebrew speakers. Studies which have identified the emblematic gestures of particular ethnic or national groups are reviewed and criticized. This study seeks to contribute increased rigor and systematology to the identification of particular groups' emblematic gestures. Twenty-six gestures commonly used in classroom interaction were selected for testing. The instrument used was Schneller's form, “Investigations of Interpersonal Communication in Israel.” Subjects included college students, members of YMCA classes for pensioners, and others. On the instrument, subjects noted their recognition and interpretations of the investigator's encoding intentions, their certainty or interpretation and where they learned each gesture. Whereas previous studies of this nature accepted around 70% interpretive agreement among subjects, this study indicates that at least 90% is a more reliable measure by which to label gestures “emblems.” In addition, correlations were tabulated for the effects of subjects' age, ethnicity, years in Israel, certainty about interpretation, and accuracy of interpretation. The findings of this study were: (a) eight gestures were identified as emblems, and three more gestures identified as possible emblems, (b) slightly negative although insignificant correlations were found between increased age, years in Israel, expressed certainty of interpretation and accuracy of interpretation, and (c) natives and subjects from 20–24 years of age tended to have the highest rates of expressed certainty of interpretation as well as accuracy of interpretation. The findings are compared with those of three other studies of Jews' gesturing and differences between the studies are considered. Recommendations include continuing such studies and comparing the results of related projects in order to form a comprehensive picture of particular groups of people. Limitations are discussed. These include: (a) a less than representative sample, (b) lack of a consistent conversational context, (c) potential for distortion in the decoding process, (d) the lack of a unified gesture labeling system, and (e) the possibility of cultural or researcher bias.
Intrathoracic goiter with hemorrhage causing severe respiratory distress.

Abstract The causes of tracheal obstruction in intrathoracic goiter have been discussed, with special reference to hemorrhage leading to acute suffocation. A case has been reported of acute hemorrhage into an intrathoracic goiter, leading to marked respiratory distress resulting in near suffocation. Emergency hemithyroidectomy with removal of the intrathoracic goiter led to full recovery of the patient. A plea for the surgical management of intrathoracic goiters has been made.
Plasma Confinement in the Whistler Wave Plasma Thruster

Plasma thruster experiments using whistler wave plasma heating of electrons have shown large increases in the operating density and the plasma potential providing for ion acceleration when the edge potential was controlled through use of electrically e oating electrodes at the plasma edge. Analysis of these results show that E £ B (vector cross product ) drifts within the radial electric e eld in the small diameter plasma column dominated the ion cone nement and power balance. Measurements of a density increase at higher magnetic e eld are consistent with the predictions of ion orbit analysis. Device modie cations to improve thruster performance are discussed.
Adolescent Experiences with the Vaginal Ring

Abstract Purpose To understand racial/ethnic minority adolescent females' experiences with the vaginal ring. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews with a clinic-based sample of 32 young women aged 15–24 years who had used the vaginal ring. Results Qualitative analysis using grounded theory revealed that adolescents undergo a multi-stage process when trying the ring and adopting ring use. These stages include hearing about the ring, initial reactions, first experiences with insertion and removal, and first sexual experiences. Adolescents subsequently enter an assessment and adjustment stage in which they decide whether to adopt or discontinue ring use. Ultimately they share their experiences with friends. Conclusions The model developed provides a context within which providers may advise adolescents as they begin use of the ring. Some specific recommendations are offered.
PHOSPHORUS AND ZINC INTERACTIONS IN CHELATOR-BUFFERED SOLUTION GROWN RUSSET BURBANK POTATO

High phosphorus (P) application in potato production potentially leads to antagonistic interactions with cationic micronutrients. None of the nine combinations of phosphorus and zinc (Zn) provided in chelator-buffer solution for 17 days to potato supported the concept of a P-induced Zn deficiency with regard to early season dry matter yield, especially when solution P ranged from sufficient to excessive—conditions under which P-Zn interaction traditionally is observed. Increased solution P at low Zn levels resulted in a steep increase of P in new and old shoot growth and an accumulation of manganese (Mn) in potato roots—a combination that might indirectly impact Zn nutrition in potato. Although high P levels in potato did not directly reduce Zn content or cause Zn deficiency, excessive P accumulation may reduce the activity of Zn by interacting with other micronutrients such as Mn.
Optimization of BLAS on the cell processor

The unique architecture of the heterogeneous multicore Cell processor offers great potential for high performance computing.It offers features such as high memory bandwidth using DMA, usermanaged local stores and SIMD architecture. In this paper, we presentstrategies for leveraging these features to develop a high performanceBLAS library. We propose techniques to partition and distribute dataacross SPEs for handling DMA efficiently. We show that suitable preprocessingof data leads to significant performance improvements whenthe data is unaligned. In addition, we use a combination of two kernels -a specialized high performance kernel for the more frequently occurringcases and a generic kernel for handling boundary cases - to obtain betterperformance. Using these techniques for double precision, we obtain upto 70-80% of peak performance for different memory bandwidth boundlevel 1 and 2 routines and up to 80-90% for computation bound level 3routines.
Laminar-to-turbulent fluid-particle flows in a human airway model

As in many biomedical and industrial applications, gas–solid two-phase flow fields in a curved tube with local area constrictions may be laminar, transitional and/or turbulent depending upon the inlet flow rate and tube geometry. Assuming steady incompressible air flow and non-interacting spherical micron-particles, the laminar-to-turbulent suspension flow problem was solved for a human airway model using a commercial software with user-supplied pre- and post-processing programs. All flow regimes (500<Relocal<104) were captured with an low-Reynolds-number k–ω turbulence model. Considering different steady inspiratory flow rates (15⩽Q⩽60 l/min) and Stokes numbers, the three-dimensional simulation results show the following: (i) The onset of turbulence after the constriction in the larynx can be clearly observed when the inspiratory flow rate changes from low-level breathing (Qin=15 l/min) to high-level breathing (Qin=60 l/min). The flow reattachment length in the trachea becomes shorter, the axial velocity profile becomes more blunt, and the secondary flow decays faster with the occurrence of transition to turbulence. (ii) Particles follow the basic relationship between airflow and particle motion very well at the lower inspiratory flow rate (Qin=15 l/min); however, particle motion seems to be random and disperse, i.e., influenced by flow fluctuations in case of high inspiratory flow (Qin=60 l/min). (iii) Turbulence can enhance particle deposition in the trachea near the larynx to some extent, but it is more likely to affect the deposition of smaller particles (say, St<0.06) throughout the airway at relatively high flow rates (Qin=30 and 60 l/min) due to turbulent dispersion. However, the particle size and inhalation flow rate (i.e., Stokes number) are still the main factors influencing particle deposition when compared with turbulent dispersion alone. The methodology outlined can be readily applied to other two-phase flows undergoing changing flow regimes in complex tubular systems.
Reactive edema and necrosis after restoration of blood flow in the limb

Abstract A model for study of the extremity having temporary circulatory interruption by a tourniquet and followed by restoration of blood flow has been used to evaluate the possible protective effects of local hypothermia and dexamethasone phosphate to prolonged circulatory arrest in the limb. Adult guinea pigs were consistently observed to develop edema after restoration of arterial flow after 3–4 of hindlimb ischemia. Cooling the limbs to 5–15°C during injury, administration of dexamethasone phosphate prior to or after injury, and a combination of hypothermia and dexamethasone phosphate prior to injury failed to prevent the edema. All animals not protected by hypothermia and observed for more than 24 hours developed necrosis and gangrene of the injured leg. Animals treated with local cooling during injury all survived with viable limbs. Results of this study fail to confirm a protective effect of either local hypothermia or dexamethasone phosphate in preventing the edema after the injury described. However, local hypothermia does consistently prevent necrosis after such injury. The possible clinical application of local hypothermia for limbs subjected to prolonged ischemia deserves further inquiry.
Solar Hard X-Ray Bursts

The major results from SMM are presented as they relate to our understanding of the energy release and particle transportation processes that lead to the high-energy X-ray aspects of solar flares. Evidence is reviewed for a 152–158 day periodicity in various aspects of solar activity including the rate of occurrence of hard X-ray and gamma-ray flares. The statistical properties of over 7000 hard X-ray flares detected with the Hard X-Ray Burst Spectrometer are presented including the spectrum of peak rates and the distribution of the photon number spectrum. A flare classification scheme introduced by Tanaka is used to divide flares into three different types. Type A flares have purely thermal, compact sources with very steep hard X-ray spectra. Type B flares are impulsive bursts which show double footpoints in hard X-rays, and soft-hard-soft spectral evolution. Type C flares have gradually varying hard X-ray and microwave fluxes from high altitudes and show hardening of the X-ray spectrum through the peak and on the decay. SMM data are presented for examples of type B and type C events. New results are presented showing coincident hard X-rays, O v, and UV continuum observations in type B events with a time resolution of ≤ 128 ms. The subsecond variations in the hard X-ray flux during ≲10% of the stronger events are discussed and the fastest observed variation in a time of 20 ms is presented. The properties of type C flares are presented as determined primarily from the non-imaged hard X-ray and microwave spectral data. A model based on the association of type C flares and coronal mass ejections is presented to explain many of the characteristics of these gradual flares.
The transmission coefficients of a random system

We study the reflection and transmission coefficients of a strip of parallel chains with random masses. We show that the transmission coefficients decay exponentially. For this we need the applicability of a theorem by Tutubalin, which is formulated as a conjecture.
Spatial tritium transport in single-crystal lithium aluminate

Abstract Isothermal anneal tests have been performed on large single-crystal samples (approximately 1.5 mm diameter) of LiAlO 2 in an attempt to determine the diffusivity of tritium in lithium aluminate. To understand the effects of impurities on the tritium transport, single crystals of Mg-doped LiAlO 2 were also studied. The crystals were sectioned after annealing to determine the tritium concentration profiles within the crystals. From these profiles the tritium diffusivity, D , and the desorption rate constant, K , were calculated. The tritium diffusivities determined for the doped and undoped materials were the same within experimental error. The measured diffusivity is given by ln D( 2 /s) = −11.8 - (1.50 × 10 4 )/ T . Tritium release for these samples was generally in the mixed diffusion-desorption regime, as determined from the ratio aK D , where a is the grain radius. Our data indicate that for grain radii less than 100 μm, the tritium transport will be in the desorption-controlled regime.
Fear of crime in public housing

Fear of crime has been shown to have a variety of negative impacts on quality of life. The purpose of this article is, first, to better understand the factors associated with fear of crime and, sec...
The new customer‐centred business model for the hospitality industry

Purpose – The objective of this research is to identify and present factors that are essential to support a customer‐centred business model that is theoretically sound and can be used for practical application in the hospitality industry.Design/methodology/approach – Extensive literature that links both nascent theory and practice forms the framework of this study. This study examines recent transformational changes in the industry and the global market and provides direction for practising managers and theoreticians.Findings – This research presents a three‐phase strategic orientation plan that provides both theoretical and practical direction for the hospitality industry, so as to effectively reorient the hospitality firm into a customer‐centred business.Practical implications – The ongoing challenges in the ever‐increasing competitive global market can be met by hospitality firms by adopting strategic directions proposed by the customer‐centred business model. This research provides a three‐step plan t...
Measuring Ligand−Receptor Unbinding Forces with Magnetic Beads: Molecular Leverage†

We describe a new method for the quantitative measurement of weak forces between adhesion domains formed by receptor−ligand pairs. The method relies on the microinterferometric analysis of adhering vesicles subjected to an external force produced by a magnetic bead adhered to the membrane. The forces exerted on pinning centers can be deduced using classical elasticity theory. The method is applied to measure the binding strengths between solubilized solid supported integrin receptors αIIbβ3 of blood platelets and lipid-coupled cyclic peptides containing arginine−glycine−aspartate (RGD) tripetide ligands, embedded in the vesicle, that are recognized selectively by the integrins. We find that unbinding takes place at force levels far below those found in single-molecule studies. We interpret our findings in terms of the fracturing of the receptor−ligand pairs by the torque generated by the force which is much more effective than the traction.
A Modeling Study of Porous Electrode Property Effects on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance

A two-dimensional isothermal mathematical model is developed for an anode-supported planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The model takes into account the complex coupling effects of multi-physics processes including mass transfer, charge (ion/electron) transport, and electrochemical reaction. The SOFC multi-physics processes are numerically linked to SOFC global performance such as polarization curve. The model is validated using polarization curve as a metric with the experimental data from open literature. Since triple phase boundary reaction zone may vary from the vicinity of the electrolyte all the way to the entire electrode depending on selected materials and fabrication process, the effects of anode active reaction zone with different volumes are investigated comprehensively for a generic button cell using the developed mathematical model. The tradeoff design between active reaction zone volumes and other design parameters such as porosity and tortuosity of electrodes are also examined. Results show that porous composite electrode properties have very complex effects on SOFC performance. The results may provide a valuable guidance for high performance SOFC design and fabrication.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Structure-Function Analysis of ABCB1 Pharmacogenomics and Alterations in P-Glycoprotein Transport

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an efflux drug transporter and member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily, encoded by the ABCB1 (MDR1) gene. P-gp is located in tissues important in drug disposition, including intestine, liver, kidney, and blood-brain barrier. Due to its wide tissue distribution and broad substrate specificity, P-gp is important in drug disposition. P-gp is known to transport a wide variety of structurally and functionally different drugs, but the mechanism for binding and transport is poorly understood. The ABCB1 gene is polymorphic and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are known to alter transport via mechanisms that are unclear. Our goal is to utilize biophysical and computational methods to understand structure-function relationships in ABCB1 wild-type and its variants. We have built a wild-type human P-gp homology model based on the recently published mouse crystal structure (Aller et al., Nature, 2009), and homology models for ABCB1 SNPs 1199G>A (S400N), 1199G>T (S400I), 2677G>T (A893S), 2677G>A (A893T), and 2677G>C (A893P) using SYBYL8.0 software. Our model predicts that human P-gp has 12 transmembrane helices and an overall prolate shape, ∼150x60A, with a depth of ∼60A perpendicular to, ∼40Awithin, ∼30A above, and ∼80A below the membrane. The two intracellular nucleotide-binding domains are separated by ∼20A in the nucleotide-free state and move into contact in the nucleotide-bound state. We demonstrated that polymorphisms alter the secondary structure of P-gp. We have also modeled the hypothesized ATP-switch mechanism for P-gp transport and developed a visualization of this movement. We plan to incorporate wild-type and variant P-gp into lipid-based nanodiscs to study differential substrate binding and changes in conformation using single-molecule fluorescence. We will correlate these results, and those from in vitro transport studies, with pharmacophore modeling and QSAR studies to further understand the functional significance of genetic variation in ABCB1.
Physical activity behaviors of students of a rural historically black college.

Abstract Physical activity can have a positive impact on health disparities among African Americans. Objective: In this study, we assessed physical activity behaviors and correlates of students of a Historically Black College. Methods: In September 2004, an online survey and pedometers were used to measure physical activity behavior and correlates. Participants: A convenience sample of 106 students completed the survey and received pedometers. Pedometer data were submitted online for 5 weeks. Results: One hundred and six students completed the survey. Twenty-eight percent and 41% of respondents met recommendations for moderate physical activity and vigorous physical activity, respectively. Week 1 daily pedometer step count average was 8,707. Most students reported positive outcome expectations for physical activity. Students submitting pedometer data were less likely to meet MPA recommendations than students only completing the survey. Conclusions: African American students feel positive about physical ac...
Pancreatic regenerating gene I and acinar cell differentiation: influence on cellular lineage.

Objectives Pancreatic regenerating gene I (reg I) has been implicated in cellular differentiation. Acinar cells can transdifferentiate into other pancreatic-derived cells, and we postulated that changes in intracellular levels of reg I would affect the state of differentiation. Methods We transfected AR42J cells with a plasmid containing the entire coding sequence of reg I and isolated clones with complementary DNA in sense (SS) or antisense (AS) orientation. Levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression were examined by Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Expression of reg I was confirmed in SS or AS clones. AR42J transfected with SS demonstrated more acinarlike phenotype, whereas those transfected with AS showed a less differentiated state. Specifically, amylase mRNA and protein levels increased in SS cells, whereas AS cells showed increased pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1) and insulin mRNAs and cytokeratin protein. Conversely, cytokeratin and Pdx1 were depressed in SS cells. Conclusions These data demonstrate that in acinar cells, reg I overexpression is linked to acinar cell differentiation, whereas inhibition of reg I leads to beta cell and possibly ductal phenotype. Reg I expression in acinar cells is important in maintaining pancreatic cell lineage, and when decreased, cells can dedifferentiate and move toward becoming other pancreatic cells.
The Missouri automated psychiatric history: symptom frequencies, sex differences, use of weapons, and other findings.

TUDIES HAVE INDICATED that informants (relatives and friends) can provide comprehensive patient data through mechanical approaches not involving the human interviewer. Checklist+? and cathode ray tubes3p4 are two methods that have been used. Ellsworth et al.5 and Berger et al.6 have demonstrated that informants for mental patients can provide reliable information to a greater number of questions than does the conventional interview. Although some types of information may be difficult to obtain using mechanical methods, most agree that the approach contributes enough that the clinician should have the benefit of facts collected in this manner when he evaluates and interviews the patient. For the past 3 yr, informants of patients admitted to St. Louis State Hospital have answered 196 multiple choice questions on prepunched, preprinted Hollerith cards. We have found them to be willing and reliabIe.’ The informant’s card sort is part of an overall automated standard system of psychiatry which is used in IO major hospitals in the Missouri Division of Mental Health.8,9 In this system major sections of the psychiatric clinical record are coded and machine processed. Information is teleprocessed to the central computer, edited, sorted, compared with other data, and reports printed back to the staff at the originating hospital The aim is to use all data, to better classify and understand psychiatric problems, and to identify groups of patients likely to have a specific course of illness or response to therapy. This paper reports on the following findings from the card sort: (I) facts conceming the informants, (2) symptom differences between sexes, (3) frequencies of psychiatric symptoms, and (4) characteristics of a subpopulation of patients who used weapons in fights. METHODS In 1966, the Missouri Division of Mental Health began a program to automate segments of the clinical record. We noted others were able to obtain reliable information from
Reply to comments on "Radiative transfer over small distances from a heated metal".

Some previous works showed that radiative transfer between two closely spaced, lossy media diverges as 1/L2, where L is the spacing between the two media. This divergent power transfer clearly violates energy conservation. The explanation for this unphysical result is that too many optical modes were counted in those previous works, and many of those modes are physically unattainable. Moreover, many physically significant optical modes were not counted in the previous works.
SINGLE ELECTRON DEVICES

In the mid 1980s Averin and Likharev predicted that with the use of ultrasmall tunnel junctions a time correlation of electron flow through a junction could be observed, and permit the measurement of the effect of a net charge of less than one electron on the junction. Both effects were soon experimentally verified, and since that time there has been an explosion of work in the filed of single electron devices. This chapter reviews the fundamental concepts behind the operation of such devices. it then describes some of the single electron effects studied in semiconductors. Superconducting devices are then constrasted to the semiconductor and the normal metal single electron devices. The details of some current applications are described, and a thumbnail sketch of current fabrication methods is given.
Prolylcarboxypeptidase regulates food intake by inactivating α-MSH in rodents

The anorexigenic neuromodulator alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH; referred to here as alpha-MSH1-13) undergoes extensive posttranslational processing, and its in vivo activity is short lived due to rapid inactivation. The enzymatic control of alpha-MSH1-13 maturation and inactivation is incompletely understood. Here we have provided insight into alpha-MSH1-13 inactivation through the generation and analysis of a subcongenic mouse strain with reduced body fat compared with controls. Using positional cloning, we identified a maximum of 6 coding genes, including that encoding prolylcarboxypeptidase (PRCP), in the donor region. Real-time PCR revealed a marked genotype effect on Prcp mRNA expression in brain tissue. Biochemical studies using recombinant PRCP demonstrated that PRCP removes the C-terminal amino acid of alpha-MSH1-13, producing alpha-MSH1-12, which is not neuroactive. We found that Prcp was expressed in the hypothalamus in neuronal populations that send efferents to areas where alpha-MSH1-13 is released from axon terminals. The inhibition of PRCP activity by small molecule protease inhibitors administered peripherally or centrally decreased food intake in both wild-type and obese mice. Furthermore, Prcp-null mice had elevated levels of alpha-MSH1-13 in the hypothalamus and were leaner and shorter than the wild-type controls on a regular chow diet; they were also resistant to high-fat diet-induced obesity. Our results suggest that PRCP is an important component of melanocortin signaling and weight maintenance via control of active alpha-MSH1-13 levels.
Infarct size restriction in cats by the β-adrenergic blocker timolol

The β-adrenergic antagonist, timolol, was previously shown to exert a protective effect in cats subjected to 5 h of myocardinal ischemia. The present study was designed to determine the effect of timolol on infarct size in cats 24 h after coronary occlusion. Timolol (25 μg/kg) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl) was administered 0.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20 h after acute ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. There was no significant difference in arterial blood pressure or heart rate in MI cats receiving timolol or vehicle. Timolol markedly decreased S-T segment elevation at 2–12 h (P<0.05). Left ventricular weights in MI+ vehicle cats (8.5±0.7g, n=6) were similar to timolol-treated MI cats (8.9±0.4 g, n=7). However, the percent of the left ventricular myocardium infarcted, determined by nitroblue tetrazolium staining, was significantly less (P<0.001) in timolol MI cats compared to saline-treated cats, 9.8±1.2% (n=7) vs 18.9±1.8% (n=6), respectively. Hemodynamic or cytoprotective actions of timolol do not appear to explain these results. Rather, the mechanism of infarct size reduction by timolol is probably explained by antagonism of β-receptor-mediated metabolic effects.
Intermolecular and Intramolecular Excited State Charge Transfer

A primary mechanism of energy relaxation and chemical change in organic molecules in excited electronic states is charge transfer. 1 The charge transfer process can be intermolecular, involving an excited molecule and a neighboring molecule, one serving as an acceptor and the other as a donor molecule, or intramolecular, involving a charge redistribution in the excited molecule which produces a very large excited state dipole moment.In our investigations of the dynamics of these various charge transfer processes, a picosecond laser pulse was used to excite the molecules of interest. The charge transfer dynamics were monitored by a variety of techniques, including transient absorption of the excited charge transfer complex (exciplex) or ion radicals by a time delayed picosecond pulse, and fluorescence from the exciplex and from the initially excited molecule using a picosecond streak camera for detection.
Complete cytogenetic and molecular responses to interferon-α-based therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia are associated with excellent long-term prognosis

BACKGROUND Little is known regarding long-term prognosis among patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) who achieve a complete cytogenetic response (0% Ph-positive cells) after treatment with interferon-α. METHODS The authors analyzed 512 patients with Ph-positive, early chronic-phase CML who were treated with interferon-based therapies between 1981–1995 for the incidence and durability of complete cytogenetic response, and in relation to long-term prognosis. RESULTS One hundred forty patients (27%) achieved a complete cytogenetic response. Their 10-year survival rate was 78%. At the time of last follow-up, 44 patients (31%, 9% of the total) were alive, 21 in first and 23 in second durable complete cytogenetic response (median, 127 months; range, 88–191 months); 39 patients had not received any therapy for a median of 50 months (range, 11–139 months). Analysis by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in 78 patients during complete cytogenetic response showed 46 who had achieved at least 1 complete molecular response. Five of these 78 patients had died by the time of last follow-up, but only 2 had died of disease-specific causes. Recurrence rates were significantly lower and cytogenetic response durations were significantly longer among patients who achieved at least one complete molecular response. CONCLUSIONS Achieving a complete cytogenetic or molecular response after therapy with interferon-α appears to be associated with excellent long-term prognosis. Approximately 10% of patients reportedly can achieve durable complete cytogenetic response, with or without continuation of interferon. This finding emphasizes the potential of long-term event-free survival in CML patients outside the context of allogeneic stem cell transplantation, which may be improved with new therapies such as imatinib mesylate. Cancer 2003;97:1033–41. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11223
Influence of heat-treatment and solute content on repeated precipitation at dislocations in Al-Cu alloys

The influence of heat-treating parameters and Cu content on repeated precipitation of theθ′ phase which occurs at climbing dislocations during quenching dilute Al-Cu alloys has been studied by transmission electron microscopy. In Al-3.85 wt % Cu the process occurs during quenching from all temperatures within the solid solution range to all temperatures in the range from room temperature to at least 300° C. It also occurs over a wide range of quench rates. Depending on the quench rate, it can occur at a variety of dislocation geometries, including climb sources, glide dislocations which climb off their slip planes, and collapsed vacancy loops. Quenching directly to the ageing temperature establishes the distribution of almost the entire volume fraction ofθ′ by repeated precipitation during the quench. This process does not occur in alloys with Cu content below 1.5 ± 0.5 wt %.
Efficient synthesis of physically valid human motion

Optimization is a promising way to generate new animations from a minimal amount of input data. Physically based optimization techniques, however, are difficult to scale to complex animated characters, in part because evaluating and differentiating physical quantities becomes prohibitively slow. Traditional approaches often require optimizing or constraining parameters involving joint torques; obtaining first derivatives for these parameters is generally an O(D2) process, where D is the number of degrees of freedom of the character. In this paper, we describe a set of objective functions and constraints that lead to linear time analytical first derivatives. The surprising finding is that this set includes constraints on physical validity, such as ground contact constraints. Considering only constraints and objective functions that lead to linear time first derivatives results in fast per-iteration computation times and an optimization problem that appears to scale well to more complex characters. We show that qualities such as squash-and-stretch that are expected from physically based optimization result from our approach. Our animation system is particularly useful for synthesizing highly dynamic motions, and we show examples of swinging and leaping motions for characters having from 7 to 22 degrees of freedom.
Electronic band gaps of semiconductors as influenced by their isotopic composition

Abstract The present paper focuses on the renormalization effects of the band gaps in the electronic band structure of the elemental semiconductors traced to zero-point vibrations. Electron–phonon interaction and volume changes (in combination with anharmonicity) are the underlying microscopic mechanisms, both dependent on M −1/2 , M being the average isotopic mass. Thus isotopically controlled crystals offer an extraordinary opportunity to test the theoretical predictions with a variety of spectroscopic techniques. The paper discusses the theoretical predictions and their experimental verifications, exploiting derivative and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Illustrative examples on Si and Ge, drawn from the investigations of the authors, are presented.
Inference on the Strength of Balancing Selection for Epistatically Interacting Loci

Existing inference methods for estimating the strength of balancing selection in multi-locus genotypes rely on the assumption that there are no epistatic interactions between loci. Complex systems in which balancing selection is prevalent, such as sets of human immune system genes, are known to contain components that interact epistatically. Therefore, current methods may not produce reliable inference on the strength of selection at these loci. In this paper, we address this problem by presenting statistical methods that can account for epistatic interactions in making inference about balancing selection. A theoretical result due to Fearnhead (2006) is used to build a multi-locus Wright-Fisher model of balancing selection, allowing for epistatic interactions among loci. Antagonistic and synergistic types of interactions are examined. The joint posterior distribution of the selection and mutation parameters is sampled by Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, and the plausibility of models is assessed via Bayes factors. As a component of the inference process, an algorithm to generate multi-locus allele frequencies under balancing selection models with epistasis is also presented. Recent evidence on interactions among a set of human immune system genes is introduced as a motivating biological system for the epistatic model, and data on these genes are used to demonstrate the methods.
Testable implications of consumption-based asset pricing models with incomplete markets☆

Abstract This paper studies the testable implications of consumption-based asset pricing models with incomplete markets when idiosyncratic income shocks are permanent. It is shown that the theory places no testable restrictions (beyond absence of arbitrage) on either the macroeconomic data or the first N moments of the cross-sectional distribution of consumption growth even if the one-period utility function (degree of risk aversion) is known. More precisely, this paper shows that any “observed” joint process of aggregate consumption, arbitrage-free asset returns, and N moments of the cross-sectional distribution of consumption growth is an equilibrium outcome for some pure discount factor and some process of individual income. The proof is based on the construction of a personal-disaster process (process of extreme idiosyncratic events) which allows for arbitrary variations in idiosyncratic risk without affecting the first N moments of the cross-sectional distribution of consumption growth.
The rise and fall of whiteness studies

Over the last decade or so, the study of whiteness in the US has grown in both cultural and academic significance, attracting hostility from neo-conservative commentators. But there is also a criti...