cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The utilization of forensic science and criminal profiling for capturing serial killers

Movies and nightly television shows appear to emphasize highly efficient regimens in forensic science and criminal investigative analysis (profiling) that result in capturing serial killers and other perpetrators of homicide. Although some of the shows are apocryphal and unrealistic, they reflect major advancements that have been made in the fields of forensic science and criminal psychology during the past two decades that have helped police capture serial killers. Some of the advancements are outlined in this paper. In a study of 200 serial killers, we examined the variables that led to police focusing their attention on specific suspects. We developed 12 categories that describe how serial killers come to the attention of the police. The results of the present study indicate that most serial killers are captured as a result of citizens and surviving victims contributing information that resulted in police investigations that led to an arrest. The role of forensic science appears to be important in convicting the perpetrator, but not necessarily in identifying the perpetrator.
Functions of a matrix and their norms

Abstract For a polynomial ƒ and a matrix A we obtain formulas for ƒ(A) and bounds for ∥ƒ(A)∥ which are expressed in terms of the entries of A and the values of ƒ at the eigenvalues of A.
Biological variation of the natriuretic peptides and their role in monitoring patients with heart failure.

Background: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the inactive metabolite NT-proBNP are proven tests for diagnosis and staging of severity for patients with heart failure. However, the utility of these biomarkers for monitoring the success of drug therapy remains to be determined. Results of longitudinal studies on serial blood testing must be linked to overall patient morbidity and mortality outcomes. We previously determined the 8-week biological variability (BV) of BNP and NT-proBNP assays in healthy subjects and the 1-day BV for BNP alone in patients with compensated and stable heart failure. From these studies, the percent statistical change in serial samples of approximately 100% difference was estimated (95% confidence). Methods: We applied the biological variability concepts to the serial results of BNP and NT-proBNP collected from patients with heart failure and compared the performance of these two markers. Results: While there are minor differences in the results between the assays from one time period to another, the overall interpretation of results are essentially identical. Moreover, the majority of individual serial time points are not significantly different from the previous value. Conclusion: Frequent testing (e.g. daily) for BNP and NT-proBNP to monitor therapy for patients with CHF is not indicated, as overall changes require several days to become evident.
Mixing and recycle for analysis of a continuous flow stirred tank

Abstract During the course of a study[9] on mixing in the impeller stream of a continuous flow stirred tank two pertinent points were uncovered. The first involves a relation between, and thus a clearer picture of, the idealized turbulent mixer theory of Corrsin and the turbulent mixing vessel approach of Rosensweig. The second point involves the necessity of modification of the definition of the Intensity of Segregation when recycle occurs. The original definition of this was restricted to mixing of two pure species and new defining equations were derived when one or both of the species are contaminated with the other.
Some comments on ‘A study on the reaction mechanism and kinetic of mercury oxidation by chlorine species’ [J. Mol. Struct. (Theochem) 625 (2003) 277]☆ ☆

Abstract In this paper, we comment on a recent article where mercury speciation reaction kinetics were reported. We examine certain difficulties and flaws in the theoretical treatment given in the recent article. In addition, we provide accurate geometries and heats of reaction results to validate a different quantum mechanical method and basis set combination which we encourage for use in theoretically calculating rate constants for mercury oxidation reactions involving chlorine.
Maximizing predictive efficiency for a fixed total testing time.

For any fixed total time of testing it is possible, through proper item-and-time allotment, to combine tests into a battery so that the multiple correlation with a pre-assigned criterion will be maximized. By holding constant the ratio of the length in number of items to the time length for each test, a set of general equations has been derived which will yield this maximum value of the multipleR and will enable one to determine, in any given case, the optimal fraction of total testing time that should be devoted to each type of test under consideration. The set of general equations is applied to a two-test-battery problem to obtain the optimal length of each type of test for one hour total testing time. If two other tests had been selected for the two-test sample problem, different subdivisions of the total time would generally occur. The manner in which the results would change when using other tests with different initial reliability, validity, and intercorrelation values is briefly presented. Some general implications of this method of battery development are also discussed.
Perceptions of the information search process in libraries: a study of changes from high school through college

Abstract A longitudinal study of students' perceptions of the information search process in libraries over a four-year period from high school through college is described. The cognitive theory on which the study was based is that perceptions lead to expectations which direct action. A model of the search process developed in an earlier study was further verified. Perceptions of six areas of library use were examined by a comparison of the responses of students to a questionnaire when they were in high school and again four years later when they were in college. A significant difference was found in three areas: research assignments, focus formulation, and procedures for gathering information. The college students' perceptions more closely matched the model of the search process.
Methods for compact cyclotron production of indium-111 for medical use.

Abstract The Medical use of indium-111 for diagnostic scintigraphic visualization of bone marrow, spinal fluid and cerebral cisternae, and certain tumors is growing rapidly. Its physical properties are favorable for these purposes; a physical half-life of 2·83 days, decay by electron capture to stable 111Cd, with the emission of gamma rays of 0·171 and 0·245 MeV, which are accompanied by total internal conversions of about 10% and 6% respectively. Two general methods for its preparation in the carrier-free state have been reported—the bombardment of silver with doubly ionized helium-4,(1–3) or of cadmium with protons.(4–7) Experimental values for the cross sections for these reactions as a function of energy of the bombarding particle have been published for silver (8) and for cadmium targets. (9) Two additional direct routes are; helium-3 bombardment of silver, and deuteron bombardment of cadmium. We have made a comparative study of all four of these routes to 111In to determine the one best suited for compact, multiparticle, moderate energy cyclotrons, currently operating in a number of medical centers. To meet the demands for 111In for clinical investigations most economically, it was desirable to minimize initial cost of targets and to avoid tedious chemical recovery of isotopically enriched target material after bombardment. Therefore, only commercially available, natural silver and cadmium foils with a purity of at least 99·95% were employed.
Why students of Heidegger will have to read Emil Lask

L'A. mesure l'influence neo-kantienne d'E. Lask dans les oeuvres de jeunesse de Heidegger (1912-1916) et dans le developpement conceptuel de son analyse du monde environnant et de l'hermeneutique de la facticite developpee dans «Sein und Zeit» (1929). L'A. s'interesse a la date charniere de 1919 qui marque un tournant dans les rapports de Heidegger au neo-kantisme
Flow and fracture of a multiphase alloy MP35N for study of workability

The flow and fracture of MP35N (35 Co, 35 Ni, 20 Cr, 10 Mo) has been studied by uniaxial com-pression and plane strain bending in the temperature range 1000 to 1200 °C and strain rate range 0.01 to 10 s•1. This covers the normal bar rolling production conditions (∼1100 °C and 1 to 5 s“•1). The strain to fracture in plane strain bending was found to increase with increasing strain rate, roughly coinciding with the increase of the strain to the peak stress in the flow curves. Within most of the temperature and strain rate ranges investigated and under plane strain bending deformation conditions, microvoid nucleation was found to be concurrent with or greatly enhanced by the onset of dynamic recrystallization. Under these deformation conditions, flow concentration or localization along the soft layers of newly recrystallized grains oriented along the maximum shear stress directions near the surface generated microvoid nucleation and damage, in effect overriding the stress relieving and crack isolation effects normally associated with the occurrence of dynamic recrystallization. As the tem-perature was decreased toward 1000 °C and the strain rate was increased toward 10 s•1, an apparent transition to a microvoid nucleation mode by wedge cracking was observed, even at the maximum rate of 10 s•1. A further decrease in deformation temperature to 900 °C at a strain rate of 10 s•1, however, removed all evidence of microvoid nucleation (of the wedge type or otherwise) as well as any trace of dynamic recrystallization within the maximum strain imposed in the plane strain bending tests.
Paternal products and by-products in Drosophila development

Tails of fertilizing spermatozoa persist throughout embryogenesis in Drosophila species and can be observed within the midguts of larvae after hatching. Throughout development, sperm proteins slowly diffuse or are stripped from the giant sperm tail residing within the embryo's anterior end. The shape and position of the sperm within the embryo are regulated such that, during organ formation, the unused portion of the sperm is enveloped by the developing midgut. This persistent, paternally derived structure is composed of the sperm's mitochondrial derivatives and appears to be defecated by the larva soon after hatching. These complex sperm-egg interactions may represent mechanisms to avoid intragenomic conflict by ensuring strictly maternal inheritance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
The Effect of Poloxamer 188 on the Rate of In Vitro Thrombolysis Mediated by t-PA and Streptokinase

Poloxamer 188 is a nonionic block copolymer surfactant which is undergoing clinical trials as a haemorheologic agent. A simulated thrombus preparation was designed to evaluate its effects on fibrinolysis and thrombolysis under flow conditions similar to those which might be encountered within an occlusive coronary thrombus. 125I labelled human fibrinogen (20 μCi/ml) was mixed with platelet-poor citrated plasma, recalcified, and allowed to clot for 1 h at 37°C in a tuberculin syringe filled with small glass beads. This produced a fibrin clot permeated with microscopic channels simulating those of a recently formed thrombus. After washing the plasma bead clots for 30 min with normal saline, heparinised blood containing tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) or streptokinase, with and without 0.1% poloxamer 188, was added to the columns and rates of flow and elution of 12 125-fibrin degradation products were measured. Poloxamer 188 alone had no ability to lyse fibrin. However, it increased the rate at which t-PA or streptokinase caused lysis of simulated thrombi by as much as 4-fold. This accelerated lysis was associated with up to a 20-fold increase in flow through the thrombus and with elution of larger fragments of fibrin, but not with increased plasmin activity as assessed with a colourimetric substrate. Consequently, poloxamer 188 appeared to accelerate thrombolysis without directly affecting any of the components of the fibrinolytic system. We propose that the ability of poloxamer 188 to modulate thrombolysis is due to its haemorheologic properties.
Management of small cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive type of lung cancer characterized by rapid growth and early metastasis. It is chemosensitive and radiosensitive, yet decades of research investigating multimodality treatments have failed to control or cure this disease in most patients. First-line treatment of limited-stage disease consists of chemotherapy (often etoposide/cisplatin or etoposide/carboplatin) combined with thoracic radiation therapy (TRT), followed by prophylactic cranial irradiation to decrease brain metastases as a site of disease progression for those who experience complete remission or a very good partial response to multimodality treatment. In a Japanese trial, the combination of irinotecan and cisplatin had initially shown promise in treating patients with extensive-stage SCLC, but a confirmatory trial in the United States did not find a difference in overall survival with irinotecan/cisplatin versus etoposide/cisplatin. Adding a third drug to the etoposide/cisplatin combination, as well as other triplet therapies, has mostly been ineffective in improving outcomes. Variables in chemotherapy administration, including maintenance therapy, alternating non-cross-resistance regimens, and dose intensification, have not been shown to increase survival at large. In terms of radiation therapy, early administration of TRT concurrent with chemotherapy, and hyperfractionation, have been beneficial in treatment of limited-stage disease. In patients who relapse, second-line therapy options consist of reinduction of previous chemotherapy or administration of a single agent. Targeted biological therapies for SCLC are now being investigated, and although a great deal of research remains to be done, these agents and their derivatives may provide the most hope for future treatment of SCLC.
LIMITING PROCESSES FOR DIAMOND EPITAXIAL ALIGNMENT ON SILICON

For the heteroepitaxial deposition of diamond on silicon using the bias-enhanced nucleation procedure, several different processes contributing to the final misalignment of the layers can be identified: (i) The interface of Si/diamond or Si/SiC and SiC/diamond, respectively. (ii) The growth of individual grains during the biasing process. (iii) The growth competition between differently oriented grains and their coalescence during the growth of thick films. X-ray-diffraction texture studies revealed that the azimuthal alignment is essentially determined by the nucleation step. Oriented nucleation is only possible within a defined time window. Within this time window the azimuthal misalignment shows a characteristic variation depending on the absolute value of the bias voltage. The alignment of the SiC interlayer as measured by synchrotron radiation cannot explain the observed variation. In contrast, texture measurements of thick oriented films after exposure to the bias conditions suggest that the limitation of the process time window for oriented nucleation as well as the variation of misorientation with biasing time can be traced back to the detrimental effect of bias-assisted growth. Based on this mechanism, a model is proposed which allows one (a) to describe the temporal development of the azimuthal misorientation within the process time window, and (b) to estimate the contribution of bias-assisted growth on the misorientation. Finally, some epitaxial diamond films have been deposited on high-quality \ensuremath{\beta}-SiC layers. A minimum value of 2.9\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} for the width of the azimuthal distribution has been found.
A theoretical study of methylphosphine CH3PH2 and selected isotopomers: vibrational analysis and infrared spectra

Abstract The normal mode frequencies and the corresponding vibrational assignments of methylphosphine and selected deuterated methylphosphines are studied theoretically. The gaussian 98 quantum chemistry code was used at the HF, MP2 and DFT/B3LYP level of theory with the 6-311G∗∗ basis set. Comparison was made for the infrared spectra of methylphosphine and its deuterated isotopomers between our theoretically predicted values and the experimentally determined vibrational frequencies. Correction factors of the calculated frequencies compared to the experimental values are reported for methylphosphine and its deuterated isotopomers for predominant vibrational motions. The root mean square deviation is reported as a measure of the quality of the predicted frequencies compared to the experimental values.
Conditional Sampling of Updrafts and Downdrafts in the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Abstract The properties of updrafts and downdrafts in the lower third of the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) over the central Pacific Ocean are investigated using a conditional sampling technique. When the drafts are classified according to their heat and moisture content, the properties of the major classes (moist updrafts and dry downdrafts) are in agreement with a parcel displacement model of vertical mixing. The minor class events appear to be the result of the reversal of motion of the major class events. Drafts that consume turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), although small in number in the lower third of the MABL, have spatial scales comparable with drafts that produce TKE. At the lowest level, the area occupied by positively buoyant downdraft exceeds the area occupied by negatively buoyant updrafts by a factor of 2. Updrafts and downdrafts produce a large fraction of the total fluxes of heat moisture and momentum, increasing from 75% at 0.07zi to 85% at 0.32zi. Of the draft contribution to th...
A formalism to structure and parallelize the integration of cooperative engineering design tasks

To be truly effective, designers working in a distributed environment need to spend less effort on integration of their ideas and work and more on the actual design task. However, the distributed, sequential, and iterative nature of the process typically results in wasted resources and long lead times. The purpose of this research is the development of parallelism models for the configuration of design tasks to accomplish the most effective integration in a distributed environment. The analogy to parallel computing is described. Four dependence primitives are compared and a new one, codependence, is defined. Six types of integration function are defined. A new representation called IDM (iterative design model) is developed and explained relative to product design tasks. Advantages of IDM compared with previous approaches are also discussed.
Bacteremia and bacterium after transrectal prostatic biopsy

To determine the efficacy of parenteral gentamicin versus povidone-iodine enema (P.I.E.) in preventing infectious complications, a randomized study was undertaken in 40 patients undergoing transrectal needle prostatic biopsy. In 69 per cent of patients not receiving P.I.E. bacteremia developed, and 32 per cent acquired bacteriuria; whereas only 19 per cent of patients given P.I.E. alone or in combination with gentamicin because bacteremic, and 9.5 per cent had postbiopsy bacteriuria. Thus, P.I.E. provided a safe and effective means for preventing most bacteremia and bacteriuria associated with transrectal biopsy of the prostate.
Synthesis of decahydrocyclopentacyclo-octene derivatives via intramolecular photocycloaddition of Δα,β-butenolides and reductive cleavage

Irradiation of Δαβ-butenolides bearing but-3-enyl and penta-3,4-dienyl side-chains in the γ-position, (2) and (3), effected intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition to form fused tricyclic lactones (4) and (5), respectively, as major products; reductive ring opening of the derived keto-acid (7a) and keto-ester (9) gave the octa- and deca-hydrocyclopentacyclo-octene derivatives (8) and (10) respectively.
Promises of Graphene Nanoelectronics

Graphene is a single atomic layer of carbon atoms arranged into a two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal lattice. Since its discovery in 2004 by physicists [1], single layer graphene has been produced by many different methods and sample quality has steadily improved [2]-[4]. Among the many fascinating properties of graphene that are of particular interest to nanoscale electronics are: (1). Strong ambipolar electric field effect: despite being a semi-metal with zero energy gap, graphene differs from conventional metals in that its charge carrier density can be continuously tuned from n-type (i.e. carriers are electrons) to p-type (i.e. carriers are holes) simply by applying an electric field; (2). Linear dispersion: in the vicinity of the charge-neutrality point (known as Dirac point), both electrons and holes obey linear energy-momentum dispersion relations (like photons), rather than the familiar quadratic form epsiv = rho2/2m . Indeed, at low temperature, the velocity of these particles is about l/300th of the speed of light. (3). Ultra-high mobility: record mobilities for both electrons and holes, at room temperature, have been reported [5][6]; (4). Bandgap: while a large 2D graphene sheet has zero bandgap, a finite gap can be created in graphene by cutting the graphene sheet into narrow strips and the bandgap is expected to depend on both the strip width and its orientation[7]. (5). a bi-layer graphene has a voltage tunable bandgap that can be continuously tuned from zero to 0.3eV, which is in the MWIR range[8]. (6). rapid progress is being made in wafer-scale epitaxial growth of graphene via thermal sublimation of Si from SiC substrates[9]. (7). single molecule level sensitivity through charge sensing has been demonstrated[10]. In this presentation I will review some of the advances in graphene based nanoelectronics achieved under ONR sponsorship, and provide a snapshot of ONR's current investment in graphene based nanoelectronics.
Cytotoxicity with target DNA breakdown by rat basophilic leukemia cells expressing both cytolysin and granzyme A.

Abstract The noncytotoxic rat mast cell tumor line RBL was transfected with genes for the cytotoxic lymphocyte granule proteins cytolysin (perforin) and granzyme A, giving transfectants with mRNA and protein expression levels comparable with cloned cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Both RBL-cytolysin and RBL-cytolysin-granzyme A transfectants showed extremely potent killing of red cell targets and lysed 20%–60% of EL4 lymphoma targets at an effector-to-target ratio of 30. RBL transfectants expressing only granzyme A were not cytotoxic. Significant EL4 DNA breakdown accompanying lysis was observed only with RBL that was transfected with both cytolysin and granzyme A. These results support the granule-exocytosis model for lymphocyte cytotoxicity and show that effector granzyme A plays a role in target cell DNA breakdown.
An Intelligent Path Planning System for Robot Navigation in an Unknown Environment

In this paper, a novel approach to solve the mobile robot path planning problem in an unknown environment is presented. Inherently, the obstacle information from robot perception is contaminated with uncertainties, and thus, the acquired obstacle knowledge for path planning needs to be updated dynamically. Therefore, the development of an adaptive path planning scheme capable of determining a desired path with uncertain, and incomplete obstacle knowledge is necessary. We use the concept of traversability vectors to analyze the spatial-relations between the robot and obstacles in the task environment. Then, these analyzed relations are used to determine the obstacles that must be bypassed by the robot, and the ways to bypass them. Dynamically changing obstacle knowledge can be accommodated by replanning the path at the time when a change is reported. The proposed scheme can work very efficiently since because of the elimination of an exhausted search process that is often required in previous approaches. We implement a computer program to simulated the proposed planning scheme. A graphical representation for robot motions guided by the planned paths is illustrated to show the feature of the presented work.
Distinct Structural Changes in a G Protein-coupled Receptor Caused by Different Classes of Agonist Ligands

The activity of G protein-coupled receptors can be modulated by different classes of ligands, including agonists that promote receptor signaling and inverse agonists that reduce basal receptor activity. The conformational changes in receptor structure induced by different agonist ligands are not well understood at present. In this study, we employed an in situ disulfide cross-linking strategy to monitor ligand-induced conformational changes in a series of cysteine-substituted mutant M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. The observed disulfide cross-linking patterns indicated that muscarinic agonists trigger a separation of the N-terminal segment of the cytoplasmic tail (helix 8) from the cytoplasmic end of transmembrane domain I. In contrast, inverse muscarinic agonists were found to increase the proximity between these two receptor regions. These findings provide a structural basis for the opposing biological effects of muscarinic agonists and inverse agonists. This study also provides the first piece of direct structural information as to how the conformations induced by these two functionally different classes of ligands differ at the molecular level. Given the high degree of structural homology found among most G protein-coupled receptors, our findings should be of broad general relevance.
The effect of age on the flight performance of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

Abstract The paucity of information concerning mosquito flight ability resulted in experiments designed to estimate some aspects of mosquito flight potential under laboratory conditions. Each day for 6 weeks, eight female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were flown on flight mills, and the distance flown, duration of flights, flight speed, and weight lost during exhaustive flights were recorded. Comparisons of the performances of mosquitoes of different ages indicated that no statistical differences existed in flight ability as measured between consecutive days. Differences did occur between weekly age groups. Flight performance was maximal during the first 14 days of adlut life. Flight performance (distance flown) decreased by 42 per cent at the beginning of the third week (day 15) and again, sharply, in the fourth week. Exhausted mosquitoes were analysed for glycogen content (the primary source of flight energy) and comparisons were made with glycogen levels of non-flown controls of identical physiological age. Mosquitoes aged from 1 to 12 days utilized almost all available glycogen in exhaustive flights. During the third and fourth weeks, glycogen in exhausted mosquitoes increased concomitantly with a reduction in flight ability.
Investigation on the ability of glowing firebrands deposited within crevices to ignite common building materials

Abstract A series of experiments was conducted to determine the range of conditions that glowing firebrands may ignite common building materials. The surface temperature of glowing firebrands burning under different applied airflow was quantified using an infrared camera. As the applied airflow was increased, the surface temperature of glowing firebrands was observed to increase. A crevice was constructed using plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) and the angle was varied to investigate the influence that this parameter has on promoting ignition after contact with glowing firebrands. The number of firebrands deposited within the constructed crevices was varied. Single firebrands were unable to ignite the materials used in this study over a range of applied airflows. For the tightest fuel bed angle of 60°, the glowing firebrands deposited on the fuel bed always resulted in smoldering ignition. For plywood, contact with glowing firebrands produced smoldering ignition followed by a transition to flaming ignition. At the fuel bed angle of 90°, no definitive ignition behavior was observed for either material; different ignition criteria (either no ignition or smoldering ignition) were observed under identical experimental conditions. As the fuel bed angle was increased up to 135°, ignition never occurred for both test fuel beds. For a given airflow and fuel bed material, the ignition delay time was observed to increase as the fuel bed angle was increased. A large difference was observed in the ignition delay time for plywood and OSB at a fuel bed angle of 90°. Based on these ignition results, the critical angle for ignition exists between 90° and 135° at a given airflow. These results clearly demonstrate that firebrands are capable of igniting common building materials.
Quantification of left to right cardiac shunts by multiple deconvolution analysis.

Abstract A new method for quantification of left to right cardiac shunts was studied in 17 patients scheduled for cardiac catheterization who had also undergone radionuclide angiocardiography. The observed pulmonary transit curve was deconvoluted in two different ways: (1) by the superior vena caval (“bolus”) time-activity curve, to yield the deconvoluted pulmonary transit curve, which represented the theoretical pulmonary transit curve with a perfect bolus injection, and (2) by the right ventricular time-activity curve, to yield the pulmonary transfer function, which represented the theoretical pulmonary transit curve with a perfect bolus injection and with no intracardiac shunts. The pulmonary transfer function was superimposed on the deconvoluted pulmonary transit curve, and the area A under it obtained. The pulmonary transfer function was then subtracted from the deconvoluted pulmonary transit curve. The pulmonary transfer function was scaled to fit the resulting shunt recirculation peak in the difference curve, and the area B under this scaled pulmonary transfer function obtained. Shunt size was quantified as the pulmonary (QP) to systemic (QS) flow ratio QP QS = A ( A − B ) . The method correlated closely with oximetry (r = 0.93). Use of this multiple deconvolution analysis technique provides accurate shunt quantification and reduces subjective operator decisions.
‘Icarian Geography’: Air Power, Closed Space, and British Decolonisation

Through the first half of the twentieth century, strategists and statesmen in Britain struggled reconcile the advent of intercontinental air power with the geopolitical logic of the British Empire. This article explores how, and to what extent, their efforts might have catalysed the onset of British decolonisation.
Common genetic variants of MUTYH are not associated with cutaneous malignant melanoma: application of molecular screening by means of high-resolution melting technique in a pilot case-control study

MUTYH glycosylase recognizes the 8-oxoG:A mismatch and is able to excise the adenine base using proofreading mechanisms. Some papers have reported a strong association between cancer development or aggressiveness and MUTYH gene mutations. The aim of this study was to find a possible association between the most frequent MUTYH mutations and melanoma in the context of a case-control pilot study. One hundred ninety-five melanoma patients and 195 healthy controls were matched for sex and age. Clinical and laboratory data were collected in a specific database and all individuals were analyzed for MUTYH mutations by high-resolution melting and direct sequencing techniques. Men and women had significantly different distributions of tumor sites and phototypes. No significant associations were observed between the Y165C, G382D and V479F MUTYH mutations and risk of melanoma development or aggressiveness. Our preliminary findings therefore do not confirm a role for MUTYH gene mutations in the melanoma risk. Further ...
Multiphoton laser ionization mass spectrometry of cesium iodide and atomic iodine

Abstract Using the technique of laser ionization mass spectrometry, a study of multiphoton ionization (MPI) of atomic iodine and cesium iodide was conducted with a tunable dye laser. One of the objectives was to determine if this technique provides more selective ionization of the components of such a mixture than does conventional electron bombardment. It was found that under intense photon irradiation, CsI fragments to I + by a multistep process. The first step is dissociation of CsI which is followed by multiphoton ionization of the liberated atomic iodine. Because of this mechanism, the atomic iodine in a CsI + I mixture with less than 10% iodine cannot be detected by MPI at the available photon wavelengths (2800–3000 A). However, operation at wavelengths which preclude dissociation of CsI should greatly improve the selectivity. The cross-section for two-photon excitation of iodine at 3047 A was determined to be 4 × 10 −50 cm 4 s −1 .
Toxics and public health in the 1990s.

"Toxics" has come to be used as a general term to cover noxious chemicals, particularly those arising in industrialized societies (or those heavily using chemicals, e.g. pesticides). Public health, as a field, has increasingly become aware of and is now actively involved in the role of "toxics" in health injury and the quality of life. The aim of toxicology has always been the prevention of injury; this remains the guiding principle. The emphasis on prevention and finding means of choosing less hazardous ways of working with chemicals (including the development of appropriate regulations and controls) should receive even more emphasis in the next decade. Indeed, the report of the Research Strat­ egies for the 1990's Committee of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Board (22) uses the theme of prevention as a major thread throughout its proposals for research strategies within EPA. Toxicolo­ gy will often need the assistance of epidemiology, especially to test the reliability of its "preventive" advice. Toxicology is much changed from what it was several decades ago, when it was primarily a rather routine testing enterprise. Toxicologists now are aware of the immense advances of the past several decades in molecular and cell biology. Toxicologists have developed sufficient sophistication so that the feedback between fundamental scientists and toxicologists serves to advance both fields. Two recent journals, Journal of Biochemical
Primordial binaries and globular cluster evolution

MANYof the globular clusters in our Galaxy have probably undergone core collapse, and are currently re-expanding1,2. This re-expansion requires a central energy source. Previously proposed mechanisms are either inefficient or may produce unacceptably bright cores3. Here we explore the most conservative solution to this problem. We suggest that primordial binaries, for which there is now direct evidence4–6, could provide the necessary energy. We show that this mechanism leads to relatively large core sizes, containing ∼1% of the total cluster mass. Such a cluster would have a resolvable core (with a size of the order of arcseconds) which would consist mostly of binaries.
Soft Drugs. 21. Design and Evaluation of Soft Analogs of Propantheline

The soft drug approach was applied to synthesize seven soft analogs of propantheline, which by design display predictable and controllable decomposition to inactive metabolites. Their synthesis involved the quatemization of several different amine groups with the chloromethyl ester of 9-methylxanthene-9-carboxylic acid. The rates of disappearance were measured for all of the compounds and were found to be more rapid than that of propantheline bromide in a variety of chemical and biological media under in vitro conditions. One of the soft analogs was found to be equipotent with propantheline in an in vitro assay. This soft analog was found to be equipotent with propantheline, in vivo, in protecting the rats against indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration and in inducing mydriasis in rabbits on intravenous administration. The pupil sizes returned faster to predrug levels with the soft analog than with propantheline, indicating increased metabolic lability of the soft analog. The equipotency of this soft analog coupled with increased metabolic lability proves the rationality of the soft drug approach for the design of safer therapeutic agents with higher therapeutic indices.
Backpulsing fouling control with membrane recovery of light non-aqueous phase liquids

Abstract Membrane recovery of light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) was studied. Small membrane modules, operated in a sealed end configuration, were pressurized with several LNAPLs in order that membrane permeability and fouling processes might be characterized. The mitigation of membrane fouling via backpulsing was optimized for backpulse amplitude, frequency, and duration. A full-scale LNAPL recovery device was tested in the laboratory. Clean-membrane permeability was determined via single-fiber extraction of 2-propanol, distilled kerosene, commercial kerosene, commercial diesel fuel, and LNAPL obtained from the subsurface of a contaminated refinery site. Membrane fouling occurred during laboratory extraction of commercial kerosene, distilled kerosene, and the refinery fluid, but not for 2-propanol. Filtration experiments showed suspended solids present within the LNAPLs. Scanning electron microscope images of fouled membranes indicated that these solids were deposited upon the membrane surface. The fouling was due to pore blockage, pore constriction, and/or cake layer formation. The use of backpulsing was found to mitigate pore constriction and cake layer formation. Backpulsing improved recovery rates by ∼30% over a 15 h period, but it could not prevent the occurrence of some irreversible fouling. The device designed to fit into a typical recovery well extracted ∼35% of the volume expected for given operating pressures and clean-membrane permeability, under non-fouling conditions. The less than optimal performance was due to crimping of hollow fibers during the potting process, and not fiber–fiber interactions. Under non-fouling conditions, field operation of the device can yield 1–2000 l per day, which is a theoretical range of subsurface LNAPL recharge rates. With the use of backpulsing under fouling conditions, the membrane recovery device can extract up to 50 l per day, but this must be coupled with regular cleaning/replacement of the membranes.
The impact of immigrants on the macroeconomy

Abstract This paper analyzes immigrant impacts on long-run economic growth and development in the destination country. A four-factor production function permits explicit analysis of separate effects for the immigration of high-level (professional) manpower and other (production) workers, and for intra-occupational immigrant skill levels. recent history and current policy are reviewed to assess trends in the number and skill level of immigrants to the United States. The rising immigration rate leads to capital deepening (human and nonhuman) and higher consumption per native in the steady-state. Implications are explored for alternative immigration regimes and objective functions.
An XPS characterization of FeCO3 films from CO2 corrosion

Abstract The objective of this study was to systematically characterize iron carbonate (FeCO3) using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to aid in the identification of potentially passive films on specimens exposed to carbon dioxide (CO2) corrosion. To achieve this, an FeCO3 precipitate was prepared in a chemical reactor under anaerobic conditions and Ostwald ripened for 48 hours at 75°C. Its characteristic binding energies were determined, and its decomposition and oxidation behavior were studied. The examination revealed that FeCO3 is stable in the ripened form and does not alter its structure with extended exposure to dry air. In the unripened form, however, FeCO3 is unstable and quickly decomposes into Fe2O3 in air. These results are applied to the XPS analysis of films on actual specimens exposed to CO2 corrosion in an experimental flow loop.
Diurnal variation in tardive dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a common movement disorder that is associated with chronic neuroleptic exposure. To better characterize the clinical aspects of TD, we investigated the diurnal pattern of involuntary movements by blindly rating videotaped examinations of patients from the morning shortly after awakening and later in the same afternoon. In 10 patients, average TD ratings were worse in the afternoon than in the morning, especially in the case of limb-trunk dyskinesias. These findings suggest that it is important to rate patients at the same time of day in TD studies. Moreover, patients should be evaluated at least several hours after awakening.
Neurogenesis of spinothalamic and spinocerebellar tract neurons in the lumbar spinal cord of the rat.

The temporal and spatial neurogenic patterns of spinothalamic and spinocerebellar neurons were determined in spinal cord segment L1 of the rat. Neurogenic patterns were demonstrated with [3H]thymidine administered to fetal rats during the period when neurons with supraspinal projections are known to be generated, i.e. on one of embryonic (E) days E13, E14, or E15. The animals were allowed to survive 50 to 100 days postpartum, then neurons with spinothalamic and spinocerebellar projections were retrogradely filled with fluorescent axonal tracers, Fluoro-Gold or True blue, which were pressure injected into the dorsal thalamus and cerebellum in various combinations in the same and in separate animals. Neurons labeled with each retrograde tracer and [3H]thymidine and neurons labeled with retrograde tracers alone were counted in spinal cord segment L1 in each of the animals. Spinothalamic and spinocerebellar neurons were found to be separate and distinct populations. Statistical analysis of the data showed that spinothalamic and spinocerebellar neurons also have distinctly different patterns of neurogenesis which suggest early determination in each cell line. The temporal neurogenic pattern followed a projection-distance gradient, such that spinothalamic neurons, which have longer axons than spinocerebellar neurons, completed neurogenesis prior to spinocerebellar neurons in each region of the spinal gray.
The DABBEC Phenotyping System: towards a mechanistic understanding of CP/CPPS

There is an urgent need to elucidate the mechanistic basis of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), as the current methods of symptom-based diagnosis and treatment have failed. Here, we propose a phenotyping system that bridges the gap between the symptom-based diagnosis and treatment of the present and the mechanistic approach of the future. Our phenotyping system uses the Chronic Prostatitis Collaborative Research Network (CPCRN)-recommended algorithm in combination with the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) as a basis for diagnosis, while incorporating novel domains for quantitative assessment and stratification of CP/CPPS patients. We believe this novel system will serve to help advance our understanding of the roles of the patient's genome and proteome in the etiology of CP/CPPS. We predict that, as we begin to understand the mechanistic basis of CP/CPPS pathology and progression, we will develop specific treatments that will aim to cure the disease, rather than merely quell the symptoms.
Guide to Major Clinical Trials of Antiretroviral Therapy in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients: Protease Inhibitors, Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors, and Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

In this AIDS Commentary, Drs. Tavel, Miller, and Masur of the National Institutes of Health present this compilation of clinical trials of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients, which complements two similar reviews published as AIDS Commentaries in Clinical Infectious Diseases (1995;20:1145-51 and 1996;23:15-27). Whereas the previous compilations focused on trials of nucleoside analogues, this review is based on published articles and abstracts of clinical trials of protease inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors in HIV-infected patients. The intent is to present a thorough, but not necessarily exhaustive, review of studies that have shaped our principles of antiretroviral therapy. Preference is given to clinical endpoint trials, proof-of-concept trials that have influenced the standard of care for HIV treatment, double-blind, randomized trials, and large trials with long-term patient follow-up. Smaller trials that address important questions are also included.
Addressing substrate coupling in mixed-mode ICs: simulation and power distribution synthesis

This paper describes new techniques for the simulation and power distribution synthesis of mixed analog/digital integrated circuits considering the parasitic coupling of noise through the common substrate. By spatially discretizing a simplified form of Maxwell's equations, a three-dimensional linear mesh model of the substrate is developed. For simulation, a macromodel of the fine substrate mesh is formulated and a modified version of SPICE3 is used to simulate the electrical circuit coupled with the macromodel. For synthesis, a coarse substrate mesh, and interconnect models are used to couple linear macromodels of circuit functional blocks. Asymptotic Waveform Evaluation (AWE) is used to evaluate the electrical behavior of the network at every iteration in the synthesis process. Macromodel simulations are significantly faster than device level simulations and compare accurately to measured results. Synthesis results demonstrate the critical need to constrain substrate noise and simultaneously optimize power bus geometry and pad assignment to meet performance targets. >
A Study of Conditions That Affect the Distribution of Compliance in Compliant Mechanisms

Researchers in the field of optimal synthesis of compliant mechanisms have been working to develop design tools that yield distributed compliant devices from a continuum design domain. However, it has been demonstrated in the literature that much of this work has resulted in mechanisms that localize compliance rather than distribute it as desired. Inaccurate representation of the stiffness or strain energy due to the existence of point flexures in the mechanism was identified as the cause of this behavior by early researchers. To eliminate this cause, several approaches have been tried to improve the design of distributed mechanisms, for example additional constraints on the optimization process, alternate parameterization techniques that avoid point flexures and additional objective functions evaluated as Pareto sets. In this paper, the authors further investigate the fundamental reasons for the prevalence of lumped designs. Representative simple compliant mechanisms are investigated analytically and numerically and the influence of various additional objectives on the final design is evaluated. To extrapolate these results to more complex mechanisms, examples are constructed that show evidence that a preference remains for lumped compliance, despite the countermeasures that have been applied. Pareto compatibility analysis developed by the authors is used to analyze the influence of various objectives on the distributive nature of the final design. These conditions that influence the distribution of compliance fall into two basic categories: those specific to the numerical methods applied and those of purely mechanical (i.e. fundamental) nature. This work will examine conditions of the latter type and will demonstrate that such a preference for lumped compliance exists. This preference is shown to be contained in the classic objectives; flexibility and stiffness. Based on these results, greater insight into the optimization process is gained and applied to improve the search for distributed compliant mechanisms.Copyright © 2008 by ASME