cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of PREPARE on Engaged Couples: Variations by Delivery Format

To further advance our understanding of the efficacy of inventory-based premarital education programs, this study examined whether the effects of the PREPARE program varied by delivery format. Following participation in the program, engaged couples exhibited positive gains in knowledge, felt more confident in their relationship, engaged in more positive conflict management behaviors, and felt more satisfied with their relationship. No differences were found between participants who completed a series of conjoint sessions versus a 1-day group workshop. These findings highlight the robustness of premarital education and suggest group workshops can have similar effectiveness as the more prevalent conjoint sessions.
Cybersecurity: From Months to Milliseconds

Computer technology is the nexus of our critical infrastructures, yet it remains extremely vulnerable to cyberattacks. A proposed Integrated Adaptive Cyber Defense architecture promises to create a healthy cyber ecosystem by automating many risk decisions and optimizing human oversight of security processes too complex or important for machines alone to solve.
Sequence dependence of low-frequency Raman-active modes in nucleic acids.

We have measured the low-frequency (200 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$) Raman activity of dehydrated fibers and films of polynucleotides and random-sequenced nucleic acids. The spectra exhibit a pronounced, unresolved band in the range 10--150 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. A nonlinear least-squares algorithm optimally fits the spectra from all samples with three low-frequency modes in the range 25--100 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ and a fourth mode near 200 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. A mode near 25 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ is sequence independent, but does shift to marginally higher frequency in RNA. The mode frequencies and oscillator strengths of two modes in the range 35--100 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ exhibit sequence dependence.
Effects of ascorbic acid on the uptake of serotonin in differentiated neuroblastoma cells

Abstract Ascorbic acid causes concentration-dependent and time-dependent effects on [ 3 H]-serotonin ( 3 H-5HT) uptake into differentiated neuroblastoma N-2a cells. Preincubation of cells with ascorbic acid inhibits both passive diffusion and active transport of 3 H-5HT (0.1 μM). The kinetic characteristics of the active uptake process change with ascorbic acid treatment, resulting in an increase in the Km from 0.27 μM to 3.0 μM and in the Vmax from 453 to 2369 fmol/min/10 6 cells. This inhibitory effect of ascorbic acid appears to be due to its reducing properties.
Hot crenarchaeal viruses reveal deep evolutionary connections

The discovery of archaeal viruses provides insights into the fundamental biochemistry and evolution of the Archaea. Recent studies have identified a wide diversity of archaeal viruses within the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park and other high-temperature environments worldwide. These viruses are often morphologically unique and code for genes with little similarity to other known genes in the biosphere, a characteristic that has complicated efforts to trace their evolutionary history. Comparative genomics combined with structural analysis indicate that spindle-shaped virus lineages might be unique to the Archaea, whereas other icosahedral viruses might share a common lineage with viruses of Bacteria and Eukarya. These studies provide insights into the evolutionary history of viruses in all three domains of life.
Synthesis and physical characterization of some new hydrophobic forms of the solvatochromic N,N-dialkyl-p-nitroanilines.

p-Nitroanilines have elicited broad interest and application in the fields of materials and analytical sciences on account of their solvatochromism1-7 and nonlinearoptical (NLO) properties.8-13 The relevant structural feature of these chemicals is their “push-pull” π-conjugated electron arrangement. A variety of substituted p-nitroanilines act as solvent-sensitive (solvatochromic) indicators. The solvent-dependent shifts of their UV/vis spectral bands form the basis of several solvent polarity scales.1-3 Newer, more hydrophobic forms of these indicators are presently being developed as probes of the polarity of solute binding environments and of permeability in micelles, lipid bilayers, and biological membranes.7,14-15 p-Nitroanilines also exhibit relatively large first-order hyperpolarizabilities (â),8,10,13 the molecular phenomenon associated with second-harmonic generation (SHG), which refers to the doubling of the frequency of transmitted light. The latter material property is a potentially very useful NLO effect and is highly sought as it can be exploited to create memory storage devices, switches, and radiation-protective coatings.16 In this work, we focus on some new long-chain N,Ndialkyl-p-nitroanilines: N,N-dipentyl-, N,N-dihexyl-, N,Ndioctyl-, N,N-didecyl-, and N,N-didodecyl-p-nitroanilines (Figure 1). Compounds 1c-g (Figure 1) constitute new hydrophobic forms of the solvatochromic π* indicators of solvent dipolarity/polarizability.1,4 These new dyes also may be useful in furthering our understanding of the potential utility of alkyl chain length as a strategy for designing crystal lattices of p-nitroanilines with high SHG activity. The n-alkyl-p-nitroanilines recently have been investigated in this respect.13 Some practical approaches for the synthesis of 1a-g as well as a discussion of crystallographic structures of the long-chain (N,Ndidecyl) vs short-chain (N,N-dipropyl) di-n-alkyl dyes are addressed briefly here. A preliminary look at the solvatochromic properties of 1f and 1g in comparison to the shorter chain homologues also is given.
Successful surgical thrombectomy for neonatal IVC and bilateral renal vein thrombosis

We propose that renal salvage is possible in neonatal inferior vena cava (IVC) and bilateral renal vein thrombosis utilizing early surgical intervention. Management of bilateral renal vein thrombosis with renal impairment typically includes anti-coagulation and thrombolytic therapy. We report a case of a five day-old premature female, found to have bilateral renal vein thrombosis that had propagated up the IVC, associated with anuric renal failure. Peak BUN/creatinine was 52/4 at day of life 5, with a peak of 90/7.4 at day of life 10. After a failed attempt at intravenous thrombolytic therapy, thrombectomy was performed for the IVC as well as both renal veins. The patient urinated by post-operative day 2. Function improved daily, with creatinine stabilizing at 0.4 mg/dL by one month. Serial ultrasounds showed persistent patency of the IVC and bilateral renal veins. The patient was heterozygous for the Factor V Leiden mutation and pathology demonstrated evidence of placental thrombosis. We have shown that neonatal anuric renal failure secondary to bilateral renal vein thrombosis can be successfully managed with early surgical thrombectomy without the need for nephrectomy. Restoration of renal function after surgical thrombectomy in this patient illustrates the potential reversibility of acute renal failure even in severe cases.
Green's function formulae for the internal intensity in radiative transfer computations by matrix-vector methods.

Abstract In radiative transfer computations, Green's functions are particularly useful and have a straightforward physical interpretation, as discussed by Cogley and co-workers. By recognizing that, in thermal emission problems, the angular distribution of emission is prescribed a priori , one can obtain a more rapid computational procedure in which most computations are in discrete formalism one-dimensional or vector formulae.
Modified carbon-wax composite electrodes

Abstract Chemically-modified carbon-wax composite electrodes were fabricated by incorporating appropriate quantities of model modifiers into melted wax/graphite-powder mixtures prior to the solidification step. Such melting and solidification processes result in homogeneous dispersion of the modifier and mechanical rigidity of the surface. It also maintains the attractive features of analogous carbon paste electrodes, including low background current, flexible modifier loading, surface renewal, speed and low cost. The compatibility of different modifiers with carbon-wax composites is illustrated in connection with preconcentrating/voltammetric measurements of nickel and copper at DMG- and cation-exchanger resin containing surfaces, as well as electrocatalytic monitoring of hydrazines, oxalic acid or butanone peroxide at cobaltphthalocyanine and metalized carbon-based composites.
Experimental necrotic dermatosis induced by group G streptococci in mice

Self healing necrotic lesions were produced on the backs of laboratory mice by injecting group G streptococci into the skin. The incidence and severity of necrotic dermatosis was dose related. When 1×101 colony forming units (cfu) were injected subcutaneously, lesions developed on three of 16 mice 4 days post inoculation. Injection of 1×103 cfu produced lesions on five of 16 mice and 1×105 cfu produced lesions on seven of 15 mice 3 days post inoculation. An inoculation of 1×107 cfu produced lesions on all of 16 mice 2 days post inoculation. Lesions produced by the 1×101 inoculum were smaller and had healed by the 15th day post inoculation, whereas lesions produced by the 1×107 inoculum persisted until the 24th day post inoculation. No mortality could be attributed to experimental design and all lesions healed without the use of medication or antibiotics.
Instrumented Milling Cutter for In-Process Measurement of Spindle Error Motion

Summary An instrumented cutter developed for a new generation of machining centers designed specifically for die making in the car industry is presented. A three-component accelerometer installed inside of the cutter facilitates the measurement of spindle error motion exactly at the cutter location. The method of signal conversion from accelerations measured by the rotating sensor into the spindle displacements in the machine tool reference system is outlined A setup used in the laboratory tests and representative results are presented.
Effects of essential amino acid deficiency: down-regulation of KCC2 and the GABAA receptor; disinhibition in the anterior piriform cortex

The anterior piriform cortex (APC) is activated by, and is the brain area most sensitive to, essential (indispensable) amino acid (IAA) deficiency. The APC is required for the rapid (20 min) behavioral rejection of IAA deficient diets and increased foraging, both crucial adaptive functions supporting IAA homeostasis in omnivores. The biochemical mechanisms signaling IAA deficiency in the APC block initiation of translation in protein synthesis via uncharged tRNA and the general amino acid control kinase, general control nonderepressing kinase 2. Yet, how inhibition of protein synthesis activates the APC is unknown. The neuronal K(+) Cl(-) cotransporter, neural potassium chloride co-transporter (KCC2), and GABAA receptors are essential inhibitory elements in the APC with short plasmalemmal half-lives that maintain control in this highly excitable circuitry. After a single IAA deficient meal both proteins were reduced (vs. basal diet controls) in western blots of APC (but not neocortex or cerebellum) and in immunohistochemistry of APC. Furthermore, electrophysiological analyses support loss of inhibitory elements such as the GABAA receptor in this model. As the crucial inhibitory function of the GABAA receptor depends on KCC2 and the Cl(-) transmembrane gradient it establishes, these results suggest that loss of such inhibitory elements contributes to disinhibition of the APC in IAA deficiency. The circuitry of the anterior piriform cortex (APC) is finely balanced between excitatory (glutamate, +) and inhibitory (GABA, -) transmission. GABAA receptors use Cl(-), requiring the neural potassium chloride co-transporter (KCC2). Both are rapidly turning-over proteins, dependent on protein synthesis for repletion. In IAA (indispensable amino acid) deficiency, within 20 min, blockade of protein synthesis prevents restoration of these inhibitors; they are diminished; disinhibition ensues. GCN2 = general control non-derepressing kinase 2, eIF2α = α-subunit of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2.
The effect of ferric ion on phycocyanin fluorescence

Abstract Phycocyanin is demonstrated to interact specifically with ferric ion, accompanied by a time-dependent quenching of phycocyanin fluorescence. The absorption spectrum of phycocyanin is unaffected by complexing with ferric ion. Ferrous ion and several other transition metal ions do not complex with phycocyanin in a similar manner. Studies of electron transport through chlorophyll-containing bileaflet membranes have shown that phycocyanin acts to direct electron transport in a unidirectional fashion. It is postulated that the ferric ion-phycocyanin complex is responsible for this newly observed property of phycocyanin.
Mixed Messages in Media Coverage of Bilingual Education: The Case of Atlanta, Georgia.

Abstract As the increasing number of Latino and Asian immigrants to the Atlanta area has escalated tensions over occupational, residential, and educational resources, research has begun to examine opposition to bilingual education as an extension of anti-immigrant prejudice and as a measure of perceived threat. This study uses content analysis to compare the portrayal of bilingual education in a mainstream publication (Atlanta Journal Constitution) to that in a Latino publication (Atlanta Latino) over a 15-year period, from 1991–2006. I draw on theories of group threat and racial formation to argue that the two newspapers present bilingual education in different frames. These differences in coverage suggest ways in which the media may influence audience opinion by framing issues in specific ways and also suggest a pattern whereby the ethnic minority press combats the message presented in the general circulation press.
Interaction of ochratoxin A with bovine serum albumin.

Abstract The interaction of ochratoxin A (OA) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been demonstrated by spectrophotometric, spectrophotofluorometric, equilibrium dialysis, and Sephadex gel filtration analyses. Spectrophotometric analysis revealed that the absorption maximum of OA shifts to a longer wavelength (near 395–400 nm) as a result of interaction. Likewise, the fluorescence properties of OA are also altered in the presence of BSA. Sephadex gel filtration and equilibrium dialysis results indicate that 1 mole of BSA binds 1.87, 2.23, and 2.47 moles of OA with binding constants of 3.17 × 10 5 m −1 , 1.86 and 3.17 × 10 6 m −1 at 25 °, 12 °, and 6 °, respectively. No binding between OA and γ-globulin has been observed. Spectrophotometric and spectrophotofluorometric titrations of the OA:BSA complex indicate that the interaction occurs in the pH region where the protein structure is undergoing a profound change.
Displacement wave of the tweed structure in Y-Ba-Cu-O oxides

Abstract A new approach high-resolution electron microscopy combined with computer-imaging techniques is used to delineate the distorted atomic configurations that underlie the tweed structure in Y-Ba-Cu-O oxides. It appears that the quasi-periodic shear displacements along [110] and directions are directly responsible for both the tweed contrast observed under the two-beam condition and the streaking in diffraction. The modulation is associated with the presence of off-stoichiometric oxygen occurring either when the trivalent elements substitute for Cu in the chain site or when oxygen is removed from YBa2 Cu3 O7.
Transcription of the Murine Class II Eb Gene Is Regulated Primarily at the Level of Transcriptional Initiation

The constitutive and inducible expression of MHC class II genes is known to be regulated by multiple upstream promoter elements. Transient transfection assays implicate the proximal promoter region as both necessary and sufficient for appropriate tissue-specific and inducible expression. However, transgenic mouse experiments suggest that additional control regions are important. In this study we tested the hypothesis that additional regulation of class II expression occurred at the level of RNA polymerase II elongation. Nuclear run-on analysis using single-stranded probes spanning the entire Eb gene was performed on a variety of class II-positive, class II-negative, and class II-inducible cell lines. The results demonstrate that, while there is not an even distribution of RNA polymerase along the gene, there is no evidence for a regulated block in elongation. These data further support the idea that the primary mechanism of class II gene regulation is at the level of transcriptional initiation.
Radiations of americium-246☆

Abstract The beta spectra of an equilibrium sample of Pu 246 -Am 246 were examined with a magnetic-lens beta-ray spectrometer and a scintillation spectrometer. The Pu 246 -Am 246 equilibrium sample and samples of Am 246 were investigated with gamma-ray scintillation spectrometers. Coincidence studies of the radiations were also performed. The data indicate that the decay of Am 246 is extremely complex, involving five beta-ray groups and many gamma rays. On the basis of gamma-beta coincidence measurements, the disintegration energy is 2·41 ± 0·10 MeV.
An involvement and overtness measure for lesbians: its development and relation to anxiety and social zeitgeist.

The relationships among anxiety, degree of overtness in homosexuality, involvement in homosexuality, and occupational status were investigated to test prevalent hypotheses relating homosexuality and neuroticism. Sixty-three acknowledged lesbians completed the Manifest Anxiety and Defensiveness Scale (MAD), the Lesbian Degree of Involvement and Overtness Scales (DIOS), and a biographical data sheet. Reliability and validity indices for the DIOS are presented. Some findings were that anxiety was not related to degree of involvement in homosexuality, that anxiety was related to degree of overtness in low- but not in highstatus lesbians, and that the social Zeitgeist at the time of first lesbian activity was related to degree of overtness but not to degree of involvement in homosexuality. The results are discussed in terms of the relationship between social desirability and a hostile society. Additionally, comparisons of anxiety levels in homosexual and heterosexual women are presented and discussed. The results are interpreted as lending support to the emerging view of the homosexual as nonneurotic.
Left ventricular dysfunction discriminated noninvasively beat by beat

Abstract To discriminate left ventricular (LV) dysfunctional beats noninvasively, simultaneous systolic time intervals (STI), acceleration ballistocardiograms (BCG) and respiratory cycle were recorded in 102 men with no history of cardiac disease and in 20 men with proved myocardial infarction or systemic hypertension. Thirty-six measurements were made on each heartbeat on a maximum of 20 beats per patient. The ratio of preejection period to LV ejection time (ET) varied significantly with the respiratory cycle in normal men, but not in men with proved myocardial infarctions or systemic hypertension. The BCG l-wave amplitude varied significantly with respiration in all 3 groups. Various statistical methods identified 9 primary variables of the 36, which differed significantly in a training group of 275 heartbeats in 19 normal vs 46 beats in 5 coronary patients. A nonlinear quadratic discriminant function based on these primary variables identified 87% of the heartbeats as “normal” in the normal men and 98% as “coronary” in the coronary men. A test group of normal men older than 40 years showed 89% of 97 heartbeats “normal” and in hypertensive men 67% of 85 beats “normal.” Comparison by patients showed a range of “coronary” beats in the training normal group from 0 to 50%, the older normal group 0 to 33% and in the hypertensive patients 0 to 88 %. The appropriate use of quadratic discriminant analysis to multivariable data may yield information not otherwise seen. A beat-by-beat identification of dysfunctional beats at rest may lead to a sensitive index that is prognostically useful.
A New Series of Microscope Objectives: II. Preliminary Investigation of Catadioptric Schwarzschild Systems*

This paper presents a preliminary study of combining the Schwarzschild pair of mirrors with lenses of fused quartz and fluorite to obtain an ultraviolet microscope objective. It is found that the catadioptric Schwarzschild objective is superior to the catadioptric Newtonian objectives described in Paper I.An objective using spherical surfaces and corrected from 220 mμ into the near infra-red is described. The obscuring ratio of this objective is 7 percent in area at NA 1.1.
Linear Relaxations for Transmission System Planning

We apply a linear relaxation procedure for polynomial optimization problems to transmission system planning. The approach recovers and improves upon existing linear models based on the DC approximation. We then consider the full AC problem, and obtain new linear models with nearly the same efficiency as the linear DC models. The new models are applied to standard test systems, and produce high-quality approximate solutions in reasonable computation time.
Photoluminescence Dynamics Of High Density Electron Hole Plasma In Ga.5 In.5 P Under High Power Picosecond Laser Pulse Excitation

Time resolved kinetics of Ga.5 In.5 P was measured by a streak camera system. The emission recombination time was measured to be 40 ps at room temperature and 70 ps at T=78K. As excitation power density increased the band to band photoluminescence spectra at room temperature broadens, shifts to higher energy and at highest excitation power the emission spectra exhibits an overlapping of two peaks. At T=78K when excitation power density increased there appears to be another peak at the high energy side of the spectrum. The low energy band does not shift with excitation power while the high energy peak grows in intensity. We attributed these two bands to the recombination of electrons with holes in heavy and split off valence band.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of grand coalition payoffs on coalition formation in three-person games

This study investigates the effects of the values of one part of a living system, a group, on the system as a whole and the relationship among the group members. Eight quarters of male undergraduate subjects participated in a computer-controlled experiment designed to study the effects of the relative magnitude of payoffs to the three-person grand coalition on bargaining and coalition formation behavior in three-person games. The experimental design employed five sets of quota values and four different grand coalition values for each set of quotas. Various conceptual systems, mathematical models from game theory, were tested and the bargaining process itself was examined. The results are analyzed in terms of the frequency with which different coalition types were formed, the disbursement of the payoffs, the progress of the bargaining process from initial phases to the final phases, and the nature of the bargaining process. Results show that as the value of that grand coalition increases, the frequency of the grand coalition also increases. The kernel and bargaining set M1(i), are supported as predictors of the final outcomes, while the Shapley value model is rejected as inadequate. Several significant effects due to the value of the grand coalition are observed and some insights into the bargaining process are obtained.
Design status of ITER visible/IR outer strike point view

For ITER visible/IR imaging of the outer strike point from the six upper ports currently assigned, we show an optical design that provides a 4 mm Airy disk at 5 μm wavelength at the farthest point in the field of view (much smaller in the visible), with as complete toroidal coverage of the vertical target as possible. Plasma and optical effects provide fundamental limits on the performance and design of the system. Some effects involve interactions of the surfaces with the plasma, such as plasma transport and deposition of material on the surfaces to be viewed, plasma damage to those surfaces, and molecular emission by the plasma at IR wavelengths. We discuss a detailed optical design including the endoscope concept, entrance aperture and collection head, relay optics, and camera specifications and performance. We assess integration times for capture of IR emission from surfaces and visible line emission predicted by boundary modeling.
Comparing Host Plant Resistance, Engineered Resistance, and Insecticide Treatment for Control of Colorado Potato Beetle and Potato Leafhopper in Potatoes

The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) Order Coleoptera and the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris) Order Homoptera, are the major insect pests of potato in eastern North America. In two years of field trials, we compared the effectiveness of three pest management options for the control of Colorado potato beetle and potato leafhopper: natural host plant resistance (glandular trichomes), engineered resistance (Bacillus thuringiensis [Bt] Berliner cry3A gene) and a susceptible potato cultivar (Superior) with an at-planting application of the insecticide thiamethoxam. Similar and acceptable control of the Colorado potato beetle larvae was obtained with the Bt-cry3A lines and the thiamethoxam treated “Superior” variety. The glandular trichome cultivar had significantly less Colorado potato beetle damage than did the untreated “Superior” in 2004, although damage was significantly greater than in the Bt-cry3A lines and the insecticide-treated potatoes for both years, and was the only treatment that consistently had very little potato leafhopper damage. These data demonstrate that although each type of host plant resistance mechanism (Bt-cry3A or glandular trichomes) was as effective as the chemical control against one of the insects, neither provides adequate resistance to both Colorado potato beetle and potato leaf hopper.
Predictors of avascular necrosis of bone in long‐term survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a debilitating condition reported after chronic steroid use. The purpose of this study was to describe the magnitude of risk in individuals who survived one or more years after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), and to investigate the role of immunosuppressive agents such as prednisone, tacrolimus (FK506), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and cyclosporine (CSA) in the development of AVN after HCT. Using a retrospective study design, we followed 1,346 eligible patients for the development of AVN. Cumulative incidence was calculated taking into consideration competing risk from death and relapse. Cox proportional regression techniques were used to identify associated risk factors. The median age at HCT was 34 years (range, 7 months–69 years), and median length of follow-up for those alive was 8.2 years. Seventy-five patients developed AVN of 160 joints. The cumulative incidence of AVN at 10 years was 2.9% after autologous HCT, 5.4% after allogeneic matched related donor HCT, and 15% after unrelated donor HCT (p<0.001 compared to autologous HCT recipients). For allogeneic transplant recipients, male sex (RR=2.1, 95% CI, 1.1–4.0), presence of chronic GvHD (RR=2.2) and exposure to CSA, FK506, prednisone and MMF rendered patients at increased risk, especially in patients with a history of exposure to three or more drugs (RR=9.2, 95%CI, 2.42–35.24). Future studies examining the pathogenetic mechanism underlying AVN should help develop targeted interventions to prevent this chronic debilitating condition.
Nervous tissue as an immune compartment: the dialect of the immune response in the CNS

Here, Zsuzsa Fabry and colleagues address the question of whether the unique cellular environment of the central nervous system (CNS) contributes to the observed differences in immunological functions between the CNS and other organs. In particular, they discuss the significance within the CNS of the blood-brain barrier, the nonconstitutive expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, the unusual set of potential antigen-presenting and effector cells, and the production of immune or neuromediators from various cellular sources.
A Unique Approach to Peritoneal Dialysis in Infants

Abstract Little recorded experience exists concerning the use of chronic peritoneal dialysis in the infant. We herein report the results of a multidisciplinary approach to two infants who were treated with a unique modification of "short-dwell" peritoneal dialysis. A single-bag technique was devised in the hopes of reducing glucose absorption and protein losses while concomitantly permitting a simplified manual method of cycling peritoneal dialysis. The desired nutritional needs of the infants consisted of a caloric intake of 140 calories/kg/d and a protein intake of 3.0 to 4.0 g/kg/d, a goal that often required administration through a nasogastric tube. The timely initiation of peritoneal dialysis and the strict adherence to the prescribed dietary regimen was associated with continued growth in both patients. Repeated developmental assessments of each child were conducted and revealed normal development in one patient and mild delay, but gradual improvement, in the other.
Grain yield and mineral composition of corn as influenced by endosperm type and nitrogen

Abstract Corn (Zea mays L.) is a major source of nutrition for humans and animals. Chemical and physical properties of corn endosperm vary among hybrids, are influenced by genotype and environment, and may affect the crop's response to nitrogen (N) fertilization. The objective of the study was to measure the responses of grain yield and grain N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), boron (B), zinc (Zn,) and copper (Cu) concentration of different endosperm types to N fertilization. The study was conducted at two Ohio locations in 1988, where six endosperm types and two N rates (34 and 200 kg N/ha) were combined in a split plot arrangement. Nitrogen rate (main plots) had little effect on yield at either location, and the soft endosperm hybrid was the only hybrid to respond to N fertilizer. Within fertilizer level, hybrids differed in grain yield with the waxy hybrid out yielding the normal endosperm hybrid, and the hard endosperm hybrid out yielding the sof...
Need for new caries detection methods

Dental caries (tooth decay) continues to be a major problems for adults as well as children, even though great advances have been made in preventive methods in the last 20 years. New methods for the management of caries will work best if lesions can be detected at an early stage and chemical rather than physical intervention can take place, thereby preserving the natural tooth structure and helping the saliva to heal, or remineralize, the areas of early decay. Clinical detection of caries in the US relies on visual examination, tactile with hand held explorer, and conventional radiographs, all of which are inadequate for the occlusal (biting) surfaces of the teeth where most of the decay now occurs. The dentist often has to explore by drilling with a dental bur to confirm early decay in these areas. New method that can determine the extent and degree of subsurface lesions in these surfaces non-destructively are essential for further advances in the clinical management of dental caries. Optical methods, which exploit the differences between sound and carious enamel and dentin, show great promise for the accurate detection of these lesions. Two or three- dimensional images, which include a measure of severity will be needed.
Improved survival in tumor-bearing SCID mice treated with interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10/CXCL10)

Tumor growth requires angiogenesis, which in turn requires an imbalance in the presence of angiogenic and angiostatic factors. We have shown that the CXC chemokine family, consisting of members that are either angiogenic or angiostatic, is a major determinant of tumor-derived angiogenesis in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Intratumor injection of interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10, or CXCL10), an angiostatic CXC chemokine, led to reduced tumor growth in a SCID mouse model of NSCLC. In this study, we hypothesized that treatment with CXCL10 would, by restoring the angiostatic balance, improve long-term survival in NSCLC-bearing SCID mice. To test this hypothesis, A549 NSCLC cells were injected in the subcutis of the flank, followed by intratumor injections with CXCL10 continuously (group I), or for ten weeks (group II), or a control group (human serum albumin). Median survival was 169, 130, and 86 days respectively (P<0.0001). We extended these studies to examine the mechanism of prolonged survival in CXCL10-treated mice. CXCL10 treatment inhibited lung metastases, but was dependent upon continued treatment, and was associated with an increased rate of apoptosis in the primary tumor, with no direct effect on the proliferation of the NSCLC cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of lung metastases was due to the angiostatic effect of CXCL10 on the primary tumor, since the rate of apoptosis within lung metastases was unaffected. These data suggest that anti-angiogenic therapy of human lung cancer should be continued indefinitely to realize persistent benefit, and confirms the anti-metastatic capacity of localized angiostatic therapy.
The information capacity of amplitude- and variance-constrained sclar gaussian channels

The amplitude-constrained capacity of a scalar Gaussian channel is shown to be achieved by a unique discrete random variable taking on a finite number of values. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the distribution of this random variable are obtained. These conditions permit determination of the random variable and capacity as a function of the constraint value. The capacity of the same Gaussian channel subject, additionally, to a nontrivial variance constraint is also shown to be achieved by a unique discrete random variable taking on a finite number of values. Likewise, capacity is determined as a function of both amplitude- and variance-constraint values.
The hourglass approach: A conceptual model for group facilitators

Abstract This article presents a model to clarify the facilitator's role in working with groups.
Investigation on relationship between mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of metal matrix composites fabricated by cold spraying technique

Abstract In this study, particulate-reinforced aluminum matrix composites were prepared by incorporation of 10 and 20 vol.% of copper. The metal matrix composite samples were fabricated using cold spray deposition technique. In general, the global properties of cold sprayed deposited materials are different from those of conventionally processed. This paper investigates mechanical properties of cold sprayed composites using available theoretical and experimental techniques. In order to determine the mechanical properties, both numerical simulation and analytical method were conducted. The microhardness and elastic modulus of Al–Cu cold spray coating were also determined using the Knoop hardness technique. Due to the different mechanical properties in transverse and longitudinal directions, the Knoop hardness was applied in both directions on the cross section of coatings. Image based numerical simulation was also performed on both transverse and longitudinal directions. Comparison between the results from the analytical models, experimental techniques, and numerical simulation helped us to better understand the influence of microstructural characteristic on the mechanical properties of cold spray deposited metal matrix composite.
Impulsive stimulated scattering study of the coupled acoustic and soft modes in KD2PO4

Abstract The temperature and wave vector dependence of the soft shear acoustic mode and the soft polarization mode of KD2PO4 are examined in the high-temperature phase through impulsive stimulated Brillouin and Raman scattering. With different scattering wave vectors the regimes ωτ 1 are probed where ω is the acoustic frequency and τ is the polarization relaxation time. The results illustrate how the coupled acoustic and polarization response may be observed in the time domain, and indicate advantages for the time-domain approach in the ωτ τ 1 regime. In this regime the softening of the acoustic mode is followed by hardening (increasing of the frequency) as the transition temperature is approached from above. On femtosecond time scales, it is possible to test critically for any inertial component to the polarization response, which would indicate an overdamped oscillator rather than relaxational description of the polar optic phonon mode.
Downregulation of Fanconi anemia genes in sporadic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background/Aims: Much of our understanding of human cancer has come from studies of the hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cellular hypersensitivity to DNA crosslinking agents, progressive bone marrow failure, and cancer predisposition to solid malignancies, especially head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Since FA pathway-deficient cells are hypersensitive to DNA crosslinking chemotherapy agents, the presence of somatic FA gene inactivation in sporadic cancers may be of clinical interest. This study sought to determine the frequency of FA gene downregulation in sporadic HNSCC. Methods: The expression of the FA genes FANCA, FANCB, FANCC, FANCD2, FANCE, FANCF, FANCG, FANCJ, FANCL and FANCM in 11 HNSCC cell lines and 49 tongue carcinoma samples was studied with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Downregulation of at least one FA gene was observed in 3 of 11 HNSCC cell lines and 66% of tongue carcinoma samples. FANCB, FANCF, FANCJ and FANCM were most commonly affected by downregulation, whereas downregulation of FANCA, FANCE and FANCD2 was rare. Conclusion: Our data suggest that downregulation of FA genes is common in sporadic HNSCC. The clinical implications of this finding merit further study.
Environmental Education, Homeland Security, Environmental Engineering, and Other Points Between

There is a weekly Internet column discussing aspects of the computer industry under the name I, Cringely. In an October column discussing smart technology for security issues, the following statement was made, ‘‘If we anticipated the possible attack on a water system and installed some smart improvements, we’d never have an E.coli problem again,’’ ~Cringely 2003!. While I agreed in general with the point the author was making, I could not restrain myself from sending the author the following e-mail comment. I read your column with interest each week, and I trust your analysis of the PC and software business. I would however like to point out that your point in the column of week before last about protecting drinking water systems from E. Coli contamination fell flat with me. First, E. Coli deaths occur due to consumption of meat contaminated with strains of coliform bacteria, which cannot be easily carried by treated water. While drinking water is tested for coliform bacteria, its presence is used as an indicator of fecal contamination and therefore the possibility of various dangerous microbes. Second, in my opinion the USEPA is pushing the homeland security aspect of its drinking water purview to the detriment of much more real and persistent threats to the health of the American people. So evaluation of the type of protection of water systems that you suggest is already underway, but it will probably result ~again just my opinion! in marginal health improvements considering the funds expended. Thank you for allowing me to throw in my two cents worth. I have learned a great deal from you. My background in my job of educating environmental engineers pushed me to point out your minor inaccuracy.
A method of enhancing regeneration of conventionally repaired peripheral nerves.

The effect of axoplasmic fluid injection on regeneration of conventionally repaired nerve was studied. Twenty New Zealand rabbits were studied in two experimental groups: immediate nerve repair (Group 1A, no axoplasm; Group 1B, axoplasm injection) and delayed nerve repair (Group 2A, no axoplasm; Group 2B, axoplasm injection group). A total of 40 sciatic nerve repairs were performed. After epineurial nerve repair, axoplasmic fluid collected from the proximal and distal nerve stumps was injected under epineurium proximally and distally to the anastomotic site. In the two control groups (immediate nerve repair and delayed nerve repair, both without axoplasm), 0.9% saline was injected in a similar way. Nerve regeneration was assessed by measuring hair and nail growth, plantar and dorsal foot temperature, muscle atrophy, and the toe spread test. In the 3- and 6-month follow-up periods, nerve samples were taken for histological evaluation. Specimens were stained with toluidine blue, and 50% of the nerve cross-section area was counted from microphotographic reconstructions. After immediate repair in Group 1, axoplasmic fluid-treated animals showed a 27% increase in the number of myelinated axons at 3 months when compared with saline-treated controls (3,768 vs. 2,962 ± 1,921 SD). After delayed repair in Group 2, a 32% increase in myelination axon counts was detected at 3 months in axoplasm-treated animals compared with saline-injected controls (1,040 ± 684 SD vs. 786 ± 389 SD). In addition, a positive toe spread test result was seen at 6 months in the axoplasmic fluid-treated animals. In this study, subepineurial injection of the axoplasmic fluid enhanced the axonregeneration process after both immediate and delayed nerve repair
The diurnal temperature variations of an object in an outdoor environment

A simple model is described for predicting the diurnal temperature changes of objects exposed to the outdoor environment, using standard weather parameters as input. The model consists of a differential equation with four source terms describing heating due to absorption of sunlight, heat transfer due to convection, radiative exchange with the sky and surroundings, and conduction from one part of the object to another. The mathematical expressions in these terms were kept as simple as possible, and the input data requirements were restricted to those which are experimentally attainable. The model has been validated by comparing the predicted temperatures of specimens made up of four aluminium plates to actual measured values, over three consecutive diurnal cycles. Results of the validation test show that the predictions were accurate to within a few Kelvin degrees of the actual temperatures, throughout the 72 h.
The coupling of a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer with a cosmic simulation chamber: A powerful new tool for laboratory astrophysics

The addition of an orthogonal reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ReTOF-MS) to the NASA Ames cosmic simulation chamber (CSC) experiment is described. The simulation chamber contains the elements that produce the molecular species under astrophysically relevant conditions. A pulsed discharge nozzle (PDN) produces ions, neutrals and radicals in a plasma discharge, which are then expanded and supersonically cooled into the chamber. The coupling of the ReTOF-MS to the CSC provides real-time identification of the species, including cations and neutrals, formed in the plasma, an insight into the chemical pathways of the species reacting in the plasma, and an efficient method for the quick determination of the species present in the plasma, which can then be probed spectroscopically with the cavity ring-down spectrometer (CRDS). The combination of the ReTOF-MS, CRDS and PDN components into a single instrument offers a powerful tool, which can be used to probe a variety of different astrophysical environments such as interstellar clouds and planetary atmospheres. The experimental details and representative mass spectra are presented for plasmas generated in combinations of argon and methane samples. These mass spectra show the unambiguous detection of externally generated ions from the plasma in the simulation chamber. In addition, the various spectra show evidence of fragmentation and bond forming reactivity, illustrating the impact of the composition of the plasma. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Preparing the Ground for a More Hospitable International Relations

In this reply, I take up three issues raised by the other contributors to this discussion of my book: the purpose of the intervention, the epistemic status of the typology and the question of progr...
The Council of Whitby: A Study in Early Anglo-Saxon Politics

The scene is familiar to most students of English history. In 664 A.D. the Northumbrian kings Oswiu and his son Alhfrith met with their clergy at Whitby to resolve (in Bede's words) “a great and active controversy about the keeping of Easter.” Oswiu, who presided over the council, listened patiently to a long and often bitter debate between the Irish and Roman advocates. On the surface, it was an unequal contest, for the traditions of Iona were upheld by the king's own bishop, Colman, while those of Rome were championed by a young abbot, Wilfrid, a protege of Alhfrith. But once again David slew Goliath. Oswiu, fearing for the welfare of his soul, pronounced in favor of the Apostle Peter, the “hostiarius … qui claues tenere probatur,” thus turning his back on his own childhood teachings. “When the king had spoken, all who were seated there or standing by, both high and low, gave up their imperfect rules, and readily accepted in their place those which they recognized to be better.”Bede portrayed the Council of Whitby as the decisive confrontation in his native Northumbria between the rival ecclesiastical traditions of Rome and Iona. For him, the Roman triumph, the climax of the third book of his Ecclesiastical History, signified that the Northumbrian church would no longer be guided by “a handful of people in the remotest of islands,” but would rejoin the “catholic and apostolic" Church of Christ. Oswiu's dramatic conversion at Whitby was thus a crucial step in the growth of Christian unity in the British Isles.
Thermoforming of advanced thermoplastic composites. I: Single curvature parts

Thermoforming has been studied for a single curvature part made from various advanced thermoplastic matrix composite prepregs. For parts with acceptable shape conformity, preheating of the composite laminates to a processing temperature of 350 to 400°C is necessary prior to forming with molds maintained at 200°C. However, only PEEK/carbon fiber prepreg tapes yielded parts with acceptable microstructural integrity and a matrix crystallinity level of about 30 percent. Amorphous matrix based PXM 8505/T500 fabric prepregs also result in lamination and void free parts, but fiber matrix distribution in this case was rather poor. Parts thermoformed from other prepreg laminates contained voids and/or were delaminated, thereby indicating the need for higher mold temperature and forming pressure than that afforded by the present study, in which a standard lab-scale thermoforming machine was used.
Edge Currents in Superconductors with a Broken Time-Reversal Symmetry

We analyze edge currents and edge bands at the surface of a time-reversal symmetry breaking ${d}_{{x}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{y}^{2}}+i{d}_{xy}$ superconductor. We show that the currents have large Friedel oscillations with two interfering frequencies: $\sqrt{2}{k}_{\mathrm{F}}$ from subgap states, and $2{k}_{\mathrm{F}}$ from the continuum. The results are based independently on a self-consistent slave-boson mean-field theory for the $t\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}J$ model on a triangular lattice, and on a $T$-matrix scattering theory calculation. The shape of the edge-state band, as well as the particular frequency $\sqrt{2}{k}_{\mathrm{F}}$ of the Friedel oscillations, are attributes unique for the ${d}_{{x}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{y}^{2}}+i{d}_{xy}$ case, and may be used as a fingerprint for its identification. Extensions to different time-reversal symmetry breaking superconductors can be achieved within the same approach.